The free agents enabled the 49ers to jump from the 18th-ranked defense in the league to the 8th, and to jump from the leagues 16th-best defense against the run to the 2nd. Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dana Stubblefield led the team with 8.5 sacks. Rookie defensive tackle Bryant Young was also a big threat to opposing quarterbacks and rushers, recording 42 tackles, 6 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Behind them, Norton played very effectively at the middle linebacker position, leading the team with 77 tackles and recording an interception. Pro Bowl safety Merton Hanks led the team with 7 interceptions for 93 return yards, while Sanders had 6 interceptions for 303 return yards and 3 touchdowns, earning him the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award. His 303 return yards was the third-highest total in NFL history, while his touchdown returns of 74, 93, and 90 yards made him the first player ever to have two 90-yard interception returns in one season. Pro Bowl safety Tim McDonald was also a big contributor, recording 2 interceptions for 79 yards and a touchdown.

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How many more return yards did Sanders have compared to Hanks in the Pro Bowl?
Friagenterna möjliggjorde för 49ers att hoppa från 18:e-rankade försvaret i ligan till 8:e, och att hoppa från ligorna 16:e-bästa försvar mot löpningen till 2:a. Pro Bowl defensiva linjemannen Dana Stubblefield ledde laget med 8,5 säckar. Rookie defensiv tackling Bryant Young var också ett stort hot mot motsatta quarterbacks och rushers, inspelning 42 tacklingar, 6 säckar, och en fumlig återhämtning. Bakom dem spelade Norton mycket effektivt på mittlinjebackerpositionen, vilket ledde laget med 77 tacklingar och inspelning av en avlyssning. Pro Bowl säkerhet Merton Hanks ledde laget med 7 avlyssningar för 93 returgårdar, medan Sanders hade 6 avlyssningar för 303 returgårdar och 3 touchdowns, vilket gav honom NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award. Hans 303 returyards var den tredje högsta totalen i NFL:s historia, medan hans touchdown-avkastningar på 74, 93, och 90 yards gjorde honom till den första spelaren någonsin att ha två 90-yardsavlyssning avkastningar på en säsong. Pro Bowl säkerhet Tim McDonald var också en stor bidragsgivare, inspelning 2 avlyssningar för 79 yards och en touchdown. Ställ en fråga om den här artikeln.
The free agents enabled the 49ers to jump from 18th-ranked defense in the league to 8th, and to jump from the leagues 16th-best defense against the run to 2nd. Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dana Stubblefield led the team with 8.5 sacks. Rookie defensive tackle Bryant Young was also a major threat to opposing quarterbacks and rushers, recording 42 tackles, 6 sacks, and a fumbled recovery. Behind them, Norton played very effectively on the midline backer position, leading the team with 77 tackles and recording an interception. Pro Bowl safety Merton Hanks led the team with 7 interceptions for 93 return yards, while Sanders had 6 interceptions for 303 return yards and 3 touchdowns, giving him the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award. His 303 return yards were the third highest total in NFL history, while his touchdown returns of 74, 93, and 90 yards made him the first player ever to have two 90-yard interception returns in one season. Pro Bowl security Tim McDonald was also a major contributor, recording 2 interceptions for 79 yards and a touchdown. Ask a question about this article.
Hur många fler returvarv hade Sanders jämfört med Hanks i Pro Bowl?
How many more return yards did Sanders have compared to Hanks in the Pro Bowl?