When Mike Nolan took over the reigns as the Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator in 2002, he inherited one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL. In his three years as DC, his units averaged a seventh place finish in total defense and ranked in the top six in points allowed and yardage twice.The base 3-4 that the Ravens employed at the time is what Nolan has been attempting to convert the 49ers' defense to over the previous two years, but without much success. However, with personnel upgrades on defense via free agency, and 6 Sanchez Green Jersey
with the impending selections in this month's draft, the 49ers' defensive roster is becoming increasingly similar to the Ravens' during Nolan's tenure in Baltimore.Defensive line:The Ravens really didn't have a dominant DT to rely on in the post-Tony Siragusa era under Nolan. Instead, he preferred space eaters like Kelly Gregg, Ma'ake Kemoeatu and Marques Douglas to occupy dual blockers, freeing up ends like the speedy Michael McCrary and blitzing outside linebackers like Terrell Suggs who occasionally lined up at DE.Speaking of Douglas, he and newly signed Aubrayo Franklin played in Baltimore under Nolan and have seen his system work before. Their previous experience, combined with the presence of veteran Bryant Young, make the Niners' interior line look very comparable, and perhaps better than the group Nolan assembled in Baltimore. The same cannot be said for the defensive end position, however, unless the team drafts a player like Nebraska's Adam Carriker or Clemson's Gaines Adams in Round 1. Roderick Green, another former Raven, could excel over the course of a full season if the way he played at the end of '06 is any indication.Linebackers:It could be argued that the personnel at linebacker is what makes or breaks a successful 3-4 defense. Looking at the Ravens' depth at LB in the Nolan years, it becomes pretty obvious why the team was so successful. Anchored by Ray Lewis in his prime, the star-studded unit also consisted of Adalius Thomas, Terrell Suggs, Bart Scott and then-healthy versions of Edgerton Hartwell and Peter Boulware. With the exception of Hartwell, each of the other four players have made the Pro Bowl at least once. The Ravens easily overwhelm the 49ers' current talent at linebacker; then again, though, it may have been one of the best LB groups ever assembled. Secondary:The Niners moves in free agency make their unit a near-mirror image of the Ravens', if only on paper. The role of Baltimore's Chris McAlister is played by the Niners' Nate Clements, and second CB Gary Baxter is matched by Walt Harris. Former Raven Corey Fuller is played by San Francisco's Shawntae Spencer, and Ed Reed's equal at safety is Michael Lewis. To expect a similar level or production doesn't seem like a stretch, but there is no guarantee the players will develop the same kind of chemistry as the Ravens' unit did. But the 49ers' secondary will certainly be improved by comparison to last season.The one glaring area where the Niners need to find a playmaker is on the outside edge, whether it's a defensive end or a linebacker. Brandon Moore is solid, and Manny Lawson showed promise in his rookie year, but the unit needs a playmaker if 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
it is to become as dominant as the past defenses in Baltimore.How a team looks on paper doesn't necessarily transfer onto the field, but nevertheless, it's interesting to see Nolan is finally implementing his system. In what will be his third season as the head coach in San Francisco, Nolan finally has the pieces in place to make the 49ers' defense one of the NFL's most improved in 2007. Questions? Comments? E-mail the writer at peide
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