Niner Noise
FanSided

5 reasons to be worried about the 49ers in 2019

By Peter Panacy

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 23: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers lays on his back on the sideline after being injured on the play during the fourth quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 23: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers lays on his back on the sideline after being injured on the play during the fourth quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Weston Richburg #58 of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Garrett Celek #88 after Celek caught a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Weston Richburg #58 of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Garrett Celek #88 after Celek caught a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 4: 49ers Offensive Line Only Average at Best?

San Francisco made a swarm of offensive line changes in 2018, including selecting offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey in Round 1 of that year’s NFL Draft, inking center Weston Richburg to a lucrative free-agent deal and inserting the perennial journeyman, Mike Person, in at right guard.

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Despite these changes, Pro Football Focus still ranked the Niners O-line 15th last season. And despite ranking 10th in run blocking last year, according to Football Outsiders, this unit came in a lowish 22nd in pass protection.

The latter ranking should be of concern, especially considering Jimmy Garoppolo’s return from injury. Any sack or quarterback hit will ultimately force 49ers fans to collectively hold their breath this season.

On top of that, Richburg and left guard Laken Tomlinson are coming off 2018 knee injuries, which could cut into their effectiveness early this season.

Perhaps Person has found his niche, enjoying one of his best seasons as a pro last year. But there’s also plenty of room for regression. He’s been a yearly backup for a reason, after all.