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Pressure in the red zone has been one of the team's
best skills; limiting the opposition to a 43.3 percent
touchdown success rate (6th best in the league).
(AP Photo/Morry Gash)
One of the few consistencies on the 49ers defense all season long has been limiting the opposition to field goals versus touchdowns. In last Sunday's game, the 49ers defense held off the Packers from scoring touchdowns in their first two drives. Instead the Packers had to settle for field goals.
Statistically, the 49ers rank 6th in the league in red zone defense. In 30 opponent drives in the red zone, the team has only surrendered 13 touchdowns for a 43.3 percent touchdown success rate. Atop the list are the Redskins with only 21 drives and seven touchdowns.
The Jaguars come into town with a 50 percent touchdown success rate in the red zone. They have entered the red zone 30 times and have scored 15 touchdowns and eight field goals in those drives.
I've followed the Jaguars quite a few times this year and have noticed that a lot of their touchdowns have come through big first down plays. In fact, 11 of the team's 24 touchdowns have come on first down plays. Given the explosiveness of running back Maurice Jones-Drew and the quick strike ability of quarterback David Garrard, the 49ers have a lot on their hands this Sunday.
In the game against the Chicago Bears, the 49ers red zone defense was tremendous. Nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin and safety Michael Lewis both had key red zone interceptions in the game to prevent the Bears from taking the lead. A defense like that will be put to the test against the Jaguars.
The 49ers were abused last week on defense. The team's defense was on the field for nearly 42 minutes last Sunday while the entire 49ers offense struggled. On Sunday, the 49ers cannot afford to let that happen again. The Jaguars team is very capable of milking a clock and scoring quickly on drives. A well-rested 49ers defense can handle the pressure of stopping red zone touchdowns. A tired 49ers defense, however, might not be able to do the same. Something's got to give this Sunday.
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Comments
Where do you find the stats on red zone defense? Google?
The 49ers and their opponents provide game previews for their matchups. Each preview contains all kinds of interesting stats. I just pick up the info from there.
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