The good news is that the 49ers played the role well. San Francisco emerged from Week 16's action with a 20-12 victory and complicated things for the playoff-hopeful Cardinals.
While there hasn't been much to praise this season, NFL legend Jerry Rice is excited about his former team's future. He feels the 49ers have a strong receiving nucleus with Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle. It's difficult to argue with Rice after hearing his excitement surrounding things to come.
"Man, it's going to be exciting to see Deebo Samuel and also Brandon Aiyuk really work together [when] Deebo is healthy and all that," Rice said Monday morning on 95.7 The Game's The Morning Roast. "And it was good to see George Kittle get back on the field."
Rice loved watching the aggressive Kittle doing Kittle-type things against the Cardinals. The tight end finished the game with four catches for 92 receiving yards in his first action since Week 8.
"I was watching George Kittle catch the ball, and he's looking for somebody to hit," Rice said. "He's got to seek someone out to run over or run into. So, it was great having him back on the field. With that tandem, when everybody's healthy, it's going to be exciting."
Rice was also asked to compare and contrast the 49ers' two young receiving stars — Samuel and Aiyuk.
"I think with Deebo Samuel, it's his physicality after he catches the football," Rice explained. "And Aiyuk is probably more of a guy that's going to be able to stretch the field just a little bit more. I want to see him make those more difficult catches over the middle because I think C.J. Beathard threw him one ball, it was like a dime, and he dropped it. But you go back, and you look at that film, you make that correction, and you just know next time you've got to make that catch.
"Like I said, both guys, they're a little bit different. Samuel is more physicality. I think Aiyuk is more of a stretching-the-field guy, and that's going to really bring fear to defenses."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Why 49ers legend Jerry Rice is 'fired up' about Mike Evans signing
The San Francisco 49ers made a splash on Monday, agreeing to a three-year deal with longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans. One fan of the move is Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, who believes the addition could have a major impact on his former team's... -
Report: 49ers expected to release WR Brandon Aiyuk soon
According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to release wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, which could happen as soon as today. Though the move can occur at any point after the start of the new NFL league year at 1 p.m. PT. Wagoner reports that San... -
49ers reunion with Deebo Samuel? Speculation begins to heat up
Much of the offseason conversation surrounding the San Francisco 49ers has centered on their wide receiver room—particularly the departure of Brandon Aiyuk and the uncertain future of Jauan Jennings. But another name is suddenly back in the spotlight: Deebo Samuel. With... -
Report: 49ers have interest in Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs
The San Francisco 49ers are expected to explore wide receiver options this offseason, and according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the team has interest in both Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs. San Francisco's wide receiver room could undergo significant changes this...