Robert Saleh is back with the 49ers, and he’s noticed a massive change in NFL offenses! Gone are the days of constant ‘2-shell’ defenses as teams are rediscovering the power of the run game. What does this mean for the future of defensive strategy in the league?
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has made a significant return to the Bay Area, reuniting with head coach Kyle Shanahan after a challenging tenure as an NFL head coach. His reappearance brings a fresh perspective on the league’s offensive landscape, which he notes has undergone substantial evolution since his previous stint with the 49ers.
Saleh’s journey saw him depart the successful 49ers defense that reached the Super Bowl in 2019 to lead the New York Jets, a period marked by considerable hurdles. A prime example of this was the brief and unfortunate beginning to Aaron Rodgers’ career with the Jets, which dramatically concluded with a ruptured Achilles tendon just four offensive snaps into his competitive journey, profoundly impacting Saleh’s time there.
Now back in the fold, Saleh keenly observes a distinct shift in how NFL offenses are approaching the game. He notes a discernible trend away from the previous reliance on sophisticated passing schemes against defenses playing constant “2-shell” coverages, signaling a strategic pivot by offensive coordinators.
This evolving offensive philosophy became strikingly clear to Saleh during a Week 1 matchup last season between the 49ers and the Jets, a game he vividly described as “a punch in the mouth.” The 49ers, under Shanahan, demonstrated a dominant ground attack that exposed the vulnerabilities of traditional defensive alignments.
In that particular contest, the San Francisco 49ers notably ran the ball 41 times, averaging four yards per carry, illustrating a strategic commitment to the run game. Saleh characterized this methodical offensive approach as “death by a million paper cuts,” highlighting its effectiveness in slowly dismantling the opposing defense.
Jordan Mason, stepping up in a crucial role due to other injuries, showcased the power of this run-heavy strategy. He finished the game with an impressive stat line of 28 carries for 147 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and scoring one touchdown, further cementing the efficacy of the 49ers’ ground game.
Saleh firmly believes that more offensive coordinators are beginning to reinvest in establishing the run, not just as a primary attack, but as a critical component to manipulate defensive structures. This renewed emphasis on the ground game aims to force defenses out of their preferred two-safety shells, thereby creating opportunities for other offensive plays and maintaining a balanced attack.
