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49ers defensive coordinator Manusky conference call highlights
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On Sunday, defensive coordinator Greg Manusky had a conference call with the media. Here are some highlights from the call.
On if this is a top 10 defense or better this season:
“I think time will only tell. I think it comes down to players making plays and us putting them in the right situation to make those plays. It can go as far as they want to take it and would I like to have a top five defense? Of course. I think the 49ers organization and the fans would like that and they are progressing every day and getting better at it.”
I actually believe that the team can be a Top 10 defense. I think the most impressive moment last season was when they limited Miami to only 14 points. Aside from two mistake plays, the 49ers defense was superb. And I believe with the addition of cornerback Dre Bly and the promotion of safety Dashon Goldson, this team can definitely be ball hawks on defense. More importantly, I feel that the return of Takeo Spikes has given the defense stability at linebacker. But speaking of the defense, the starting nose tackle will be Aubrayo Franklin.
On his philosophy on the nose tackle:
“I think across the board you always want to have a backup player. You don’t want any letdown coming when said player gets hurt or gets dinged up. So, we always have rotations across the board, and with Kentwan [Balmer] and Isaac [Sopoaga] doing a great job behind Aubrayo [Franklin], just from a backup situation, the more players that you have at those positions helps you out.”
The most important position that the team probably will end up focusing on will be the pass rushers.
On the combination of Parys Haralson and Manny Lawson as a duo on the outside:
“Well I think with Manny now that his knee is 100 percent and he feels confident with it and getting him with the defensive line and rushing as much as he can helps him and benefits him. Last year he was back and forth between rushing times and playing inside linebacker in our sub package, so putting him strictly in that pass rush mode, he’s learning from his mistakes and he’s learning from his good things that he does. So I think it’s building up, number one, his confidence and building up his ability to pass rush and I think it’s a good thing.”
Last year, Haralson emerged as a solid pass rusher, collecting eight sacks. This year, Lawson was given the opportunity to show his worth when the team did not draft a pass rusher. But with Lawson and Haralson together, you would expect a lot from them. I actually believe that as long as the team gives Lawson more opportunities to rush instead of forcing him into coverage so often, Lawson could emerge into a good linebacker.
From what's been seen at the recent OTAs, the defense has had its good share of highlights on the field. Even though some players are switching back and forth in position, we're starting to get an idea of where each player will eventually end up being on the depth chart. You'll probably see more shuffling with the rookies left and right, but it still looks like every defensive player has been filling out their assignments.
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