Kyle Shanahan is a head coach known for his offensive mastery. The San Francisco 49ers’ biggest move of the past few years was the trade and massive extension for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The franchise itself is defined by great offense: Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens.
But this fine 49ers team is driven by defense. San Francisco’s defense is the best remaining in the playoffs, and it absolutely flattened the Minnesota Vikings in a divisional playoff game. San Francisco won 27-10. The 49ers will host the NFC championship game next week against the Seattle Seahawks or Green Bay Packers.