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Rams Share Insight on Current State of 49ers Defense

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 12:13 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Los Angeles Insight: Current State of the 49ers Defense

The San Francisco 49ers’ defense has long been the cornerstone of the franchise’s identity, and the team’s move to Los Angeles has forced a renewed focus on how that core will translate to a new arena and a new set of opponents. In this in‑depth look at the 49ers’ defensive unit, we examine the personnel changes, coaching adjustments, statistical trends, and the strategic challenges that lie ahead as the team prepares to host the Los Angeles Rams.

Personnel and Roster Adjustments

Nick Bosa – The Core of the Pass Rush

Nick Bosa remains the single most influential figure on the defensive front. Drafted in 2019, Bosa has consistently been one of the league’s most productive interior linemen, recording double‑digit sacks in each of his first four seasons. In 2023, the tackle posted 12.5 sacks and 20 quarterback pressures, anchoring a front that ranked 6th in pass rush across the NFL. Bosa’s presence forces opposing quarterbacks to take the ball early, a factor that has been critical in the 49ers’ playoff runs.

Taron Johnson – The Emerging All‑Purpose Player

After an injury‑hit 2022 season, Taron Johnson returned to the lineup in 2023 and quickly became a key component of the secondary. Johnson’s ability to read routes and deliver deep coverage was highlighted in a week‑five game against the Green Bay Packers, where he recorded two interceptions and 95 yards of coverage. The 49ers have been looking to solidify their coverage against the Rams’ prolific wide‑receiver corps, and Johnson’s growth has been a central part of that plan.

Patrick Willis – A Veteran’s Influence

Although Patrick Willis retired as a player in 2018, his presence has shifted to a coaching capacity, serving as a defensive analyst for the team. Willis’s insight into the defensive scheme—particularly in situational play‑calling—has helped refine the 49ers’ approach to the Rams’ high‑tempo offense. Willis’s mentorship of younger defensive backs has been noted as a contributing factor to the unit’s improved consistency over the last two seasons.

Injury Concerns

Injuries have rattled the defense during the 2023 campaign. Linebacker Alex Okafor missed six games with a hamstring strain, while defensive end Josh Norman suffered a broken hand that forced him to miss a critical game against the Rams. The depth chart now features rookie rookie defensive end Jared Goff as a potential replacement, signaling a strategic shift that could impact the front’s aggressiveness.

Coaching and Scheme

Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh – Tactical Adaptability

Robert Saleh, who took over the defensive coordinator role in 2020, has been praised for his adaptability. Saleh’s ability to blend a 3‑4 base scheme with 4‑3 stunts has allowed the 49ers to remain unpredictable. The unit’s current statistics show a pass‑defense efficiency rating of 102 (the 8th best in the NFL) and a run‑defense efficiency rating of 98 (the 10th best). This versatility will be vital against a Rams offense that leans heavily on play‑action passes.

Hybrid Packages

A standout feature of the 49ers’ defensive playbook is the “Hybrid Package” that places a safety in a linebacker‑like role against the run while staying responsible for intermediate coverage. This strategy has proven effective in limiting big plays, as evidenced by a 40‑minute game against the Atlanta Falcons where the 49ers allowed only a single touchdown in the final quarter.

Statistical Trends

Points Allowed and Turnover Margin

The 49ers defense allowed an average of 23.9 points per game in 2023, an improvement from the 26.1 points allowed in 2022. Their turnover margin improved from –0.3 in 2022 to +0.2 in 2023, largely due to an increased number of forced fumbles and interceptions by defensive backs like Taron Johnson and cornerback Jimmie Turner.

Sacks and Pressure

The 49ers’ pass rush has been a standout aspect, with 49 sacks over the season (ranked 5th in the league). The team’s quarterback pressure rate is at 38%, meaning opponents experience a sack or a forced throw on 38% of rushing attempts. This pressure rate is a direct result of Bosa’s presence combined with Saleh’s aggressive blitz calling.

Run Defense

On the ground, the 49ers allowed an average of 107 rushing yards per game, a decrease of 12 yards from the previous season. The run defense's success is tied to the effectiveness of Alex Okafor (before his injury) and the improved tackling technique among the linebackers.

Strategic Matchup Against the Rams

The Rams’ Offense – Matthew Stafford’s Proficiency

Matthew Stafford’s ability to deliver the ball quickly to his receivers has created opportunities for the Rams to exploit the 49ers’ secondary. Stafford’s career completion percentage is 66.1%, and he averages 8.2 yards per catch in 2023. His quick release puts the 49ers’ pass coverage on thin ice, making a strong pass rush even more critical.

Cooper Kupp and the Wide‑Receiver Threat

Cooper Kupp’s 94 receptions for 1,385 yards last season, along with 11 touchdowns, make him a significant threat. The 49ers defense will need to employ a combination of zone and man coverage to neutralize Kupp, especially in the red‑zone.

Strategic Focus Points

1. Maintaining Pressure: Bosa and the defensive line must sustain a high pressure rate to limit Stafford’s decision‑making window.
2. Depth in the Secondary: The 49ers must protect key matchups between their defensive backs and Rams’ receivers by using hybrid coverage to keep defensive backs off the ball.
3. Controlling the Line of Scrimmage: The Rams’ rushing attack, spearheaded by Todd Gurley, will require the 49ers to focus on tackling and containment at the line.

Looking Ahead

The 49ers’ defensive unit has shown resilience, adaptability, and statistical improvement over the past two seasons. With the addition of new talent, the strategic insight of veteran coaches, and a relentless pass rush spearheaded by Nick Bosa, the defense is positioned to challenge the Rams in a high‑stakes game. However, injuries and the Rams’ balanced offensive attack will test the 49ers’ defensive depth and scheme flexibility.

The forthcoming matchup offers an opportunity for the 49ers to solidify their status as a defensive powerhouse while simultaneously proving that the transition to Los Angeles has not compromised the defensive integrity that fans have come to expect. As the game approaches, analysts will watch closely to see whether the 49ers’ defense can continue its upward trajectory and deliver a performance that reflects the legacy of a storied franchise.