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Raiders vs. 49ers: 5 players to watch for San Francisco in Week 9

By Peter Panacy

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 07: Antoine Bethea #41 of the San Francisco 49ers makes the stop against Mychal Rivera #81 of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 7, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 07: Antoine Bethea #41 of the San Francisco 49ers makes the stop against Mychal Rivera #81 of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 7, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 25: Mike McGlinchey #69 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 25: Mike McGlinchey #69 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Offensive Tackle Mike McGlinchey

Right tackle Mike McGlinchey at the entire 49ers offensive line was bullied a bit last week in Arizona. Thankfully, however, Oakland’s front-seven defense possesses nowhere near the same thump the Cardinals have.

Yes, the Cardinals are bad. But that defensive front remains one of their few strengths.

Despite McGlinchey’s brief setback in Week 8, he has still emerged as one of the top rookies from the 2018 NFL Draft class. According to Pro Football Focus, no other first-year lineman has played to the level of San Francisco’s top pick:

McGlinchey has been superb in run blocking. But his abilities as a pass blocker could still use some work.

Thankfully, the Raiders possess about as woeful a pass rush there is. If you though the 49ers pass rush is bad (16 sacks through eight games), Oakland has seven over seven games played — lowest in the league.

Let’s just say the Niners shouldn’t have to worry too much about giving up sacks in Week 9.