SANTA CLARA – The 49ers’ defense made some small but significant improvements in last week’s win in Seattle against the Seahawks. Defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen says it’s important they follow a similar pattern this Sunday against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Against the Seahawks, the 49ers allowed just 52 rushing yards (the fewest San Francisco has given up this season), didn’t allow a touchdown in the first half for the second time in six games and held Seattle to 4.9 yards per play. the second lowest average against the Red and Gold during the 2024 NFL season.

Sorensen said the trend must continue against the Chiefs, who will roll into Levi’s Stadium with the 11^Th-ranked offense in the NFL.

“We were happy with a lot of things we did as far as the way we wanted to play against them, and the guys stepped up,” Sorensen said Thursday. “Even the young people have stepped up. You always want to make progress and keep building. Hopefully we can piggyback on last week.”

Saying it and doing it are two different things, especially when the opposing team has a six-time Pro Bowl quarterback like Mahomes.

The Chiefs have a plethora of weapons on both sides of the ball, which is why they have been so good in recent seasons – and the main reason why they are one of only two undefeated teams left. The Minnesota Vikings are also 5-0.

In addition to Mahomes, the Chiefs have a spectacular interior offense, a solid running game and a solid enough receiving corps anchored by tight end Travis Kelce.

Kansas City also has a head coach in Andy Reid who is one of the best in the business. Reid has coached in five Super Bowls, winning three of them (two against the 49ers).

Reid also has a brilliant 21-4 record when his teams receive byes, the best record in NFL history. The Chiefs, who were idle last week, can extend that record with a win on Sunday at Levi’s.

“(Reid) really understands how he wants to use this extra time and the information he’s getting,” Sorensen said. “Plus, he’s been in the league so long that he knows how to do it and how to attack schemes. He’s one of the best ever.”

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