Mike McGlinchey is no stranger to pressure. The man dubbed the "CEO" by teammates has been under pressure to perform ever since he was drafted ninth overall in the 2018 draft and the 49ers promptly traded away incumbent RT Trent Brown. Brown is good in pass protection and solid in the run game as his sheer size can overwhelm opposing DEs. But he didn't offer the mobility in the running game that Shanahan was after for his outside zone scheme, so the 49ers decided to move on and replace him with a rookie first rounder in McGlinchey, despite having a number of other holes on the roster they could have addressed at that pick.
From a running game perspective, the decision to replace Brown with McGlinchey has been a huge success and paid immediate dividends. In 2017 the 49ers ran for 1,662 yards at an average of 4.1 yards per carry. This increased to 1,902 rushing yards in 2018 at 4.5 yards per carry, and then exploded for 2,305 yards at 4.6 yards per carry in 2019 (regular season only). In 2020 the rushing statistics regressed some to 1,889 yards and 4.3 yards per carry, though injuries played a considerable part in that.
And Mike McGlinchey played a significant role in the increase in rushing yards and the success of the 49ers ground game. Directional rushing statistics courtesy of Sharp Football Stats outlines the following yards per carry for the 49ers rushing to the right side since 2017:
2017: 4.2 (yards per carry) behind RG, 3.1 behind RT, 3.3 outside RT
2018: 2.8 behind RG, 4.7 behind RT, 5.8 outside RT
2019: 3.2 behind RG, 6.7 behind RT, 5.8 outside RT
2020: 4.9 behind RG, 4.3 behind RT, 7.4 outside RT
The 49ers success running behind or outside the RT increased significantly following the transition from Brown to McGlinchey. While part of this also comes down to the supporting cast, there is little doubt that McGlinchey has proven himself to be an excellent run blocking RT and one of the best run blocking OTs in the NFL over the past three seasons.
However, despite McGlinchey's success as a run blocker, he has found less success in the passing game. While different services will likely give different statistics and grades for individual OL, McGlinchey has been credited with approximately 5 sacks in each of his three seasons and around 35 to 40 pressures allowed each season. And according to PFF (which is admittedly a questionable grading system), his pass blocking grades the past three season have been 64.2 in 2018, 67.1 in 2019 and 58.3 last season.
As a pass blocker, McGlinchey has been a downgrade from what Trent Brown provided. And with the passing game now widely considered across the league to be critical to team success, pass blocking is generally considered to be more important than run blocking (though given the way Shanahan runs his scheme it would appear the 49ers do not follow this line of thought).
Of concern, McGlinchey has not shown consistent signs of improving as a pass blocker. In fact, after a marginal improvement in 2019, his pass blocking appeared to regress in 2020.
Part of the reason for this regression may have been weight related. When McGlinchey arrived at camp last offseason many people noted how much weight it appeared McGlinchey had lost. The "CEO" had transformed into the "Big Slim", as Richard Sherman labelled him, and according to McGlinchey himself he was under 300lbs last season. The idea behind the weight loss was to improve his fit within the outside zone scheme, by increasing his mobility. He may have been correct about the fit within the running game - as outlined above the team's yards per carry outside the RT were the highest in the Shanahan era and McGlinchey earned his highest ever run blocking grade from PFF.
However, it caused a number of issues in pass protection. "Big Slim" struggled to anchor against the bull rush all season, finding himself on skates numerous times and on his backside on more than one occasion. Being thrown to the ground by DEs is never a good look for an OT, and when it happens repeatedly there is a problem. The problem was exacerbated when he was unable to set his feet before the defender got into his body, as he didn't have the weight behind him to stall the rush, re-establish his balance and drop anchor. To compensate, over the course of the season McGlinchey started to set his feet too early in anticipation of the bull rush only to then be beaten around the edge by speed or counter moves. All in all, it was a torrid affair for McGlinchey in pass protection all season long as he was unable to find consistency.
At the end of the season both John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan noted McGlinchey's weight was a concern and may have contributed to his struggles in the passing game, and that they would discuss with McGlinchey his "ideal" weight for 2021. McGlinchey appeared to resist the idea directly after the season, indicating his weight was not the issue. However, based on pictures of the players at the current camp activities it would seem McGlinchey has taken the guidance on board as he looks noticeably heavier.
The 49ers showed faith in McGlinchey this offseason, picking up his fifth year option after the draft. To repay that faith it will be important for McGlinchey to start showing signs of improvement in pass protection while continuing to excel in the running game. And there is a possibility that if he doesn't improve in pass protection his weakness will be magnified. Last season his poor play in pass protection was somewhat hidden by the even worse play at center and RG. This offseason the 49ers have brought in Alex Mack, Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore, which should significantly improve the interior of the OL and put more pressure on McGlinchey to hold up his end of the line.
If McGlinchey lifts his game in pass protection there is a real possibility the 49ers offensive line could be one of the best units in the NFL this season, which would go a long way to the 49ers returning to a dominant rushing attack like we saw in 2019 and keep the 49ers QB clean to take advantage of the opportunities Shanahan can scheme up.
The pressure's on, Mike.
The rising tide from center right should lift all boats, especially the USS McGlinchey.
ReplyDeleteNo question that, more than any other position group, the OL is a collective unit, and their success is tied to how well they work collectively, as a group. Upgrading the interior of the OL should have a huge effect on the OT. Having an experience Center like Mack making sure everyone is on the same page, and then playing next to a big, strong kid with the body of RG - Aaron Banks, should be an advantage for McGlinchey in pass protection, as long as they play in tandem, and develop the chemistry to play off of each other strength ..... am I right?
DeleteThat said, we also know that the laws of physics tells us that playing below an optimal weight is bound to make it much harder for a taller player like McGlinchey to drop anchor, and hold his ground vs the league's bohemoth DT's in particular.
I can't hardly wait to see the deep and talented Niners' offense in action!
Here's to better health! Cheers!
That's what I expect razor. This unit should be good.
DeleteAbsolutely correct, 49Reasons.
DeleteIf McGlinchey's weight/strength returns to 2019 levels he will continue to be top 5 as a run blocker and will return to an Avg. pass blocker. If thats true the team should sign him to a long term extension while we can get him relatively cheap.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with that. He may never be a dominant OT (at least not in the passing game), but a decent pass blocker and excellent run blocker at RT in this offense is sufficient and worth keeping.
DeleteNice essay, Scooter. like Razor, I'm pretty confident the right side will show significant improvement. Mack the Anchor will keep USS 49er O Line steady and stable when the seas turn choppy.
ReplyDeleteIMO, Small Mac was not as bad last season in overall pass pro as it looked. He got little help from the backup QBs who did not move up into the pocket (something PFF numbers do not reflect, IIRC). When he gave up pressures or sacks, he did it in a cringe-worthy fashion, e.g., to smaller LBs. He'll be a'right.
That's spot on Mood. The issue last year is when he got beaten it was egregious. Really stood out and often was a result of being bullied. But he wasn't actually being beaten more regularly than the previous seasons.
DeleteAnother well written article on RT Mike McGlinchey, Scooter.
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned above, the addition of both C Alex Mack and RG
Aaron Banks should help McGlinchey improve his game. If not,
Daniel Brunskill could replace him.
On another note, some encouraging news: Shanahan: Bosa, Hurd, and Ford are all expected to be ready by training camp
Thanks GEEP. I have very high hopes (and expectations) for the OL this season.
DeleteGood to hear the injured players are on track.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that James Burgress has agreed to a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. Burgess was an undrafted free agent out of Louisville in the 2016 NFL Draft
ReplyDeleteBurgress was an undrafted free agent out of Louisville in the 2016 NFL Draft. Most recently a Packer, is a well traveled player who looks to be a camp body?
Who on the 90 is he replacing?
DeleteMakes me wonder if there is a LB injury we don't know about yet.
Gerry has missed ota's.
DeleteScooter
Delete"Who on the 90 is he replacing?
* "Weston Richburg retirement expected to fit James Burgess on 49ers"
https://sports.yahoo.com/weston-richburg-retirement-expected-fit-192407786.html
Ahhh, yes,of course. Thanks GEEP. So won't officially sign for a few days.
DeleteThe latest news on WR Julio Jones trade:
ReplyDeleteESPN reports that the Falcon claim they have a first round
draft pick offer for Jones. If true, that will likely end
the 9er trying to trade for him, since they've traded away their first round picks for 2022 and 2023.
It could also mean the Falcons are selling Wolf cookies, trying to gain some trade leverage after Jones said on Monday, "I'm outta there," when asked about the Falcons in a telephone call with FS1's Shannon Sharpe on the network's "Undisputed" show.
A little improvement goes a long ways.
ReplyDeletefrom the Indy 500
As you folks may know, Lynch is doing the media rounds talking to various media and podcast hosts like Eisen.
ReplyDeleteThe best one yet, and most comprehensive one to date, was released earlier this week in PFF's Cris Collingworth Podcast. IMO, every fan should listen to this one just to get the inside scoop on how the Lance draft all went down. It's an awesome interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wwHoW9cEvY
It's clear that it was Lance all the way for both Lynch and Shanahan and they were communicating their preference to each other, e.g., to quote Lynch on their private plane back home from Justin Fields’ Ohio State workout:
“Kyle’s on his iPad with that iPad pencil and he’s just grinding over there,” Lynch recalled. “And finally he said, ‘Look at this.’ I was wondering what he was doing. Well, he was drawing up stuff with Trey in mind.
“We had just come from Justin Fields and we both agreed his workout was fantastic. But that’s when I said, ‘Kyle, man, he’s really all in on this (Lance).’ The excitement he had, doodling up plays with Trey in mind.”
Mood
DeleteYou're right, the interview, with Cris Collinsworth,
is something worth listening to. It's a chance for 9er fans to look inside JL's head and see what he and KS were thinking with respect to the QB they wanted to draft. And for me, it confirmed what I was saying all along...
1)_ Both KS and JL made stopping the 9er about FO leaks a condition of their employment. And like a black hole, no information was leaked to the media.
2) As JL said, When there's nothing to report, the gas bags will make stuff up! There is NO consequences for being wrong, it's all about being first, even if your sources are convinced they know what JL and KS will do
Tight end MyCole Pruitt scheduled to meet with 49ers next week.
ReplyDeleteBlocking has been Pruitt’s primary function in the NFL since the Vikings selected him in the fifth round of the 2015 draft. Across his six seasons he’s played in 63 games and caught only 32 balls for 343 yards and four touchdowns. Most of that productivity came in the last three years when he played for the Titans. With Tennessee he caught 20 passes for 241 yards and all four of his touchdowns in 42 games.
https://www.ninersnation.com/2021/5/27/22457480/49ers-free-agent-mycole-pruitt-scheduled-to-meet-with-niners
Let's talk about Garoppolo, and that damn KNEE BRACE: There is no question in my mind that Jimmy has regressed as a QB as a result of his knee injury. Here we are, going on three years since he tore his ACL, and you would think that by this stage, Jimmy would come to grips mentally with that STUPID knee brace, but no, he hasn't. It sounds like Jimmy is still wrestling with whether or not he even needs the brace.
ReplyDeleteMy personal feeling is that the knee brace is merely symbolic at this stage. Physically speaking, Jimmy obviously no longer needs the brace. He hasn't needed it for a while. To be fair, he's made an effort to shed the brace over the last two off-seasons, only to eventually return to it.
Unfortunately, the brace is more than a mental hang-up for Garoppolo. The brace has negativity affected his mobility. Are knee braces less clunky nowadays than they were even a decade ago? Sure. But make no mistake, they are still a hindrence physically, and players mobility. And let's face it .... Jimmy no longer fits the definition of the term "mobile QB".
Didn't mean to publish the last post (which was me BTW), because I wasn't finished.
DeleteTo summarize:
Jimmy hasn't been the same QB post ACL tear. And the fact that he can't seem to decide whether he should keep it, or get rid of it .... the knee brace has become the perfect symbol in my mind, for Jimmy's inability to move past his knee injury from a mental standpoint.
Until he does, he's never going to get back to the level he was prior to the injury, which is a real shame, because he was on a trajectory for stardom, IMO, prior to the injury.
The wearing of the knee brace is not a big deal to me at all. A lot of qb's wear one in hopes that it will add some protection.
DeleteThe strange part to me is the fluctuation between wearing it and not wearing it. I would think you would either decide to wear it going forward or not, this would then allow your body mechanics to get used it or the lack of it.
That said, I'm no kinesiologist nor have I ever experienced such an injury, so my statements should be taken with a grain of salt.
49Reasons
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I'm NOT a fan of Grant Cohn, but on this one
explanation, I hate to say it, but I have to agree with him....
Why 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo Still Wants to Wear a Knee Brace at Times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHL8Epzms6M
3 years after the injury, it's still messing with his head. I hope I'm wrong, but I can't think of a better explanation!
Yeah, until he commits either way regarding the brace it means the knee is something he is making conscious decisions about, and no doubt subconscious decisions too. Thus he isn't fully "over" it, mentally.
DeleteJust look at his happy feet. Go back and watch him in 2017, his feet were much calmer. He used to have confidence as a scrambler, making some pinpoint throws on the run.
DeleteWhether he needs it or not, is there any question that the brace hinders mobility?
I'll I know is, Jimmy's gotta go all in if he wants to salvage his career.
Let's see it, Jimmy! Get rid of the brace and commit to reclaiming his mobility.
Let's see it .... Whatcha got, Jimmy? Are we going to see Jimmy creating plays in the pocket, throwing strikes on the run?
Can you even stay healthy, kid?
I don't think the knee brace impacts his mobility too much, knee braces these days aren't that much of a hindrance. I think again it is all mental. If he commits to the brace and is able to stop thinking about the knee he can be pretty much just as mobile with or without out.
DeleteSure enough, guys, according to the Colin Cowherd's guys (executive) MAC JONES, "on the smaller size", average arm at best, "body not filled out".
DeleteThe Herd "never bought in" on Mac Jones @ 3.
Mac Jones was drafted at the correct spot, IMO, so I'm glad that worked itself out.
DeleteBeware of Patriot' PR spin.
Huge bounce back for the SF GIANTS! Hell yah! Gausman looks like the best starting pitcher in the division!
ReplyDeleteWow! Huge rally back for the Giants! What a change of momentum!
Talk about swings of emotion ... GO GIANTS!
DeleteMike Tauchman making the epic defensive play of the year.
Deletehttps://www.twincities.com/2021/04/28/from-small-town-minnesota-ndsu-qb-trey-lance-was-destined-for-big-things/
ReplyDeleteSome Peyton Manning demeanor.
If he is doing the same performance like Jimmy than just cut/trade Jimmy and get Julio than its a win win situation for Trey with multiple blankets and our young WR's who can learn fron one of the best WR"s
I wonder if they'd ever consider him moving to LT, as that is where he spent the final two years of his college career. Obviously he'd be protecting the QBs blindside, but the switch in stance might assist in protecting against a bullrush, having your dominant leg on one side vs another could help anchor him enough to stimey a rush just long enough (a 1/4 second makes all the difference between a clean pass and a rushed pass).
ReplyDeleteUnderstand that TW isn't going anywhere soon, but maybe in a few years MM could move over.
Or not.