5 key storylines to watch for 49ers during 2020 NFL playoffs

No. 1: Much-Needed Defensive Reinforcements Returning

Jimmy Garoppolo’s postseason efforts will certainly garner the most attention this postseason, but one could make the argument they’re not the most important. Instead, considering the team’s weaknesses lay on the defensive side, the most crucial storyline is San Francisco getting some much-needed help back on that side of the ball.

San Francisco 49ers

Safety Jaquiski Tartt (ribs), who has been out since Week 13, is a strong candidate to return, helping solidify the questionable secondary. Kyle Shanahan also suggested linebacker Kwon Alexander (pectoral) could possibly return off injured reserve for the NFC Championship game, if the 49ers make it that far.

But arguably the biggest difference maker is EDGE Dee Ford, who has appeared in just 11 games this season and has missed significant time with both quad and hamstring injuries.

Ford has appeared in just one game since Week 14, and it’s no coincidence that’s when San Francisco’s sack totals, which were previously on a torrid pace, began to dry up. Yes, the 49ers finished with 48 regular-season sacks, which was tied for fifth most. But since Week 12, the defense has picked up only eight, leaving the other 40 for when Ford was a prime factor.

Ford’s presence had a massive positive trickle-down effect on the rest of the defense, meaning his return could spark a “return to form,” of sorts, for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s unit this postseason.

And those kinds of efforts might just be what San Francisco needs to reach the Super Bowl.