SANTA CLARA — After only a few training camp practices, running backs Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman are vouching for the validity of the 49ers defensive line.
On paper the defensive line is very impressive, touting five former first-round draft picks.
“Shhh, we have a great defense,” Breida said. “Going against them right now, it’s hard to even run the ball. That just gets us excited because we know how good the defense can be this year.
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Coleman echoed that sentiment when asked about the defensive line.
“Pshhhh, man, they’re cold,” Coleman said. “They’re real good, all the guys. They’re deep back there. They’re all first-rounders so it’s going to be tough just at practice. Those guys are good. It’s tough to see holes right now, and get those holes because those guys are so good.”
Breida’s own expectations for the defensive line in 2019 are very high.
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“I feel like we’re going to have one of the best d-lines in the league this year,” Breida said. “And just the defense overall. We got a great defense.”
Even though both Breida and Coleman have spent quite a bit of time working in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, they both cite it as an area they can improve upon.
“I still can get better learning the play book,” Breida said. “I still don’t know 100 percent of it the level I want to get to. Still working on pass blocking and catching, getting better every year just the little details knowing coverages better.”
“It’s pretty good,” Coleman said. “Still learning, still adjusting, trying to get comfortable, but it’s going pretty well.”
After battling an ankle injury for most of the 2018 season, Breida is also happy to be injury-free.
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“Feels great, feeling really healthy,” Breida said. “Feels good to knock some of the rust off because I wasn’t able to do OTAs. Just a great feeling to about there with the guys. It’s probably the best I’ve felt since the beginning of training camp last year.”
With only seven rushing touchdowns in 2018, the 49ers running backs have their work cut out for them this season. Maybe facing their own defense every day at practice will help them be more prepared for what is to come.