49ers key matchup No. 1: Boone vs. Suh

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(This is the final part in a series that spotlights three 49ers-Lions matchups to watch Sunday, 5:20 p.m. (NBC-TV), at Candlestick Park.49ers RG Alex Boone vs. Lions DT Ndamukong SuhTale of the tape
Boone (75): 6-foot-8, 300 pounds, third season, Ohio State
Suh (90): 6-foot-4, 307 pounds, third season, NebraskaThe 49ers' offensive line took notice a year ago when Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh told Bay Area reporters of his intention for the upcoming game.He did not specify Alex Smith, but that's how the 49ers' linemen interpreted Suh's remarks."I don't think any part of my game is intimidation, fear factor," Suh said. "It's more of, you either need to guard me or I'll continue to hit your quarterback. And if you're not going to protect your quarterback from me, then I'm going to continue to hit him."Suh did his talking during the week, but he did not have much to say during the game. He had just two assisted tackles and no quarterback hits. Tight end Delanie Walker delivered big blocks on Suh that helped open the way for Frank Gore to rush for a good chunk of his 141 yards.Suh will be facing Alex Boone, making his second start at right guard. The 49ers moved Boone from his role as the swing tackle last season to take over for Adam Snyder, whom the 49ers had no intention of re-signing as a free agent.Suh opened the season with disruptive showing against the St. Louis Rams. Suh recorded one sack and two other tackles for loss. Since 2010, Suh's 15 sacks rank second among all NFL defensive tackles."He's got initial burst. I noticed he's quick off the ball," Boone said. "He's got a little rage to him. He's an all-around good football player."He's a fierce player. He's always to the whistle -- to the echo of the whistle. That's the kind of guy you want on your team. They're fun to play against, and at the same time it's going to be a challenge."Meanwhile, Boone had a strong day in his regular-season debut in the 49ers' 30-22 victory over the Green Bay Packers. His pass protection was good, and the 49ers rushed for 186 yards as a team.Boone said he wants to remain lower and play with better leverage. In the run game, he said he must do a better job of keeping his head up to avoid injury."He did some things that were great," 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. "We were all thrilled to see some instinctive things he did. Played physical, played to his personality, which is aggressive, passionate, old school, nasty. He had a lot of fun out there. Boone loves playing football."It was a good start for Alex and got a big challenge this week with this front four coming in."

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