49ers vs. Chargers: 5 Biggest Takeaways for San Francisco

The Pass Rush is Back

Head coach Chip Kelly loves those Pac-12 players, especially the ones from the University of Oregon. The former Ducks coach looked to build on an impressive rookie season from defensive end Arik Armstead by duplicating his size on the other side.

At 6-foot-7 and 291 pounds, first-round pick DeForest Buckner will be hard to contain. Due to their time together at Oregon, they know the Kelly system. And they know how to thrive as a team.

Their chemistry while on the field is not only impressive, but their competitive nature will make things very hectic for opposing offensive lines.

A pass rush wouldn’t be complete without outside linebackers to compliment the bookends on the front line.

With the absence of outside linebacker Aaron Lynch, teammate and fellow linebacker Marcus Rush has done plenty to accommodate his position. He provides solid coverage on every play. And has recorded six sacks in three games, three in one game alone against the Denver Broncos.

The bigger surprise of the preseason is the surging play of edge-rusher Tank Carradine. Last year, he was teetering on the status of draft-day bust. But this year, so far, he’s making a solid case for the starting job.

Together this preseason, Rush and Carridine lead the league in pass-rush productivity.

Next: Vance McDonald Has Arrived