Honoring the Niners Greats: Terrell Owens
No matter how fans feel about Terrell Owens off the field, he remains one of the most accomplished receivers in 49er history.
Video Transcript
Every season has its stars, but this year for the 49ers was more defined by survival.
Injuries forced adjustments, adjustments forced unlikely contributors into major roles, and in the end, the players who kept the season afloat weren't necessarily the flashiest of names, but were the most essential.
Here are the true difference makers from San Francisco's chaotic season.
Starting off with Mac Jones.
There is no postseason appearance without Mac Jones.
Pressed into action after an injured Brock Purdy was sidelined, he finished with a five and three record as a starter.
He wasn't perfect, but he was exactly what the 49ers offense needed.
Next up, we have the Comeback Player of the Year, Christian McCaffrey, who was an offensive engine, veteran running back who surpassed two thousand yards of scrimmage and totaled seventeen touchdowns, reestablished himself as one of the league's most versatile players.
He rushed for over twelve hundred yards while adding more than a hundred receptions.
Even when chunk plays weren't always there, screens, option routes, check downs, you name it, he turned it into a sustaining drive.
Next up, we have QB one, Brock Purdy.
When healthy, he reminded everyone why he's the franchise quarterback.
He finished the year with twenty touchdowns against ten interceptions, while posting a strong record as a starter.
More than the numbers, though, it was timing.
He showed up when the 49ers needed it most.
He had several interceptions in his first four games, but delivered multiple five d-- touchdown performances and guided the offense during a critical late season winning streak.
Next up, at thirty-seven years old, we have Trent Williams, who continues to defy time.
The left tackle anchored an offensive line that dealt with inconsistency and injury, but never fully collapsed.
His presence alone was stabilizing.
Next up, we have rookie Upton Stout.
Rookie corners rarely thrive immediately.
Upton Stout grew into it as the season went on.
His physicality and man coverage improved week over week and gave the secondary a much needed stability.
And lastly, sometimes the smallest margin decides everything.
Eddie Pineiro, after arriving early in the season, converted twenty-eight of twenty-nine field goal attempts.
One was a miss, mostly because of his hamstring injury, including a fifty-nine yarder.
In a season filled with tight finishes, his reliability directly translated into wins.
