The 49ers offense has had its struggles this season, and one of the main cogs who has seen his play decline is tight end Vernon Davis. Davis finished 2013 with a +13.2 overall grade ranked sixth among all TEs. In addition to his receiving prowess, Davis also earned an +8.1 run blocking grade last season, tying for fifth-best at his position.
This season has seen Davis' production drop off a cliff in all facets of his game. Last year he thrived as a deep threat, catching 11 passes of 20 yards or more downfield (the most of any TE) on 23 targets. In 2014 he’s been targeted just eight times with his lone reception coming in the opening game of the season.
Davis' 2.12 Yards per Route Run in 2013 has been slashed to a pedestrian 0.71 in 2014. In addition, he has more drops (6) than he did all of last year (5) resulting in a drop rate (20.7%) tied for worst among TEs. Davis' run blocking has also declined sharply, with his -7.7 run blocking grade ranking among the lowest at his position.
With the 49ers likely needing to run the table to make the postseason, they will need Davis to quickly return to form to help get their sputtering offense back on track.
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