Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: 5 key defensive stats to watch in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tackle Mike Remmers (74) blocks San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) and outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tackle Mike Remmers (74) blocks San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) and outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
Dec 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) on a sack against New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) on a sack against New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Francisco 49ers hope 2017 will reveal a major turnaround for a defense coming off a historically bad year a season ago. Niner Noise looks at five key stats to watch this season to indicate whether this change is happening.

Late last month, Niner Noise took a look at key San Francisco 49ers offensive stats to watch in 2017.

These weren’t the average run-of-the-mill stats such as yards gained or touchdowns scored. Instead, we took a deeper look at specific numbers that will ultimately reflect how well head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense is operating this upcoming season.

Let’s flip the script and check out the defensive side of the ball.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will be implementing a 4-3 under scheme, featuring a lot of Cover 3 as well.

This 4-3 defense is modeled after the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars’ hybrids, which can utilize 3-4 personnel. San Francisco has spent a good deal of NFL Draft capital on 3-4 types in recent seasons.

Speaking of draft capital, key components of this defense will include the Niners’ actions from the 2017 rookie class.

Led by Stanford defensive end Solomon Thomas and Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster, this group will look to get past a last-place standing — in all the wrong categories — from a year ago.

To do so, a number of key stats will be at the focal point.

Here are five to watch this season.