49ers' DC Robert Saleh gives high praise to unsung hero Jaquiski Tartt
With all of the credit being given to the stellar play of the San Francisco 49ers' defensive line, it is easy to overlook the other players who have had a solid impact. One player in particular on the defense who has been playing at a high level is safety Jaquiski Tartt.
Tartt is the unsung hero on this defense and is someone that should be highlighted more when talking about the defense of the 49ers. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh made sure to give Tartt his credit when asked about his assessment of him.
“Tartt’s been great. He’s very smart, I love him. His strengths are his instincts. He’s very, very smart, he’s got a high football IQ. He’s got great speed, great violence, all that stuff. If he can stay healthy, he’ll have a really nice year.”
Tartt has been a heat seeking missile for the defense. He plays the run like he is a linebacker and is not shy when it comes to putting someone on their back. Wherever the ball goes, he goes and that is exactly what you want from your starting strong safety. Someone to set the tone and the 49ers already have a bunch of them on the defensive line.
That is why this defense is so great because they have so many tone setting players that they just feed off each other to play at a high level. You could see it throughout the entire game against the Cleveland Browns and even in week three against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jaquiski Tartt does benefit from an elite pass rush, but that shouldn't negate his impact.
Like Robert Saleh said, he is a very smart football player. Being the last line of defense playing as a safety is critical. That is why he took out Tarvarius Moore in favor of Jimmie Ward because he takes better angles. With Tartt, we don't have to worry about a big play given up. He has solidified the strong safety position and has risen his game to new heights this season.
As the success of the San Francisco 49ers continue this season, Tartt's name will only grow. He does so much for this team that he has to be recognized and will be. The versatile talent he has to be run stopper, blizter and coverage safety is a defensive coordinator's dream because you can swing him all over the formation.
The 49ers are going to need Jaquiski Tartt to continue his stellar play this Sunday when they face the Los Angeles Rams in what is going to a very contested matchup.
