The 49ers’ defense made teams one-dimensional last year. San Francisco finished second in rushing EPA per play, success rate, and DVOA. Offenses didn’t bother wasting downs trying to run against the Niners, which made life more difficult through the air.
Arik Armstead was vital to last year’s success, but so was D.J. Jones, who took his talents to the Mile High city. Today, we’ll discuss whether the 49ers run defense in 2022 will be better or worse than they were a year ago.
Why the 49ers could be better
Health. That’s the most straightforward answer.