ReutersJim Harbaugh and Colin Kaepernick are getting most of the attention when the 49ers meet the media this week, but the 49ers’ coach and quarterback both say the attention should go to the offensive line.
Asked about the offensive skill position players today, Harbaugh quickly changed the subject to talk about the offensive line, and he made a point of mentioning all of his offensive linemen by name.
“I’d like to talk a little bit about our offensive line, if that’s OK,” Harbaugh said. “That’s been a phenomenal group for us, and I’d call them offensive weapons as well. Joe Staley, a very talented player. Tremendous leadership within the group. How exciting for Jonathan Goodwin, being back at the Saints facility yesterday. Memories had to be thick for him. I know he visited with Sean Payton and some of the staff there. What he’s meant to our football team when he first arrived here, we were void at the center position. Jonathan Goodwin has stepped in and started every game, been a great player for us. Anthony Davis’ emergence at right tackle from a toughness standpoint, from a strength standpoint, and just the way he continues to grow and grow and grow as a player. Also, Mike Iupati has gone to the board as one of the top guards in the National Football League. Really excited for Alex Boone as an ascending player, as a tough player, as a leader on our football team. Finally, just the way they have all stayed healthy. They’ve all played well together. It’s really been a strength and a center for our football team. Also, Leonard Davis and what he’s brought to us along with Daniel Kilgore as the sixth and seventh linemen. They’ve been instrumental all year in our extra O-Linemen packages, contributions on special teams. The way they have plugged in at guard, tight end and at the extra tight end position has been huge for us.”
Kaepernick also made a point of crediting the offensive line for his own success.
“They have been doing a phenomenal job blocking people,” Kaepernick said. “In pass protection, I’ve barely been touched. In the run game, they’re opening up huge holes for our running backs. They open up the edges for me when I’ve been running. As an offensive line, they’ve been playing lights out.”
Harbaugh said that the 49ers want to be a team known for dominating the line of scrimmage.
“That’s what our football team wants to be about,” Harbaugh said. “Talking about our offensive line, talking about our defensive line, I think on a football team that’s the character of your football team.”
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Harbaugh, Kaepernick credit the 49ers’ offensive line
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You bet. Thank you Mike Singletary.
I really liked Kilgore out of App State a few years ago
Alex Boone is the new starter and unsung man on the line, but he’s definitely been one of the biggest factors. No other guard in the league is 6’8 because normally that’s too tall and the guards are directly in the QB’s throwing lane, but Boone has been great!
He’s also nasty too. When these super athletic DE’s and mammoth D Tackles run their mouth after the whistle, I always see Boone running over to check somebody. D-linemen see a big 6’8 guy running at them and they back off.
Every O-Line needs a bouncer like Alex Boone. Glad he’s on our side!
Good stuff. The big uglies don’t get enough attention. It’s gotta make them feel good and a little more confident to get respect their coach like that
That’s a sign of good leadership.
I don’t get why people credit singletary. He was there for one and part of another season. He and Harbaugh inherited quite a bit of what Mike Nolan was building. I
The O-line is EASILY the best unit on this team. This is the entire reason the pistol is so successful.
That is what happens when you invest multiple high picks in the O-line, all of a sudden everything else looks better. You would think that would be obvious, but then you look at a team like the Bears or the Lions, and they still don’t have a clue.
Listening GM Jerry?
Reject guards from the Bengals and Panthers don’t get you games in January.
They deserve all the praise in the world. Adjusting to Kaepernick’s scrambling couldn’t have been that easy on them. OC Greg Roman has gotten praise for being so creative, but the athleticism and ability on the offensive line is what really allows him to open things up.
But where is the great story about J.J. Watt that I read today? I get it is Super Bowl week and these two teams are the ones left standing but shouldn’t there be a mention of that story on here. It was well worth the read and I enjoyed it. I think others might as well.
Also, tough one here…I don’t care either way and see this being a tough game that is closer than many people might think. I could be wrong…but just a hunch.
It’s the ultimate team game, but controlling the LOS is king. Both teams bring it, and this Sunday it will become apparent that whoever is controlling the LOS, will win. Niners!
Coaches and players understand what a massive part of offensive success good offensive line play is. A lot of fans really don’t.
Nice! Everybody knows it but few ever say it. They only usually get notice for giving sacks, holding, chop blocks, or fumbled snaps. Thanks Jim and Colin, you can’t say it too much.
This offense is so easy to play with , You can put any QB and he will be successful behind that O line
“You can put any QB and he will be successful behind that O line”
Clearly you haven’t watched Gabbert or Ponder
“But where is the great story about J.J. Watt that I read today? I get it is Super Bowl week and these two teams are the ones left standing but shouldn’t there be a mention of that story on here. It was well worth the read and I enjoyed it. I think others might as well. ”
HAHAHAHA No. You really think they are going to post something like that when Florio and his band of hacks can instead beat the Chris Culliver story, Ray Lewis story and anything else to a bloody pulp?