It’s not often you see All-Pro 49ers tackle Trent Williams beat one-on-one. By a rookie, no less.
In a key situation during Sunday’s 19-10 loss to the Chicago Bears, Williams was outdone by rookie defensive end Dominique Robinson, who conspicuously shared his trade secrets with reporters after the game.
With the 49ers up 7-0 in the third quarter and facing a 3rd-and-goal from just inside the 5-yard line, Robinson was able to break free from Williams’ block and help drag down Trey Lance with one hand, as he split a sack with Bears linebacker Roquan Smith. The 49ers would have to settle for a field goal and wouldn’t put up any more points for the rest of the game, as the Bears scored three unanswered touchdowns.
After the game, Robinson shared how he was able to get a tell on Williams in pass protection.
So it appears rookie Robinson was able to key in on the left foot of the future Hall of Famer throughout the game. According to The Athletic’s David Lombardi, WIlliams gave up the most pressures (3) of any 49ers offensive lineman throughout the game.
Even the greats get exposed every now and then. It’s interesting that Robinson voiced his tell to the media, as the rest of the 49ers future opponents probably will be looking at that left foot closely this season. But Williams knows it’s out there too, so you have to assume he’ll do something to disguise his movement or eliminate the tell.
Football is filled with so many games within the games, so it’s cool to get some intimate insight from a pass-rusher against Williams. Have to say, though, I did not have a rookie schooling Williams on my bingo card for Week 1.
Williams wasn’t the only one to get bullied by Robinson Sunday, as right tackle Mike McGlinchey was also beaten by the rookie before he threw down Trey Lance with a one-handed sack.
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