Niner Noise
FanSided

Differences Exist Despite 49ers 2015 and 2016 Similarities

By Peter Panacy

Chip Kelly before an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Chip Kelly before an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Offensive Line Is Better

Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Brown (77) watches the game against the Houston Texans in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. Houston defeated San Francisco 24-13. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Brown (77) watches the game against the Houston Texans in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Houston defeated San Francisco 24-13. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Forget Anthony Davis and his second retirement in as many years. The 49ers, essentially, lost a swing tackle. Nothing more.

Fans don’t need a recollection of how bad last year’s offensive line was. Especially the right side. Just think, San Francisco started 2015 with Marcus Martin at center, Jordan Devey at right guard and Erik Pears at right tackle.

A downgrade of epic proportions.

No wonder the Niners gave up a whopping 53 sacks last year — second most in the league — which led Pro Football Focus to rank this unit No. 26 to start this season.

San Francisco now has Daniel Kilgore back at center, up-and-coming guard Andrew Tiller to his right and second-year pro Trent Brown, whom pass-rushing standout Von Miller regarded as having a very promising future.

This group is far from perfect. But only two sacks allowed (San Francisco had eight a year ago at this time) speaks to the improvement.