San Francisco 49ers linebacker Eric Kendricks proved that he's more than just a backup by playing every defensive snap in the team's 23-19 wild-card win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The 33-year-old signed to the 49ers' practice squad on November 26 and played only three regular-season games, but his experience against the Eagles was palpable.
Kendricks, who was expected to step in as a starter after Tatum Bethune suffered an ankle injury, led the team with 11 tackles. His confidence on the field was evident, particularly on fourth-and-11 from the 49ers' 21-yard line when he knocked down Jalen Hurts' pass intended for tight end Dallas Goedert.
In a season where the 49ers have struggled with injuries, Kendricks has provided an upgrade in the middle of the defense. The Eagles, who had been dominant against him in the past, couldn't capitalize on his absence. Kendricks' win was sweet revenge, coming after five consecutive losses in Philadelphia as a member of the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys.
Coach Kyle Shanahan's decision to trust Kendricks proved wise, with the linebacker giving veteran leadership and guidance through helmet communication with Robert Saleh. The 49ers defense held strong against Hurts, who struggled to find open receivers downfield.
Kendricks' success was built on his extensive film work and knowledge gained from assistant linebackers coach K.J. Wright. He said in a post-game interview that he had been preparing for the opportunity with the new team's playbook and was ready to take on the challenge.
The 49ers will face the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round, where Warner is expected to make his return after suffering a broken ankle. However, it remains to be seen how much of his former self Warner will be when he returns, given the severity of the injury.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Warner's return, Kendricks' emergence as the team's middle linebacker offers hope for the 49ers' defense in the coming weeks. His experience and confidence on the field make him an asset to the team moving forward.
Kendricks, who was expected to step in as a starter after Tatum Bethune suffered an ankle injury, led the team with 11 tackles. His confidence on the field was evident, particularly on fourth-and-11 from the 49ers' 21-yard line when he knocked down Jalen Hurts' pass intended for tight end Dallas Goedert.
In a season where the 49ers have struggled with injuries, Kendricks has provided an upgrade in the middle of the defense. The Eagles, who had been dominant against him in the past, couldn't capitalize on his absence. Kendricks' win was sweet revenge, coming after five consecutive losses in Philadelphia as a member of the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys.
Coach Kyle Shanahan's decision to trust Kendricks proved wise, with the linebacker giving veteran leadership and guidance through helmet communication with Robert Saleh. The 49ers defense held strong against Hurts, who struggled to find open receivers downfield.
Kendricks' success was built on his extensive film work and knowledge gained from assistant linebackers coach K.J. Wright. He said in a post-game interview that he had been preparing for the opportunity with the new team's playbook and was ready to take on the challenge.
The 49ers will face the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round, where Warner is expected to make his return after suffering a broken ankle. However, it remains to be seen how much of his former self Warner will be when he returns, given the severity of the injury.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Warner's return, Kendricks' emergence as the team's middle linebacker offers hope for the 49ers' defense in the coming weeks. His experience and confidence on the field make him an asset to the team moving forward.
! Eric Kendricks is like, a total game-changer for the 49ers defense! I mean, who saw that coming? A backup stepping up and crushing it on such a big stage? It's like he's been waiting his whole career for this moment 
. And to think about how far he's come from being just another linebacker in a bunch of different teams...it's truly inspiring 
. I love how Coach Shanahan trusted him and gave him the keys to lead the defense - it really paid off! Now we're talking about a 49ers team that's actually looking formidable in the playoffs 
. Let's go Niners!
! He totally proved himself as more than just a backup LB 
, and it's about time he got that respect. Like, who wouldn't want to see him go toe-to-toe with Jalen Hurts? 
The way he knocked down that pass on 4th-and-11 was INSANE 
. Coach Shanahan must be so proud of him, and Kendricks himself is just so humble about his success 
. Fingers crossed for the next game against Seattle, Kendricks can keep bringing that fire 
Kendricks is more than just a backup now, he's a game changer, and it's sweet revenge after all those losses in philly with the vikings and cowboys 
he's like a leader on the field, guiding his teammates through helmet comms with saleh...this kid's got the skills and the intangibles to make the 49ers defense go deep into the playoffs 
. Coach Shanahan's gamble paid off, big time. I'm hyped to see how he'll hold up against the Seahawks' offense with Geno Smith under center 
. Maybe this will be the season they take it all the way? 
. It's clear he's been doin' his film work and learnin' from Coach Wright, 'cause he just looked super confident out there 
. He's like a breath of fresh air for their defense, bringin' that veteran leadership and guidance to the team 
.
. The Eagles didn't stand a chance against him after his ankle injury. This is so sweet revenge for him, especially considering how poorly the 49ers did in Philly last season 
.
. The dude's got game!
? and what's up with these injuries, it's like they're gonna have a surgery of the month club 
. Kendricks is definitely a dark horse, didn't see him stepping in as starter so soon 
. The 49ers defense looking good though, maybe they can pull off this whole playoff thing 
and now the team's got a solid middle linebacker 
fingers crossed they can bring home another W against the Seahawks! 
And that helmet-to-helmet communication with Saleh is like having a special connection 
. I'm loving this new direction for the 49ers' defense, fingers crossed they can take down the Seahawks too 
I mean, I knew he was gonna step up his game, but wow! The way he took down that pass on 4th-and-11 
. It's like, you can tell he's got a good head on his shoulders, and that confidence is infectious 
.
I'm so glad Coach Shanahan saw his potential and gave him the chance to shine. 
. kudos 2 kendricks for comin through like that 
. if he can keep bringin this level of energy & leadership then maybe they got a real shot at makin it deep in the playoffs 
he was like totally underrated before but now everyone knows he's a beast