49ers roster: Grading each position after first 4 weeks of 2021
By Peter Panacy
Offensive Line. . player. 42. . .
49ers Offensive Line: C+
The 49ers offensive line was outstanding the first two weeks of the season, albeit against sub-par defenses. Not good at all in Week 3 against the Packers, though, and merely so-so against the Seahawks in Week 4.
Check that. The Niners O-line has been outstanding in pass protection for two games, yet the run-blocking efforts haven’t exactly been there.
It’s easy to blame San Francisco’s running backs for combining to average only 3.9 yards per carry this season. And while they all bear some of the blame, one could and should make the argument the first 2 yards or so beyond the line of scrimmage falls upon the effectiveness of the O-line to carry out its blocks.
Of note, Football Outsiders ranks this group 13th in the league through four weeks in run blocking, which isn’t terrible but also not up to the caliber needed to fully and properly execute head coach Kyle Shanahan’s ground attack.
Particularly with two rookie tailbacks, Elijah Mitchell and Trey Sermon, being asked to shoulder the bulk of the load.
Hey, at least right tackle Mike McGlinchey hasn’t been credited with a sack yet this season. That’s a plus.