Across The Shield: Nick Bosa Makes His Case to Be the DPOY, Joey Bosa Mauls the Bears and Michael Thomas Still Can't Be Guarded

Nick Bosa for DPOY 

Nick Bosa may be the best rookie in this year's class, but his play could garner him even greater accolades.

The self-proclaimed "smaller bear" was an animal for the 49ers in their win on Sunday against Carolina. The second overall pick looked like the best defender in football, recording four tackles, three sacks and this interception here: 

Nick Bosa today: Three sacks in the first half, first NFL interception in the second half.pic.twitter.com/3yUOfzk5SS

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) October 27, 2019

This game wasn't an isolated moment.

Bosa has been a force all season and is a major reason why the Niners boast an unblemished record. Through seven games, Bosa has registered 16 solo tackles and seven sacks. It's a start that's turned heads around the league. He seems to be a frontrunner for the defensive rookie of the year award, but some people, like teammate Richard Sherman, feel that he can achieve something a little bit better. 

As of right now, Richard Sherman says Nick Bosa should be more than just Rookie of the Year pic.twitter.com/QJaJKQb0eC

— ESPN (@espn) October 28, 2019

Big brother Bosa balls out against the Bears

Nick wasn't the only Bosa putting in work on Sunday. Joey Bosa represented the family well in an impressive showing in Chicago. 

The bigger bear registered seven tackles and two sacks of his own. While Nick dominated the headlines, Joey was a force of nature as well. 

The Bosa brothers were all over the field yesterday!
5 combined Sacks
7 Combined TFLs
1 INT@jbbigbear | @nbsmallerbear | @Chargers | @49ers pic.twitter.com/EZnYEofnYM

— NFL (@NFL) October 28, 2019

I can imagine they're enjoying each others success and maybe a claim to the most dominant family in football right now.

Be Like Mike

Michael Thomas has made this list nearly every week, but it's because he really is just that good nearly every week. 

Just look at his stat line from Sunday. He finished11 catches – on 11 targets – for 112 yards and a touchdown.

With games like that it's not surprising that Thomas leads the league in receptions (73) and yards (875).

@DrewBrees targeted @Cantguardmike 11 times today

Thomas caught all 11 targets for 112 yards and a touchdown!#Saints pic.twitter.com/KegDgz3XKx

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 27, 2019

It takes a bad man to say nobody can guard him, but it takes an even badder man to prove it week after week. 

Special Teams are Special

Denzel Ward's speed isn't just an asset in coverage. He can create havoc on special teams as well.

Exhibit A:

DENZEL WARD WENT SUPERMAN @denzelward pic.twitter.com/kWWW7MfGei

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) October 27, 2019

Ward making a big play on special teams? That looks familiar.

The Browns still lost decisively, but that play was a rare bright spot.