The 49ers Seem to Respect Kyler Murray more than Jalen Hurts

SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers couldn't hide their disdain for Jalen Hurts before they played him. This week, they seem much more complimentary of upcoming opposing quarterback Kyler Murray.

Nick Bosa certainly respects Murray. Remember, Murray was the first pick in the 2019 draft and Bosa was the second pick. Obviously the Cardinals made a mistake, but Murray still is an electric quarterback who has given the 49ers problems. And his record this season is 2-2 since returning from a torn ACL.

On Wednesday in the 49ers locker room, reporters asked Nick Bosa his impressions of Murray. Here's what Bosa said:

Q: How does Kyler look compared to the player he was before his torn ACL?

BOSA: "I think he looks great moving around. I think he's actually playing in this scheme better than the previous regime. He's kind of sitting in the pocket and playing quarterback more. And then obviously the run game and the scrambles -- he's an added element there."

ME: What makes Kyler a unique challenge and what's the key to shutting him down?

BOSA: "Just a one-of-one type of athlete. Plays that you should have him bottled up, he'll score or get the first down. And he can play quarterback and sit in the pocket for a guy who's not as tall."

Bosa said the blueprint to shutting down Jalen Hurts is to keep him in the pocket because he stares at the pass rush and looks for scramble lanes rather than scanning the field for throwing windows. And Bosa was right.

With Murray, Bosa praised his ability to play quarterback from the pocket.

Sounds like the 49ers see Murray as a tough opponent, and Hurts as a fraud.