Defense’s time to jell could linger into the regular season
Eric Mangini’s scheme could eventually be great (Jeff Chiu/AP)One motivation for the 49ers’ coaching change was to animate a talented defense with more pressure and aggression. Higher-ups may have felt that former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s simple and conservative schemes failed to fully tap the defense’s abundant talents. Nevertheless, under Fangio, a stifling defense fueled three straight NFC title- game runs. Fangio’s reputation for molding his schemes to suit his players, trumped his desire to be known as a clever creator of blitzes. Fangio wanted to protect a constantly-changing secondary and felt his formidable front seven didn’t need to blitz. Consequently, defensive linemen were schooled to control gaps, which allowed