That Purdy play wasnt the only one like that. As such, White could be a natural fit as a potential backup and eventual third-string option for the 49ers. I have nothing but respect for the way the 49ers operate, so dont take this wrong. Horrible job of preparing him for that game. There were several other times he had a single tight end blocking Hassan Reddick. February 1, 2023 at 8:29 pm. Purdy immediately led the Niners on a 54-yard scoring drive, capped with a touchdown pass to Kyle Juszczyk, and then added another 76-yard touchdown drive just before the half - this one ended with a scoring strike to Christian McCaffrey - to give San Francisco a lead they would not relinquish. NFL Predictions | Bengals or Chiefs to reach Super Bowl LVII? As a result, San Francisco kept Garoppolo. Why? Teams can. San Francisco QB depth chart behind Jimmy Garoppolo, Predictions for AFC, NFC championship games, How the 49ers almost traded for Ben Roethlisberger in 2009, Why the 49ers will advance to play in Super Bowl 56. 12 XLIXLIXLI Patriots 4 yr. ago 4th string before camp cuts too 4 ReallyFnCleverName Chiefs 4 yr. ago He is also much more raw, having started just 17 games at the FCS level during his college days. Any team CAN dress a 3rd QB but 99% of the time its a waste, so few teams do it, unless the QB is a gadget player too. After all, remember that SF was starting QB3, with QB4 as a back-up. January 1, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Sudfeld, 28, is a former sixth-round pick of the Washington Football Team in 2017. He had a three-year run as a starter with Minnesota, Denver and Washington but has since been the top backup in Cleveland and Buffalo. Manage your settings. Lance often asks for feedback on the field from the head coach in addition to the guidance he receives in team meetings. Just before the first day of 49ers training camp, head coach Kyle Shanahan made it clear who would be starting under center as the team enters the new season. If you look at the notes you took last time, it's the same thing.". Normally, that would be a good thing for a team, but the 49ers are already very young at quarterback. Flip through todays papers. Whats the harm in having an athletic QB on the roster who could play special teams or WR/DB in a pinch? Matt Ryan 2. Will that happen during the 2022 NFL playoffs? Which is somehow okay now. WebIn this video, we'll take a look at the 49ers Backup Quarterback options list. Same system, coincidence? Since the draft moved to seven rounds in 1994, no quarterback selected in the final round had ever so much as started a playoff game as a rookie, let alone win a pair of them - and play so impressively doing so. If the 49ers were smart theyd have dressed three. Active players are listed in bold.. I mentioned before that Ive done some coaching. If you break down the film of Shanahans offense you find that he relies more on one-on-one protection than any other NFL team. It wasn't sharp early on - he left some plays on the field.". Even with a slightly sore foot he could have done more than Purdy out there with his arm like linguini. He completed a career-best 66.7 percent of his passes and totaled 2,871 yards, 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 14 starts. That's certainly a sensible move. Doh! Seriously, just dont dress that 53rd guy on your roster. Because in the wings, his young backup lurks and should soon be ready to take on the starting job. Subscribe. Jimmy G is usually an accurate passer but he sometimes struggles with turnovers, and interceptions in particular. You just know this would somehow negatively the NFLs bottom line. The "irrelevant" rookie proved to be a late-round gem and helped guide San Francisco to the NFC championship game. Those released were: kicker Shane Andrus, linebacker Mike Balogun, quarterback Jarrett Brown, fullback Jehuu Caulcrick, tight end Tony Curtis, linebacker Bruce Davis, guard Brian de la Puente, tight end Joe Jon Finley, receivers Bobby Guillory, Jason Hill and Kevin Jurovich, tackle Matt Kopa, linebacker Keaton Kristick, safety Chris Maragos, fullback Brit Miller, defensive tackle Khalif Mitchell, cornerback Karl Paymah, Robinson, defensive tackles Will Tukuafu and Derek Walker, center Cody Wallace and linebacker Matt Wilhelm. They just played in a Championship game and threw one pass in the second half because they had no quarterbacks healthy enough. Learn how your comment data is processed. Really dumb not to have enough players at the most important position in the game. Purdy also added 365 carries for 1,117 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground as a Cyclone. You must be logged in to leave a comment. The issue is ensuring, as much as possible, that teams have enough quarterbacks to finish the game. Lance took full advantage of the opportunities he was presented with, and each week he was tasked with simulating the team's opposing quarterback for the 49ers defense during practices. The final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy had an exceptional rookie season. Each week, 49ers.com has been diving into each position group as we get closer to the season. The 49ers would probably be glad to land Keenum as well. "The guy has a nice arm. The 49ers had a lot of reason for optimism at the quarterback position thanks to Brock Purdy's late-season surge. Nonetheless, don't be surprised if you see the name Trey Lance trending on Twitter should Garoppolo struggle or throw another tough interception. Updated Oct 11, 2021 at 9:58pm Getty Jimmy Garoppolo #10 and Trey Lance #5 of the San Francisco 49ers. Shanahan will never admit he needs to change things and take at least some responsibility for his QBs safety. He may only have a record of 29-35 as a starter, but he put together an 11-3 record with the Vikings in 2017 and won each of his two starts with the Browns in 2021. "It was very difficult. It's easy to imagine that he would be. "The ultimate conclusions really comes down to a guy, he's working at it," Singletary said. Webhow to respond to angry text from ex; 11225 estia drive bradenton, fl 34211; secluded romantic getaways in texas; jermaine hopkins net worth 2021; jordan gross fruitland, idaho On this day, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos 55-10 in Super Bowl XXIV. Obviously, the leaders in this locker room are guys that inspire me every day.". If the salary cap stayed the same, it wouldnt cost the owners any more money. Why isn't Jimmy Garoppolo among them? Teams have expressed two objections: New Customer Offer (if applicable). Purdy was injured largely because Shanny was too arrogant to gameplan for an overpowering Iggles D Line. Besides Aaron Rodgers I mean. He also ran for 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns. The only blame to go around is onto the 49ers GM. NFL=WWE. He set several records including total touchdowns (100), and career pass attempts and competitions. That became a blessing in disguise when Lance went down with a Week 2 leg injury, as Garoppolo helped steady the ship and kept the 49ers in the postseason race. Whats next, complain the opposing team had a faster or stronger player and should be slowed down? Perhaps 53-54 players. "I'm so appreciative of what he did for us last year. The Bucs did not opt to move the pocket passer onto their roster to stop the 49ers from adding him to theirs. After a fantastic season from third-string QB Brock Purdy, Yahoo Sports Scott Pianowski and Frank Schwab discuss who could be under center in San Francisco But he exploded into life in the second half, truly announcing himself on the world stage, going 9-of-11 for 185 yards, with two further scoring strikes and a rushing TD as San Francisco romped to a massive 41-23 victory in the end. BUT if they dont get open the QB is open to big hits. February 1, 2023 at 11:25 pm, What does an arbitrary limit of 46 provide? Next time dont ask your backup TE to block a premier pass rusher like Reddick. It wouldnt matter if they had a third QB to back up Josh Johnson, presumably a lesser quarterback than he. Sudfeld signed with the 49ers as a free agent in April last year. Hes made history as the first 49ers rookie quarterback to start and win a playoff game. And even if Lance is fully healthy, the 49ers will need another quarterback on the roster to serve as depth behind him. He has only started two games in the last three years and he threw just seven passes for the Bills last season. As Lance prepares for his first season as an NFL starter, he has the advantage of going up against one of the league's best defenses day in and day out. Brandon Cottom: 5 Things To Know About The Football Player On Season 44 Of Survivor, Click to Subscribe to Get Our Free HollywoodLife Daily Newsletter, Brock Purdy: 5 Things To Know About 49ers QB Whos Been Starting After Jimmy Garoppolos Injury, Brandon Cottom: 5 Things To Know About The Football Player On Season 44 Of Survivor, Beautiful Nature-Inspired Baby Names Used By Celebrity Parents, Did Vanderpump Rules Tom Cheated on Ariana With Raquel? GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) The San Francisco 49ers limped into Saturdays game with no more playoff hopes and a group that included third-string quarterback C.J. Anyone who thinks its coincidence is a homer. It's the same thing I talked about last time. Youre always trying to develop these guys, but youre always weighing that carrying three as opposed to the roster value of being able to host a full complement of position players at different positions, so I think if the league just kind of gave you an out there, everybody would be forced to do it. The answer is simple; he's injury-prone. February 1, 2023 at 8:25 pm There is no doubt that the San Francisco 49ers will look to acquire a veteran quarterback this offseason, adding some depth behind third-year passer Trey Lance and Garoppolo boasts a 31-14 record as a starter with San Francisco, leading his team to two NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl appearance. After taking over from Jimmy Garoppolo as the 49ers quarterback, he's led them on a stunning win streak, San Francisco 49ers rookie quarterback Brock Purdy celebrates after winning his playoff debut last weekend, A look at San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's best plays from his debut playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had a wholesome reaction to LeBron James shouting him out on Twitter after a stellar debut playoff performance, Highlights of the Dallas Cowboys against the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. However, he suffered a UCL injury during that contest. But the rule ended in 2011 because, in lieu of allowing a 46th player to be an emergency quarterback, the league allowed all teams to have 46 players in uniform. However, he has been with the 49ers since 2017 and has posted a 31-14 record as their starter. And why wouldnt it? That is NOT normal, and NOT a fluke. Nervous. Rosen, the 10th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has struggled in training camp for the 49ers, with his poor play inducing a blunt assessment from 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan. Sporting immortality awaits for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. All promotions are subject to eligibility requirements. Even that Dallas kicker made one eventually. T February 1, 2023 at 8:23 pm How about a breakdown of snap counts to show how dumb teams are in not properly assembling rosters. Broadcast and streaming information for the San Francisco 49ers Divisional Round matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. He has thrown two during the 2022 NFL playoffs with no touchdowns. And I like the idea of teams having the opportunity to add a Taysom Hill, Kordell Stewart, Randel El guy. Both of his siblings are also athletes. I think hes taken a couple of steps back the last few practices. The way 49ers Yet, his most important role took place behind the scenes, on the scout team. I wouldnt use the term Glass with any of these QBs under these circumstances. He led the Saints to a 6-8 record in his starts despite having a dearth of receiving weapons at his disposal. February 1, 2023 at 10:32 pm Perhaps a cool market for Garoppolo, who is coming off a broken foot, could change Lynch's tune. Odds & lines subject to change. Lance ended up being the choice. The teams have plenty of spots to dress 3 quarterbacks if they want. 49ers QB options, ranked (Getty Images) 1. Meanwhile, Minshew might like to sign with a team where he might have a chance to compete for a starting job. If he stayed in the game, the Eagles wouldve won by 40! Could have activated Jimmy. Even if San Francisco's defense plays great, the Eagles are still going to score at least 20 points on offense.". Tramaine Brock, a third-string cornerback who picked off Jonathan Crompton's pass with 48 seconds left Thursday, made the team. The NFL playoffs continue this weekend with Championship Sunday. Then rookie Brock Purdy, the last player picked in the 2022 draft, took over the offense. Yeah, I definitely would be in favor of it, Shanahan said. See our ethics statement. "They felt like they were better than the Cowboys and, as long as Micah Parsons or DeMarcus Lawrence didn't get a strip-sack fumble of Purdy, they knew they could win the game. Brock was the Mr. With the way the NFL checks for QBs and concussions, it would be great to have that third guy. It stands to reason that he could thrive in a similar situation with the 49ers, who have a better overall roster and defense than what Brissett worked with in Cleveland. 4 of the 6 years shanahan has been coach we have started our 3rd string quarterback at least 5 games. Sure, you could pad the roster with unprepared, undeveloped practice squad guys, but is that really better? mh09 says: Garoppolo, who had taken the team all the way to the Super Bowl in 2019, was seen to be too conservative, too limited as a playmaker. Signed off the Denver Broncos practice squad on Dec. 4, the same day Garoppolo was injured in a win over the Miami Dolphins, Johnson is a 36-year-old former fifth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who had three previous stints with the 49ers. The 49ers did open their season with 3 QBs on their roster, not necessarily their active roster. February 2, 2023 at 7:52 am Analytics say to go on 4th downs on certain spots. Is there a bigger choker than Shanahan? Josh Johnson is the 49ers backup quarterback against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship. Will someone just stop with the rule change nonsense. On draft night in 2018, Rosen proclaimed that the players selected in front of him were nine mistakes. As a rookie with the Cardinals, Rosen underwhelmed, tossing 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. For me, I believe in the Lord, and I trust in Him, the athlete said. Michigan State Spartans Spring Football Game: Date, Time, TV Channel. Purdy tore his ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow during the NFC Championship Game against the Eagles but has been unable to undergo surgery due to swelling around the injury. Put the ball in the hands of your most talented guys, SF! Youll see how much they really care that quick. Who helped themselves and who took a misstep on the second day of workouts at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine? Third-string quarterback Brock Purdy threw for three touchdowns and scored one rushing touchdown, AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WA, WV, or WY. He only comes in when both QBs cannot continue. Allow all 50-53 to play. WebRT @PTulini: I don't want to hear anything about "win now mode" when the #49ers just had a 3rd string rookie quarterback lead them into the playoffs. John Lynch were asked whether theyd support such a move. Our BetMGM editors and authors are sports experts with a wealth of knowledge of the sports industry at all levels. He had a lone showcase game in 2020 the FCS moved its season to the spring of 2021 because of the COVID pandemic but his tape, which showcased his athleticism, arm strength and mobilitywas enough to make him a top-five pick. 4 of the 6 years shanahan has been coach we have started our 3rd string quarterback at least 5 games. 2018- Jimmy (3), Beathard (5), Mullens (8) Brock Purdy went from a third-string quarterback to an NFL superstar all in his rookie season. So What ? "I've been excited, I've been prepared, I've been preparing to play since the day I got here," Lance said. However, the 49ers hope Purdy can buck those trends. WebGo to 49ers r/49ers Posted by LatestLurkingHandle. Brock has lead the 49ers to victory after victory and they have their sights set on reaching Super Bowl LVII. Purdy was initially scheduled to have surgery last month, but the procedure was delayed due to ongoing swelling.. His career .702 winning percentage as a starting QB is the fourth-highest among active NFL quarterbacks. Robinson's departure was among the surprising moves. All unquestionable superstars at their respective positions. Potter's 600m problem, Klopp: Liverpool vs Manchester United is 'the derby', 'KSI would KO Jake Paul and Tommy Fury' | Coach predicts 100m fight, F1 is back for 2023: When to watch Bahrain GP live on Sky Sports F1, Brock Purdy: San Francisco 49ers' unflappable rookie quarterback looking to make Super Bowl history, NFL playoffs schedule | How and where to watch Championship Sunday. San Francisco signed him during the 2021 offseason to be the team's third-string quarterback and he currently resides on the 49ers' practice squad. he 49ers' third-string quarterback Brock Purdy stepped into the starting lineup against the Miami Dolphins after Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a broken foot that ended his 2022 NFL season. The Eagles' top backup has completed 62.8 percent of his career passes for 6,632 yards, 44 touchdowns and just 15 interceptions. Here's a breakdown of the best options available to them on the free agent market. WebWho should the #49ers consider signing as the 3rd string quarterback from this list? This is all on John and Kyle, they knew the risk. Brock played college football at Iowa State University from 2018 to 2021. With the new concussion protocol a team should have three quarterbacks on hand. With both Brock Purdy and Josh Johnson going down with injuries, the 49ers were forced to employ running back Christian McCaffrey at quarterback. Everybody commenting like they are adding some keen insight when you are just reiterating what Florio clearly stated??? He ended his time playing with the Cyclones as a three-time All-Big-12 quarterback. San Francisco would give him an opportunity to do that. SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Nate Davis is receiving a chance to keep That argument should be thrown out. That said, general manager John Lynch explained at the 2023 NFL Combine that the team is exploring insurance options at the position. Who determines how the invite list for the NFL Scouting Combine? It appears the swelling in the Purdys elbow has gone down enough to undergo surgery. WebThird Fourth; WR: Brandon Aiyuk: Ray-Ray McCloud III: Danny Gray: LT: Trent Williams: Colton McKivitz: LG: Aaron Banks: C: Jake Brendel: Daniel Brunskill: RG: Spencer NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! Like everyone else that is commenting on this article, this was due to bad game plan not a reason to change the rules. 1. Carson Wentz 4. The Chiefs got pretty thin at WR on Sunday, lets start allowing teams to carry extra WRs too. He has played in four NFL games, all from 2017 through 2020 with the Eagles, and has completed 67.6 percent of his passes for 188 yards, a touchdown and an interception. MORE: NFL cap casualty cuts tracker for the 2023 offseason. Look in the mirror to see who lost that game, Shanahan. He skipped the 2021 season amid a dispute with the Texans and was suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 campaign due to allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. "He missed his very first throw, and he had a potential touchdown to Brandon Aiyuk where he was definitely late with the football. Stop being so flexible with the rules its the professional sport, unless it is necessary you shouldnt be messing with the game. After being the last pick in the 2022 Draft, Brock joined the San Francisco 49ers as the third-string quarterback. He was able to return to action for three must-win 49ers games, but between that and a shoulder problem that landed him on the injury report last week, he may not be quite 100 percent for the rest of the NFL season. Promotional offers not available in Nevada and New York. "I learned a lot on scout team," Lance said. He uses very few doubles or chips from backs, etc., choosing instead to emphasize maximum receivers in the pattern. It would likely lead to either a similar game plan that that the 49ers followed with running the ball, or worsethe 3rd quarterback being a liability with sacks, turnovers and false start penalties (e.g. Purdy, taken with the very last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft to see him earn the back-handed crown of 'Mr. Jimmy G was ready but Shanny left him off the team and had for a backup Josh Johnson? Everything Ive heard is that hes a great teammate and respected by teams, which is why teams keep hiring him even though he is 36 and has played less than the equivalent of one full season in his career. They should bring it back, especially with concussions rules that can very quickly rule a guy out. 3 pick from the No. Still, the larger point is that Brissett was an excellent fill-in for the Browns. These are not words that could be levelled at the rookie QB sensation this season - that is, until the first half of his playoff debut against the Seahawks. Previous Installments:Rookies|Free Agents|Coaches|Tight Ends|Defensive Line|Cornerbacks|Linebackers|Running Backs|Offensive Line|Defensive Backs, Safeties|Specialists | Wide Receivers. Who exactly could the 49ers target? He is a good play caller but his play designs leave his quarterbacks out to dry, 2017- Hoyer (5), Beathard (6), Jimmy (5) But Brock has been thrust into the starting role in his rookie season after Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo were injured, and his performance has been blowing everyone away. Lets not change the rule books over one teams misfortunes for one season . Russell Wilson is butting heads with the Seahawks again, Daniel Jones needs to see big picture in Giants negotiations, Red-hot Jon Rahm no match for wind-swept Bay Hill: 'F--king hard', The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast, The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, Amazin' But True: A NY Mets Baseball Podcast, Gangs All Here: A NY Jets Football Podcast, Kellyanne Conway and George Conway to divorce, Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave. Yes. Coaches wouldnt use the extra active spots to rest players or maintain a suitable reserve capability, but to create even more highly specialized packages, sub-packages, and sub-sub-packages for defense, gadget players for offense, and super-specialists for situation downs. The league would want 18 games in return for an expanded playoff roster. Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo were both lost for the season because of injuries. A group of UK Faithful traveled overseas to get a behind-the-scenes tour and experience a 49ers win at Levi's Stadium. There will be no greater test to this rookie quarterback's credentials. WebTom Brady was the Patriots 3rd string QB in 2000. "I want a guy who fits the identity of our football team," said Singletary, who expects to have a playoff team this season. San Francisco selected Lance out of North Dakota State with the No. Some have been clamoring for Jimmy G to be replaced as the starter anyway. Besides Aaron Rodgers I mean. He entered the game in the first quarter after an injury to Brock Purdy, who eventually returned in the third quarter. Sudfeld is best known for replacing Jalen Hurts in Week 17 of the 2020 NFL season in a game that the Giants needed the Eagles to win to make the playoffs. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Marcus Mariota 3. Fact of the matter is that BOTH Brock Purdy and Josh Johnson were completely healthy going into the NFCCG. and 14 TDs on 169 carries. That said, the 12-year veteran may be happy to prioritize winning at this point in his career. 46 players isnt that many when you account for how often teams substitute and special teams. and 28 TDs, while also rushing for 1,100 yds. Its a teams choice not use 3 of the 46 uniformed players for the QB room. second- and third-string units during OTAs and minicamps, and thats assuming Purdy 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is expected to have elbow surgery next week, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the situation who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about it, Howe wrote. WebSan Francisco 49ers Starting Quarterbacks. Purdy's ascent to this position has been nothing short of remarkable. "We won a lot of football games with Jimmy. He became one of six quarterbacks in the Super Bowl era to win at least 20 of his first 25 starts. They would have still been blown out. And teams will dress only 2 QBs again. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 3rd QB suits up for the game. 3 quarterback role behind presumed starter Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie Trey Lance. You know what would be great. ______________________________________________________________________________________. Obviously, former 49ers first-round pick Trey Lance would currently start in Purdys place, but theres an entire offseason for San Francisco to shake up their quarterback room. Its not his fault these actions resulted in injuries but could it be his fault that he puts his players in these positions which increase the risk they might get hurt? Having sat his rookie season, he was named the starter heading into 2022 only to be sat down for the year with a devastating ankle injury in the second week of the season. As far as Im concerned we went into the ..NFC Championship : drum roll game.. with ONE Quarter Back. Nope. On this day, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 20-16 in Super Bowl XXIII. Smith runs second-fastest 40 by DL since 03, Saleh compares Carr to Stafford pre-Rams trade, Allen to be ready to roll for offseason program, How to maximize leverage of No. But if they dont, oh well. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. In March of this year, San Francisco signed Sudfeld to a Reserve/Future contract for the 2022 season. Rosen did not appear in a game during the 2020 season, splitting time between the Buccaneers practice squad and the 49ers roster. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. WebIn this video, we'll take a look at the 49ers Backup Quarterback options list. Cmon man. The rule as it already is puts the decision in their own GMs hands to put a 3rd QB on the roster. The posters here against it all make sense but I can understand the other side too. God forbid allowing an extra player suit up for a game. SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Nate Davis is receiving a chance to keep developing into the effective, talented NFL quarterback he and the San Francisco 49ers believe he can be. He spent the majority of the season on the team's practice squad and was a gameday activation four times throughout the year. Trey Lance is the backup quarterback for the 49ers. Since then, Brock has won five more games, putting him at 6-0 in career stats as of the time of publishing this story. Whos the San Francisco 49ers Backup Quarterback? The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Maybe it will move the game away from the pass heavy game its become today and anything to make punters less relevant works for me. The 49ers will be in the market for a third quarterback and who they go after could very well signal how they feel about their young duo. I remember the Niners years ago had Cody Pickett playing on the punt team as the personal protector. He was either 3rd or 4th on the QB depth chart but was out there tackling dudes and contributing on STs. Once SF got to Johnson, the game was likely already over.