If you see a San Francisco 49ers wideout or tight end running free against an opposing defensive back, it may not entirely be that defensive player's fault. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is such an innovative play designer that it probably seems like there is always someone open on offense.
Just ask the NFL's second-ranked defense in 2017 – the Jacksonville Jaguars. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo had his second-best passer rating and helped to put up 44 points against that defense last season.
Tight end George Kittle joined the Murph & Mac show on KNBR Monday morning and was asked if somebody is open at all times in Shanahan's offense.
"Yeah, basically," Kittle answered.
Then it is just up to Garoppolo to get the ball to that open target.
Kittle is a candidate for the 49ers' breakout player in 2018, and he feels the rhythm between him and Garoppolo is strengthening this offseason with each passing practice. While those practices help him get more in tune with his quarterback, Kittle is really looking forward to Thursday's exhibition opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
"I plan on playing as long as I can because I miss the game," Kittle said. "I've wanted to play football for about three months now, so we're getting there."
Kittle, like Garoppolo, isn't likely to see a lot of playing time on Thursday. Keeping the duo healthy is the priority. Kittle is neither fighting for a roster spot nor is he trying to climb the depth chart. He will be 49ers' starting tight end when the team opens the season on the road against the Minnesota Vikings on September 9.
You can listen to the entire interview with Kittle below.
49ers and the NFL Draft: What you see is not always what you get
By Jack Stewart
Apr 19
Vegas gives you the odds, but I am not a betting man. So I will give you the percentages.
In his time as general manager of the San Francisco 49ers, John Lynch has made 65 selections in the NFL draft. Of those, I count 16 obvious successes (or look-to-be successes), or roughly...
Russini: Teams inquired about trading for 49ers TE George Kittle
By David Bonilla
Apr 26
Earlier this week, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that teams might inquire about trading for San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle as contract negotiations between the two sides continued. Kittle did not immediately report for the start of the 49ers' offseason...
George Kittle reports to 49ers for offseason program
By David Bonilla
Apr 25
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle rejoined his teammates in Santa Clara on Friday to participate in the team's offseason program that began earlier in the week. There was speculation that Kittle's absence at the start might be contract-related, as the tight end enters...
Insider: 49ers may have mishandled George Kittle's contract situation
By David Bonilla
Apr 19
George Kittle became the highest-paid tight end in NFL history when he signed a five-year, $75 million contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, earning him $15 million annually. That benchmark didn't last long. In 2023, T.J. Hockenson surpassed Kittle's deal,...