If George Kittle were just to stop playing right now, he would finish the season with the highest-ever overall Pro Football Focus grade by a tight end, surpassing Rob Gronkowski's mark of 92.0 in 2011. Kittle, of course, will continue playing and is eager to get back out on the football field following Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
"I wish I could play right now," Kittle told reporters after the game. "It's a sour taste. I'd love to get it out of my mouth right now."
The San Francisco 49ers tight end currently owns a 94.3 grade with two games remaining. Kittle doesn't just lead NFL tight ends this season, he leads all NFL players. The next-highest overall grade (93.5) is owned by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
After George Kittle's performance yesterday, his overall grade for the year is now up to 94.3, best of any player in the NFL. The highest final regular season grade of any TE in the PFF era (going back to 2006) was Rob Gronkowski at 92.0. #49ers
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) December 16, 2019
As Jeff Deeney notes, Pro Football Focus grades go back to 2006.
Kittle's 91.6 grade against the Falcons was the highest mark by a 49ers player and the second-highest of the game. Only Atlanta safety Kemal Ishmael earned a higher grade. He played just four snaps, however, so maybe we shouldn't count it here.
Ninety-eight of Kittle's 134 yards on Sunday came after the catch, according to Pro Football Focus. Seven of his 13 receptions resulted in first downs. Those 13 catches, by the way, were a career-high.
Below are the five highest-graded 49ers players on offense against the Falcons.
- George Kittle, TE, 91.6
- Laken Tomlinson, LG, 77.1
- Mike McGlinchey, RT, 70.5
- Raheem Mostert, RB, 69.0
- Joe Staley, LT, 68.0
Below are the five highest-graded 49ers players on defense.
- Arik Armstead, DE, 81.2
- Sheldon Day, DT, 77.7
- Marcell Harris, SS, 77.3
- D.J. Reed, DB, 75.5
- Nick Bosa, DE, 74.4