Why DC Steve Wilks Isn't Worried About 49ers Lack of Sacks
A staple of the 49ers' defense has always been their vaunted pass rush.
However, they are not generating a great number of sacks as in year's past so far. It seems like their most effective way to get a sack is whenever they dial up a blitz. Given the addition of Javon Hargrave, you would think that the numbers would be on par if not better this time last season.
Still, it is impressive to see how elite the 49ers' defense is performing despite the sacks being down this year. There is a good reason for that, which is what defensive coordinator Steve Wilks explains as to why he isn't worried about the 49ers lack of sacks.
“It is hard to put a grade on it and everybody looks for numbers," said Wilks. And you want to say [Nick] Bosa is not doing this, or [Javon] Hargrave’s not doing this, but as you just mentioned, they’re getting rid of the ball quickly. We do have a lot of disruption on the quarterback, meaning we’re hitting the quarterback and based off each game plan it determines exactly what we do coverage-wise. So I think there’s times that you can see this past week that we tighten things up a little bit and we’re able to get there and we force some ill-advised throws that came out in our favor.”
The sacks may not be there, but the 49ers are still as disruptive as they have ever been. I think part of that is due to Wilks not wanting his defensive lineman running up field recklessly as in year's past. There's a lot more control now with maintaining gaps and crashing more towards the quarterback than simply blowing by an offensive lineman upfield. So, while it is disappointing that the sacks are not there, it is moot in the grand scheme of things.
Wilks' job is to ensure the 49ers' defense doesn't allow or limit explosive plays, which is what he has them doing so successfully. With more control out of his pass rush, he can confidently call man-to-man coverage on the backend of his defense. It's led to so many errant throws from opposing quarterbacks and has stalled drives. Because of all that, the 49ers' defense hardly allows any points. They currently lead the league for the least points allowed per game at 13.6. That is an insanely low number.
Getting sacks is great and all, but the ultimate stat that matters is points allowed. Just imagine if the pass rush actually starts to hit home as the season progresses. Perhaps the addition of Randy Gregory will improve that. For now, the lack of sacks are a nonissue until the 49ers' defense starts to fold, which I doubt ever happens this season.
