4 lessons SF 49ers can learn from Washington’s win vs. Steelers
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: SF 49ers could have issues vs. Washington’s pass rush
While the Football Team has a lot of weaknesses, there are a considerable number of strengths, and its defensive line has been one of the budding units in recent years.
Made only more formidable after the first-round addition of EDGE Chase Young in this year’s NFL Draft.
Young and Washington’s first-round pick from a year ago, EDGE Montez Sweat, look to be the next up-and-coming pass-rushing tandem with 10.5 sacks between them this season, much like what the SF 49ers were hoping for with their pass-rushers, Nick Bosa and Dee Ford.
So it shouldn’t be a surprise both Sweat and Young were all over the field on Monday, pressuring Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. While Washington failed to record a sack and managed just two quarterback hits, it’s important to note Big Ben is one of the most effective quarterbacks in the league to evade pressure. He’s been that way for years.
The Niners’ quarterback, Nick Mullens, isn’t anything close to Roethlisberger in terms of evading pressure.
It would be wise for head coach Kyle Shanahan to call for some max protection for Mullens, allowing the SF 49ers wide receivers to test a still-questionable Washington secondary lacking the same level of talent as its defensive front.