Daniel Kilgore might have a good idea of what he’s in for in Sunday’s match-up against the New York Jets. The San Francisco 49ers center has dealt with Todd Bowles before, when the Jets head coach was the defensive coordinator in Arizona.
The Cardinals defense was one of the top defenses in the league during Bowles’s two years, unless they were playing the 49ers of course. Even then the team managed to have a decent pass rush combined with a stellar secondary that gave offenses fits.
Now that Bowles is the head coach of the Jets, Kilgore was asked about the similarity between the two defenses:
“It’s very similar. You’re going to see a lot of the same things. When he was in Arizona, they had a great defense. He’s in New York now, great defense so you’ll see a lot of similarities.”
When asked to elaborate, Kilgore went on:
You know, I’ve not gone back and watched, much of his Arizona stuff, but yeah, I’d say timing and everything will probably be the same.
Football Outsiders ranks the Jets defense No. 23 overall. They rank them 32nd against the pass and 2nd against the run. Among their defensive front stats, FO ranks the 49ers No. 6 in adjusted line yards, and No. 32 in adjusted sack rate.
The 49ers are likely looking at a significant change to the offensive line on Sunday. Left tackle Joe Staley is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury. If he does not play, as most would expect, Zane Beadles would likely move out to left tackle, and Andrew Tiller would move in at left guard.
Beadles has not played tackle since his rookie year, and that was on the right side. There will be questions there, but having Tiller, Kilgore, and Garnett handling the interior gives us a chance to see a group that is potentially intriguing as a long-term possibility. Beadles is not going anywhere at guard once Staley is healthy, but I’m intrigued to see what that trio can do this Sunday
If the 49ers’ offensive line can hold up against the Jets defense is another matter entirely. It’s definitely refreshing to know going in that the veterans have a good idea of what to expect.