Jennings, who has been relatively quiet this season after a strong finish to his 2021 campaign, put together an emphatic performance where he was once again a reliable option at the sticks, converting five first downs on his six receptions.
On the year, 17 of Jennings's 24 receptions have gone for first downs, despite the 2020 seventh-round pick averaging just 5.7 yards per reception.
However, the 49ers wideout has struggled with drops this season, averaging a drop rate of over 20% through the first seven weeks of the season.
Since then, despite some inconsistent volume, Jennings has settled down, catching all four of his targets against the Los Angeles Chargers before hauling in six of seven targets against the New Orleans Saints.
Jennings came in clutch for the 49ers in the fourth quarter, converting a crucial 3rd & 5 opportunity at San Francisco's 28-yard line with 4:06 remaining to allow his team to run out the clock on their final drive, rather than giving the Saints an opportunity to get the ball back.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan praised his receiver's efforts, understanding the momentum Jennings' play provided.
While Jennings isn't the most-talked-about receiver on the 49ers, given the high-profile names of Deebo Samuel and even Brandon Aiyuk, the energy that the Tennessee product provides is a significant addition to the team.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo believes that effort has been there even in practice over the past few seasons, which increases the trust in the quarterback-receiver relationship.
"I see it every day in practice. I've seen it for multiple years now even. When you have a guy like that who does it every day in practice, is reliable, wants the ball, you could see the competitiveness. I mean, every play he's in, Jauan is busting his ass. And as a quarterback, you love having a guy like that. So just the trust and reliability from Jauan goes a long way from me."
Jennings has developed a reputation as a strong run-blocker and a physical player, which has boosted his arsenal as a pass-catcher as well.
Despite his size, Jennings has become one of the team's better route-runners, which has led to his heavy third-down usage when most teams deploy man coverage.
"He does a lot of good things. He separates at the top of his routes and as a quarterback, it's easy to read his body language and things," Garoppolo said. "So, I thought the skill positions across the board [against the Saints] stepped up big. Guys were making plays just in different moments. And Jauan, when his number was called, was ready."
Harris's penalty stopped the clock for the 49ers after they had burned their final timeout on the play before, setting them up with a 1st & Goal opportunity, which Jennings converted for a touchdown off a tipped pass from Garoppolo.
On his ability to deliver during third-down plays, Jennings attributes his success to being able to beat man-to-man coverage, making it easier to separate on routes in crucial moments.
"A lot of teams like to play man to man on third downs and that's where that's like one of my strengths," Jennings told reporters following the game. "I beat man to man."
Now, Jennings must continue with consistency, which hasn't been the case yet in 2022, for the 49ers to reach their ceiling this season, as Jimmy Garoppolo will have to be able to rely on all of his top options.
Given the talent at the skill position players for the 49ers, providing Jennings with seven targets on a consistent basis is unfeasible, but when his number is called, the slot receiver needs to deliver to prolong drives for the offense.
How can that consistency continue to evolve? Well, Jennings must maintain his current style of play, as his physicality has resulted in 49% of his receiving yards coming after the catch.
If that consistency arrives, the 49ers will possess a strong core of weapons heading into the final stretch of the season, which has allowed Jimmy Garoppolo to play better and turnover-free football over the past weeks.
- Rohan Chakravarthi
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Written by:Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
