Niner Noise
FanSided

5 stats where the 49ers actually performed well in 2017

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Shane Vereen #34 of the New York Giants is tackled by Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Shane Vereen #34 of the New York Giants is tackled by Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Average Rush Yards Against

3.8 — Seventh in the NFL

As much as it hurts to remember, let’s go back to the 49ers’ 2016 campaign on defense and recall how putrid it was.

Like, historically putrid.

A year ago, San Francisco allowed a whopping average of 4.8 yards against on the ground. Not surprisingly, that was dead last in the league by a long shot. Flip the script to 2017, and the number drops down to 3.8.

A full yard better, and a ranking from 32nd all the way down to seventh best.

Despite facing off against more rushing attempts than any other team in the league (491), the Niners were able to clamp down on opponents’ ground games with relative ease. And there are a number of factors as to why.

First, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s 4-3 Under scheme calls for as many as eight defenders in the box, which limits point-of-attack lanes and prevents ball carriers from extending deep into the next level.

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Then, of course, you have to account for running back Reuben Foster, whose 90.9 Pro Football Focus run-stopping grade ranked fourth among all qualifying linebackers this season.

Yeah, he’s a difference maker.

Simply put, opposing teams are going to recognize they won’t be able to run the ball easily against the 49ers like they were in prior years. And that’s a bonus, especially if the Niners are able to bolster the pass rush and find some lock-down corners on the outside.

Next: 49ers 2017 review: Full position grades and analysis

San Francisco might have finished well below the .500 mark. But these notable stat improvements suggest the rebuild is progressing nicely into 2018.