Defense under pressure
Saleh working on answers as high-scoring Rams loom
SANTACLARA » Robert Saleh avoids listening to outside buzz and doesn’t own any social media accounts. These rank among his wisest strategies of the year.
If he logged on, the 49ers defensive coordinator might hear the increasing clamor surrounding his mistake- prone defense. Saleh spoke bluntly Thursday as the 49ers tried to recover from a blown late lead against the Green Bay Packers in time to face the Los Angeles Rams and their top-ranked offense.
The 49ers’ defense ranks among the league leaders in a more dubious category. They rank second behind the Cleveland Browns (86) in missed tackles this season, according to NFL’s NextGen Stats. They 49ers have missed 73 tackles, followed by the Buffalo Bills (72) and Miami Dolphins (65).
How does Saleh deal with the criticism?
“In our profession, there are two types of coaches: There are those who have been fired and those who are about to be fired. Youjust put that on the back burner,” he said calmly. “We get it. It goes with the territory. I have tremendous confidence in what we teach and how we go about our business.”
General manager John Lynch joined the in-house choir that’s rushed to support Saleh.
“We’ve got a lot of belief in Robert,” Lynch said on KNBR 680-AM. “Is that blind faith? No it’s faith because we know where he’s been in his career, what his schemes are and what he’s teaching. We’re going to workthroughthiswithhim. Players have to take ownerships. All the coaches have to take ownership. Whenwe start doing the little things, we’ll start translating these intowins and peoplewill get off Saleh’s back.”
The 49ers (1-5) host the Rams (6-0) atLevi’s Stadium on Sunday, when Saleh’s unit will be on high alert. The Rams average 464.3 yards per game (first in the NFL) and average 32.7 points per game (third).
In advance, here are the top takeaways from Saleh’s session on Thursday: BETTER COMMUNICATION » As Saleh knows, the 49ers cannot afford any more of the gaffes that cost themin a 33-30 loss to the Packers on Monday night. In that game, confusion burned the 49ers right out of the gate.
On Green Bay’s first offensive play, quarterback Aaron Rodgers exploited busted coverage to hit a wide- open Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 60-yard gain. In that instance, defensivebacks JimmieWardand Adrian Colbert both converged on receiver Equanimious St. Brown, leaving Valdes-Scantling wide open for the kind of throw Rodgers doesn’t miss.
“When we trip over ourselves, it looks horrendous,’’ Saleh said. “But (the players) are getting better. They have great intent. So there’s no doubt in my mind that we are going to finish this season very, very strong not only as a defense but as an organization.”
Saleh took comfort in the prolonged stretches of the second and third quarters when the defense tightened up. BY THE NUMBERS » Moments after the 60-yard mistake, the 49ers also failed to properly cover a bubble screen that capped the Packers’ touchdown drive. TyMontgomery took a backward pass fromRodgers and breezed into the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown.
Considering that the 49ers spent all week gameplanning for theRodgers onslaught, it was unnerving to see thingsgohaywirewithin minutes. The Packers scored 17 points in the first quarter.
“I always look to myself first. What are we installing? What are we teaching? And (we look at) whether a player can or cannot learn what we’re asking. Is it too much?” Saleh said. “Big lights, big stage. What are we doing schematically? ... For it to happen on the first play of the game like that, very, very frustrating.”
In addressing the preparation, Saleh explained the 49ers coaching staff uses a five-point process for making sure players know their roles. Here’s how he said it works:
1. Give players the plan in writing. 2. Showit to themon tape. 3. Get them a walkthrough rep.
4. Get them a rep in individual drills or group installation.
5. Get them a live rep in practice.
“So, it’s always up to the coaches first,’’ Saleh said. “We’ve all got to take to heart what we’re trying to teach and what’s being asked of everybody.” SITUATIONAL DEFENSE » With the game hanging in the balance, Rodgers sliced through the 49ers defense like a knife through Wisconsin cheddar. The quarterback picked on cornerback Greg Mabin, who was subbing for the injured Ward. Mabin allowed four catches on five targets for 62 yards and a touchdown, according to Pro Football Focus.
Saleh was asked if he could have helpedMabin by forcing Rodgers to throw in a different direction.
“One hundred percent it could have been better. It could have been a lot better,’’ Saleh said.
Salehsaid itwasn’t as simple as just protecting the sidelines better. The 49ers knew Rodgers would respond by attacking themiddle of the field because the Packers still had time to stop the clock. Still, Saleh indicated he’d like a do-over on the play-calling.
“Iwon’t get toomuch into schematics,’’ Saleh said. “I’m always looking to see how we could have done a lot better as a staff and felt good about it at the time. It’s unfortunate the way it ended.”
Across the locker room, defensive players voiced their support for Saleh. They followed cornerback Richard Sherman, who put in a forceful endorsement right after the game.
Defensive linemanDeForest Buckner spoke Thursday about helping Saleh with better player accountability.
“It’s about us executing the defense he calls,’’ Buckner said. “It doesn’t matter what defense he calls, guys need to do their jobs.”
• The 49erswill honor the late Dwight Clark by unveiling two statues commemorating “The Catch” before Sunday’s game. Joe Montana, who threw the memorable pass, will be part of the unveiling ceremony, along with 49ers CEO Jed York and Clark’s widow, Kelly Clark.
The ceremony at Intel Gate A is a private event for VIPs and alumni. But the area will open for others once the Levi’s Stadium gates open.
• Injury report: Ward ( hamstring) and receiver Dante Pettis (knee) did not practice.