Midterm report card: Vic Fangio

The 49ers defense ranks first in both yards and points allowed. They haven’t given up a touchdown in four of their last five games.

Give Vic Fangio credit. The defense’s statistics have improved since last season even though they’re not getting as lucky forcing turnovers, they’re not getting as much pressure on the quarterback, and Justin Smith and Carlos Rogers have declined a little bit.

The 49ers defense has weaknesses (every defense does), and Fangio does a good job masking them. He lines up Aldon Smith on both sides of the formation so offenses have a tougher time picking on him in the passing game. Fangio makes sure his defensive backs are never beaten deep, and if they’re beaten short, Fangio makes sure they make the tackle. The 49ers are the best tackling defense in the NFL.

Give Fangio credit.

MIDTERM GRADE: A.

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