Through the first five weeks of the 2022 NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers’ defense has been a time machine. In an era of hyperspeed playmakers and quantum game plans, the Niners have their opponents playing Bronze Age football, averaging just 3 yards per carry (the lowest in the NFL) and 5.2 yards per passing attempt (tied for second-lowest). The 12.2 points per game they’re giving up are tied with the Buffalo Bills for the stingiest mark in the league. The Niners have more turnovers (7) than their opponents have touchdowns (5); they’ve sacked the quarterback 21 times.
Offenses haven’t tested this nasty 49ers defense. Injuries will.
