San Francisco 49ers: Positional Progress Report for First Quarter of 2016
By Peter Panacy
Offensive Line
2016 is, without doubt, a major improvement over what the 49ers had going along the offensive line a year ago.
Through four games in 2015, the Niners had already allowed 14 sacks. San Francisco has given up just three so far this year.
Many viewed retired-not-retired-retired right tackle Anthony Davis’ return to the team as a blessing. But Davis could not win his starting job back — thank you, Trent Brown — and ended up retiring again three weeks into this season. And the rest of this unit is holding its own.
Up to Par
Pass protection. Three sacks allowed tells us almost everything we need to know. Football Outsiders ranks the 49ers No. 1 in this category (not including Week 4).
Only left guard Zane Beadles (56.6) and center Daniel Kilgore (58.4) grade lower than 70 on the year, according to Pro Football Focus‘ pass-blocking assessment.
One should also be impressed with right guard Andrew Tiller. It’s hard to see him losing his starting gig anytime soon.
Needing Improvement
Run blocking. While Football Outsiders considered the Niners O-line tops in pass protection, this same group ranks No. 30 in run support.
A primary culprit here has been Brown. Despite above-average pass-blocking capabilities, the second-year pro currently grades out with a 36.7 run-blocking grade, per PFF — by far, the lowest on the line.
If he has to get to the 2nd level, he struggles. Top of the screen, RT #77. pic.twitter.com/3aaDnezW9e
— Rich (@richjmadrid) October 3, 2016
While not the entire problem, Brown is certainly influencing the 49ers’ 3.6 yards-per-carry average, which ranks 25th in the NFL.
Beadles hasn’t been stellar on the year either, which will prompt the Niners to make the switch over to their first-round draft choice, Joshua Garnett, sooner rather than later.