The San Francisco 49ers enjoyed a long run of elite defenses during Robert Saleh's first tenure as defensive coordinator. That's why, after a somewhat uneven showing in 2024 that saw the team post a 68.3 defensive grade per Pro Football Focus, ranking 15th in the league, Saleh's return elicited excitement throughout the Niners' locker room.
Tight end George Kittle proclaimed "Violence is coming" to celebrate Saleh's return, knowing full well how the defensive mastermind is able to confound opposing offenses thanks to his coverage schemes and relentless pass rush.
Still, there were concerns. Saleh's scheme puts a lot of pressure on his front, with the defensive lineman needing to win without the help of the blitz, and a lot of responsibility falling squarely on the shoulders of the linebacking corps to not only clean up in the run game, but also cover huge swaths of grass against the pass.