The San Francisco 49ers finished last season with the NFL's best-ranked defense. While the unit remains formidable this season, it hasn't garnered quite the same praise it did in 2022. This could partially be attributed to being overshadowed by the league's second-ranked offense, a unit featuring playmakers like Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle.
Still, the 49ers own the fifth-ranked defense (total yards allowed) in the NFL. It's No. 3 in both points allowed and rushing yards allowed. However, a notable weakness lies in their No. 17 ranked pass defense.
Despite the lofty standards set in Santa Clara, the team's head coach remains pleased with his defense's overall performance.
"I think we've had some weak moments," Kyle Shanahan told reporters before Wednesday's practice. "I mean, from the first half with the Rams, I thought a couple of drives. I thought there was two drives with the Cardinals in particular. But, I mean, they're still playing real good football.
"I'm real happy with them, and we're in Week [5] here, but we're never satisfied. I expect us to keep getting better on defense, offense, and special teams."
The Cowboys enter Sunday's game with the No. 11-ranked offense and the second-best defense. It will be the undefeated 49ers' most challenging test of the season yet. However, it's business as usual for San Francisco's head coach.
"I've got a lot of respect for the Cowboys and how good of a team they are," Shanahan noted. "We know the challenge that we have in front of us, and I think we're aware of the rivalry back in the history, which is always cool. But besides that, it's Week 5."
