Can running backs keep Lance on his feet?

Offseason practices are, essentially, passing camps. The San Francisco 49ers' running backs are not idling, however.

Behind the scenes, they are learning a vital, overlooked aspect: pass protection.

“We have to keep our quarterback on two feet,” said new running backs coach Anthony Lynn, a former 49ers running back (1995-96) before a lengthy coaching career that's included being the Chargers' head coach (201720).

That 49ers' quarterback, Trey Lance, has nimble feet which could help fuel an even more runoriented offense than ever under coach Kyle Shanahan.

In winning the 49ers' home finale last season in only his second start, he showed an improved focus to pass downfield rather than frantically run.

Lance's mobility will buy him time to find a target. Running backs must help, too. When they're not carrying the ball amid power runs or outside-zone sprints, they must protect Lance and block blitzing defenders.

“A lot of it is classroom work, because indecision is what hurt most running backs,” Lynn added. “It's not that you can't block. It's not knowing who to block and when to block.

“If you can get them to collect as much information as possible before the play and get them going the right direction, that solves most of the problem.”

A flashpoint of the problem: college football is pass-happy but NFLbound running backs aren't typically sacrificed in pass protection.

Sure, some running backs enter on third down as receiving options, but wide receivers and tight ends are the overwhelming targets. So backs must block, just as Frank Gore did so brilliantly in his 49ers' tenure under former running backs coach Tom Rathman.

“The kids coming out of college are not asked to do that a lot in college,” Lynn said. “That's my job to get them ready, blitz-pickup wise.”