The Arizona Cardinals get to take on the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers in their first game of the 2020 season.
The 49ers defensive front had some minor changes, with the trade of Pro Bowl defensive lineman DeForest Buckner, you’d expect a small decline from the 49ers front.
However, the 49ers believe that they have enough talent to compensate early and the development of second year pro Nick Bosa will make them even better in the long run.
I talked with Niners Nation manager Kyle Posey about the line and the loss of Buckner.
“Honestly, not too different. They’ll probably take a step back against the pass, but I’d expect them to be better against the run. There’s no replacing Buckner. The 49ers seem like they’re going to do so by committee, which is probably a good thing, so the guys up front stay fresh as the season goes on.”
Buckner is a pass rush generator and has been a terror against the Cardinals in his career.
Since coming into the league, in seven games against the Cardinals Buckner has four sacks, seven tackle for loss and 12 quarterback hits.
He was a nightmare for the Cardinals to block, and now he is gone.
However, the change of having to figure out D.J. Jones and Javon Kinlaw consistently will be an interesting one.
Who will feel the loss of Buckner more in week one? The Arizona Cardinals offense or the 49ers defense?