If history is any indicator, George Kittle could be a big threat for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in their home game against the Denver Broncos.
Kittle enters Sunday’s matchup with 12 catches for 174 yards and three touchdowns through San Francisco’s first three games. However, those numbers could go up if he continues to be a thorn in the side of Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph as he has been in the past.
Andrew Mason, who covers the Broncos for Denver’s 104.3 The Fan, found a statistical note that may have Joseph paying extra attention to the All-Pro tight end.
A tight end doing damage against the Broncos would be nothing new in recent games. In the opener at Kansas City against the Chiefs, Travis Kelce posted three receptions for 71 yards. In last week’s comeback win over the Los Angeles Rams in Denver, Tyler Higbee logged eight catches for 62 yards and a touchdown.
Last season, tight ends were also a problem for the Broncos, with Denver giving up the ninth-most yards (1,015) to the position.
Why the Denver Broncos may struggle against George Kittle
Kittle will benefit this Sunday from the same matchup issues that have plagued the Broncos against tight ends during Joseph’s tenure as defensive coordinator. With Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss respected for what they can do at cornerback spots in Denver, teams are often looking to exploit the middle of the field. That’s where experienced tight ends like Kittle can flourish.
As ESPN’s Jeff Legwold explained in this article, Denver deploys what Joseph likes to think of as a “box and one” where it looks like the Broncos are playing man to man, but there are some zone intricacies built into the defense as well.
Joseph admitted before last year’s AFC Championship Game that that kind of defense had opposing teams using their running backs and tight ends more in situations where they could exploit Denver’s defensive scheme. The plan worked, with Legwold pointing out before the New England Patriots matchup in the AFC title game, “Of the six scrimmage touchdowns the Broncos have surrendered of at least 30 yards, five were scored by tight ends or running backs (including three of four passing scores).”
All of those factors may set up Kittle for a big day against the Broncos on Sunday, something Joseph has seen plenty of in the past.
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