Safety Jaquiski Tartt is an unsung hero on the San Francisco 49ers defense. Just ask Richard Sherman. The veteran corner has, on multiple occasions, raved about Tartt and his contributions to the defense's success.
Tartt missed the final four games of the regular season due to a rib injury but returned for the playoffs.
On Thursday, it was head coach Kyle Shanahan's turn to praise his safety. He was asked what Tartt has meant to this 49ers defense, which finished as the top-ranked unit against the pass this season.
"Marcell (Harris) came in and did a very good job for us, played at a high level, and we were able to win a lot of games with him," Shanahan told reporters during his press conference at the team's hotel in downtown Miami. "But just getting Tartt back out there -- I mean, Tartt's got a lot of ability, but he's been playing in this system a little bit longer. He's been in this league for a while.
"Him and Jimmie (Ward), they connect very well back there. I know they went to high school (together) and stuff. I'm sure they weren't doing the same calls and stuff back then, but Tartt is a very smart player. He's very aware. He's one of our better communicators back there.
"Some guys like to talk. Some guys are kind of just silent assassins out there. When you have a lot more silent guys, it's a very big deal when you lose the communicator. That's why it helped a lot to get Tartt back."
Tartt, a fifth-year player, recorded 48 tackles, two passes defensed, a forced fumble, and half a sack through 12 starts during the regular season. He had a season-high eight tackles against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game.
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