49ers Have a New Defensive Concern After Week 1

For the past few seasons, it has felt as though the San Francisco 49ers have had a good run defense, but they have not been able to find a consistent pass rush from their defensive line. Entering 2026, it looks like the team did a solid job addressing the pass rush from the interior. However, now it looks like the run defense could become a problem. 

San Francisco 49ers' interior run defense is a problem

The team lost Alfred Collins days before the start of the season, which made it hard to replace. Collins was the best run defender on the team last year, and the 49ers signed Osa Odighizuwa and drafted Gracen Halton, assuming they would play beside Collins.

The two are a bit smaller, faster, and better as pass rushers. They fit next to Collins, and both flashed in Week 1. Odighizuwa had a ridiculous five pressures against the Rams, and Halton added a pressure of his own.

However, the plan was for these two to add pressure and for Collins to defend the run. C.J. West has the same role as Collins, but he showed less as a rookie and is expected to serve a smaller role.