NFLBy: Joe Cardoso
As an old head, the NFL of today is much different than what I grew up with but, one thing remains the same defense still matters. And the San Francisco 49ers defense is a throwback unit and one of the top in the league which keeps them as a heavy Super Bowl favorite. They finished number 1 in
Interceptions
Scoring Defense
Yards Per Game Allowed
Points Per Game Allowed
Big Play Defense
What makes this unit so good and gives offensive coordinators headaches league-wide. With DeMeco Ryans gone to lead the Houston Texans, it is now Steve Wilks’s job to maintain the level of Choas they cause.
The #49ers official unofficial depth chart heading into Week 1 of the preseason. pic.twitter.com/1vBx43X9EC
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 8, 2023
Having the defensive player of the year is a great way to start and I am confident Nick Bosa will suit up ASAP. They grabbed big-money free agent Javon Hargrave, who has been a beast throughout camp with his speed and relentless motor. Also, Clelin Ferrell, Arik Armstead, and Drake Jackson are part of the rotation, and they have multiple players who can beat their man one-on-one which is something not too many teams can say. Wilks is not afraid to send blitzers and the lanes should be wide open for the backers to get through. With the ability to rotate players and still not have a serious drop-off is key in today’s pass-happy NFL. Throwing off the timing for opposing teams and shutting down the run game. This is the heartbeat of the unit and it starts with them.
Linebackers
Without question one of the best in the business is Fred Warner who is the vocal and emotional leader of the entire defense. He also has a great Robin in Dre Greenlaw who would be much more talked about if not for Warner. They also like the defensive line to have depth to fill in gaps in case of injury. By default, Oren Burks should slide in to replace Al-Shaair, who left to join the Titans. But not so fast there is a lot of young talent looking to get on the field and make a splash. Some names I am looking for are Marcelino McCrary-Ball, and Dee Winters who I saw flying all over the field last year for TCU. The theme is the rich get richer and the line to be an impact player is long. Every team in the NFL would love to have this type of talent.
Secondary:
Losing Jimmie Ward will hurt but this unit still has some serious playmakers and glue guys to be the last line of defense. Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir are expected to start on the outside, with Talanoa Hufanga and Tashaun Gipson at the safety spots. We should also expect to see Ji’Ayir Brown get a bump in playing time. Free agent pickup Myles Hartfield should be the nickel and show why he was scooped up. This group tied for the league lead with 20 interceptions and can take risks others can’t due to the beasts up front creating chaos and havoc on opposing offensives. I love Hufanga He is a poor mans Troy Polamalu and I don’t just mean the hair. Remember he is only in his 3rd season and continues to grow as a leader.
Overall this is one of the top units in the NFL and it goes from the front to the back. This was the best defense against the run, 5th in pass rush win rate, allowed the 3rd fewest points per game in the fourth quarter, and fewest redzone scoring attempts. After seeing what Wilks did in Carolina last season I have a feeling he will be right at home with this unit. Giving the offense a short field to work with because of its defense adds to what makes this team a serious Super Bowl contender. Offense is cool and all but give me a big hit or key 3rd down stop anytime. #NinerFaithful
PAY NICK BOSA!
