The 49ers invested heavily in their defense over the offseason, and after Week 1 it looks like that unit will have to carry them to success this season. Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and their offense in Week 1 looked far more formidable than Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston and their offense. San Francisco will need another stellar showing from their defense to pull out another road win.
Here are three keys to victory for the 49ers defense:
1. Take advantage on the edge
The Bengals won’t have left tackle Cordy Glenn, and first-round pick Jonah Williams is out for the year too. Cincinnati already had a shaky offensive line, and now they’re digging into the depth on the front. They did a nice job against the Seahawks, but there are mismatches for the 49ers new edge rushers to win.
2. Interceptions are good
San Francisco had three interceptions against Tampa Bay and returned two of them for touchdowns. They’re unlikely to keep up that trend, but finding another pick or two would go a long way toward setting up an offense that may need some help.
3. Ahkello rising
Ahkello Witherspoon was terrific against the Buccaneers. He was so good that Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans asked if San Francisco knew what plays were coming. The third-year cornerback was confident, decisive and made his presence known often in Week 1. Another showing like that in Week 2 would be great not only for that game, but it would be a step toward Witherspoon being a key to San Francisco’s defense.
