Cardinals vs. 49ers: 5 Matchups in Week 5 to Watch for San Francisco
By Peter Panacy
RT Trent Brown vs. LB Markus Golden
On the flip side of the offensive line, second-year right tackle Trent Brown will have his hands full with pass-rushing linebacker Markus Golden.
Golden is tied for the Cardinals lead, alongside fellow LB Chandler Jones, in sacks (four) and will look to continue a pass rush against a San Francisco team having allowed just three on the year.
Brown has performed well enough in pass protection this year. But his major weakness has been in supporting the run. Per Pro Football Focus, Brown is grading out with a 36.7 run-blocking grade — worst along the line.
Our own Rich Madrid points out an example:
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
What makes this matchup even more precarious for San Francisco is Golden is actually ranked higher, per PFF, against the run (81.3) than in the pass rush (58.4).
Unless the 49ers want to run tailback Carlos Hyde to the left on almost every play, Brown will need to ensure his techniques are sound.