Shanahan’s Defensive Strategy Key Against Ravens and Lamar Jackson

Shanahan’s Defensive Strategy Key Against Ravens and Lamar Jackson

SANTA CLARO – Knocking on coach Kyle Shanahan’s mind isn’t just good for the 49ers’ offense. Their defense was the focus of attention Thursday as Shanahan explained the visiting Lamar Jackson’s offense when the Baltimore Ravens arrived at Levi’s Stadium on Monday night.

“I definitely pay attention when he talks,” Nick Bosa said. “You get all the perspectives from the guys on the defensive end, but it’s good to hear what they’re planning against you (offensively) and so many coaches in this league know what he’s doing.”

Shanahan, before their first practice each week, addresses the 49ers on “What It Takes to Win.” “He does a great job of illustrating exactly what their offense does, which is exactly what Lamar Jackson is,” linebacker Fred Warner said. “Through the tape, he puts different plays together and shows us exactly who he was and how great he is, the running ability, the throws, and then tells us what it takes to maintain it and try to get him to bend a little bit. to help us. ” The 49ers and Ravens are both 11-3 and atop their respective conferences.

For the 49ers to beat the No. 12 seed on Christmas Eve, they’ll need to land Jackson, who is widely considered to be Brock Purdy’s main competition for NFL MVP honors. Last month, the 49ers cleared their biggest obstacle in the Eagles’ mobile quarterback, Jalen Hurts. “That was him,” Bosa praised Shanahan’s insights.

“He’s the head coach, so if he sees something in the defensive game plan at the beginning of the week that he doesn’t like, he changes it and it goes down.” Both Bosa and Warner praised how well Shanahan highlights defenses.