4 matchups 49ers must win in Week 4 bout vs. Seahawks
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers Nick Bosa, Dee Ford vs. Seahawks Offensive Line
Week 3 was supposed to be a dominating effort on the part of the Niners pass rush against a questionable Green Bay offensive line. Instead, the tandem of EDGEs Nick Bosa and Dee Ford combined for zero sacks, and San Francisco only got one total in the game.
The 49ers have spent years trying to figure out Russell Wilson, and few approaches have worked regularly. But despite his innate ability to torture the Niners and their fans over the years, it’s crucial to point out he’s taken 47 sacks against San Francisco over his career, the second most of any team he’s faced.
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Luckily, Bosa and Ford will be presented with a potentially juicy opportunity again in Week 4, as the Seahawks have already surrendered eight sacks on the year and could be without right tackle Brandon Shell, as he’s nursing an ankle injury.
Even with Shell a remote possibility to be added to the lineup, that’s a matchup Bosa and Ford should look to exploit.
True, Seattle is likely to take a page from the Packers’ pass-blocking book and try eliminating Ford and Bosa with chip blocks. But if the 49ers want to slow down Wilson as much as possible, getting pressure on him will have to be a top priority.