49ers film room: Breaking down Emmanuel Sanders offensive impact

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49ers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders 2019 NFL trade deadline

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 27: Emmanuel Sanders #17 and Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after Sanders caught a touchdown pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Influence

This is the most hidden ability a wide receiver has. The ability to command a cornerback like Patrick Peterson, or shift coverages, or alter formations. The best wide receivers in the game make an impact every play because they make it easier for everyone else on the field.

Emmanuel Sanders isn’t in that top echelon of receivers, but his impact is undeniable.

Look no further than this touchdown pass from Jimmy Garoppolo to Dante Pettis:

https://twitter.com/49ers/status/1190094655410458624

From my eye, it looks to be a bench inverse, where the inside receiver runs an intermediate out while the outside receiver runs a corner-route. Although it’s hard to tell from this angle, Patrick Peterson, matched up on Pettis from this play, is held shallow by Sanders.

Because of this, Pettis has a quick break to the corner, allowing Garoppolo to make that throw. It all happened because Peterson respected Sanders enough.

Next. How 49ers can mitigate loss of linebacker Kwon Alexander. dark

This is the impact of a veteran receiver like Sanders. These clips are only a small glimpse of how he’s elevated this passing attack.