Saleh reveals Clelin Ferrell's "relentless" impact on the 49ers defense. The pass rusher's explosive play and consistent effort are redefining the team's defensive capabilities.
San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is one of the top defensive minds in all of football. Niners fans are certainly aware of what he's accomplished for their team over his time in the bay area. It appears he believes he has the pieces to become an architect of a championship caliber defense.
Saleh singled out one player who has made a monstrous impact in his time in San Francisco. He shared what impact pass rusher Clelin Ferrell has brought to the Niners defense this year. Saleh says he's the real deal.
He's doing a heck of a job, and it's not fake either. He's winning one-on-ones, he's getting to the quarterback, he's playing with great effort and violence. You could say that. There are a lot of pass rushers who came on late.”
Ferrell's authentic impact is clear, and his presence has been felt by opposing offenses. Saleh says it's not by mistake that he is tearing up opposing backfield with such ease since becoming a 49ers mainstay.
“Guys like him who play relentlessly the way he does are always going to be given opportunities just because of his play style and what you can count on. So, credit to him. What he's been doing isn't fake, and hopefully it continues for the last four weeks.”
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the second half at Levi's Stadium. Kelley L Cox-Imagn ImagesSaleh's one-word description of Ferrell, "relentless," is certainly what fires up Niners fans about his play. Defenses need pass rushers who won't stop until they get to the quarterback, and it appears the Niners have that in Ferrell.
So much of a player's success depends on a coach's belief in the player. The opportunities given to Ferrell have reignited discussion around what he brings to the table as a pass rusher. But to Saleh, all the chances the veteran pass rusher has been given have been earned.
Niners general manager John Lynch deserves plenty of credit for putting the current squad together despite a few setbacks. The injury to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on the other side of the football certainly limits how much Lynch can do. Even so, players like Ferrell can make all the difference when it comes to building a championship caliber roster.
The Niners offense gets plenty of shine, and rightfully so, given what head coach Kyle Shanahan has done week in and week out. Nevertheless, the Niners defense has held its own in 2025. They will look to continue to make life difficult on opposition as the season nears its end.