We can all appreciate the extensive coverage given to the San Francisco 49ers’ heavy-hitters as Super Bowl XLVII fast approaches.
Offensive guys like Michael Crabtree, Frank Gore and Vernon Davis, as well as stalwart defenders Patrick Willis and Aldon Smith deserve all the exposure afforded to them.
As does one Colin Kaepernick—marquee player Numero Uno, to be sure.
But what about the unheralded members of the Red and Gold?
What about the x-factor 49ers, the ones that will fly under the media’s radar, yet still make pivotal contributions toward the team’s winning aspirations?
Let’s identify three such players for the 49ers that will impact the game in a positive direction.
Honorable Mentions
Andy Lee, Punter
The NFL’s unrivaled punter will eliminate the ever-dangerous Jacoby Jones in the return game with expertly-placed kicks.
Ray McDonald, Defensive End
The man opposite Justin Smith in the defensive trenches will generate a significant pressure on quarterback Joe Flacco and/or an important stop of Ray Rice on the ground.
Top 3 Underrated X-Factors
3. Bruce Miller, Fullback
What if we said a defensive end converted to fullback?
And what if we said a defensive end converted to a fullback and excelled at the position?
Say hello to one of the strongest, most athletic and hard-nosed players at the position.
Bruce Miller attacks his responsibilities with an unabated resolve. He ranks highly among NFL FBs in terms of blocking proficiency and overall performance level at fullback according to Pro Football Focus.
In fact, the pundits at PFF nominated him as their NFC Pro Bowl fullback in 2012.
"Yet another high-functioning cog in the machine which is the 49ers running game. Miller has not only played more snaps than any other NFC fullback but done so at a high level throughout" (via PFF).
Moreover, when the 49ers send Miller out wide, mismatches suddenly spring up all over the gridiron. Not on him necessarily, but what he creates elsewhere for Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker and other 49er pass-catchers.
And when it comes to misdirection and blocking on the read option, Bruce is your guy. He’ll do so when it matters most in the Super Bowl.
2. Delanie Walker, Tight End
H-back, tight end, wide receiver extraordinaire—make your acquaintance with one of the most versatile athletes in the NFL.You might want to look for a noteworthy contribution on special teams as well.
(“Hybrid” and “Swiss Army Knife” to those who prefer specific monikers.)
Delanie Walker is the quintessential do-everything athlete. At 6’0’’, 242 pounds with a 4.49-second 40 time, he lines up all over the field. He executes intricate blocking schemes and a variety of receiving and tight end responsibilities.
The former wideout at Central Missouri State averaged the highest yards per catch among tight ends with at least 500 offensive snaps (16.4). He added three touchdowns to that league-leading mark as a big-play threat for San Francisco.
Among 62 rated at the position, Walker earned the seventh- and second-highest marks in pass- and run-blocking, respectively, to boot.
One knock against Walker is his propensity for drops. He registered nine out of 32 targets in the regular season, and an additional two against the Packers in the divisional round.
That said, he demonstrated his downfield abilities with key receptions of 17 and 20 yards so far in the postseason. Like Miller, No. 46 has also proven dominant as a lead blocker in the read option for Kaepernick, Frank Gore and LaMichael James.
Walker will prove a mismatch for Ravens inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe underneath and a less-than-100-percent Ed Reed deep, who have allowed a 97.1 efficiency rating and three TDs in coverage, respectively.
With all eyes on Gore, Davis, Michael Crabtree and Randy Moss, keep your eye out for Walker on Sunday with a game-changing catch or critical block for a lengthy 49er run.
1. Ahmad Brooks, Outside Linebacker
The 49ers outside linebacker is perhaps the most underappreciated member of an NFL defense.
Usually thrown by the wayside because of All-Pro backers Aldon Smith, NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis who surround him, Ahmad Brooks completes the league’s preeminent LB corps.
As I have uttered time and again, Brooks simply does everything right. He stifles opposing rushing attacks, covers very well and provides another pass-rushing presence opposite Aldon Smith. He even knows how to take interceptions to the house in NFL stadiums located in New Orleans.
Pro Football Focus ranks him as the No. 5 OLB in 3-4 schemes. He was the second-highest San Francisco defender against Green Bay as well, recording three tackles, two stops and eight quarterback pressures on Aaron Rodgers (per PFF).
Brooks then showcased his preference for big-playmaking production with two critical pass breakups against Matt Ryan in the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship Game. He also affected Ryan’s throwing shoulder when he drove the Falcons QB to the dirt in a pivotal moment.
Expect Brooks to courageously fight through a shoulder strain of his own en route to a key stop, pass deflection, sack or general disruption against the Ravens on Super Bowl Sunday.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio mentioned during a recent practice that “the smartest thing we did as an organization was pay Ahmad Brooks and keep him as a 49er” (via Steve Corkran of the Bay Area News Group).
Coach Harbaugh agreed.
So do we—as you will soon enough come Sunday on the sporting world’s biggest stage.
Follow me on Twitter @jlevitt16