49ers Defense Outperforms Preseason Expectations

After the significant departures in the offseason, NFL fans had low expectations for the San Francisco 49ers’ defense. In free agency, former All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw signed with the Denver Broncos. Former All-Pro cornerback Charvarius Ward also signed with the Indianapolis Colts. 

Despite the losses on defense, the 49ers have impressed fans and started the season strong. After Week 2, Fox Sports ranked San Francisco’s total defense in the top 10. The 49ers also won both of their games. The return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has had a lot to do with the 49ers’ success. 

"He puts us in just a perfect position to go out there and play fast, eliminating all gray area," said linebacker Fred Warner on 95.7 The Game. "He knows the exact calls to put us in certain situations within the game.”

The 49ers have been one of the best passing defenses in the NFL. According to Pro Football Reference, the 49ers’ secondary has allowed 332 passing yards so far this season, compared to the league average of 425 passing yards. While their run defense has not excelled as much, Fox Sports still has them ranked in the top half of the NFL. 

Saleh hasn’t turned around the 49ers’ defense alone. Warner has played a massive role in rebuilding the defense. The 49ers drafted him in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Since arriving in San Francisco, Warner has played in multiple Pro Bowls, earned four All-Pro honors, and been a captain of their defense. 

During Week 2, Pro Football Focus named Warner as their Defensive Player of the Week for his excellence in pass and run defense. He had four tackles, forced and recovered a fumble, and had a pass breakup. 

While the 49ers’ defense is trending in the right direction, their young players need to continue to develop throughout the season. San Francisco spent their first five draft picks on defense with hopes that they would become valuable starters. Under the leadership of Saleh and Warner, the young 49ers’ defense is set up for success.