The San Francisco 49ers are cruising into their bye week with a dominant 6-1 record, sitting pretty atop the NFC West. Yeah, that loss to Atlanta stung, especially since they had every chance to snatch a win, but honestly, if someone told you they’d be 6-1 after seven weeks, you’d take that deal 10 times out of 10. It is a fantastic spot to be in, and while they will drop more games, this team is built different. Good news, impact players could be back on the field next week against the Raiders, with Nick Bosa a potential returner.
Elite Numbers Everywhere, But The Pass Rush Needs To Step Up
So, let’s talk defense. Overall, this unit is absolutely balling out, ranking fourth in the entire NFL by giving up just 299.3 yards per game and a mere 13 touchdowns all season. You could try to nitpick their schedule, but it is crystal clear: this defense is a couple steps ahead of where they were last season. They took a bit of a hit against Atlanta, especially the defensive line and pass rush, but the big picture? Impressive. These guys are on pace to totally shatter last season’s sack total, which is just insane.
Now, on the passing defense side, they are a respectable tenth in the league, giving up 210.3 yards and ten passing touchdowns. Top-ten is great, no doubt, but there is definitely room for the secondary to get even stingier. That Atlanta game was a real eye-opener, with the Falcons picking them apart underneath, finding those soft cushions and Cover 3 zones. The secret sauce to shutting that down is getting a consistent pass rush up front. Renardo Green has been playing lights out at times, and the safety room is straight-up a strength with Malik Mustapha, Marques Sigle, and Ji’Ayir Brown all making plays. But, come on, Deommodore Lenoir and Upton Stout, we need more from you guys in coverage. The opportunity for improvement is right there for the taking.
Bosa’s Return Looms Large For An Already Stout Run Defense
Flipping over to the run defense, and these guys are a legitimate brick wall. They are a top-five unit, allowing only 89 rushing yards per game and a measly three touchdowns on the ground. And get this: Nick Bosa could be back! His return is going to be a massive boost, especially since he is been an underrated run defender. With Mykel Williams on the opposite side, this defensive line is about to be even tougher to run against. You have got Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw cleaning up everything in the second level, as long as the big boys up front just hold their blocks and let those linebackers shoot the gaps.
As for keeping points off the board, the 49ers are doing work, allowing just 19.9 points per game, good for the sixth-best defense in the league. However, getting off the field on third down has been a bit of a head-scratcher. They have slipped out of the top ten with a 37.9% third-down conversion rate. Sometimes it is about allowing the offense to convert, and other times, like that Atlanta game, it is just dumb penalties keeping drives alive. Inside the red zone, though, they are back in the top ten at number nine, allowing a 47.8% touchdown rate. That is solid, but if you look at the best in the league, like Minnesota at 23.1% and Kansas City at 26.7%, there is still a gap. Guess who the 49ers get to face this season? Both of those teams.
Next up, the 49ers are back home to take on the Raiders. Expect this defense to come out firing after the bye, especially with the potential return of Bosa. They will need to tighten up those third-down and pass coverage issues if they want to keep their grip on the NFC West and prove they are truly elite.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
Leave a Reply