Although Nick Bosa might view his 2023 season as disappointing, he still managed to secure double-digit sacks for the third consecutive year. However, his 10.5 sacks fell short compared to his NFL-leading 18.5 in 2022, which earned him NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Bosa acknowledged that his extended offseason contract holdout likely contributed to his slow start. After signing just before Week 1, he recorded one sack in his first four games. On a side note, that situation may raise concerns for those observing the current ongoing contract stalemate between the 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Regarding Bosa, the 49ers are counting on him to once again be a dominant force on the defensive line and fluster opposing quarterbacks.
"I feel like it's been a great camp [for Bosa], and I think he knew from the start, even talking to him when I called him in the offseason, I think that was always kind of his plan," defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen told reporters on Thursday. "... He's mentioned it in the past, missing some time last year, and going through it, he felt [it impacted] certain parts of his game."
Typically, Bosa spends the voluntary portions of the offseason program training individually, away from the team. This year, however, he has been practicing with his teammates since May.
"Now, he feels like it's sped up, and he's been real deliberate in how he's attacked it," Sorensen continued. "It was cool to have him for a bit of the time in the offseason, too. I think all that stuff together, I don't think it's ever one thing, but the fact is you get better by practicing and playing football and doing football things, and he's done more of it early.
"So I expect that he'll have a good year, and I think he's in really good shape, too. And he's in a good mindset and state of mind as far as how he's attacking it and his attitude."
Cornerback Charvarius Ward knows what Nick Bosa is capable of and is eager to see the defensive end dominate, understanding that a strong pass rush makes life easier for the defensive backs.
"Bosa is Bosa, Defensive Player of the Year," Ward said. "I think he's gonna come in and ball out like he always do. Obviously, missing training camp [last year] was probably rough on him because he was rough around the edges a little bit, but I think he's going to be himself again this year."
Sorensen also expressed high expectations for Bosa and noted that Bosa also holds himself to a high standard. Making an impact early in the season could be crucial for the 49ers to enjoy a strong start.
"He's a great player, and we expect him to play great," Sorensen concluded.