Eric Bakhtiari's self-assessment from Friday night: "I did alright."
Eric, you're being a bit modest. The outside linebacker led the 49ers in tackles against the Vikings, had two sacks and otherwise was around the football all night. When a Vikings pass catcher thought he hadn't been touched down after a modest reception, got up and started running down field, it was Bakhtiari who tackled him 20 yards down field. (He actually was down, but Bakhtiari was Johnny on the Spot all evening).
"For a guy that's only got one year in the league or whatever, he's got a lot of experience because he's been in a bunch of camps," defensive coordinator Vic Fangio noted. "He's a smart player. He's experienced and it showed in that game there. He took advantage of his opportunities."
When I spoke with Bakhtiari in June, he said he needed to earn his way onto the 53-man squad by excelling at special teams and showing the 49ers he could rush off the edge if they called on him. Bakhtiari certainly demonstrated the latter in getting past a tight end on one play and a right tackle on the other.
"The calls were amazing, my teammates did their part ... I was just fortunate enough to make a play," Bakhtiari said.
Aw shucks.
Bakhtiari promises to see plenty of time Saturday in Houston, too. With Ahmad Brooks (knee), Cam Johnson (knee) and Darius Fleming (knee) all out of action Monday, he was the starter at outside linebacker opposite Parys Haralson.
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The 49ers today announced that Gordy Saltau will be the 23rd player inducted to their hall of fame. The ceremony is October 13, one day before the team hosts the Giants.
Soltau spent his nine-year career with the 49ers as a kicker and a pass-catching tight end. Soltau led the 49ers in scoring in eight of his nine seasons played, including an NFL-high in both 1952 and 1953. Upon his retirement in 1958, Soltau was the 49ers all-time leading scorer with 644 points. He recorded 249 catches for 3,487 yards. He was an All-Pro in 1951, '52 and '53.
-- Matt Barrows
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