The 49ers’ defense has made perhaps the most dramatic turnaround in the league between 2018 and 2019. They were among the worst units in the league a season ago, but now they appear to be on track to be one of the league’s best.
They’ve allowed just 47 points through three weeks, and have already surpassed their interception and takeaway totals from last season. Finding an MVP is difficult because they’ve had so many good players this season, but here’s a few honorable mentions and one that stands out above them.
Honorable mention: DE Arik Armstead
Armstead’s has had a tremendous start to his fifth season. He’s been terrific on the edge and at defensive tackle, with nine tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and the biggest play of the year to this point – a forced fumble on Steelers running back James Conner that set the 49ers up for the game-winning score in Week 3. He also applied the pressure that forced quarterback Mason Rudolph to throw an interception in that game. He’s been superb, and is likely playing his way into a hefty contract this offseason.
Honorable mention: CB Richard Sherman
The veteran cornerback has been a rock on the left side of the 49ers’ defense. Quarterbacks still won’t test Sherman, and his declining athleticism begins to seem like a myth when watching him run step-for-step with Bengals speedster John Ross. Sherman’s exceptionally high football IQ has allowed him to stay effective into his early 30s, and he’s still a terrific tackler on the boundary. His one interception, a pick-6 in Week 1, along with four pass breakups are strong, but they’re not indicative of his value to the 49ers.
Honorable mention: LB Kwon Alexander
It seemed like a stretch when the 49ers gave Alexander a four-year, $54 million contract with $25.5 million guaranteed this offseason. He was coming off a torn ACL and had significant flaws as a player. Any concerns about his health or missed tackles have been mitigated by his outstanding first three games. His athleticism and aggressiveness provide an element of speed and nastiness the 49ers’ LB corps was missing last year. He’s only been with the team for a few months, but he’s already the heartbeat of their defense.
Honorable mention: DE Nick Bosa
An ankle injury has limited Bosa’s playing time and productivity, but his value to the 49ers’ defense is extremely apparent. He has just 1.0 sacks, but he’s constantly around the quarterback and has forced a couple of mistakes just by being in the backfield. The one problem with the rookie has been actually racking up the sacks. He’s had more than one time where a quarterback has escaped his grasp after he beat the tackle. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s the team’s MVP by the end of the year.
MVP: CB Ahkello Witherspoon
This would’ve been unthinkable last year, but Witherspoon’s elevated level of play has been such a vital factor of the 49ers’ defense entering the elite realm through three weeks. His ability to stick to receivers has handcuffed opposing offenses in trying to beat the 49ers’ pass rush. Witherspoon has added a hard-nosed element to his game though. He’s playing much faster this year and hitting harder and really solidified a lot of the weaknesses in his game. The third-year corner has nine tackles, one tackle for loss, five pass breakups and an interception that he returned for a touchdown. He’s out at least a month with a foot sprain, and that might cement his value to San Francisco’s defense.
