Offensive Line Woes: 49ers Unable to Protect Quarterback in Key Clash

Offensive Line Woes: 49ers Unable to Protect Quarterback in Key Clash

 

A huge reason for the 49ers’ success this season has been the quality depth on the offensive line.Offensive line depth has been a major issue for the San Francisco 49ers during the 2019 season.

The Niners now approach the crucial second half of the campaign and will likely decide where they will finish in the playoffs, and can do so knowing that the lack of reliable backups is no longer a concern.San Francisco will get a boost from the return of starting tackles Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey in their Week 10 Monday Night Football matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. Staley missed six games, while McGlinchey missed four.

That the Niners were able to go undefeated without both is a testament to the team’s many qualities — Jimmy Garoppolo, Kyle Shanahanand#039; of guile and great defensive play to name but a few, but mostly a very impressive game. backups Justin Skule and Daniel Brunskill.No one was expected to be able to fill the void left by their more famous teammates.

But Skule, a sixth-round pick, and Brunskill, who played in the American Football Association earlier this year, came through matchups against Aaron Donald, Chandler Jones and the Carolina Panthers’ talented defensive front largely unscathed In his six games, Skule surrendered four sacks, but was praised for his ability to shake off his mistakes and put in consistently strong performances

. NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger praised Skuleand#039’s screen against Jones and Terrell Suggs of the Arizona Cardinals, showing his consistent hand usage and ability to stay on his feet.Brunskilland#039;s numbers are absolutely amazing. Just one sack and three quarterbacks allowed in four starts, via Pro Football Focus (h/t The Football Club’s Matt Barrows).

He didn’t score a single penalty either.Running Game Success by Shanahanand#039; the creative guile and speed with which Garoppolo gets off the football has helped Skulet and Brunskill. However, the relative comfort with which they have endured gives the 49ers a lot of confidence, as they now have two backups they can rely on should Staley or McGlinchey get hurt even more.Inside lane depth is still an issue, but Brunskill could provide an inside option as well.

 

He worked at guard and center in the offseason, and according to Barrows, he surpassed offensive line coach John Bentonand#039; expectationsOf course, it would still be a very damaging blow if the 49ers lost center Weston Richburg or either of their guards — Mike Person and Laken Tomlinson — to injury.

At the start of the season, however, the injury outlook for the offensive line was devastating, and thanks to the emergence of Skule and the especially versatile Brunskill, that is no longer the case..