Emmanuel Sanders has Optimized the 49ers' Offense

In just two games of action in a five day span, the addition of wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders has already looked like a steal for the 49ers. The trade for him is already paying off dividends with his impact being felt dramatically in the 28-25 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night. Sanders reeled in seven receptions on nine targets for 112 yards and a score.

What is probably the most notable of his stats is that 6-of-7 his catches led to first down conversions. It was only nine days since Sanders was traded to the 49ers on Thursday night, yet he has optimized the 49ers' offense. His connection with Jimmy Garoppolo is a big part as to why this offense is clicking so well.

The fact that the two are already in sync is a testament to the experience and familiarity of Sanders in this offense. The same can be said about Garoppolo who finally has a legitimate threat at wide receiver now. Sanders overall talent and experience is well-noted, but his versatility is arguably his best trait in this offense.

Sanders can excel anywhere in the formation from the slot or on the outside. It really doesn't matter where the Kyle Shanahan places him because he will produce. Although, the main reason they acquired Sanders was predominately for slot utilization since it was lacking for wide receivers. As dangerous as he is in the slot, Sanders didn't see many snaps there against the Cardinals.

Of his 66 snaps tallied in the game, Sanders only saw 26.3 percent of them in the slot via Pro Football Focus. Despite not having a heavy usage in the slot, he still did damage when running routes out of it. This big time route and catch to come up on third down is a perfect example of it.

This throw from Jimmy Garoppolo to Emmanuel Sanders is one of the best I’ve ever seen. And to accomplish this on third down after only a week’s worth of work together? Unreal. They’re going to light it up. #49ers
(🎥: @NFL)pic.twitter.com/rAPdJHynMS
— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) November 1, 2019

The fact that he is able to be so interchangeable causes frustrations on a defense. They have to be aware of where he is in the formation at all times so that they do not blow assignments. Sanders is already a talented enough player that he can gash a defense without the help of his coordinator to get him into the right position.

"It’s been real cool to watch." Kyle Shanahan on Sanders' impact following Thursday night. "Emmanuel’s fit in right away with everyone just on the field and off the field and you guys could see it last night even. He was great in the first week and he’s been great in practice, but you could even feel him pick up steam as the game went, just the confidence of those two together and I could feel it also. It was fun to have him on our team last night.”

It is fun to have that final piece that optimizes an offense. I'm sure Shanahan was giddy with joy when the trade for Sanders was finalized. Giving another dangerous weapon in his arsenal makes it feel unfair, but it was a neccesary pick up. The 49ers could not have put all their chips on Trent Taylor and Jalen Hurd being ready in the coming weeks. At least with Sanders, they knew they are getting a sure thing.

The best part is that they didn't have to overextend themselves by giving up serious draft capital. Sanders is already making a serious impact on this offense by fully optimizing it and he has done so with very minimal practice. Now that the 49ers have had extra days to rest and prepare for their week 10 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks, imagine how much more dynamic the offense will be now that Sanders is more embedded.