49ers preseason: 5 stats to watch in Week 2 versus Broncos

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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 20: Quarterback Jeff Driskel of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by linebacker Dekoda Watson of the Denver Broncos in the third quarter of a preseason NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 20, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Quarterback Hits and Pressures Allowed

If there has been one pressing issue for the 49ers this training camp and preseason, it’s the offensive line.

San Francisco’s O-line wasn’t particularly good last year either, and this season is shaping up to be more of the same.

During the Niners’ win over Kansas City, this unit allowed three sacks and seven quarterback hits. Two of those sacks were due to quarterbacks Matt Barkley and C.J. Beathard holding onto the ball too long. But those seven quarterback hits allowed — three of which from former 49ers pass-rusher, and preseason superstar, Marcus Rush — isn’t a good omen.

Run support wasn’t particularly great, mostly with the second-team unit. But pass protection could be a significant issue, especially within the interior.

Granted, the Niners could get second-year guard Joshua Garnett back (knee) in time for Week 1 of the regular season. Yet that’s a hope at this point, nothing more.

Instead, San Francisco will try to field the best unit it can.

Next: 49ers film room: First-team defense vs. Chiefs offense

And based off the early looks, it’s probably going to be a weakness.

San Francisco and Denver kick off on Saturday, August 19 at 10 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium.