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San Francisco 49ers: 5 takeaways from the team’s MNF rout of the Cleveland Browns

By Marc Delucchi

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 23: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes with the ball against the Chicago Bears during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 23: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes with the ball against the Chicago Bears during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – AUGUST 24: Offensive tackle Justin Skule #67 of the San Francisco 49ers in action during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

3. Justin Skule wasn’t a liability

After losing Joe Staley to a broken fibula everyone became rightfully concerned about the 49ers offensive line. The interior line already lacked any elite players on paper and Staley has been one consistent piece over the past few years.

Skule, a rookie sixth-round pick, was described as someone who knew how to play the game, but just lacked the necessary tools to hold his own.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan deserves credit alongside Staley and 49ers offensive line coach John Benton for developing a gameplan that didn’t leave Skule on an island too often, but overall he’s more than held his own.

Star edge rusher Myles Garrett only got one hit on Jimmy Garoppolo and it came against Mike McGlinchey on the other side of the line.

There’s no doubt that the coaching staff can’t wait to get Staley back, but Skule’s play can make them breathe a bit easier going forward in the event of another injury to one of their tackles.