Saleh shares funny Staley anecdote to describe Bosa’s dominance originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
How does one precisely describe Nick Bosa’s dominance on the gridiron?
Could it be describing his physical presence? Or could it be through detailing one of his 53.5 sacks?
Surely, there’s a handful of ways of doing it, but when it became New York Jets coach Robert Saleh’s opportunity to illustrate Bosa’s dominance, the former 49ers defensive coordinator opted for a humorous Joe Staley anecdote.
“I’ve never seen a D-end make a tackle whiff as often as he did, especially as he did,” Saleh told NewYorkJets.com.
Through fierce play and unwavering leadership, San Francisco’s No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft has earned his place as one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers.
The 26-year-old is a four-time Pro Bowler, earned NFL Defensive Player of the Year and was named first team All-Pro in 2022 after leading the league in sacks with 18.5 despite entering just his sixth season.
Bosa always had it, and Saleh recalls exactly when a young Bosa began to give Staley trouble, which the legendary 49er was never able to solve.
“It was absolutely fascinating,” Saleh added. “I remember vividly [49ers LT] Joe Staley during Bosa’s first training camp was just having trouble after the first couple of days.
“Bosa was all the rage. and I got asked about it. I said he’s a rookie; Joe will figure it out. He never figured it out.
“No offense, Joe. [Bosa] has elite hand-eye coordination, power, can win inside, outside or through you. Elite football IQ. He’s a tremendous football player, and if you ever see him up close, his thighs are like this podium. Ridiculous.”
Saleh wasn’t wrong then, and he certainly isn’t wrong now.
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