The San Francisco 49ers are making a change in defense, switching from their 3-4 of the past few years to a 4-3 defense similar to what the Seattle Seahawks run. The defense was used in Jacksonville under Gus Bradley, and continues to be used in Atlanta under Dan Quinn. Success varies depending on the personnel, but the 49ers are going to attempt to implement it.
The 49ers have some decisions to make as they maneuver personnel into new roles, and one of those will be what to do with Jimmie Ward. There has been talk in the media of using Ward in the Earl Thomas deep safety role.