SF 49ers: 5 things that made Brandon Aiyuk so special in Week 3

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) against New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97). Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Brandon Aiyuk did not look like a rookie in Week 3 vs. the Giants

Yes, OK it was only the Giants. But Brandon Aiyuk was getting wide open.

Another key route in the Kyle Shanahan system is the 10-yard dig route. Just like the slant, Deebo Samuel developed into a specialist at running this route off of play action. Normally the SF 49ers will only run this route off of play action when the quarterback is in the shotgun.

On 1st-and-10 on the Niners 49-yard line, with just over six minutes left in the third quarter, Aiyuk was split out to the left. Tight end Ross Dwelley motioned from the left side of the offensive line to the right, with running back Jerick McKinnon to the left of Nick Mullens.

Mullens received the snap, faked the handoff to McKinnon, which forced the Giants linebackers to get drawn up.

Aiyuk got into the cornerback’s cushion, causing the cornerback to backpedal further, threatened by Aiyuk’s speed, before rounding his route inside. As a result, Aiyuk was wide open between four defenders but wasn’t not fazed.

Aiyuk secured the catch for a 19-yard gain, moving the sticks again.