Data backs up bold 49ers O-line plan that fans doubted this offseason

Perhaps the San Francisco 49ers knew all along what they wanted to do with constructing their offensive line in 2025.

Granted, it didn't always seem that way.

The Niners' primary response to losing starting left guard Aaron Banks and swing tackle Jaylon Moore in free agency was to use a seventh-round NFL Draft selection on a relatively unknown guard, Connor Colby, while promoting fringe lineman Ben Bartch into a starting job. Neither move inspired much confidence at the time.

There was no long-term contingency plan for the aging future Hall of Famer, left tackle Trent Williams, and San Francisco seemed content with the play from both center Jake Brendel and right tackle Colton McKivitz.

Understandably, the fanbase was concerned the 49ers fell way short of doing enough up front.

However, according to a recent compilation of analytics, the Niners O-line is actually, well... awfully good.

New data puts 49ers offensive line into top 3 in pass protection

Granted, the young season is only two weeks in, so gathering analytics and metrics don't necessarily paint a full picture.

But, according to a compilation of O-line pass-protection data points by Computer Cowboy (citing Pro Football Focus, Sports Info Solutions and ESPN), San Francisco's O-line actually ranks third best in the league:

There's some hard data to reinforce this, too. The 49ers have surrendered four sacks over this two-game span, which is tied for ninth best in the league.

And that also takes into account both Williams not exactly being his All-Pro self in Week 1's showdown against the Seattle Seahawks, as well as Bartch winding up on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain and Colby admirably filling in for the remainder of Week 2's showdown versus the New Orleans Saints.

Sure, NOLA's defense wasn't projected to be an elite unit this season. But the Hawks are expected to be strong on that side of the ball.

True, there's work to be done in run support. However, and especially in light of the many concerns fans expressed over pass protection last offseason, seeing the Niners' efforts in what was mostly viewed as a patchwork O-line result in a top-three ranking are pretty remarkable.

Maybe San Francisco planned it that way all along, right?