Originally posted by NCommand:
Originally posted by Giedi:
Agree with both, 49ers aren't an elite offensive line group like some of the legendary offensive lines of old, but they are plenty good. (Not great). McKivitz continued development in the playoffs and Trent's health is going to be key for a successful playoff season. Banks and Brendel can stay at the same level, but Burford has to improve. Feliciano is key here to plug in for Burford as depth in a playoff run. I'd love for the OLIne to continue to get better. They can, if they just stay healthy.
Yeah, the only concern is the pass protection when we/if we get off script. That's when the below average ability shows as we've seen.
We certainly run better to the right with Feliciano. But if a team can stuff the runs to the left, that too can expose some weaknesses (ripple effect).
That said, very few teams have got us off script and even in all of them, we still had a chance to win if not for the self-inflicted TO's and missed FG's.
With no teams in tier 1 for both QB & OL, we have as legit a shot as any team esp. upon rematch.
This should be our year! No excuses as this is the healthiest we've been the entire ShanaLynch regime AND have a first round bye!
If the OLine is healthy, even if the opposing defense is shutting our run down, that means the pass is available to Kyle to exploit. Now, if *injuries* have reduced the talent on our OLine and Kyle's offense becomes one dimensional, then of course - we shouldn't be favored in any rematch.
Health has been pretty good this year. But in 2020 - we lost Bosa, and in 2021/2022 we injured/lost our QB's. This year (knock on wood) health has been relatively good for our core players (so far.)