In this 49ers news update, San Francisco 49ers 2014 first-round pick Jimmie Ward was handed the task of covering Chicago Bears star wide receiver Brandon Marshall last Sunday night - a wideout five inches taller and 36 pounds heavier than the 5'11", 193 pound nickelback.
After being the target of all three of Marshall's TD receptions in the 49ers' 28-20 loss to the Bears, Ward offered up no excuses for his struggles.
"It's only going to get me better," Ward said after the game, via Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com.
"I was challenging him ... I was trying to press him and [get] in his face, but he made some great catches. He's good with his body."
With Ward likely to draw the assignment of covering another physical wide receiver in the person of Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (6'3", 225 lbs) on Sunday, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio sees a few adjustments that the young defensive back can make to ensure success.
"Play a little firmer," 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. "Know that the body that he's going against is bigger than his and get him some help. He's just got to play a little better. He was trying to do things right the other night, but just weren't good enough."
"It's not a major overhaul or panic button, he's just got to be a little bit better."
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