San Francisco Will Win Both of the Games That Reuben Foster Is Suspended

Although Foster only played in ten games due to injuries, his impact on the field was more than noticeable. Foster finished the year with an overall grade of 90.7 (fourth amongst his position) via Pro Football Focus and a league-leading run-stoppage percentage of 11.4. He’s a refreshing site to see as he reminds fans of when Patrick Willis was still around not too long ago.

Unfortunately, with him out of the Mike linebacker role, the team will need to find a way to make up for this. Especially in regards to his impact in the run defense game. In the final eight weeks of the season when Foster was back, he helped the team limit the opposing running game. Including a four-game stretch that held opponents to under 100 rushing yards and an average of 83.5 rushing yards per game.

However, they can compensate for this in regards to creating packages to make up for Foster’s absence. They can utilize Malcolm Smith at the Mike spot until Foster comes back. Then change whoever plays Will linebacker from someone like Brock Coyle (for running situations) to rookie Fred Warner (passing situations).

Another move they can add is by bringing Jaquiski Tartt into the box for run support. Tartt has a 73.7 run-stoppage grade on PFF and should be a welcome addition to help stop the opposing running backs.

Also if they move Solomon Thomas to the inside of the defensive line, then they can get after the running back. Especially with Thomas and Arik Armstead playing in roles better suited for their skill sets and size.

Plus the defense should be able to stop the lack of a run game by the Lions and keep Dalvin Cook contained in Minnesota.

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