Former Tennessee and current San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings was one of a handful of VFLs to play on Thanksgiving Thursday this week, as he faced off against the Seattle Seahawks in the nightcap.
For the past couple of seasons, Jennings has been utilized as the 49ers’ third wide receiver and key third-down target. His numerous clutch third-down catches have led to the phrase, ‘Third and Jauan,’ being used when San Francisco gets in those situations.
Thursday was no different, as Jennings picked up another big third down with one of the best effort plays you’ll see this season.
Jennings caught Brock Purdy’s pass short of the sticks on third down, but made an incredible play to reach the line to gain. The VFL fought through three Seattle defenders, spinning around twice to move the chains.
See the play below.
Can’t stop third and Jauan 😤
#SFvsSEA on @SNFonNBC
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4oaLh pic.twitter.com/iipXhUiqDL— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 24, 2023
The play was significant at the time, as it allowed San Francisco to ultimately take a 14-3 lead over their rival rather than settling for a field goal to go up 10-3.
Jennings has probably been one of the most underrated members of a loaded 49ers roster over the past couple of seasons, as although he doesn’t start, he makes big plays in big moments like the one above.
The VFL is among the top 16 in the NFL in first down catches on third down this season, and he finished inside the top 10 in 2022.
For a player that doesn’t play over 50 percent of the snaps barring an injury, that’s pretty impressive.
Jennings will look to continue contributing for the 49ers as they look to make another playoff run down the stretch.
