Although the 49ers offensive play calling needs to improve next season, Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman called their fair share of good plays last season. Here were their top-five.
- Frank Gore’s 46-yard run at Detroit in Week 6 thanks to the “wham” block from Delanie Walker on Ndamukong Suh. The Niners used Suh’s aggressiveness against him, allowing him to run free into the backfield on a run play before Delanie Walker blindsided him and knocked him on his back. This created a huge hole for Gore, and he ran all the way to the Lions one-yard line. When Gore was healthy last season and Roman was calling creative run plays like this one, the Niners running game was tough to stop.
- Alex Smith’s play-action pass to Joe Staley vs. the Browns Week 8. Smith faked a stretch run to Kendall Hunter on the strong side of the formation, then spun around and hit a wide open Joe Staley, who had reported as an eligible receiver before the play, for 17 yards and a first down. This could be a good play-call for third and short or goal-line plays next season.
- Alex Smith’s 12-yard pass to a wide open Delanie Walker (dropped) in Detroit’s end zone in the third quarter on third and nine. Vernon Davis lined up on the left side of the line and ran a shallow crossing route to the right. He drew the attention of the Lions middle linebacker, strong-side linebacker and strong safety. Smith stared at Davis and then he threw it to a wide open Walker in the end zone. Walker had lined up next to Davis but motioned to the right and ran an out route at the goal line and the Lions defense forgot all about him. Unfortunately for the Niners, Walker dropped the pass. But he was a major factor in their passing attack for the next few games, so much so that the New York Giants actually double-teamed him in the fourth quarter of Week 10, leaving Vernon Davis wide open for a touchdown. After that, Walker didn’t catch another pass all season long. The Niners should keep him involved in their offense next season because defenses tend to forget about him.
- QB9, a.k.a. Alex Smith’s 28-yard TD run vs. New Orleans in the playoffs. The Niners originally called this play Week 8 vs. the Browns. It went for nine yards before Smith got pushed out of bounds at the Browns’ two-yard line because Joe Staley, the lead blocker, didn’t make his block. Against the Saints he did, and Smith took it all the way. This is an effective red zone and third down play for Alex Smith and the Niners offense, because defenses seem to forget Alex Smith can run.
- Vernon Post, a.k.a Vernon Davis’ 14-yard TD to beat the Saints in the playoffs. Harbaugh and Roman curiously hadn’t called many plays for Vernon Davis in the red zone during the regular season, but they called his number on the most important play of their season. Davis lined up in the left slot and ran a simple post over the middle of the field. Smith threw a dart before Davis turned his head. The Saints had no chance to stop it. The more pass plays the Niners can create for Vernon Davis in the end zone, the better, and this was a great start.
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How about the fake field goal against the Cards that the refs screwed up and pretty much cost us the game? Great play call! Just didn’t work out.
I guess that wasn’t entirely offense tho, was it?
Its still offense just different players on the field doing different jobs.
@Grant
“…because defenses seem to forget Alex Smith can run.”
And this year, there will be a lot more guys who can run. Fast.
Wasnt there that fake field goal. When someone faked going to the sideline and was left uncovered for an easy score.
@undercenter
I think Montana had it right. That was a ST play. Not an offensive play.
DS
eh I guess, see my response to him.
I guess if you go out there with your ST and you know your running a fake, it would be offensive!
I think that was against the Rams. Great play call but I wouldn’t call it one of the years best since the game was pretty much already decided. I liked the Bruce Miller TD against the Redskins. That play was a huge play that directly contributed to the win.
Yes I remember the Bruce Miller TD that was also very good. Guess I need to be more selective of my choices tho, DS and Montana are right it wasnt really the offense.
But it was fun remebering that play.
Yeah most definitely a fun play to remember. Kind of embarrassing for the Rams which is always cool. Wasn’t there a play to Sopoaga as well? I seem to remember a 3rd down conversion that helped the 9ers run out the clock in the 4th quarter. Might have been the Staley play but I recall something similar to Soap
There was a Soap play, and my two favorite teams to embarrase is yes the Rams and the friggin Cowboys.
Houston – You beat me to the punch you bastar* you! :-) After that Bruce Miller TD, we really seemed to roll!
Why didn’t we try that play in the playoffs?
Does anybody else get the feeling that this DW wheel route thing is a lot like that scene in the film “Major League”.
Where the 3 Indian fans are watching a HR, and one of them says “Too high”. And the 2nd one says, “What does that mean?” And the third says “Who gives a s_it, it’s gone.”
How many of you are more on the “Who gives a s_it it’s gone” guy side?
I’m having a hard time equating the “DW wheel route thing” with that scene from Major League. How would that sound exactly,
1 says, “Oh he should have thrown that.”
2 says, “What do you mean”
3 says, “Who gives a s_it, he took another sack.”
Kinda like that?
Exactly Houston, since that is what happened.
I don’t recall the game but it was Crabtree that was wide open
For #3 you should substitute the first play in the Baltimore game. Walker lines up wide right and motions in toward the line and runs a deep corner route. He is wide open after the play fake, but Smith checks down for a 4 yard gain to Davis instead.
This is a perfect example of where Smith needs to take his game for the offense to improve in 2012.
Didn’t they run that same play against the Giants in the NFC Champ game to start the 2nd half? I believe Cosell said the defender fell down and Walker was wide open for a TD.
“But the first play of the second half was perhaps the most indicative of Smith’s performance. You come out of halftime with a specific plan. The 49ers went to one of their staples, the wheel route. A shot play right out of the gate. Delanie Walker, from his line of scrimmage tight end position, ran by a slipping Webster. The concept worked to perfection. Walker screamed down the sideline. Smith again did not pull the trigger from a clean pocket. He ended up getting sacked for a 7 yard loss.”
Great play call.
If he got sacked it would seem that the pocket wasn’t that clean.
Yeah, I had the same thought. Cosell clarified those comments to KNBR later that week and he said basically the same thing about the pocket being clean and Walker being wide open. My only guess is that if a QB is frozen with indecision for long enough then he will get sacked. Here’s what Grant said on his live game blog about that play:
“5:28 Greg Roman calls a pass on first down and Alex Smith takes a sack. Loss of seven. That’s another drive killer.”
Another interesting sequence from the Champ. game live game blog:
“5:32 And then Greg Roman calls a brilliant play we haven’t seen before – fly sweep to Kendall Hunter, but he cuts back to the right and gains 14 yards.
5:33 Gore up the middle for four. Another good Roman play call. He’s stepping up.
5:33 The Giants put ten defenders in the box. Smith play fakes and throws incomplete at Davis’ feet. Third and six.
5:34 Smith rolls left and throws to Walker, but the pass is batted down. Time for another Lee punt.”
Sounds like Roman had a pretty good game calling plays in the NFC Champ game.
Houston, He called a good first half, but abandoned the run when we needed it. Not so good. IMO
Yeah, you’re probably right. I’ve blocked much of the 2nd half of that game out of my mind but I think Roman allowed the Giants D to dictate his play calls. The Giants were stacking the box so Roman was basically trying to take what the D was giving them. Unfortunately, the passing game wasn’t working too well in the 2nd half. I think the 9ers had only 1 reception by a WR in that game so the Giants basically dared them to pass to the WR’s. It’s always a chicken/egg argument. Were the plays that were called the right plays or was the execution poor? Hard to say. I think they should have tried to run more against the 9 and 10 man fronts but hindsight is 20/20.
revisionist …. did not occur that way….i have recounted the specifics of that play months ago and the pocket was not clean, and this was one of anthony davis’s miscues that allowed pressure that flushed AS into the arms of another giant defender….walker hadn’t cleared the wheel route….
@jg,
I wouldn’t really call it revisionist. It is what Cosell said at the time when he watched the coaches cut. He reiterated on several occasions that there was no pressure on Smith. So it’s the old he said/he said argument. Perhaps you can write to Cosell and convince him that you are right and he is wrong.
Either way, it doesn’t really matter. It was a great play call.
Hey JG,
Just curious, did you also break down this play and determine there was pressure on Smith? If so, maybe Cosell really has something against Smith and is bias in his analysis. Maybe???
From Sando’s blog:
NFL Films’ Greg Cosell took a closer look at the coaches’ video and found evidence Michael Crabtree was correct in suggesting the team had opportunities downfield. Cosell pointed to the 49ers’ first third-down play of the game. Crabtree got open on a sail route.
“Smith, with no pressure in the pocket, did not pull the trigger,” Cosell wrote. “It was a throw that had to be made. The result of the play was an incompletion on a late check-down to Frank Gore.”
There it is, a hater who just couldn’t resist to find a positive, well written article for only this dumb a$$ to bring up another slant on Alex.
Jack you need better hobbies or a labotomy, something to keep your mind off hating on Alex.
Now some other hater out there tell me who starts this garbage? Not even 20 comments in and this moron starts to turn the thread sour already, classic!
Prime
You will find that Mr. Neutral himself seems to always side with the AS sucks side.
Forget him.
ds…..how about your little love tap for Smith after a whole post of offensive plays? Is anyone giving you crap for your take? Is what Jack said false?
md
Don’t know what Jack said. Don’t read him. Just telling prime my experience when I did read him.
And the only thing I posted about AS is that he will have a lot of fast players with him. So if that is the love tap you are discussing, I guess so.
Dont know what he saID, so your going to put him in a certain category? Brilliant “comrehension”. And Im not giving you crap for what you said, Im saying everyone can have a take on the blog.
md
My “comprehension” of Jack is well enough to know I don’t gain anything reading his posts. That is good enough reason for me. The sad part is that he reads mine and replies to them knowing that.
You and jg need to upgrade your tv’s then.
So which is it md?
1. The defender is stupid.
2. The play was over.
And in what universe is Walker out-running the whole Giants defense for about 60+ yards?
Jack absolutly true. Smith worked on his mechanics this offseason +1, and now he needs the field vision and confidence in the o-line to master his game. Well said
Houston- Yes D Walker was wide open and Smith didnt throw. This is an example of what you DONT see on TV rather than being at the game in person. Morons that speak against this fact “and you know who you are” have noooo clue on how different it is in person. Another good point, it was a great call, but our qb didnt exicute it.
And Prime. Whats your problem? There is nothing wrong with stating facts. Are you telling me Smith doesnt need to improve this flaw? And why dont you ever jump down Onelames and ds throat when they post Harbaugh’s smoke and mirror’ fib,about Manning and blaming our defense for the offenses problems? Why so angry? Unless you think Smith is the perfect QB right now? Take it easy Dude
Md chill bro, just saying that Jack does not need to go down the AS debate any longer. It was good article and started out as a good discussion, why bring up the negative BS, haven’t you had enough?
Prime. Yes I have, but Jack makes another good point in a post down below. When the season starts and Smith is balling or fails. It will finally be over. You know what I think. Gonna be a great year.
again on that particular play there was enough TV coverage to see that walker had not cleared the wheel route when AS was sacked…he was not clear as so many seem to intimate until after the fact
@jg
The moment AS was getting slammed, DW got open. Unless you want the QB to throw the ball up into the air half hazardly near our endzone (or deep in our side of the field) AS throwing that ball would have resulted very likely in a “duck” pass that is easily intercepted and returned for a TD.
The TV showed it. DW only got open after the fact that the play was dead. So, if we count that as getting open, then every WR in the history of the NFL is open all the time. Of course, you have WR’s who actually do think that, so maybe they do count those occurances.
Ds…. I don’t know what tv you were watching, but smith should have made that throw before he was sacked. I know he knows how to lead a reciever. D Walker would have scored easily. Chalk that up as smith holding the ball to long or not very good field vision. He’ll get better this year. Ill say this, if his field vision gets better this seaon, which I think it will. That throw will be made a lot this season. Smith is going to ball this season. I can’t stress it enough. By faaaar his best season as an nfl qb.
Same TV jg watched. With various angles.
And no way is DW scoring. He isn’t faster than the defender.
Why did the defender have him covered then just let DW go md?
1. He’s stupid
2. The play was over
I’m going with #2.
“For #3 you should substitute the first play in the Baltimore game. Walker lines up wide right and motions in toward the line and runs a deep corner route. He is wide open after the play fake, but Smith checks down for a 4 yard gain to Davis instead.”
“This is a perfect example of where Smith needs to take his game for the offense to improve in 2012.’
Jack, this is a positive blog article and you are going negative. Yes AS missed the pass, his fault, but I see QB’s missing plays every week. You get an A for effort focusing yet again on the negative. You sir, are a pip! Cheers! lol
Hof. Dont see how its negative. If he said Smith sucks is the reason he didnt make the throw, I could see it being so, but Cant Smith work on that part of his game?
Hofer,
Please explain to me how Grant’s number 3, a dropped pass is much different. Both were good play calls in which the execution failed.
True dat Jack. Sensitivity is running high today. Wheew
MD, take a look at Jack’s comments. He is a fence sitter. Not a smither but not a anti-smith (his words). All of his opinions are for a reaction. I’m not impressed and not believing in his negative vibe. Whatever! His loss! All arrows up! (For you JHammer) lol
“Please explain to me how Grant’s number 3, a dropped pass is much different. Both were good play calls in which the execution failed.
Your take not mine. I look at the positive. If you want to be a negative Nelly good for you. I’m with MD (AS top 7) and AES. All arrows up! Whheeewww!! When does the season start? 90 days?!!! Let’s go…
Hof. I think Jack is genuine. I think he keeps it real. And I think some on here cant handle the truth…In my Jack voice. lol Its all good. Why take offense for someones truthful take? Not worth it.
Hofer, So you are saying that Walker dropping a pass is good execution?
I took #3 as Grant pointing out a good call from Roman that although it failed this time should continue to be worked on as a way to take the offense to the next level.
He also could have used the Ginn TD that was called back as another good play call, that if not for the penalty on Rachal would have changed the complexion of that game. The play action shot play should be a main part of the gameplan this year with the new weapons.
All arrows up ; ) LOL!!
Jack, I didn’t even comment on GC’s #3. I don’t necessarily agree but that is his take. He’s a Raider fan (JK)! If you are a niner fan, why think of the worse scenario?!! What was your point!?? Trying to be controversial or just negative. The blog article is “Top offesive plays last season”! Not “Missed opportunities last season.” Like I said, you take your negative approach and I’ll take a positive approach with AES and MD. Good to see there is upside comments here as well. Good comments to you sir!!!
Hofer, You are wrong. The post is titled “top-five offensive play calls” not “top offensive plays last season” so before coming at me with your nonsense about me being negative try getting the facts straight.
Because it was “top-five play calls” Grant included the dropped TD by Walker at #3, and I added the opening play against Baltimore.
To answer your question, I wasn’t trying to be negative. I think that was one of the best calls they made all last year and unfortunately it didn’t work due to failed execution.
Jack, ok fine. Still waiting for a positive comment from you. All arrows up!!! Go 9ers!!!
Hofer, and I am still waiting for an objective comment from you, LOL ; ) Go 9ers!
md,
Thank you for your objectivity. I agree with you that this should be a great year. Looking forward to seeing how Harbaugh/Roman utilize all these new pieces.
…Jack Hammer the fence sitter sounds pretty accurate….
Jack,
That play is not as cut and dried as it seems. It was a bootleg right with Alex throwing the ball on the move. If he stops and launches it, maybe he hits Walker but his momentum was carrying him to the right and Davis was the guy open in his sight line. I remember Roman talking about how Walker was open on the play on the miked up special on NFL Net, but it would have been a tough play for Smith to make moving the way he was. I think the play would have been better if Smith just goes play action without the boot and does that little turn and stop like Rodgers always does.
The other lasting impression I have of watching that game again is how poor our Oline was that night. Man oh man were they bad. The pocket wasn’t clean all night. Pressure up the middle, pressure from the outside, and the Ravens were doing it with stunts most of the time; not blitzes. The Niner Oline got schooled in this one. Not ready for Prime Time.
How can this list not feature Andy Lee or David Akers?
If you’re going to do a top 5 list you should include the offensive MVPs.
Surely you jest MSC. You need some positive. MSC you know I like you but dude try to post something positive. The 9ers were 13 -3 (or 14 – 4 with playoffs) and you are still cynical. Join the team of MD, AES and Hofer! All arrows up!!!
As far as best execution, Smith to Walker to end the Lions game can’t be left out.
+1
+2
+3
Grant is in the house! GC, shouldn’t they be #1 VD post working backwards from your numbered list? Just asking…
I think he’s meaning “calls” not the actual execution Hof
I think the pass to Sopoaga was way better than the pass to Staley…..JUICED!!!!!
lol
+1
Grant….. I thought I read somewhere that the VD post wasnt the original call and that Smith pretty much said F it Im throwing it as soon as I see VD open? I could be wrong, but I thought that was Smith’s decision and I thought it took big balls to do it. Did I hear that wrong?
Not what I recall md.
I do recall AS saying the Niners were going to take 1 shot at it. And if it was open, AS would throw it in there. If not, they would kick the FG.
AS clearly thought it was open even with 3 defenders around VD.
Well either way. It took some BIG Balls to make that throw, and great accuracy to put it in there. Great throw Great catch. I still get chills when seeing it. Being there was one of the greatest moments Ive been at the stick, and the botched fg in 02 was loud, but that throw demolished the sound meter at the stick
Justin Peele was underneath VD and wide open! Smith coulda threw to him and called a TO but he didnt. Peele did freeze the LB tho that helped VD get open. If you freeze the tape when the ball is about 6 inches out of AS hand, you have to ask, what the hell was he thinking? Peele wide open and VD looking pretty covered. He trusted it tho and it worked great! Great play call!
All I can say is look at this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy0XtvZMZoE
@md
Throws like that and Detroit are why I have my crazy idea of having AS wear some goggles/visor that makes him think the game is on the line all the time. He just might wonder just how long te last 5 minutes really take. lol
lol
montana
AS made that pass to VD because of their history. If MC and AS, along with one other WR can form that trust with AS, the NFL just needs to give us the Lombardi trophy. No need to put the NFL players health in danger playing games.
Ds…… Smith will be playing more “at will” football than ever before. Training wheels are off, now its time to watch Smith roll this shiny new bike on his own. 90 days!!!!!!!
That was a great call as well. Perfect call for that defense!
You got that right DS
Hofe – I celebrated by throwing a FULL bottle of beer at my neighbors fence after that amazing AS “clutch” TD run! That’s sayin something!
One thing bugs me though Hofe, it’s that heavy-duty flak jacket Alex wears. Seriously that’s the thickest flak jacket in NFL history. He looks like the “Michelin Man” with that thing on! :-)
On the Vernon Post call, Peele was wide open, but Harbaugh told Smith before the play that it was to Davis or know one else. That is what I remember hearing afterward.
One of the greatest plays in 49er history not just last year.
Ya, with the play being called “Vernon Post”, its kinda obvious who the primary target was! lol. They practiced it all week from the right side and then ran it in the game from the left side. Hm, maybe they feared the Saints were cheating with a spygate or something!
Everything in the blog is way in the future or way in the past. What is going on right now in Niner land?
Don’t forget Akers fake FG TD pass to Crabtree vs Rams! That TD helped us get the #2 playoff seed.
DS – I sure you privately did a cartwheel in your living room after that play! :-)
Hofe did the macarena!!
Dam* you got that right Crab my bro! Think GSiefert but worse!! LMAO!!! I had some skirt steak (BBQ of course) tonight and a nice bottle of red! Yes I BBQ’d in the rain. Only a 9er fan can appreciate that! WWWHHHEEEWWW! lol
+1 On the WHEEEEEW! And Steak, the wine? Not so much. Im sure R Cross would vomit. lol
MD, only wine for medicinal reasons. (LOL) Come on you go to a steak house and have a beer? House of Prime Rib (at least a Martini – two olives please) LOL!!! Dam* I want some 9er football. Believe me AS and MC will have outstanding years!! Hear that DS!! LOL
@Hofer
Yeah, Zin or Sangiovese with BBQ. Save your Napa Cabs for NY or Filets or Prime Rib.
(Of course if your skirt steak is for Fajitas, well it’s gotta be beer!)
Now if the Niners can beat the Packers on Opening Day, I’ll be breaking out my best Cab or Pinot to celebrate.
Tuna, my 2009 Beringer Knights Valley went beautifully with the skirt steak. I used a cognac marinade that was perfection. The Cab was young, robust, and with tanins that complimented the skirt steak perfectly. One of the best Knights Valley that Beringer ever produced…outstanding!
The ’09 cab is great especially for the value, not sure I’d call it young but that’s just me, but in recent years for me at least the best that’s come out of BKV is their ’08 Meritage. If you’re a cab man do yourself a favor and see if you can find a bottle of Trellis out of Hopland.
Hank, thanks for the tip. I’m always looking for bargains of course.
Beringer’s Knights Valley cabs are bold enough to stand up to BBQ. Really intense – almost like a zin or sangiovesse.
Which year Hofer? Last I had was a 2006 and it knocked my socks off.
MSC, 2009 Beringer Knights Valley. As you mention, bold enough to stand up to BBQ. That’s what I thought and we were both right. Incredibly complimentary. it worked perfect.
@ Hofe, Clemons, Hank,
For those who like those big, Bodacious Cabs:
A. Rafanelli (any vintage 4 years old or more)
Randy Cross wouldn’t approve, but that’s ok, he can eat Velvetta and drink Old Milwaukee.
Tuna, will have to ck it out. I haven’t heard of that wine.
(I’m sure) not I sure……..damnit!
It was no secret.
Our neighbors in Canada could hear me cheer after that play. Was that the play MC put that great straight arm and ran the remaining 20 yards untouched as that defender looked for his contacts?
DS – Same game (Rams) different Crabtree TD, his only multi TD game.
Canadian…that says it all! jk! lol
crab- Thanks
hof
Canada-US border is the largest, most peaceful border in the world. There is a lesson to be learned there somewhere in that fact.
Are you ready for some (9er) FOOTBALL (think Hank Williams Jr. singing)!!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbxMz5h11CU
A surprise TD pass to Crabtree, thrown right in the numbers by D.Akers!
Hofe – Pace yourself man! ;-)
LMAO – Crab my bro where’s 9ergirl?!!
She split with Max.
Good call! lol
What about the best offensive player on the team David Akers 44 field goals a NFL record. Come on now. :)
Here’s a very interesting read from Mike Sando’s (ESPN) NFC West blog from earlier today. Sando gives Mike Nolan some credit (eight current starters and five Pro Bowl selections, remain on the 49ers’ roster from the Nolan era). Wow, I never would’ve have thought that.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/66981/what-gives-49ers-jump-over-west-upstarts
More credit to the scouts and McC.
Grant,
One of my personal favorite play calls from this season was the Fly Sweep, but that might just be the old HS coach in me. They used the sweep successfully a lot in the early part of the season, and added to it as the season went on.
The Frank Gore TD run in Arizona came from play call that incorporated the Fly offense to perfection. They started out in an offset I formation with the FB lined up to the weak side. Then Ginn ran his fly motion, took the fake, meanwhile Smith handed the ball to Gore on a quick trap up the middle for a TD that was set up by the sweep fake.
It was amazing to see a play call that I had coached through thousands of repititions being used at the NFL level.
This is a set of plays that they can really use effectively with James as the fly sweeper in 2012. His versatility should make for some very interesting options.
http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A0S00M1OgM1P3RcAAR_7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTBvbnA1cmZmBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDVjEyNQ–?p=frank+gore+td+against+cardinals&vid=DB4897FC2B43875F1D23DB4897FC2B43875F1D23&l=00%3A39&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts4.mm.bing.net%2Fvideos%2Fthumbnail.aspx%3Fq%3D5010973287841795%26id%3D8aead5bda5c815f293f5cdf018fec4b2%26bid%3DIx1fh0Mr%252fJdI2w%26bn%3DLargeThumb%26url%3Dhttp%253a%252f%252fwww.nfl.com%252fvideos%252farizona-cardinals%252f09000d5d824f33ab%252fGore-goes-in-for-TD&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfl.com%2Fvideos%2Farizona-cardinals%2F09000d5d824f33ab%2FGore-goes-in-for-TD&tit=Gore+goes+in+for+TD&c=4&sigr=12g1up7t4&
Jack,
Yeah I coached for a few years as well and I remember being shocked when I first saw the 9ers run that Fly Sweep. It was wild seeing an NFL team run the exact play we ran at the High School level. When I coached youth football for my son’s teams, we ran a variation of Dave Cisar’s single wing. We ran basically the same offense but with a true QB once the boys were a little older and could properly handle snaps. The Gore TD would have been a Jet Action 31 Trap with the terminology we used.
At times last year there was a real old school football feel with Harbaugh. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts for year 2. It will almost be like a rookie pitcher who dominates on his first rotation around the league and then has to adjust once hitters figure him out a little bit. Year 2 with Harbaugh ought to be fun.
Off subject but nice to see Giants sweep Cubs today! Also, they drafted a stud pitcher today in first round! You can never have too much good pitching. They need to draft a power hitter now.
Crab,
That was a nice sweep for the G men. Now onto SD, and probably the worst team in the majors to keep it rolling!
Good articles Grant expect for #3. If you’re going choose that, then you might as well include the long touchdown pass called back because of RG Rachal’s blunder against the Ravens.
The offensive play I likes that’s not included is the long pass to Crabtree in our second game against the Seahawks. It’s proof that when Smith and Crabtree are on the same page that beautiful thing can happen.
Liked, not likes.
That play against the Ravens was a beauty of a pass from Smith to Ginn. On target, in stride, touchdown. A great play call against an aggressive pass rush too. I hope Roman utilizes the seam routes more this year – that is Alex’ strongest spot.
The call against Rachal was absolute bull feces. He barely brushed the guy. I guess the referee thought “Chilo is on the field, that must be a penalty.”
Unfortunately it didn’t count. If it had, I believe the outcome of that game would have been different.
Msc,
Bro you gotta go back and take a look at that one again. It was waaay underthrown and Ginn had to outleap the guy to catch that. Then he turned and sprinted in. Smith threw it as far as he could. All of 52 yards!
A little off topic, but The game against Tampa Bay had some excellent offensive. Gore, VD, and Josh Morgan had sOlid games. Even CK played in that game and was 3 for 3.
That was a great game Nick. All 3 phases played well. Smith had some nice TD passes, Rogers had a pick six, the D forced 3 TO’s. Hope to see more games like that in 2012!
Except without a season-ending injury to one of the WRs.
There you go again Grant, “The play calling needs to improve”.. your novice understanding of the game is so obvious with this statement, and is only bolstered by your interpretations of what you saw on the field. The Giants double teamed Delanie? No, they blew a coverage, it happens. We see Vernon run that drag route for gains of 2 and 3 yards on a weekly basis and you have as a top call of the year. QB9 is without question the 49ers best play call of the year, and is a nominee for league wide play call. Each long run in Detroit was a ‘Wham’, and the best play call of that game was the Play-action off it, which was ruined by a false start. That play, had it worked, would’ve have been like a 4 star meal made from scratch. Setting up the defense with the personnel, formations, different splits, and to hit them with it then would’ve been a back breaker. Another huge play was 3rd and 7 in Philadelphia. Jason Babin is doing his usual ‘Wide-9′ Horse$&!#, Vernon easy blocked down on him and Kendall picked up the first and more to put us in position for Frank’s TD run. Beautifully called; knowing the look you’re going to get and trusting your players to execute it. To run on 3rd and 7 there was not something a lot of teams would do. Another play was the quick inside handoff in the Saints divisional playoff game where Iupati pulled to the right side and Frank squeaked through an alley to come out the other side with 40+ yards.
I was going to post a similar opinion, but without any of the great examples you included. I’ve been coaching HS ball (both offense and defense) since I graduated 7 years ago and have coordinated an offense for a season, so I think I have a bit of an understanding of all of the intricacies of the game.
I was thinking along the same lines about the Delanie comment:
You can’t base off of a play like that because a wham block is a tactic that works when the opposing team is not expecting it. To really utilize a TE in an offense, the initial steps of his release in the various routes within the passing game should resemble his initial steps of his various blocking assignments in the running game.
Aside from that…
While I thought that the offense was rather conservative last year, I understood that the selection of play-calls was limited by the amount of installation time the coaches had going into the season. Limiting the playbook to what the offense (especially the QB) were comfortable with was a great strategy. I heard it said quite often that Smith was the reason why the QB’s role in the offense was so limited last year, but I’m not so sure that’s the case. I think it was a very smart and disciplined approach, regardless of who was playing QB, to make sure that the offense was comfortable with each play call, since expanding the offense beyond their cognitive comfort level would likely result in more turnovers.
@Big M:
Thanks for the insight, particularly regarding the reason for limiting the playbook.
Big M, where do you coach? Good luck this season!
Thanks, Will. I’m currently coaching at Roosevelt High in Fresno. We’re a little down on our luck when it comes to athletes right now (open district and we’re on the wrong side of the tracks), but we’ve got a lot of youngsters with some ability and decent work ethic. Even if the win/loss record isn’t what we like, working with the younger guys makes practice more enjoyable in the sense that you can see noticeable improvement on a daily basis.
…wow…. 4 out 5 top offensive plays where passes/run by Alex ……this is unbelivable….
If only alex had used cement and sand to build up the score, maybe we could have gone 16-0…..
(…..”The defense gave up late leads… After the offense couldn’t build a good one”….)
…”
– The 49ers are listed as the odds-on Super Bowl favorite by MGM Resorts International in Nevada, at least as of Friday, according to Pro Football Weekly. The 49ers are favored at 4-to-1. They opened at 10-to-1, which is what they’re still listed at by Cantor Gaming sportsbooks.
“They’re by far drawing the most” money, Jay Rood, the vice president of race and sports at MGM, told Pro Football Weekly about the 49ers, last season’s NFC runner-up. The Green Bay Packers, champs of the 2010 season, are the MGM’s second favorite at 9-to-2.
…”
Nice job of cutting and pasting …. AlmostOneDolphin
“Almost OneDolphin”
Hmm..
If AS did sign someplace else, and PM didn’t come here, we would be named “Almost a playoff team”.
NickRow,
That is a classic, Hilarious . Almost OneDolphin! Hilarious
Yeah because 20 points a game is an awesome average. Wheew top flight. Who had the bulk of the scoring? That’s right our fg kicker. Woooo. Thank god we had Alex smith and his “great” 4th down %. Ha ha haaa. Should I copy and paste that dumb comment??? Hmmmm
Now before you clowns start commenting. This is just to show how much onelame is in love with the 49ers… In his case Alex smith.
>>Yeah because 20 points a game is an awesome average
MD, actually 23.75 per game. Guess who also scored about 24 per game? The 74,75,78,79 Steelers. 24.16 per game over that period to be precise. And that was good for 4 Lombardis.
You wouldn’t spit at 4 Lombardis, would you? Or would it still p*ss you off that we were “only” scoring 24 a game?
Oh, different era? BS! Dominant defense can do it in any era.
ribico
md’s famous statement explains it all:
“The defense gave up all those late leads in the 4th quarter because they were not large enough.”
So, it does make sense to md. Though to nobody else who knows anything about anything.
How dirty can one’s knees get?
…madniner the clown……sound like you are still hurt; me showing the readers how ignorant you are……
….I recall you used to complain about DS posting so much….guess you caught the bug also……its cool tho….its not going to change the perception that you are a 49er hater…..who really contribute nothing but negative thoughts about our QB…….
Right. GM… Because you know more than tb right? The GM of the year was going to turn chicken salad into chicken *hit???? Nice call moron. GM of the year folks. Ha ha haaaaa. Don’t hate. I stick around all year. Because you love to vanish when your hero is in trouble. Hey onelame. Remember when I smacked you so bad you got booted? Lmao!!! Winner winner chicken salad dinner. Do us all a favor and wash those knees or buy some pads.
….i love how you respond to me…..its like you have to take a shyte asap and you are running to the toilet, screaming how much you hate oneniner….lol
….look i got you cursing…. using words like “moron”…”pu…y”………dude…I am your master…..its natural for you to wanna be like me since I am your mentor…….
Mentor…lol cursing? Naaa. Mad? Naaa. It’s not my fault your posts show what kind of person you are. Just call it like I see it. And btw I see you on here as much as me, except when your hero is in trouble. I was having some great posts with other fans. So who’s on who’s *its now? Alex might get jealous and I don’t fly that way. I’m flattered though. Hey do you still remember when me and telecat got you so mad you got booted???? Poooof and he’s gone. Ha ha haaaaaa
…..”I was having some great posts with other fans.”…….and then you decided to come to your master and respond to his comment……..
Hey MD, I am willing to bet my left _ _ _ that telecat is now bayareafanatic.
Hey Grant, I think a great article would be how our secondary will match up this year against 5 very prolific passing attacks/teams this year. What do you think?
Fdm… I don’t think it is. I’ll ask.
…lol….I recall the telecat name being in the same hater category, my b….. keeps bringing it up to support his fantasy…..
…….I think you could be accurate FDM….
Yeah you remember the other guy that plunked you and made you blow your top, aaaand get booted. Who’s your daddy’s onelame? Lol
…anyone else pissed about the replacement officials….wtf…..this could go good or bad for us….
the replacement officials could be more favorable to teams like ours who was good last year or they could be dick heads trying to prove a point that they are better than the previous officials by making calls that should be ignored…..
I am worried there will be alot of unnecessary holding calls…….
Zzzzzzzzzzzz
There were times last year where the 49ers imaginative formations and play calls were not only confusing to the Defense, but were too much for the officials who sometimes reacted with bogus calls. If the regular (and supposedly best) Refs couldn’t keep up, the FNGs are likely to be weak too. Houston addressed this earlier. Not a good thing for anybody but the scabs & owners.
…thats a good point Bro Tuna…..and I am very positive our offense will continue with imaginative formations…….The NFL is really making a mistake here just to save $$$…..
Grant – Do you agree it is empowering for the 49ers to have a 6’7″ interior lineman considering their brand of football……??
” Vernon Davis lined up on the left side of the line and ran a shallow crossing route to the right. He drew the attention of the Lions middle linebacker, strong-side linebacker and strong safety. Smith stared at Davis and then he threw it to a wide open Walker in the end zone. Walker had lined up next to Davis but motioned to the right and ran an out route at the goal line and the Lions defense forgot all about him. Unfortunately for the Niners, Walker dropped the pass. But he more than made up for it by catching the eventual game winning TD at the goaline, which was questionable, but after further review the play stood and the 49ers won. ”
There you go! I fixed it for you Grant! No need to thank me!
Like some of the comments from this guy.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/san-francisco-49ers-coach-jim-harbaugh-explantaion-on-peyton-manning-has-merit-060412
Straight forward analysis – I like his read and take on the drama of the offseason.
I agree Hof and Bay.
Bay…… Are the artist formerly known as telecat?
…dumbasz……like he is gonna admit it….lol
MD,
I’ve been asked that like five times this year. I’m not telecat. He must be a cool cat though : )
Don’t lie, you totally are telecat! And for the record, he was as ignorant as you when it came to football!
@bay…. Coo. He was he was part of onelames ban from mm days. Onelame knows it. Look at him trying to save face. Lol fdm was willing to bet that you were. Onelame =owned!!! C’mon onelame let’s reminisce a little? Ha ha haaaaaa.
…looking back in the archives (remember them)…….FDM’s comments make more sense and are more credible than you clown….
@oneniner
More important about being right or wrong about this stuff (we’ve all been), is the fact that they don’t own up to it.
All these people wanting PM. Saying we need PM. That we can’t win the Super Bowl without getting PM (even though his last meaningful Super Bowl pass was for a TD…a return Int for a TD that ended any hopes of Indy winning) then go into complete hibernation when it was revealed by JH that the press was all wrong.
Nobody I saw admitted to the idea that the Niners would not pay top dollar for him at the expense of losing 5-7 current Niners who thought it was prudent we sign PM.
It is the refusal to admit things that is most important when we go back into the archives and see what people wrote before much more so than it is showing who is wrong on something.
Has any hater ever admitted to being wrong about anything here? That is the real question. And we all know the answer.
Well DS, that is not totally accuarte. A few haters were on here after the Saints game saying that Smith finally arrived. Then after the Giants game it was back to hating and an offseason of more of the same.
So to answer your question “Has any hater ever admitted to being wrong about anything here? For about 30 minutes after the Saints game.
@FDM
And I was one of the people saying “I don’t believe you. I want to see you support the team (AKA AS) offense a lot longer than a single post or game or week.”
Some here got on my back for not jumping on that bandwagon of where “The haters saw the light! Rejoice!” Good thing for me. All this jumping back and forth can get tiresome.
I never believed a word they said. So, to me they did lie/not change/etc.
MD, I thought someone discussed Jordo as Telecat a while back but can’t remember who it was??!!
I dont think so Hof, Telecat was crafty in his comments, 23J is not that bright so Im sticking with telecat being bay.
Telecat would always make reference to working in photography and a couple months ago bay mentioned setting up his photography equipment at a game last year, it was strange but I bet its him, they have that same stubborness to them and a lot of the insults back were very similar. I have been here awhile and I never forget a hater!
FDM, yeah not sure, all of the archives have been purged from the old days…the PD is only keeping about a year of data so it’s hard to remember. Hey question for you, I thought we were going to have a moratorium on responding to the blamers!?? I think you caved first? lol
You said you wanted to take the weekend to think about it and then I never followed up with you. I’m so tired of the Alex debate that I just laugh at all of it. Im done discussing it.
I dont see Alex having a career year, but I do see him making more winning plays and sustaining longer drives and just making the offense more complete. Of course the debate will be yards passing but to me it will be about how the Niners play against a tougher schedule this year and how much the offense continues to improve and become more prolific. As you say, all arrows up!
FDM………I was wondering if any “Smither” ever admitted they were wrong also.
Like the 49ers needed him badly and Smith didnt need the 49ers
Or that he was elite last season
Or he was a Pro Bowler last season
Or that he was the weakest part of the Offense.
See how this can go? It wont end until Smith balls this season. What do you expect with a career that has had no consistency? FDM Im just as tired of it as you, but I can never be tired of making Onelame my pet. =-) That never gets old. For the record again. Smith will rank in the top 7 of overall QB rankings. Wheeew!
FDM, I think it comes down to wins. I predicted AS having 4,000 yds, 28 TDs, and 13 Ints. With a tougher schedule, every game will be like the Saints playoff game. Interesting that NFL.com ran a story on JH stating he is under pressure to produce this year now that everyone has film of his schemes last year. It seems to me every HC has that challenge. How do you stay a step ahead of your opponents defense? It’s what BW always did – use your base offense and throw in matchup wrinkles. Find the weak links in the arsenal or in this case, the safeties, LB’s, etc. It can be done and JH will make it happen! All arrows up!!
…i see a cold blooded QB Alex “The Phoenix” winning close games…….I don’t see huge passing stats either…we are not going to give up on the run like all the top passing teams do……
our run game is our bread and butter……that’s how the team was built from day 1……using run formation for passing plays more that often is JH winning strategy….
..I bet we go NFC west champions again and this haters will be screaming again this is Alex time to show up…….
FYI: Alex already showed it……..I keep hearing this whinning about now he has to show up……or is it put up or shut up time………keep living in the past…..the Phoenix has risen……..:)
That’s how I viewed the process as it unfolded. Oh, and if we get our choice of QB’s, it is going to be Joe Montana for me. Hands down the greatest of all time. West Coast Offensive General.
God, I hate the off-season.
..+1
Sure wished we had some current information coming out of OTAs. Next week is mandintory. I guess only ones that wont show are some rookies that have school stuff to go thru and Goldson. I am hearing that Goldson and the Niners are still a dollar or two apart. Oh well, he is not here creates reps for others and that is a good thing.
Maybe his replacement in 2 years. He better not play the hold out game very long. Last time he went into the FA market, he got absolutely nothing from any of the other 31 teams.
NaVorro Bowman and draft pick Cam Johnson were absent from OTA’s today. Johnson recently had a minor procedure done on his knee, but should be back in time for training camp.
What’s up Jack, no link to Maiacco or ESPN? Wow, moving up in the world with your own investigating reporting, good for you pal and hey look, no spelling mistakes, I’m hooked on phonics!
Jack is GC’s alter ego? lol
Homer,
Did you know that for his last 665 attempts Alex Smith has the 7th best QB Rating? md is already on the money with his prediction for 2012.
Rodgers 114.88
Brees 106.21
Brady 102.85
Romo 101.45
Stafford 96.32
E Manning 94.23
Smith 92.81
The biggest shock looking at that list is Romo.
Actually Jack it doesnt surprise me at all about Smith. He will be better next year and will perform like I expected him to perform from the onset.
Under, exactly. Good numbers from AS without the additional weapons on offense they added this year. He just needs to stay healthy. MSando wrote an article on backups and if the starter goes down, what is the confidence factor (out of a 100). He gave the 9ers a 35.
He gonna light em up. Overall ranking Smith will be top 7. Ive got a bet with a buddy. He looks at me like Im joking. Because he knows I never liked Smiths play before. He says its going to be worse than last season for Smith. For the record I win about 90 percent of our bets. If Smith does He pays for my Superbowl Party. If he doesnt Im sporting a Bears Jersey for Next years Home opener. Ill start making my food list now. Wheeew
@MD
Make sure its a great food list, is he buying the beer too?
Under…….EVERYTHING!!! Even the prizes I give out for the adult games. That would be nice. Ill even make him pay for the champaign. Deh! lol
@undercenter
From SFGATE
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/06/05/rookie-olb-johnson-sidelined-after-undergoing-minor-procedure/
Grant
Why aren’t you providing any personal observations about practice?
Thanks DS for the link.
Doesnt sound to bad for Johnson, thats good.
How about the long sideline pass to Crabtree in the 4th Quarter of the game in Seattle that put them in field goal position? They lose that game, they travel to New Orleans and likely get routed.
Good call!
And at the time, that pass was the best pass AS ever threw. That one out did the one in Detroit,and was surpassed by the one to beat NO.
Notice how “The best passes in AS’s NFL career (3 of them)” happened last year with his first real year with a HC whom AS knew less offensive football than they did had on his (AS) performance?
If AS plays like he did in the Saints game we win the majority if not all the games this year. I know I am optimistic (experienced) but I am so jazzed about this upcoming season. To be quite frank I havnt been this jazzed since the Montana days.
DS:
“More important about being right or wrong about this stuff (we’ve all been), is the fact that they don’t own up to it.
All these people wanting PM. Saying we need PM. That we can’t win the Super Bowl without getting PM”
Ok DS, are you asserting that AS is a better QB than Payton Manning?
And who are ALL the people who said “That we can’t win the Superbowl without getting PM”?
Time to “own up” partna!
The people who said we had to have him are the ones who need to look at what the facts were and seperate those from what people just made up in their heads.
And I take AS over PM. Never much liked PM anyway. Look at his career. Lots of yards. Lots of wins…but only in the regular season. Why?
Look at his division. What great teams did he go up against to battle for king of the division year after year?
Not many. Their division stinks. So, PM played a lot of games 6/16 against teams that suck. That is 6 easy wins.
All he had to do in the remaining 10 was go 4-6 (losing record) against the rest of the NFL, and he makes it to the playoffs at 10-6.
The type of opponent you play in the playoffs is a lot better than the regular season. You will play the best teams. So, your skill will now be tested. Against teams that don’t beat themselves (Raiders) but require you to beat them. Defenders who know their assignments, and not go all rebel, opening up holes for their own selfish greed. Teams like Baltimore and Pitt.
And how has PM fared against the best teams (playoffs only have good or very lucky teams)? Poorly. Even when PM has home-field advantage (guaranteed if you win your division), he didn’t play well.
When I see PM play against bad teams, he rips them apart because they fall for all his BS. When he plays against good sound defenses, he is not even close to being as good.
So many of you wet your panties over PM because of his regular season stats. I don’t give a damn abot stats. Especially regular season stats which can be had by playing bad teams.
Playoff stats are a bit more meaningful because they are against good teams. And where does PM rank yearly in his playoff stats? Nowhere near the best on average.
This Niner team, if it were looking to replace the QB, would need to get a QB who wins playoff games. This team is a playoff team. I’m only replacing the QB if that QB is better than our QB in the playoffs.
Lookng at a OTA report in which DeMarcus Dobbs is practicing a little at the TE position. Dobbs said he hasn’t played TE since his high school days.
If Harbaugh can make Bruce Miller an offensive player/weapon, I certainly don’t doubt he has something up his sleeve for DM.Dobbs.
News out of Seattle that they will need to forfeit 2 of their OTA days this offseason. Apparently they violated the new CBA by having live contact during one of their recent OTA’s.
Violations are nothing new to Carroll though. Guess old habits are hard to break.
Can you cite the source? Thanks in advance!
Homer,
It was tweeted by Barrows about an hour ago, and Sando has a story on his blog.
“Homer”
Two can play that game. If you want to be a punk your new name(s) are “fence sitter” or “alter ego”. You can stop you nonsense now or not! You make the call…
I have no problem with either of those Homer.
I actually take it as a compliment that you think my writing and observations resemble those of Grant. He is a good young writer who is not afraid to say what he believes whether you and your rose colored glasses can see it.
I’m impressed that you are at least consistent…you couldn’t even come up with something original. That’s all you have and you stole it! Doesn’t surprise me. Typical for you. lol
Hoofer11alexfanatic,
Didn’t I tell you to get rid of those
Rose colored glasses! All you can see through them is our hero Alex Smith with a hall of fame yellow blazer on. It appears to be a bit too big for him because it actually belongs to Patrick Willis!! Beahahahahaha!
I dont doubt it a bit. With that lame team he needs every advantage he can get to even sniff Harbaughs coaching. The Craphawks are garbage! Thanks for the Link
Here you go md. My guess is it has something to do with the plays leading up to the fight they had about a week or so ago. From reports things were getting pretty chippy and some DB’s started taking shots at the receivers.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/67080/on-the-nfls-punishment-of-seahawks
Thx. Good read and watch…… Good to know we got our own spy now. For now on I will call you Hammergate… Arz Next? lol
Hofer, Prime Crabtree and the Smithers,
“Backup quarterbacks Scott Tolzien, Josh Johnson and Colin Kaepernick all split reps after the first team during seven on seven drills. Johnson in particular showed strong awareness and accuracy with all the reps. ”
Yes sir. It’s just a matter of time. Look!…… The writing is on the wall. Can you read it? Oh, that’s right. You’re in Denial!
..Hi…Jordan Welcher!!!!
A little nervous one jaguar?? You ahold be. The plan is slowly being executed. Stay tuned son!
*should be .