SF 49ers: Biggest studs, duds from Week 12 win vs. LA Rams

SF 49ers Loser: Offensive Line

It’s been something of a theme to blame the team’s 2020 troubles on two elements: injuries and a suspect offensive line.

Week 12 was going to be a touch matchup for San Francisco’s O-line anyway, namely going up against perennial All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald and a Rams defense that allowed fewer yards than anyone else in the league entering the contest.

Donald left his mark, frequently overworking the interior combination of linemen Daniel Brunskill and Colton McKivitz. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey didn’t have much better luck against Donald either, who recorded a sack, four quarterback hits, a forced fumble and a pass deflected:

In the greater picture, San Francisco’s O-line had difficulty opening up outside rushing lanes for runners like Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, who managed 43 yards on the ground apiece, yet the rushing offense averaged just 3.5 yards per attempt.

Fortunately, the O-line could have been a bigger problem against an extremely talented defense.

But what makes this group a loser is the fact it highlighted the need to find some upgrades this offseason. The only answers point to negative aspects, which isn’t great news.