The San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens had a slugfest on Monday. While the better team in the Baltimore Ravens won, the 49ers showed they are among the NFL’s best, and now some players got recognition on Pro Football Focus’ Team of the Week: tackle Mike McGlinchey and safety Marcell Harris
Mike McGlinchey has been getting better and better since coming back from injury. He was a bit rusty upon returning against the Seattle Seahawks, but since that game, he’s returned to form. In his wrap-up of the Ravens game, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said he thought McGlinchey’s best game was against the Green Bay Packers one week ago, only to get eclipsed by his performance against Baltimore.
“No doubt. I thought Mike had his best game of the year versus Green Bay and then I think he followed that up with his new best game of the year yesterday. I know Mike’s been battling through some injuries to get back. I know when he did get back, it still takes some time to get back to your old self, but I saw that last week definitely and I think he only got better this week.”
Here’s what PFF had to say about McGlinchey’s addition.
The bulldozing right tackle was back to his very best against the Ravens this week, paving the way for his side’s outside-zone running scheme. He earned a stellar 88.4 run-blocking grade for his efforts on the ground and kept a completely clean slate in pass protection, too.
McGlinchey’s biggest issue in 2018 was pass protection, and some were quick to say he was a one-dimensional right tackle (because of his mauler run-blocking ability). I was quick to say he was a rookie and needs time; the pass protection would come. He has had two great games, and it looks like that pass protection is coming along.
As far as Marcell Harris, he came in for Jaquiski Tartt and then made a huge play to strip the ball out of Lamar Jackson’s hands. The play was unreal to watch and was the one thing to point to with him making the team:
Harris made a noticeable impact against the Ravens’ ground game this past week, tallying two solo tackles, one tackle assist and one forced fumble against Baltimore’s juggernaut rushing attack.
The 49ers have an excellent roster with great depth, and the problem has everyone healthy at the same time. They’ve been playing banged up and injured and are starting to get everyone back at the most crucial time. With Seattle taking the division Monday, the 49ers need all the help they can get to keep pace.