The San Francisco 49ers, who will be appearing in their fourth NFC Championship Game in the last five seasons this Sunday, have the look of a team that could be destined for the Super Bowl championship in a couple of weeks.
One reason why is the unselfishness of their key players, which includes the willingness of their skill players to provide effective blocking for their teammates, even when they aren’t getting the ball much.
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings only had 19 catches for 265 yards during the regular season, but he still plays a big role in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
In fact, Shanahan, per 95.7 The Game, said Jennings is “probably” the most intense run-blocking receiver he has ever worked with.
Kyle Shanahan said Jauan Jennings is “probably” the most intense run-blocking receiver he’s ever coached:
“What he did taking that guy into the Gatorade, it’s what he does every play out at practice.
Our defense tried to fight him all last year because they thought he was… pic.twitter.com/EwgJ6x2eNw
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) January 24, 2024
Last Saturday in the divisional round of the playoffs versus the Green Bay Packers, the Niners faced adversity when wide receiver Deebo Samuel left the game in the first half with a shoulder injury and didn’t return.
Without him, someone needed to step up offensively, and Jennings did so with five catches for 61 yards in their 24-21 victory.
But his greatest value is likely his blocking, which has allowed All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey to run for an NFL-high 1,459 yards, plus 14 touchdowns in the regular season.
Against Green Bay, McCaffrey had 98 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, including the go-ahead score with just over a minute left.
The 49ers will host the Detroit Lions on Sunday in the NFC title game with a spot in Super Bowl LVIII at stake, and with Samuel’s status in question, they may need Jennings to play his best once again.
NEXT:
Analyst Shares Latest Deebo Samuel Injury Update
