There are no more doubts that San Francisco 49ers rookie Nick Bosa is an outstanding player, and will likely remain one for years to come. The defensive end has been a big reason for the 49ers defense's drastic turnaround from last season's uninspiring campaign.
Bosa's made such a strong early impression that the rookie had tackle Joe Staley, the 49ers' veteran anchor along the offensive line, wondering if he could still play at an elite level. Bosa kept getting the best of the six-time Pro Bowl selection during offseason practices. How was a rookie doing that before even taking an NFL snap?
Maybe Staley had lost it.
It was a discouraging thought considering the tackle had just signed an extension, keeping him under contract through the 2021 season.
Luckily for the 49ers, that wasn't the case. It turns out Bosa was just that good.
"I will say this," Staley said via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, "the only time I've ever thought 'Oh, shoot, do I have it anymore?' was like the first week of training camp going against Nick Bosa. Honestly, that guy's so good.
"And then I saw him go against everyone else in the NFL and was like, 'Oh, he's just a really good player. I've still got it.'"
It is another fun anecdote from Staley and yet another example of how polished Bosa was upon entering the NFL.
Staley considered retirement during the 2017 season — the first under Kyle Shanahan — after a knee injury impacted his play. It took a conversation with his new head coach to change his mind.
"He kind of really got my mind back on track," Staley said during a 2018 interview with NBC Sports Bay Area. "We had a good conversation. We talked for probably about an hour. [He] just got me refocused and all that."
Staley was often seen discussing strategy with Bosa on the sidelines during offseason practices. Last week, he was asked about those talks, and what advice he was giving the rookie pass rusher.
"I didn't have to give him much, though," Staley responded. "We were talking. It was more like, 'Hey, why are you beating me so bad?'"
Staley hopes Bosa and the rest of the 49ers defensive line can similarly get in the head of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Sunday. It would go a long way in slowing the Chiefs offense and potentially earning Staley his first championship.
