In the Divisional Round of last year’s playoffs, 49ers tight end Vernon Davis had seven catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner with 14 seconds left to play.
Things haven’t been quite so robust in the passing game for Davis this season. In his last seven games, Davis has six catches for 61 yards and no scores. The sluggish production is right in line with what’s been happening on offense in San Francisco since Colin Kaepernick took over at quarterback and Davis admitted Tuesday that it’s been difficult to adjust to a lower profile role as a receiver.
“It is a different feeling for me because it’s been a tough season as far as just the feeling of being involved,” said Davis, via the Associated Press. “To me, it’s not a bad thing, because it’s something I had to get used to this year. Each and every season in the past, I’m used to helping the team in ways where I’m just catching balls and things like that. This year’s been a little bit different. It just feels different going into these playoffs, as far as my role and things like that. It’s not a bad thing, I’m not mad at it. That’s just how it is sometimes. It takes a little getting used to.”
Davis pointed out earlier in the season that he and Kaepernick have to develop chemistry, but he hasn’t made a stink about the impact changes to the 49ers offense have had on his own output. If they don’t win this weekend with Davis playing the same limited role, however, it’s a good bet someone in the Bay Area will make a stink about his lack of touches.