Baldy names 49ers’ top offseason priority to close the NFC gap

Much was made of Robert Saleh's return to the San Francisco 49ers last season and the potential impact it could have on the defense. Instead, injuries ravaged the unit, and the results reflected it. The 49ers finished 20th in total yards allowed, 13th in points allowed, tied for 27th in takeaways, and dead last in sacks.

After just one season as defensive coordinator, Saleh departed to become the head coach of the Tennessee Titans. San Francisco replaced him with Raheem Morris, who now faces the challenge of elevating a defense that must improve significantly for the 49ers to compete in a loaded NFC West.

NFL analyst Brian Baldinger joined Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game on Tuesday and made it clear where the 49ers' focus needs to be while upgrading the roster during the offseason.

"Defensively, you have to get a lot better," Baldinger said. "Seattle's defense is the number one defense in football (in points allowed). New England's was the fourth-best defense in football. Denver's was the third-best. Houston was [the second-best]. You've got to have a top-ten defense, and maybe a top-five defense, to get this far."

The Los Angeles Rams were the lone team to reach a championship game without a top-five defense. They ranked 10th in points allowed and 17th in total yards allowed.

Looking at recent Super Bowl champions, Baldinger pointed to the Philadelphia Eagles as the blueprint. Last season, Philadelphia ranked first in total yards allowed. The 49ers must get closer to that level if they want to contend for a title.

"They have to get a lot better on defense and at taking the ball away," Baldinger continued. "Seattle isn't a great takeaway team, but they're a great defense, and they showed that to the 49ers. They (the 49ers) couldn't score a touchdown [against the Seahawks] in two games.

"So, I think that's where it's got to start right now. I saw [general manager] John Lynch at the Senior Bowl last year, and here comes Mykel Williams and [Alfred] Collins and CJ West, whatever. They're going to have to continue to upgrade across the board on defense right now."

Baldinger also emphasized how well the Seahawks have infused their defense with young, elite talent, suggesting that's an area where the 49ers must close the gap.

"You look at [Seahawks defensive backs] Nick Emmanwori right now and Devon Witherspoon, these are top-flight athletes that change the game," Baldinger added. "And they (the 49ers) need those types of players."