49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was hyped on Sunday, and for good reason. His defense allowed just seven points to a Rams offense that was tops in the NFC last year, including three instances where the 49ers stuffed the Rams on fourth down.
The first was perhaps the most important, and took place late in the second quarter with the game tied at seven points apiece. Los Angeles elected to send running back Malcolm Brown right into the middle of the San Francisco line, where he was stuffed for no gain.
Saleh reacted accordingly.
Saleh is HYPED after this goal line stand pic.twitter.com/YDI0RF8otH
— KNBR (@KNBR) October 13, 2019
After halftime the defense struck again, taking advantage of a Rams miscue on the first play of the third quarter.
Here’s @arikarmstead‘s fumble recovery that set up the #49ers score. ?#SFvsLAR pic.twitter.com/dfuL2X3qM1
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 13, 2019
The defense continued to hold it down, and produced another impressive fourth down stand in the fourth quarter as the Rams drove down the field, attempting to make the contest a one-score affair. But it was not to be, and the stop produced perhaps the most jubilant Saleh celebration of them all.
Another #49ers 4th down stop, another Robert Saleh celebration pic.twitter.com/Sp23mNkFEs
— KNBR (@KNBR) October 13, 2019
DENIED AGAIN! #49ers take over on downs. ?#GoNiners pic.twitter.com/RyBcVaKGVq
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 13, 2019
And finally, the dismount. On the next drive the Rams again tried to go for it on fourth down. Again they were stuffed. This time Saleh jumped for joy with Jimmie Ward.
This defense ???#BeatLA pic.twitter.com/0DraFst4ig
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 13, 2019
Maybe the best part of the 49ers defense being elite again, other than the wins, is the Saleh sideline reactions it is producing. Thank god we still have 11 games left.
