49ers' Justin Skule must not be left on an island against the Browns’ pass rushers

As solid of a debut that rookie offensive tackle Justin Skule had in week three, he will have a ton of trouble against the Cleveland Browns if he is left on an island again.

The bye week for the San Francisco 49ers came at an opportune time for them since they have lost key players to injury. It also allowed them to prepare longer for the Cleveland Browns who are loaded with talent on paper. I say on paper because the Browns so far through four games have been underwhelming.

Last Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens was their most well-rounded game thus far. They’re going to want to ride that momentum this upcoming Monday night when they square off with the 49ers. One area of weakness that the Browns are sure to look at is the left tackle position.

Rookie tackle Justin Skule is the most enticing area of attack for the Browns who have one of the best pass rushing groups in the league. Skule did prove capable in his debut in week three against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was left on an island for a good portion of that game and managed to slow down the pass rush of Bud Dupree.

However, Dupree is not Myles Garrett or Olivier Vernon. Garrett is a top five pass rushing talent and Vernon has been a consistent talent for years now. Skule is in for a rough task on Monday night and that is why Kyle Shanahan must not leave him on an island. To do so would be very careless of him against Garrett who is second in sacks tallied with six. Garrett and Vernon are easily the most lethal pass rushers the 49ers have faced and will face this season.

These two are coming off a relatively quite game against the Baltimore Ravens, so they're going to want to make up for it. What better way of doing that than by showing up on primetime with the entire nation watching you. Skule won't have the same luxury of just going up against the same player over and over again like with Dupree in the game against the Steelers.

Myles Garrett has rushed from the defense’s right side approximately 58% this season, via Pro Football Focus. So Skule will have to prepare to see matchups against both Garrett and Vernon, which puts so much on his plate. You can’t win strictly off talent if you’re the 49ers for this game.

George Kittle helps Justin Skule block Bud Dupree on third and 14. pic.twitter.com/o4xXAU0Vyk

— Grant Cohn (@grantcohn) September 24, 2019

Schemes are going to be needed to ease the pressure off of Skule to ensure that Jimmy Garoppolo is protected. Much like against the Steelers, I mentioned using George Kittle or an extra offensive lineman to give Skule support. The same still applies for this game, but Shanahan will need more than that. Even using a cadence to try to trip them up or draw them offsides would be something they could do.

Utilizing plenty of bootleg play-action calls should be an emphasis more than usual for this game. That way Garoppolo will be out of the pocket and away from the danger zone. Just by throwing different looks of protection will keep both Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon guessing on how to attack. If one of them or both are having their way then going up-tempo would another way to neutralize them.

Shanahan has his work cut out for him this week, but at least he’s had plenty of time to devise a way to get around them. Monday night football on primetime will be a huge game for the San Francisco 49ers who currently sit atop the NFC west. This can easily be their statement game in lieu of week six against the Los Angeles Rams. A win with the masses eyes on the 49ers will be an announcement that this team is legitimate in this season.