49ers 5 biggest disappointments entering Week 6 bye

49ers big-ticket free-agent acquisition: Alex Mack

The 49ers have had lackluster production at the center position over the last several years. Fans have become accustomed to seeing the pocket collapse right in front of the quarterback, forcing errant throws, bad reads, and sacks.

This is exactly why the team went out and signed center Alex Mack in the early days of the 2021 free agency.

Before Mack had played one snap for the Niners, media and fans had assumed that the savvy, seasoned veteran would come in and solidify the middle of the offensive line.

et, the usually reliable veteran has performed well below his previous years.

Fans have instead been treated to more pocket collapses. None were more apparent than the Week 5 matchup against NFC West rivals, the Arizona Cardinals, where Mack struggled to hold his spot, resulting in him being pushed right into quarterback Trey Lance‘s lap, who had to start the game in place of the injured starter, Jimmy Garoppolo.

So far, the six-time Pro Bowler has disappointed through his poor pass blocking. The team needs Mack to improve his play if it expects to make noise in the NFC West.