Why the 49ers’ Defense stopped using the Seahawks’ Defensive scheme

This week’s film breakdown explains why the San Francisco 49ers overhauled their defensive scheme, and moved away from the Seahawks Cover 3 style they had implemented in the last two seasons. They switched to a Wide 9 defense which has made them better in every category. Using the coaches all-22 game film, this analysis dives into discover why they have been so dominant.
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Thanks for watching Why the 49ers’ Defense stopped using the seahawks’s defensive scheme
#NFL #49ers #sports #football

[@AlexRollinsNFL]

Would you rather have the 2012 49ers defense or the 2019 version? Why?

[@MannyTre]

Yes to having the 2012 niners simply because of the Willis / Bowman duo

[@malcom3116]

AlexRollinsNFL 2012 defense

[@westsidehitman903]

@@MannyTre and the smith brother

[@franchisefred4066]

This defense is something special. Probably the most dominant in NFL history. 2012 defense was stingy but couldn’t come through at critical moments

[@soko2678]

2019 bcz of the speed and depth! 2012 secondary also seemed suspect at times. Also it looks to be able to sustain longer with all the young talent this year. I loved watching 2012 defense tho

[@mattcrazy7070]

I’m so happy my team is actually turning heads for a good reason, for the first time in years

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

There wasn't anything wrong with the 49ers defense in the past two years that a lot of game experience woundn't help, and elite pass rush helps a lot too. Happy to see the pieces come together. The groundwork was laid in the previous years. Saleh has changed almost nothing in his coaching or scheme. It's experience of the young players that's caught up this year.

[@mghanismail3164]

After 3 seasons at the bottom of the table...Good luck Niners and great Job for the Coach

[@franchisefred4066]

Loanword Eggcorn Agreed. The Niners lost like 6-7 games under 7 points and they were a slightly above average team beating Seattle and demolished Oakland with 3rd stringer Mullens

[@trenpire]

Fr I’m vc 13 and my recent life of niners football has not been too good

[@thizlam4810]

Matthew Crites As a Seahawks fan and a Washington state native, I’m happy the 49ers are good again like they were in 2012, those games between the Seahawks and 9ers were some of the best games I watched. Rivalries are always great when both teams are good, looking forward to Nov 11th.

[@danielceballos6559]

It doesn't hurt in having a G.M. who knows a thing or 2 about defence. John Lynch was part of 1 of the best defences ever put together in Tampa

[@Cloudies83]

Daniel Ceballos Yep the Tampa 2

[@darrellcovello7917]

More like a hundred things!

[@Sniper.925]

lol has nothing to do with it

[@gkdunch]

@@Sniper.925 he will have an eye for d talent though

[@hellostranger2269]

I wish the chiefs had a gm that could see talent

[@Set2Wumbo]

Solid Defense Solid Run Game One of the last teams to still roster a fullback Now *this* is the 49ers football I've been wanting

[@iminyourhousebro]

49ners have been in straight rebuild mode the last few seasons, love having the 9ners Seahawks rivalry back again. That 9ners defense is for real! Go hawks!

[@faraiza86]

I hate Seattle but I can respect you. I don't like SF either. Just saying I respect the way you put down your message without talking crap or holding Seattle to an almighty status

[@iminyourhousebro]

@@faraiza86 I really dont understand why the majority of sports fans gotta try to drag another person's team, we all love the game so we should all enjoy it together. Friendly rivalry is always fun though

[@vickiemowry5359]

The rivalry between Hawks/49ers was Great with the LOB...... And don't forget the coaches that had their's it was. Really fun watching those two and players fight for division titles . they games at century link OMG!!! Great time.

[@timchoy3362]

9:45 is actually Emmanuel Mosley

[@chuck430]

E Mann

[@alexng4]

So he's off by a few letters....Give the guy a break Bim Thoy

[@lawlesslight7260]

Tim Choy we still want Witherspoon when he come back?👀

[@MrEmatthewh]

@@lawlesslight7260 yes. But he isn't going to have a much prominent role anymore. He'll probably take over for Sherman once he retires

[@bobgodd]

@@lawlesslight7260 I've wondered this as well. There seems to be some risk to me in bringing back Witherspoon, if Moseley is playing well. Why mess up a good thing.

[@ObeyJimpsy]

ESPN needs to hire you

[@franchisefred4066]

77 Jimpsy ESPN won’t hire him because he states too many FACTS while everyone else on their payroll mumbles all day with BS

[@deegus1193]

Lol basic football knowledge

[@gopher6532]

@@franchisefred4066 he is too good for espn

[@r_aguilar68]

Love your analysis. You definitely know the game. Subbed.

[@ronjones3977]

Not really ...... wouldn't consider changing d line splits "overhauling the defense" they still run the same defense the only reason it's much improved is because of the front seven having 4 new starters this year duh lol

[@ronjones3977]

Not really ...... wouldn't consider changing d line splits "overhauling the defense" they still run the same defense the only reason it's much improved is because of the front seven having 4 new starters this year duh lol

[@Blackmachismoo]

i learned something new. as a seahawks fan. this defense scheme is working amazing right now

[@Merc-vv3de]

Amazing info my man! Just awesome analysis!

[@samwise6644]

Damn this a dope breakdown. I wasn't sure if their success was a fluke due their sched, but seems legit now.

[@ktbx2524]

Sam Downum yup people don’t watch us, they just look at the surface, typical hater things

[@michaelharris748]

They have had a sort of week schedule early on you could say but the fact is they are utterly dominating these teams like the browns and rams...both these teams have alot more offensive success every week except for the week they played the 9ers...big coincidence right? This defense is for real...people need to wake up. I cannot wait till we play the almighty saints that they have ahead of us on power ranks despite 1 loss. That epitomizes the disrespect that the 9ers are getting as a whole. Well see how high powered the saints are when the 9ers defense shuts them down in their own dome. Maybe then we will get some respect. Im sure itll just be luck that did it or something the saints didnt do right...must have had an off week...get what im saying?

[@datboi9994]

@@michaelharris748 Imma come back to this when the saints beat the 49ers

[@michaelharris748]

@@datboi9994 please do...keep underestimating this team and this defense. Weve seen this movie before...great offense comes into a game and everyone says oh how is the 49ers offense ever going to hang with the almighty saints offense...then the final score ends up being 17-13 9ers because their DEFENSE was able to shut down that offensive attack...its happened so many times before...super bowl 42 the almight undefeated Patriots got took down by the lowly giants because DEFENSE...greatest offense in history statistically the 2013 broncos got conpletely and utterly dominated by the seahawks to the point they couldnt even move the ball. Im not saying the 9ers will completely shut down the saints and im not saying they arent a great team because they are and they have a real good D too...but i think many many people including you are really selling the 49ers defense short and arent giving them nearly the credit they deserve. I can easily see them holding the saints to not alot of points (alot being 30-40 points). They could very well hold em under 20 points and i wouldn't be a bit surprised...maybe less. The 49ers will be right in this game till the end because of DEFENSE despite the saints sexy offense. The 9ers offense in particular their run game aint too shabby either and by the time we play the saints they will be even better. Keep on sleeping on the 9ers and this great defense it just fuels the fire. Everyone wants to go with the sexy offense and time and time again its been proven defense wins championships and a good defense can neutralize a good offense even if drew brees is the qb...or brady or manning or whoever...if you can cover and get after the qb with 4 (like the 9ers have done extremely well this year) it can and has been done over and over.

[@bruhbruh1587]

@@datboi9994 lol saints are not winning against the 9ers and im by far not a fan of either of these teams

[@GiantSFaithfuL]

Best breakdown of what the Wide 9 is and how (and why) it is working so well for the 49ers. His name will he known after this season I'm sure, but it's pronounced Juh-quah-ski. 🤙🏼

[@ronjones3977]

Not really ...... wouldn't consider changing d line splits "overhauling the defense" they still run the same defense the only reason it's much improved is because of the front seven having 4 new starters this year duh lol

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

@@ronjones3977 Wide 9 was being used before Kocurek got here too, just not as much. Wide 9 is well suited to the talent we have on D-Line. However the single biggest factor in the improvement this year is game experience by the very young defense. They are finally starting to understand how to execute the scheme properly in real games against real opponents. It also took Pete Carroll's defense 3 years to learn to play the new scheme well in Seattle. And they added talent each year, with Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett added in the 3rd year.

[@codyhamilton4960]

Yep it is still the Seattle scheme for the most part.

[@GiantSFaithfuL]

@@codyhamilton4960 partially.

[@ronjones3977]

@@LoanwordEggcorn your just wrong bro the single biggest factor was adding 2 premier pass rushers obviously and 2 new starting outside lbs to play on the sides of Warner .....of course another year in the system helps but they added 4 starters to the front 7. Dee Ford and bosa's 1st year in the system Dre greenlaws and kwon Alexander's as well .....the problem last year was poor lb play and no pass rush which they addressed this off-season..... without those additions this defense even with another year under there belt would be just as bad as last year..

[@MOORESKILLZ96]

Love these breakdown videos!! Would love to see one on New Englands D and how they've been so dominant thus far.

[@vis10n101]

Literally looking up Niner videos to watch and got this notification... PERFECT timing 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Rob0917]

Daniel Big Brother is watching 😳 😂

[@cabarden1]

Love the videos and break downs. I love looking at schemes and doing a good job showing us how their defense personal is killing it and offense is killing it with ease.

[@SolidTempesT]

Really like your breakdowns!

[@Nick7380]

This is exactly why guys like Dan Quinn and Gus Bradley can't replicate Seattle's defense because it wasn't the scheme that made it good, it was the safeties. Especially Kam Chancellor-his versatility could almost not be replicated by anyone else in the league-watch him in the SB against the Broncos-some of the plays he makes doesn't make sense for a guy of his size, someone that can destroy Demariyus Thomas AND break up a pass on Wes Welker from the slot is insane. Two All-pro safeties and of course you can run a very basic cover 3 scheme and be very successful.

[@fehner27]

And right now, Pete Carroll thinks he can run that same defense with the talent he has now. Stubbornness will hurt the Seahawks going forward. Carroll doesn't have that defensive talent anymore.

[@jerrymyers1798]

Marquise Blair will be Cam Chancellor like....Ugo Amadi as well.....great picks that just need a little more experience.

[@Nick7380]

@@jerrymyers1798 I hope you're right but I think it's a little early to make that assumption-I do like where Marquise Blair is heading tho

[@fehner27]

@@jerrymyers1798 You may be right. I just know that Russell Wilson is in his prime now, and I really want him to win another Super Bowl.

[@lissaleggs4136]

Think you forgot KJ Wright, Bob Wagner

[@marcusswedin]

Great video! Thanks a bunch!

[@f2dify]

I love learning more football watching your videos. I thought I knew a lot but then I learn so much more. You are very good at what you do!

[@michaelscofield31]

beautiful breakdowns of the plays

[@glenharrison2117]

I really like how you explain things in your videos, I wanna learn all I can about offense and defense in football, you Rock

[@ZGangsta]

This is some excellent analysis. Subscribed.

[@suaveguy871]

My goodness that was one helluva breakdown of the defense and their success. Beautifully done 👏🏽

[@ruditopoderoso]

I had to subscribe after watching your break down, really nice!

[@PedroGonzalez-hp3hs]

goddamn ! awesome observation and analysis. I knew the defense was good but I did not know how well it was masterminded.

[@wood1444]

Loved the video! Thank you so much!

[@SelkeSm00thv2]

really awesome video! subbed

[@terrellthomas9667]

Awesome breakdown! Thank you!

[@Vaidulis]

They have some scary talented personnel on defense to run those schemes.

[@tarrerdome]

Great breakdown Alex! Love it keep it coming.

[@lawlesslight7260]

Liked before I even watched and my guy is back with another one.. 💯

[@TheVic18t]

Exactly! The cover 3 or 3-deep zone only works as a base defense when you have an all-world free safety like Earl Thomas. When the Niners didn’t get him in free agency, I was worried. Salah knew he couldn’t run Cover 3 exclusively with the safeties he has, so now he is running a mix of different coverages while scheming the wide-9 upfront to take advantage of the talent that they have in the front 6.

[@AznIntegra521]

TheVic18t also Saleh is also disguising his coverages very well so they look the same but u wont know what coverage they are running until the ball is snapped. Thats another thing i’ve noticed.

[@Warcrime_]

Very informative video, glad I found your channel. Extra points for ending with Nick Bosa sack n' slide!

[@kiyanatighechi1736]

I love this channel! It has taught me a lot about how many moving parts and how sophisticated football really is!

[@AlexRollinsNFL]

Thanks Cavs, glad you like it

[@ryansoSUPREME]

Man your breakdown and analysis is on point. You deserve way more subs than what you currently have!

[@corylee9531]

It's incredible how fast all this happens too.

[@predator47]

Love the idea of a new voice every now and then! I look forward to your videos every Saturday and this one had all the awesome I was hoping for!

[@AlexRollinsNFL]

Thanks brother

[@bthorn5035]

Awesome breakdown. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@Itcool2beu]

2012 was special I like this defense a lot better more coverage in the back field the 2012 had more toughness and aggression

[@cinemapigeon4898]

Honestly I think these 49ers are just as good if not better at most positions (only a few exceptions) than those peak Harbaugh (2011-2014) 49ers, which is pretty nutty to think.

[@sidhanthkapila6308]

@@cinemapigeon4898 and younger to

[@sigmaway5717]

2011 was special. In 2012 it fell apart in the playoffs because Justin got injured in december in Foxboro.

[@felix3033]

Sprint Right Option 2011 was special we could of won the SB but obviously Kyle Williams and also Victor Cruz destroying Carlos Rodgers

[@elbiologo45]

Alex great videos. Keep up the awesome videos. Learning a lot thanks

[@AlexRollinsNFL]

Thank you Cristian, appreciate it bro

[@RichardHernandez-wd7io]

You definitely earned a sub. You explained everything very well!

[@trooperryan911]

Very proud to be a 49ers fan!

[@AwsomeJamez]

You shouldn't be

[@trooperryan911]

I don’t care how much they win by, a win is a win! Keep hating.

[@eldude831]

Sure didn't see these fans in the stands last couple of years. All I heard was complaining about the heat

[@rkbelmont1138]

You could see the change when Jimmie Ward got healthy at FS and started over Tarvarius Moore. With Moore they allowed some big plays like the 2 long TD by Pittsburgh. Ward has started the last 3 games, and on those 3 games they have just allowed 10 combined points.

[@RockinRobb01]

Against more talented O's as well.

[@SF415er]

And people really questioned why he was still on the roster, he isn’t a Top 10 safety but he comes through

[@wiskeeamazingdancer4964]

Such an insightful video. You deserve way more subscribers!

[@sidneyhill1162]

Great job explaining!

[@knightriderlayingdownarubb9715]

Sunday can't get here soon enough go 49ers

[@alginyes]

Thursday

[@ngbtopsteppa5001]

@@alginyes that's how u know he ain't a real fan don't even know when they play

[@speaknofthedevil4588]

Lmao Thursday

[@Jerbear767]

Guys, he posted this comment 3 days ago meaning it was Saturday. He meant the last game vs. the Panthers.

[@speaknofthedevil4588]

Jerms yea I didn’t look at that

[@flyguy3203]

Bro awesome breakdown!!!!! Will sub

[@catherinestickels2591]

Really looking forward to when these guys come up against my Hawks. We don't have the Legion of Boom anymore, but Russell Wilson is carving up defenses like butter. I guarantee that these will be good games, and our rivalry is back on for real. Welcome back, 49ers!

[@edgarvillanueva7314]

Thanks. This video was amazing.

[@superxmen18]

levi's stadium will be rockin with all the red jersey GO Niners!!

[@ObeyJimpsy]

First time early 😳 great vid #49ers

[@liverpoolvseverybody3257]

Gotta say, this is a great breakdown of why this 9er defense is so tough.

[@mathm7401]

What an awesome take! Subbed and hit the bell

[@bryanchambers1964]

WOw, brilliant breakdown. You are a genius.

[@benthomson9397]

They lose out being the top defense in the league to the Patriots by one lousy yard?...damn

[@casualnoob7316]

George Clinton well it’s the patriots, what do u expect from them.

[@taco2728]

@@casualnoob7316 ikr just like super bowl 49 lol you see that there.

[@davidtherealthomas1773]

Most important is how many points you give up per game

[@aaron1mx255]

Yea but the pats play vs easy teams 49ers r playing through a tough scheduale

[@NBAYBLEAKS]

Reality that’s not true ? The 49 era only faced a good team which is the rams

[@tommaz6688]

Excellent video.

[@TheBigBigSean]

I wish I would've had instructional videos like this when I was playing ball in high school. Breaking down plays is my favorite part of the game. It's better than chess.

[@nathanavila5550]

Love your videos bro !!!

[@joeherreraxvi]

I only come to your channel for breakdowns of Niners games. Don’t even mess with ESPN. You’re the best!

[@SicDoc]

Smart video brother subbed

[@KingTurk21]

Dope video bro! 💯✊

[@DitchPickler]

Lets get it! Can't wait to go to the game tomorrow!

[@tyrankaho9628]

I love your vids so much bro!

[@redfan803]

Great job!

[@miker.7273]

Nice said. The definition of Defense😁🏈 Go Niners All Day and Everyday

[@mimo27397]

great breakdown!!!

[@voodoochild6741]

Very Impressive.Ferocious lookin defense.

[@rmoore4yris]

Just glad to see my team back to a winning record

[@rossl.2008]

I really appreciate this being a browns fan with scwartzy coming to town!

[@baileym4708]

Wonderful video

[@chadcrist8204]

AlexRollinsNFL Great Breakdown on the D. Hope they continue this against the Chiefs

[@AlexRollinsNFL]

Appreciate it Chad, can't wait to watch. Win or lose I'm thinking of making a two part offense and defense video from the superbowl

[@beno9263]

Nice break down!

[@1khardimon]

Great video!

[@ClockManagement]

Great break down man!!!

[@AlexRollinsNFL]

Thanks brotha appreciate that

[@ClockManagement]

Would love to get ur take on some of the teams for fantasy purposes midseason if you are interested in coming on our show!

[@ZARCULIA]

I grew up and was born in redwood city , where the niners practiced for 30 years .

[@BuddhaLove77]

Jets fan here; this is a fantastic breakdown, thank you!! NewCultureofPeace&Love.... Now!🙏

[@AlexRollinsNFL]

Thank you brother!!

[@BuddhaLove77]

@@AlexRollinsNFL Oh I subscribed!!! Smiles

[@Fier07112]

Let us take a moment to give Moseley his flowers now!!!! That play was excellently executed by Moseley.... he basically took the deep route out the play while keying I’m on the underneath route at the same time (and making a great open field tackle)!!!!

[@itzanopinion]

Great analysis....respect the time/work on your videos! Would love to hear your take on the Pat's "D" and how it compares to that of the *49ers* and does one team deploy the *better defense* ...

[@AlexRollinsNFL]

The Pats D utilizes much more man coverage, I think they're ultimately more talented, but don't have the pass rush the 49ers have. That's why they're using so much cover 0 blitz, they gotta create pressure because they don't have Bosa, Ford, Armstead, Buckner

[@emoneyizhereson]

This is a great analysis. Definitely prefer our current D to highlight out beasty rushers

[@ronjones3977]

Not really ...... wouldn't consider changing d line splits "overhauling the defense" they still run the same defense the only reason it's much improved is because of the front seven having 4 new starters this year duh lol

[@jellydoughnut1500]

It feels so good to see your team come up

[@mattnorris7124]

Still waiting on this for my Dolphins, but the second half of this season was a good start. Finishing 5-11 after an 0-7 start is not a bad way to end the season.

[@andrewong7616]

Fantastic break-down. How about a comparison video breaking down the differences/similarities between Pats D and 49ers D this season?

[@trueazul]

Awesome breakdown!

[@ronanremigio2319]

You do a good job!

[@projekt679]

The defensive scheme was based off of the Seahawks because of Robert Salagh but the difference is the Pass Rushers vs the Legion of Boom consisting of corners.

[@darrellpowell8734]

Wow...awesome breakdown...niners 4 life👍👍👍👍👍😀😀let's go

[@ALLDAYEVERYDAYKIM]

Your good keep doing what you do fam

[@JohnBarrow1961]

Awesome breakdown.

[@bhagbir510]

i would love to see a alex smith breakdown video for 49ers and chiefs turning points for both offences (and defence i guess as well)

[@BillyRamirez]

Damn, your channel is so fascinating! Especially when I'm stoned, not gonna lie.

[@gormanbc]

I love learning things when high too lol.

[@craigsmith4326]

Great video

[@achiappanza]

I just learned more about NFL defense in 11 minutes than I have in 47 years. Thanks so much, Alex!

[@AlexRollinsNFL]

Good to hear, glad you liked it

[@achiappanza]

@@AlexRollinsNFL I've been poking around various film study producers and so far yours is my favorite. I'd suggest modifying or dumping the background music but maybe that's me. How did you acquire your experience and how do you know current NFL play names?

[@AlexRollinsNFL]

@@achiappanza I've received that feedback about the music before, I lowered it in the last several episodes. Lots and lots of study, I have a lot of NFL playbooks that help me identify certain play names. Reach out to me on Twitter if you have any questions

[@TheRedRanger945]

Nice music. Respect!!

[@ryan.3082]

Love the vids

[@AlexRollinsNFL]

Thanks Ryan!

[@Jackson-zu5ny]

Great vid

[@WestCoastSamoan]

They definitely reminds me of that 2017 Eagles team. Not only on defense, but that O Line too. They have what it takes to win

[@AndresPerez-rg4xk]

Sounds like a Brett Kollman like channel. Good work.

[@jamesonevers3262]

3:09 best block of Greg Robinson’s career

[@keeganyap7826]

Unreal videos...best on youtube

[@luisorozco1244]

This is the best football video I’ve ever seen.

[@newlion7013]

Awesome breakdown thanx!!