49ers vs. Eagles: 3 reasons San Francisco wins Week 2 bout
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Eagles defensive line won’t have a field day vs. 49ers
True, one might argue the Eagles boast a better defensive line than that of the Lions. Yet Detroit’s pass-rushing tandem of Michael Brockers and Trey Flowers isn’t exactly a fluke, but neither one of those players had a substantial impact versus the 49ers offensive line in Week 1.
Unlike the Falcons, who allowed Philadelphia to sack quarterback Matt Ryan three times while hitting him nine times last weekend, the Niners O-line figures to put up a much better effort in pass protection to guard its quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo.
In his last full season as a starter, 2019, Garoppolo’s passer rating when kept from pressure was 110.8, according to Pro Football Focus, and one might argue the 2021 San Francisco O-line is improved over that year’s unit.
Particularly with center Alex Mack in the fray.
Garoppolo still might run into pressure now and then, as he’s had the tendency to do so. But it certainly won’t be anywhere near the volume of pressures Ryan experienced.
And while the 49ers may have a bit more difficulty establishing the run, a better pass-protecting unit up front should at least give Garoppolo and the passing game more of an opportunity to positively impact the game.