Pro Football Focus analyst and 49ers media correspondent Jeff Deeney has pointed out that San Francisco 49ers LB Marcus Rush is tied with Indianapolis Colts LB Earl Okine for the most quarterback pressures among 3-4 outside linebackers during preseason.
Rush has seven quarterback pressures through two preseason games. Against the Denver Broncos, Rush had four tackles and got to the quarterback three times in the game. The 49ers need their young pass rushers to step up with their best pressure man, Aaron Lynch, suspended for the first four games of the season.
"I've been working so hard in camp, but I have to give credit to the coverage, though," said Rush following his performance in Denver. "I feel like some of those had to be coverage sacks. I'm just happy. I've been working hard on fundamentals in camp, being explosive. To see it come together, feels great."
Behind Rush and Okine is another 49ers linebacker, who is tied for third place. That would be Tank Carradine with six quarterback pressures so far in preseason. Rush and Carradine forced a pair of fumbles on Broncos QB Mark Sanchez on Saturday night.
Most QB pressures among 3-4 OLBs in preseason:
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) August 24, 2016
T-1. Rush (SF) 7
T-1. Okine (IND) 7
T-3. Carradine (SF) 6
T-3. Jones (GB) 6
Rush was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in May of 2015. He was released by the team prior to the start of last season, but was re-signed to the practice squad.
"I think [outside linebackers coach] Jason Tarver has done a great job developing him," said defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil on Monday. "He was on the practice squad last year. I know he has completely changed his body from year one to year two. I see him as a complete outside backer. He can rush the quarterback, he can set edges in the run game and he's very good in pass coverage with what we ask him to do."
