Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson say Dolphins have more talent than 49ers, a QB ‘who can actually sling it’
Nov 27, 2022 at 12:25 PM
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With a big-time matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins quickly approaching, two former Niners have voiced their opinions about their new NFL team. While the Niners are focused on this afternoon's game against the New Orleans Saints, Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. have been speaking with Tyler Dunne of Go Long, sharing their thoughts on next weekend's opponent.
Mostert was critical of how the 49ers reacted to his Week 1 injury last season. Head coach Kyle Shanahan initially anticipated the knee injury would
keep the running back out for about eight weeks. However, Mostert instead opted to undergo season-ending surgery.
"He knew how much he was risking - the
decision absolutely pissed the 49ers off - but he also knew how hard he would work," wrote Dunne after speaking with Mostert, who is looking forward to playing his old squad on December 4.
The two shared more with Dunne. It sounds like Mostert and Wilson are happy to be with the Dolphins now and believe they are in a much-improved situation.
"We have way better talent here. It's going to get spooky," one of the running backs told Dunne, per a tweet from the writer.
Another 49ers criticism was directed at the team's quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo. Mostert was with Garoppolo for nearly five seasons, if you count his one-game 2021 campaign. Wilson was Garoppolo's teammate until
San Francisco traded the running back to Miami on November 1.
Now, the two play with Tua Tagovailoa in Miami. The Dolphins quarterback has been impressive, passing for 2,265 yards, 18 touchdowns, and three interceptions through eight games this season. By comparison, Garoppolo has thrown for 2,159 yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions through nine games.
Dunne asked Mostert what makes the Dolphins offense different from the one he was a part of with the 49ers.
"We have a quarterback who can actually sling it," Mostert responded.
Wilson has no hard feelings about the trade for
Christian McCaffrey, which led to the 49ers offloading Wilson to Miami.
"They had to make a business decision, and I had to make a business decision," Wilson said. "Yeah, there's love and relationships around here. But at the end of the day, it comes down to business. ... No hard feelings. It could've gone the other way. A year or two ago, I probably wouldn't have said anything. I just kept my mouth shut and took it. Just like they spoke out about that, I can do the same.
"Even a blind man could see what we're doing. They're still a great team. I'm not taking anything away from the 49ers. They're one of the best teams in the league."
There are storylines aplenty in the upcoming 49ers-Dolphins matchup. Aside from the former Niner running backs returning to Levi's Stadium, it will be the first matchup between head coach Mike McDaniel and his mentor, Kyle Shanahan.
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