Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers are the team nobody wants to mess with in the NFC playoffs

By Tommy Jaggi

George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates his sack with Kerry Hyder Jr. #92. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

49ers punishing defense will make teams pay

If defenses win championships, then go ahead and size the San Francisco 49ers for their Super Bowl rings. This unit has been one of the best defenses we have seen in decades for a number of reasons.

According to Football Outsiders, the 49ers have the number-one-ranked DVOA defense in the league. In terms of raw numbers, San Francisco ranks first in points allowed per game (16.3) and yards allowed per game (300.3), via Team Rankings. This team is also tied for the most efficient run defense in the NFL — allowing just 3.4 yards per attempt on the ground.

DeMeco Ryans deserves a ton of credit for putting his squad in a tier above the rest. He will be one of the top head coaching candidates thanks to his excellence in San Francisco. However, it helps when you have a future Defensive Player of the Year in Nick Bosa.

Bosa is having a career year as he racked up 18.5 sacks and a whopping 48 quarterback hits during the regular season. It’s worth noting that he missed one game this year as well. Meanwhile, the 49ers have a dominant group of linebackers with Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw and a secondary that can make you pay if you’re not careful with the football.