Allow me to tell NFL fans in general the truth whether or not that you are a 49ers’ fan and whether or not that you want to hear or believe that it’s the truth.
The answer is simple.
The success of the San Francisco 49ers’ defense in general against the run has declined significantly, from 2012 to 2013. In 2012, the 49ers were ranked fourth in the league, allowing for only 94.2 yards per game on the ground. The defense also were ranked third in yards per carry, allowing an average of 3.7 yards. Opponents had only rushed for seven touchdowns all season.
The 49ers’ defense against the run has weakened, well at least statistically. This year in 2013, they rank 18th so far, allowing 106.7 yards per game which that is a team complete overall total. They are now 17th in the league, allowing a 4.0 yards-per-carry average. Through seven weeks, the 49ers have already allowed seven touchdowns on the ground, equaling what that they had allowed all of last year.
So, what is the problem? Has the 49ers defense declined that much?
The answer is that there is really no problem. On the contrary, the 49ers’ defense has played very well in their past four games, all wins. The defense did not play poorly against the run in their two losses. Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch rushed for 98 yards as the Seahawks amassed a total of 172 yards on the ground. The Indianapolis Colts fared better, rushing for 184 yards, led by Ahmad Bradshaw’s 95 yards rushing.
The issue for the 49ers has not been one of scheme or strength. The main reason is that injuries to the 49ers’ front seven have hit the defense pretty hard. The 49ers lost their starting nose tackle Ian Williams in the second game of the season. His replacement Glenn Dorsey has been battling a hamstring problem. Injuries to defensive tackles Justin Smith and Ray McDonald have limited their practice and, in the case of McDonald, has noticeably hindered his play.
All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis has missed time due to injury and the 49ers’ starting superstar all-pro linebacker Aldon Smith has entered a rehab facility to deal with a substance-abuse problem. Aldon Smith has missed the last four games. The only starters NaVorro Bowman and Ahmad Brooks have stayed healthy. Whenever that a defense is playing with subs or with players who are playing hurt, it’s bound to have a negative result in performance.
That is exactly what happened to the 49ers.
Looking forward, the key for the 49ers defense is to stay healthy. In addition, those players who are out nursing nagging injuries must come back and that they must return strong. Only nose tackle Ian Williams and defensive back Chris Culliver are out for the entire full whole season.
The 49ers’ depth on defense has enabled them to overcome injuries, continue to play well and win. If they can stay healthy, the 49ers still have one of the best defenses in general in the NFL. Injuries is not an excuse because that’s all apart of the game.
A team still has to play. Make no mistake about it, but the 49ers are winning now, they should have it figured out.
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