5 unavoidable takeaways from 49ers’ Week 3 loss to Broncos

49ers takeaway vs. Broncos No. 4: DeMeco Ryans is gone after this season

While Kyle Shanahan is known for his bright offensive mind, it’s actually been the Niners defense that has carried the team, both towards the end of last season and over three games into 2022, too.

Thank you very much, defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans.

After turning down potential head-coaching opportunities last offseason, Ryans is yet again off to a masterclass season with San Francisco, his defense only showing some slight gaffes in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears before effectively pitching a shutout versus the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 (Seattle’s lone points came off a blocked field-goal attempt returned for a touchdown).

Against quarterback Russell Wilson and the Broncos, Ryans’ unit still held Denver to an average of just 3.7 yards per play and nine points, the other two coming off Jimmy Garoppolo’s miscue in the end zone that went for a safety.

Ryans already figured to be a hot candidate for a head-coaching gig entering 2023, and the first three weeks are pretty much solidifying the idea he’ll wind up getting that job.

One can only hope the defense he helped develop into one of the league’s top units this year carries over with whichever coach winds up replacing him.