Why Blitzing the Bengals Heavily Will Hurt the 49ers
Blitzing has been a staple for the 49ers defense under first year defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. However, it did more damage to them than aid them in the loss to the Vikings last week.
No blitz call by Wilks proved more consequential than near the end of the first half in that game. Wilks sent an all out blitz on third down to bring down Kirk Cousins, but Cousins recognized it early and was able to hit his receiver Jordan Addison for a big play touchdown. It is a play that Wilks is holding himself accountable for.
"I take full responsibility for that call," Wilks said. "I have to do a better job in putting the guys in a better position. We have good players, I know that and can't really press the issue. And with that, moving forward it's my responsibility to do that. So I wish I could take it back. But again, I got to do better. So this week moving forward, I would say we definitely have a challenge ahead of us."
The 49ers defense certainly has a challenge ahead of them as Wilks says. They'll be hosting the Bengals this week who are coming off a Bye week. Cincinnati will be the fresher team and will have had a lot of time to study and digest the 49ers on both sides of the ball. One aspect that I am sure the Bengals are looking at is how the 49ers call a lot of blitzes. They could try to use that to their advantage, which is why blitzing the Bengals heavily will hurt the 49ers.
A good portion of the routes/plays called with the Bengals passing game is within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. It's been that way for several of their games already including their last one against Seattle. Because of that, it allows Joe Burrow to find his receiver quickly and get the ball out of his hands fast. Burrow has been releasing the ball in 2.4 seconds on average, which is the third-fastest time in the NFL. Since he gets the ball out so fast, blitzing him heavily is pointless. The 49ers will be sending players to get after him, and since he is getting the ball out fast and they're running short/shallow routes, it isn't going to be that effective.
After not having any success blitzing against Cousins last week, I think this is a game where Wilks dials it back. I doubt Kyle Shanahan will like it if Wilks continues to do that after last week. The 49ers defense is sure to still utilize blitzing, but it has to be selectively. This is a game where the 49ers defense should go back to its roots where it plays man coverage and lets their front four go to work. It should force Burrow to hold onto the ball longer as he tries to find receivers that are open. He'll have an easier go of it if the 49ers are sending an extra player or two to get after him.
Don't blitz heavily against Burrow, and the 49ers will find themselves in a good position to have a strong defensive game.
