The 49ers have gained 1202 yards after initial contact this season. At 46.7% of the offensive yards, nearly half of the team’s total offensive production has come after the initial contact. The production after the catch has been paramount in the 49ers winning this season. In the teams two losses they have averaged just 37.7% of their offense after initial contract, a considerable drop off.

Three players that make a big difference in this area of football for the 49ers are Garrison Hearst, Terrell Owens and Kevan Barlow, each contributing their own specialty to the mix.

Hearst has gained a team leading 61% of his yards gained after initial contact. His patience lets players get close to him at the line of scrimmage, and then, he breaks loose.

The receiving core has gained 49% of the teams offensive yards after initial contact, but it’s Owens that is making the difference. Owens has more yards after the catch than any player on the team.

Finally Kevan Barlow leads the team in average gain after initial contact. When Barlow runs through tackles he’s nearly impossible to bring down.