Shock, and then laughter ensued among fans and even some of the media across the country.
That's because Kittle is viewed as one the best — if not the best — blockers in the NFL. Even respected analyst Brian Baldinger came to the 49ers tight end's defense, armed with film breakdowns proving Gottlieb's statement to be false.
"You don't get on the field at Iowa for Kirk Ferentz unless you can block, and [Kittle has] taken those skills to San Francisco. The best blocking tight end in the NFL," Baldinger concluded.
Pro Football Focus' advanced analytics show that Kittle is indeed an excellent blocker. His run-blocking grade of 76.8 ranks in the top 6 among tight ends, and his run-blocking grade of 82.8 on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints was his best of the season, surpassing his previous best (78.1) set a week earlier, against the Baltimore Ravens.
Now, we have another statistic showing just how much Kittle's run-blocking contributes to the 49ers rushing attack, and how significant of an impact he makes in its success.
When Kittle is on the field, the 49ers offense averages 4.9 yards per carry and a 43 percent success rate on outside runs. Without the tight end, that average drops to 3.0 yards per carry and a 29 percent success rate.
San Francisco's offense explodes for 10-or-more-yard runs on 18 percent of its rushing attempts on the outside with Kittle in the lineup. That number drops to seven percent without him.
So there you go. More proof that Kittle is, indeed, a fantastic blocker.
H/t to Jessica Kleinschmidt of NBC Sports for the find.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' George Kittle sounds off on potential 18-game NFL season
There is little doubt that the NFL would like to expand the regular season to 18 games per team. The league already increased the schedule from 16 to 17 games in 2021, and many around the NFL believe another expansion is only a matter of time. Like many players, however, San... -
Stats breakdown shows why 49ers' Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy remain elite
Every year, especially at draft time and heading into the season, fans are treated to a lot of potentially unfamiliar vocabulary. Three-technique or five-technique. This or that cornerback can or cannot flip his hips quickly. Statisticians have more categories than ever, even... -
49ers 2026 Schedule Preview Ranked by Championship Impact
The San Francisco 49ers face the longest travel schedule in NFL history with stops in Melbourne and Mexico City. This series previews every 2026 game ranked by championship impact—from early measuring sticks to the critical late-season clashes that will define the Niners'... -
49ers' George Kittle shares update on Week 1 availability amid Achilles recovery
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle suffered a torn Achilles during the Wild Card playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, forcing him to miss the following week's Divisional Round matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Initially, the injury was viewed as one that...