This Sunday’s showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins will be a reunion of sorts, as Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and running backs Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. were all members of the Niners just last season.
The Dolphins have an explosive offense, but San Francisco has the NFL’s best defense, and pass rusher Nick Bosa is perhaps the MVP of that defense.
McDaniel was asked about facing Bosa as an opponent, and he gave him some high praise while relaying an interesting anecdote.
Mike McDaniel on Nick Bosa: “He lives and breathes pass rushing. When I was in San Francisco, he would do pass-rushing moves on (hand) sanitizer pods.”
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) November 29, 2022
Bosa Is A Monster
So far this season, the 49ers lead everyone in points, total yards, first downs and passing touchdowns allowed.
The pressure their front seven mounts on opposing quarterbacks is a big reason for that, and it all starts with Bosa.
Through 10 games, he has posted 11.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 30 QB hits, and he is likely headed towards his third Pro Bowl selection in his four pro seasons (he only played in two games in 2020 due to a torn ACL).
In Pro Bowl voting, these #49ers rank in top 10 at their positions:
DE-1, Nick Bosa
OT-1, Trent Williams
FB-1, Kyle Juszczyk
RS-3, Ray-Ray McCloud
RB-4, Christian McCaffrey
TE-4, George Kittle
SS-8, Talanoa Hufanga
LS-8, Taybor Pepper
ILB-9, Fred Warner
P-10, Mitch Wishnowsky— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) November 28, 2022
Bosa pressuring and chasing an opposing signal-caller is one of the scariest sights in today’s NFL for anyone playing against San Francisco.
DPOY @nbsmallerbear!
Clutch Sack!
pic.twitter.com/Xiee3rYV4Q— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) November 28, 2022
This Will Be A ‘Prove” Game For Tua Tagovailoa
Tagovailoa has broken out in his third NFL season, as he has registered 2,564 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns and a passer rating of 115.7 through nine games.
But going up against the 49ers, especially on the road, will be a big challenge for him.
This is the type of game that will be a proving ground for a young QB such as Tagovailoa, but it could also turn into a humbling experience for him.
If the latter turns out to be true, it will be chiefly because of Bosa.
NEXT: Christian McCaffrey Is Dealing With A Concerning Issue