Niners Defense Improves

Posted by sf49ers

September 19, 2007 |

As evident in the last two games, the Defense has greatly improved- no longer are they the embarrassment of the NFL. They have evolved with many free-agent and draft pickups, which include rookie LB Patrick Willis, veteran CB Nate Clements, and ROLB Tully Banta-Cain. The defense looks very competent and I could see some great defensive strides with them in future games. Here is part of the article on ESPN:

San Francisco’s defense has greatly improved this season and is no longer a work in progress. The elevated play from the linebackers and the addition of CB Nate Clements make this defense a force to be reckoned with.

Patrick Willis
Willis

Nate Clements
Clements

Since the arrival of head coach Mike Nolan prior to the 2005 season the 49ers’ defense has been in the process of transitioning to a 3-4 scheme. This transition can take a long time, depending on the personnel, but San Francisco has sped up the process in large part because of new defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, who was the linebackers coach for the Chargers last season. Manusky has done a good job of putting together a strong unit group consisting of linemen who fill gaps, a fast, young linebacker corps and experienced cornerbacks who can play on an island. The group of playmaking linebackers includes RILB Patrick Willis, ROLB Tully Banta-Cain, LOLB Manny Lawson and LILB Derek Smith. Willis is a rookie but has quickly become an impact player and a physical force within this defense. He is a three-down linebacker with very good speed and instincts, plays sideline-to-sideline, has a knack for timing blitzes and makes plays in space on the backend in coverage. His play has been a big factor in the early success of the 49ers’ defensive schemes and if he stays healthy he is on track for possible Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Source: ESPN Insider