One of the biggest additions of the San Francisco 49ers' 2025 offseason was pass rusher Bryce Huff. There was hope that perhaps the franchise would finally find a consistent contributor to pair with Nick Bosa on the edge. San Francisco had an incredibly talented defense, but lacked the secondary pass-rushing option to perfectly fit with Bosa. This was highlighted by Niners Nation's Kyle Posey, who pointed out that over the last three years, only 12 times have the 49ers gotten five pressures or more from anyone but Bosa.
This history changed on Sunday with Huff registering more than five pressures and consistently jumping off the screen. Even when the defender wasn't getting to the quarterback, he was chasing the play and so often in the right spot. It is the performance that fans were hoping for in Week 1, and it couldn't have arrived at a more perfect moment. With Brock Purdy out in Week 2, the defense needed to find consistent stops and not allow the Saints to gain any level of confidence.
49ers Prized Offseason Addition Bryce Huff Comes to Life in Week 2 Domination
It wasn't just how Huff showed up, but when. San Francisco fan Danny G. highlighted the game-winning play when the pass rusher would instantly win his matchup and force Spencer Rattler to attempt to flee the pocket, only to lose the ball and end the game on a key 4th down. The Saints had put together a late rally to get within a score and got the ball back with a chance for an upset win.
Huff's pressure helped end the game and was the perfect end to an impressive performance from the prized offseason addition. This is the version the 49ers need to show up moving forward as they fight in a crowded NFC West. The Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals are both off to great starts, turning up the pressure in an early, heated divisional race.
The 49ers will host Arizona next week in a game that would be great to have not only Huff still playing at this level, but hopefully the return of franchise quarterback Brock Purdy. Huff playing at this level is not only exciting for the production and individual achievement, but it is also incredibly important for Bosa and the rest of the defense.
Taking the pressure off Bosa is such an important development that gives the defense a chance to be great yet again. Robert Saleh has his fingerprints all over the 2025 resurgence that has helped set up Huff's Week 2 breakout. An energy that fans can only hope continues in a huge Week 3 divisional showdown as the Cardinals come to Santa Clara.