San Francisco 49ers, Breaking Down Team’s Strengths, Liabilities in 2016
By Peter Panacy
Liability: Stopping the Run
In 2016, the 49ers ranked No. 29 in the league with 2,020 yards allowed on the ground. That’s an average of over 126 yards given up per game to opponents’ rushing attacks.
San Francisco made some strides this offseason to ensure those numbers don’t repeat themselves. Additions of players like rookie defensive end DeForest Buckner may help, but one can’t immediately assume the Niners will be great against the run this year.
Part of those aforementioned numbers are skewed, yes. The 49ers were, essentially, out of games all too often last year, which opened up the door for opponents to run the ball.
But consider this — San Francisco may still employ linebacker Michael Wilhoite up the middle in obvious run-defense packages, and Wilhoite — who did rank No. 2 on the team in tackles (62) — finished 2015 with a minus-5.4 run-defense grade, per PFF. That was the lowest on the team in this category.
Wilhoite may not secure the starting job this year. Fellow linebackers Gerald Hodges and Ray-Ray Armstrong might wind up emerging alongside perennial Pro Bowler NaVorro Bowman.
With 128 first downs given up on the ground though, one still has to be a tad worried about San Francisco’s run-stopping abilities.
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