49ers vs. Cardinals: 5 Niners who stood out in Week 5 loss

No. 1: 49ers EDGE Nick Bosa

Sacking Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is always a difficult proposition, and his elusiveness is an element that can often negate the best pass-rushers regardless of their prowess.

The Niners generated only two sacks of Murray in Week 5, but it’s safe to say the number of pressures the quarterback took helped influence the fact Arizona scored only 17 points after entering the game with the league’s No. 1 scoring offense.

EDGE Nick Bosa was a big reason why, too.

Bosa logged one of those two sacks, bringing his total to five on the season and putting him on pace for 17 on the year. Additionally, of the 10 pressures San Francisco generated, Bosa had four of them and was taking advantage of what turned into a banged-up Cardinals offensive line during the game.

True, Bosa needs some help from his linemates, including fellow edge rushers Dee Ford and Samson Ebukam, especially if opponents are going to try chip-blocking Bosa at every available opportunity.

Still, it’s a huge difference for the 49ers defense to have Bosa on the field, especially with some of the liabilities in the secondary.

Without him, there’s a good chance Arizona winds up putting together a much more comprehensive offensive showing on Sunday.