SDB's Defensive line Analysis- Chargers vs 49ers

by Superduperboltman on Dec 20, 2010 2:02 PM PST

This is what happens when you don't double team El Toro. 49ers QB Alex Smith learned the hard way that using a single blocker on DE Luis Castillo is like using a Cattle Prod on a charging bull. It will only anger him. DE Jaques Cesaire looks on. Pic via static.nfl.com

For the Second week in a row, Ron Rivera's defense shut down an opponent and unleashed a gameplan that worked to near perfection. Although they threatened once, the 49ers were shut out for 3 and a half quarters of football. It took them 9 drives, or 44 plays to finally score in garbage time against mostly a preseason squad. Lets take a look at some wonderful bullet points of defensive dominance regarding the 49er offense.

4 of 10 drives resulting in 3 and outs
Only 2 drives reached San Diego red zone
2 of 12 third down efficiency (17%)
0 of 3 fourth down efficiency (0%)

More bullets and the D-line analysis after the jump.

3.7 yards gained per pass play
192 total net yards (19.2 yards per drive average)
Only 6 plays allowed to go over 10 yards
6 different players with a sack on Alex Smith

Click here for the Analysis

This game had Near perfect playcalling once again. Only one bad playcall all game, and it didn't lead to any points. Antonio Garay was uncharacteristically poor against the run overall. Antwan Applewhite was worse than he's been all year. On the other hand, the usually average Jacques Cesaire was great against the run. Kevin Burnett's pass rush score is really high but only because he blitzed just 3 times, however he was successful all 3 times. Big thumbs up to Antwan Applewhite covering Vernon Davis very well throughout the game. There were 9 total Blitzes called by Ron Rivera. They weren't that necessary since after the half it was clear the 49ers couldn't throw very well.

Figure A- The Bull twist Blitz. Watch Castillo draw 2 blockers inside for Burnett to shoot free.

Figure B- Watch Cesaire.

Figure 1 and 2

End Analysis. Leave any questions and comments below. Recs are appreciated if you appreciate the work. Thanks to Orz for the videos.

This FanPost was written by a member of the Bolts From The Blue community and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Bolts From The Blue editors or SB Nation.

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Comments

Keaton Kristick is impressed

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Dec 20, 2010 2:41 PM PST reply actions

no #46???

how’d my man Beckwith do? He got plenty of reps there in the second half.

by Stephen (shaynes41) on Dec 20, 2010 3:58 PM PST reply actions

he helped the HAT with a tackle

other than that, nothing. A little slow. He and Lang just look like special teamers and 3rd stringers.

Dielman on Rivers: "I've tried to get him to say s--- or f--- and all he'll ever do is say, 'Golly gee, I can't do that."

by Superduperboltman on Dec 20, 2010 7:21 PM PST up reply actions

back to the PS with him!

I think Beckwith has a future in the Siler/Dobbins role of ST contributor and situational LB.

Depending on how Cooper and Burnetts FA situation plays out, Beckwith could be in that role next year (with Siler and Butler in the starting roles)

by Stephen (shaynes41) on Dec 21, 2010 1:00 PM PST up reply actions

Butler

is very similar to Burnett
Siler is what Cooper tries to be, physically anyway.

Dielman on Rivers: "I've tried to get him to say s--- or f--- and all he'll ever do is say, 'Golly gee, I can't do that."

by Superduperboltman on Dec 21, 2010 1:05 PM PST up reply actions

woo! got my name dropped!

by Orz on Dec 20, 2010 4:00 PM PST reply actions

Best game from Castillo

in some time. He looked sharp, played strong, & took advantage of the rush coming from the outside. Nice to see.

If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on Dec 21, 2010 1:26 AM PST reply actions

Figure 1 and 2

hahah!

#feelinacertaintypeofway

by sd_Baby-B on Dec 21, 2010 12:19 PM PST reply actions

what did you think of the two San Fran rookies?

the first rounders. It looked like they put Castillo 1-1 with him a few times but i wasn’t sure

by not humble enough on Dec 22, 2010 7:23 AM PST reply actions

him being: that guy from Idaho (U-patti)

by not humble enough on Dec 22, 2010 7:24 AM PST up reply actions

Both Right Tackle and Right Guard

Struggled mightily against Castillo. I counted 2 holds not called. He also got them both mixed up repeatedly. He got chipped a whole lot but he still gets pressure. He’s also extremely patient in reading linemen. That’s why no team ever runs screens to his side. He also has perfect rushing skills to open up lanes for other blitzers. That’s why it’s usually Castillo doing the line stunts 90% of the time. He always finds a way to draw 2 or 3 blockers and give Phillips, Garay, Burnett or a defensiveback a rush lane.

Dielman on Rivers: "I've tried to get him to say s--- or f--- and all he'll ever do is say, 'Golly gee, I can't do that."

by Superduperboltman on Dec 22, 2010 9:27 AM PST up reply actions