EAGAN, Minn. — Even earlier than Nick Bosa produced a masterpiece in Thursday’s observe, Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell knew what may very well be coming of their second and remaining joint observe with the 49ers.
“They'll change a sport with their cross rush, particularly with Nick on the sting,” O’Connell mentioned. “I imply, attending to see him work in particular person, you see why he’s such a particular participant every week on this league.”
Bosa, a fourth-year defensive finish, dominated with an array of cross rushes, cross deflections and run stops. That full package deal ought to have him within the NFL Defensive Participant of the Yr dialog and vault him to overdue All-Professional recognition. Contemplate this sequence Thursday:
— Bosa tosses a third-string tight finish to the aspect, cuts inside and touches Kirk Cousins for a would-be sack.
— Subsequent, Bosa is pushing apart left deal with Christian Darrisaw — a 2021 first-round choose who’s been mentored by 49ers’ counterpart Trent Williams — and makes use of that bull rush to blindside Cousins. (Bosa had, by tough estimates, six sacks this observe.)
— Then comes a run play, and Bosa is blasting into the backfield and wrapping his arms round a operating again for a would-be deal with for loss.
Three play sequence the place #49ers Nick Bosa had 2 sacks & TFL in opposition to #Vikings 👀 pic.twitter.com/IZ0oiQSPmw
— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙎𝙁𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 (@TheSFNiners) August 18, 2022
It seemed all too acquainted for O’Connell, the Vikings’ first-year coach who was the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator the earlier two seasons.
Stated O’Connell: “Clearly with a cross rush the Niners have – I skilled it 5 instances during the last two years enjoying in opposition to them — they modify the best way it's important to play the place, the self-discipline of rhythms and reads, and understanding when you possibly can maintain it just a little extra and when you possibly can’t.”
Bosa spoke after Wednesday’s observe and foreshadowed his huge encore: “It’s enjoyable to get a glance on a special man and begin figuring him out by the tip of observe. (Thursday) I’ll have a greater thought of strategy it.”
About an hour after observe, Bosa headed for the workforce bus in his white socks whereas carrying his cleats. He didn’t stroll alone. He was with Williams, arguably the NFL’s high offensive lineman and somebody who’s been swapping suggestions with Bosa for 2 years.
#49ers Nick Bosa and Trent Williams chop it up after working towards #Vikings to finish “coaching camp.” Each are wholesome with 3 1/2 week till season opener at Bears pic.twitter.com/8TGkAErUYk
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) August 18, 2022
‘BORING’ OFFENSE
Engaged on a neighboring subject, the 49ers’ offense wasn’t anyplace close to as electrical as Bosa or their feisty protection, which practically provoked just a few fights amid taunts and exhausting pushes.
Huge receiver Brandon Aiyuk initially supplied the boilerplate response about joint practices — “It was good work going in opposition to someone totally different in a special atmosphere” — earlier than truthfully divulging his true emotions.
“I didn’t prefer it. I believed it was a waste of time, personally,” Aiyuk mentioned. “It was boring for positive.”
Certainly, the 49ers offense principally labored round midfield, unable to provide any true touchdowns. Trey Lance was 11-of-17, however didn’t have nice safety (three sacks) and he had two passes ricochet off the arms of Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.
“It was like Day 1 stuff, primary stuff,” Aiyuk added in regards to the offense’s mundane strategy. “I used to be getting just a little irritated solely touching the ball thrice the previous two days, however that’s inappropriate. Kyle (Shanahan) and them have their very own agenda to what they wish to accomplish right here, so we get higher each rep and determine all the pieces out later.”
The Vikings’ edge rushers Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith appeared to wreak probably the most havoc, generally shifting inside to check the 49ers’ younger guards, Aaron Banks and Spencer Burford. “That’s what we’ll see within the common season, and I’m glad we acquired to see it right here, the place the bullets aren’t residing and so they’re not studying on the quarterback’s expense,” Williams mentioned. “They saved enhancing day by day. That’s the factor about having younger gamers, it’s by no means going to be excellent. It’s about climbing a hill and, so long as they take a step ahead every day, that’s all we are able to ask.”
DEEBO DELIVERING
The Lance-to-Samuel connection has heated up prior to now week, and after a pair of early incompletions Thursday, Samuel was a go-to goal within the two-minute drill, together with a 25-yard catch over the center for Lance’s remaining completion. Earlier, Lance didn't hit Samuel deep down the sideline in what’s appeared like a day by day incidence at camp, not less than after Samuel missed the primary 4 practices throughout contract negotiations.
“The primary week, I actually wasn’t on the market that a lot,” Samuel; mentioned. “We knew it will take time, as a result of this summer season, they have been throwing lots and I wasn’t capable of go on the market with these guys. It’s simply good to see the chemistry increase and we’re getting higher as an offense.”
EXTRA POINTS
— Defensive again Qwuantrezz Knight, an undrafted rookie, rebounded from Wednesday’s tough outing by intercepting a Kellen Mond cross. “Yeah, Q Knight, he’s executed a fantastic job and it was enjoyable to see for him these previous two days versus these guys,” defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans mentioned. “We needed to transfer him round lots due to accidents in our backend, so he’s executed a fantastic job of simply being a wise participant who can transfer round (at nickel again and security).”
— Defensive finish Arik Armstead (knee), cornerback Emmanuel Moseley (hamstring) and tight finish Charlie Woerner (core muscle) conditioned on a aspect subject throughout workforce drills.
— Rookie Sam Womack, the 49ers’ projected starter at nickel again, defended a goal-line cross and earned high-fives from defensive backs coach Cory Undlin.
— Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir impressively broke up a cross supposed for Justin Jefferson in one-on-one drills. Lenoir lined up with the beginning unit, as did lately acquired cornerback Ken Crawley.
— Working again Elijah Mitchell (hamstring), offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill (hamstring) and cornerback Charvarius Ward (groin), Dontae Johnson (ribs) and Jason Verrett (knee) ran nicely on the aspect however didn't observe. Security Jimmie Ward (hamstring) and offensive deal with Mike McGlinchey (knee) remained out of form, as did linebacker Curtis Robinson (groin) and offensive deal with Jaylon Moore (leg).