49ers vs. Cowboys: 5 biggest takeaways from Wild Card win

No. 4: 49ers have a bevy of pass-rushers on the defensive line

The 49ers’ defensive line has been dominating teams with very few household names in their lineup. Superstar defensive end Nick Bosa leads the group up front with Arik Armstead, but beyond those two, the Niners have several rotational pieces who can get after the quarterback.

D.J. Jones, the nose tackle with cat-like quickness, has sacks in the last two games and is always in the backfield disrupting running lanes. Arden Key has filled in admirably for the oft-injured Dee Ford, recording 6.5 sacks on the year. Kevin Givens, Charles Omenihu, Samson Ebukam, and Kentavius Street are other linemen who have contributed throughout the season.

Many of those names were critical in picking up the pass-rushing strength in the wake of Bosa’s concussion versus Dallas.

Stopping the run is the first priority among the group, but with the ability to rush the passer, defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans can drop more players into coverage and still have the confidence in the front four linemen to make a play on the quarterback.

The defensive line is a mismatch for any team left for them to face in the playoffs.