When Nick Bosa joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2019, DeForest Buckner was already a staple on their interior defensive line. Back then, it was the vet who set the standard while the rookie struggled to keep pace. Now, things are much, much different.
Nick Bosa said as much in his presser after Week 9's win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
"It's funny. [Buckner's] head was spinning a little bit this week... trying to get everything down. It's just funny because when I came in, the roles were reversed, but it's great to have him back," Bosa said jokingly.
In his sentiments, it was obvious that Bosa is excited to have his old running mate back. That being said, one can tell that he is taking pride in being the longer tenured defender.
Back in 2019, Bosa was a newcomer just trying to keep his head afloat. Now, DeForest Buckner is the one thrown into the fire and expected to keep up. Even though he spent his first four seasons in the Bay, he had been with a different organization for nearly seven years before the trade. Coach Kyle Shanahan has surely changed up his schematics in that time, not to mention defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is running the show now.
DeForest Buckner fitting right in with Bosa-led 49ers regime
Obviously, many of the veterans are happy to have the interior bully back. Even before Week 9, Buckner's presence was being felt by both older and younger players alike. But in Week 9, he clearly made an impact.
Though the 32-year-old recorded just two QB pressures, he demanded attention in the trenches. As a result, the team pressured Kirk Cousins a combined 15 times. Nick Bosa had two pressures of his own in the contest.
The addition of Buckner immediately gives the Niners one of the most complete front sevens in the league. Add in a stout defensive backfield when healthy, and the 49ers present a frustrating matchup for any offense in the league.
DeForest Buckner is one half of a terrifying interior 49ers duo
As Buckner continues to familiarize himself with Raheem Morris' tactics, he will only become more effective. Together, he and Osa Odighizuwa form a truly formidable interior tandem. The latter has already proven to be a gold mine for San Francisco, as he has recorded two sacks and has the 14th most pressures in the league among interior linemen.
The 49ers travel to Dallas this week, and Osa will get the opportunity to exact his revenge on his former team.
With DeForest Buckner by his side, he should enjoy plenty of room to wreak havoc. Buckner should be able to be his disruptive self as well. Even though PFF ranks them as the ninth-best offensive line, Dak Prescott has already been sacked 14 times, six more than Brock Purdy.
Add us as a preferred source on Google