The San Francisco 49ers have defeated the Las Vegas Raiders in a close overtime matchup. This win required all the top 49ers players to step up and secure the victory. The 49ers have won nine games in a row, the first time since 1997. This win also puts them in the number two seed with one more game left in the regular season. Here are the top 49ers players against the Raiders.
Top 49ers Players: Arik Armstead
While the defense did not have any sacks, Arik Armstead had a great game and was one of the top 49ers players of the game. The stats may not show it, but it was the addition of his pressure that led to key defensive plays. Of course, the whole defensive line can be discussed, but Armstead helped slow down the run game when needed.
Against the Raiders, Armstead only had a total of four tackles, three of which were solo, according to ESPN. He also had one tackle for loss. The 49ers tend to rotate their defensive line to keep them rested, but Armstead’s pressure was felt. As great as the 49ers’ defense is, this was not their best game. Armstead was able to twist in different ways in order to stop the run. This was crucial, especially after allowing the Raiders to run all over them to begin. The stats may not show it, but Armstead was one of the top 49ers players vs Las Vegas.
Top 49ers Players: Brandon Aiyuk
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk came in clutch when the 49ers needed him. There were a couple of dropped passes by the receiver, mainly due to the defense tripping him up, but Aiyuk came through when he had to. Aiyuk has been one of the top 49ers players this season, and he showed why in this game.
In this game, Aiyuk had nine receptions for 101 yards and one touchdown, according to ESPN. In the final drive of the fourth quarter, there was a throw-away ball from quarterback Brock Purdy that Aiyuk managed to catch, putting the team in field goal position. Despite missing the field goal, the team would not have even had a chance if AIyuk did not make that catch. A lot worse could have happened such as a turnover. Aiyuk was able to put the team on his back in this close game, demonstrating pure determination. Aiyuk was one of the top 49ers players in the game, and when Deebo Samuel returns, this offense can be very scary.
Top 49ers Players: Tashaun Gipson
49ers safety Tashaun Gipson was quiet for the majority of this game but deserves to make this list due to the way this close matchup ended. Gipson made my top 49ers players to watch going into this game, and it was worth it. Gipson has been a quiet stud for the 49ers and essentially sealed the win today against the Raiders.
Gipson’s stats for this game vs the Raiders is another example of the statistics not truly demonstrating his impact on the win. According to ESPN, Gipson had a total of four combined tackles, two of which were solo, and one pass deflection. What truly makes Gipson one of the top 49ers players of the game was his interception in overtime.
In overtime, Nick Bosa put pressure on the Raiders quarterback, Jarrett Stidham, causing an inaccurate throw to be picked off. Not only did he make the catch, but Gipson also ran the ball for 56 yards. This put the team in a field goal position, where Robbie Gould secured the game with the winning field goal.
There could have been many players to make this list, such as Bosa and Christian McCaffrey, but these three deserved the spotlight today. The 49ers will next face the Arizona Cardinals at home, as they look to keep the number two seed, and are on the hunt for the first seed.
For more NFL and College Football content:
Check out my most recent 49ers article here. Also, check out last week’s article on the 49ers here. Be sure to check out this week’s, Underestimated Player Spotlight to see who I chose.
Check out my most article on Rutgers Signing Day. Also, be sure to check out this article explaining Michael Dixon’s transfer to Rutgers. Read here for Penn State’s top players who have already declared for the NFL Draft. As well as the top 5 Rutgers games for the season.
