The San Francisco 49ers have issues on both sides of the ball, but it seems a lot of the rage has been aimed at the defense. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’ unit hasn’t been putting up the numbers one would like. The 49ers are averaging 29.2 points per game (29th) and are ranked 24th in sacks. They are tied for dead last in interceptions and in the back half of the league (a massive tie at 18th) for fumbles recovered.
Those last two stats didn’t improve at all on Sunday. While the offense turned the ball over regularly, the defense could not get a takeaway if dire circumstances depended on it. While they managed to keep the Cardinals from operating after the opening touchdown (we have the offense’s five turnovers to thank for things going sideways), they still weren’t able to get any takeaways.
Then of course, there’s the first play of the Cardinals opening drive that led to a touchdown. 49ers safety Adrian Colbert shouldered the blame, but some of these miscommunications and bad decisions need to fall on someone other than the players. Is Saleh under the microscope?
49ers cornerback Richard Sherman has been supportive of Saleh’s play-calling and scheme, saying that the players need to execute things better. But when does the lack of execution and miscommunications turn into bad coaching? And will someone be going down with the ship after this season ends?
Keep in mind, this is a rebuild. The 49ers are trying to keep consistency for once, which includes the defensive coordinator. Some fans like Saleh’s defense and others I’ve noticed can’t stand it.
I think we’ll return to this through the rest of the season, but I want to see what everyone thinks of Saleh’s seat right now. Therefore I have the heat-o-meter:
Poll
How hot is Robert Saleh’s seat?
This poll is closed
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17%
Nuclear
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34%
Seat’s pretty uncomfortable with the heat
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32%
Nice and warm
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12%
Just sat down
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2%
Cold as ice