49ers’ 5 most important offensive players in 2019
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Tight End George Kittle
While Tevin Coleman might have some star power, George Kittle definitely has it.
This, after setting the NFL record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season a year ago. Kittle’s first Pro Bowl was well deserved, and there’s a good argument he should have been named a first-team All-Pro.
But all that is in the past now, and what matters is how Kittle impacts the offense in 2019 and beyond.
As noted earlier, defenses are going to look at Kittle as the primary offensive threat the 49ers have through the air.
In some ways, this serves to benefit both Kittle and the rest of San Francisco’s offense. It means he’s going to be capable of making the key contributions in clutch situations, while also freeing up his fellow teammates to make plays while he’s being covered.
That’s an important role, too. While it’s highly likely Kittle doesn’t replicate the record-setting numbers from a year ago, his presence on the field is no less crucial to what the team will need to do to find some success.
Putting it bluntly, Kittle remains exceptionally vital even if he’s not hauling in passes like crazy this season.