Title: 49ers Bolster Defensive Line with Addition of Randy Gregory
Subtitle: San Francisco aims to create an “embarrassment of riches” along the defensive line
San Francisco, CA – In their quest to maintain a dominant defensive line, the San Francisco 49ers have added another key piece by signing Randy Gregory. General Manager John Lynch recently discussed the team’s decision and their organizational philosophy surrounding the position group during an interview on KNBR’s “Murph and Mac Show.”
With nine different players already recording multiple pressures this season, the 49ers’ depth on the defensive line has once again become a defining characteristic of their gameplay. The acquisition of Gregory only solidifies their already formidable unit.
“We want an embarrassment of riches up front,” Lynch explained. “Nowadays, it feels like in our league, you gotta come in waves. And that’s what we believe in. The D-line, we want multiple people, we want them playing their heart out and then subbing the next line in like a hockey line, and just coming after people.”
Gregory, who experienced a decline in production during his stint with the Denver Broncos, was deemed too good of a player to pass up. Lynch expressed confidence in the team’s ability to tap into the Nebraska product’s immense potential.
“Randy was too good of a player who was out there,” Lynch said. “The sky is the limit, and Randy is a very talented young man. We’ve loved him since he’s been in here. He’s been awesome to work with, and so we’re going to see him hopefully this weekend cut it loose and see what he can do for us.”
There is optimism within the organization that Gregory will make his 49ers debut on Sunday in Cleveland, as he has impressed with his performance on the practice field since joining the team.
“I think there is a good opportunity,” Lynch shared. “He’s done a really good job. We’ll tighten things up and I think there will probably be a discussion between Kyle [Shanahan], Steve [Wilks], and Kris Kocurek at the end of the day. Getting a plan for Randy, whether it involves this week or moving forward. But he [Gregory] has been out on the practice field, been looking good, and really fitting in well with our chemistry on this team.”
Should Gregory make an immediate impact, it would be considered a bonus for the 49ers, who already boast the league’s best pass-rushing grade this season. According to Pro Football Focus, San Francisco currently holds a remarkable 90.9 pass-rushing grade.
The addition of Gregory further cements the 49ers’ commitment to creating a deep and relentless defensive line. With an “embarrassment of riches” at their disposal, San Francisco appears poised to keep opposing quarterbacks on their toes for the remainder of the 2023 NFL season.
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