Kittle's dominant recent performances showcase his elite playmaking, proving he's still a game-changing force and the heartbeat of the 49ers offense.
Although he’s had a few light weeks in terms of production this season and may not be having the best year of his career, George Kittle is once again reminding everyone that he’s still one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Over the last two games, he’s made that impossible to ignore.
Against the Rams last week, Kittle hauled in nine catches for 84 yards and a touchdown, including a 20-yard grab that showed his downfield ability is still very much intact. Then on Sunday in Arizona, he followed it up with six catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns. As this 49ers team gets healthier, Kittle looks like he’s hitting his stride at exactly the right time.
What makes Kittle special goes well beyond raw production. He’s a true playmaker, not just a pass catcher who works underneath. He’s a matchup problem at every level of the field, a red zone threat, and a yards-after-catch weapon who does things most tight ends simply cannot do. Once he gets the ball in space, he’s as dangerous as any receiver on the roster.
But his impact stretches past the stat sheet. The way Kittle plays is the heartbeat of this offense. His physicality, energy, and effort fuel the team. His teammates feed off the toughness and spark he brings every time he touches the ball or seals an edge in the run game. When he’s rolling, the entire offense feels different.
And over the last two weeks, he’s reminded everyone that he’s not going anywhere. He’s still one of the best tight ends in football, and as the 49ers continue their push through the second half of the season, his resurgence could not be better timed.