From the article:
The 49ers lost nose tackle Glenn Dorsey and inside linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman to injury, along with top pass-rusher Aldon Smith to suspension. The Cardinals lost end Darnell Dockett and edge-rusher John Abraham. They entered the season without inside linebacker Daryl Washington, end Calais Campbell and versatile defensive back Tyrann Mathieu.
Yet the Cards and the Niners both played well defensively thanks to expert coaching. Respective coordinators Todd Bowles and Vic Fangio tweaked but didn't entirely change their systems and still helped new faces bed in.
The one thing that really pissed me off about Gruden's pressure is he continues to blame injuries, said the amount of players lost this year must have been some sort of record. I was hoping someone would research that because they didn't lose any record number of players, not even close.
Hell they have 3, count them 3. good players on defense in Kerrigan, Robinson and Breeland and they played nearly every game. Sorry losing Tracy Porter and Stephen Bowen did not kill your defense coach. They would have stunk had ever single player remained healthy all season.