The answer isn't so simple.
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw missed the 49ers' loss to the Browns this past Sunday, which is a big reason Cleveland rushed for 160 yards. But the run defense has been an issue all season. Certainly compared to how dominant it was last season under defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans.
His departure to become the head coach of the Houston Texans certainly has had an impact on the 49ers run defense. New 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has been playing seven defenders in the box instead of eight, which has hurt the 49ers' numbers against the run. But the biggest problem with the 49ers run defense has been the defensive ends -- Clelin Ferrell, Drake Jackson and yes, even Nick Bosa. They haven't been setting edges effectively. As a result, the Browns running backs gained lots of yards around the perimeter against the 49ers.
"Teams are going to copy each other in this league," Bosa said,"so we need to put out those plays when we can. We didn't last week, and that's what happens when you don't set an edge to a defense." The last two seasons, the 49ers starting defensive end opposite Bosa was Samson Ebukam, who's an elite run defender. DeMeco Ryans always said Ebukam was the best edge setter on the 49ers. Now, Ebukam is on the Colts, and his replacement, Clelin Ferrell, isn't nearly as good.Copyright ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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