San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The San Francisco 49ers defense utilizes a 4-3 Wide-9 base scheme under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the San Francisco 49ers Defense?

The San Francisco 49ers are right in the middle of the pack for the 2025 season, sitting at #13 in points allowed per game. Statistically, they are allowing 1.2 fewer points than the league average, which puts them ahead of the curve.

In the NFC West, they trail the Seattle Seahawks (#1) and Los Angeles Rams (#10) in points allowed per game but place higher than the Arizona Cardinals (#29) to round out the division.

They have struggled to generate consistent pressure or negative plays. To make matters worse, they struggle to force turnovers, limiting their ability to flip the field.

1
Total Sacks
0
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is below average compared to the league median, while their secondary is disciplined but rarely turns the ball over (0 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

Kalia Davis has been a solid performer in 2025, contributing 28 tackles and 0.5 sacks to the team's efforts. It also helps that Alfred Collins is having a solid 2025, recording 17 tackles and 1 sacks.

What is the San Francisco 49ers defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Robert Saleh

The San Francisco 49ers defense runs a 4-3 Wide-9 under coordinator Robert Saleh.

Base Defensive Front
4-3 Wide-9
?
4-3 Front (One-Gap)
Four down linemen, each responsible for a single gap. The goal is speed and penetration to disrupt plays in the backfield.

Tactical Philosophy

Robert Saleh returns to San Francisco, bringing back his signature aggressive 4-3 Wide-9 front that emphasizes D-line domination and simple, fast linebacker play.

Key Principles

Wide-9 AlignmentFour-Man RushCover 3 / Quarters

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Consistent 4-man pass rush without blitzing
  • ✓Effective against outside runs (gap integrity)
  • ✓ Simpler coverage responsibilities for LBs

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Can be vulnerable to power run schemes (Double teams)
  • ⚠Requires elite defensive line talent to succeed
  • ⚠Linebackers must be excellent in coverage

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the San Francisco 49ers Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

⚠️ This unit struggles to disrupt opposing offenses. They are reliable for points allowed but lack significant turnover upside.
Havoc Rate
POOR
0.6/g
Turnovers
POOR
0.0/g
Aggression
POOR
0.4/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
0.6
POOR
They disrupt the offense 0.6 times per game. Low disruption rate. Often indicates a conservative 'Bend-Don't-Break' scheme or lack of pass rush talent.
Ball Production
0.0
POOR
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 0.0 times per game. They struggle to take the ball away, relying on punts.
Front Aggression
0.4
POOR
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 0.4 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the San Francisco 49ers defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Steady
19.0 PPG(Last 3)
They are allowing -2.8 fewer points per game recently.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the San Francisco 49ers defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
S
Ji'Ayir Brown
Safety
QuestionableJan 14
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Luke Gifford
Linebacker
QuestionableJan 14
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
DE
Yetur Gross-Matos
Defensive End
QuestionableJan 14
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DE
Keion White
Defensive End
QuestionableJan 13
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
LB
Dee Winters
Linebacker
QuestionableJan 14
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
LB
Tatum Bethune
Linebacker
Injured ReserveJan 7
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
DE
Nick Bosa
Defensive End
Injured ReserveSep 26
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DE
Tarron Jackson
Defensive End
Injured ReserveJul 29
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
LB
Nick Martin
Linebacker
Injured ReserveDec 20
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
CB
Jakob Robinson
Cornerback
Injured ReserveAug 28
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Tre Tomlinson
Cornerback
Injured ReserveMay 13
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Fred Warner
Linebacker
Injured ReserveJan 13
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
DE
Mykel Williams
Defensive End
Injured ReserveNov 9
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
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