Niner Noise
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Top 5 standouts from 49ers’ 23-17 preseason loss to Colts

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 25: Alfred Morris #36 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 25: Alfred Morris #36 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WI – JANUARY 8: Weston Richburg #70 of the New York Giants sits on the sideline in the third quarter during the NFC Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 8, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – JANUARY 8: Weston Richburg #70 of the New York Giants sits on the sideline in the third quarter during the NFC Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 8, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Center Weston Richburg

Run blocking had been a small problem for San Francisco’s offensive line over the team’s first two preseason games. But all that changed against Indianapolis.

For the first time this preseason, newly acquired running back Alfred Morris managed to see some field time (more on him later). And while Morris was a major contributor to the 49ers offense Saturday, he received some excellent support up front.

Especially veteran center Weston Richburg.

Richburg logged a 91.8 run-blocking grade during the game, according to Pro Football Focus (free subscription required) and was regularly opening up lanes in the middle of the Colts run defense.

San Francisco’s entire starting offensive line looked sharp in the loss and was one of the reasons the 49ers offense was so effective moving the ball in the first half. And the efforts deservedly drew praise from Jimmy Garoppolo:

Centers are an integral part of Kyle Shanahan’s offense, and it’s appearing as if Richburg is finding his niche at precisely the right time.