Nick Bosa led the NFL with 18.5 sacks last season, on the way to being named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The San Francisco 49ers pass rusher has just one sack through four games this season after signing a five-year, $170 million contract extension.
This performance comes on the heels of a six-week holdout that kept Bosa from training camp and the preseason, returning to the team just days before the Week 1 showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Given the circumstances, some rust was expected as Bosa worked his way back into form.
Is Bosa concerned about his modest sack total to start the season?
"I think they'll come," Bosa told reporters before Wednesday's practice as the 49ers prepare for their Week 5 bout with the Dallas Cowboys. "I think we've had some games where we've had some really good defensive line performances the past three games, so I think if we just keep building off of that, they're going to come."
Bosa confirmed that new 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks is utilizing him similarly to DeMeco Ryans. Despite reaching an opposing quarterback just once through four games, Bosa's 93.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus leads all NFL defenders. His 92.7 pass-rushing grade ranks second only to Myles Garrett.
According to Pro Football Focus, Bosa has amassed an impressive 20 total pressures, including nine hits and 10 hurries to accompany his single sack.
On Sunday, the Cowboys will have pass-rushing phenom Micah Parsons on their sideline. He has managed to sack opposing quarterbacks four times this season despite facing a similar percentage of double teams as Bosa. Parsons' 27 total pressures are tied for the most in the NFL.
Bosa offered high praise when asked about his Cowboys counterpart.
"He's very comfortable all over the line, obviously gifted, athletically, more so than anybody," Bosa said of Parsons. "I'd say him and maybe Miles Garrett. But just acceleration. Plays that he shouldn't make, he makes, and good effort."