By Tim Graham
The San Francisco 49ers have faced some formidable defensive fronts this season.
They've gone up against the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets. That means they've tangled with defensive linemen B.J. Raji, Jared Allen, Ndamukong Suh and Sione Pouha.
San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh, however, claimed the Buffalo Bills' front four are more formidable than them all.
"This will be the best defensive line that we've played so far this year," Harbaugh told 49ers reporters Wednesday. "And solid defense, again, very aggressive. [They] can make things happen."
The 49ers have had some success against these defenses. They're 3-1 and are averaging 5.4 yards per rush attempt, but they have allowed 12 sacks.
Harbaugh was asked to explain how the Bills' defensive line is better than the Vikings or the Lions.
"Just look at the players they have," said Harbaugh, who then compared Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams to the 49ers' star interior lineman. "You'll see the equivalent of [49ers defensive tackle] Justin Smith on their side, extremely athletic on the edges. ... Just their skill and talent and the way they work, it's very impressive."
Harbaugh also suggested Marcell Dareus is the NFL's most physically gifted defensive tackle.
"That is maybe the most powerful, athletic tackle in the game," Harbaugh said. "And he doesn't come out ever. He's in there on the pass-rush downs as well. Big, 330-plus guy that can move.
"It's impressive when you watch the film, the end-zone shot of him lined up in there. He's a big powerful man that can run."
