The 2020 decimation of San Francisco’s roster has caused defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to lean greatly upon several unheralded players and reserves who either didn’t play for the 49ers last season or didn’t have significant roles in the team’s fearsome 2019 defense that ranked second in the NFL and carried the 49ers into Super Bowl LIV. Here’s a rundown on players who have emerged to keep the 49ers operating among the top-ranked defenses in the NFL, responding to Saleh’s message and methods to get the most out of their abilities while becoming notable factors in San Francisco’s defensive success this season.
DE Kerry Hyder: The fifth-year lineman has emerged from the shadows to produce a career season and become San Francisco’s top rushing threat off the edge. Hyder was a situational player with only two previous career starts with three other NFL teams before he signed a one-year deal with the 49ers as a free agent in March. After Pro Bowl right end Nick Bosa was lost for the season with a torn ACL in Week 2, Hyder stepped into Bosa’s place in the starting lineup and has remained there ever since, strengthening his grip on the position as one of San Francisco’s most impactful defenders of 2020. Hyder entered the final quarter of this season as the team’s runaway leader with 7.5 sacks — no other 49ers player had more than two — while also contributing 40 tackles and a team-high nine stops behind the line of scrimmage. Hyder also ranks among the NFL leaders among edge defenders in run-stop percentage during a season that already has far exceeded expectations.
This story is from the January 2021 edition of Niner Report.
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This story is from the January 2021 edition of Niner Report.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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