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5 Keys to the 49ers Finding Success In 2016

By Robert Smith

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jimmie Ward (25) celebrates the touchdown of free safety Eric Reid (35) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jimmie Ward (25) celebrates the touchdown of free safety Eric Reid (35) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 11, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) and defensive end Quinton Dial (92) stop New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY SPORTS
Oct 11, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) and defensive end Quinton Dial (92) stop New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY SPORTS /

No. 3: Stopping The Run

From 2011 to 2014, the 49ers ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in rush defense. That rank fell all the way to the bottom of the league last year under former head coach Jim Tomsula.

“Our mantra right now is we are going to stop the run on early downs and then we want to confuse and hit your quarterback.” – Jim O’Neil

With player retirements and injuries, the Niners defense lost it’s identity.

New defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil seems intent on reestablishing that identity, telling the media in his first news conference, courtesy of mercurynews.com, “Our mantra right now is we are going to stop the run on early downs and then we want to confuse and hit your quarterback.”

That must sound like music to Niners fans’ ears. And with DeForest Buckner, Quinton Dial, Ian Williams, Arik Armstead and Glenn Dorsey, the defensive front seems to have the talent to get it done.

And let’s not forget the NFL leader in tackles last year in NaVorro Bowman, who appears to be all the way back from the gruesome knee injury suffered in the NFC Championship in 2014.

When the 49ers were at their best a few seasons ago, they were stout against the run.

In fact, most teams who excel at stopping the run seem to find success. In 2015, eight of the top-10 teams against the run all made it to the playoffs. Of the eight division winners, six were in the top 11 against the run.

And with the likes of David Johnson of the Arizona Cardinals, Thomas Rawls of the Seattle Seahawks and Todd Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC West, the Niners will have to play big against the run to give themselves a chance at winning division games this season.

Next: No. 2:. Third-Down Efficiency