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Should the 49ers be Concerned With Their Pass Rush?

Originally posted on San Francisco 49ers on SI
By Jose Luis Sanchez III | Last updated Jan 26, 2024 2:11 PM ET

One of the 49ers' main strengths throughout the years has resided in their defensive line.

Ever since 2019, fielding a destructive defensive front is something that they have looked to build and maintain. It's why the 49ers have been regarded as one of the best defensive line groups since that time. However, the pass rush was relatively underwhelming this season, especially in their last few outings.

The 49ers haven't had more than two sacks in a game since Week 15 against the Cardinals. Since then, it has only been two or less. Against the Packers, the 49ers' pass rush never took down Jordan Love for a sack. No one on the defensive line has managed to find any success with getting to the quarterback. Going into the NFC championship, the 49ers will need that to change. It just doesn't seem like it'll occur.

Should the 49ers be concerned with their pass rush?

Not at all. If the 49ers' pass rush was not having much of an impact, then of course there should be massive concern. That is where the 49ers have their highest investment throughout the entire team. Nick Bosa is at the forefront of it all since he is the highest paid. But the reality is that they are influencing the quarterback. Whether it is by getting them to move out of the pocket, throw early, or force an inaccurate throw, the pass rush is making an impact.

I wouldn't expect big time improvements in sacks for the 49ers. This is who the pass rush is now and if there was ever going to be a change, then it would've happened already. What they got going now is fine. It's definitely more than fine for Kyle Shanahan who was asked about the zero sack performance from the 49ers' pass rush against the Packers.

“If you’ve got a four man rush and people are chipping every time and the back’s staying to help, which means you have eight guys in protection," said Shanahan. "There's one quarterback. There's two guys out on a route and seven guys in coverage. Probably not going to get many sacks, but I don't think you're going to give up many points either. So there's a balance out to it. Yeah, we want more sacks. Definitely. But how are guys going to play us? How are we going to do it? I liked how our D-Line played.”

I think the real question that should be asked of any defensive line shouldn't totally revolve around sacks. Rather, it should be about if they are being disruptive. The 49ers' pass rush is definitely being disruptive. Of course, tallying a sack or two more isn't asking too much. This defensive line is way too talented to be throwing up donuts for an entire game. But in terms of being concerned, there is nothing there for the 49ers. Besides, they have a prime opportunity to tally quite a few sacks against Jared Goff on Sunday since his mobility isn't a factor.

This article first appeared on San Francisco 49ers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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