“Unsung Hero Revealed: Meet the 49ers’ Secret Weapon Dominating the Field in 2023!”
Golden Nuggets: Who was your unsung hero of 2023 (so far)? San Francisco 49ers daily news for Saturday December 16, 2023 Vox Media may earn a commission when you purchase something from an SB Nation link.
See our ethics statement. “After redshirting as a rookie, Banks was a reliable starter in 2022. This year, he continued to establish himself as one of the team’s most reliable linemen. With Williams leading the way, Banks helped the Niners dominate at left guard. San Francisco leads the NFL in rushing yards (925) and touchdowns (13) and is third in rushing yards (6.0) against the left. Banks says his only personal goal this season was to continue building on the foundation he built last year. His understanding of the scheme and what’s required of him — there’s a lot more detail to the Niners’ game than you’d think — has only grown. Banks is focused on finishing this season strong, even if it doesn’t bring many accolades. “Purdy’s ability to master the nuances of playing the QB position may be the most important ingredient to his success. The 49ers don’t throw deep with much volume — Purdy’s 41 attempts of 20+ yards are 19th — but Shanahan certainly uses calculated downfield opportunities, which are key to maximizing the offense’s efficiency. Capitalizing on those opportunities is up to Purdy to recognize them — as he did when he took Adams and turned his attention to Samuel. “I think those are things he does very naturally,” Shanahan said Wednesday. “I think that’s a talent that Brock has that you can’t always appreciate… The way your eyes see things is a big thing. I think Brock recognizes things, the speed and levels of things and knows the hole and the defenders and what they’re supposed to be defending. “The 49ers play with a relentless focus on detail, an uncompromising pursuit of excellence and a legitimate team-based approach. Unselfish actions such as blocking the back, creating space on a precise route and closing the edge are celebrated; everything else is taken care of. by on his own.” “A lot of teams have the same words and strive for the same standard,” said cornerback Isaiah Oliver, who signed with the 49ers last spring after five seasons with the Falcons. “Here, I would just say it’s a lot more player-centered. I’ve never had a coach say I’m not going to play at a certain level because Fred (Warner) or Dre (Greenlaw) or four other players are going to do it first. ” In that sense, Shanahan and general manager John Lynch deserve a lot of credit for finding, acquiring and cultivating leaders who will help set the standard for the 49ers. Since the coach and GM took over the breakout franchise in 2017, they have brought in demanding grinders who have put football first while also performing at an exceptionally high level. All-Pro linebacker Warner, a 2018 third-round draft pick, is the perfect embodiment of the description. According to him, “We take training, matches and games very seriously and rely on preparation.” The latest acquisitions either already have that mindset — McCaffrey is Exhibit A — or are quickly adapting to it if they want to keep up. “Kinlaw has stayed healthy this season, which has allowed him to practice behind the scenes and improve his game. In the game, he’s done a much better job of playing less and creating leverage to protect running plays. The Cardinals will test Kinlaw early in Sunday’s game as Conner ran the ball on early downs. “Burks will miss several games with knee tendinitis. Burks will start in the starting pack for the 49ers and is one of the most important players on special teams. Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles will likely play in place of Burks. His success with the long ball is not magically due to a bionic arm. Rather, it reflects his increased understanding and comfort with the 49ers offense in his second season. “I feel like I’ve always been effective in the rushing game and the passing game,” Purdy said. “But when it comes to pushing the ball down the court, it’s just understanding what we’re trying to do offensively when we get those opportunities. Being aggressive and letting it rip. In all my years of football, this is probably the best ball in terms of downforce and efficiency in this area. Don’t just throw up hoping someone catches it.”
