Eric Williams
NFC West Writer
The choice in signing with the San Francisco 49ers was a simple one for veteran pass-rusher Leonard Floyd.
“I’m just happy to be on their side, going against anybody else now,” Floyd told reporters.
The 31-year-old Floyd is familiar with the NFC West from his three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, which includes winning a Super Bowl ring during the team’s 2021 season. His 39.5 sacks over the past four seasons places him at No. 10 in the NFL during that span. He hasn’t missed a game in six seasons.
But most importantly, Floyd’s ability to play the run should help fix a team weakness as the 49ers chase their sixth Super Bowl title, which has proved elusive. The team had trouble against outside runs throughout the 2023 season, and even more so in the postseason. San Francisco allowed 7.8 yards per carry on outside runs during the playoffs, according to Next Gen Stats. Only the Pittsburgh Steelers allowed more (9.4 yards per carry).
“That’s something I want to do,” Floyd said. “I want to affect the game, and the run game. Just affect winning. Anything to help us win, that’s what I’m buying into.”
Floyd has been a great wing man during his eight-year NFL career. In L.A from 2020-22, he played well with one of the league’s best interior pass-rushers in Aaron Donald. And now, after a season in Buffalo, he gets a chance to play with one of the top defensive ends in the league in Nick Bosa.
“I think he’s a super-skilled rusher,” Bosa said about Floyd. “He’s got good length. He’s more athletic than I even realized. And I think guys like him when they come to our scheme, the best is brought out of them. So I’m excited to see what potential he has.”
Floyd, selected No. 9 overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2016 draft, was in the same class as Bosa’s older brother, Joey Bosa. During his time in Chicago, along with a season with the Rams, Floyd was coached by NFL defensive guru Brandon Staley.
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/how-leonard-floyd-can-help-fix-49ers-weakness-chase-another-super-bowl
Author :
Publish date : 2024-06-18 17:24:46
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
