Sometimes, even the best offensive tackles in the NFL need a break.
But the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t help 49ers star Trent Williams in that aspect during Sunday’s season opener at Actress Stadium.
This was largely due to San Francisco’s dominant defense as well, which limited Pittsburgh’s offense to limited possessions in the first half. The unit forced four Steelers punts and an interception on their first five possessions of the contest for just one yard in 15 plays and zero first downs (h/t Niners Wire).
Sure enough, the 49ers put the Steelers on a three-and-out early in the game, tiring Williams out, the San Francisco Chronicle joked. Eric branch He started drafting for the Steelers.
“At some point, you kind of want it,” Williams said [the Steelers] To get first down. There were all three of them and we needed a break.
Williams got his wish — sort of — in the second half and later in the game.
The Steelers’ offense scored just seven points in their home opener, drowning out all the hype surrounding their impeccable preseason record. Running back Najee Harris finally gave Steelers fans something to cheer about with a 22-yard run that later set up Kenny Pickett’s touchdown pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth — their only score of the game.
Meanwhile, the 49ers’ offense was as electric as expected. From Brandon Aiyuk to Christian McCaffrey, everyone played a role in San Francisco’s 30-7 win.
Hopefully Williams will now be able to catch his breath, because the 49ers defense shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
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