Here is Part II of the 49ers’ 2018 season grades. Part I, which included each of the 49ers’ offensive position groups, ran Wednesday.
Defensive linemen: A-minus
They defended the run well. The 49ers ranked seventh best out of 32 teams in rushing yards per attempt allowed.
They also rushed the quarterback well at home, where their sack percentage was 10th best. They clearly have the talent, yet their sack percentage fell to 27th on the road.
But the entire defense played poorly away from home.
More on the road issues below.
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is one of the 10 best pass rushers in the NFL.