I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from Jim O’Neil’s defense. Sure, O’Neil was from the Rex Ryan coaching tree. But it was difficult separating O’Neil’s schemes from his frequent cohort, and fellow Ryan disciple, Mike Pettine. After one game Jim O’Neil looks to be putting together a multiple and aggressive defense that leans heavy towards the Rex Ryan “pressure wins games” philosophy.
Pressure Packages
Throughout the game the 49ers leveraged creative rush patterns and blitzes to confuse both Case Keenum and their protection schemes. On the first sack we saw a return of the Tackle-End stunt made famous in San Francisco by the Smith Brothers, Justin and Aldon.