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49ers pressure on Warner in Week 1? Pass Plays (without screens) Net Yards (including sacks) Yes 22 34 No 20 206 Totals 42 240

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Two things I can say comfortably after studying the 49ers' victory over the Cardinals in Week 1:

• San Francisco has improved its defense, starting with the pass rush.
• The Cardinals' offensive line, notably right tackle Levi Brown, must improve significantly or Kurt Warner will have no chance.

The 49ers' Parys Haralson is a good pass-rusher. The 49ers knew that when they extended his contract during the offseason. Brown made Haralson look like one of the great players in the game. I'm not willing to make sweeping declarations about Brown after Week 1, but he does seem to match up poorly with Haralson and the Seahawks' Patrick Kerney (the latter of whom primarily lines up on the other side this season). And when things go poorly for Brown, they tend to go very poorly. Such was the case Sunday.

The chart compares how many yards the Cardinals gained through the air, minus yards lost to sacks, depending on whether the 49ers pressured Warner. I rewatched the game to determine when pressure was a factor.

By my count, the 49ers pressured Warner on 15 of the Cardinals' first 23 pass plays, not counting screen passes, which are designed to allow pressure. Haralson and defensive end Isaac Sopoaga were highly effective when lining up on Brown's side. I counted at least 10 plays when the 49ers beat Brown in protection. Justin Smith caused problems for left guard Reggie Wells on the other side. I had the 49ers pressuring Warner on 22 of 42 pass plays overall, not counting screens, even though San Francisco rushed with more than four players only six times by my count.

This was a disaster for Warner, who was going to suffer anyway with Steve Breaston unavailable and Anquan Boldin at less than full strength. The Cardinals used four wide receivers on more than 30 snaps even though fourth wideout Lance Long, since released, would have been the seventh receiver if everyone were healthy. The 49ers dropped six into coverage and still got pressure consistently, a dream scenario for defensive coordinator Greg Manusky.

The degree to which the dream ends against Seattle in Week 2 and in subsequent weeks could reflect the degree to which Brown and the Cardinals' offensive line struggled. At the very least, the 49ers capitalized on their opportunities.