The 49ers are playing a defense that they eventually want to be this Sunday. The Jaguars are dominant, in the red zone, on third down, and in the passing game. They probably have the best cornerback tandem in the league with A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey.
Defensive linemen Calais Campbell and Malik Jackson are also solid Pro Bowlers this year and former Cowboy and now ESPN commentator Darren Woodson believes Campbell is a defensive MVP candidate. The 49ers will entertain this defense Christmas Eve Day at Levi’s Stadium.
Jags play the Pete Carroll-fashioned, Seattle style of defense. The same scheme former Seattle and Jacksonville coach Robert Saleh is trying to install in San Francisco. The 49ers have gotten better, despite sustaining season-ending injuries to four starters (defensive end Arik Armstead, linebacker Malcolm Smith, and safeties Jimmy Ward and Jaquiski Tarrt).
But as it stands now, how many players does Saleh have in place to make his defense work? We take a look.
Three-technique: This is the defensive end that lines up on the outside shade of the offensive guard. He’s the highlighted player on the defensive line, the man who supposed to penetrate on every play and disrupt the run or pass before it gets started. Saleh said this week he feels he has that player in DeForest Buckner.
Nose guard: A run plugger who is supposed to control the middle: Saleh likely feels comfortable in Earl Mitchell in that role.
Big end: That’s the player on the outside who’s supposed to control the tight end in the pass and run game. In the first part of the season that player was Tank Carradine, but he hasn’t returned from his ankle injury with the same production. Solomon Thomas has played some big end, but the 49ers are still looking for someone to fulfill that role.
Elephant or pass rush end: Another role for Thomas, or on passing downs, Aaron Lynch or Elvis Dumervil. The 49ers are still looking for a consistent elephant.
Flex outside linebacker: Right now, Reuben Foster is in this spot and he’s doing well. Malcolm Smith was likely going to be the starter before he was hurt in training camp. The 49ers tried Eric Reid at this spot for a game or two and that’s where his future might be if he re-signs with the team.
Middle linebacker: Brock Coyle has played better than expected as the middle linebacker and defensive play-caller. Foster is destined to play in the middle next year.
Cornerback: This defense calls for tough, press corners, who can also play off in a three-deep zone. Dontae Johnson has struggled mightily of late in this role. Ahkello Witherspoon has the size, the smarts and the athleticism to a be Saleh corner, but can he gain the consistency? The team might move Jimmy Ward down to cornerback next season.
Strong safety: This player is often near the line of scrimmage to be a free tackler in the run game and to handle tight ends and backs in the passing game. Either Tarrt or Reid could be well-suited for this role.
Free safety: Rookie Adrian Colbert loves Earl Thomas, who is the prototypical centerfielder for this defense. That’s why Colbert went to the University of Texas, to emulate Thomas. He’s back to emulating him again as the 49ers’ free safety. These next two games are crucial for the 49ers to determine if Colbert can be the crucial single-high safety.
