That may be news to ... well ... everyone else. It's uncertain if this was a mistake by Gottlieb, somehow taken out of context, or just a lack of information on his part.
Sometimes, the Pro Bowl tight end's impressive play as a pass-catcher can significantly overshadow his skill as a blocker.
Kittle remains Pro Football Focus's highest-graded player (93.8). Not highest-graded tight end — highest-graded player, period. His run-blocking grade of 74.4 ranks in the top 5 among tight ends, and his run-blocking grade of 78.1 on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens was his best of the season.
Kittle may have struggled some in pass blocking over the last couple of weeks since returning from knee and ankle injuries, but before that, he was grading high in that area, too.
Kittle, along with right tackle Mike McGlinchey, was critical to the 49ers' success running the football in Baltimore on Sunday. Running back Raheem Mostert had single-game career-highs in carries (19) and rushing yards (146) to go along with his rushing touchdown at M&T Bank Stadium.
"In terms of just how he did, that was probably as good of a run blocking game in terms of how much a tight end," head coach Kyle Shanahan said this week of Kittle's performance against the Ravens, "in the outside-zone, could move the edge. He dominated that game. Our edges were as good as they've almost ever been, and that's why we were able to put a fast running back in there and just stay on track and hit the numbers pretty hard. He was very impressive, so was McGlinchey on the edge, too."
49ers' George Kittle singing with Taylor Swift at TEU goes viral
By David Bonilla
Jun 28
Pop superstar Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance at Tight End University (TEU) in Nashville this week. The annual summit for NFL tight ends was co-founded by San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle, Kansas City Chiefs tight end—and Swift's boyfriend—Travis...
George Kittle, Baker Mayfield agree 49ers' Fred Warner is a top trash talker
By David Bonilla
Jul 2
There's plenty of trash-talking on an NFL field, as players try to get into their opponents' heads to throw them off their game. In a sport decided by inches, any mental edge can prove crucial. When it comes to trash talk, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and Tampa...
Brock Purdy training with George Kittle and former 49ers QB
By David Bonilla
Jun 29
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had hoped to attend Tight End University last week, but a scheduling conflict arose due to a charity golf event. However, he's now back at work with star tight end George Kittle in Nashville, Tennessee, and the duo was joined by one...
49ers chemistry: George Kittle talks bond with Brock Purdy, 2025 outlook
By David Bonilla
Jun 30
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle caught up with NBC Sports Bay Area at Tight End University (TEU) last week, where he shared insights on his growing connection with quarterback Brock Purdy and expectations for the 2025 season.
While Purdy didn't attend TEU this...