Hendrickson has lots of ability but is only starting because first round bust Marcus Davenport is out (again) with an injury. Hendrickson is an obviously superior player to Davenport, but that often means little in the Caste NFL.
Hendrickson played like an all pro last night. He displayed a very impressive burst and looked dominant. He is in his fourth season and at 25 years old looks like a natural starter and potential star. But they have been playing footsies with him from the start. He played sparingly his first two seasons and only recently entered a "rotational" role. Makes me wonder about Sean Payton. In his entire long regime he has never had a white WR and when he had a field stretching tight end in Colby Fleener he was used as a second thought.
Then there is the case of Taysom Hill. The media beams about the way Payton "discovered" him and utilizes the Swiss Army Knife. And of course the buzz all offseason was Taysom's role would dramatically expand this season. Well after two games he has seen the football as often as a modern day fullback. 5 carries for 21 yards. 1 catch on one target for 14 yards. And he has thrown one pass for 38 yards. Not exactly a boost in usage.
I don't get it? The most explosive athlete on the field is
barely used. You have a modern day version of Paul Hornung and the best thing they can come up with is a couple of gimmick plays a game? And wasn't he supposed to take about 10 snaps a game at QB to relieve Brees? It is like you are fighting a war and you bring the swords but leave the machine guns in the shed. Wake up idiots! You have a dynamic athlete on the team that will help you win games. Put him in the freaking game!
And one final thing about the plush grass field. Although he may still end up in a concussion protocol do you think Hunter Renfrow would have returned to the game if he hit his head on a field turf? For sure these new turfs are safer than the concrete carpets they used in the 1970's but a nicely cared for grass field is the best bet for player safety. The 49ers are in touch with the NFL to discuss the field turf situation in Jersey.