3 simple goals for Robert Saleh, 49ers defense in 2020
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: 49ers Must Finish in the Top 10 for Turnovers
A great pass rush is one thing, but it doesn’t always matter if the cover players aren’t up to par.
Thankfully, a good pass rush makes a defensive back’s job much easier. Combine that with the fact the 49ers don’t particularly blitz a lot, and Robert Saleh can leave as many as seven defenders back in coverage.
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Another factor, though, is the key takeaways. Last season, the Niners benefited from forcing those 27 turnovers, which heavily influenced the team’s offensive starting field position on its own 32.1-yard line, which was third best in the league.
Teams taking the ball away give up less yards, cut down on scoring chances and are on the field less frequently. It’s Football 101. And just like the stat about points allowed and seven of the top 10 in this category making the playoffs last year, another seven of the top-10 takeaways leaders ended up making the playoffs, too, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (28) and Los Angeles Rams (24) being the different exceptions.
Remember Ford? Well, in 2018, he led the league with seven forced fumbles. That kind of production would be essential for Saleh’s defense, as well as the secondary taking advantage of hurried throws because of pressure.
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Again, just like the pass rush and points allowed, the 49ers don’t need to league the lead in this particular category.
They just have to be good enough within it.