Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports


Next Gen Stats show George Kittle’s impact in the 49ers run game

Dec 13, 2019 at 9:47 AM--


Earlier this month, Doug Gottlieb of FS1 stated that San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is "not really a blocker."

Shock, and then laughter ensued among fans and even some of the media across the country.

That's because Kittle is viewed as one the best — if not the best — blockers in the NFL. Even respected analyst Brian Baldinger came to the 49ers tight end's defense, armed with film breakdowns proving Gottlieb's statement to be false.

"You don't get on the field at Iowa for Kirk Ferentz unless you can block, and [Kittle has] taken those skills to San Francisco. The best blocking tight end in the NFL," Baldinger concluded.

Pro Football Focus' advanced analytics show that Kittle is indeed an excellent blocker. His run-blocking grade of 76.8 ranks in the top 6 among tight ends, and his run-blocking grade of 82.8 on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints was his best of the season, surpassing his previous best (78.1) set a week earlier, against the Baltimore Ravens.

Now, we have another statistic showing just how much Kittle's run-blocking contributes to the 49ers rushing attack, and how significant of an impact he makes in its success.

When Kittle is on the field, the 49ers offense averages 4.9 yards per carry and a 43 percent success rate on outside runs. Without the tight end, that average drops to 3.0 yards per carry and a 29 percent success rate.

San Francisco's offense explodes for 10-or-more-yard runs on 18 percent of its rushing attempts on the outside with Kittle in the lineup. That number drops to seven percent without him.


So there you go. More proof that Kittle is, indeed, a fantastic blocker.

H/t to Jessica Kleinschmidt of NBC Sports for the find.



LISTEN

Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News



How Christian McCaffrey responded to a question about the 49ers' QB uncertainty

By David Bonilla
May 26

A healthy Brock Purdy undoubtedly sits atop the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback depth chart. However, he's not healthy. While he is expected to begin throwing again next week, he likely remains months away from being medically cleared to play in a game. In the meantime, Trey Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in 2021, is competing with another former No. 3 overall pick, Sam Darnold, for the QB2 job. One of the two players could start Week 1 of the 2023 season if Purdy isn't ready by then. Of the quarterbacks on the roster, running back Christian McCaffrey has only played with Purdy and Darnold. Lance suffered his season-ending ankle injury before McCaffrey's arrival. McCaffrey and Darnold were teammates in Carolina. The running back joined the Rich



Why Christian McCaffrey is excited about his 49ers future

By David Bonilla
May 26

It seemed so unfair. At least, that's what Rich Eisen thought when he heard rumors swirling that the San Francisco 49ers were looking to trade for star running back Christian McCaffrey. It just wasn't fair ... for the rest of the NFL. Like so many, Eisen has a great deal of respect for head coach Kyle Shanahan's system and the already-talented roster he and general manager John Lynch have built over the years. McCaffrey joined the Rich Eisen Show on Friday, and the two reflected on the trade that sent him from the Carolina Panthers to Shanahan's 49ers, a situation Eisen called "a perfect fit." "I'm definitely excited," McCaffrey told Eisen. "Like you said, it's a great fit for me. It's a great fit for, really, any skill player. It's a great



49ers, Raiders to hold joint practices in Las Vegas on August 10-11

By David Bonilla
May 27

The San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders will hold two joint practices ahead of their preseason game at Allegiant Stadium. That exhibition matchup will take place on Sunday, August 13, the 49ers announced. Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports that the 49ers and Raiders will hold their joint practices on Thursday, August 10, and Friday, August 11. After the game against the Raiders, the 49ers will return to Levi's Stadium to host the Denver Broncos on Saturday, August 19, and Los Angeles Chargers on Friday, August 25, meaning the team will never leave the Pacific Time Zone during their exhibition



Should the 49ers entertain the idea of signing WR DeAndre Hopkins?

By Rohan Chakravarthi
May 27

The Arizona Cardinals made a significant move on Friday morning, releasing star receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who had a tumultuous 2022 season, marred by a six-game PED suspension and a knee strain that caused him to miss the final games of the year. Earlier this week, Hopkins went on the "I Am Athlete" podcast, where he shared that his primary goals for his next team were stable management from the front office, a quarterback who loves the games and is loved by his teammates, and a great defense. What's DeAndre Hopkins looking for from his next team?•Stable management •A QB who loves the game


Featured

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone