The San Francisco 49ers got the win that they needed in week ten against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 49ers are now 6-3 following their 34-3 win. The Jaguars are now also 6-3 following the loss. Here is a look at the top players in the game, and the ones who must step up as the season continues.
San Francisco 49ers Slays
Both Nick Bosa and Chase Young had great games now that they are a duo again. While both can be highlighted individually, and they will, it is the way they complement each other that should be highlighted. It was hard for the Jaguars offensive line to stop both of them, especially with Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead in the middle also putting up pressure. Seeing how the two played together after all of these years, it makes sense why the 49ers made the trade for him.
To highlight Bosa, he had the game that fans have been waiting for him to have this season. Bosa had 1.5 sacks, and one tackle for loss, according to ESPN. He also had a fumble recovery, which came during a play both Young and Bosa had pressure on the quarterback. Even if Bosa did not get more sacks, there were clearly plays where he pressured Trevor Lawrence, which resulted in him running into another player. Bosa also deflected a pass, and it was his pressure that led to the interception by Talanoa Hufanga.
San Francisco 49ers DE Nick Bosa – Terrell Lloyd/San Francisco 49ers
Chase Young
Young’s debut for the 49ers was a big one. Ahead of the game, head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that Young would have a big part in this game, and he was right. Against Jacksonville, Young had just 0.5 sacks, and one tackle, according to ESPN. What is more important is the pressure he put on. Having both Bosa and Young coming from the edge will definitely have an impact, which will be important as the season goes on.
The pressure by the defensive line did make it a lot easier on the defensive backs. There were some screen passes that the defense should have been able to stop, but at the end of the day, only allowing three points against a team that has won five games in a row is important.
San Francisco 49ers Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Javon Hargrave – Kym Fortino/San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers Bombs
Cornerback Charvarius Ward has been solid in coverage and even had a great play hitting the ball, avoiding a Jacksonville touchdown. The issue with Ward this season has been penalties. Maybe some are questionable, but if he is going to be called for the questionable plays, he has to do better at being extra careful. Luckily nothing resulted in a touchdown, but it is still something to watch for, and something he must fix moving forward.
Cornerback Ambry Thomas deserves praise for the fumble recovery. It should have been returned for a touchdown, but the sideline came onto the field too early. It is a shame he could not score the touchdown, but that is not his fault and he had a clutch play. He still has room to improve. Moving Deommodore Lenoir to the slot and having Thomas take his spot seems like a smart decision by the 49ers. This was the first time in a while that Thoms has played this much, and he has some stuff to work on.
Thomas did face a penalty for pass interference, which when reviewing was clearly a penalty. This did result in a Jaguars first down. He also let up a big play in the third quarter, giving the receiver too much room. He just got beat by the receiver. There are definitely adjustments that Thomas needs to make ahead of next week’s game. There were moments when Thomas could have made big tackles, but he could not wrap it up. Thomas is a player who can make crucial plays, but consistency is an issue.
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle – Terrell Lloyd/San Francisco 49ers
Next weekend the San Francisco 49ers will head home to face the Tampa Bay Buccanneers. The 49ers are now 6-3, while the Buccanneers are 4-5, following a win against the Tennessee Titans. Hopefully, the entire 49ers team can take their momentum into next week and get back to a winning streak.
