San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle may not be putting up big numbers this season. However, the All-Pro player is vital to the offense's success. Most view Kittle as the game's best all-around tight end. He's not only a threat in the passing attack, but he may be the best run-blocking tight end in the league. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Kittle displays great enthusiasm while forcefully moving defenders from point A to point B.
Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel spoke with reporters after today's practice and shared what makes Kittle so unique.
"He has what we like to call competitive greatness, which I think John Wooden defined as being your best when your best is required, and your greatest when your greatest is required," McDaniel said. "... And he exhibits that all the time. He makes plays in games that we've never seen him make in practice because [of] the moment, the adrenaline; it works in his favor.
"So, when you're in need of safe throws, but you need a lot of yards, it's a great option for us because we know that it's going to take a very good tackler to bring him down, and we're going to be able to get yards, and we trust him with the ball. So, he gives a ton of juice and life to all of his teammates and coaches."
McDaniel added that Kittle's attitude toward the game of football is contagious. His teammates see the effort on the field, and it makes them better.
"It's very beneficial to all of his teammates," McDaniel said. "Kind of painting a picture. ... Players pick up on that and apply it to their game."
The bad news is that Kittle has not practiced this week after experiencing some calf soreness following this past weekend's loss to the Green Bay Packers. The team will hold one more practice—a Friday afternoon session—before hosting the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Hopefully, for the 49ers, Kittle is out there on the field this weekend, making plays and further influencing his teammates.