When the San Francisco 49ers needed a game-changing defensive play in the opening game of the playoffs, they weren’t one of the first three All-Pros to pitch.
Instead, it was hidden-pass rusher Charles Omeniho, who appears to have a knack for making it to the playoff stage.
Omenihu’s stripping sack against Geno Smith helped San Francisco take control in the second half of last week’s 41-23 wild card victory over Seattle and it was just the last big postseason play he made in San Francisco’s shortstop.
“We’re all big players, so it doesn’t matter who goes up,” he said. “Thank God I was able to. In the year and a half that I’ve been here, I’ve been able to step up in those big games and help my team win.”
Omenihu had two sacks against the Seahawks in a performance reminiscent of how he played last year in the wild card round in Dallas when he had 1 1/2 sacks and a forced fumble.
Omenihu is now poised to take on the Cowboys again in the divisional round on Sunday when San Francisco (14-4) hosts Dallas (13-5) with a spot in the NFC title game on the line.
Since being acquired at the 2021 season trade deadline from Houston for a future sixth-round pick, Omenihu has developed into a supplemental piece on the defensive line anchored by All-Pro Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead.
“I’ve figured out what works best for me,” he said. “Over time, I have continued to prepare and study myself. I understand how I have to maneuver and play in this system.”
Omenihu is the latest reclamation product for defensive line coach Chris Kukorek, who in his time in San Francisco excelled at bringing in low-level defensive linemen and turning them into valuable pieces for the defense.
The Niners got key contributions this season from linemen like Omenihu, Jordan Willis, and Hassan Ridgeway, who had struggled to produce at their previous stations.
“He really renewed his preparations,” Bossa said of Omenihu. “He was more of a big inside man when he came in. His time here, he’s really bought into the scheme. He’s a really good player for us.”
Omenihu’s versatility was important to the 49ers as he lined up on both end points, as well as playing inside, using his height and speed to “split up” guards in pass rushing situations.
Omenihu said Kocurek helped teach him how to use his 36-inch arms to become a faster passer.
“Charles has such a good height and even when he gets blocked, he has a way of impressing the quarterback because of his height,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan. “But what he’s done is, not only in getting to the quarterback that you guys see with the stats and everything, but it’s also important when you don’t get to him that you don’t let him get out of that pocket and rush the field. And I think he’s done a really good job here in those last couple of games.” Where he was still able to influence the quarterback and not just try to rush past the quarterback because he had condensed that pocket.”
Notes: Once again, the 49ers are healthy with only QB Jimmy Garoppolo (foot) and CB Ambry Thomas (ankle) working out. … WR Jauan Jennings (ankle), DL Samsonn Ebukam (ankle) and DL Javon Kinlaw (knee) were all limited.
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