49ers’ offensive success in week three is contingent on Justin Skule’s performance

The 49ers' offensive line has been performing strongly through the first two weeks of the season. Without Joe Staley, the line can skip a beat. The offensive success of the team is contingent on Justin Skule's performance.

As well-rounded of a win it was for the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday, the celebration was short lived when it was revealed that left tackle Joe Staley broke his fibula. With Staley our for the foreseeable future, the 49ers are going to have to make do with what have they available.

In comes rookie offensive tackle Justin Skule who will fill in for the injured Staley. To say that Skule has some big shoes to fill would be an understatement. Through two games, the 49ers offensive line has been dominant in every facet of the game. Most importantly, they have kept Jimmy Garoppolo clean.

Now that they have a rookie starting at left tackle, the offense may skip a beat. Skule’s first test will be this Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which won’t be an easy matchup. The 49ers offensive success is contingent on Skule’s performance.

Now I’m not saying he needs to be Joe Staley, because that isn’t realistic. What he does need to do is pass protect sufficiently. The running game won’t be nearly as impacted with Skule starting as opposed to the aerial game. So far through two games, the 49ers offense has not gone three and out.

Some Justin Skule practice video for your Wednesday night #49ers pic.twitter.com/UIGzOEXMXp

— Tracy Sandler (@TracyFGSN) September 19, 2019

It’s a combination of many factors, but without a solid offensive line it isn’t possible. Also, Garoppolo has only been sacked once and the Steelers are coming off a four sack game against the Seattle Seahawks. They’re definitely drooling at the thought of going up against a rookie offensive tackle. Kyle Shanahan has to do everything he can to ensure Skule is being tossed around.

There are a few way Shanahan can support Skule. One is by loading up the left side with an extra offensive lineman. Second is by lining up George Kittle next to him to help block and chip. Third is by keeping Kyle Juszczyk in the backfield as a safety net in case anyone gets through. Those are just a few ways they can support Skule and nullify the Steeler's pass rush, which is a talent bunch.

Luckily for Skule, their best rusher T.J. Watt has been exclusively rushing against the right tackle. However, I wouldn’t be shocked if the Steelers wanted to swing him over. Many in game adjustments are going to have to be made in this game, but Kyle Shanahan is more than capable to handle it. All eyes should be on Justin Skule for this Sunday as his performance is contingent on the offensive success of the 49ers.