49ers vs. Falcons: 5 painful takeaways from San Francisco’s Week 6 loss
By Peter Panacy
49ers vs. Falcons takeaway No. 4: Jake Brendel isn’t a starting center
For the most part, San Francisco’s makeshift offensive line did a good job keeping Jimmy Garoppolo upright, preventing him from getting sacked and even holding the line long enough for some impressive plays with plenty of time in the pocket.
There are a number of spots, though, where the O-line is questionable.
One of them is at center, and Week 6 fully revealed Jake Brendel isn’t quite equipped to be a full-time starter.
Sure, the 49ers weren’t planning on him being in that role, but Alex Mack’s offseason retirement prompted that necessity.
Yet the problems with Brendel during this game included four infractions:
- Offensive holding in the second quarter, offset by Atlanta holding
- Ineligible man downfield in the fourth quarter
- Offensive holding in the fourth quarter
- False start in the fourth quarter
Brendel alone didn’t undo the Niners offense, no, but it’s clear he’s a mere backup at best.
San Francisco should consider inserting the versatile Daniel Brunskill in at center on a full-time basis.