Watch the San Francisco 49ers Online

Will the defense be the key to success when you watch the San Francisco 49ers online during their 2011 campaign? The team's greatest strength is their run defense. LB Patrick Willis led a squad that held opposing teams to just 96.1 yards per game. The defense was second in the league allowing only 3.5 yards per attempt. And, on the other side the ball, behind a big and young offensive line ran Frank Gore. He was a threat to bust any run through any opponent's line heading to the end zone, but his season was sadly shortened because of injuries.

Watch the San Francisco 49ers Online.

Although the Niners strength lies in keeping other teams from running against them while experiencing great success running against them, their number-one weakness is the passing game - on both sides. Although Alex Smith notched the best passer rating of his career with an 82.1 rating , he was still only good enough to hit 21st best in the league. And, San Francisco's opponent quarterbacks racked up an 89.96 rating against the defense. This made the Niners 26th overall in the league. Their greatest weakness happened to come on third downs. Opposing teams converted 38.7 percent of the time, making this 19th overall in the league. San Francisco struggled to keep the drive alive converting only 31.9 percent of their own third down opportunities, making them 29th in the league.

You'll be keeping your football viewing alive when you take the opportunity to watch the San Francisco 49ers online.