Stop the run challenge in 2025. The 49ers can’t possibly be worse against the run this year…right?
On Monday, we discussed the No. 1 priority for the San Francisco 49ers offense. It’s simple. Score touchdowns in the red zone. The defensive side of the ball becomes even clearer when we list priorities.
Stop the run
Robert Saleh’s fingerprints were all over the 2025 NFL Draft. He probably had a say in which defensive linemen were released, too. According to Pro Football Focus, only one player along the defensive line had an average run defense grade in 2024, and it was Nick Bosa. That’s…not OK. Those issues
Last season was the first time since 2018 that the 49ers had a run-defense grade ranked lower than 13th in PFF’s grades. Make no mistake, the loss of Javon Hargrave handicapped the 49ers depth along the defensive line. From Week 4-17, the Niners were 25th in rushing EPA and 28th in rushing success rate. They were abysmal.
However, a historic offensive performance hid those same deficiencies in 2023. Let’s not pretend the 49ers were stout against the run two seasons ago. Filtering out Week 18 in 2023, when the 49ers rested their starters, they were 25th in rushing EPA and 21st in success rate — still considerably below average.
The 49ers got away from their principles these past couple of offseasons by bringing in pass-rush first players. It’s easy to criticize in hindsight, but you understand the train of thought. Kyle Shanahan was probably thinking, “We’re going to score a lot of points, so the opposition will be forced to throw since they’ll be playing from behind.”
As you saw from the 2023 numbers, the Niners got away with that line of thinking. But that couldn’t outrun those issues last year. It’s also unfair to pin the struggles against the run solely on the defensive line — although that’s where the domino effect starts.
The decision to replace Dre Greenlaw with De’Vondre Campbell proved disastrous. It’s hard to fathom a linebacker can play 48 and 73 snaps, respectively, against the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks in Week 3 and 6 and come away with, wait for it, four total tackles. For reference, Greenlaw had eight tackles in Week 15 and did not play in the second half.
Dee Winters’ health is something to keep an eye on, while Nick Martin can’t possibly be worse than Campbell despite not having played a snap in the NFL. Their speed, athleticism, and aggression will be a breath of fresh air for fans after watching Campbell hesitate repeatedly.
The cornerback play was encouraging against the run, but Mooney Ward is no longer on the roster. Tre Brown and Upton Stout are competing for the CB3 job.
However, you can’t say the same for the tackling of the safeties. Ji’Ayir Brown’s missed tackle rate actually improved by nine percent from his rookie season. His missed tackle that led to a touchdown against the Bills is constantly brought up, but it was Talanoa Hufanga’s missed tackle rate of 28.3 that was a significant blow to the defense — his inability to stay on the field didn’t help, either.
Rookie Malik Mustapha’s missed tackle rate was slightly worse than Brown’s, but he’s an enforcer whose impact goes well beyond numbers. Even though he’s only going into Year 2, Mustapha’s play is irreplaceable. Whoever fills in for Mustapha has size 22 shoes to fill.
Newcomers Richie Grant and Jason Pinnock are subbing in for Brown and Mustapha while they recover from injuries. Tackling is the reason Grant lost his job in Atlanta, while Pinnock’s career numbers leave plenty to be desired.
The pressure will be on the front seven not only to stay healthy but to not leave the safeties in precarious positions when it comes to making plays in situations where they’re unlikely to thrive.