3 bold predictions for SF 49ers in Week 3 vs. NY Giants
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: SF 49ers EDGE Kerry Hyder records two-plus sacks
Nick Bosa’s absence isn’t the only concern the SF 49ers defense has entering Week 3. Fellow EDGE Dee Ford (back) also has no timetable for his return after being inactive for Week 2, and both players being gone means there’s increased pressure on veteran pass-rusher Kerry Hyder to make up the difference.
Yes, Ezekiel Ansah will help. But Hyder could be the primary benefactor, if for anything because of his versatility to play essentially anywhere along the defensive line.
Hyder already has one of the Niners’ three sacks on the year, and he’s come close to a few more quarterback takedowns already, registering five pressures in limited action over two games, which is tied for second most on the defense thus far.
Plus, Hyder’s 6.3 pass-rush productivity grade ranks third among all San Francisco defensive linemen through two weeks, according to Pro Football Focus, so it’s not out of the question he’ll have more opportunities against Giants quarterback Daniel Jones on Sunday.
Especially considering Football Outsiders ranks New York’s offensive line 22nd in pass protection, and this unit has surrendered a league-high eight sacks already this season.
Hyder recorded eight sacks back in 2016 when he was with the Detroit Lions, so it’s clear he’s capable of that kind of production.
But Week 3 could provide the context for a multi-sack game, which falls into our first bold prediction of this upcoming bout.