Raiders tight end Brock Bowers will make a homecoming of sorts Sunday when Las Vegas faces the 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. It marks the first regular-season meeting between the teams since the Raiders moved to Las Vegas, and the game takes place roughly an hour from Bowers' childhood home in Napa, California.
Bowers said he grew up watching the "Battle of the Bay" rivalry but never picked a side, though his mother was a 49ers fan. He expects about 50 friends and family members to attend the game, which will be the closest he has played to home since high school.
The second-year star enters the matchup leading all tight ends in receiving yards and owning a piece of NFL history. He recently surpassed Hall of Famer Mike Ditka for the most yards by a non-wide receiver in his first 35 games with 2,421, and he is the first tight end to record at least 70 receiving yards in each of his first six games of a season.
Bowers will face 49ers All-Pro George Kittle, who praised his counterpart's unique skill set Thursday. Kittle compared Bowers' route running to that of wide receiver Mike Evans and highlighted his burst, speed and ability to attack the football. "He's a very unique player," Kittle said. "I don't think people give him enough credit for his burst and speed."
Quarterback Kirk Cousins has developed a strong trust with Bowers, learning to target him even when he appears covered by multiple defenders. Bowers said he advised Cousins to put the ball on his back shoulder in tight windows and let him make a play. The Raiders also move Bowers around the formation to create mismatches, presenting a significant challenge for the San Francisco defense.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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