Optimistic reasons why 49ers bounce back from slow start to 2022
By Peter Panacy
Reason No. 2: 49ers still have elite-level defense
It’s difficult, yes. But teams do win Super Bowls despite lackluster offenses. Perhaps the most recent example being the 2015 Broncos who won the Super Bowl that season despite then-quarterback Peyton Manning noodle-arming his passing efforts to the tune of the league’s 19th-best scoring offense.
Sure, weak offenses can expose and waste elite defenses. And it appears as if the 49ers may risk doing just this in 2022.
However, provided the Niners can remotely just figure out how to offensively manage games, their defense might be enough to shoulder the rest of the load.
Despite the 1-2 record, San Francisco’s defense currently ranks towards the very top (if not tops) in some awfully important categories:
- Points allowed: 37 (third fewest)
- Yards allowed: 687 (second fewest)
- Yards per play: 3.9 (lowest)
- Pass yards allowed: 445 (lowest)
- Rush yards per attempt: 2.8 (tied for second fewest)
Related Story: Strong defensive outing wasted in Niners’ loss to Broncos
Simply put, defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans is putting together yet another masterclass, especially in light of his side of the ball pitching a shutout against the Seahawks in Week 2 (Seattle’s points came off a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown) before surrendering only nine of Denver’s 11 total points, thanks to Jimmy Garoppolo’s safety.
All the defense needs now is for the 49ers offense to pick up the slack, even by only a slight margin.