49ers vs. Chiefs: 5 key storylines for San Francisco’s preseason bout
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers Offensive Line Woes
The 49ers offensive line wasn’t at full strength on Monday in Denver, missing center Weston Richburg (knee) and right guard Mike Person (foot). Both are projected to be back in time for the regular season, which is good. But their absence opened up the door for some problematic pass protection for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Fill-in preseason starters, Ben Garland and Najee Toran, didn’t exactly improve their player stock values against the Broncos, and both remain squarely on the roster bubble halfway through the preseason. Yet both could end up starting again in K.C.
More importantly, the O-line’s ability to jell was tested last Monday, too, making Garoppolo’s life difficult during his brief three-drive appearance.
If there’s good news here, however, Denver’s preseason pass-rush productivity is currently ranked second by Pro Football Focus, whereas the Chiefs’ pass rush sits 19th. So there should be a stark contrast in the pressure San Francisco faces over this two-week period.
Regardless, it’s going to be a test for the Niners blockers up front, which could have a serious impact on any moves and depth arrangements the team makes between now and Week 1.