It took just one week for the San Francisco 49ers to turn their biggest weakness from last year into a strength. In 2025, San Francisco was dead last in defensive sacks. In their opening win against the Los Angeles Rams, however, fans saw a completely revamped pass rush.
While the Niners failed to record a sack, the pass rush asserted its dominance all game long. It resulted in eight QB hits, a whopping 28.5 percent of quarterback Matthew Stafford's total pass attempts. Amidst the frenzy, All-Pro edge rusher Nick Bosa had just one of those eight hits.
Playing in his first game since tearing yet another ACL, many looked forward to seeing the defensive disruptor impose his will on the opposing offense. That simply wasn't the case. Instead, a different lineman stole the spotlight.
Osa Odighizuwa played like his hair was on fire. He recorded four QB hits on his way to a 22.2 percent pressure rate and nearly single-handedly ruined Stafford's day.
Osa Odighizuwa is living up to expectations with 49ers
The defensive tackle's interior dominance led to Stafford completing just 15 of 25 passes for 155 yards and an interception. The reigning MVP was under duress all day long, and it clearly affected his decision-making.
Osa was brought in to create chaos inside the trenches, and he did just that in Week 1. It's something the Niners didn't have last year. As a result, every significant defensive metric suffered. But this year appears to be a different story. After just one week, the March trade is already paying off.
His presence also takes pressure off a 49ers' secondary full of young players still trying to find their footing. Unproven members like Renardo Green and Ji'Ayir Brown reaped the benefits of the revamped pass rush.
Osa Odighizuwa's presence felt at a time when Nick Bosa needs it most
Odighizuwa's force may be exactly what Nick Bosa needs. The edge rusher will be turning 29 this season and is coming off his third ACL tear. Even if he is too young to experience an age decline, it is reasonable to project a bit of a slow start as he works back into football shape.
The defensive tackle can help alleviate the pressure on Bosa of having to be the focal point of the pass rush. If Odighizuwa continues to be a wrecking ball, Bosa may be able to find an easier time getting to the quarterback in his own right.
Regardless of how things shake out, the 49ers may have struck gold by taking a chance on the former Cowboy. Thanks to Odighizuwa, they may have turned their Achilles' heel into their defense's superpower.
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