The San Francisco 49ers need Trent Williams in the lineup if they hope to protect third-year quarterback Brock Purdy and have a legitimate shot at winning Super Bowl LIX. ESPN recently declared that without Williams, the 49ers' offense is merely "average," highlighting the left tackle's critical role on the team.
While NFL Media analyst Cynthia Frelund isn't making any grand declarations about the 49ers offense without Williams, she emphasized the importance of the future Hall of Famer while projecting her win totals for the 2024 season. Frelund has San Francisco's win total at 11, just behind the Philadelphia Eagles, with a ceiling of 13.9 and a floor of 9.1.
After praising quarterback Brock Purdy, Frelund noted that the contract standoffs with Williams and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk have impacted her projections. While Aiyuk's situation has been resolved with a four-year, $120 million extension, the ongoing standoff with Williams remains a potential problem for the 49ers if it extends into the regular season.
"Focusing specifically on Williams' immense impact: The first-team All-Pro left tackle allowed pressure on just 7.2 percent of his pass-blocking snaps in 2023, the fourth-best figure NGS charted among 34 left tackles with at least 300 pass-blocking snaps last season," Frelund wrote.
Jaylon Moore is slated to start Week 1 against the New York Jets if Trent Williams does not report to the team. At first glance, Moore's protection stats from last season seem respectable—he allowed just eight pressures and one sack in 121 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. That equates to a 6.6% pressure rate. However, these numbers fall well short of Williams'.
Williams allowed just 20 pressures and no sacks over 561 pass-blocking snaps, resulting in a 3.6% pressure rate. This significant difference highlights the potential drop-off in protection if Williams remains away.
Williams earned an impressive pass-blocking grade of 84.3 last season, including the playoffs, with an even higher run-blocking grade of 92.6. In contrast, Moore posted a pass-blocking grade of 69.7 and a run-blocking grade of 69.8.
The 49ers remain hopeful that Williams will return soon. His presence is vital for the team's success this season, and with so much on the line, they can't afford to have one of their best players watching from home.