Ranking the 49ers 10 biggest disappointments of 2019
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: Wide Receiver Dante Pettis
Wide receiver Dante Pettis has also dealt with injuries this season, although he doesn’t fall on this list for that reason.
No, Pettis has emerged as the biggest 49ers disappointment of 2019 for other reasons.
San Francisco 49ers
Late in 2018 over his last five games, Pettis was showing numbers indicative of a true No. 1 receiving target, or at the very least, suggestive of a very reliable complementary option within the passing game.
But Pettis then endured a notable drop off during training camp, which was well documented. Kyle Shanahan voiced his displeasure with Pettis, and the second-year pro’s role was made even more questionable with the ascent of the rookie, Deebo Samuel. Tack on Emmanuel Sanders’ addition, and Pettis has also been relegated to an afterthought.
To date, Pettis has just 11 receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns. More concerning is the fact he’s appeared on just 35 percent of offensive snaps this season.
This is concerning for a player the 49ers traded up to No. 44 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft to get. And while the door on Pettis’ role and contributions in San Francisco is far from closed, it’s clear he has a long way to go to get back in Shanahan’s good graces.
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At least all one needs to do to make these disappointments more digestible is to look at the 11-2 record, which helps cover up most of the worries completely.