In his second career NFL game, Deommodore Lenoir experienced the kind of play that all cornerbacks fear surrendering.
Only afterward, Lenoir did not appear scared about giving up another big play.
Lenoir gave up a 91-yard pass down the right sideline, as he appeared to lose his balance while in coverage against speedy Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Quez Watkins.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts hit Watkins in stride. Strong safety Jaquiski Tartt ranged over from the middle of the field to prevent the touchdown. The ensuring game-changing defensive stand prevented the Eagles from scoring any points on the drive.
Lenoir, a fifth-round draft pick from Oregon, had a busy day on Sunday in the 49ers’ 17-11 victory. He was targeted on 11 of the Eagles’ 24 passing attempts per Pro Football Focus.
Lenoir made several plays on pass attempts down the field after he gave up the big strike.
In all, he allowed four catches for 111 yards -- only 20 yards before and after the deep one against Watkins.
San Francisco 49ers
Find the latest San Francisco 49ers news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
He was tested deep, as the average target against Lenoir was 18.5 yards.
“That’s the thing I personally liked about Demo the most,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “He seems the same every time. It’s tough in this league when you give up a go-route, but he didn’t just change and play a hundred yards off for the rest of the game, either.
“He was still competitive, still challenging guys at the line and must’ve made a couple adjustments because they didn’t do that on him again.”
Lenoir was also in coverage against Jalen Reagor on an apparent 36-yard touchdown. But Lenoir forced Reagor out of bounds, so instead of a touchdown, it turned into an Eagles penalty.
Lenoir made his second start to open the season. Veteran Josh Norman started on the other side. The 49ers will face a decision of which two cornerbacks to start when Emmanuel Moseley (knee) returns to action.
RELATED: Jennings says he was Jimmy G's last option on first TD
Also on defense, Arik Armstead graded out well, as the 49ers improved to 2-0 on the season. He had six quarterback pressures on Sunday. Armstead's 15 pressures through two games rank second in the NFL behind Las Vegas Raiders D-lineman Maxx Crosby.
Defensive end Arden Key had two quarterback pressures and one pass defensed in 19 snaps, while defensive tackle D.J. Jones and three run stops in his 14 plays against Eagles runs.
On offense, the 49ers’ line had another good day in pass protection.
The 49ers have allowed just seven quarterback pressures in two games, which ranks as the best in the NFL.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been sacked just once for minus-eight yards.
Through two games, Garoppolo has completed 39 of 55 attempts (70.9 percent) for 503 yards with two touchdowns, no interceptions and a passer rating of 111.4.
Left tackle Trent Williams allowed just one QB pressure in 33 pass blocking snaps. He grades out as the league’s top offensive tackle, according to PFF.
Left guard Laken Tomlinson also allowed just one QB pressure (hit) in 33 pass-blocking snaps.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who leads the NFL with 15 catches for 282 yards, has 157 yards after the catch, according to PFF, which is tied for best in the league with Arizona rookie receiver Rondale Moore.