49ers vs. Cardinals: 5 Niners who help Trey Lance out the most
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers Center Alex Mack
One could probably make the argument the No. 1 player who’ll help Trey Lance out the most during this game is veteran center Alex Mack.
The six-time Pro Bowler might not be an elite-level offensive lineman any longer. But his extensive experience and “seen it all” nature, particularly within a Kyle Shanahan-like offense is going to be just as important to Lance as a prolific pass-catcher or running back.
Perhaps even more important.
Lance is nowhere close to being experienced enough to call out protections and identify would-be rushers, and the Cardinals figure to do plenty of that in the wake of Lance’s struggles against the rush and the blitz dating back to the preseason.
Fortunately, Mack is going to be primarily responsible for pointing these out to Lance when he’s under center, helping identify blitzing defenders and so on.
Oh, and that center-quarterback exchange is going to be awfully important, too.