Per Next Gen Stats, Ford did so last year the 2nd-most in a season since 2016
The more information that comes out about Dee Ford, the more I like him. I remember him being fast. I remember him having another gear. But looking at some of the numbers, and going back and watching him, man. He can play.
The main pushback on the interwebs about Ford has been “he had one good season.” My response would be is you don’t luck into the season that Ford had. First of all, that’s wrong. In 2016 he got starter snaps at had 12 sacks and pressured the QB 42 times. That’s a very productive year. Ford again received starter snaps in 2018 and had a great season. According to Next Gen Stats, Ford pressured the QB on 69 dropbacks. That is the second most in a season since 2016.
The love fo Ford didn’t stop there, either. Ford averaged 3.74 seconds to sack the QB. That was the 4th-fastest in the NFL. There’s a reason to be excited over Ford. His speed is something else:
Dee Ford gives the 49ers so much flexibility. He destroys guards when he plays inside. pic.twitter.com/OTvZCdqmik
— Niners Nation (@NinersNation) March 13, 2019
The 49ers were good at getting interior pressure. Deforest Buckner is unfair. Ford makes them better. This is the type of flexibility the team lacked last year. To have a player that can win inside and out.
You’re doing Ford a disservice if the plan is just rush him from one spot all game. The 49ers would be wise to move the speedy pass rusher up and down the line of scrimmage. As you can see above, guards don’t have a chance with his athleticism. Add another pass rusher that can come off the edge at the second overall pick and things could get fun next year.
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