5 stats reveal why 49ers are 3-5 halfway through 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: 49ers are missing way too many tackles
One might think San Francisco’s lack of a pass rush would lead to exorbitant numbers in terms of the pass defense, right? Especially with fill-in cornerbacks Josh Norman and Dre Kirkpatrick having to patrol the defensive backfield, and safeties Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt both missing time with injuries.
Not exactly, though.
Ironically enough, the 49ers actually own the NFL’s fourth-best pass defense with only 1,652 yards allowed here, and surrendering 6.2 yards per pass play is a not-bad 11th best in the league entering Week 10.
Something doesn’t quite add up.
Except it does when you begin to factor in the growing number of missed tackles the team has had this season, highlighted by the 10 missed in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals.
On the year, the Niners have missed a whopping 56 tackles, which is tied for 12th most in the league but beginning to increase in shocking totals, last Sunday’s game being a prime example.
What this is creating is a situation where any opposing ball-carrier, be it a running back, wide receiver or tight end, is frequently going to be allowed to pick up an extra 5 yards or so before another defender can bring him down.
If that trend continues, San Francisco’s defense could end up being one of the worst-performing units in the league by the season’s end.