Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area pointed out on the latest 49ers Insider Podcast that San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dante Pettis has just as many pass completions as receptions this season. He's also thrown for over twice as many yards as he has receiving (7).
Pettis completed his one attempt for 16 yards in the 41-17 rout of the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. His father, Gary Pettis, was a Gold Glove outfielder in the MLB and is currently a coach with the Houston Astros.
"I threw a few in college. Got to take advantage of this arm," Pettis jokingly told Maiocco on Sunday before saying he's always had a strong throwing arm from the outfield.
Added Pettis: "I threw a few people out, for sure."
During the discussion, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo walked by. Pettis was asked if he was looking to take his job. After all, his 118.8 passer rating tops Garoppolo's 104.9.
"See, I think I'm more of an emergency situation (quarterback)," Pettis responded. "I don't know how I'd do a whole game like that but if something happens and all of a sudden it's like, 'We need a quarterback,' I'm there. I'm the guy."
Pettis played in two snaps during the 49ers' Week 1 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and then was in on 35 against the Bengals, according to Pro Football Focus. He dealt with a minor groin injury, which may have set him back, and has just seven receiving yards this season, but feels ready to build upon his impressive rookie performance last year.
"I think I'm pretty much there," Pettis said. "It's hard to tell, obviously, in the games but I think in practice, I think I'm pretty much, not like where I need to be, but I'm on my way."
Pettis' 49ers are 2-0 for the first time since 2012 and are looking for the team's first 3-0 start since 1998. Pettis, by the way, was almost three years old the last time San Francisco opened a season with three straight wins.
"There's a lot more we can do," Pettis added. "Obviously, 2-and-0 is a great way to start the season, so we're happy about that for sure."
You can listen to the entire interview with Pettis, along with Maiocco's brief conversations with Joe Staley, Arik Armstead, Ronald Blair, Fred Warner, and Raheem Mostert, below.
