Quarterbacks beware, the Panthers and 49ers can really get after the passer

[Sir Purr]

But what about San Francisco?


“They’re scary, man,” left guard Greg Van Roten said.


The 49ers’ foundation is built on their D-line, with 19 of the team’s 20 sacks coming from defensive linemen.


Dee Ford leads their group with 4.5 sacks. The Chiefs, who selected Ford in the first round back in 2014, traded him to San Francisco this offseason.


Next is rookie Nick Bosa, who has four sacks. The dynamic defensive end was the second overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.


Then there are two 6-foot-7 monsters – Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner – who have combined for 6.5 sacks. Both were also first round picks.


And we can’t forget about Solomon Thomas, the third overall pick in 2017.


Bottom line: San Francisco has invested a lot of resources to build a formidable front line.


“They just get after you. This defense is about getting up the field to disrupt,” Van Roten explained. “And they have the body types to do that. They have two guys that are 6-7 and very athletic. They’re not just slugs. It’s going to be a tough challenge.”


It goes both ways.


Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has enjoyed great protection so far this season despite San Francisco’s injuries on the offensive line, as he’s only been sacked eight times.


But the Panthers and their 27 sacks present a unique challenge.


“They’re very talented. Big and strong up front,” Garoppolo said. “They get after you with four guys. They don’t have to pressure that much.”


Here’s the thing we all know about rushing the passer – it’s a lot easier to do when you’ve got a lead.


The 49ers, as their record indicates, are spending a lot of time in front. San Francisco averages 35:42 game time with a lead – second-most in the NFC behind Green Bay, according to FootballOutsiders. That allows them to rely on the run, which they’ve done rather effectively with 172.7 rushing yards per game (the No. 2 mark in the league).


So, can Carolina put the 49ers behind to really release the hounds?


As safety Tre Boston said after Carolina’s big win in London: “When you turn those dogs loose, you may as well call the police, because the thieves are coming right with them.”