Do you agree?
The 49ers have played with a purpose since the bye week. They’ve outscored their three opponents by a combined 92-43. Two of those teams have decent chances to end up in the playoffs, too.
Something is different about this version of the 49ers. If it feels the same way to you, well, that’s because it’s the best version of San Francisco that’s been tracked — according to DVOA:
This year’s #49ers are still (just barely) the best 49ers team ever tracked by DVOA.
Like many great franchises, the best regular seasons for the 49ers didn’t necessarily result in championships. Great teams are great consistently, and some of those years will win titles. #FTTB pic.twitter.com/P78tzUHptQ
— Aaron Schatz (@ASchatzNFL) November 29, 2023
This version of the Niners is considerably better than the 2019 version that made the Super Bowl as a team. The defense is worse, but the offense is about three to four tiers higher.
It’s a surprise whenever the 49ers have the ball and don’t finish the drive with points. They tend to get off to fast starts, as no team in the NFL has scored more on their opening drive than the Niners.
It’s easy to recall the big plays by the offense, but the team is averaging four red zone trips per game since the bye week. Only the Cowboys are scoring at a higher frequency per play, but their three-game stretch consisted of the Commanders, Cowboys, and the Giants.
Saying the defense isn’t as good as the historic unit from 2019 is hardly a slight. During this three-game stretch, the 49ers have allowed the third-fewest red zone scoring attempts, third-lowest yards per attempt, the third-highest sack percentage per game, and second-lowest yards per play in the NFL.
They’re getting back to their bread and butter. First, you have to win on early downs. Then, you can count on your defensive line full of stars that you’ve so heavily invested in. And, out of nowhere it seems, rely on your capable, competent, and competitive cornerback trio. More on them later.
The 49ers are limiting the big plays on one side of the ball, while hitting the opponent with what feels like an explosive play each drive on the other side.
Which unit has been more impressive to you during the 49ers winning streak?
— Niners Nation (@NinersNation) November 28, 2023
Leaning into recency bias, which unit have you been more impressed with? According to the Twitter poll, 56 percent picked the Niners defense. What say you?
About the Author: Insidethe49
