49ers' Jauan Jennings unsurprisingly relishing physical Super Bowl 58 matchup with Chiefs secondary
Jauan Jennings has built a reputation on being one of the physical enforcers on the San Francisco 49ers, with his cult hero status only growing during their playoff run to Super Bowl 58. Jennings, the 49ers' seventh-round pick in the 2020 draft, has established himself as a consistent irritant to opposing teams with his willingness […]
Jauan Jennings has built a reputation on being one of the physical enforcers on the San Francisco 49ers, with his cult hero status only growing during their playoff run to Super Bowl 58.
Jennings, the 49ers' seventh-round pick in the 2020 draft, has established himself as a consistent irritant to opposing teams with his willingness to take his commitment to the blocking game to extremes.
His attitude in that regard was encapsulated during the divisional round of the playoffs in the 49ers' comeback win over the Green Bay Packers, with a Jennings block that saw him take defensive back Corey Ballentine into a Gatorade cooler on the sideline attracting substantial attention.
In the Kansas City Chiefs' secondary, though, Jennings will find an opponent that relishes the physical side of the game just as much as he does.
Kansas City's defensive backfield is one that loves to play aggressive man coverage and is one of best pure tackling secondaries in the NFL.
But the Chiefs' comfort with that side of the game seemingly only makes Jennings more excited for the challenge.
"I think it's gonna be fun. It's the Super Bowl man, there's no better stage than this one here, and I can't wait to meet the Kansas City Chiefs," Jennings told A to Z Sports with a wide smile.
Beyond his love of the dirty work, Jennings is celebrated for his play on third down. Jennings has consistently proven himself as a player who can come through in clutch moments, his success on third frequently leading 49ers fans to tweet 'third and Jauan' whenever he makes a huge play on the traditional money down.
Seven of Jennings' 10 receptions on third down this season went for a first down, as he has consistently repaid the faith the 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy clearly have in the former Tennessee Volunteer.
"It just kind of plays out like that," Jennings said when asked about the 'third and Jauan' phenomenon.
"I just come in for third down, I'm kind of the guy in passing situations I'm going to come in for the third receiver. It's just been a long journey and a testament to the players and coaches for trusting me."
After a five-reception performance in the divisional round and a spectacular one-handed diving grab on third down on the 49ers' first scoring drive of their remarkable second-half comeback in the NFC Championship Game, the Niners will likely have no problem trusting Jennings in key moments in Super Bowl 58 on Sunday.
If he can deliver again and help the 49ers get over the line, Jennings will go from cult hero to franchise legend.
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