Dante Pettis managed to have a successful rookie season despite an injury early in the year, and another late that ended his season. The healthy games around the injuries were enough to provide optimism about his future.
The NFL posted a fun highlight reel on Twitter from Pettis’ rookie season:
Put the ball in his hands and big plays will happen
@49ers WR Dante Pettis’ BEST plays from his rookie season! pic.twitter.com/HZDy3YrKju
— NFL (@NFL) February 25, 2019
These highlights are indicative of why Pettis is so effective in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He’s crafty in the open field and can make an impact in every level of the passing game.
They’re also a good reminder of how good Pettis was this season when healthy. There are three highlights from the first two weeks, then none until Week 12 – five weeks after he returned from a knee injury that kept him out from Week 4 through Week 7. Even upon his return it took him awhile to get going.
His stretch after the bye week was excellent, posting 17 catches for 338 yards and four touchdowns in four games before getting hurt in Week 15 against the Bears.
Keeping Pettis on the field next season will be essential, because he was an impact player in Year 1 when he’s healthy. His highlight reel and the timing of all his best performances help prove it.
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