49ers LBs Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw are the keys to stopping Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs
The San Francisco 49ers have one of the best linebacker duos in the league with Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. Heading into the NFC Championship game against the Detroit Lions, slowing down their explosive rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs is paramount. In the regular season, the 49ers defense ranked as the third best against the […]
The San Francisco 49ers have one of the best linebacker duos in the league with Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. Heading into the NFC Championship game against the Detroit Lions, slowing down their explosive rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs is paramount.
In the regular season, the 49ers defense ranked as the third best against the rush in the league. They allowed only 89.7 yards per game and an average of 4.1 yards per carry.
Last week in the divisional round of the playoffs, the 49ers' run defense took a step back compared to their regular-season success. Against the Green Bay Packers, they allowed 136 rush yards on 28 attempts with an average of 4.9 yards per rush.
RB Aaron Jones exploited the 49ers' aggressiveness
Packers RB Aaron Jones ran for 108 yards on 18 carries with a long of 53 yards. The majority of his rushing success came on outside running plays. Head coach Matt LaFluer used the 49ers aggressive play style against them.
Warner and Greenlaw were overcommitting during their pursuit, creating advantageous blocking angles for climbing offensive linemen and opening lanes for Jones to cut into.
What makes Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs different? Speed!
These type of mistakes must be rectified when attempting to contain the Lions' dynamic rookie Gibbs.
Gibbs is coming off a game in the divisional playoffs where he accounted for 114 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown off 14 touches.
If Gibbs breaks into open field like Jones was able to on his long run, it won't have the same result. Gibbs is more than likely taking it all the way for six.
His speed is instantaneous and electric, remember this is a sub-4.4 athlete from the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.
So, Warner and Greenlaw should have their hands full with keeping Gibbs from gearing up and accelerating past the second and into the third level of the 49ers defense.
Their football IQ, speed, and physicality poses a big threat to Gibbs. This is a matchup that is must-see tv. High caliber athletes that have the ability to cancel each other out, in the biggest game of the year for them to date, you cannot ask for anything more.
They must play assignment sound football with proper run gap responsibilities. If not, one false mishap and they will be look at the back of number 26's jersey!
I expect defensive coordinator Steve Wilks is going to have this defense prepared for this versatile Lions rushing attack.
The Lions finished the regular season as the fifth ranked rushing attack in the league. They averaged 136 yards per game and ran for 27 touchdowns tied with the Miami Dolphins and the 49ers.
This strength on strength matchup is a game within the game and it will be a treat to see.
