WR Jauan Jennings delivers career performance when 49ers need it most

With the postseason on the line, wide receiver Jauan Jennings delivered the biggest performance of his NFL career for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday—although maybe that should come as no surprise, based on how he's played over the second half of the season.

Jennings has been a pleasant surprise for the 49ers this year after joining the team as a seventh-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee. He spent time on the practice squad last year while also battling injury, then he had to battle for his spot on the roster in training camp and the preseason, but as the 2021 regular season progressed, Jennings proved to be a player who was capable of stepping up in big moments.

At no point was that more evident than the 49ers' 27-24 overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, during which Jennings posted career highs in receptions (six), receiving yards (94), and touchdowns (two). Jennings was on the receiving end of a touchdown thrown on a trick play by wide receiver Deebo Samuel in the third quarter, then caught the game-tying touchdown with seconds remaining to send the game to overtime.

"Jauan's just one of those guys who the moment's never too big for him," 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo said after the win. "He's ready for it. Third downs, red zone, when his number's called, you can just see it in the huddle—you can see it in the guy's eyes when he's ready for it. Jauan never hesitates, never blinks. You love having a guy like that, especially in those crucial situations."

There was a shaky moment on Samuel's throw when Jennings bobbled the ball before securing it in his arms while falling to the turf. It would have been a moment to forget had Jennings dropped it due to how wide open he was on the play, but it turned out to be one of the biggest moments of his career.

"I'm just happy I caught it honestly," Jennings said Sunday.

An even bigger moment came for Jennings in the fourth quarter when Garoppolo connected with him for a 14-yard touchdown to tie the game at 24 with 26 seconds remaining. Jennings wasn't expecting to be on the receiving end of the pass, but he got open and made the play.

"No I didn't (expect to get the ball on the play)," Jennings said. "Just going out there to run my route to the best of my ability. The coverage allowed me to be open and Jimmy found me. Jimmy threw a dime and I walked in untouched."

Jennings says he's been able to make plays like those by focusing on coming through for his team when he gets the opportunity.

"Just thinking about the team, putting the team first. If I don't catch it, I'm letting the team down," Jennings said. "These guys making plays everywhere else, so when my number gets called on, I kind of put it on myself to go and make a play."

Those opportunities should continue to come for Jennings, both in the playoffs and in seasons to come. He found a bigger role in the offense earlier in the year after an injury to veteran Mohamed Sanu, and he's been on the rise ever since.

"Jauan was a man today," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said. "I love Jauan. You guys see the passion he plays with. You don't want to tame it, but you've got to try to a little bit. But the fire he brings to the game is unbelievable. The way he blocks is the same way he runs routes, it's the same way he catches, it's the same way he does everything... Once he got his opportunity, he's never looked back. He's gotten better each week and he was huge today."

Jennings, as Shanahan noted, carries a level of enthusiasm that is hard to resist, and it sounds like his teammates are certainly appreciative.

"I feed off Jauan's energy," tight end George Kittle said. "He feeds off mine. He definitely no matter what the play is always brings it 100 percent. When you have guys like that on the team, it makes it easier to play football."

Jennings finished the regular season with 24 catches for 282 yards and five touchdowns after having just three catches for 31 yards over the first nine weeks. His development has been a joy to watch, and there's no reason to think he won't continue to trend upward from here.

"I think I've grown up a lot," Jennings said. "This game of football will make you grow up. Just being on a squad that believes in me as much as they do and encourages me as much as they do, I'm grateful to be here because this team is what helps me keep making plays over and over."