The 49ers are statistically the best defense in the NFL and, while improvements in the secondary have played a pivotal role in their early-season ascension to the league’s premier unit, theirs is still a group defined by its strength up front. The Niners are a team that thrives by throwing waves of pass rushers at opposing offenses, as their dominant 24-9 win over the Los Angeles Rams illustrated.
Five different 49er defenders combined for seven sacks of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford on Monday night. However, as much as the 49ers value the ability to consistently rotate defensive linemen into the starting lineup, having starting pass rushers who can regularly create pressure remains a tremendous asset.
