Niners Nation
Handing out game balls or weekly “Gold Jackets” after every 49ers game. Jauan Jennings earned one. Can you guess
For the first time in 2024, the 49ers are on a winning streak after beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday with a Jake Moody game-winning field goal as time expired. While it wasn’t pretty, the fact remains that this was a critical game for the 49ers, as evidenced by their sideline frustration. The team knew the importance of this game. The team is over .500 with a chance to gain more ground for a playoff spot with a win over Seattle next Sunday.
Each Monday we will give out two “gold jackets” to the best offensive and defensive players from Sunday. With multiple candidates weekly, “honorable mention” will praise those players who were just as impactful and deserve praise. Let’s hand out our gold jackets from Sunday’s win over the Bucs.
Offense - Jauan Jennings
Jennings’s return was overshadowed by Christian McCaffrey’s return (19 touches and over 100 total yards is impressive, by the way), but in his new role as the starting “X” receiver, Jennings led the team in receptions, including several third-down conversions and a huge play during the final drive to set up Moody.
Seven receptions for 93 yards averages out to 13.3 yards per reception. Still, Jennings is as reliable as it gets for a team desperately searching for stability at the receiver position following Brandon Aiyuk’s season-ending injury. Toss in Jennings’ run-blocking ability (69.9 PFF grade), and the 49ers were wise to bring back the former Tennessee receiver on a multi-year extension.
Honorable Mention - George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall, Dominick Puni
When the 49ers need a big play, it seems Kittle delivers in 2024. The 49ers red zone struggles continued on Sunday, but Kittle’s touchdown on a scramble drill was the highlight of the day for the offense. The other 49ers touchdown was delivered by Ricky Pearsall on a long touchdown reception from Brock Purdy. The first-year receiver is coming along nicely for the 49ers.
Dominick Puni still hasn’t allowed a sack through ten weeks. With the highest offensive grade (83.4), according to Pro Football Focus, Puni continues his stellar rookie season. The 49ers hit this draft class out of the park.
Defense - Renardo Green
Speaking of the 2024 draft class, Green has cemented his spot in the secondary. Even when Charvarius Ward returns, Green should man the opposite outside cornerback spot with Deommodore Lenoir kicking into the slot. Green was the highest-graded defender, with an 82.6 defensive grade and the highest coverage grade of 83.9.
Although the Bucs were down Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Green still was great in coverage, allowing four receptions on five targets for 27 yards with four tackles and two defensive stops. Let the rookies play!
Honorable Mention - Deommodore Lenoir
Lenoir’s price tag continues to increase with every game this season. Allowing only 21 yards on four targets, Lenoir continues to be the most reliable secondary member...
