Raheem Morris praises 49ers’ defensive bounce-back vs. Chargers

The San Francisco 49ers have one preseason game remaining, but defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is already seeing encouraging signs from a young defense that continues to take shape.

San Francisco responded to a disappointing practice with a dominant performance Thursday night, defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 41-17 in the preseason matchup.

The 49ers will close out the preseason Thursday against the Las Vegas Raiders before turning their attention toward the regular season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 10 in Australia.

For Morris, the most important takeaway from Thursday wasn’t simply the final score. It was how his defense responded to adversity.

“It was a great bounce-back performance for those guys,” Morris said. “To be able to fit and be able to hit and to play with our style and our standard and all those things.”

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: Raheem Morris defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers talks with the media following a training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility on July 27, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Morris said the defense was able to play faster and more physically against the Chargers, while also improving its communication and situational awareness.

“There’s always going to be things to clean up,” Morris said. “But you’re really fired up about some of the statistical achievements and some of the things the guys were able to do from a physical standpoint.”

The preseason has also provided an extended evaluation period for several young players competing for roles, including linebacker Jaden Dugger. Dugger has seen significant playing time and has shown the versatility the 49ers envisioned when they drafted him.

“He’s finding his role, he’s finding his niche,” Morris said. “He’s doing some really good things.”

Morris emphasized that San Francisco values interchangeable defenders who can fill multiple roles, particularly as the coaching staff determines its best combinations.

That versatility is also being showcased at linebacker, where Garret Wallow and Tatum Bethune are competing for the backup MIKE linebacker role behind Fred Warner. Morris praised both players, saying each has demonstrated the ability to handle the position.

“They’ve both played extremely well,” Morris said. “It’s hard to knock some of the stuff that they’ve both been able to do.”

The defensive line is another area Morris has liked during the preseason. Rookie Romello Height, in particular, continues to expand beyond his initial reputation as a designated pass rusher.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – MAY 28: Romello Height #94 of the San Francisco 49ers works out during a team OTA practice at SAP Performance Facility on May 28, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

“He does have some run-down; he does have some real knock-them-back when it comes to being able to go out there and stop the run and play at a physical level,” Morris said.

With one preseason game remaining, Morris isn’t ready to shift completely toward preparing for Australia and Week 1. The focus remains on evaluating the roster and continuing to improve.

“I’m kind of in the evaluation period,” Morris said. “For all these games, it’s more about evaluation, running what we run, going out and executing the things that we do.”

The Raiders will provide one final opportunity for San Francisco’s young defenders to make their case before the real games begin.

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Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

Preseason

• Thursday, August 27th – @ Las Vegas Raiders – 5:00 pm PT

Regular Season

• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

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