#1
#1 out of 1
sports19h ago
Eric Kendricks suddenly became the 49ers’ glue. How the heck was he still available?
- Kendricks anchored the 49ers' defense in a pivotal late-season stretch, stabilizing a battered unit.
- He and teammates held Barkley to 35 rushing yards in the second half and Brown to 25 receiving yards overall.
- Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh called Kendricks a ‘force multiplier’ for the defense.
- Kendricks credited his persistence after debuting as a free agent, training through a long offseason before landing with San Francisco.
- Kendricks chose San Francisco over other offers, deciding to play for a defense in need of a veteran leader.
- Kendricks moved to middle linebacker after an injury to Tatum Bethune, quickly impacting the defense.
- Kendricks emphasized leadership, saying the group must stay focused on Seattle ahead of a potential championship run.
- Kendricks played under head coach Kyle Shanahan, who praised his instinct and timing against the quarterback.
- The 49ers’ linebacking corps, once brittle, now shows potential for the postseason with Kendricks as a cornerstone.
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