Defense Wins Championships: 49ers Playoff Outlook
by Dylan DeSimone on Nov 7, 2011 1:30 PM PST
in 49ers Season-In-Review
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PrintAfter the week 9 victory over the Washington Redskins, the San Francisco 49ers have pushed their record to 7-1 before returning home to face the New York Giants. A positive and consistent element in the seven victories has been the defensive performance. The defense, captained by Patrick Willis, has been seeing contributions from all over on a weekly basis.
Whether it's NaVorro Bowman making crucial third down stops, Dashon Goldson bringing the wood to set the tempo or a rookie contribution like a sack or interception by Aldon Smith or Chris Culliver, it's been a collective effort.
The saying goes, "defense wins championships," and by the look of things, some might say that the Niners have a championship worthy defense. San Francisco is strong at key positions for the defense they run and have been a top 10 defense all year. They are currently the first ranked run defense by a wide margin, while also leading defenses in forced fumbles and least points allowed.
And after this past Sunday, the 49ers brought their streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher to 30 straight games - and yet to allow a rushing touchdown in 2011. We've seen Willis become more vocal this year as a veteran and team leader; also probably due to the departure of Takeo Spikes in the offseason. Justin Smith, Donte Whitner and Carlos Rogers have also displayed leadership as league vets.
49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh has said this team has been playing "unselfish" and "lights out." This league is no stranger to blue collar success story teams, and the Niners seem to be that story this year. At this point, it'd be very difficult for San Francisco to somehow miss the playoffs. In fact, if the league began the playoffs today, the 49ers would have a first round bye, along with the Green Bay Packers.
This defense is capable of great things and its true test will come in the playoffs where most of the team has no experience. But the contributions and selfless team effort will be the 49ers ace in the hole. The way Tramon Williams stepped up for the Packers or the way Tracy Porter stepped up for the Saints, the Niners will depend on discipline and team contributions.
Chris Culliver, Tramaine Brock, Tarell Brown, Ahmad Brooks or even Ray McDonald, I could all see making a run for defensive MVP of the playoffs. The 49ers have the defensive personnel to successfully scheme against any team in the league because the system is built around them.
Also, a small tidbit that will really help the 49ers as they try to put together a title run, and that is tackling. The 49ers have an edge because they tackle extremely well and don't allow anything easy. They hit hard and they wrap up, and even if the offensive player is able to get by Willis or Bowman, the secondary guys can tackle too.
Whitner and Goldson are hard hitters, but Rogers and Culliver are also guys that can make big stops. San Francisco will need guys to step up if they hope to advance in the playoffs but I believe they are capable of it. This is very well built defense and Vic Fangio and the defensive assistants deserve all the credit in the world for the performance in the first half of the 2011 season.
Follow me on Twitter: @DeSimone80
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This is totally disgusting.
The giants fans on big blue view are calling the game against the niners a trap game. WTF? How can a7-1 team be a trap. No respect.
by MNY49 on Nov 7, 2011 1:35 PM PST via mobile reply actions
I guess after you beat a Patriots team
Every game after that is a trap game
"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."
Norm Sloan
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."
Weldon Drew
by EcERyda69 on Nov 7, 2011 1:40 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
actually a trap for BOTH teams...
While the Niners pretty much have the division wrapped up, they’re definitely thinking about the Ravens game as the “can we make it in the playoffs” test. The Giants are rolling, but need more tough wins to take their division. These two teams could easily meet again here in the playoffs.
by dlh on Nov 7, 2011 1:44 PM PST up reply actions
Trust me, they're not.
they’re definitely thinking about the Ravens game
Clayton Kershaw, Giant Killer | KeMVP #BEASTMODE
"By now if u don't believe the Niners are for real ur probably not that good at what u do..." - Donte Whitner
I hope not
we still got 2 weeks for that game
Supposedly the Niners have a weak offense. They are only ranked 6th in PPG.
Crabtree runs a 4.52
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
I don't remember anybody calling it a trap game, but if they did, its totally idiotic.
Rest assured most of the fans, and most definitely the team, will treat the 9ers with the requisite amount of respect the team demands.
"Respect all. Fear none."
- Tom Coughlin
by BigBlueIntervention on Nov 7, 2011 1:46 PM PST up reply actions
Well, obviously
he must have meant a trap game for the niners!
Aren’t we favored to win? How is that a trap game to them? I am more worried than nyg fans because we are favored by 3.5 and it’s a home game. Super stressed about this game. In jh I trust to kick some nyg tail. I feel sorry for Bradshaw when he meets 52/53.
by mrb24 on Nov 7, 2011 4:35 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
It's a trap game
Simply because the Giants came off a huge emotional win against the Patriots, it’s the classic definition of a trap game. Not to mention its a road game across the country.
I can’t in good conscience think about impact players for the playoffs. I’m too focused on clinching the division (inevitable it looks like) and homefield advantage. To get there, though, I think we need that secondary to back up our front seven when the ball flies in their direction so I say the secondary. If I had to choose one player, it would be Carlos Rogers.
www.armchairlinebacker.com
by armchair middle distance runner on Nov 7, 2011 1:39 PM PST reply actions
considering the (likely) competition in the playoffs...
…being teams with huge home field advantages of their own – Saints, Falcons, Lions (yes we beat them there already but do you really want to go back?) – a west coast home field would be extremely advantageous.
by dlh on Nov 7, 2011 1:49 PM PST up reply actions
Our ability to win with defense in the playoffs relies on one thing
The health of Whitner and Goldson. Our safety depth gives up big plays every time they turn around.
Other
Willis Bowman Rogers and J Smith will all make bigger contributions than anyone in the poll
Poll
Should have phrased it better, but it’s meant as more of a surprise player which is why those players are listed. Who is likely to come out of their shell and perform well on the big stage. Like Tramon Williams was, like Tracy Porter was, Brent Grimes, etcetera. So OTHER would reference like someone like Tramaine Brock maybe, DeMarcus Dobbs, Tarell Brown..
by Dylan DeSimone on Nov 7, 2011 1:57 PM PST up reply actions
If were talking surprise player
I’ve gotta say Aldon, the ability to get to the passer is what is going to keep us in the game against the Saints/Pack
I was going to say the exact same thing
This poll is incomplete without Willis and J.Smith on the list
Culliver?
Gave up the TD and a few 3rd down conversions yesterday. If anything, I think he impacts us in the playoffs in a negative way.
Don't agree 100%
But I think Culliver will be the one we will need a big performance from if we make the playoffs. I expect a lot of teams will try and target him due to his lack of experience. And he will get beat, but it’s going to be a maturation process for him. We can’t expect him not to get beat every now and then, our team ISN’T that good.
I might disagree
Our defense is a big reason we’re 7-1. Offensively, I think we’re better than the weekly scoreboard would indicate. We don’t really air it out, but that’s because we don’t need to…Frank is doing a good job of more or less carrying us thus far; as the saying goes, if it ain’t broke…
Btw, I’m well aware that Frank has a sprained ankle…just means Hunter will have to step it up, if Frank comes off the bench next Sunday
Personally I think Harbs is gonna tell Frank to tell the media (I dunno) like he did going into Philadelphia
by Doni S on Nov 7, 2011 2:57 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
No.
He’s been solid this year and that was his worst game.
Clayton Kershaw, Giant Killer | KeMVP #BEASTMODE
"By now if u don't believe the Niners are for real ur probably not that good at what u do..." - Donte Whitner
Redskins did a good job of knowing when we were in man coverage
Culliver was playing super soft in those situations and they took advantage for some big first downs. Need to get it fixed because the blueprint is out there now.
"It's impossible to hide the fire inside" - Bob Seger
I agree this was his worst game
and that he has played above expectations. He isn’t there yet, as a reliable defender in pressure situations against teams that can throw to many different targets.
I like that Cully had to play Calvin Johnson straight up, and I hope he continues to get those types of challenges so he’s ready to step up when the team needs him most.
by t p on Nov 7, 2011 4:32 PM PST up reply actions
when you mean there do you mean Reivs?
Supposedly the Niners have a weak offense. They are only ranked 6th in PPG.
Crabtree runs a 4.52
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
Aldon Smith
I believe if/when we make the playoffs, he will have a opportunity to make a big impact.
My rationale is that we’ll most likely be facing some pass heavyy teams in the following scenarios, which means we’ll most likely be in our nickel packages a good portion of the time.
Round 1: Possibly ATL, DET, NO or NYG
Round 2: I HOPE! GB
Does defense actually win championships?
is what Brian Sabean would have made if he were a instead of a MLB GM
Yes
Look at the Ravens from a while back. They had Trent Dilfer as a QB. Can you even name a WR from that team?
But, that defense was just absolutely insane….
They DID allow a rushing TD by week 9 though, just a little fun fact.
TE
Shannon Sharpe is all i remember
by sundaysfinest on Nov 7, 2011 3:24 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Yup
Hahaha
Just goes to show how that defense carried that team.
It was
One of the best defenses of all time. You couldn’t run on them, you couldn’t pass on them, and your best bet was to punt because they could score more on defense than on offense if you weren’t pinpoint precise.
So yes, if you have one of the best defensive or offensive units of all time, you don’t need the other unit to be special.
But if you are just good to great then you need the other unit to perform.
Surprised the 3 most dominent players aren't on this poll`
Patrick Willis, Navarro Bowman, Justin Smith? One, two or all three of them will surely make the biggest impact…
Gist of the poll
Explained in the comments. I took it literally and was wondering where P.Willy was too.
Looking to put San Fran*six-o* here some time soon!
Ray McDonald
Because it was clearly visible that we couldn’t put that much pressure on the qb than we usually could. So Ray was definitely missed.
by Campustobi on Nov 7, 2011 3:40 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
#52 should always be on ANY poll involving defense
But as for suprising players? um…. Im gonna go with Ray McDonald.
I think Justin is gonna be playing his heart out, finally being in the playoffs and all, so hes gonna draw double teams. And Aldon isnt going to be a secret to anyone by the playoffs. Ray is gonna get alot of 1-on-1’s, hopefully hes healthy.
All of those are the exact reasons why I voted for Ray
So much of the attention will go to Pat, NaVorro, Justin & Aldon that Ray will get one-on-one matchups against RG which is usually a more run oriented position plus if Brooks can get going then it will make his life that much easier
by Lok on Nov 7, 2011 4:30 PM PST up reply actions
Broooooks!!
one of the most complete players, overall, this season. he’s crushing the QB and playing solid in the run game.
Remember the first play from scrimmage in the preseason contest vs Houston? That was awesome.
Top 10 Defense?
Easily a Top 5 defense. They are right on par with Ravens, Jets and Steelers.
The difference between this year and last year is having Aldon Smith as a legit pass rusher and better coverage in the backend. Seems the coverage has improved because the 49ers got more DBs allowing them to pick the match ups while everyone individually is playing a little better.
I would rank our defensive improvements like this
Fangio
Aldon
Bowman
Rodgers
McDonald
Of coarse cannot rule out p willy n j smith
by mrb24 on Nov 7, 2011 5:01 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
The front office did a stellar job in upgrading the D this season
1) let Aubrayo Franklin go in FA, replaced at NT by Isaac Sopoaga, UPGRADE
2) replaced Sopoaga at LDE with Ray McDonald, UPGRADE
3) let Takeo Spikes go in FA, replaced by Navorro Bowman, UPGRADE
4) let Manny Lawson go in FA, replaced by Ahmad Brooks, UPGRADE
5) using Aldon Smith to replace Parys Haralson in nickle, UPGRADE
7) let Nate Clements go in FA, replaced by Carlos Rogers, UPGRADE
8) traded S Taylor Mays, benched Reggie Smith, replaced both by Donte’ Whitner, UPGRADE
9) re-signed Dashon Goldson at S, who recently is playing the best he’s ever played. UPGRADE
On top of all that, we have All-Pro Patrick Willis and Pro-Bowler Justin Smith… no upgrade necessary at those positions (in fact, no upgrade was possible, upgrades to them don’t exist…). And that covers 10 of the 11 defensive positions.
NINE DECISIONS MADE, ALL NINE PROVING TO BE CORRECT!!!!!!!!!!!!
9 FOR 9. Now THAT’S STELLAR!!!!!!!! Yes, the defensive coaches have done a great job, but Baalke and his staff gave them the tools.
After all was said and done, a lot more got said than done.
Awesome!!!
So many more than I mentioned. Front office made the right moves, but got to give the coaching staff credit for getting it together in a short time.
by mrb24 on Nov 7, 2011 9:37 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Not sure how much credit to give Fangio
He is running nearly the same schemes as Manusky (I am happy about this). There are differences in the details but he stuck with core philosophies: traditional 3-4 on running downs, switch to 4-3 on passing downs, rely on pressure rushing four and protect the weaker secondary. Whoever is making the calls managing the secondary is doing a great job, also the call to promote McDonald over Franklin was the right one.
I’d give him his fair share because I feel like our d improved quite a bit. More so then just adding players like aldon, mcd, Rodgers, whit, n cully and losing Franklin Manny, Nate, and Spikes. I think they are not getting burned as much and much better against the run and especially in the red zone. I feel like Rodgers is playing better than Nate, dashon playing much better this year. If this wasn’t due to fangio, then who? Maybe the captains or jh?
by mrb24 on Nov 7, 2011 8:56 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
To WIN a Championship in today's NFL....
It will take Defense-Offense-Special Teams-Coaching…..not just one element.
It'll probably need more from the offense than 1 TD over 6 qtrs.
It’s funny how things come full circle. Bill Walsh used a short passing attack against teams that were built to defend power running. Now Harbaugh is using a power running attack against teams built to defend short passing.
Mush respect to our defense
And to Alex Smith a lot of respect to you sr because u have the chanse To take the money and run you did not mush respect you may never be Joe Montana but you got as big a hart as Joe does Go niners!
by senero on Nov 7, 2011 5:43 PM PST via mobile reply actions
This team reminds me of the '85 Bears that won the SB 46-10.
Willis is Singletary. Justin Smith is Dan Hampton. Aldon Smith is Richard Dent. Bowman is Wilbur Marshall. Gore is Payton. Ginn jr. is Willie Gault. Harbaugh and Ditka have some things in common. The QB was Jim McMahon. He started 11 games in the regular season. His 1985 statistics were 178/313, 2392 yards, 15 TD and 11 INT. He completed 56.9% of his passes for a 82.8 quarterback rating. Who’s got it better than us?
16 one game seasons, where every game is the Superbowl, and is "What's Important Now".
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