Dolphins vs. SF 49ers: 3 matchups Niners must win in Week 5
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: SF 49ers’ Mike McGlinchey vs. Dolphins’ Kyle Van Noy
The Dolphins aren’t exactly a prolific pass-rushing team through two weeks of the season, although there are two players the SF 49ers should be particularly concerned about in this area: defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah and strong-side linebacker Kyle Van Noy.
Each lead Miami’s defense with two sacks apiece and figure to be the prime pass-rushing specialists against the Niners on Sunday.
The Dolphins typically engineer blitz packages to free up Van Noy, which isn’t unlike what he used to do with the New England Patriots before signing his free-agent deal with Miami last offseason. If this winds up being the case, Van Noy will frequently find himself battling with right tackle Mike McGlinchey.
McGlinchey hasn’t allowed a sack yet this season, according to Pro Football Focus, but he has been credited with six pressures, and the failed blocking attempt in Week 4 against the Eagles resulted in quarterback Nick Mullens tossing a crucial pick-six interception that all but sealed San Francisco’s comeback efforts.
Overall, the Niners offensive line has ranked poorly in both pass protection and run support, 21st and 31st, respectively, according to Football Outsiders.
If the SF 49ers want to correct their O-line ways in Week 5, it’ll center heavily around how well McGlinchey handles himself against Van Noy.