How the 49ers Plan to Defend Lamar Jackson

SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers usually don't have to worry about the opposing quarterback, because they defend the pass so well. But they're sub-par against the run, and this week they'll face the best rushing quarterback maybe ever -- Lamar Jackson.

How do the 49ers plan to stop him?

To find out, I went into their locker room today and asked Nick Bosa, who never shies away from sharing the weekly game plan. Here's what Bosa said.

ME: What's the key to defending Lamar Jackson and how different is it from defending Kyler Murray?

BOSA: "Take him out of his comfort zone. Take the space out of his run game stuff. He's their top rusher, so make him uncomfortable in the pass game. Don't rush scared. Don't try to mirror him like we did against some of the other mobile guys (read: Jalen Hurts), but getting on him and wrapping him up so he can't break tackles."

Q: "What do you remember about facing Lamar Jackson in 2019 and how did that experience help you for facing him now?"

BOSA: "I don't remember much, but our game plan I think is a lot different this time around. I think he has evolved a lot, so he plays the game differently."

Q: Do you see him playing more from the pocket now that they have a new offensive coordinator?

BOSA: "Yeah, that's the difference. He's trying to sit in there a little more and go through his reads. Not quite as run-heavy, but they're the No. 1 running team in the league. Obviously something we're going to have to deal with."