An example of the 49ers’ ‘new-look’ defense

You've probably heard a lot of the talk about the 49ers' 'new-look' defense and their attempt to add a little confusion for opposing offenses. The hope is that the added confusion would lead to some big plays. While there was much shown by the defense that still needed work, we got a few brief looks at some of the 'new-look' on Saturday night against the Houston Texans.

Here is an example of one such defensive play, which was thoroughly broken down within our forums by our own moderator, thl408.

The play by 49ers rookie safety Jaquiski Tartt and his hit on the Texans running back in the backfield has been brought up a lot lately — and rightfully so. Let's take a closer look at that play.

On this play, the goal of Texans RG Cody White is to combo block against 49ers NT Garrison Smith with C James Ferentz and then move on to the second level. This is indicated with the blue line.

However, it's actually going to be 49ers LB Shayne Skov that will attack the Texans' C. This is indicated with the yellow line.

49ers NT Garrison Smith, who the two Texans offensive lineman were ready to block, is actually going to loop around and engage Texans offensive lineman Greg Mancz, who is playing at LG. This is indicated with the red line.

LB Shayne Skov engages the center. The Texans RG still tries to combo block 49ers NT Garrison Smith, but can't reach him because he's already looping behind Skov.

With a 49ers NT headed straight for him and the LT already occupied, the Texans LG is watching all of the action in front of him when ... Hey, look! Here comes 49ers SS Jaquiski Tartt, who sneaks by unnoticed, darts through the now wide open B gap, and hits Texans RB Kenny Hilliard in the backfield for a loss.

Well, that was fun to watch. Here is the full play.

Again, thanks to thl408 for breaking this down for us.

5 Comments

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• Chris
  This def is great for the play that Chi called. However, a play to get outside faster, or a play to the weakside could have a much different result. in truth, the thing that really jacks up this play is Skov's penetration. Not Tartts blitz.
  Aug 24, 2015 at 8:03 PM
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• Tim Jonsula
  The reality is that this defense has lost too much in terms of leadership and I have seen a lot of wasted picks over the years by this GM on injured players and re-purpose projects. Add the brain drain from Jim Harbaugh's staff leaving/firing to Baalke's waste and this team is destined to be picking top 3 in 2016.
  Aug 22, 2015 at 9:19 PM
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• Mooseman
  Nice little tidbit.keep it up. This is more of individual play than scheme.It is a 0 technique stunt with the will lb. nothing new! Btw armstead was slow off the ball and got pushed back. Peace
  Aug 19, 2015 at 8:09 AM
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  Response: Luckily, the play didn't go anywhere near him.
• Kevin Mitchell
  I love it. I'm telling u, this is just a preview of Mangini's genius. This play design was simple but complex at the same time. I love the various ways he brings pressure and uses different personnel. That's how u maximize talent fam. The design was genius. It worked like a charm. I know my football heads will truly appreciate it. U gotta love the DL/LB stunt with a blitz.
  Aug 18, 2015 at 8:02 PM
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• Jered M
  We have regularly been good against the run,I don't think that will change.
  Aug 18, 2015 at 1:51 PM
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  Response: The difference is that we have been regularly doing it without disguising much of anything. That is the part that is changing.

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