Mike Rumph was supposed to help the San Francisco 49ers' pass defense. But in recent weeks, he's epitomized the secondary's struggles.

In each of the team's past three losses, the first-round draft pick from Miami has been victimized in a crucial situation. Most recently, Rumph was beaten by Donald Driver for the eventual game-winning touchdown as the Packers knocked off San Francisco 20-14 on Sunday.

At one point, the 49ers benched Rumph this season, but have been forced to play and even start him one week because of injuries.

	Rumph's initial campaign has been full of blown coverages and opponents' touchdowns.

"Every time I do something wrong, I tell myself it was a tough lesson learned. It just seems like there are a lot of tough lessons," Rumph told the Contra Costa Times after the Green Bay defeat. "I had a great first half, but it wasn't too good after that."

Right now, Rumph should discard the No. 24 on his jersey and insert a bulls eye on his back because he's picked on constantly.

In a win over the Chiefs in Week 10, Eddie Kennison beat Rumph for three completions on the game's final possession. On a fourth down play, the 49ers protected Rumph by giving him safety help. Kansas City went back to Kennison, but Rumph managed to slap the pass away. Unfortunately, San Francisco hasn't been able to provide a security blanket in every instance.

The following week against San Diego, Rumph grabbed rookie receiver Reche Caldwell's jersey in the end zone and was flagged for pass interference, giving the Chargers first down from the 1-yard line late in regulation. The Chargers eventually scored a touchdown and won in overtime to overcome a 17-7 fourth-quarter deficit.

In an effort to "hide" Rumph, the 49ers have moved him around. He even played safety against the Cowboys in Week 14. But with Ahmed Plummer, Ronnie Heard and others sidelined at some point, Rumph has been given opportunities to reverse the trend.

"I need to keep my eyes on my man a little better and not watch the backfield," Rumph said. "My technique needs some work."

That has been made obviously clear. When the Eagles came to town without Donovan McNabb in Week 12, quarterback Koy Detmer knew exactly where to throw the ball. After a first half in which he was abused by Todd Pinkston and Antonio Freeman, the 49ers benched Rumph.

"The important thing is not to allow that to affect the rest of your game or season," Plummer said on Sunday. "(Rumph) bounced back well after giving up the touchdown. He'll bounce back again in the next game, too."

The 49ers can only hope.

Each Tuesday during the regular season, ESPN.com reviews rookie performances. Here are some others who had a significant impact (or not so great outings) this past week:

	Observations
	Shake and bake Clinton Portis will have several reasons for looking back to Sunday's game as perhaps his best of the season. In addition to rushing for three touchdowns to help keep the Broncos in the playoff picture, he scored a fourth TD that was among the season's top plays. Portis caught a screen from Brian Griese and made his way upfield. He was met by Chiefs safety Shaunard Harts. Portis initially faked left. As his went back to his right, Harts aggressively went for the tackle. Portis turned back toward the sideline and broke a couple of tackles before finally scoring. "He's unbelievable," Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe said. "A little screen pass and he's off and running."
	Sidelined Lions quarterback Joey Harrington has been added to the list of first-rounders lost for the season. Harrington left the loss against Tampa Bay after complaining of an accelerated heartbeat during the team's first offensive series. He was hospitalized and will be kept out of the remaining two games as a precaution. Previously, Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers has been suspended for the year while Kansas City' defensive end Ryan Sims, Oakland cornerback Phillip Buchanon and Chicago offensive tackle Marc Colombo have all been placed on injured reserve.
	Rising to the top As was mentioned here previously, Indianapolis' Dwight Freeney could become the Defensive Rookie of the Year with Peppers missing the final four games because of a suspension. Freeney recorded his 10th sack of the season when he took down Cleveland's Tim Couch on Sunday. He's just now two behind Julius Peppers, who is still third in the league with 12.