49ers’ Bold Strategy Post-Bosa Injury Could Succeed Against Falcons
The San Francisco 49ers are navigating a challenging 2025 NFL season marked by significant injuries, including a critical loss. Edge rusher Nick Bosa, a five-time Pro Bowler, suffered a season-ending ACL tear during Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Key Statistics on Nick Bosa
Since being drafted second overall in 2019, Bosa has been a dominant force on the field. His impressive stats include:
- Fourth in pressure rate (12.1%) among all NFL players
- Fourth in sacks (64.5)
- Second in quarterback hits (168)
- Eighth in sacks created for others (59)
- Ninth in pass rush win rate (21%)
49ers’ Shift in Defensive Strategy
Historically, when Bosa is unavailable, the 49ers tend to increase their blitzing. In games featuring Bosa, they blitzed 20% of the time. Conversely, this number rose to 31.9% during the 18 games he previously missed. However, recent matchups show a different approach.
Recent Blitzing Percentages
In the past three weeks, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has opted for a more conservative blitz strategy:
- Week 4 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: 15.2% blitz rate
- Week 5 vs. Los Angeles Rams: 12.5% blitz rate
- Week 6 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 24% blitz rate
Upcoming Matchup Against the Falcons
This week, the 49ers will face the Atlanta Falcons. Saleh needs to consider the unique qualities of Atlanta’s quarterback, Michael Penix Jr. Unlike typical second-year quarterbacks, Penix has thrived under pressure:
- Passer rating of 80.6 on 121 dropbacks when not blitzed
- Passer rating of 97.8 on 51 dropbacks when blitzed
Challenges of Pressuring Penix
The 49ers, currently ranked 31st in total sacks with only seven this season, may struggle to reach Penix regardless of their strategy. The Falcons have also shielded their quarterback effectively, allowing just seven sacks this season, tied for third-fewest in the league.
In summary, while the 49ers may consider adjusting their blitzing strategy, they must also prepare for the challenges presented by Penix and the Falcons’ formidable offense. A careful approach could be essential to navigating this critical matchup successfully.
