Eagles vs. SF 49ers: 3 players who should see more snaps in Week 4
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: SF 49ers Defensive Tackle Kevin Givens
Second-year defensive tackle Kevin Givens needs to play more.
Sure, he’s already seeing a notable uptick in field time, thanks largely to the slew of injuries the SF 49ers have dealt with along their defensive line this season. To date, he’s already seen 44 percent of the team’s defensive snaps, up considerably from just the 10 snaps he saw during the regular season a year ago.
More from Niner Noise
- Predicting 49ers NFL Draft picks by looking at final mocks
- DraftKings NFL Draft Promo – Win $150 Guaranteed on Any $5 Bet
- 2023 NFL Draft: EDGE Byron Young could be impact player for 49ers
- 5 low-key NFL Draft options for 49ers who are flying under the radar
- Updated 49ers salary cap space ahead of 2023 NFL Draft
During his stretch this year, however, Givens has proven to be an excellent run stopper, boasting an impressive 68.8 run-stopping grade by Pro Football Focus, second best on the defensive line through three weeks. Yet he’s also flashed some pass-rushing prowess from the interior, too, recording three pressures in part-time duty, and that number is tied for fourth best on the defense.
What makes Givens more enticing to watch in Week 4, though, is the fact Philadelphia is going to be awfully shorthanded at wide receiver, missing Alshon Jeffery (foot) and DeSean Jackson (hamstring), putting more pressure on the Eagles to get their run game going. And when it isn’t, Carson Wentz will have a much tougher time relying on third-rate wide receivers to gain separation from Niners defensive backs.
That’s an opportunity for Givens to showcase his value, both in the immediate future and potentially over the long run.
dark. Next. 5 Niners backups who'll be starters by end of 2020
The SF 49ers and Eagles kick off their Week 4 Sunday Night Football matchup on Oct. 4 at 8:20 p.m. ET.