Just twice in the last six years have the 49ers finished outside the top 10 in fantasy defense (scoring system 1 point for sacks, 2 for turnovers, 6 for TDs), but things change. In San Francisco, there have likely been far too many changes to overcome.
Patrick Willis, Justin Smith and Chris Borland retired, all of which hurt the defense. And now Aldon Smith has been arrested again -- a hit-and-run, DUI, and vandalism -- and the Niners, fed up, released him.
Smith, recall, served a 9-game suspension last season, and a 5-game suspension the year before that. He's not going to get the benefit of the doubt here. He won't be signed quickly.
Over the last four seasons, San Francisco has seen its sack numbers steadily decline: 42 in 2011, 38 the next two seasons, and 36 a year ago. Prior to the Smith development we had them at a below-average 32. Even that looks too high now.
--Andy Richardson
