Eric Edholm, Lead Draft Writer<\/p>\n
“The Niners are 5-2, but with a barely positive point differential (plus-7) and a slew of injured players, so I don’t truly know how they’re doing it, other than to say that the coaching has been excellent and the depth options have stepped up tremendously well. The first defensive test after Fred Warner<\/a>‘s season-ending injury went swimmingly, with San Francisco holding the Falcons in check nearly all night in an inspired showing.”<\/p>\n Nick Wagoner, ESPN NFL Nation<\/p>\n Unsung nonstarter\/role player: WR Kendrick Bourne<\/a><\/p>\n “Bourne didn’t even join the 49ers until Week 2, but with injuries ravaging the receiver room, he has been a crucial target for quarterback Mac Jones<\/a> and someone the Niners can count on besides running back Christian McCaffrey<\/a>. Through six games, Bourne has 25 receptions for 385 yards, making him the most productive non-McCaffrey pass catcher on the roster. Though the team is expecting wideouts Ricky Pearsall<\/a> (knee) and Brandon Aiyuk<\/a> (knee) to return at some point, Bourne has earned the opportunity to keep getting snaps.”<\/p>\n Pete Prisco, CBS Sports Senior Writer<\/p>\n “They are 5-2 and tied for the division lead. The defense came up big against the Falcons without stars Nick Bosa<\/a> and Fred Warner<\/a>, who are gone for the year.”<\/p>\n Ralph Vacchiano, NFL Reporter<\/p>\n “The best defense in the league can carry the 49ers a long way if their offense can keep up. At least San Francisco rediscovered the magic of Christian McCaffrey<\/a> on Sunday night against the Falcons.”<\/p>\n Frank Schwab, Senior Reporter<\/p>\n