Lawson to be a key to success of 49ers defense

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Manny Lawson succinctly summarizes his role in the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive scheme this year. “Just create havoc,” Lawson said.

Lawson’s job at strong-side linebacker is actually much more complex than that. And how he performs as an every down player will be vital to the success of a unit that climbed to No. 13 in the NFL last season and aims to get better this year.

San Francisco’s defense improved significantly over the second half of last season when Lawson became a full-time performer. He often played only on first and second downs earlier in the season.

This year, he’s expected to be one of the 49ers’ leading pass rushers while also making plays sideline to sideline against the run and in coverage.

“He’s progressing quite well but he needs to keep it going,” defensive coordinator Greg Manusky said. “He’s going to be coming off the edge in our sub-package. He’s an explosive player who’s got those long arms and a long reach and he takes a sight line and he goes.”

The 49ers have been lacking a consistent pass rush. It was one of San Francisco’s weaknesses last year when the team finished with 30 sacks.

Three of those sacks came from Lawson, giving him 5.5 to show for his first three seasons.

A lot more was expected after the 49ers made Lawson a first-round pick in 2006.

A promising 2007 season ended after just two games when he injured a knee.

Lawson returned to his starting position last season but was worked in slowly by former head coach Mike Nolan. Lawson often left the field during passing situations in Nolan’s hybrid scheme, which switched between 3-4 and 4-3 alignments.

When Nolan was fired near midseason, Manusky simplified the team’s basic scheme to a true 3-4.

He put Lawson back on the field in more of a full-time role, and both Lawson and the San Francisco defense surged.

“I’m a better Manny Lawson now,” he said. “My role here suits me now. I’m expecting things to happen for me. I want to be a high-sack guy, especially now that I’ve got the opportunity to be showcased.”

Lawson has packed nearly 20 pounds onto his angular 6-foot-5 frame since his rookie season. Blessed with outstanding speed, Lawson now feels he has the power necessary to make an impact as a pass-rushing force.

“I think the expectations I hold myself to are higher than what other people hold me to,” Lawson said. “But this team has shown a lot of trust in me. So my expectations are to be one of the best outside linebackers, to be remembered, and to really do whatever it takes for our team to bring that ring back to San Francisco.”