Packers vs. 49ers: 5 San Francisco Players to Watch in Third Preseason Bout
By Peter Panacy
Linebacker Marcus Rush
The 49ers pass rush is going to be without linebacker Aaron Lynch (suspension) for the first four games of 2016. So the Niners may want to see what they have elsewhere.
Veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks will get some first-team looks, but keep an eye on linebacker Marcus Rush as well. After all, Rush accounted for three of the 49ers’ six sacks in Denver.
Even Pro Football Focus’ Jeff Deeney touted Rush, and fellow pass-rusher Tank Carradine, in the site’s breakdown of preseason Week 2 performances:
It's preseason and mostly vs. backups but the top two pass rush grades among all 3-4 OLBs belong to Marcus Rush and Tank Carradine. #49ers
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) August 21, 2016
PFF also ranked Green Bay’s 2015 offensive line seventh in the league this year, so it will be interesting to monitor how Rush will perform against an upper-echelon unit.
Perhaps it’s a good thing Rush is vying for a roster spot. The added motivation could go along way, especially if the former Michigan State product is trying to stay away from the practice squad this season.
Next: Running Back Mike Davis