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The San Francisco 49ers are entering a critical stage at this point of the offseason and offensive coordinator Geep Chryst is having to revamp a new offense without his two starting linemen. Veteran guard Alex Boone and tackle Anthony Davis have yet to attend OTAs this spring, but for two different reasons.
Boone, who held out last offseason, is again not willing to participate in team workouts until the team’s mandatory minicamp held from June 9 to June 11. A source close to Boone told CSN Bay Area that he is holding out for a contract extension from the 49ers. Davis on the other hand, is taking part of his own training program and will also return to the practice field for mandatory minicamp.
In place of Boone and Davis are the recently signed swing tackle Erik Pears and rookie seventh-round pick Trenton Brown . While the veteran Pears has been filling in nicely for the absent Boone, Brown has surprisingly fared a lot better than expected in place of Davis.
The 49ers are implementing a new zone-blocking scheme under the direction of OC Chryst and offensive line coach Chris Foerster. During the Jim Harbaugh Era, San Francisco’s offensive line mostly operated in traditional blocking systems by using brute force and sheer might to control the line of scrimmage.
In the a zone-blocking scheme (ZBS), successfully utilized by the Seattle Seahawks under Pete Carroll, size and power plays second to athletic ability and quick-footedness as the more desirable qualities in offensive linemen. With ZBS, linemen rely on teamwork and double-teaming of defenders rather than abiding to specific assignments.
The new blocking system, while unorthodox, allows for more freedom along the offensive line and gives more responsibility to each lineman. It is for this reason why ZBS is difficult to install, since a team blocking system requires practice as a unit.
Missing the complete starting right side of the offensive line may push the development of the 49ers new offensive scheme back a step as they plan for the upcoming season.
When head coach Jim Tomsula was asked about their absences being a source of anxiety, “No, sir,” he said. “Guys (who) are here right now are really working hard and doing a great job. We’re just excited and focused on that.”
Fortunately, the 6-foot-8, 350-pound Brown has shown an athleticism that is not normally associated with bigger linemen. Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee said that Brown has “looked the part” of a starting right tackle and noted that the massive lineman is looking a lot quicker as he loses more weight.
However, it is unlikely that Tomsula would start a rookie over the veteran lineman Davis. The complexity of a zone-blocking system and the need for a cohesive offensive line, the 49ers must find a way to get Boone and Davis back onto the field or prepare for a slow start this season.
James Forsythe is a 49ers Beat Writer at www.RantSports.com. You can Follow him on Twitter @9erJim or add him to your network on Google.
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