San Francisco 49ers: 3 Standouts from Week 9 vs. Raiders
George Kittle
George Kittle made things much more comfortable for Mullens with another exceptional display in a breakout year. The highlight was a stunning one-handed grab on an under-pressure throw over the middle from Mullens that he took 71 yards downfield, not even breaking stride as he surged deep into Raiders territory.
He scored the Niners’ third touchdown two plays later, and his 692 yards puts him well on pace to become the first 49er tight end to surpass 1,000. Not bad for a fifth-round pick many saw as just a blocking tight end.
Dekoda Watson
Watson made a huge impact in his first game of the season after being activated from injured reserve, providing a spark to pass rush that decimated the Raiders offensive line. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Watson had six pressures of Derek Carr in just 13 pass rushes. PFF had him with four hurries and Watson was officially credited with 1.5 sacks.
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It was the kind of dynamic performance off the edge that the Niners have lacked all season and it fortunately came at the same time as a similar display from Cassius Marsh, who had his best game of the season and registered 2.5 sacks. If they can be that disruptive the rest of the way, the Niners will have a good chance of finishing strong.
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