There's plenty of blame to go around for the San Francisco 49ers' poor performances this season. Yes, the team has been decimated by injuries, but many mental mistakes occur, resulting in turnovers and giving opposing offenses too many opportunities.
While the mounting losses, at times, seem like a team effort, right tackle Mike McGlinchey has been enduring his share of the blame from fans and analysts. It is worth noting that McGlinchey was Pro Football Focus' highest-graded player on offense for the 49ers during Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, and he was the second-highest graded tackle (left or right) from Week 15's action. It was McGlinchey's highest-graded performance since Week 9.
McGlinchey's overall grade this season (78.6) has received a boost from his outstanding run-blocking grade (89.5). However, his pass-blocking grade (59.1) is the lowest of his three-year career.
NFL analyst Brian Baldinger joined 95.7 The Game on Monday and shared his thoughts on McGlinchey's struggles this season.
"Well, he doesn't have the strength right now," Baldy stated on The Morning Roast. "I don't know what's going on physically. I haven't talked to Mike at all during the season, but physically, he's getting beat. Whether it's Demarcus Lawrence or whatever, he's getting beat in the pass game. He's getting beat in the run game.
"So, physically, he's just not strong right now. He's got to get stronger if he's going to stay at that position and have a long career. He's got to be stronger at the point, and he's got to stop these bull rushes.
"Look, Demarcus Lawrence made a great play getting the ball out of Nick Mullens' hands. He has made those types of plays before. It's right there on the arc where you're trying to run him nine-and-a-half yards deep. Mike's not in terrible shape. That wasn't his worst play, though. There were other plays out there where, physically, he's struggling out there, at times."
Baldy was asked about McGlinchey's weight and where the offensive lineman should focus during the upcoming offseason if he hopes to be more successful next year.
"He's the same size as he was coming out of Notre Dame," Baldy said. "I mean, there's technique there that's involved, but I just think it's core strength — just your natural core strength when your feet are in the ground. Either you're a fire hydrant, and you can't be moved, or you're a pillow, and you're getting punched.
"It just comes down to core strength and how you anchor it. A lot of it is technique, but some of it is just good old-fashioned squats and deadlifts until the sun goes down each night."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Baldinger below.
