State of the 49ers, DB edition: Personnel turnover in the secondary is coming
4 years, 2 months ago

State of the 49ers, DB edition: Personnel turnover in the secondary is coming

New York Times  

With the season over for the 49ers, David Lombardi and Matt Barrows are teaming up for an eight-part series that looks at every aspect of the team’s roster. In 2019, coordinator Robert Saleh’s secondary didn’t stray too far from the Seattle Cover 3 model: Per TruMedia, the 49ers ran zone defense 72.5 percent of the time, a rate that trailed only the Chargers and Seahawks — their schematic siblings. Saleh’s plan came to fruition in 2019, when the 49ers’ pass rush roared and the back end primarily rode Cover 3 and Cover 4 to results similar to those of Seahawks defenses from several years prior — all the way down to success from cornerback Richard Sherman. Perhaps this was most apparent through the pass defense’s improved efficiency in Cover 1 — even with a worsened pass rush: The 49ers ran 33 more snaps in a Cover-1 defense in 2020 than in 2019. 2020 49ers defensive backs DB Cover Snaps PASS YDS/SNP RTG MTKL% Verrett 466 0.97 76.2 6.3% Moseley 248 1.69 98.8 11.3% Witherspoon 173 1.02 82.4 4.8% Sherman 202 0.99 116.2 10.0% Johnson 96 2.08 100.3 17.9% Allen 15 8.27 158.3 0 Williams 91 0.91 81.9 12.0% Taylor 60 2.92 69.1 4.3% Ward 469 0.80 105.9 2.7% Tartt 205 0.33 89.6 6.3% Moore 305 0.83 156.2 8.8% Harris 119 1.80 137.5 9.8% PASS YDS/SNAP takes two numbers — a DB’s total snaps in pass coverage and the pass yards he gave up — and divides them to calculate efficiency in pass defense.

Safety Defense Harris Nfl Saleh Williams His Career Defensive Sherman Moore Cornerback Played Secondary Verrett Moseley Man Coverage Trumedia Tartt 2020 Season 49Ers Pass Both Corners  personnel  safety  defense  2020  season  db  state  49ers  pass  played  cornerback  defensive  saleh  secondary  edition  turnover  coming

History of this topic

49ers agree to trade receiver Deebo Samuel to Commanders, claims report
4 weeks, 2 days ago

49ers agree to trade receiver Deebo Samuel to Commanders, claims report

Hindustan Times  

The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to trade star wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders, ESPN reported on Saturday. Deebo Samuel earned All-Pro honors with the 49ers in 2021, producing 1,770 yards from scrimmage and scoring 14 touchdowns. Samuel earned All-Pro honors with the 49ers in 2021, producing 1,770 yards from scrimmage and scoring 14 touchdowns. ESPN reported …

The 49ers bring back Robert Saleh for 2nd stint as defensive coordinator, AP source says
2 months, 1 week ago

The 49ers bring back Robert Saleh for 2nd stint as defensive coordinator, AP source says

Associated Press  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back Robert Saleh for a second stint as defensive coordinator after a failed tenure as head coach of the New York Jets. DeMeco Ryans, who replaced Saleh in 2021, left to become head coach in Houston following the 2022 season, and Steve Wilks and Nick Sorensen were each replaced after …

49ers hire Robert Saleh for second stint as defensive coordinator
2 months, 1 week ago

49ers hire Robert Saleh for second stint as defensive coordinator

New York Times  

By Matt Barrows, Michael Silver and Zack Rosenblatt Welcome back, Robert Saleh. ALL GAS, NO BRAKE 😤 — San Francisco 49ers January 25, 2025 Saleh, who was fired in October as the New York Jets head coach five games into his fourth season, generated interest on the head-coaching front and was seen as one of the frontrunners for the Jacksonville …

49ers head home early following a trying season that started with Super Bowl hopes
2 months, 3 weeks ago

49ers head home early following a trying season that started with Super Bowl hopes

Associated Press  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — After three straight seasons of long playoff runs, the San Francisco 49ers are packing up and heading home early for a change. A season that started with contract disputes that kept stars out of training camp, was a rough one until the end with the 49ers enduring several off-field tragedies, injuries to key players and inconsistent …

Geno Smith throws career-high 4 TD passes in Seahawks’ 30-25 win over playoff-bound Rams
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Geno Smith throws career-high 4 TD passes in Seahawks’ 30-25 win over playoff-bound Rams

Associated Press  

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Matthew Stafford and nearly all of his fellow offensive starters watched the Los Angeles Rams’ regular-season finale in street clothes. “I know we’re going to show up next week ready to roll.” Geno Smith passed for 223 yards and threw his career-best fourth touchdown pass to Noah Fant with 3:19 to play, and the Seahawks finished their …

Rams’ offense is struggling, but the defense has put LA on the brink of an NFC West title
3 months ago

Rams’ offense is struggling, but the defense has put LA on the brink of an NFC West title

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Right when the Los Angeles Rams’ offense has dropped into a disconcerting slump, their defense has held three straight opponents under 10 points for the first time in decades. Although the Rams are closing in on an NFC West title and another playoff berth with a five-game winning streak, the way they’re doing it makes their postseason …

49ers look to maintain their ‘urgency’ when they host the rival Rams
3 months, 3 weeks ago

49ers look to maintain their ‘urgency’ when they host the rival Rams

Associated Press  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — At this point the past two seasons, the San Francisco 49ers were fighting for playoff positioning rather than their playoff lives. No matter what’s really happened in terms of the trajectory of the injuries, they’re going to be ready to go.” Puka power Puka Nacua is in dominant form with 33 catches for 458 yards and …

49ers mock draft reaction: Derrick Harmon’s a great fit, but is there a tackle to pursue?
3 months, 3 weeks ago

49ers mock draft reaction: Derrick Harmon’s a great fit, but is there a tackle to pursue?

New York Times  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Welcome back to NFL Draft talk, San Francisco 49ers fans. GO DEEPER 2025 NFL mock draft: Predicting all 32 first-round picks in polarizing class I’ve been asked to comment on the selection and the comment is: great pick. He’s on the ball carrier a lot more quickly than I think the ball carrier expects.” The 49ers …

Barrows: 49ers have a personnel issue on defense, not a Nick Sorensen issue
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Barrows: 49ers have a personnel issue on defense, not a Nick Sorensen issue

New York Times  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Let’s begin with this: Sam Okuayinonu and Evan Anderson are intriguing, young defensive players who have been far better than anyone expected this season and ought to be part of the San Francisco 49ers’ future plans. All of which is to say the 49ers don’t have a problem with defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen so much as …

49ers have tough matchup and snow in forecast vs. Bills as they try to turn season around
Trending News
4 months ago

49ers have tough matchup and snow in forecast vs. Bills as they try to turn season around

Associated Press  

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Running back Christian McCaffrey refuses to buy into the doom and gloom surrounding the San Francisco 49ers since two straight losses sent them below.500. “If there’s anybody that’s done it enough, it’s me,” said quarterback Josh Allen, who is from central California but spent three college seasons at Wyoming. “I feel like I’m very comfortable with …

Blowout loss to Packers leaves the 49ers on the playoff brink
4 months, 1 week ago

Blowout loss to Packers leaves the 49ers on the playoff brink

Associated Press  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Getting blown out at Green Bay following another squandered late lead the previous week against Seattle has quickly turned the San Francisco 49ers from a Super Bowl contender into a team just fighting to get back to the playoffs. If San Francisco doesn’t get healthy and eliminate the errors that led to Sunday’s 38-10 loss to …

NFL Week 10 best and worst coaching decisions: Pros and cons of 49ers’ blitz plan
4 months, 3 weeks ago

NFL Week 10 best and worst coaching decisions: Pros and cons of 49ers’ blitz plan

New York Times  

The San Francisco 49ers narrowly beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a game that had no business being as close as it was. 49ers vs. the blitz I’m highlighting a very small weak point for the 49ers that hardly affects the offense overall but does affect it against heavy-pressure defenses and often at critical junctures of the game. However, running …

Seahawks' Defensive Struggles Continue as They Face Long Road Ahead
4 months, 4 weeks ago

Seahawks' Defensive Struggles Continue as They Face Long Road Ahead

Associated Press  

The Seattle Seahawks' 2024 season is in a state of flux, with the offense struggling to find its footing despite strong passing performances from quarterback Geno Smith. The defense, on the other hand, has faced significant challenges, with the offense's offensive line facing injuries and penalties, and the running game failing to gain traction. Despite these struggles, the Seahawks remain …

49ers Aim to Continue Second-Half Domination After Slumping Start
4 months, 4 weeks ago

49ers Aim to Continue Second-Half Domination After Slumping Start

Associated Press  

The San Francisco 49ers are looking to follow a similar pattern to the past two seasons in the second half of the season. They hope to improve from their shaky start to the season and get back to their winning ways. The offense must do a better job finishing off drives in the red zone and performing against man coverage. …

Six 49ers predictions at NFL midseason: George Kittle will lead offense; watch out for Rams
4 months, 4 weeks ago

Six 49ers predictions at NFL midseason: George Kittle will lead offense; watch out for Rams

New York Times  

It’s already been a strange season for the defending NFC champions. Here are a few projections … GO DEEPER What I'm seeing from the 49ers: Brock Purdy adjusting to facing sticky coverage The 49ers will have a shared backfield … but only at first If Christian McCaffrey is back for Sunday’s game in Tampa Bay as expected, the 49ers will …

49ers Head into Bye on a Winning Note, With Hope for McCaffrey's Return
5 months ago

49ers Head into Bye on a Winning Note, With Hope for McCaffrey's Return

Associated Press  

The San Francisco 49ers had a winning week and hope that Christian McCaffrey will return next week. McCaffrey suffered an Achilles tendinitis injury this season and has been sidelined all season. However, the team is optimistic that he will be back in practice next week. The 49ers also showed signs of getting back to form on Sunday against the Dallas …

49ers’ Deebo Samuel and George Kittle questionable, Jauan Jennings out vs. Cowboys
5 months, 1 week ago

49ers’ Deebo Samuel and George Kittle questionable, Jauan Jennings out vs. Cowboys

New York Times  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Deebo Samuel said Friday he’s feeling much better after a two-night hospital stay this week, but isn’t sure whether he’ll play against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. “We’ll just see how everything goes tomorrow.” Deebo Samuel doesn’t appear to be suffering the effects of his early-week bout with pneumonia. Kittle caught three touchdown passes in last …

Commanders look to get back on track when they host the struggling Panthers
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Commanders look to get back on track when they host the struggling Panthers

Associated Press  

Carolina at Washington Sunday, 4:05 p.m. EDT, CBS BetMGM NFL Odds: Commanders by 8 Against the spread: Panthers 1-5; Commanders 4-2 Series record: Washington leads 10-7. Key matchup Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard vs. the Commanders run defense: Hubbard has averaged more than 100 yards rushing over the past four games and 5.9 yards a carry over the past five. Key …

Seattle’s defensive depth will be tested in stopping 49ers’ offense
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Seattle’s defensive depth will be tested in stopping 49ers’ offense

New York Times  

RENTON, Wash. — The Seahawks haven’t matched up well with the San Francisco 49ers over the last two years, which is why Seattle’s average margin of defeat during this 5-game losing streak against its divisional rival is 15.2 points. “We’re not leveraging the ball well on the second level as well as we need to be,” Macdonald said during a …

Vulnerable Rams’ defense needs complete turnover to compete with Packers
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Vulnerable Rams’ defense needs complete turnover to compete with Packers

LA Times  

The Rams’ defense was often running behind Roschon Johnson and the Bears’ offense in Week 4. “We’ve been stressing it’s about communication, playing together and I know we’ve had a few moving parts, but I don’t think it’s an excuse for anything,” first-year defensive coordinator Chris Shula said. “That’s the age-old question,” Shula said when asked what the Rams could …

Aaron Rodgers and the Jets provide a good early test for the new-look 49ers defense
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Aaron Rodgers and the Jets provide a good early test for the new-look 49ers defense

Associated Press  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Coach Kyle Shanahan made some big changes to the San Francisco defense this offseason in hopes of getting the 49ers back to the dominant level it had in 2021 and ’22. New coordinator Nick Sorensen’s new unit gets its first real test on Monday night with a very challenging opponent as the Niners will go up …

Ranking the 49ers’ top free agents: What’s next for Chase Young and Sam Darnold?
1 year, 1 month ago

Ranking the 49ers’ top free agents: What’s next for Chase Young and Sam Darnold?

New York Times  

Fresh off their loss in Super Bowl LVIII, the San Francisco 49ers are back in roster-building mode. 24 of 43 qualifying edge rushers in Pro Football Focus’ pass-rush productivity score over his time with the 49ers and had some well-documented pursuit issues in the NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions. “Never did I think he’d give us what he’s …

49ers minutia: On Deebo Samuel’s strong comeback, Brandon Aiyuk’s gift from above
1 year, 2 months ago

49ers minutia: On Deebo Samuel’s strong comeback, Brandon Aiyuk’s gift from above

New York Times  

The San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions looked a lot like intraconference twins Sunday. pic.twitter.com/ehvvPHu2mO — Matt Barrows January 29, 2024 GO DEEPER Brock Purdy managed up, managed down and saved the 49ers Running back: Christian McCaffrey 60, Juszczyk 40, Elijah Mitchell 6, Samuel 1 Why didn’t McCaffrey play the final five offensive snaps? That’s the only way you’re gonna …

Lions-49ers game features 2 of the NFL’s top 3 offenses, but San Francisco has big edge on defense
1 year, 2 months ago

Lions-49ers game features 2 of the NFL’s top 3 offenses, but San Francisco has big edge on defense

Associated Press  

The San Francisco 49ers are back in a familiar spot facing a Detroit Lions team new to this stage. The Lions almost blew a wild-card game against Jared Goff’s former team, the Los Angeles Rams, and pulled away from Tampa Bay in the fourth quarter last week. WHEN THE LIONS HAVE THE BALL The Lions had the league’s second-ranked passing …

NFC title game keys: Can 49ers stop the run? Will Lions’ pass defense deliver?
1 year, 2 months ago

NFC title game keys: Can 49ers stop the run? Will Lions’ pass defense deliver?

New York Times  

Update: The Super Bowl matchup is set with the Chiefs vs. 49ers. 49ers’ fracture point: Run defense Green Bay running back Aaron Jones racked up 108 yards on just 18 carries against the 49ers, averaging 6 yards per rush. Jared Goff is also in the upper-right quadrant — with the closest season-long dot to him actually belonging to Jordan Love, …

Nick Bosa, 49ers aim to ride their rest advantage to another win over the Packers
1 year, 2 months ago

Nick Bosa, 49ers aim to ride their rest advantage to another win over the Packers

New York Times  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — This past Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers locked their eyes on the live television broadcast of the Green Bay Packers’ 48-32 wild-card win over the Dallas Cowboys — but only for a relatively short while. And the 49ers were happy their defense was collecting every possible minute of rest so that it’d be best equipped to …

Cracks in the 49ers’ playoff machine? Yes, but you have to squint to find them
1 year, 2 months ago

Cracks in the 49ers’ playoff machine? Yes, but you have to squint to find them

New York Times  

The Green Bay Packers, Jordan Love and maybe a few rain clouds will visit Levi’s Stadium on Saturday when the San Francisco 49ers host their divisional round playoff game at 5:15 p.m. PT. Jake Moody made 84 percent of his field goals as a rookie, but he hasn’t had many high pressure kicks and missed his one chance at a …

49ers minutia: How Sam Darnold, rookies and other backups fared in the finale
1 year, 2 months ago

49ers minutia: How Sam Darnold, rookies and other backups fared in the finale

New York Times  

Sunday was not a game for 30-somethings. Defensive line: Chase Young 57, Kevin Givens 44, Gregory 41, Javon Kinlaw 38, Sebastian Joseph-Day 33, Robert Beal Jr. 24, Javon Hargrave 17, Nick Bosa 8, Clelin Ferrell 6 After the game, Ferrell said his knee “felt off,” which is why he was carted off the field and didn’t play beyond the Rams’ …

The 49ers have a rare quartet of 1,000-yard players. Dolphins and Lions could do the same
1 year, 2 months ago

The 49ers have a rare quartet of 1,000-yard players. Dolphins and Lions could do the same

Associated Press  

Inside the Numbers dives into NFL statistics, streaks and trends each week. That made San Francisco the sixth team ever to have four players hit that mark in one season, joining the 2020 Carolina Panthers, the 2004 Indianapolis Colts, 1995 Atlanta Falcons, 1990 Houston Oilers and 1989 Washington. San Francisco also has a 4,000-yard passer, with Brock Purdy setting a …

Is this 49ers offense better than 1994’s Super Bowl champs? Here’s what the numbers say
1 year, 3 months ago

Is this 49ers offense better than 1994’s Super Bowl champs? Here’s what the numbers say

New York Times  

Over his first eight games of the season, Deebo Samuel totaled 518 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. Steve Mariucci’s offense, led by Steve Young 50 years later, averaged 29.9 points and led the league in total yards with Garrison Hearst rushing for 1,570 yards and Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens combining for 2,200 yards receiving and 23 touchdowns. Now …

49ers mailbag: Who’s your team MVP? In-house replacement for Steve Wilks?
1 year, 3 months ago

49ers mailbag: Who’s your team MVP? In-house replacement for Steve Wilks?

New York Times  

The weather outside is frightful, but your mailbag questions were so delightful. GO DEEPER The sweaty secret to the 49ers’ success: Practices are faster than other teams' The defense seemed unengaged — mentally — versus Arizona. For example, there’s no way Trent Williams plays a full — or maybe even a partial—– Week 18 game if there’s nothing on the …

The 49ers get ‘payback’ against the Eagles with dominant win that makes them Super Bowl favorites
1 year, 3 months ago

The 49ers get ‘payback’ against the Eagles with dominant win that makes them Super Bowl favorites

Associated Press  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers took out their frustration over last season’s NFC championship game loss at Philadelphia in emphatic fashion. They’re a really good team.” The 49ers felt they never got a real opportunity last season to prove how good they were compared to the Eagles after Brock Purdy injured his elbow on the opening drive …

NFL Power Rankings Week 14: 49ers make a statement, plus worst-case scenarios
1 year, 3 months ago

NFL Power Rankings Week 14: 49ers make a statement, plus worst-case scenarios

New York Times  

Read our NFL Power Rankings Week 16 Last week, the Power Rankings looked at the best-case scenario for all 32 NFL teams, but it’s late in the season and we’ve had to watch so many bad Jets quarterbacks that it’s taken all the optimism out of us. ET Sunday GO DEEPER Jones: NFL officials face impossible task — we or …

49ers’ Thanksgiving challenge: Can offensive line depth hold up against Seahawks?
1 year, 4 months ago

49ers’ Thanksgiving challenge: Can offensive line depth hold up against Seahawks?

New York Times  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — It’s one of the weeks during which San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and at least some of his assistants sleep in the office. Newest 49ers OL Ben Bartch is interesting : "In order to gain weight, Bartch consumed a protein shake daily consisting of 7 scrambled eggs, a tub of cottage cheese, quick grits, peanut …

The 49ers defense gets back to early season form following bye week
1 year, 4 months ago

The 49ers defense gets back to early season form following bye week

Associated Press  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Whether it was the rest from a week off, the addition of Chase Young, coordinator Steve Wilks’ move from the booth to the sideline or a combination of all of the above, the problems on San Francisco’s defense seemed to get fixed during the bye week. After scuffling during a three-game losing streak when the 49ers …

Thompson: With Deebo Samuel back, the 49ers’ offense looks inevitable again
1 year, 4 months ago

Thompson: With Deebo Samuel back, the 49ers’ offense looks inevitable again

New York Times  

On the 49ers’ first offensive play of the game Sunday in Jacksonville, Deebo Samuel — lined up in the slot on the right — went in motion to set up an end-around to the left side. But the secret weapon of the 49ers’ offense is Samuel, the matchup nightmare whose game-breaking ability might be Shanahan’s favorite misdirection tool. It’s because …

How can the Seahawks help Geno Smith through recent hiccups? Run the ball more
1 year, 5 months ago

How can the Seahawks help Geno Smith through recent hiccups? Run the ball more

New York Times  

Geno Smith entered the Week 8 matchup with the Cleveland Browns hoping to play a clean, mistake-free game. “We’re one of the best teams in football if we play right.” Assessing on Monday after watching the film, coach Pete Carroll said, “He did great at the beginning and the end, and in the middle, we weren’t as clean.” Smith led …

49ers grasping to regain complementary identity as losing streak hits 3 games
1 year, 5 months ago

49ers grasping to regain complementary identity as losing streak hits 3 games

New York Times  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — It turned out to be nothing more than a mirage. But the San Francisco 49ers defense, roasted in last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, actually opened Sunday’s 31-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals by suggesting it might have corrected course. Against the Bengals, on the possession directly preceding Burrow’s phenomenal third-down escape, the 49ers laid …

Kawakami: Should Steve Wilks be the 49ers’ scapegoat for this losing streak? No, at least not yet
1 year, 5 months ago

Kawakami: Should Steve Wilks be the 49ers’ scapegoat for this losing streak? No, at least not yet

New York Times  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Steve Wilks isn’t going to be the 49ers’ October scapegoat. He was the guy Shanahan picked after Ryans took the Texans’ top job last offseason, and Wilks is the only coach on staff who can get this right this season. Heading into the bye week, the 49ers’ D seems a little caught-in-between: The defensive front hasn’t …

Steve Wilks takes blitz blame as he readies the 49ers defense for the Bengals
1 year, 5 months ago

Steve Wilks takes blitz blame as he readies the 49ers defense for the Bengals

New York Times  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — On Wednesday, Kyle Shanahan bluntly addressed the failure of his new defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks, during the San Francisco 49ers’ previous loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Wilks’ aggressive blitz call with 16 seconds left in the first half had backfired when Minnesota receiver Jordan Addison ripped the ball away from cornerback Charvarius Ward. We all have …

The 49ers need to find their pass rush after back-to-back losses
1 year, 5 months ago

The 49ers need to find their pass rush after back-to-back losses

Associated Press  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Few teams in the NFL invest as much in draft picks and money in the defensive line as the San Francisco 49ers. That was evident Monday night when Kirk Cousins picked apart San Francisco’s defense in impressive fashion, throwing for 378 yards and taking no sacks in Minnesota’s 22-17 victory over the 49ers. Purdy became the …

Kawakami: The 49ers’ pass rush has disappeared, and so has their identity
1 year, 5 months ago

Kawakami: The 49ers’ pass rush has disappeared, and so has their identity

New York Times  

The Athletic has live coverage of 49ers vs. Bengals in Week 8. The NFL season is long, complicated, exhausting and habitually filled with terrors, but the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive line is supposed to be an All-Pro security blanket. The 49ers’ defensive line, upon which so many draft picks and so many millions have been invested, is supposed to be …

49ers must fix a struggling run defense to unlock their pass rush
1 year, 5 months ago

49ers must fix a struggling run defense to unlock their pass rush

New York Times  

The Athletic has live coverage of Monday Night Football featuring the 49ers vs Vikings. Defensive end Nick Bosa said the 49ers failed to match Cleveland’s intensity in the battle for control of the run game. “Lots of screens and perimeter runs.” But the Cleveland run that might’ve vexed the 49ers the most came up the middle, late in the fourth …

49ers’ monstrous performance against Cowboys has defense looking like NFL’s best again
1 year, 5 months ago

49ers’ monstrous performance against Cowboys has defense looking like NFL’s best again

New York Times  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The fact that the Dallas Cowboys entered their Sunday night showdown touted as the NFL’s No. According to star linebacker Fred Warner, Wilks had a simple message early in the week: “You guys don’t know how good you can truly be.” Warner responded by leading the charge in an effort that might’ve at least offered a …

Javon Kinlaw, Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead: Inside the 49ers’ DT surge
1 year, 6 months ago

Javon Kinlaw, Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead: Inside the 49ers’ DT surge

New York Times  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The next sack for a San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle will match the position group’s sack total from all of last season. Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw, the 49ers’ other two primary defensive tackles, are also pouring in gaudy pressure numbers a season after injuries severely restricted their production. “You know what it is, going to …

How the 49ers’ defense overpowered the Giants with five-man fronts and man coverage
1 year, 6 months ago

How the 49ers’ defense overpowered the Giants with five-man fronts and man coverage

New York Times  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The short week began with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks calling a meeting of the team’s defensive backs. The 49ers, after correcting some loose pass coverage issues around halftime during Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Rams, would aggressively attack the New York Giants from the jump on the back end. “ told us …

3 Rams things: Young WRs are for real, developing toughness, self-inflicted mistakes
1 year, 6 months ago

3 Rams things: Young WRs are for real, developing toughness, self-inflicted mistakes

New York Times  

The Athletic has live coverage of Rams vs. Bengals on Monday Night Football INGLEWOOD, Calif. — In a Los Angeles Rams season that will be unpredictable, at times chaotic and always interesting, we’re going to learn a lot about the young and older players each week. Quarterback Matthew Stafford also let it slip that Nacua is “early in the progression” …

Roundtable: Can the Rams surprise again vs. the 49ers? Will the Chargers’ defense rebound?
1 year, 6 months ago

Roundtable: Can the Rams surprise again vs. the 49ers? Will the Chargers’ defense rebound?

LA Times  

According to the betting lines, the Rams pulled an upset in Week 1 of the NFL season with a road win over the Seahawks in Seattle. Rams beat writer Gary Klein, Chargers beat writer Jeff Miller, and columnists Helene Elliott and Dylan Hernández discuss what happened and upcoming prospects: What was the most surprising aspect of the Rams’ upset victory …

49ers over/unders: Brock Purdy’s INT count; how to adjust Nick Bosa’s sack total?
1 year, 6 months ago

49ers over/unders: Brock Purdy’s INT count; how to adjust Nick Bosa’s sack total?

New York Times  

By Matt Barrows, David Lombardi, Tim Kawakami and Marcus Thompson II The San Francisco 49ers might have their most talented roster since Steve Young, Jerry Rice and Deion Sanders were on the squad. GO DEEPER The rib game: The night Brock Purdy convinced the 49ers he could be their 2023 starter Brock Purdy’s interception total, over/under set at 9 Background: …

49ers’ 53-man forecast: The backup QB battle and what to do with Jack Colletto
1 year, 9 months ago

49ers’ 53-man forecast: The backup QB battle and what to do with Jack Colletto

New York Times  

How many starting spots are up for grabs for the 49ers? GO DEEPER Ranking the 49ers’ undrafted rookies, led by the most versatile player in college football Colletto would be valuable at fullback for the 49ers only if Juszczyk got injured. GO DEEPER Ranking the 49ers’ undrafted rookies, led by the most versatile player in college football Defensive line Nick …

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