2. The pass rush is as good as advertised
But while the attention coming out of Sunday’s game will undoubtedly be on the flashy interceptions, the 49ers pass rush quietly had a dominant game setting the tone at the line of scrimmage.
Dee Ford, Nick Bosa, and Arik Armstead each came away with a sack in the game as the 49ers pass rush made life difficult for Jameis Winston all game long. There was no greater evidence of this than on Witherspoon’s game-clinching interception.
All three of Ford, Bosa, and Armstead converged on Winston, forcing the fifth-year signal-caller to rush his throw to the outside directly into the awaiting hands of Witherspoon.
The 49ers worked hard this offseason to improve their pass rush adding Ford via a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs and Bosa in the NFL Draft. And after one game, it’s looking like their investments have already paid off.
Bosa was actually playing a little banged up after spraining his ankle last month. However, if he could stay healthy, he promises to be a game-changer for San Francisco.
An impressive showing by the pass rush capped off what was a dominant day for the 49ers defense.