San Francisco 49ers: Ranking 5 most important offensive players in 2020
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: 49ers Fullback Kyle Juszczyk
From a statistical vantage point, fullback Kyle Juszczyk looks the part of a good No. 2 tight end on a powerful offense.
Yet anyone who watches the film or contrasts the difference between the times Juszczyk is on the field compared to those who aren’t, it’s not hard to see the massive difference.
San Francisco experienced this firsthand last season due to Juszczyk missing four regular-season games because of injury. And as Fourth and Nine’s Akash Anavarathan pointed out, the differences in the Niners’ rushing attack was noticeably different:
Why the #49ers should extend Kyle Juszczyk next:
— Akash Anavarathan (@akashanav) June 21, 2020
With Juszczyk (Weeks 1-5, 10-17):
51% success rate rushing (8th)
Without Juszczyk (Weeks 6-9):
41% success rate rushing (22nd)
When he's inserted into the lineup, the rushing attack goes from average to very good.
Kyle Shanahan experimented with other lead blockers, namely backup tight end Ross Dwelley, albeit with only so-so results. And based on the above numbers, it’s pretty clear a run-first team operating Shanahan’s offense needs a player like Juszczyk on the field as much as possible.
Interestingly enough, Juszczyk is entering a contract year in 2020, which opens up a slew of other questions beyond this season.
For now, however, he’s vital to the 49ers’ rushing attack, which is the staple of Shanahan’s offense.