49ers vs. Seahawks: 5 Week 17 matchups to watch for San Francisco
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: Nick Bosa vs. Jamarco Jones
While his sack production has fallen off in recent weeks, rookie EDGE Nick Bosa is still producing at an awfully high level and is still a favorite for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. To cement his case, an outstanding game in Seattle would go a long way, both in the voting for the award and the 49ers’ prospects for pulling off a NFC West crown.
Life might be a bit easier for Bosa, too, on Sunday.
The Seahawks lost starting left tackle Duane Brown, their best offensive lineman, to a season-ending knee injury. And while Pete Carroll was non-committal whether or not fill-in lineman Jamarco Jones would start in Brown’s place, it would seem like the most plausible option.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, whose numbers have dropped off in recent weeks, too, has been sacked 47 times on the season, which is tied for most in the league. He’s taken a total of 12 over Seattle’s last three games, offering up an opportunity for Bosa and the remaining crop of San Francisco’s pass-rushers to have a huge game.
The only problem, though, is the 49ers have a combined two sacks over their last three contests.
But a backup lineman opens the door for Bosa and the Niners to have a solid advantage here, and it’s one which could highly impact the outcome of Sunday’s bout.