49ers’ defensive line needs Bosa, Ebukam to cover for interior issues
The 49ers could need Samson Ebukam and Nick Bosa to step up their games to cover for the potential absences of Arik Armstead and Samson Ebukam on Monday night against the Rams.
SANTA CLARA — Samson Ebukam burst into the backfield and notched the 49ers’ first sack of the season, only three snaps into their opener at Chicago.
That type of production is expected from one of the NFL’s best defensive ensembles, and especially from the defensive end who starts opposite of double-team magnet Nick Bosa.
Ebukam and Bosa might need to do even more, however, when the 49ers (1-2) host the Los Angeles Rams (2-1) on Monday night. Defensive tackles Arik Armstead (foot) and Javon Kinlaw (knee) missed their second straight practice Friday, and, if they’re out this game, that could take some luster off a heralded pass rush against the Rams’ dynamic passing attack.
“Everybody says that it’s a strong defensive performance, but I feel we can definitely do better,” Ebukam said this week. “I’m looking at myself in the mirror when I say that, because I watch the film. What I put out there, I can definitely do better to help the team.”
It’s been 91 snaps since his first sack in Chicago. He’d love his second to come Monday night against his original team, the Rams.
Neither Armstead nor Kinlaw have a sack this season. Armstead, who’s plantar fasciitis kept him out of Sunday’s loss in Denver, worked up a sweat doing side work Friday. Kinlaw was not spotted, and that is particularly concerning because of last season’s anterior cruciate ligament repair.
Matthew Stafford got sacked seven times in the Rams’ season-opening loss to Buffalo’s stout defense, then only once in their ensuing wins over Atlanta and Arizona.
“They had to throw it a lot more in that first week, but Matt does such a good job of getting rid of the ball. Regardless, it’s hard to get to him,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “But anytime you can make teams more one dimensional, you get a lead like Buffalo did, it’s a lot harder to get away without having those sacks.”
Ebukam’s goal is to play firmer, stouter at the point of attack. “Other than that, try not to force plays. I was trying to force plays a little,” Ebukam said of Sunday’s 11-10 loss in Denver. “We’re going to get it fixed this week. It’s going to be straight.”
The 49ers offense is what’s been mostly broken amid a 1-2 start, although defensive penalties helped key their season-opening loss at Chicago, and Sunday’s defensive dominance faded in a fourth-quarter demise in Denver.
Bosa has four of the team’s eight sacks, and while he commands double-team blocks, Ebukam acknowledges that creates more one-on-one opportunities for him to rush the passer.
“I was supposed to have about two (sacks) last week, but the (Broncos) left tackle decided to hold me twice, and they only called it one time,” Ebukam said. “That’s God keeping me humble, keeping me hungry. I’ve got to keep going. It’s going to be a better week this week, I know that.”
Rotating with Ebukam and Bosa are rookie Drake Jackson, Kerry Hyder Jr. and Charles Omenihu. Likely replacements on the interior are Kevin Givens, Hassan Ridgeway and Akeem Spence.
As for the Rams, they won last season’s NFC Championship at home against the 49ers en route to the Lombardi Trophy, but they haven’t won a regular-season game in this rivalry since 2018, when. Ebukam was in his second season with them, to which he recalled: “When I was there, I knew the 49ers were a rival team and that week was different. They worked harder than other weeks.”
The 49ers worked their way back from a 3-5 start to last season by beating the Rams last October, in a Monday night affair, no less.
“Huge win. It felt good to be part of this team at that time, because I felt (the Rams) pushed me to the side, and this team picked me up and made me a part of it,” Ebukam added. “It felt good just to rub one in their face. I wouldn’t call it a revenge game. I’m not out for revenge. I’m out for a win.”
Blocking his and Bosa’s path from the edges are left tackle Joe Noteboom and right tackle Rob Havenstein. Ebukam knows them well from his Rams’ days, before he left as a free agent last year on a two-year, $12 million deal.
Ebukam, like his final two seasons with the Rams, produced just 4 ½ sacks last season in his 49ers’ introduction. A reminder: he needs four more to finally surpass that total this season.
BOBBY TURNER RETURNS
Bobby Turner, the 49ers’ running backs coach the previous five seasons and a long-time expert in the Shahanan system, returned to the team Friday to aid with the offense. Turner is healthy and moving well after hip surgery, which was expected to keep him occupied with rehab this season. Anythony Lynn replaced Turner as the running backs coach this season and continued to run those drills Friday.
HEALTH CENTER
Tight end Ross Dwelley (ribs) suited up for practice and worked on the side with a trainer before team drills.
Remaining out of action were wide receiver Danny Gray (hip), left tackle Trent Williams (ankle), running back Ty Davis-Price (ankle), linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) and tight end Tyler Kroft (knee). Safety Tarvarius Moore was not spotted after being limited Friday by a hamstring issue.