The Painful Reality of Missing the Playoffs

For the San Francisco 49ers, watching the postseason from home for the first time since 2020 is a bitter pill to swallow. For head coach Kyle Shanahan, general manager John Lynch, and the team’s management, this should serve as a wake-up call, confirming the personnel upgrades desperately needed during the offseason.

The 49ers’ Historical Success

Under Shanahan and Lynch’s leadership, the 49ers built their identity around trench dominance. While the offensive line has been solid but unspectacular, the defensive line consistently stood as one of the NFL’s most fearsome units—until now. The 2024 season marked a stark departure, plagued by an inability to stop the run and a dwindling pass rush.

A Defense in Decline

Injuries derailed the defensive line early, with standout defensive tackle Javon Hargrave sidelined in Week 3 for the season. The 49ers struggled to compensate, allowing opposing offensive lines to overpower their remaining defensive tackles in the run game. Nick Bosa, the former Defensive Player of the Year, found himself stranded with minimal support. The result? A paltry 36 sacks, ranking just 25th in the NFL.

Offensive Line: Solid but Lacking Depth

The offensive line fared better, ranking eighth in pressure rate allowed and 12th in sacks surrendered. However, individual performances left much to be desired. Right tackle Colton McKivitz and left guard Aaron Banks, a pending free agent, struggled with blown block rates. Center Jake Brendel allowed 26 pressures, exposing vulnerabilities in key moments. Injuries to Trent Williams and his backup late in the season further highlighted the lack of depth at tackle.

The Cost of Limited Investment

San Francisco has heavily invested in their defensive line over the years, adding players like Hargrave, Leonard Floyd, and Yetur Gross-Matos. However, draft capital spent on both lines has been sparse. The last first-round pick for the offensive line was in 2018, and the defensive line hasn’t seen a first-round selection since Javon Kinlaw in 2020.

This gap in investment contrasts sharply with the teams thriving in the playoffs, like the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams, who prioritize drafting linemen early and often.

Lessons from Playoff Contenders

The Eagles exemplify the value of trench investment, with eight top draft picks spent on offensive and defensive linemen over the past four drafts. Their 2023 first-rounders, Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith, have dominated in the postseason, while rookie contributors like Jalyx Hunt bolster their depth.

Similarly, the Rams have rebounded from losing Aaron Donald by drafting stars like Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, both finalists for Defensive Rookie of the Year. On offense, three of their starting linemen in the playoffs were homegrown talents, underscoring the importance of consistent draft investment.

A Critical Offseason Ahead

For the 49ers, the 2024 offseason presents an enormous challenge. They must balance paying quarterback Brock Purdy while keeping their core intact. Despite being in a favorable salary cap position, the need for successful draft picks—especially on both lines—is more pressing than ever.

Shanahan and Lynch have a strong track record of setting their team up for success. However, to rebound from a 6-11 season, they must lay the foundations for a comeback by investing wisely in the trenches.

The Path Forward

The 49ers can’t afford another season of underperformance. With the lessons from 2024 fresh in mind, Shanahan and Lynch must prioritize fortifying both lines to support Purdy and the team’s talented roster. If they succeed, the 49ers will be well-positioned to reclaim their status as one of the league’s most dominant forces.

In a league where the battle is often won in the trenches, the 49ers have no choice but to dig deep and rebuild their foundation. The path back to the playoffs—and beyond—depends on it.