San Francisco 49ers: 3 Big takeaways from win vs. Seahawks in Week 15

Defensive front dominates

Led by an outstanding performance from DeForest Buckner, the 49ers defensive front enjoyed a very productive day against a Seahawks offensive line that has shown signs of improvement this season, sacking Russell Wilson three times.

Buckner was a wrecking crew from his 3-technique defensive tackle spot, registering 11 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks. For the first time in his pro career, Buckner now has double-digit sacks having reached 11 on the year.

Yet a more unheralded 49ers first-round defensive lineman had a huge impact, with the much-maligned Solomon Thomas playing a key role in the win. Thomas’ stat sheet was not as impressive as that of Buckner, but his display was just as important.

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Thomas had two pressures, one of which led to a Buckner sack, and drew a pair of offensive holding calls, the second of which brought back a third-down conversion from the Seahawks and got the Niners the decisive final possession in overtime.

Buckner and Thomas exerted the kind of influence they have not had on enough games since the 49ers drafted the latter in 2017. Adding more talent on the edge in the offseason should help them do that and for some there will be frustration over this victory taking them out of position to select the best pass rusher in the 2019 draft in Nick Bosa.

However, the 2019 class is one deep in edge talent and, though there will be disappointment at likely missing out on Bosa, there should also be great excitement and relief at the sight of Thomas finally providing some assistance to Buckner.

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