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Falcons vs. 49ers: 5 matchups to watch in Week 15

By Jeremy Wohlfart

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 08: Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers runs away from Kemal Ishmael #36 of the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium on November 8, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 08: Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers runs away from Kemal Ishmael #36 of the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium on November 8, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers
Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Nick Bosa vs. Jake Matthews

With the 49ers losing defensive linemen seemingly by the week, it’s more important than ever for the stars on the defensive line to step up.

EDGE Nick Bosa has still been impressive, but his sack production has dried up due to consistent double teams from the opponent’s offensive line.

While he doesn’t have to get a bunch of sacks, he needs to make sure his pressure disrupts Matt Ryan after the Niners defense as a collective has only had one sack in the previous two games.

Bosa remains the best weapon for the 49ers to help change this. Ryan lacks the athleticism of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, and his team doesn’t have the weapons to consistently rely on short passes like the New Orleans Saints, despite having Jones and Hooper in the starting lineup.

Considering all this, the 49ers have a better chance of putting pressure on the QB for this game. Bosa needs to lead the way and put the clamps on Ryan.