If the 2024 NFL season has taught us anything, it is that the San Francisco 49ers have a lot of room for improvement. They have struggled in every phase of the game, but former cornerback Richard Sherman believes the offensive line must be a top priority.
Sherman made these comments following the 49ers' latest loss against the Miami Dolphins in Week 16.
His full comments on the Niners can be viewed below, courtesy of Coach Yac on X:
Richard Sherman has seen enough of Colton McKivitz and Jake Brendel:
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) December 23, 2024
"That offensive line needs to be the number one, number two, and number three priority this offseason… You need a right tackle. No ifs, ands or buts. No discussion, no nothing. You need to figure out a center.… pic.twitter.com/Yu1TjWySlP
If you cannot access the post, Sherman says, "That offensive line needs to be the number one, number two, and number three priority this offseason… You need a right tackle. No ifs, ands or buts. No discussion, no nothing. You need to figure out a center. Maybe in the second round."
We know that Sherman is never afraid to share his opinion, but the former Stanford Cardinal certainly has a point. Poor O-line protection definitely had an impact in the game against Miami. In arguably the decisive play of the game when quarterback Brock Purdy was trying to lead the offense down the field to score a touchdown while trailing by five points with two minutes left in the game, he threw an interception, which was caused by him being hit as he threw the ball.
It still may have been a bad decision by Purdy to try and throw the ball, but the fact that the pass rush got on him so quickly certainly did not help matters.
Sherman singled out center Jake Brendel and right tackle Colton McKivitz for their play, which will have many Niners fans nodding along in agreement. The play of both those linemen has drawn derision and frustration from fans who feel that neither has done an adequate job blocking for Purdy.
To be fair to those two and the O-line as a whole, they have suffered so many injuries this season that they cannot help but be overwhelmed at times. Star left tackle Trent Williams has missed the last several games, and his backup Jaylon Moore went down against Miami, as did left guard Aaron Banks.
It is not an ideal situation, but even when the O-line has been healthier, McKivitz and Brendel have stood out as weak links.
As head coach Kyle Shanahan conducts an autopsy on what went wrong this season, the O- line definitely seems like an area that needs to be addressed. Whether its running the ball effectively or giving Purdy enough time to throw, a sound line is essential.
We shall see if the 49ers follow Sherman's advice this offseason.