SF 49ers: 3 biggest unsung heroes from Week 7 win vs. Patriots

The SF 49ers pulled off a lopsided 33-6 win over the Patriots, and these three less-heralded players deserve a lot of credit for the outcome.

The SF 49ers essentially ended the New England Patriots’ 2020 campaign with the 33-6 Week 7 drubbing of head coach Bill Belichick’s squad at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s group dominated the Pats in all phases: offense, defense and on special teams, and the Niners were essentially off to the rout by halftime. The biggest focus leading into the game, of course, was quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo returning to face off against his former employer and head coach. And a little less was directed at tight end George Kittle, if for no other reason than it was National Tight End Day.

Both Garoppolo and Kittle had their moments, yes. But the show belonged to No. 4 running back Jeff Wilson, whose 112 rush yards on 17 carries and three touchdowns carried the offensive load for San Francisco.

Unfortunately, Wilson was lost to an ankle injury early in the second half. Yet that didn’t change the level of his impact.

It’s fair to highlight those names. But the SF 49ers’ dominance in New England went far beyond the names of Garoppolo, Kittle, Wilson or wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who happened to record his first 100-yard game of his career.

Instead, let’s look at some of the unsung heroes from the Niners’ collective effort in Week 7. What makes some of these players’ performances more special is just how banged up the team has been this season, thrusting a number of less-known players into prominent roles.

Thankfully, these three players thrived against the Pats even if they won’t receive as much attention as they deserve.