Last week, Eric Eager of Pro Football Focus identified five NFL coaches who he considers to be the game's best offensive play-callers. It was no shock to see San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan on the list.
This week, Eager's focus shifted to the defensive side of the ball, as he named six play-callers who were the best. 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was among the names that included Bill Belichick, Todd Bowles, and others.
Yes, the 49ers defense is overflowing with talent. Just along the defense line, Saleh has Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Dee Ford, rookie Javon Kinlaw, and others with whom to work. He has a budding star in linebacker Fred Warner playing behind that front and savvy veteran Richard Sherman helping to make the entire secondary better.
"However, Saleh has overcome a decent amount since taking over the 49ers defense — not the least of which is having to contend with MVP candidate Russell Wilson twice a year and going toe-to-toe with the offensive mind that is Sean McVay multiple times, as well," wrote Eager.
The analyst also points to the inconsistent play of cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon and linebacker Kwon Alexander.
Witherspoon has given up 15 touchdowns in three seasons, and quarterbacks own a passer rating of 103.7 against him. Alexander missed 13 of his 46 tackle attempts last season, the worst rate in the league, per Pro Football Focus.
"The 49ers improved from 12th in net adjusted yards per pass attempt allowed in 2018 to first in 2019, with Richard Sherman putting together another career-year-level campaign," wrote Eager. "The 49ers will likely regress as a defense in 2020, but Saleh might be enough to curb that regression enough for them to repeat as division champions for the first time since 2011-12."