The 49ers have the best defense in football and the numbers back it up
Drives started inside offense’s 35-yard line
| Team | Drives |
YDS Per Drive | Punt % | Score % | TO % | Downs % | Missed FG% | AVG Start |
| 49ers | 99 | 21.2 | 52.5% | 15.2% | 21.2% | 10.1% | 1.0% | 21.5 |
| Patriots |
112 | 21.6 | 52.7% | 14.3% | 21.4% | 8.0% | 1.8% | 21.3 |
| League | 2882 | 34.3 | 45.3% | 32.9% | 13.4% | 4.8% | 3.1% | 21.7 |
Drives started inside offense’s 35-yard line & margin < 15
| Team | Drives |
YDS Per Drive | Punt % | Score % | TO % | Downs % | Missed FG% | AVG Start |
| 49ers | 77 | 21.6 | 50.6% | 16.9% | 23.4% | 7.8% | 1.3% | 21.8 |
| Patriots |
78 | 23.2 | 52.6% | 17.9% | 20.5% | 3.8% | 2.6% | 21.3 |
| League | 2495 | 34.6 | 45.4% | 33.7% | 12.9% | 4.2% | 3.2% | 21.6 |
I would argue the best assessment of a defense looks at drives beginning inside the offense’s 35-yard line when the game’s outcome is still uncertain. When you look at those possessions, it becomes harder to argue New England’s defense is superior.
The 49ers are once again allowing fewer yards per drive, scores at a lower rate, and forcing slightly more turnovers.
More from San Francisco 49ers
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
- 49ers sign TE Daniel Helm off the Buccaneers practice squad
- 49ers: Jordan Reed could miss up to two months, will be placed on IR
The Patriots continue to benefit from more missed field goals, although that could be a symptom of teams feeling forced to go for it on 4th down against San Francisco and failing more (as showcased by the four percent disparity in possessions ending in turnovers on downs).
At this point, it seems clear to me that the 49ers’ defense is at least on par with the Patriots. However, their ability to match the Patriots’ effectiveness on these drives is even more impressive when you realize they have done so while also being subjected to more difficult possessions because of turnovers.
The 49ers strength of schedule has been another major criticism of the team. So, I decided to compare San Francisco’s opponents with the Patriots. Have the 49ers been benefiting from playing a load of cupcakes on their schedule?