Great points on the injury front Q.
Yeah, things may have looked entirely different had we not lost so many starters and others we were counting on for our upgrades. No question. I do recognize our defense improved, significantly. I think that was due more to the younger players infused into our secondary, with some limited contributions from the rookies and Mike Neal. Worthy, while not being a beast, did get 2.5 sacks, and Daniels added another 2. Neal got 4.5 sacks. Perry 2. That, combined with Matthews 13 made for an impressive overall improvement in that column, and aided the young DBs.
Hayward and House really came on well. I know McMillian made his share of rookie miscues, but I thought he did well in his first season and that he will improve.
Where we really, really failed was in containing the run. We were a division winner. A good team at 11-5, who we all thought could have played better. But, we allowed 4.5 yds on average per carry...
If we can get that straightened out, with a stronger front 7, I think we will be a much better defense. Those LBs of SF are remarkable.
As for all of those injuries, does McCarthy look at improving strength and conditioning at the coaching level? All those RBs, TEs, OLs, LBs, WRs, DBs... wow. We really got nailed there, everywhere, and it is officially a trend after 3 years.