49ers preseason 2021: 3 overreactions from 19-16 loss to Chiefs

49ers defense will absolutely dominate teams

No starting MIKE linebacker, defensive tackles, defensive ends, free safety, cornerbacks or nickelback for the 49ers against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs starters, and they forced a punt after allowing just one first down. They held the Chiefs quarterbacks to 5 yards a completion and ended up with one interception.

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Was it perfect? No. But to play that well means they have to dominate teams on defense, right?

Out of all the overreactions, this might be the least crazy of them all, but like all preseason overreactions, there’s no basis for this off of one preseason game. Preseason games occur at a pace slower than regular seasons, and offenses are usually more vanilla. That benefits the defense, albeit not as much as some might think.

But the 49ers defense showed out well, all things considered. The defensive line showcased its depth, something that will be critical as attrition sets in throughout the season and players are rotated to stay fresh. The backup linebackers, especially Jonas Griffith, looked good and aggressive, and the secondary competed well, even if they weren’t always perfect. The 49ers defense has a very high potential, and the depth looked good.

But don’t go making any guarantees off one series against Mahomes and the Chiefs starters.

And join in on the fun. Drop your overreactions in the chat below!