‘The Big Question’ – Have the 49ers Resolved Their Pass Rush Issues?

‘The Big Question’ – Have the 49ers Resolved Their Pass Rush Issues?

After experiencing a decline in their sack percentage over the past two years, dropping from third in 2021 to 20th in 2023, concerns have mounted regarding the effectiveness of the 49ers’ pass rush.

Despite significant investment in their defensive line, the team has struggled to maintain a satisfactory level of pass rush performance. This prompted the acquisition of Javon Hargrave last year in hopes of revitalizing their defensive front. However, Hargrave’s impact fell short of expectations, contributing to continued subpar performance in pass rushing.

In response, the 49ers undertook substantial changes this offseason. They parted ways with Arik Armstead, who managed only five sacks in the previous two seasons, and replaced him with Maliek Collins, who boasts 8.5 sacks during the same period, representing an evident upgrade.

Furthermore, the decision not to re-sign Chase Young, with a career total of 16.5 sacks, was followed by the acquisition of Leonard Floyd, who has amassed 19.5 sacks over the last two seasons, marking a significant improvement.

On a theoretical level, the 49ers appear to have bolstered their pass rush compared to the previous season. While Armstead’s proficiency lies more in run defense than pass rushing, Young’s effort on the field was deemed insufficient, leading to his departure from the team. The current lineup boasts a formidable quartet of pass rushers in Floyd, Collins, Hargrave, and Nick Bosa.

Overall, it seems the 49ers have achieved their objective of enhancing their pass rush capabilities.”