The 49ers’ defense has been relatively pedestrian at times this season, especially during the playoffs thus far when it has mattered most. They have done enough to make it to the Super Bowl, but I would argue that the success has largely been on the offensive side of the football while the defense has regressed down the stretch.
During the regular season, excluding Week 18 when they rested key starters, the Niners allowed 100+ rushing yards to a team only five times. Thus far in the playoffs, they have allowed 130+ yards on the ground twice in two games.