49ers defensive line presents enormous challenge

The Cleveland Browns enjoyed their best offensive output against the Baltimore Ravens, putting up 530 total yards. The offensive line enjoyed their best day as well, but it was against a defensive line that offered little real threat to get to the quarterback. On the road against the San Francisco 49ers this week, that won't be the case as they have one of the more well rounded groups in the league.

Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens praised the performance of his offensive line and particularly Chris Hubbard for their play against the Baltimore Ravens as they led the way for 530 total yards of offense. Hopefully it helps them gain confidence, because they're going to need it for the San Francisco 49ers.

The Ravens had an anemic, almost nonexistent pass rush, which is a luxury the 49ers won't afford the Browns. The 49ers will always have three defensive linemen that can get to the quarterback and their nickel package will often feature four. Six of their defensive linemen have combined for the team's nine sacks.

If there's a plus side, it's knowing where the pressure is going to come from. There won't be too many surprises. They'll send their four, drop the rest into coverage and let the offense trying to find the holes.

It all starts with DeForest Buckner on the interior, who's one of the best 3-tech defensive tackles in the league. He's quick off the ball, has power and even if he doesn't get to Baker Mayfield, if he can get close, his height may be enough to obstruct his view.

The team added both Dee Ford and Nick Bosa this offseason to rush from the edges, but they also have players like Arik Armstead, Solomon Thomas and Ronald Blair that can be disruptive. And a few of them can slide inside to rush.

This means the offensive line and particularly the offensive tackles aren't going to get a break this game. The 49ers defensive linemen are bigger and longer than most groups with enough agility to keep the offensive line off balance.

The Browns need to be able to run the ball effectively, because passing and doing it from obvious passing situations plays right into the 49ers hands. They want to be able to let their defensive line loose and have their linebackers fly around in coverage and racking up tackles. If the Browns can get a push up front, it takes the 49ers out of their comfort zone and gives pass blocking situations a far better chance to succeed.

This also means the Browns need to run quick passing plays that get the ball out of Mayfield's hands quickly and take advantage of the holes in the 49ers zone, hopefully creating explosive plays after the catch.

The game has a similar feel to the game against the Los Angeles Rams in terms of what the Browns stated goals on offense should be with similar challenges against the defensive line and linebackers, but they have to be able to execute it better and much of that falls on Mayfield making the protection work, staying in the pocket and making the right throws. It's a big challenge for both the offensive line and Mayfield; one they have to be able to answer this season if they are going to enjoy any postseason success.