The 49ers possess the best defense in the NFL. At this point in the 2022 season, you would fine few people who would dispute that statement and, encouragingly for San Francisco, DeMeco Ryans’ unit is displaying continued evidence of key growth in the secondary as the Niners look towards the postseason.
San Francisco clinched its place in the postseason last Thursday, securing the NFC West title for the first time since the 2019 campaign with a 21-13 road victory over the Seattle Seahawks that saw the Niners sweep Seattle for the first time since 2011.
That victory came on the back of yet another composed performance from rookie quarterback Brock Purdy and more defensive dominance from Ryans’ group, which had no problem shackling Geno Smith and the Seattle offense until late in the fourth quarter, when the Seahawks finally scored their first offensive touchdown against the 49ers of the 2022 season.
San Francisco dictated terms on the defensive side of the ball not just because of its superiority in the trenches, where Nick Bosa produced near constant pressure off the edge, but because of excellent play in the secondary.
Though the Niners have suffered injuries at cornerback, most notably to Emmanuel Moseley, who sustained a season-ending injury in Week 6, they have not seen an evident drop-off in performances at the position.
Indeed, they remain one of the premier zone coverage teams in the NFL and, as the 49ers have shut down opposing offenses in recent weeks, they have seen their cornerbacks excel in playing physical man coverage.
Last week’s win in Seattle was, in part, an illustration of why the 49ers signed Charvarius Ward. Exemplary stuff in very physical coverage despite a size disadvantage against D.K. Metcalf. pic.twitter.com/Ao3SOZm8Pc
— Nicholas McGee (@nicholasmcgee24) December 20, 2022
San Francisco’s wins over the Buccaneers and the Seahawks have served as an illustration of why they invested in corner Charvarius Ward in free agency, the former Chief providing hugely impressive physical coverage against the likes of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and DK Metcalf.
Ward has allowed just 6.7 yards per target in 2022, tied for the best mark of his career after allowing the same average in his final season with Kansas City last year, and was outstanding in locking down Metcalf despite the Seattle wideout’s clear size advantage.
That display followed a game against the Bucs in which he, Deommodore Lenoir and Jimmie Ward, shifted from…
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