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NFL·ANALYSIS·October 8, 2026 05:25 PM ET

San Francisco generating high volume of explosive plays

Defense ranks first in limiting downfield strikes.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read
Post on X
The 49ers are getting a lot of explosives on offense, and limiting them on defense https://t.co/k3Guj69CNq Via @PFF on X

What happened: San Francisco is producing a significant number of explosive plays on offense while simultaneously preventing them on defense. The defensive unit has established a substantial margin over the rest of the league in limiting big plays.

Why it matters: Winning the explosive play differential is a primary indicator of game control and overall efficiency. The dual-sided success allows the offense to score quickly while forcing opponents to execute long, sustained drives.

By the numbers: San Francisco ranks first overall in limiting explosive plays defensively, though the unit currently ranks 31st in success rate when defending the run.

What to watch: San Francisco will attempt to maintain their efficiency advantage on both sides of the ball.

Sources

  • @PFF 
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