What 49ers can learn from Titans Week 15 loss to Steelers
By Peter Panacy
Takeaway No. 3: Nick Bosa, 49ers should pressure Ryan Tannehill like crazy
The 49ers and Steelers both boast pass-rushers who could be named the 2021 Defensive Player of the year, Nick Bosa and T.J. Watt, respectively.
Watt, who had 1.5 sacks against Tennessee to increase his league lead out to 17.5, was absolutely dominant in pressuring Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, regularly getting around and through Tennessee right tackle David Quessenberry, who was credited with allowing seven pressures and two of the four sacks Tannehill took during the game.
Needless to say, the Niners should line Bosa up against Quessenberry at every possible chance.
On the year, Tannehill has taken a whopping 41 sacks, only three behind Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, and Tannehill’s sack percentage this season is 8.3, right up there in the five highest, too.
Pittsburgh’s pass rush is about the only notable strength head coach Mike Tomlin boasts on that side of the ball, and it’s been a massive strength for San Francisco in recent weeks.
If Bosa and the 49ers’ complementary pass-rushers can get home frequently against Tannehill as the Steelers did, good things can happen.