Colton McKivitz Faces Tough Reality After Extension with 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers may be grappling with a sense of buyer’s remorse following their recent decision to extend Colton McKivitz for three years. The offensive lineman’s struggles against elite pass rushers have raised eyebrows and questions about the team’s investment.
A Tough Day Against Top Talent
When the 49ers signed McKivitz, they understood the risks involved. While he can effectively handle a majority of NFL pass rushers, his performance against Will Anderson proved to be a significant setback. On a day when the 49ers needed to establish offensive momentum, McKivitz’s inability to contain one of the league’s premier defenders hindered multiple drives.
Anderson, a standout pass rusher, currently ranks second in the NFL in pressures, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). His ability to disrupt plays at critical moments showcases why he is considered one of the best in the business. While expectations for McKivitz were not excessively high, the reality of his performance against top-tier talent is hard to overlook—especially after committing to a long-term extension.
Limited Exposure to Elite Rushers
One factor to consider is that McKivitz has not frequently faced top-tier pass rushers this season. Teams like Seattle, Arizona, and Atlanta employ a committee-style approach to their pass-rushing strategies, lacking a standout name. Moreover, aging veterans like Cameron Jordan have not posed the same threat as in previous seasons, and injuries to players like Travon Walker have further diluted the level of competition.
In fact, in five of the eight games played this season, McKivitz encountered defenses without a recognized star pass rusher. This context makes the struggles against elite competition particularly concerning.
Statistical Breakdown of Performance
The statistics tell a revealing story about McKivitz’s performance. Against elite rushers—specifically, Anderson, Byron Young (ranked 13th), and Hasson Reddick (ranked 20th)—he has surrendered nine pressures over just 101 snaps. In contrast, he has allowed only six pressures in the other games, where he faced less formidable opponents, spanning 176 snaps.
Grades and Efficiency Ratings
– McKivitz holds a grade of 80 against non-elite rushers.
– His performance drops significantly to a grade of 61 when facing top-20 talents.
– His pass block efficiency rating stands at 97.4 in games against less aggressive rushers, but plummets to 93.6 in tougher matchups.
His two poorest performances came against the Rams and Texans, where he recorded a troubling grade of 52 and a pass blocking rating of 91.
The Path Forward for the 49ers
The 49ers knew they were taking a calculated risk when they extended McKivitz. He has shown the ability to manage against non-elite defenders effectively, often grading out well when the competition is less fierce. However, the reality is that when he faces top-20 level rushers, he is prone to yielding pressures and may falter in critical moments.
Finding reliable tackles in the NFL is notoriously challenging, which explains the 49ers’ interest in retaining McKivitz. Yet, as they reflect on performances like Sunday’s, the question remains: was this commitment the right move given the potential consequences?
