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NFC West: Prediction For Each Team

By Eric Robinson

Dec 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) runs out of the tunnel to begin a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cardinals won 40-17. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) runs out of the tunnel to begin a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cardinals won 40-17. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi /

San Francisco 49ers: Run defense will improve to a top 15 ranking

Atrocious. That simply defines the run defense for the 49ers last season as they ranked 29th overall, giving up an average of 126.2 yards per game. The interesting concept about their run defense sat on the fact that they allowed eight games of over 100 yards including two games in which they gave up 255 (Seattle) and 230 yards (Cleveland).

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Yet they also engineered a few games in which they look fairly impressive, holding Cincinnati to 68 yards on the ground, Minnesota to 71 yards, and Arizona to 70.

So with the seventh overall pick in this year’s draft, the Niners grabbed defensive end DeForest Buckner out of Oregon to team with fellow defensive end Arik Armstead to give the Niners two former Oregon Ducks that are eerily similar in just about every facet of their game. Getting nose tackle Ian Williams back healthy from his offseason surgery will help considerably. Along with the solid rotation of defensive ends Quinton Dial and Glenn Dorsey.

Let’s not forget that the work done by the defensive linemen allows the 49ers human vacuum, LB Navorro Bowman, to roam and collect tackles on a regular basis. However, the tandem of both Armstead and Buckner are what cranks the engine for the 49ers run defense.

Next: Arizona Cardinals

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