DeMeco Ryans: Charvarius Ward brings confidence to entire 49ers defense

The Seattle Seahawks’ star wideout, DK Metcalf, was clearly frustrated last week, going against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward. Ward exited late in the game due to a concussion. However, while Ward was in there, he limited Metcalf to just four receptions for 33 yards while going against the fourth-year receiver.

“DK is as big of a challenge as any receiver in this league, how physical he is, how explosive he is,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said after last week’s game. “It was really cool to watch Mooney just battle with him. … Just watching him battle throughout the whole game and not shy away, I thought he played a hell of a game.”

At one point, a frustrated Metcalf was penalized for taunting and saw a 27-yard reception nullified thanks to an offensive pass interference call, grabbing a handful of Ward’s jersey and pulling the cornerback down on the way to the catch. Metcalf finished the game with seven catches on nine targets. However, his longest was only 13 yards, and the 6-foot-4 wideout finished with just 55 receiving yards.

Ward is proving that the 49ers’ offseason investment in him was well worth the money. The next challenge? Shutting down Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who leads his team with 1,015 receiving yards.

“It’s confidence that Mooney brings to our entire defense,” defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans said after Wednesday’s practice. “When you have a guy who can go and match up against a top receiver in this league like Metcalf, it’s just confidence for everyone.

“You know Mooney’s going to go over there; you know he’s going to do a great job no matter who he’s lined up against. So it’s a breath of fresh air knowing that he can handle the top wide receiver on the other team.”

Ward has not missed a tackle this season. Not one. His 83.1 overall Pro Football Focus grade is a career-high, and he has surrendered only two touchdowns this season.

“Mooney played an outstanding game (vs. Seattle),” Ryans said. “He challenged their best guy, and he went up and made plays. So, really happy for Mooney. And for him to go out and play that way, that allowed us to be NFC West champs. All the credit, hat off to Mooney for the job that he did. It was awesome to watch.”

On Saturday, the 49ers and Commanders face off in a Christmas Eve matchup at Levi’s Stadium.