Defense

The 49ers defense has been nothing short of downright nasty in 2019. They’ve allowed the second-fewest points and the fewest total yards thanks in large part to smothering pass defense. San Francisco has allowed only 136 passing yards per game, and lead the league in sacks (44) and tackles for loss (69). They have enjoyed all of this success without having to blitz too many times.

The 49ers’ blitz rate of 19.2% is fourth lowest in the NFL this year. 30 of their 44 sacks have come from their starting defensive lineman, with 10 for Arik Armstead, 8.0 for rookie Nick Bosa, 6.5 for Dee Ford and 5.5 from DeForest Buckner. Bosa and Armstead both have 10 or more tackles for loss.

Lining up against the 49ers defense this season, opposing offenses have lined up in 11 personnel 69% of their time. They have passed on 63% of these plays but averaged only 5.7 yards per attempted whilst throwing 10 interceptions against only 11 touchdowns. 35 of the 49ers sacks have come against 11 personnel. Against 12 personnel which they have seen on 22% of their plays, the 49ers see a slightly more balanced approach. Teams have passed on 47% of their plays against the 49ers, but have not enjoyed much success. They’ve averaged 5.0 yards per attempt, but have enjoyed a 5.4 yards per rush attempt average. The 49ers are middle of the road in terms of the run defense and have allowed 111.1 rushing yards per game. This is the 14th most in the NFL, and their 4.7 yards per attempt allowed is the 8th highest.

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