Ulbrich’s defense made a critical mistake late against the San Francisco 49ers.
With 2:46 left in regulation and just a 13-10 lead, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was at the mercy of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Falcons defensive tackle Zach Harrison had just tackled 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey for a five-yard loss. Yet, on 3rd & 13, Ulbrich made a huge error in his defensive play calling, one that ultimately cost Atlanta 17 yards and a conversion that helped San Francisco seal the game.
For the first time the entire night, Ulbrich decided to rush just three defensive linemen, dropping five players into a soft cover-2 sink concept out of nickel personnel. Not only did Ulbrich refrain from doing such at any other time during Week 7, he opted for a much more aggressive play style versus Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen in Week 6.
49ers quarterback Mac Jones wasn’t superb last night, he threw an interception, was sacked, and had just 152 passing yards in the win. Thus, it seemed as if Ulbrich simply fell victim to his own anxiety when he opted for the zone concept that allowed Jones to convert a 17-yard pass to running back Christian McCaffrey right in the middle of the field.
A fatigued Falcons’ defense needed Ulbrich to have more faith. Certainly, when he reviews the game film he will likely lament, knowing that his conservative decision fully surrendered an opportunity to put a stamp on the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. While it’s unrealistic to say each contest comes down to just one play, Ulbrich’s decision, which may have entrapped a novice, wasn’t going to fool one of the NFL’s best play-callers in Shanahan.
Atlanta made several other crucial errors that led to the team’s 20-10 loss to the 49ers, but this was an uncharacteristic one from Ulbrich. The Falcons will attempt to bounce back against the Miami Dolphins in Week 8.