Defense in the NFL is evolving right before our eyes. The best defenses in the league these days have two good, willing safeties that are capable of making plays near the line of scrimmage and 25 yards down the field.
Long gone are the days where you have a free and a strong safety. If you can’t run the alley on outside runs or fit the run, you can’t play. But, on the other hand, if you can’t cover, whether that’s zone or man, you’re worthless in today’s game.
The San Francisco 49ers are fortunate to have two high-quality safeties.