On Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers lost to the Atlanta Falcons. The red and gold gave up 29 points, but it was a better defensive effort than the box score implied. The offense wasn't sharp and, in turn, handicapped the team on the opposite side of the ball.
Despite four turnovers by Brock Purdy and Co., the San Francisco defensive front was able to accomplish something that no other team has been able to do this year.
Star running back Bijan Robinson ran for just 3.2 yards per carry on Sunday. No other defense has been able to hold him to less than 4.0 yards per carry all season. It's a continuation of a trend the 49ers have been establishing for a while.
After getting gashed on the ground by the Rams in Week 1, they have shored up their D-line, thanks in large part to defensive tackle Gracen Halton. The squad now ranks fifth in rushing yards allowed per game. Their 89.0 yards conceded on the ground is less than other stout defenses such as the Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Their low yardage total is not just a product of positive game scripts, either. The Niners are currently tied for sixth in rush yards allowed per carry.
49ers' run-stopping advantage will help them win key future matchups
With the loss on Sunday, the Niners slip to the second seed in the NFC behind the undefeated Vikings. There is still a long way to go in the season, however, and the conference's first seed will likely be determined by slim margins.
The 49ers' run-stopping prowess will help them win crucial matchups down the stretch, as they face the Las Vegas Raiders' Ashton Jeanty, the Chiefs' Kenneth Walker III, and the Philadelphia Eagles' Saquon Barkley, among others.
Looking from a broader perspective, many of the 49ers' most formidable Super Bowl threats boast elite running games. In fact, four of the NFL's top five rushing leaders reside on hypothetical playoff teams, assuming the season ended today.
San Francisco is turning into a bit of a pass-funnel under defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. The efforts put forth by the front seven can't be understated, and it can only add to the likelihood of the team making a deep run this postseason.
The 49ers now head into their bye week looking to get healthy on the offensive end. If various receivers make full recoveries, the red and gold should come out of the off week a more complete team.
Add us as a preferred source on Google