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Be Legendary. This is the mantra for 49ers LB Kwon Alexander and it also became the mantra for the team in 2019. During the 2019 offseason the 49ers made an initial splash by signing LB Kwon Alexander to a big contract. There were questions regarding this signing, as he, just like two other key 49ers, was coming off an ACL tear during the 2018 season.
Alexander made a name for himself in Tampa Bay as a ferocious linebacker with great speed and the ability to run sideline-to-sideline and make impact plays. The general idea behind the signing seemed to be that 49ers GM John Lynch missed on his impact LB in drafting Rueben Foster in 2017, so Alexander was the man to fill that void. While I myself was skeptical about this signing, originally a 4-year $54 million dollar deal, when Kwon stepped onto the field for the 49ers the skepticism faded. The rallying cry turned hashtag, "Be Legendary," motivated the 49ers for a Super Bowl run. Alexander brought just as much off the field as he did on it.
On October 31st Alexander suffered a torn pectoral in a game vs. Arizona. He was placed on injured reserve and was thought to be out for the season. He was, as Alexander didn't play another down in 2019. In December a social media post from 49ers WR Kendrick Bourne referenced Alexander on the practice field, stating that Alexander told Bourne he would be back. A month later, a legendary return happened when the 49ers faced the Vikings in the Divisional playoff on January 12, 2020 and Alexander was suited up next to his fellow 49ers for the Super Bowl run. Truly legendary.
2019 Performance
Kwon Alexander didn't light up the box score in 2019. He played fairly well on paper, but his ability to boost the performance of players surrounding him was evident to 49ers fans watching every Sunday. Statistically, Alexander started 8 games, recording 34 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception and 1/2 a sack. Pro Football Focus graded Alexander at 61.3. Players who graded out at a similar level included Seattle LB K.J Wright (62.1), Dallas LB Leighton Vander Esch (58.6) & Minnesota LB Anthony Barr (59.9).
2020 Cost
This is an area where Alexander's value cannot be ignored. In 2019 he signed a huge deal to become a 49er. However, in 2020 he restructured that deal to give the 49ers more immediate cap space in an effort to try to keep the band together for another Super Bowl run. In doing so, Alexander now only carries a $4.5 million cap hit during the 2020 season. His willingness to sacrifice for the team is invaluable.
Future Outlook
Alexander is unquestionably a leader on this 49ers team. His presence brought fellow LB Fred Warner to another level and has helped a young group of inexperienced LBs transform itself into a confident group that goes by the name of the "Hot Boyzz". As much pageantry and personality that Alexander brings to the table, he doesn't match that in personal productivity. He is a good player, with a huge price tag after 2020. In 2021 & 2022 Alexander comes strapped with cap hits of over $16 million in each year. Add the emergence of LB Dre Greenlaw (on a rookie contract no less) to the mix and It's not hard to imagine the 49ers exploring all options in 2021.
Podcast: Has 49ers QB Brock Purdy cemented himself as a Top-15 QB?
By Rohan Chakravarthi
Sep 25
Rohan Chakravarthi discusses the San Francisco 49ers Week 3 win against the New York Giants and evaluates Brock Purdy's play through three weeks.
The audio for the show is embedded above, while the video is available below.
Has 49ers QB Brock Purdy cemented himself as a Top-15 QB?
You can listen to "The
49ers vs. Giants: Brandon Aiyuk, Ambry Thomas will be limited at practice
By David Bonilla
Sep 19
The San Francisco 49ers are holding two walkthroughs today, lighter work than a typical practice. The team did not practice on Monday, a day off for players, but estimated that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk would not have participated had there been any on-field work.
Aiyuk and cornerback Ambry Thomas will be limited in today's sessions. The team is preparing for Thursday night's game against the New York Giants at Levi's Stadium.
On Sunday, Aiyuk was in and out of the lineup against the Los Angeles Rams. He suffered a shoulder injury on his first catch, a 13-yard reception during the 49ers' opening drive.
Aiyuk finished the game with three catches for 43 yards on six targets. The coach added that the receiver's status for Thursday will depend on the
49ers mailbag: Is Christian McCaffrey being overused? Should Spencer Burford be benched? Is Steve Wilkes who the defense needs? When is Nick Bosa going to show up?
By Marc Adams
Sep 19
The San Francisco 49ers are 2-0 to start off the 2023 season. In 2021, the 49ers won their first two games but then lost their next four. A win Thursday night, in the home opener against the New York Giants, would be the 49ers' first 3-0 start since 2019. That season, the team started out 8-0 before going on to win the NFC West and cruise through the NFC playoffs on their way to a birth in Super Bowl LIV.
I can't seem to remember how that game turned out, though. It's like it's been blocked from my memory.
It doesn't matter, because we've moved on to the current season. And to celebrate the 2-0 start, we've opened up the mailbag to answer those questions burning a hole in your mind. So let's get to it.
Marc, what did ya think of CMC channelling
49ers vs. Giants: How to watch, stream, and listen to the Week 3 matchup
By Site Staff
Sep 19
The San Francisco 49ers return for their first home game of the 2023 season as they host the New York Giants at Levi's Stadium on Prime Video's Thursday Night Football. This matchup marks the 43rd in a series that is tied 21-21. The 49ers lead the all-time series at home against the Giants 12-10 and look to earn their second win against the team in four seasons.
Previous game
The Niners are coming off a 30-23 victory against the Los Angeles Rams. RB Christian McCaffrey led the offense with 116 rushing yards and one touchdown on 20 attempts, while WR Deebo Samuel added 63 receiving yards on six catches to go along with an 11-yard rushing touchdown. QB Brock Purdy completed 17 of his 25 passing attempts for 206 yards and scored a one-yard rushing
