Niner Noise
FanSided

Comparing 49ers’ rebuild under Bill Walsh to that of Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch

By Timothy L. Miller

Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers with general manager John Lynch (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers with general manager John Lynch (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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TEMPE, AZ – NOVEMBER 6: Center Randy Cross #51 of the San Francisco 49ers waits with his teammates for play to resume during a game against the Phoenix Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium on November 6, 1988 in Tempe, Arizona. The Cardinals won 24-23. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ – NOVEMBER 6: Center Randy Cross #51 of the San Francisco 49ers waits with his teammates for play to resume during a game against the Phoenix Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium on November 6, 1988 in Tempe, Arizona. The Cardinals won 24-23. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /

Now with his quarterback in place, Bill Walsh sets his sights on getting him the protection he needs

Bill Walsh realized that, for his precision timing offense to work, the quarterback would need a modicum of time to get rid of the ball. A competent offensive line would also limit the hits the quarterback takes, giving him less chance of injury.

Walsh was lucky enough to inherit a line already consisting of four young players just coming into their prime. Recognizing the talent, Walsh simply got his best players onto the field. Interior offensive lineman Randy Cross moved from center to right guard, the young Fred Quillan was inserted into the starting lineup at center with Keith Fahnhorst holding down right tackle.

All three players were Pro Bowlers.

John Ayers was then moved to left tackle from left guard to make way for first-time starter Ron Singleton.