Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 statistics needing massive improvement in Week 4

By Peter Panacy

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 13: Running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers runs during the first half of the NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 13, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals beat the 49ers 23-20. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 13: Running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers runs during the first half of the NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 13, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals beat the 49ers 23-20. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by defensive lineman Arik Armstead of the San Francisco 49ers for a loss of 8 yards during the third quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by defensive lineman Arik Armstead of the San Francisco 49ers for a loss of 8 yards during the third quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

No. 1: The Pass Rush and Sack Totals

San Francisco’s defensive front seven was supposed to be one of the few areas of strength this season. The problem is we simply haven’t seen the regular pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Outside of second-year defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, that is.

Over three games, the Niners have just three sacks. All three of those came against Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and the NFL’s worst-ranked offensive line entering 2017, according to Pro Football Focus.

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The 49ers couldn’t get to Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, and they weren’t able to get to Rams QB Jared Goff either.

With a relatively inexperienced cornerback crop, one can easily draw the conclusion this crop is struggling because of the lack of pressure up front.

San Francisco still lacks an elite, pure pass-rusher. Veteran Elvis Dumervil might be the most natural here, and fellow EDGE Aaron Lynch has been inconsistent. We’ve yet to see converted EDGE Arik Armstead make a serious impact as well.

The Cardinals have allowed only five sacks this season to quarterback Carson Palmer, although Arizona’s offensive line has some injuries to consider.

Next: 49ers stock watch after Week 3 loss to Rams

If there has ever been a time for San Francisco’s pass rush to turn things up, Week 4 has to be it.