This isn't the result the 49ers envisioned when they revamped the defensive front during the offseason.
The situation has become even more challenging with pass-rushing star Nick Bosa sidelined for the season with an ACL injury. During Sunday's 26-21 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco generated just five total pressures and no sacks in their first game without Bosa anchoring the edge. Bryce Huff led the team with two pressures.
During a Monday morning conference call, head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the team's struggles to pressure Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
"We didn't blitz a ton in the game," Shanahan said. "When we did, there was pressure, and he got rid of it. I would love to have gotten more on him, but I thought they (the Jaguars) did a good job of getting rid of it quick. And when they didn't, I thought we had four-man rushes where they were chipping and had double teams, so it depended a little bit more on coverage that way."
Shanahan added, "Always want to get more pass rush, but it wasn't a huge concern (for the Jaguars) in that game."
Through four games, the 49ers' defense has earned a 70.6 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 16th in the NFL. That mark could drop significantly if defensive coordinator Robert Saleh can't generate more pressure without Bosa in the lineup.
The Jaguars were always going to be a tough test, boasting a 70.3 team pass-blocking grade—the third-best in the NFL. In Week 6, the 49ers will host the Atlanta Falcons, who hold the second-highest team pass-blocking grade at 70.4.
Between those matchups, San Francisco will face the Los Angeles Rams, whose combined 38.3 pass-blocking grade ranks 31st in the league, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who rank 24th with a 50.7 grade.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Analyst on 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk: He's on an Antonio Brown trajectory without the AB talent
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk continues to draw criticism from both fans and media members over his offseason social media activity. The veteran receiver appears intent on forcing his way out of San Francisco, repeatedly signaling a desire to join the... -
49ers urged to reward key defensive starter with another contract extension
It wasn't long ago that the San Francisco 49ers signed starting cornerback Deommodore Lenoir to a contract extension. The veteran defender is under contract through the 2029 season, but one NFL writer believes he has already earned a raise. Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently... -
49ers star Nick Bosa's contract ranked among NFL's worst
When healthy, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa remains one of the NFL's premier edge rushers. After a dominant 2022 campaign in which he led the league with 18.5 sacks, Bosa earned NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors and was rewarded with a five-year, $170... -
Schefter casts doubt on potential 49ers target Joey Bosa continuing NFL career
There has been significant speculation that the San Francisco 49ers could pursue a veteran pass rusher ahead of the 2026 season, with defensive end Joey Bosa often mentioned as a potential option. A reunion with the 49ers would create a major storyline, as Joey's younger...