Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Niners fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The San Francisco 49ers’ best seasons under Kyle Shanahan have come behind dominant defenses, with 2023 the outlier when the offense put up video game numbers. But in 2019 and 2022, the Niners had one of the best defenses in the NFL since Shanahan took over as a head coach.
If we
use DVOA by year, which is schedule-adjusted efficiency, here’s a look at how the Niners have fared since 2019:
‘19: -20.3% (2nd)
‘20: -9.8% (7th)
‘21: -10.2% (4th)
‘22: -14.5% (2nd)
‘23: 9.6% (4th)
‘24: -1.6% (13th)
‘25: 9% (27th)
The lower the number, the better. The defense peaked in 2019 while bottoming out last season. The EPA and success-rate numbers are similar across years.
Today we’re asking whether the 49ers can field a top-12 defense in 2026. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has led some top units this decade. He doesn’t have Aaron Donald, but the 49ers have added quality depth to surround Nick Bosa, who should be plenty motivated after missing most of last season with a torn ACL.
How the defensive line complements itself will determine quite a bit. They need Alfred Collins and CJ West to eat up blocks and do the dirty work, so rookies Romello Height and Gracen Halton can make an impact on passing downs. You have to stop the run before you can rush the passer.
Do you believe the 49ers added enough on defense this offseason to finish in the upper echelon in DVOA? Can the defense mask the secondary? Will the secondary look better with a competent pass rush? Finishing in the top-12 should be enough for the 49ers to compete for a division title and win multiple games in the playoffs.
