Watch: Nick Bosa recovers fumble on game-changing wild-card play

Bosa applied pressure from the edge and forced Seahawks QB Geno Smith up into the pocket. Defensive end Charles Omenihu caused a fumble and Bosa fell on the ball.

Seattle was on the verge of cutting into a 23-17 San Francisco lead before the sack fumble. The play marked the last time Seattle held the ball with a chance to take the lead. The 49ers scored on their next three possessions, eventually winning 41-23.

Bosa is a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year after finishing the regular season with 18.5 sacks, the most in the NFL. Per data from Pro Football Reference, he led the league with 48 QB hits, 13 more than second-place Maxx Crosby.

San Francisco allowed the fewest yards (300.6) and points (16.3) in the league this season. Per grades from Pro Football Focus, Bosa is the unit's best player. He finished the season with a 90.9 grade, the highest among all 49ers defenders.

Bosa had 5 tackles in Saturday's game to go along with his huge play. The fumble recovery was a rarity for Bosa. It was his first since his rookie season in a game against Green Bay on Nov. 24, 2019. 

Bosa tore his ACL in a Week 2 game against the New York Jets the next season. He returned for the 2021 campaign and had 15.5 sacks as the 49ers finished two wins away from a Super Bowl title.

San Francisco might be a stronger threat to win it all this season, and that's with rookie Brock Purdy at QB. As much help as their young QB has on offense, Bosa's huge fumble recovery shows it will be up to the defense to provide the spark that ignites a run to the Super Bowl.