Deuce: The 49ers Offensive Line Scares Me
By: Deuce Mason
The 49ers offseason was a disaster but one positive we kept hearing was Colin Kaepernick's development. Kaepernick worked with Kurt Warner on his throwing mechanics and he drew positive reviews from his teammates.
Things change a little bit when you have defenders coming your way.
Most observers believe this is an important year for Kaepernick, but how can we evaluate him if he doesn't get protection from his offensive line?
ProFootballFocus.com says Kaepernick was pressured on 55.6 percent of his dropbacks in the preseason, the highest percentage of any starting quarterback.
49ers head coach Jim Tomsula on Tuesday named his offensive line and it equals bad news for Kaepernick. The right-side features Erik Pears at right tackle and Jordan Devey at right guard.
Who is Jordan Devey? Well, he hasn't started a preseason game yet but will be thrown in there to protect Kaepernick.
49ers insider from CSNBayArea Matt Maiocco pressed Tomsula on why he'd start Devey, and it was a comical exchange.
Tomsula: "We've seen what Jordan's doing and where he's at right now, and he's come in, and we've taken the time. He's got the system. Love the practice tape. So, he's, that's where we're going."
Maiocco: "Why not have give him more reps?"
Tomsula: "See, you're talking about reps, you know, game reps. He's gotten a lot of reps in practice."
Maiocco: "I didn't see him too many though in Denver with that first-unit..."
Tomsula: "Yeah, no, but he's got the reps in the scheme that we're running in."
So, I guess we're supposed to trust Tomsula? The tape shows Devey's good, right? I mean, that totally explains why the 49ers didn't have him work more with the first-team.
Devey spent last season with the Patriots and didn't exactly live up to expectations. Here's what PatsPulpit.com wrote: "He didn't see the field after a disastrous week 7 game against the Jets. Pro Football Focus had Devey tied as their lowest graded offensive guard through those seven weeks. Devey was tied with former Bills lineman Erik Pears, who also happens to be the 49ers new starting right tackle."
Yikes. This offensive line won't be able to protect Kaepernick, and we'll have a very difficult time figuring out who he is and if he's improved.
This will not be fun to watch.