SANTA CLARA—The 49ers the defense has been a dominant force in 2022 but after their 37-20 victory against the Washington Commanders On Saturday, the group feels it still hasn’t realized its full potential.
The defensive unit is ranked at the top of the league in most statistical metrics, allowing an average of just 15.3 points per game, which is by far the lowest in the NFL. The Buffalo Bills rank second in allowing 17.5 per game.
Without taking away the win, Washington’s 20 points didn’t sit well with many of the 49ers’ defensive leaders, including nickel back Jimmie Ward.
“I’m very proud of the guys,” Ward said after the game. I gave up a cheap touchdown at the end. I didn’t like that. But I’m going to watch a movie and see what I can do best on this piece. Other than that, we end up making more plays than they did on offense and we got the win.
Fred Warner, who led the team with 13 total tackles, including eight solo, has now notched up his fifth consecutive season by recording more than 100 tackles. The team captain believes there is still work to be done and sees the clean sheet as the main goal in every game.
The 49ers defense forced two turnovers, including a goal-line stance early in the second quarter when Washington had four opportunities to enter the end zone from inside the 5-yard line. The Commanders came out of their 17-game, 79-yard practice empty-handed.
“I think the whole game we had the opportunity to really smother them,” Warner said. “I think about that first half just playing more of his assignment and getting more back in the running game, going on third and long.
In the second half, they put us on some deep balls. But even then, I think we had opportunities to keep them out of the end zone. We need to. It’s always a learning experience. You’re always growing, you’re always trying to find ways to improve and find ways to win. So we’ll take a close look at it and we’ll come out better.
It’s easy to argue that Nick Bosa is having the best season of his young NFL career as he racked up two more sacks, setting a new career high with 17.5, which also leads the league. He also had an extra out from Washington quarterback Carson Wentz on a two-point conversion that doesn’t count as a sack.
the Favorite Defensive Player of the Year said trainer Kyle Shanahan called the group again throughout the week leading up to their fight with the commanders.
“He challenged the whole defense this week and I think we did a good job,” Bosa said. “He pointed out the plays in the team meeting that as an attack coordinator he sees openings in some of the plays. He chose four or five and it showed us that there were holes at times that we needed to fill.
Dr. Greenlaw was a key contributor on defense while having a Pro-Bowl caliber season, despite not being selected for the event. He leads the 49ers with 118 tackles — 79 solos, three for a loss while recording two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Like his teammates, Greenlaw wants more from himself and the defensive unit going forward knowing they still have a lot of football to play.
“We have a lot of room to improve,” Greenlaw said. “It always looks good on the scoreboard when you get the win, but you have to be tough on yourself as a team for us to be great and get to that stage. You have to stop them scoring. When you give them 20 points, you don’t like it, you have to do better.
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After their eighth straight win on Saturday, the 49ers have an extra day to rest and prepare for their Week 17 game with the Las Vegas Raiders on New Year’s Day at Allegiant Stadium.
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