San Francisco 49ers Defense Making Strides As League’s Best
The biggest surprise of the 2019 NFL season has to be the San Francisco 49ers. With a 4-0 record, they are the lone undefeated team in the NFC. It’s been their defense that has really set the bar. This might be one of the best D units the team has had in years.
It all starts with talent. Led by Richard Sherman, the team’s unquestioned locker room leader, DeForest Buckner, Dee Ford, K’Wuan Wiliams, Kwon Alexander, and rookie Nick Bosa, this is a talented group. One of, if not the, best collection of defensive players on any team. The results are showing this season.
After years of mediocrity, San Francisco has become one of the league’s premier defenses. The team ranks 4th in the NFL with 14.2 points given up per game. The 49ere are fifth in the league in rushing yards allowed (81.8), and 2nd in the NFL with only 175.8 passing yards given up. These numbers highlight the team’s stellar defense.
As soon as San Francisco 49ers General Manager, John Lynch, selected Nick Bosa with the first pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, it was easy to see a resurgence was coming. Bosa, who is the odds on favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year, has been the best player on defense.
It’s just not Bosa, though, as the team’s secondary has been stellar. Veteran, Sherman, has been the glue that holds the defensive backs together. Add in 2018 Pro Bowler, Dee Ford, and this is a unit you don’t want to throw against. That’s evident by the team’s second-rated pass defense.
One stat about the 49ers D, they are only allowing teams to hold the ball for 25:54 minutes per game ( 2nd in the NFL) Because of the low opponent possession time, San Francisco is able to lessen the chances the opposing team scores.
While there’s still plenty of time left this year, the 49ers D has shut down every team they have played. This includes the Cleveland Browns and Baker Mayfield, whom Bosa humiliated. In addition, Odell Beckham Jr. was a non-factor.
Before their Monday night matchup against the Browns, there were a lot of doubters. The defense, however, made a statement. That’s not going to change this year, as teams prepare to face off against this vaunted D. The San Francisco 49ers aren’t a pushover anymore.
Image Source: Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire Via Getty Images
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
