San Francisco 49ers: 3 reasons the pass rush will be better in 2018 than you think

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 29: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled after a short gain by DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first half during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 29, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 29: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled after a short gain by DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first half during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 29, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 22: Geno Hayes #55 and J.T. Thomas #52 of the Jacksonville Jaguars talk with the linebacker coach Robert Saleh during the preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on August 22, 2014 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Jaguars 13-12. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 22: Geno Hayes #55 and J.T. Thomas #52 of the Jacksonville Jaguars talk with the linebacker coach Robert Saleh during the preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on August 22, 2014 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Jaguars 13-12. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh’s Game Plan, Personnel

Robert Saleh enters his second year as the 49ers defensive coordinator after something of a so-so effort in 2017.

Saleh, of course, stems from both the Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching trees (largely under former coordinator/head coach Gus Bradley), and there are some pointers we can learn from Saleh’s tenure there.

Neither the Seahawks nor Jaguars blitz too much. Their defenses primarily relied on a four-man rush. Blitzing was usually reserved for key moments and when those four weren’t getting home. And that’s often the only way a low-scale pass-rushing group can implement pressure. If your natural pass-rushers aren’t effective, you have to scheme pressure, right?

Don’t expect Saleh to suddenly become more “blitz happy” in 2018. He might experiment with it some. But not much.

Yet another key area of point, when comparing both the Seahawks and Jags defenses, is to note both teams’ defensive backs. Jacksonville has an elite corps of secondary players, while Seattle boasted one of the best during Saleh’s tenure there.

A weakness in 2017, the 49ers’ own secondary saw plenty of reinforcement this offseason, namely with All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman. Even moderately better secondary play, capable of providing adequate coverage for just a second or two longer than last year, can make a huge difference in the pass rush.

Next: Each NFL team's biggest concern heading into 2018

And pass-rushers can thrive off those additional split seconds. So, if the 49ers defensive backs hold their ground better than they did a year ago, look for the pass rush to be a primary beneficiary.