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5 lessons 49ers can learn from Patriots, Eagles’ Super Bowl run

By Logan Stanley

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Head Coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates a 38-7 win against the Minnesota Vikings after their NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Head Coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates a 38-7 win against the Minnesota Vikings after their NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 21: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots wamrs up before the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 21: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots wamrs up before the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

No. 4: A top tight end matters

One significant similarity the two teams both have is the presence of a dominant tight end. New England has one of the best tight ends in NFL history in Rob Gronkowski.

Health has always been an issue with Gronkowski, having just recently suffered a concussion against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but there is no denying the Hall of Fame ability of the eight-year veteran.

A main facet of the Patriots’ offensive success is due to the Gronkowski, whose sheer existence strikes fear into opposing defenses.

Philadelphia has a stud of their own at the position too, with Zach Ertz. The tight end missed two games this season, and still had one of his best years as a member of the Eagles.

Ertz had 74 receptions for 824 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games, doubling his career-high in touchdowns. Both of these players are difference makers, providing a tool to the offense that can be utilized in an impactful way.

San Francisco already has George Kittle, and the rookie posted a stat line (43 receptions for 515 yards) that no other tight end drafted after the fifth round or later has in NFL history in their debut season. There is also Garret Celek, who thrived with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo under center.

But that is not enough. The 49ers getting another tight end would be a smart move, to pair with Kittle to create a two-headed attack.

There are some big names on the market, like Jimmy Graham and Tyler Eifert. Both carry high reward, but also risk due to injury history. San Francisco could also take fliers on Trey Burton or Austin Seferian-Jenkins.