Outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks has never been more important to the 49ers’ defense than he is right now.
In recent seasons, Brooks had someone established and productive on the other side of the 49ers’ defense – whether that player was Parys Haralson, Aldon Smith or Aaron Lynch.
But while Lynch serves the second of a four-game suspension to open the season, Brooks appears to be the focal point of the 49ers’ defense entering Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.
“I think Ahmad’s a unique combination of size and speed,” 49ers coach Chip Kelly said. “Usually, you don’t have guys that are that big, 265-270 pounds that are that athletic.