While much of the offseason focus around the 49ers has zeroed in on their quarterback situation, their defense may wind up playing an even more vital role in their success in 2021.
The good news for San Francisco is new defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans believes that despite working some players back from injury that the unit that helped spearhead the 49ers’ Super Bowl run two seasons ago is hitting its stride as the regular season draws closer.
“I’m feeling really good about where we are. All of our guys, I just love the way they come to work every day,” Ryans said. “These guys are out here. This probably was our best practice today. And to be this far ahead in camp and it’s just both sides, defense and offense. I thought it was a very competitive practice on both sides. I just love the mentality of our defense. Guys are swarming to the ball. They’re doing everything we’re asking them to do. They’re playing fast, they’re playing aggressive and they’re playing for each other. They’re communicating really well. So, I couldn’t ask for our defense to be in a better space than they’re in now.”
It wasn’t a slam dunk that the 49ers would have a great defense this season given some of the injury question marks they had going in. Those questions have been answered in camp.
Nick Bosa has returned at full strength and appears ready to go for the season opener. Dee Ford has come back from a back injury that limited him to one game last year and looks like he’ll be able to contribute right away. Even at a spot like strong safety where they dealt with some injuries this offseason – veteran Tavon Wilson and rookie Talanoa Hufanga have emerged as viable starters while Jaquiski Tartt works his way back from offseason toe surgery.
Maybe the 49ers defense isn’t the dominant force it was in 2019. That’s an awfully high standard to set. However, it’s not outrageous to believe they could be a top-10 unit in 2021, and from the sounds of it they’re on the right track as they close up camp.
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