49ers Defensive Line Faces Depth Test as Coordinators Preview Week 3
The short version
- The 49ers have lost more than half of their Week 1 defensive line rotation to injuries, including Nick Bosa, CJ West and James Thompson Jr.
- Naquan Jones and practice squad linemen Sebastian Valdez, Kevin Givens and McKinnley Jackson are candidates for bigger roles.
- Morris called Bosa the most dominant player without a sack this season; only Will Anderson Jr. and Greg Rousseau have more impact plays per snap.
- Rookie Gracen Halton drew praise for his play against Miami and could see an expanded role.
- Morris said the run defense improved from about eight problematic runs in Week 1 to three or four in the latest game.
San Francisco is replacing more than half of its Week 1 defensive line rotation after injuries to Nick Bosa, CJ West, James Thompson Jr. and others.
San Francisco 49ers coordinators Raheem Morris and Klay Kubiak held their weekly media session on Thursday, offering a look at where the team stands heading into Sunday's game against Arizona. Morris, who runs the defense, spent much of his availability discussing a defensive line that has been hit hard by injuries early in the season.
The 49ers have lost Nick Bosa, CJ West and James Thompson Jr., adding to earlier losses of Sam Okuayinonu and Alfred Collins. That accounts for more than half of the defensive linemen who were on the roster to open the season. Morris called it a next-man-up situation and noted that West had been making progress before going down.
"We've got to step up. Next-man-up mentality," Morris said. "It's unfortunate what happened to C.J. because he took a step forward this game, just like everybody else did when it comes to that matter. But really excited about the next guy to go out there and get the opportunity to do it."
Naquan Jones and one of three practice squad options — Sebastian Valdez, Kevin Givens or McKinnley Jackson — are the candidates to absorb the snaps. The volume to replace is significant. Through two games, Osa Odighizuwa played 70 snaps and rookie Gracen Halton 58, already out-snapping West (47) and Thompson (39). San Francisco has leaned on five-man fronts on 37 percent of defensive snaps, above the league average, while using four-down fronts 58 percent of the time.
Before his injury, Bosa had been productive despite not recording a sack. Morris described him as the most dominant player in the league without one, pointing to his pass rushing from the opening play of the season. According to Sumer Sports impact-play charting, only Will Anderson Jr. of the Texans and Greg Rousseau of the Bills have more impact plays per snap than Bosa.
Bosa's presence had also created opportunities elsewhere. Keion White has been able to rush inside with less attention, and Ogbo Okoronkwo ranks 11th in pressure percentage. In run defense, only Anderson has more run stops at their position than Bosa. Morris indicated the trickle-down effect means role players will now be asked to handle assignments beyond their usual responsibilities.
Morris also assessed a run defense he believes is trending in the right direction. He estimated the unit gave up roughly eight undesirable runs in Week 1 against the Rams, a figure he cut to about three or four in the most recent game. He acknowledged one third-and-long run was on his own play call and cited alignment and a possible holding call among the issues, while praising the group's speed and growing understanding.
One player who could take on a larger role is Halton, a rookie who impressed against the Dolphins. "He played well. He had some good plays, had some rookie plays," Morris said, noting a tackle for loss, his energy, and that he plays bigger than his frame. Morris added that Halton's movement skills were no surprise and that he has been a pleasant surprise against the run.
The 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, September 27 at 4:05 PM EDT at Levi's Stadium. The game airs on FOX.
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