The Detroit Lions will face the San Francisco 49ers in a week one matchup on Sunday.

There is a new defensive coordinator (Aaron Glenn), a new defensive scheme (3-4 base) and many new faces.

In the coming days, many questions will be answered about how the coaching staff intends to use the squad.

Now inactive, injured and drafts from practice teams will undoubtedly affect game time predictions, but here’s our prediction of how often each defensive player will be on the field in the first week of the regular season.

Defensive tackle:

1.) Michael Brockers – 75%

2.) Levi Onwuzurike – 60%

3.) Nick Williams – 55%

4.) Alim McNeill – 40%

5.) John’s penis – 15%

6.) Kevin Stark – 15%

Brockers, Onwuzurike, and Williams are questionable in the injury report, and all were limited participants in practice. If someone missed the game it would create quite a ripple effect for the game time. Even if everyone is healthy, there’s a good chance one could be a healthy scratch.

EDGE:

1.) Trey Flowers – 70%

2.) Romeo Okwara – 65%

3.) Julian Okwara – 35%

4.) Austin Bryant – 15%

5.) Charles Harris – 0%

The top two options should see the field amply. After that, the order of the remaining three is still a mystery. Julian Okwara seems like the best pass rushing specialist, but Bryant showed some potential last season. But I can’t count Harris either. In all likelihood, the Lions will only roll the dice with four active EDGE Defenders.

Linebacker:

1.) Alex Anzalone – 80%

2.) Jamie Collins Senior – 70%

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3.) Derrick Barnes – 20%

4.) Jalen Reeves-Maybin – 5%

5.) Anthony Pittman – 0%

Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports

The Lions defensive system has only two linebackers outside the ball in its basic defense. The NFL is moving more towards the nickel package, but the 49ers use a lot of heavy sets. So it is likely that the Lions will have more linebackers on the field than most weeks. In any case, however, it still seems that Anzalone and Collins will see plenty of iterations.

Cornerback:

1.) Jeff Okudah – 98%

2.) Amani Oruwariye – 92%

3.) AJ Parker – 50%

4.) Ifeatu Melifonwu – 10%

5.) Bobby price – 0%

6.) Jerry Jacobs – 0%

The beginning outside corners are blocked. In the slot, Parker is struggling with an injury and is questionable to play. Veteran Nickell Robey-Coleman is on the training team and could be promoted to the matchday list if necessary. Injuries aside, the reserves are unlikely to see the field too often as the 49ers rarely use more than three receivers.

Safety:

1.) Tracy Walker – 95%

2.) Will Harris – 85%

3.) Dean Marlowe – 20%

4.) CJ Moore – 5%

Walker and Harris are used a lot, while Marlowe is likely to see some looks in certain packages too. Moore has always been more of a specialist team member, and that role is likely to continue.

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The post Detroit Lions NFL Defensive Snap Depend Predictions San Francisco 49ers appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

When the Kansas City Chiefs entered their first preseason match against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night, they looked a little understaffed on the defensive. Due to short-term injury issues, key players such as defensive ends Frank Clark, Taco Charlton and Alex Okafor did not fit.

This meant an increased workload for the remaining defensive linemen – and at first glance these players improved and showed depth of quality for defensive line coach Brendan Daly.

Defense run

In general, the line did a solid job of keeping the point of attack on the front of the running game.

Chiefs DL showed promising game identification and strength to the point of attack last night. Here Danna, Wharton, and Reed all flow down the line, holding gaps. Jones also demonstrates the workmanship and athleticism required to close on the back of SF’s stretch runs. pic.twitter.com/xatRNHGvZz

– Bryan Stewart (@BryanStewart_) August 15, 2021

Another high quality demonstration of strength, leverage, and toughness from Saunders, Danna, and Reed. Linebackers fill up well. Only in the back is there not much space to work. pic.twitter.com/VRo6XvCb8e

– Bryan Stewart (@BryanStewart_) August 16, 2021

In his first start as the primary defensive end, Chris Jones showed the quickness and agility to avoid blocks and showed that he won’t just be a great target for offensive tackles and tight ends.

One small but important thing in my opinion: see how quick and agile Jones is to avoid the TE clipping to him on the back. In addition, Danna again with textbook pad level and overall technique on the front of this run. pic.twitter.com/gD5t3IIWfO

– Bryan Stewart (@BryanStewart_) August 16, 2021

Mike Danna, who ended up on the defensive in his sophomore year, was also a steady, constant presence against the run, picking up where he left off last year.

But it wasn’t all perfect. Although exhibiting several exciting traits at other moments in the game, player identification and decision-making occasionally won the best of some of the young defenders.

Kaandoh had some rookie moments on Saturday, in addition to some positive flashes to be expected in his first game action. Late to see the reverse action in the first clip, he jumps in a little too quickly in the second, allowing the RB to ricochet off over 10 yards. pic.twitter.com/Gm9iVurCPa

– Bryan Stewart (@BryanStewart_) August 16, 2021

Despite the impressive sophomore defensive tackle that Tershawn Wharton continues to see in one-on-one situations – especially as a pass rusher – asking him to hold out against doubles is still a big job.

Wharton has freaky athletic traits and the strength required to do well in most 1-on-1 situations, but here the lack of size / strength means he’s being washed away by a Guard + Tackle combo block. TE Slice Block gets a solid piece of harris, but Thornhill scrapes over to make a nice tackle. pic.twitter.com/b74FdODDBX

– Bryan Stewart (@BryanStewart_) August 15, 2021

Passport Defense

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo wasted no time in throwing lightning bolts of five and six at 49ers rookie quarterback Trey Lance. These were largely successful in various ways for the defense line.

Spags throws a six man pressure on Lance and he certainly isn’t getting the ball out as fast as he’d go back and would like to. What is remarkable, however, is the lateral speed that “Bink” Saunders flashes to beat the LG here. pic.twitter.com/l5bBFvsx9S

– Bryan Stewart (@BryanStewart_) August 15, 2021

#Chiefs send five on this 3rd-and-8, and while the pressure is limited elsewhere, Jones just does what he does and dominates his 1-on-1 match (Sorensen may have had an easy assist; either way it was ) shortly before victory when his hips had free the RG). pic.twitter.com/XApQDTzdbZ

– Bryan Stewart (@BryanStewart_) August 16, 2021

It was great to see Chris Jones pick up right where he left off and quickly win from inside. The team’s new free-agent defensive tackle, Jarran Reed, also showed off some of the reasons he’s now part of the Chiefs roster, and demonstrated high productivity among the offensive guards.

Another 3rd-and-14 game, and Jarran Reed is very close to beating Garoppolo after battling his way through the repetition with good hands and mental strength. Danna and Harris lose on the edge even though they were both chipped before attacking the OT. pic.twitter.com/O0S5yaiFAz

– Bryan Stewart (@BryanStewart_) August 16, 2021

One area where the 49ers offense succeeded was in play-action-pass concepts. Given San Francisco’s propensity to rely on these games for explosive profits, this came as no surprise.

SF is notoriously good at game action concepts, and the Chiefs DL plays a disciplined, task-oriented style. On moves in which the DL does not get a lot of penetration and there are gaps in cover at the rear end, you have to forego some explosive moves. pic.twitter.com/pGeUTznGdH

– Bryan Stewart (@BryanStewart_) August 15, 2021

As the game progressed, the defensive linemen began to see more of what the offense was doing – resulting in intelligent, strenuous games like this one from Danna and Wharton.

Could be something or nothing, but Danna’s speed at changing direction seems to me to be improved on this piece. Starts the game with a great game ID, maintains good leverage. Plus, Wharton’s chase is second to none (!!) pic.twitter.com/4iV1MyGsgw

– Bryan Stewart (@BryanStewart_) August 15, 2021

In obvious passing situations throughout the game, the defense did a really solid job of putting pressure on quickly with at least one player. This is what you want – and expect – from a good, tenacious defensive front.

3rd and 14th The front four all poke their ears back, so you want them to win quick and get at least one body to QB quickly. Wharton, Kaindoh and Harris do just that, while Danna forms the double team (lined up above the LG). pic.twitter.com/wQcPEXxDGJ

– Bryan Stewart (@BryanStewart_) August 15, 2021

Defensive end Tim Ward – who was entering his third Chiefs season after developing on injured reserves and the training team over the past two years – shone with his passing noise. If he keeps making preseason appearances like on Saturday night, he’ll be a tough player to let out of the 53-man roster.

#Chiefs DE Tim Ward adjusted the snap a couple of times last night from a 3 point stance that would have been difficult with any offensive tackle. Also impacted the QB in both games. The last clip shows an enormous amount of effort, which apparently played a role in the fiddling. pic.twitter.com/7CbgafYXVG

– Bryan Stewart (@BryanStewart_) August 16, 2021

looking ahead

Deep players in the Chiefs’ defensive line usually continue to shine when opportunities arise. Daly deserves credit for developing many young talented players who constantly put tremendous efforts.

When the defensive ends, Clark, Charlton and Okafor can all come back – which helps increase the edge rush and general discipline of the group – there are many advantages among these players. Defensive tackles Derrick Nnadi combined with Reed to form an enormous number of run stuffers inside. Meanwhile, Jones is on a path that could make him a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.

At full strength, the Chiefs’ current line of defense is bigger, stronger, smarter – and perhaps deeper – than it has been in some time. Both now and in the future, wear and tear will be your greatest opponent.

The post Movie assessment: Chiefs’ line of defense depth shines in San Francisco appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans spoke with reporters today, during the second week of organized team activities. Here is everything he had to say.

Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.

This is the first time I think we’ve had the opportunity to talk to you since you were named defensive coordinator. Can you just kind of take us through what your defensive philosophy is and what are going to be your main coaching points and what you want to instill in your guys as far as when they get out there on the field and execute your game plan?

“Oh yes. Our defense will be a fast, attacking, aggressive defense. I want guys to play fast. I want guys who are smart. I want guys who are going to play physical. That’s one thing for me is just growing up, watching the 49ers play defense. The defense has always stood out here. This has been a defensive organization. They played great defense in the past, and we just want to continue that tradition of playing aggressive defense. And we want guys to be precise with what they’re doing. We want guys that know the details of their job, be able to be on their fundamentals because at this league where we are right now, everyone is good, but you separate yourself when you focus in on the small, minor details and you hone in on the fundamentals of your job. And when you’re doing that, you’re executing your fundamentals at a high level, we’re going to be a really great defense.”

I believe it was about four years ago when you kind of came here as what a quality control coach. Did you figure that you would be able to rise up to the defensive coordinator level this quickly? And how prepared do you feel like you are for it?

“Yes, it’s been a progression since I first came here, you know, in 2017, just being under coach [head coach Kyle] Shanahan, just learning the system under coach [New York Jets head coach Robert] Saleh, all the guys here and just the coaching staff we’ve had, I was just able to sit back and absorb and learn a lot from a lot of talented, great coaches. So my progression as a coach, it’s really, it’s been a smooth transition, it’s been a smooth progression. Yes, it is something that I’ve always been preparing for and I’ve always wanted to get into coaching. I always love and seeing the effect that coaches have had on my life growing up and coaches have been really important and integral in me and instilling a lot of things in me, not only football, but as far as things pertaining to life outside of football. So I’ve just always seen that as a way for me to reach back and be able to help players and being in their shoes before I feel like it’s been a natural transition to me, and it’s been easy to relate to our players and help them not only on the field, but off the field as well.”

We heard your predecessor there, Robert Saleh, say there was a couple of things just adjustments for him taking over as the head coach and going to the defensive side and not be with the whole team. What has the adjustment been like? What have been some of the things that maybe jumped out to you with working with a whole defensive instead of just a position group?

“Yeah, it’s a lot of big picture things. Now just having my eyes on, you know, D-Line linebackers and the secondary, just being able to interact with all of the guys a lot more than I have been able to in the past where I’m not just focused on the linebackers, when I’m able to, you know, get to know the guys on the D-Line better, get to know the secondary guys better and just making sure we all gel together as a tight-knit group, as a brotherhood. And I think that’s really the big picture thing is just dealing with all of the guys, all the different personalities, just being able to manage that. And it’s been going really well.”

You mentioned that some other coaches have helped you develop outside the field as well. Who are those coaches and what were the most important things that they said to you and how does that affect how you are as a coach?

“Yeah, I think thank you for that as well. But you know, I think one of the main coaches, a guy who is here with me now is coach [linebackers coach] Johnny Holland, a coach I’ve had as a rookie coming into the National Football League and just seeing the way he carries himself as a coach and off the field, it’s just not a better mentor to have than coach Johnny Holland. He’s meant a lot to me professionally in my football career, but also just off the field when it comes to just players coming in young, just how to handle money. How do you handle relationships and family? Those are things that kind of get overlooked and everyone is focused on football, but Johnny has taught me how to manage both and you can teach both in a football setting. So that is the one coach I’ve had who’s been very instrumental in my life.”

As a player, you always have to prove yourself. And I’m sure you feel like you have to prove yourself now, you know, as mentioned you were just a quality control coach a second ago. Do you feel, I don’t know if it’s good pressure or whatever, but do you feel some sort of pressure and if so, is it kind of different from what the way that emotion was as a player?

“No, thank you. It’s I think when it comes to pressure, it’s all about just your preparation and what have you done to prepare? Is there pressures like playing, like you get those butterflies before you run out of the tunnel, but is there pressure? There’s no pressure, but it’s just, have you prepared yourself for the moment? I think for me, it’s just putting in the work now in the offseason, putting into work during the season, you just put the work in to put yourself in a position to where you feel as prepared as possible for each week.”

How do you balance retaining the things that made the 49ers defense successful over the last several years under Robert Saleh, but also incorporating your own style and your own way of doing things?

“Oh yeah. Thank you. For me, I am my own person and Saleh has taught me a lot. He’s taught me, probably one of the coaches who has taught me the most football that I’ve been around. He’s been very integral to my development as a coach and I can’t thank him enough for all of the things that he’s instilled in me. And so there will be some of the similar, you know, scheme things that we’ve done in the past where you will see some similarities there, but you will see some wrinkles. You will see some wrinkles, you will see my brand of football on it. Like I talked about earlier, I want to be known as an attacking defensive line. Our D-Line is going to attack. Our linebackers and secondary, they’re going to play with base fundamentals. We’re going to play off our defensive line. We’re going to let our D-Line just get off the ball and attack, and we’re going to clean up things behind them, but we will be a more, I feel like aggressive, attacking defense.”

Along those lines, you have some experience in the secondary. I think CB Jason Verrett, CB K’Waun Williams, S Jaquiski Tartt, all those guys will be 30 by the time the season starts. Does that give you a little bit more leeway, a little bit more ability to be variable and to kind of mix things up, specifically that secondary group?

“It was very comforting and I was very excited when we were able to sign back Verrett, sign back [CB Emmanuel Moseley] E-Man, sign back K’Waun Williams, getting Tartt back, you know, [DB] Jimmie ward, all those guys who have been here, played under our scheme in the previous years. So it was very comforting to have those guys who you know are veteran guys who can handle a lot of things that we throw at them. And those guys have been awesome. And I just love them, not only as players, but the way they’ve been taking the younger guys under their wings. I think that’s the advantage you have when you get good veteran players who are not selfish and all about themselves, but they’ve done a good job of coaching the younger guys, helping the younger guys as much as they can. So I’m thrilled to have all those guys in the secondary and excited to work with them.”

What do you anticipate will be the biggest challenge you’ll face as a first-year defensive coordinator?

“Well, I think there’s different challenges every week. Depending on the opponent you’re facing, we’ll handle those challenges when they come. But when it comes to game planning and calling plays, last year I kind of took on that role of more of a big-picture type role, kind of putting myself in those positions of what would I have called here? What would I have done different here? So, as I talked about earlier, it’s just that preparation and putting yourself in those positions now to be different because this would be my first time doing it live. But I think, again, it’s all about, you know, it’s all about your preparation.”

How is DT Javon Kinlaw looking now heading into year two?

“Kinlaw is looking, he’s looking awesome. I think it’s really vital for him to really have these OTAs. And it’s been great that all our guys have showed up and we’ve been able to practice and Kinlaw was able to really hone in and focus on his techniques, which he missed. You know, coming in as a rookie, OTAs are very, very important. And for him to miss that time last year, I think this has been, he’s going to take a huge jump this year. Just we’re able to slow things down and really emphasize foot work, hand placement and technique, eyes. And he’s been doing an awesome job. I mean, I can already see how much better he’s gotten in the couple of weeks that we’ve been together.”

Before I ask my question, on our little chat here, everybody wants to know if you’re going to be upstairs or on the field?

“I’ll be on the field.”

And so for a guy who played 10 years, and you’re just, you know, you’re a player in 2015, I’m sure you had your idea of what a defensive coordinator should be and the kind of defensive coordinator you wanted to play under. How much now as the defensive coordinator do you balance what the players like to do as opposed to just what’s smart football?

“I think there is a healthy balance, but at the end of the day, it’s all about the players. For me, it’s all about the players and what can they do? Not only what can they do, but what can they excel at a very high level to where they’re not overthinking things. They’re able to have their cleats in the ground, so to speak, and ready to play as fast as possible. And that’s one thing that I’ve learned is just going through playing and coaching for the past couple of years, if no matter what I know what I want to do, it’s all about what the players can absorb and what can they go out and execute on the field.”

Since you’ve been hired, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? And also, maybe you don’t know the answer to this, but Saleh was known for kind of freaking out, you know, after good plays and be super intense on the field. Is that what you imagine is going to be your sideline demeanor or who knows? Do you have to wait and see?

“Yeah, we’ll have to wait and see on that. Just naturally as a competitor, like my guys making a play, I’m going to be excited. I’m going to be enthusiastic about that play. That’s just who I am as a person. And that’s why I encourage my guys to be as well, be enthusiastic when your teammate makes a play, you should be fired up and excited for him. And for me as a coach, it won’t change. Like when I see a player make a play, no matter who it is, I’m going to be fired up for that player because I’m so happy that he was able to execute and make a big play.”

Obviously within the division, there are three pretty good quarterbacks at least, I guess you could say that, but in terms of just how you evaluate everybody that you’re going to go against in the NFC West, what stands out to you about the quarterbacks you’re going to face and how big of a challenge is that going to be, especially for a first-year guy?

“Yeah. I think when you look at the quarterbacks in our division, first starting at Seattle with [Seattle Seahawks QB] Russell Wilson, just seeing him over the years, he is a true competitor. He’s going to keep his team in the game. He’s able to make plays not only with his arm, but also with his legs. He is a competitor. So it’s someone we’ve went against in the past and have a history with. He’s gotten us a couple of times, we’ve gotten him, but we kind of know him, but you know it’s always going to be close there with Russell because of the competitor that he is. Then you go down to L.A. with the addition of [Los Angeles Rams QB] Matt Stafford. I think it was a really great addition for them and their office and the things that Stafford has been able to do throughout his career, he’s really been a top quarterback in his league when it comes to the fourth quarter comebacks, which he’s very known for. But, he provides leadership to that offense and he’s going to be a playmaker for them. So he’ll present a lot of challenges, whether it’s calling it at the line of scrimmage, whether he gets more leeway with that, we’ll see. But we’ll see how their offense comes along with him, a few unknowns there, but kind of waiting to see. And then you go down to Arizona and [Arizona Cardinals QB] Kyler Murray is a fantastic young player, dynamic player who is electric when he’s running with the ball, has a big arm to sling it across the field as well. So we know he’s definitely a hard out, so to speak. He’s a hard out. But again, it’s a guy that we’ve grown to kind of know. You know the type of competitor that he is, you know the playmakers that they surrounded him with. So, I feel like they’ll be better this year and they’ll have a ton of challenges as well.”

You mentioned just how this organization has a history of playing great defense. And obviously it helps to have the Jimmie’s and the Joe’s or in your case, the Freds and the Nicks. I know we’re in June, but is there a player on defense that’s scratching the surface of breaking out? And if not, is there a position battle that you’re kind of looking forward to seeing them at minicamp and as training camp gets closer?

“Yeah, I think when you talk about young players who are on the verge of breaking out, I look at a young guy like [DL] Kevin Givens and the way he’s been working, it’s been outstanding to see him work. He’s getting better and better each day. I mentioned Kinlaw earlier. He’s another player. He’s a second-year player who’s going to take a huge jump for us. When you look at another young player, I still see a young player talk about [LB] Dre Greenlaw and just how he’s developed. And he’s gotten better throughout these OTAs and I’m fired up to see his growth this year. So those are three of the young guys that I see taking a huge jump this next year. And we have a lot of guys who are very vital to our defense when it comes to [DL Nick] Bosa. When it comes to Fred, Jason Verrett Jimmie Ward, you know, three guys who are very vital, important to our defense. [DL] Arik Armstead, you know, guys who have been here, leaders who will help guide this defense. This defense is theirs and I’m just here to help them go out and perform as good as they possibly can.”

The 49ers already have a slew of established veteran standouts on defense, with players such as Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Jason Verrett, Jimmie Ward, and Arik Armstead leading what should be a talented mix. But there may be three more players ready to join that group this season, according to defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans.

Ryans was asked during a media session on Wednesday which players he feels are in a position to make a big leap once the season gets underway. The first player he singled out was defensive tackle Kevin Givens, who has shown some flashes in a reserve role since joining the 49ers as an undrafted rookie out of Penn State in 2019. Givens had 19 tackles and a sack in 13 games last season after playing in just one game as a rookie.

“I look at a

DeMeco Ryans seems to be fitting in perfectly so far as the 49ers’ new defensive coordinator, although that should come as no surprise given his previous NFL experience.

Ryans, 36, played ten seasons in the league as a linebacker for the Houston Texans (2006-2011) and Philadelphia Eagles (2012-2015) after being selected by the Texans at pick 33 in Round 2 of the 2006 NFL Draft. After a career that saw him total 814 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and two Pro Bowl selections, Ryans began his coaching career as a quality control coach with the 49ers in 2017 and has since gone through a quick rise to defensive coordinator after serving as the inside linebackers coach the past three seasons. The fact that Ryans has a wealth of NFL experience and isn’t far removed from his playing days means

What will the 49ers defense look like now that DeMeco Ryans is in charge?

There will undoubtedly be some similarities on that front to what was seen under former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, but Ryans wants to bring his own touches to the defense, starting with a more aggressive approach.

“Our defense will be a fast, attacking, aggressive defense,” Ryans told reporters Wednesday in his first media session since being named defensive coordinator in January after Saleh took over as head coach of the New York Jets. “I want guys to play fast. I want guys who are smart. I want guys who are going to play physical.”

In particular, Ryans wants to unleash the talent the 49ers have on defense up front. Ryans expects the defensive line to set the tone

Today, DeMeco Ryans spoke with the media for the first time since being named the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator in January. One of the discussion topics was second-year defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who was the No. 14 overall pick last year.

Ryans is expecting big things from his 6-foot-5 and nearly 320-pound defensive lineman.

“Kinlaw, he’s looking awesome,” the coach told reporters. “I think it’s really vital for him to really have these OTAs, and it’s been great that all our guys have showed up, and we’ve been able to practice.

“Kinlaw is able to really hone in and focus on his techniques, which he missed coming in as a rookie. OTAs are very, very important. For him to miss that time last year, I think he’s going to take a huge jump

The post Transcript: DeMeco Ryans talks 49ers defensive philosophy, transferring up the teaching ranks appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.