The San Francisco 49ers put together an inconsistent defensive performance on Sunday, as we saw further rotation at a couple positions. The defense played a lot of bend, but don't break on Sunday, but it broke at the worst possible time in the 30-27 defeat. Had they not given up that final touchdown, we might be able to live with Eli Manning's 400+ passing yards. Instead, it is just a monument to his decimation of the unit.

The outside linebackers were without Ahmad Brooks due to the death of his sister. Corey Lemonier got the start in his place, but eventually was supplanted by Eli Harold. Lemonier had a strong rookie season, but could not build on it in 2014. I don't know how exactly I would describe the 2013 third round pick at this point. They get special teams work from him, and got one good year. He did not play special teams in Week 5, so really he is just a depth body.

On the defensive line, Arik Armstead surpassed Tank Carradine in snaps for the first time this season. Armstead has been one of the 49ers more productive defensive linemen, rankings second among 3-4 defensive ends with 50+ snaps in PFF's pass rush productivity. This says something about both Armstead and Tank. The 49ers have a player in Armstead, and I think we see his snap count grow this season. On the other hand, Tank joins a 2013 draft class that is quickly losing any remote semblance of luster. Eric Reid and Quinton Dial are both productive members of that class. Quinton Patton is trying to turn into something, but really hasn't done much. And then Tank Carradine, Vance McDonald and Corey Lemonier are on the verge of washing out with the team.

In the secondary, Jimmie Ward got a lot of work, playing 77 of 79 total snaps. He is officially right in the mix with the defensive backs. Dontae Johnson only saw special teams work yet again, which continues to baffle me. Eric Mangini and secondary coach Tim Lewis do not seem sold on him. I don't quite get that as he has seemed to put together a strong outing in his last game in the secondary.

Defensive Line

Quinton Dial: 52

Glenn Dorsey: 35

Ian Williams: 33

Tony Jerod-Eddie: 31

Arik Armstead: 24

Tank Carradine: 10

Linebackers

NaVorro Bowman: 75

Aaron Lynch: 73

Michael Wilhoite: 56

Eli Harold: 33

Corey Lemonier: 29

Cornerbacks

Tramaine Brock: 79

Kenneth Acker: 78

Jimmie Ward: 77

Keith Reaser: 5

Safeties

Antoine Bethea: 79

Eric Reid: 78

Jaquiski Tartt: 23