The San Francisco 49ers have one the most productive rookie classes in the league if not THE most. Facing the Jaguars, several of them had outstanding offensive performances against the top defense in the league, and defenders had a great day against the top rushing team in the league. The Jaguars were held to 92 total rushing yards.
George Kittle, Trent Taylor and Matt Breida all scored touchdowns and Ahkello Witherspoon snagged an interception. Reuben Foster had five solo tackles and a quarterback hit and Solomon Thomas registered the only sack of Blake Bortles for the day in addition to his six total tackles.
When asked about the performance of the rookies, wide receiver Marquise Goodwin declared that the 2017 class were rookies no more.
The rookies they did their thing but that’s out the window because I don't feel like they’re rookies any more. One game left, those guys have carried themselves like professionals this whole year. They came in, they worked, and and they listened, and that’s why they are able to make plays on the big stage. I know they’re happy with their performances.
Goodwin is also still in a healthy man crush phase with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, distinguishing his leadership abilities as part of what makes him so unique. Put into a hypothetical scenario as the 49ers GM, Goodwin wouldn’t say what he would do contract wise for the new leader of the offense, but offered this tidbit:
It’s all up to John Lynch, but I love him so, if that helps...
Garoppolo has brought with him wins which in turn, has raised energy in the stadium. This has not gone unnoticed by Goodwin and his teammates. He felt the energy spike with the momentum change of K’Waun Williams interception. He mentioned Williams’ hard work and “shark mentality” as his qualities.
Goodwin didn’t go as far as Carlos Hyde’s prediction of playing in the Super Bowl in 2018 but he did say he expects the team to be in play off contention. It’s clear he is very happy that his home through at least the end of the next season is in Santa Clara.