From The San Francisco Standard · · 1m 40s
49ers defense rebuilds with young talent
Rookie Jaden Dugger and Gracen Halton help 49ers defense rebound after 2022 slump.
In brief
Rookie Jaden Dugger and Gracen Halton help 49ers defense rebound after 2022 slump. 49ers defense, led by rookie Jaden Dugger and Gracen Halton, has climbed to No. 6 in pass-rush win rate despite missing Nick Bosa. Originally reported by The San Francisco Standard.
49ers defense rebound
The 49ers defense, led by rookie Jaden Dugger, has climbed to No. 6 in ESPN’s team pass-rush win rate despite missing Nick Bosa.
Dugger’s first sack
Jaden Dugger recorded his first NFL sack against Seattle’s quarterback Sam Darnold during the game.
Rookie versatility
Dugger has played multiple defensive positions including weakside linebacker and strongside linebacker.
New coordinator
Raheem Morris, the 49ers’ new defensive coordinator, made key structural changes to improve the defense.
Gracen Halton’s impact
Gracen Halton, a rookie defensive tackle, has delivered a standout play by knocking the ball away from Seattle’s running back.
Defense returns to form
The 49ers defense, which fell from the league’s elite after the 2022 season, has returned to its top standard.
Osa Odighizuwa
Veteran defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, acquired from the Dallas Cowboys, ranks seventh in pass-rush win rate.
Rookie success
Eight players drafted over the past three seasons have played integral roles in the defense’s surge to No. 3 in EPA per play.
Bosa’s status
Nick Bosa, the 49ers’ star defensive end, is out with a calf strain but may return as soon as Monday night.
Defense’s strength
The 49ers defense has climbed from No. 29 to No. 6 in ESPN’s team pass-rush win rate despite missing Bosa.
What’s next
The 49ers aim to maintain their top five defense ranking through the season.
The one thing
49ers defense, led by rookie Jaden Dugger and Gracen Halton, has climbed to No. 6 in pass-rush win rate despite missing Nick Bosa.
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