The defense is another unit that performed terrific against Tom Brady. They did not allow Tampa Bay to react every time they had the ball and were decisive for the victory. Now there won’t be an elite quarterback in front. However, San Francisco has a reliable element there that is surrounded by stars.
Run defense vs. run game
Everything the 49ers do in their offense starts with the running game. Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s scheme makes the quarterback’s job easier in part because this avenue is so well used. Although they were a team that ran the ball brilliantly, the transfer of Christian McCaffrey gave them even an extra leap.
McCaffrey is arguably the main factor in the unit because of his enormous versatility. He’s a running back who has the explosiveness to get big yardage plays, though he’s more dangerous because of his excellent scoring ability through the air. Elijah Mitchell’s complement allows him to also stay in condition in important situations. One favorable thing is that the Cowboys gave the Buccaneers no room for anything.
No need to review that one ???? CMC’s 2nd TD of the day!#ProBowlVote @CMC_22
???? #TBvsSF on FOX
???? NFL+ // https://t.co/d2FDeaE8pp pic.twitter.com/CnRx1jYNbg— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 11, 2022
Just 52 yards were the ones they gave up on Monday. However, it cannot be ignored that Tampa Bay’s running offense was the worst in the league this season. The challenge will now be greater because the San Francisco play-caller is someone who stands out in that area. One thing the defense should be aware of is changes of direction with pre-snap moves or other distractions because it’s something that’s already given them trouble on the ground. That question logically includes wide receiver Deebo Samuel being used out of the backfield.
That’s a Purdy good throw and catch ????#ProBowlVote @CMC_22
???? #TBvsSF on FOX
???? NFL+ // https://t.co/d2FDeaE8pp pic.twitter.com/HeDUnTWVZq— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 11, 2022
Air defense vs. aerial game
In the statistics, Dallas allowed Brady to finish with 351 passing yards. But that does not reflect what the game was because most of them arrived when everything was defined. With the exception of one offensive series, the defense was relentless in all possible sectors. Even on that drive they had a big impact pulling off an interception in the end zone.
The pass rush is much better than it was in the last few weeks of the regular season. From that notorious level up everything was simplified. There was good coverage that forced the passes to be perfect. That’s a great indication having faced scary wide receivers. Now there will be other types of receivers to contain.
George Kittle (@gkittle46) is now the fourth-fastest TE in @NFL history to reach 5,000 career receiving yards after his first TD.
Check out some of his biggest plays from this season so far???????? pic.twitter.com/lJV6qB1Dx4
— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) December 20, 2022
The 49ers are essentially made up of players with terrific post-catch yardage ability. For that reason, rookie quarterback Brock Purdy is looking like a veteran and not the final pick in the draft. His passes are difficult to intercept because they are not usually risky. The weight of the offense rests on those stars to create starting with beneficial designs.
Samuel is the most recognized, although Brandon Aiyuk was the one who had the best performance. The most dangerous tool remains tight end George Kittle. If you add to that the good offensive line they have, they become a fearsome unit. One variant that Dan Quinn will surely take into account to prevent pass rushers from losing concentration are the screen passes that they use so much.
