49ers vs. Packers: 4 Niners who must be on point in Week 3
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers Tight End George Kittle
All-Pro tight end George Kittle has had a relatively quiet start to his 2021 campaign, at least as far as receiving impact has gone.
To date, Kittle has just 95 receiving yards on eight receptions. And while his lowly 17 receiving yards on four catches in Week 2 had a lot to do with a good Philadelphia defense, it’s more than safe to assume Kittle needs to be a bigger part of the Niners’ offensive game plan to match whatever the Packers will try to do.
If there’s good news, though, Kittle has had some notable success against the Packers. In two regular-season games, Kittle has 10 receptions for 159 yards and a touchdown.
Last weekend, Green Bay allowed Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson 66 yards on eight catches with a touchdown, and it’s also given up three touchdowns to tight ends this season, which is tied for most in the NFL so far.
In prime-time games, particularly in bouts projected to be offensive affairs, star players need to shine the brightest.
For San Francisco, Kittle remains its top offensive weapon and will need to have his breakout game of 2021 in Week 3.