As the San Francisco 49ers' blitz rate has increased, their third down conversion rate defensively has decreased. Is there a correlation? I believe so.
Attacking early to get to third and obvious
One of the biggest misconceptions about stats like blitzing is that they only happen on passing downs. During the first month of the season, defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen quickly figured out that his unit was having difficulty stopping the run.
How do you combat that? Sorensen has blitzed Fred Warner and De’Vondre Campbell on early downs. Another way is by using five-man fronts on early downs.