Niners Nation
Sunday’s performance in Houston didn’t leave many players to choose from as bounce-back candidates. As the defensive line failed to generate a pass rush against the much-maligned Texans’ offensive line, the defense struggled to get off the field on third down, allowing Houston to dominate time of possession. The offense was barely on the field, but I think I was able to find two players who bounced back on Sunday. The silver lining is that Sunday against the Giants will give us plenty of options to select a bounce-back player.
Offense: George Kittle
Calling Kittle a bounce-back player seems odd, given his contributions to the dominating run performance against Atlanta on Sunday Night Football. However, the former All-Pro was shut out from the box score with zero catches. It was the first time in Kittle’s career without a reception. Kittle did apologize to fantasy managers for his disappearance, but his impact was felt outside of the box score.
National Tight Ends Day was the easiest call for a bounce-back from the holiday’s founder. While Kittle recorded a modest 43 yards on four catches, it was the touchdown before the half that was vintage Kittle. In between a sea of Texans jerseys, the tight end brought Mac Jones’ end zone target in to breathe some life into the 49ers offense.
It wasn’t easy finding an offensive player who bounced back, but the all-world tight end did on Sunday.
Defense: Renardo Green
On Sunday Night Football, Green left with an injury after 18 snaps. Green was active on Sunday and finished with four defensive stops and allowed just 12 yards on two catches. Being on the field for 80 snaps is far from ideal, but the second-year cornerback finished with his highest coverage grade on the season at 73.4.
It was a rough day for the 49ers’ defense, but the secondary finally notched an interception, thanks to Deommodore Lenoir. The secondary issues felt more like an issue with safety play and the young nickel corner, Upton Stout. Green bounced back and showed some of the form he flashed in his rookie season.
If the 49ers are unable to generate a consistent pass rush, it will be up to the cornerbacks to take away passing lanes in coverage. Although you don’t want your cornerback to finish with eight tackles on the day, Green finished with a season-high tackling (81.2) and defensive grade (69.8).
