Nick Bosa didn’t get a sack on Sunday, but he made arguably the biggest play of the afternoon for the 49ers defense. On the Raiders’ opening drive of overtime, Bosa pressured quarterback Jarred Stidham into an ill-advised pass that ended as a big interception catch-and-run for Tashaun Gipson that led to the game-winning field goal.
It was just the latest mesmerizing play by Bosa in his remarkable campaign that has him as the runaway favorite for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
The 49ers edge rusher joined 95.7 The Game’s “Damon & Ratto” Wednesday to discuss how he’s developed in Year 4 in the NFL.
“Just kind of all around,” Bosa told hosts Damon Bruce and Ray Ratto. “Definitely getting off the ball better. I think I’m moving quicker, my strength is up and my power rushes are more effective. The more you play, the more answers you find for certain offensive linemen and certain sets and punches and grabs and all the things that you see.”
While Bosa was rehabbing from an ACL injury between the 2020 and 2021 seasons, he got a full offseason this past summer to hone his craft. We’re seeing it pay off now.
Bosa enters Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals with a league-high 17.5 sacks, two off Aldon Smith’s franchise record (19.5) from 2012. Aside from his pass-rushing prowess, Bosa has also been phenomenal at setting the edge, as Pro Football Focus has him ranked as the fourth-best run-stopper among defensive ends.
Obviously, the Lombardi Trophy is the focus, but Bosa wouldn’t mind a DPOY on his mantle.
“The No. 1 goal when you play for an organization like this is obviously the Super Bowl,” Bosa said. “But That would be some icing on the cake for sure.”
Bosa, who usually shrugs like Michael Jordan after getting a sack, said the game is slowing down for him.
“It’s not easy,” Bosa said. “But at this point, sometimes it is."
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