49ers news: How the defensive line hasn’t lived up to expectations yet

When the 49ers departed ways with Chase Young and Arik Armstead and added Leonard Floyd, Maliek Collins, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Jordan Elliott to fill in with a new defensive coordinator, fans and analysts wondered what the pass rush would look like in 2024.

Despite the roster turnover at the position, many predicted the 49ers defensive line would be a top-five unit under Defensive Coordinator Nick Sorensen. Pro Football Focus ranked the group second heading into the season. Headed up by Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave, both of who admitted during the offseason that 2023 wasn’t their best, were set to anchor the 49ers defense this season.

John Kosko of Pro Football Focus ranks the 49ers defensive line 13th heading into Week 3 and explains his reasoning while highlighting Bosa as the unit’s best player.

The 49ers, our second-ranked unit heading into the season, haven’t shown their usual dominance up front. They currently rank 13th in both pass-rush and run-defense grades, with a 26.6% pressure rate.

Bosa has a 90.0 grade through two weeks and notched his first sacks of the season vs. the Vikings in Week 2. However, his 17.2% pass-rush win rate would be the lowest of his career since his rookie season.

Digging deeper, the 49ers have 23 total pressures and five sacks on 64 pass-rushing snaps in 2024. Floyd notched four pressures, three hurries, and a sack against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets. Yet, finished with a clean sheet of pressures as the lowest-graded (47.6) pass rusher against the Vikings.

Bosa leads the team with eight pressures and two sacks, while Hargrave has three pressures and no sacks in two games heading into the Rams matchup on Sunday. Gross-Matos’ 49ers debut was a bright spot on Sunday in Minnesota, with three pressures, one QB hit, and two hurries on 15 pass-rushing snaps.

The Rams’ injured offensive line presents an opportunity for the 49ers defensive line to set the tone and possibly get on track with the offense down a few weapons. Collins, in particular, has a chance for a bounce-back game after only notching one pressure in 44 pass-blocking snaps.

In a game that is considered to be a close game between divisional rivals, the 49ers’ defensive line can be the deciding factor in SoFi Stadium, and it can turn the tide for the team or close the game out.