While head coach Kyle Shanahan never swayed in his support of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, fan opinion has been different. There was a stretch of the season where every other game was decided by the San Francisco 49ers defense's inability to hold onto a fourth-quarter lead. It happened against the Los Angeles Chargers, Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and the New York Giants.
Players have argued that the fault didn't lie with Saleh or his scheme, but with the players' execution of the latter. Over the past two weeks, the 49ers defense has shown growth, and the team has beaten two teams with playoff hopes.
Still, some of the Niner Faithful would prefer to see an upgrade at the defensive coordinator position. Strong performances to close out the season may change that, but Saleh's players remain confident in their coach.
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is the latest to issue a vote of confidence in his defensive coordinator. He joined KNBR on Thursday and discussed Saleh.
"Going throughout the season, the season hasn't been going the way we wanted it to," Buckner said on the "Fitz & Brooks" show. "Saleh has been getting a lot of adversity being the [defensive] coordinator, getting a lot of heat. He's been falling on that sword for us, backing the defense up.
Two more tough tests are ahead for the defense. The Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams don't just have playoff hopes. They are already in and looking to make Super Bowl runs. These next two games will be telling for the 49ers defense and its potential.
"When it comes down to it, [Saleh is] not the one on the field," Buckner continued. "It's us out there, and we need to execute. Whatever play he calls, we've got to line up, execute, and beat the guy in front of us. And we haven't been able to do it through a full game the whole season; not until lately.
"Just seeing him take all that blow and really stepping up and taking the blow for the defense, we just want to go out there and show everybody this defense works. He's a great coach. Guys have just got to go out there and own their jobs."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Buckner below.
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