The autopsy on the San Francisco 49ers continues days after they narrowly lost Super Bowl LVIII to the Kansas City Chiefs despite being a slight favorite going in.
It was the second time in five seasons they lost to the Chiefs with the Vince Lombardi Trophy at stake, and in both Super Bowls, they blew a 10-point lead.
Many have been pointing the finger at head coach Kyle Shanahan for some questionable decisions, but the fact is that the 49ers’ defense let them down, especially late in regulation and in overtime.
The team reacted swiftly on Wednesday by firing defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
A change in San Francisco: Steve Wilks is out as the 49ers defensive coordinator. pic.twitter.com/atNB1ConXy
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 14, 2024
Although San Francisco’s defense slipped a bit this season, plenty of people are shocked at the decision the team made.
yes lets scapegoat the DC when the head coach has blown 3 double digit leads in Super Bowls in his last 3 times there
— Brian (@BrianViiox) February 14, 2024
Kyle Shanahan after blowing another double digit lead in a big game pic.twitter.com/kFqaBhrpKC
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) February 14, 2024
they tryna scapegoat wilks 🤣
— 𝙏𝙚𝙯 (@TezFrm901) February 14, 2024
San Fran’s defense only gave up 19 points in regulation and 7 of those points came on a short field after muffed punt. That’s not the reason why the Niners lost.
— Midtown Mike (@MidtownMike22) February 14, 2024
On the other hand, a select few noted that something was a bit off with the Niners’ defense.
Held Mahomes and the Chiefs to 19 points in regulation.
Offensive genius at HC should have found a way to score 20 points.
That said, the defensive strategy late in the game was mind numbing. It was either soft zone or cover 0 (why??)
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) February 14, 2024
the 49ers allowed 8 more points per game in the playoffs than in the regular season 📉 pic.twitter.com/ckuREVbyef
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 14, 2024
Last season, with DeMeco Ryans as defensive coordinator, the Niners’ defense was the best in the NFL, but Ryans left last offseason to become the Houston Texans’ head coach, and Wilks, who had been the Carolina Panthers’ interim head coach in 2022, was hired to replace Ryans.
Statistically, their defense was still strong in 2023, but there were warning signs throughout the year, and at one point, the decision was made for Wilks to move from the booth to the field during games.
In the playoffs, the 49ers had trouble stopping the run, and after holding Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce in check early in the Super Bowl, they allowed him to make catch after catch afterward.
They also failed to bring pressure on opposing quarterbacks late in the season and in the playoffs, something they did well in 2022.
San Francisco has built their identity around a hard-hitting defense during Shanahan’s regime, and they will now look for a replacement for Wilks who they hope will also be an upgrade.
NEXT:
Fans React To Today’s Major Steve Wilks News
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