49ers vs. Lions: 4 matchups that determine who wins Week 1
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw vs. Lions TE T.J. Hockenson
One of those few weapons at Jared Goff’s disposal will be Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson, who’ll look to have a George Kittle-like campaign as he tries to get some bragging rights against his former teammate from Iowa.
While Kittle should be expected to have a sizable impact during the game, the 49ers may want to employ a strategy taking away the Lions’ top receiving threat, Hockenson, and it’ll be a job frequently left to third-year linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
After an impressive rookie season in 2019, Greenlaw suffered a bit of regression last year and will look to bounce back in a big way in 2021.
Not a bad one-on-one matchup to measure Greenlaw’s progress, right?
Hockenson picked up 723 receiving yards on 67 receptions with six touchdowns last season, although one can fairly wonder just how much those numbers might be affected by Goff’s presence.
Greenlaw will have help, yes. But with the Niners’ four-man pass rush looking to do as much as possible, Greenlaw will be freed up to maintain some sticky pass coverage against Hockenson.
If Hockenson is one Lions player who could take over the game, Greenlaw being equal to the task of limiting the tight end will be necessary for a San Francisco victory.