Stopping the San Francisco 49ers’ multi-faceted offense requires a defense equipped with special athletes. For the Baltimore Ravens, Kyle Hamilton is not only among them; he might be the best of the bunch.
In only his second NFL season, Kyle Hamilton has already made a name for himself as one of the premier safeties in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus, Hamilton ranks the No. 1 most valuable player at his position.
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Kyle Hamilton’s size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) and versatility allows Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to use him as a hybrid defender, and that has allowed Hamilton to make plays all over the field during a season that is certain to earn him All-Pro status.
Hamilton’s stats: 3 sacks, 2 interceptions (1 pick-six), 10 tackles for loss, 10 passes defended, 76 tackles
The stats reveal just how much of a disruptor Hamilton can be playing both in coverage and in the box. His 10 tackles for loss and 10 passes defended lead both the Ravens and all NFL safeties. And Kyle Hamilton is particularly good blitzing off the edge.
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Kyle Hamilton has ascended quickly
The Ravens selected Kyle Hamilton with the 14th overall pick out of Notre Dame. He proceeded to put together a season that landed him on the NFL’s all-rookie team.
But he’s elevated his game in 2023, and has been a major reason why the Ravens have the No. 1 scoring defense and the No. 2 defense overall in terms of yards allowed.
Former ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay did a thorough breakdown of Hamilton’s diverse skill set and his development into an elite NFL player.
Hamilton hurt his left knee during the Ravens’ Week 14 game against the Los Angeles Rams, and it was originally feared he would miss their game last week against Jacksonville. Not only was he on the field, but he led the Ravens in tackles in their 23-7 victory.
After the game Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith was asked about Hamilton’s toughness, and he referred to the young safety as a “warrior.”
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Kyle Hamilton must shine against the 49ers
The Ravens meet the San Francisco 49ers on Christmas night in a marquee showdown between the best teams in their respective conferences. The 49ers, with its stable of playmakers, could pose the most daunting challenge of Kyle Hamilton’s young career.
No coach moves players around and designs plays to create space for his athletes better than 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. Hamilton is likely to see a lot of 49ers tight end George Kittle, either as blocker on running plays or as a dangerous pass receiver in coverage. Or all-purpose running back Christian McCaffrey, either out of the backfield or lined up wide as a receiver.
Either way, how Kyle Hamilton performs Monday night could be the key to the Baltimore Ravens’ chances of coming away with a Christmas victory at Levi’s Stadium.
Won four straight
The San Francisco 49ers have arguably the best collection of offensive tal