In Week 1, George Kittle had 8 receptions for 54 yards and no touchdowns. That doesn’t sound too crazy, but if it wasn’t for an offensive pass interference and an illegal formation he would have had 10 for 84 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Make no mistake, the 49ers’ offense runs through Kittle. He was targeted on 10 of Jimmy Garoppolo’s 27 pass attempts. No other receiver in the scarlet and gold was targeted more than thrice.
Alignment wise, they do a lot with Kittle. He lines up as a traditional attached tight end, but he will also line up at or motion to a split alignment.