As we begin to rev up the engine for training camp, here’s some food for thought:
A tentative depth chart. This is how I think the roster stands as of today.
OFFENSE:
LWR: Randy Moss, Kyle Williams, A.J. Jenkins
Analysis: Moss starts at split end. Kyle Williams backs him up and backs up Crabtree in the slot, but mostly plays as the second slot receiver in four-wide receiver formations. A.J. Jenkins backs up left WR, right WR and the slot.
RWR: Michael Crabtree, Mario Manningham, A.J. Jenkins, Ted Ginn Jr.
Analysis: Crabtree starts at flanker, but moves to the slot in the three- and four-wide receiver formations. Manningham is the first flanker off the bench. Ginn Jr. receives limited snaps to run the fly sweep.
LT: Joe Staley, Mike Person
LG: Mike Iupati, Daniel Kilgore, Joe Looney
C: Jonathan Goodwin, Daniel Kilgore, Jason Slowey
RG: Alex Boone, Daniel Kilgore, Jason Slowey
RT: Anthony Davis, Mike Person
TE: Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Demarcus Dobbs
Analysis: Rather than devote an entire roster spot to a blocking tight end (Nate Byham), the Niners give the job to backup defensive lineman Demarcus Dobbs. Konrad Reuland goes to the practice squad.
QB: Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick, Josh Johnson
Analysis: Scott Tolzien goes to the practice squad.
FB: Bruce Miller, Will Tukuafu
Analysis: Tukuafu, not Isaac Sopoaga, plays Jumbo fullback.
RB: Frank Gore, LaMichael James, Brandon Jacobs, Kendall Hunter, Rock Cartwright
Analysis: Gore starts but splits carries with three other running backs. James gets most of the snaps in three- and four-wide receiver formations, Jacobs plays when the offense is near the goal line, and Hunter gets about ten touches a game on sweeps and screen passes.
DEFENSE:
LDT: Ray McDonald, Will Tukuafu
NT: Isaac Sopoaga, Ricky Jean Francois, Ian Williams
RDT: Justin Smith, Ricky Jean Francois, Demarcus Dobbs
Analysis: Tukuafu and Jean Francois are the primary backups. Williams is a project who could potentially take Sopoaga’s spot at nose tackle in the future. Ditto for Dobbs, who could replace Justin Smith when the aging defensive lineman retires in a few seasons.
LOLB: Ahmad Brooks, Parys Haralson
LILB: NaVorro Bowman, Larry Grant, Tavares Gooden
RILB: Patrick Willis, Larry Grant, Tavares Gooden
ROLB: Aldon Smith, Parys Haralson
Analysis: The Niners roll the dice and carry just three outside linebackers once again. They stash undrafted rookie defensive end Kourtnei Brown on the practice squad.
LCB: Carlos Rogers, Chris Culliver, Perrish Cox
Analysis: Rogers moves to the slot against three-wide-receiver formations. Perrish Cox is the second slot corner. Culliver plays left cornerback in nickel and dime defenses.
SS: Donte Whitner, C.J. Spillman, Colin Jones
Analsysis: Whitner plays almost all of the snaps at this position. Spillman and Jones are key special team players.
FS: Dashon Goldson, C.J. Spillman, Trenton Robinson
Analysis: Like Whitner, Goldson plays almost all of the snaps at this position. Spillman is the main backup at both spots, and Robinson is a special teams contributor.
RCB: Tarell Brown, Tramaine Brock
SPECIAL TEAMS
P: Andy Lee
K: David Akers
LS: Brian Jennings
PR: Ted Ginn Jr., Kyle Williams, LaMichael James
KR: Ted Ginn Jr., Kyle Williams, LaMichael James
Analysis: Williams starts the season as the main backup, but James challenges him midway through the season as he improves his hands.
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Some un-drafted free agent will make the 53.
Happens most years.
Looks right to me. Only changes I make are RJF being the backup at both LDE and RDE (In fact: he is first off bench across entire D line) and Boone is your back up at LT/RT, with Kilgore getting his G spot should something happen to Staley or Davis.
Tentative? TENTATIVE?
There’s no “tentative” in football.
Projected. PROJECTED!
Now there’s a word. Projected.
Btw, Grant, you think Niners go after Josh Gordon this Thursday?
They’re going to have a heck of a time finding places for all the receivers they’ve got now. Why would they draft another one?
On the surface it seems like overkill, but if you consider that fact that Moss, Crabtree, and Manningham are likely NOT on this roster after next season, then yes, you need to start building up a younger receiving corp. Gordon would be a big body compliment to AJ Jenkins and Osowu. Also remember we have a ton of 2013 draft picks.
Brian Tyms is a promising big-bodied receiver who has a good chance to make the Niners practice squad.
The Jenkins pick was about the future. Moss and Manningham most likely won’t be around in a couple years. I’m not very high on Owasu. The first time he gets a concussion that’s all anybody will talk about for the remainder of his career. He will become the Stanford version of Jahvid Best.
Grant, a lot of folks were excited about the Josh Johnson signing. After seeing him and Kaep in camp, do you still think Johnson will see the field during the regular season?
He’s got a chance if he plays a strong preseason.
Who’s your pick to go in if Alex goes down with a Injury?
Grant
JH left the backup job up up for grabs.
Whomever the next 2 best guys are in pre-season, they will stay. So I don’t see how JJ has any kind of advantage.
I didn’t say he had an advantage. If anything, Kaepernick has the advantage over Johnson right now.
Grant
Judging by pre-season last year, Tolzien was better than CK. If that performance repeats itself, Tolzien is not going on the PS.
I agree with you. Tolzien has as good a shot at making the team as any fringe 49er does — maybe better.
He did not look good in 2 minute drills.(JJ)
He was facing the No. 1 defense, unlike the other QBs.
Grant, So If JJ out plays CK7 in the preseason you think he still #3 by the end of the preseason?. I think JJ wins the back-up job in the preseson we will see. as for the rest of the chart everything else looks about right.
If JJ outplays CK in the preseason, yes, I do think JJ will leapfrog CK on the depth chart, but right now CK is ahead.
Highly doubtful. He’s here as a favor from his old coach. Colin will be a good one and so will Tolzien. Don’t see it in the cards for the other guy.
The 49ers will definetly go with 6 WR’s this year.
Last year they went with 6 Safeties & 7 D-lineman so I believe that’s where they will deduct in this year’s Roster.
I would like more touches for KH. That combo of him and James together in the same backfield is going to be in the Niners favor against any team but ours. Which of course never happens.
I think FG may not be a starter by the time the playoffs come if either/both KH/James can pick up the blitz well enough. These two kids give more match-up problems against defenses than FG does.
And I hope we win the Super Bowl this year for FG. He may not be on the team come 2013, and if any football player deserves a championship, he does.
I agree with that but I cant see James or Hunter getting a lot of carries to push Gore aside. If its an injury maybe but JH loves Gore and they will ride him til the wheels fall off which could happen as we have seen the last 3 years. Maybe the passing gam iopens up which helps Gore in this regard.
I’d be shocked if Gore averaged more than 15 carries per game next season.
FG can pick up a blitz with the best of them. But more importantly there’s no other back in this league that can cut between the tackles and make moves up the middle like that. FG keeps the defense honest vs KH or LJ who will allow OLBs to keep an eye without having to really cover. Nobody’s afraid of BJ coming through the hole except goaline and short distance situations. FG is always gonna be the best option bc if you send them and Niners go run Frank going for 40 yards easy
There isn’t a single back on the team that can do what Gore does, he will be the starter. Hunter and James are not big enough to consistently pick up the blitz. They will make great decoys on passing plays though because you have to respect their speed and ability.
It’s true that Gore is the best blocking back on the team, probably in the top 5 in the leauge, but Jacobs and especially Hunter are also good at picking up the blitz. When Gore comes out for a breather, what we miss in blocking we gain in quickness or power (if Jacobs’ leg workouts are going well) I think that Hunter is going to have a breakout season and I would say he gets at least 50-75% as many touches as Gore. I would flip Hunter and James’ slots on Grant’s depth chart.
I don’t like going into the season with only three OLB. It worked last year but it was a huge gamble. No need to carry 5 RB’s but maybe the Niners are thinking that Larry Grant or Gooden can slide over in a pinch.
I think they’ll carry undrafted free agent Kourtnei Brown on the practice squad as the fourth outside linebacker.
Is he for real if one of those guys got hurt?
He stood out in non-padded minicamp. We’ll have to wait until training camp and the preseason to make sure he indeed is for real.
Grant
Going with PH as the backup of both OLB positions is risky. And putting an undrafted FA in there spells trouble.
Just for the fun of it, do you see any potential OLB vets who will be dumped during the last string of cuts who could be picked up and do an adequate job for us as a backup?
Is Kortnei Brown really more likely to make the roster or PS than Cam Johnson? I’d be very surprised if the 49ers only went with 3 OLBs again this season. 9 OL and 7 DL is probably 1 more than you need at either position (especially DL, where the 49ers only have 3 of these guys on the field at one time – they can get away with 5 DL on the active roster if needs be).
I think Williams doesn’t make the 53 this year. If he’s eligible for PS, then he’ll probably end up there unless someone claims him.
What about Cam Johnson? Are you picking Brown above him or expecting him not to make the team?
I agree, the idea of only carrying three OLB’s is scary. Hopefully somebody steps up in camp.
What about Cam Johnson? He may show promise as a pass rusher and should be healthy for training camp.
It will be a good competition between Johnson and Brown, and I think the winner goes to the practice squad.
Disagree with you on carrying only 2TE’s. The TE is such an integral part of the Harbaugh offense that I doubt they carry only 2.
Nate Byham is a blocker. Demarcus Dobbs can do his job.
I see your thought process Grant, but I disagree that they would choose to carry only 2 TE’s on the roster, especially given their importance in the Harbaugh offense.
They use so many sets with both Davis and Walker, and if one goes down like last year they need that flexibility in game of having the 3rd TE to step in.
They could keep Reuland on the practice squad as injury insurance.
Understood, that’s why I said in game. If something happens like last year in Seattle, the gameplan becomes severely limited with only 1 TE.
I’m guessing the offense will use more three and four wide receiver sets next season. We’ll see.
I think they are seriously considering only going with 2 TEs again this season given the repetitions Dobbs was getting. Reuland on the PS makes sense, with Dobbs being the 3rd TE on game day in case of injury and for specific designed plays.
Grant
I still see the Niners with 2 WR’s, 2 RB’s, 1 TE. A formation which could be either pass or run. If you go three or 4 WR’s you are likely going to pass.
JH I think wants to play the chess game. Keep the D guessing. Easier to do that with 2 WR’s rather than 3 or 4. Though I do think they are going to move the WR’s in and out. So a backup WR may end up with almost as many plays as a starter.
Any news on how RM is progressing at blocking? If he isn’t good or learning it, that is a tip off right there about what we will do. A few years ago with MS as our HC, teams would just look for our FB (forgot his name right now). If he was in, it was run all the time. If he wasn’t it was likely pass.
Scooter,
I understand the thinking, but Harbaugh has a very TE oriented offensive scheme. They will often use the second TE as an H back, shifting around the formation to create favorable matchups in the run and passing game. With only 2 TE’s you lose that ability.
I don’t expect the offense to change dramatically from what we saw last season. What I expect is more of the same, but with better weapons and improved efficiency from Alex the numbers will increase. Harbaugh did the same thing at Stanford with the best QB in college ball. He has his system, and now has the talent to utilize it to it’s full potential.
Jack, I think Harbaugh will tailor his offense to suit his personnel rather than try and install a TE heavy offense like he had at Stanford. If the 49ers had taken Fleener I’d agree with you, but the 49ers now have deeper WR and RB groups than the TE group, and I expect to see them get used. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if only 2 true TEs suit up on game day with Dobbs handling spot duty.
Is it crazy to think they could line up someone like Soap, Crab or Jacobs at TE in a severe pinch?
Yes
Grant
It appears to me the Niners may have personnel now that does not favor the type of offense JH ran here last year.
When he was hired,it seemed he was going to implement a rushing attack. But with all the new WR’s with an emphasis on speed, how different do you see the Niners playcalling/philosophy wise being when the playoffs come along next year?
The speed helps, but Alex Smith will define the limit of the offense next season.
Playcalling-wise, I expect the Niners to throw to the running backs more this season, specifically screens.
……I disagree……JH will define the limit of the offense next season……..just like he has done every year he has coached football…….
“But that conservative approach isn’t necessarily Harbaugh playing to Smith’s “strengths and limitations,” as Jaworski suggested. Harbaugh did virtually the same thing at Stanford with Andrew Luck, whom the NFL deemed the top quarterback in the draft this year. That is, the approach is more Harbaugh-related than it is Smith-related.”….
….I hope Alex play’s within the conservative system, if the offense does remain low risk… we don’t need him forcing passes into double coverage…..
The quarterback always defines the limit of the offense. That’s what Bill Walsh believed, at least.
The approach is quarterback related. There’s a learning curve. Luck made a huge jump in Year 2. Smith should make a jump in Year 2, too. If he does, then the offense can really open up.
@one
I hope AS does what he did last year and does whatever he needs to do win games. Whether that is handing it off every play, or passing it every play. The main job of a QB (75% to be exact) is to manage the game according to HOF QB Joe Theisman. Managing means making sure we are in position to win the game.
We manage it well, we win games, I can care less about the fantasy “fans” who like the yards and think they mean more than the W’s.
It’s not about forcing passes into double coverage, it’s about scoring TD’s. There were a lot of missed opportunities last year. They need to put up more points. Harbaugh isn’t a fool, he saw how quickly the Saints put up points despite having five turnovers in the playoff game. There is a reason they went after Manning and upgraded the receiving corps.
@DS:
Uhhh, Joe Theisman isn’t in the Hall of Fame.
Unless you are talking about the College Hall of Fame or the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association Hall of Fame.
Thanks claude. I thought he was.
Regardless, he basically echos the same thing a QB who I know is in the HOF, Joe Montana said. You need to manage the game. The point being that game manager is the primary duty of a QB. You manage a game, you are controlling it. You control the game, the chances of you winning it increase substantially than if you are not in control/managing it.
Why does every Niner fan always retort to what Montana did, or what Walsh did and what Walsh believed and what Eddie D did?
Guys this is a new generation of the NFL, of coaching and personnel. Making those comparisons and trying to substantiate arguments with yester years is pointless.
This is a new era of 49er football. It’s time to stop making those analogies, it’s old! Yes I like how JH has redefined the 49ers but any conversation involving Walsh and Montana to Harbaugh and Smith is not even close. That was then this is now, move and let’s make new history!
@prime
“Why does every Niner fan always retort to what Montana did, or what Walsh did and what Walsh believed and what Eddie D did?”
History prime.
We have lots of it being good. BW and JM and Eddie and JR will always be the standard for whomever is in charge/playing.
JH knew that. All drafted players and FA’s know that. You come to the team with the best owner in history, best HC in history, best QB in history and best WR in history, you are going to be compared to them.
To be great you aspire to be compared to greatness. If you don’t want to be compared to the best, you don’t much belong in the NFL.
Here’s how I see it going down:
QB: Smith, Kap, JJ
RB: Gore, James, Hunter, Jacobs
FB: Miller
TE: Davis, Walker, Reuland or Byham – No chance they don’t keep 3 TE’s imo. Not with the amount of formations they like to use 3 in. They kept Justin Peele last year for that very reason. They could even keep 4 and use Byham in a backup FB role.
WR: Moss, Crabtree, Manningham, Williams, Jenkins, Ginn – I can see Ginn being cut if the injury lingers or Williams shows he is capable of the return job in TC, but most likely they keep Ginn and Williams.
Oline: Staley, Iupati, Goodwin, Boone, Davis, Kilgore, Looney, Person – I think they keep a 9th Olineman, but I’m not convinced it’ll be Slowey who is extremely raw. I think he winds up on the PR.
Dline: Smith, Sopoaga, McDonald, RJF, Tukuafu, Dobbs – I think they go lighter here and put Williams and Jerod-Eddie on the PS.
ILB: Willis, Bowman, Grant, Gooden
OLB: Smith, Brooks, Harelson, Johnson/Bakhtiari – No way they are going short in this area again.
CB: Rogers, Brown, Culliver, Cox and Brock
S: Whitner, Goldson, Spillman, Robinson and Jones
K: Akers
P: Lee
LS: Jennings
PS: Kourtnei Brown, Cory Nelms, Jason Slowey, Ian Williams, Tony Jerod-Eddie, Scott Tolzien, Konrad Rueland (if they keep Byham over him), Cam Johnson (if they keep Bakhtiari over him)
Other options for PS: Curtis Holcomb, Chris Owusu, Nathan Palmer, Joe Hastings, Garrett Celek, Jewel Hampton, Chase Beeler.
That’s a good looking roster rocket. Only real changes I’d make are to the PS, where I’d have Palmer, Tyms and Hampton ahead of Brown (or Johnson), Jerod-Eddie, and Reuland (or Byham, if Reuland is on the 53). Of course, that is all based on pre-training camp thoughts on players talents!
I’d also go Bakhtiari over Johnson/ Brown on the 53-man roster due to his special teams play – it allows the 49ers to release Cartwright while also providing some in-game backup at OLB in case someone gets injured.
Scooter,
I hadn’t heard to much about Palmer until I caught him on youtube.
The kid has some skills/speed/cut-back ability that as you say, should warrant a roster spot. I almost hope that the Org does not let “Napalm” play in any pre-season games because other teams may want him (ala Tolz). Harbaugh has already made some positive references about him during the OTA’ so I know he has caught the eyes of the coaches.
I’m really starting to like this kid. I certainly hope he sticks.
AES
Who do you cut then if this Palmer kid does well? I say we likely keep MC/RM/AJ/MM/KW. And at least 1 WR who is too hard to let go. Not counting TG who I think may get cut or not.
Interesting world. We ended last season with only one healthy (as to be expected WR) in MC who was here all year and played a lot of snaps, and go into this pre-season with a TON of WR’s.
I think we have more WR and RB talent than we do TE talent. And JH and TB will end up with less TE’s than we all expected when JH was hired. If this teams talent strength is in the WR/RB, we need to develop a system which showcases them rather than a heavy TE package who may not provide the match up problems that our WR/RB’s will.
Had we drafted Fleener, we might have showcased our TE packages more. But we drafted WR and RB. I don’t know how we can keep all these good young play-makers and not let somebody go.
I don’t know why everyone is suggesting we have so many WRs unlike last year. Three of the ones most people are projecting as starters are three of the same guys who were not productive enough last year to get us any semblance of a passing game.
Crabtree who’s not living up to his contract, but now we expect with the new additions he’ll have a break out year. Possibly true, but what of Williams and Ginn? They were on the squad last year. Did they both improve so much or become so indispensable?
If we have to cut the young guys in place of these two guys, they can’t be all that. If these guys play better, then we really don’t need young guys who aren’t as good as our last year’s starters.
DS, for Palmer to make the 53-man roster I think he needs to beat out Kyle Williams. They fill a similar role. I think the more likely scenario is he ends up on the PS.
I agree with you regarding the 49ers keeping less TEs on the roster than many are predicting. Even if they have 3 TEs in the 53-man roster, I don’t see all 3 suiting up on game day.
@EB Niner
KW was a 2nd year player with rookie like experience last year. He made some nice plays for us. Equally important he manned up for what he didn’t do well (title game fumbles) and showed a maturity that another of our WR’s completely lacks.
Shortly after last season ended, I read on SFGATE that KW was really impressing Trent. KW has continued to work hard at it, and JH loves that attitude.
I think he makes the team. And if what JH says is true about all these guys, and shows itself in the pre-season, we suddenly have a lot of good WR’s. We may become more of a WR type passing team rather than the TE type passing team we all envisioned when JH was hired.
If they are indeed as good as advertised, we would be stupid to get rid of a good young talent in favor of following some preconceived notion of how our offense should be. You pick the best players on the team to play. If those players change your formations/plays, so be it. We all saw what happened with MS who tried to impose his will on the team, rather than take a look at what we have and use that.
Rocket,
Like your list, but it only has 52 players on it. I think they keep Cartwright for special teams and his ability to backup at both RB and FB.
Last year the 49ers kept Williams on the 53 man roster because they didn’t think he’d clear waivers if placed on the practice squad. Baalke seems to have a good handle on how other teams value players – I wouldn’t be surprised to see Williams make it again.
I appreciate the feedback guys.
Jack,
The open spot I left was for a 9th Olineman. I’m not sure who that will be but I see them keeping at least 9. Personally I don’t see Cartright making the final cut. They signed him to replace Costanza but they have enough other core ST’s on this team where I don’t think they need to keep a 6th RB. I may be wrong in my thinking here, but unless Cartright is head and shoulders above everyone else, I don’t see him sticking. To much value in keeping a younger player at another position.
Scooter,
I had a heck of a time coming up with a PS for the exact reasons you posted. Too many good young players and not enough openings. We knew we’d be looking at cutting some good young players loose this year. It’s a good thing but it’s hard to do.
msc,
Unless Williams falls on his face in TC, I think he makes the final roster. His name is tainted due to the fumbles in the last game, but before that he had shown some skills as a slot receiver and sometime returner. He is versatile which is valuable on a roster.
Rocket,
msc was talking about Ian Williams, NT from Notre Dame.
Oops I think you’re right Jack. My bad. Ian Williams is one of those fence guys for me. He made it last year because of Tukuafu getting injured imo. He still has practice squad eligibility so I think he is probably a late cut and added to the PS unless he really shines in preseason.
@rocket
That is the best roster I have seen yet. My only disagreement would be Jason Slowey…I’ve watched him through HS and college, and he’s one of those kids that gets meaner every play. You watch, he’ll be looking for someone else to hit after his block is laid. Attitude and discipline…he’s a sleeper….
@Oregon
Positive Attitude and discipline go a long way. I’m also high on Slowey.
I hope you’re right Oregon. Admittedly I know little about Slowey so I’m going off of reports I’ve read. Seems like a very strong kid that needs experience at a higher level of football. He’s another guy that needs a strong TC to have a chance to stick.
What about Rock Cartwright? Nobody is mentioning him. Wasn’t he heir apparent to be the ST Captain?
Good call Rocket, especially at OLB. They’re keeping 4 OLBs on the roster this year.
Possible changes due to performance in pre-season:
1. QB depth chart affecting CK and JJ
2. A. Dixon could beat out Jacobs if he plays well
3. Chris Owusu could make the PS or even the team if has a breakout preseason
All possible Nick. This is the first year in a long time where we don’t know pretty much every roster spot going in and that’s a good thing. It means there is good competition. The QB depth chart is obviously going to be one to watch. Does JJ overtake Kap for the backup spot, or does Tolzien impress enough to overtake JJ for the 3rd spot.
Dixon will need a big time preseason performance to stick imo. I think he’s got the rep now of being a big guy who dances too much and after he got stuffed twice on short yardage in the Championship game last year, I think the Coaching staff had seen enough and thus brought in Jacobs.
I’m pulling for Owusu to at least make the PS. Really talented kid who has suffered from concussion problems. I hope he does well.
@Nick
I’m in agreement as to your possible changes in Preseason performance…
I’d like to see Dixon come blasting out of the gates like a truck and show what he really has; I’m hoping for Owusu to at least make the PS…he has the same potential as John Taylor but with more speed; I like both JJ and CK, but I lean more toward CK as #2. Let’s see JJ in pads….
What’s the deal with AJ Jenkins? Is he looking semi-decent? Much contribution expected? Is he looking like a 1st Round pick?
Somebody’s trying to stir up trouble.
Different reporters said very different things.
Pre-season will show us all.
with VD requiring a double team and Moss requiring a double team, some receiver or LMJ should wreak havoc or heads should definitely roll if the offense doesn’t do well.
Moss won’t get a double team right away in my opinion. Smith will have to connect with him on a couple of deep passes early on for defenses to double team Moss at his age.
I think we have a lot more match up problems for defenses this year with RM/James/others. We play defenses who are not as good as we did last year, and we bring back the defense and ST which were so good on a team that came as close as one can to the Super Bowl.
Can’t spell it out much more than that.
A matchup problem is only a problem if Smith can make him a problem by throwing him the ball accurately and on time.
Grant
The only real threat everybody agrees the Niners have had in the passing attack is VD.
And when VD was open, AS got it there. History says AS will. With more weapons we are actually more than a 1 threat passing team. First time ever in AS’s career.
Grant, how often did a WR run free in games and AS had a real chance to get it to him and didn’t at least try? Is AS only throwing good passes to VD, or is it that the other players just weren’t that good?
I think AS throws the ball to the open guy. If the WR’s can’t make it work and VD can using the same QB , the only changing variable are the WR’s and VD. The QB (AS) is the one constant. Want to improve, it is either the WR’s or VD that are the changing variable.
The Niners know what they needed. They got it. They kept the constant variable (AS) and named him the starter.
@ DS
Grant has a point. AS needs to improve his accuracy. Check out these highlights from the Detroit game. This is a small sample size, but it demonstrates an area where AS needs to improve.
At 2:06, it’s 3rd and 9, 3rd quarter, ball on Detroit’s 13th yard line, score is 12-13 Detroit. Nice play call. Pass protection is good. Walker is wide open in the corner of the end zone. AS leads him too much. DW bobles the ball and the drive ends in a FG.
At 2:26: 3rd and 13, 3rd quarter, ball on 49ers 32, score 15-13 49ers. Nice play call. Shotgun formation. Good protection. Crabtree is wide open at mid field. AS throws high and behind. MC makes great catch to keep drive alive. Had the ball been thrown on target, MC would have had a nice YAC on that play.
http://youtu.be/bMqfn85JD44
@nick
The pass before your referenced pass to DW was a nice one to MC. One which might be classified as throwing a WR open. And looked to me as if MC had both feet down on that one. Don’t know how AS could have thrown it any better. MC was not open, and he made a nice catch.
Your DW pass…sorry man. That is 100% on DW. Nobody near DW to knock the ball/arm/hand away. Nice soft pass that hits DW in the hands That was the bad hands play by DW which he later made up for with that great last second game winning catch. DW knows he should have had that.
If AS did anything wrong on that play, it was not getting the ball out there soon enough. The pass was plenty accurate. That is a TD worthy pass.
The 2:26 pass was a bit off perhaps. But the announcer didn’t say anything bad about the pass. It was a nice tight spiral high enough to get over the defenders. And if MC excels at anything, it is the higher thrown passes. He drops the ones that are picture perfect more often. High ones…MC rarely drops if he isn’t hit.
I don’t see lots of YAC either. The Lion S was closing in fast. MC is not the fastest guy. Maybe MC throws the guy off like the St. Louis game (that was COOL!), and muscles his way in. But MC is not getting more than 6 yards of YAC at best if things go as they normally do. I’m guessing 3 yards.
I can see an opportunity for more YAC if MC hadn’t ran such a deep route. There was quite a bit of space there between the Level 2 guys and the S. But then of course, the play is not the same. That was a good play by both AS and MC. I can’t expect much more from either.
You neglect the nice throws AS did make in that reel as well. One to MC again in that game (they had it going for a bit) at 3:30 or so. Nice throw under pressure getting the ball to MC. And the block afterwards on the reverse (COOL). Ending of course in the best pass of his career to that point. A perfect strike to DW to win it.
You note that the stuff I pointed out are all things he did in the 4th quarter. When the pressure is really on him. He shines. AS opposed to the Lions QB. There was plenty of time left in that game for them to come back. He wilted. AS rose above it all. The stuff you point out is pre-4th quarter. I’ve said for awhile now, we need to get AS to play like it’s the 4th quarter for an entire game. He shows up big.
Keep in mind that this was game 5 or 6, right? The Niners were still learning their playbook. Not just AS. But everybody else. As an observer we can’t conclude if DW ran the route correctly, or if AS missed the correct route. We can only see that the passes were not picture perfect. The cause…that is only known by a select few (the players and coaches). Remember the Lions hit AS all day long that game. The DW pass you mention, one of the few times that day he had nobody near him.
@DS
AS made some good throws in that game. I was pointing out plays which could have been executed better by AS.
By the way, check out the wham play at 0.26 which is perfectly executed. Suh thinks he has a clear shot on Gore, then DW whams him from the side, taking him out of the play, ceating a huge running lane, and Gore does the rest by ripping off a 55 yard run.
I noticed that block as well nick. I also noticed how Suh just kind stood there not knowing where the ball was or what to do a lot for much of that game. Loved that!
Those two pass attempts are not the best examples I would have used to point out AS inaccuracy issues. Both could have been caught (1 was via nice high catch by MC). If the DW attempt had been caught, that games takes a very different turn I feel. No need for “clutch AS”.
If I were you, I’d point out the KW title game miss. But you know what? EM missed a few open WR’s in that game as well. Especially early on when the Niners defense was not playing up to par. But in the 4th quarter, EM made that great pass after the first KW fumble for the TD.
4th quarter is where is really matters I feel. If you don’t turn the ball over (no matter how good/bad your D is) you are likely in the game in the 4th. And if you make some critical plays then, you win the game. EM had it in him that day. Inaccuracy in the first quarter means little. Come the 4th quarter, that is when a QB makes his living.
>>AS made some good throws in that game. I was pointing out plays which could have been executed better by AS.
If you nitpick (Nickpick? ;) play by play, you can find passing boners by every NFL QB. You really don’t want to do this for Rodgers in last year’s playoff game or Brady in the SuperBowl.
Nick,
No question the pass he threw behind Crabs was awful and resulted in a pick.
The throw to Walker was fine and Walker should have caught it.
The wham blocks in that game were beautiful. Love the name of them and the execution was even better. Walker had a really good game that day. Suh was looking to see where a block was coming from instead of going balls out for the QB because of it.
@ribico
Maybe it is my old age, but I thought the blog following the Detroit game was full of “AS sucks” comments. When JH said “Clutch” and you and me and others spoke of it, weren’t we slammed?
Now, it is AS threw some good passes.
NOTE: I’m not saying nickrow did anything of the kind at the time. I really don’t remember, and don’t care to go back and look. I just remember a lot of comments being written that said AS sucked in that game for all but the last throw and making fun of “clutch”.
@ Ribico
Would you rather not see improvement from the team – which by the way – includes the QB? Accuracy, pocket presence, and poise are areas where AS can improve. If he does, the entire team will benefit. The two examples I used demonstrate lack of one or more of these items AND were 3rd and long downs with good o-line protection and solid play calls.
I have NFL Game Rewind and can give other examples, but sharing the video of such specific plays is not practical. The Detroit game highlights provides both good and bad plays by AS, so I used it as an example.
with the stable of rb’s they have, i expect a similar scheme with a few more down field strikes to open it up for the ground and pound. It was a winning formula thanks in part to the best d on the planet and sp teams that was tops until nfc champ….i hope they dont go all martz on us.
I’d bet they’ll have innovative, creative first-down shot plays. Heavily personnel, play-action pass deep to Moss. That’s a good play.
What the Niners really need to brainstorm is effective third-down passing plays.
What the Niners really need to brainstorm is effective third-down passing plays.
That and something other than an inside run on second down when the first down shot play doesn’t work.
They also need to get into makeable 3rd down situations. Far too often last year the offense was in 3rd and long and the Oline couldn’t hold up long enough to convert. This is where I see a player like James making a big contribution. I see him getting some swing and circle routes to get him in space and make some good yardage on low risk passes.
Definitely agree.
3rd down play calls weren’t always bad. Check my post above for examples. Execution on 3rd downs was the issue.
The 49ers had 221 3rd down attempts last year and converted 65 (ugh).
The 49ers (31st in the league) had 3rd-and-long on 54% of their attempts.
The Seabastards (20th) had 3rd-and-long on 56% of their attempts.
Bengals (18th) 55%
Redskins (15th) 58%
Panthers (10th) 58%
Falcons (3rd) 55%
I don’t think “always in 3rd-and-long” is the answer here. The coaches and players need to step it up on 3rd down.
@msc
We weren’t very good at 3rd and short. The Title game comes to mind.
FG is not a good 3rd and short back. Dixon is not any better. Maybe KH is. We got Jacobs for a reason. I’m betting it was to solve the 3rd and short failures.
The biggest problem with 3rd and long is that the Oline couldn’t hold up a lot of the time. More often than not, the pocket would collapse before Smith had time to throw. If they keep the 3rd downs to 4 yards or less a higher percentage of the time, they will have more success especially with the addition of James.
OL didn’t hold up because far too often, there were lots of defenders in the box. Which there wouldn’t be if our WR’s demanded 2-teams (or at least not so often, and not without risk to the defense). Hence we got RM. Picked up MM in FA. Drafted AJ. Picked up some more WR’s who went undrafted.
And leaving FG in to block was useless in the NO game. NO had a spy on FG. If he stayed in to block, he blitzed regardless of if there was another blitz called. So, having him in to block negated any extra time AS had to find anybody since he was blocking a guy who wouldn’t have blitzed had he gone out for a pass.
Grant
If we do those innovative plays on first and second downs, we might go the whole season never getting to third down….
I think Mr. Hunter is the next RB behind Mr. Gore. Look for him to have a breakout year.
No way in hell Mr. Ginn gets cut.
Interesting post and comments.
Little by little I keep hearing about Tony Jerod-Eddie. What’s the scoop on him?
I’m loving this offensive attack speculation — isn’t it fun? Been a long time since we’ve been able to do that, niner fans!
@49ersROK
“isn’t it fun?”
Yes. It certainly is.
Moss is looking motivated to earn a Super Bowl ring.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/09/harbaugh-claims-moss-is-niners-best-receiver/
I just had to clean my wall, because seeing Smith at the top of the QB depth chart made me projectile vomit.
He’s probably a good guy, but he is a disgrace to the word quarterback. As a football player, he is a curse upon the team. I so wish he’d signed with Miami.
Wow! It’s just a game, bro.
@49ersROK:
Please don’t feed the troll. He’ll only keep posting comments if you do.
I like the idea of Dobbs taking the 3rd TE spot, and Reuland to the PS
Ive read he was a good TE in high school, If Walker or Vern gets hurt just activate Reuland, they may also stash Byham on IR
This would allow for an extra roster spot for 9thOL/7th DL
Not so sure Ian Williams make it, even if we keep 7
My longshot is Jerod-Eddie making it, great potential as a 3-4 DE or on the inside when were in the 4-2-5,
Williams is a 3rd string 3-4 NT he seems expendable
Like that you have 9 OL, Ive seen many “mock 53′s” that have us only keeping 8. I dont think ive seen a niner team do that, most all tems carry 9
but i think the 9th isnt Slowey, I think they bring in a vet OG type
At OLB, I think Cam takes that 4th spot, if we carry 4
But Gooden can play OLB if needed, I bet Grant could too.
So we have more then Just Haralson as depth
That was a cool story about Mr. Moss and Coach Harbaugh. I love it that we have a motivated leader in Randy Moss. This team potentially could be deadly on offense, brutal defensively and sinister on special teams.
Yeah. JH has Moss showing guys that its hip to work hard, study hard and practice hard. It fits Harbaugh’s work shirt theme.
As to Moss’ media silence, I’m guessing its his way of keeping things simple and focused on preparation, and avoiding negative or soap-opera questions that are distracting; he just doesn’t want to play that game.
@brotha
Ummm….you’re supposed to learn to do all that stuff in college. At least for those of us who actually showed up for classes.
I always feared MC was back-row/hoodie type guy. That is why I wish he were around Issac Bruce his rookie year thru minicamp/TC. To learn this type of stuff from Bruce even though his actual game skills had dropped.
And a true #1WR needs to be a leader on a team. Doesn’t mean he has to like the media and do interviews a lot.
But it does mean you are a major factor in meetings. That you defend your teammate (at least in public).
Things MC hasn’t done. You got drafted #10 overall to be the leader of the WR’s. By year 2, he should be setting the high standard for all others (notes, questions, etc.) to emulate.
To be a #1 WR, you need to do more than lead the team in catches. You need to set standards (Ala VD). Not look for others to do so (MC).
Better late than never…
@DS
I think Harbaugh is trying to take what he has (including MC) and make it better. Moss has cred and so is in a position to lead by example and share tips on his craft. If these guys study together and are engaged and communicating, then there’s the possibility of improvisation in the clutch. I think that JH sees that Moss is all-business and hungry and determined to win. Not just wanting it, but demanding it. It can be infectious.
Not disputing any of that brotha.
I only want my high draft pick guy to come to the team with that personality trait installed from the get-go. And MC had a HOF WR to copy from in Issac Bruce. If you were a painter and could work with Leonardo da Vinci, would you jump at the chance? I’d volunteer to do so. Money be damned. MC didn’t when he could have learned from a true master of the craft in Issac Bruce.
Something I fear with people who need others to show them the way to good study habits after 15 or so years in their profession (I imagine MC played pee-wee football) is that when that person who did show them leaves, will they lose what they were taught and resort back to their old habits?
I didn’t want RM. But after understanding the contract he signed, I want him. RM is the only loser in this if he chooses to be. RM will get what he has never earned before if he keeps his cool and is relatively injury free. This team with RM on it in the playoffs will win. I don’t care who the opponent is. Assemble an All-Star cast minus our defense, and we will beat them. Our guys are relatively healthy by that time against any other relatively healthy team…and we will beat them.
All depends on some luck (no injuries) and RM’s own will power to win.
DS94everXev says:
July 9, 2012 at 4:31 pm
AES
“Who do you cut then if this Palmer kid does well? I say we likely keep MC/RM/AJ/MM/KW. And at least 1 WR who is too hard to let go. Not counting TG who I think may get cut or not.”
Not only is that a good question, it’s a tough one to answer as well.
If I had to make a crazy guess I would say (as much as it pains me) I beleive K.Williams would be on the bubble. I love him as a receiver, but i’m fearful that his small stature makes him a health risk especially because of his issues with concussions.
To think, that about 4-3 years ago some of the 2nd and even 3rd line players may have been starting because we were so bereft of talent.
What a difference a couple of years makes. Kudos to Baalke/Harbaugh and the scouting personnel.
They are putting together a Superbowl team!
@AES
I said DW a few blogs back. Got some chit-chat going there for the PD guys.
:- )
My reasoning:
1. If we are going to pass the ball, we have better options in the passing game now than what DW gives us.
2. If we are going to run the ball, we have better options to sub in another OL or DL etc.
3. DW when absent, our offense didn’t miss much of a beat. And when he came back, we weren’t suddenly world beaters.
I like DW a lot. Love his attitude. But on a team with VD who is better at blocking and catching and making match-up problems than DW is, I think we can go without DW more so than we can without a young promising WR (KW for instance). DW does drop the ball quite a bit, and he fumbles it as well. So while he provides some +, much of it is negated by the – he carries.
If DW remains on the team, he needs to provide some match-up issues and take advantage of them. If he does, we will be in great shape.
And I concur with your statements on TB/JH/coaching staff. Though I need to credit the previous regime for bringing in quite a few, including my favorite, JS.
“And I concur with your statements on TB/JH/coaching staff. ”
Scouting department as well. Make sure I don’t forget them.
The offense may not have missed a beat last season when DW was out, but having DW in the line-up makes us more dangerous because I personally believe he runs harder than VD after the catch.
DW just gives us more options especially with a two TE alignment. DW’ one wrinkle could be that he’s been bit by the injury bug. But unless our other two young TE’ quickly develop, DW is our 2nd best TE and going no where.
AES
I don’t think we go much 2 TE set. With KH/Jacobs/FG in the backfield and the host of WR’s we have. With RM being the leader and all, and with MC having the best hands JH’s ever seen, and with our host of RB’s, I don’t see a lot of need to go 2 TE’s. And with this being the last year of his contract, DW may not be with us for much longer regardless.
I haven’t noticed much about DW’s injury issues. And I don’t think I agree with it.
Since his rookie year, DW has played in :
16, 15, 16, 14, 15 games each year (since 2007). That to me is pretty decent. His drops and fumble (I forget the game, but it was in 2010 at home) are the big -’s for me.
“I don’t think we go much 2 TE set.”
This is the type of comment that one makes when they aren’t a fan of football. Anyone who has watched a Stanford game for the last 6 years knows the importance of the TE in this system. Their versatility is the key to making this running game go because they create conflicts for the defense (is it a run or pass?).
Jack
Go away. Far away. Learn to follow directions and stay out.
Hey Grant,
Good read and thanks for keeping us entertained during the dry periods of the offseason. I haven’t been posting but have read all of your recent articles.
BTW, enjoyed the great LC’s read (please let him know) regarding wine and paying for the tasting when purchasing a bottle at the respective winery. I belong to 3 wine clubs and receive free tastings at those wineries anytime in Napa. So one option is to join the wine club which costs roughly $400 per year. Another option is to check out the local wine trade rags in Napa. They offer a 2 for 1 at most wineries. Additionally, almost all wineries in Napa *will* waive the wine tasting fee if the taster purchases a bottle of wine. The key thing is to talk shop with the worker at the tasting bar. Most are friendly and enjoy chatting with their patrons. I typically help them out (where I’m a member) by talking up the club program so they can sign more new members to meet their sales goals. Good times.
@Hofe
I read that Lowell piece on your recommendation (LC owes you one) and agree. Its funny that Livermore Valley doesn’t have more of an “Avis” attitude (we’re #2, we try harder) since they don’t enjoy the rep or status of Napa. Even Sonoma County has fewer fees than Napa with that in mind; and waiver of fees with purchase is still pretty common even in Napa. Of course if you show up on a big tour bus……..
This article makes me feel good about Moss…. but Crabs, not so much.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/09/harbaugh-claims-moss-is-niners-best-receiver/
Sitting in the back with his hoodie on…. not a good look in an NFL team meeting.
Not entirely a surprise though.
Yeah, it kind of feeds into the discomfort a lot of us have had with Crabs since his rookie year.
The talent is arguably there…. but is the willingness to work and fight for it?
Crabs is at a major crossroads in his life this year – one path leads to more success and stardom, the other to a short career and what-might-have-beens. Hopefully he has someone smarter and less venal than Deion advising him this year.
Grumpy,
I respect your take on Crabtree. But I often get a sense when reading some comments about him that some bloggers feel he’s been a complete failure.
Crabtree led the team in receptions last season but that make little difference to some. He came back from a surgically repaired foot but that goes unnoticed to some.
Now, he is being singled out because he was not sitting in the front row during team meetings. The Crabtree bashers seem to bask in the news of anything seemingly nagetive regarding one of our best players.
Sad.
Not just sitting in the back – apparently, sitting in the back with his hoodie on, not taking notes, and questionably not paying attention.
I fully concur he had more talent and, with Morgan hurt, produced more than our other WRs last year.
Still. Guys who aren’t with the program do not please me. And i doubt they make Jimbo happy either. MC needs to work at his game and improve. If not, well it is the NFL: “Not For Long”.
NickRow,
Thanks for the link. One of, if not the most exciting games of the season. Alex looked in total control of the offense. F.Gore was busting and running loose. Crabtree was snagging catches and making some nice downfield blocks.
Awaiting some more exciting games in 2012-13. TC opens in a couple of weeks and football will be back to quench our long agonizing thirst (lol)!
Cam Johnson, Looney, Slowey, or Williams will get “injured” and go on IR with Fleming so they can keep players more likely to contribute this year like Byham.
I’m too young to remember these, but this article will bring back memories of that special toy you had as a child. It’s pretty funny and had me thinking about my original Atari 2600 ( with faux wood grain and metal rocker switches) and the football game I received for Christmas at age six.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/09/the-lovehate-of-eletric-football/
Hey Big P.
Me and my friends would play this for hours. One of us would finally get lucky and score when our RB would actually run straight after about 100 attempts and either falling down or going backwards. Sounds like something right out of the Jimmy Raye playbook (lol)!
Lot’sa fun…
Today my son runs circles around me on Madden 2011. He beat me 76 – 0 and that’s even after he showed me mercy and retraint (lol). Gimme back my football vibrating field and i’ll show him!
Good times brotha! Make sure your son isn’t playing with a roster of 99′s in the player ratings. Lol, Madden has caused a few broken controllers between my buddies and myself over the years. Remember this game?
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/99/Joe_Montana_Football_boxart.jpg
Awesome! Way back when – my buzzomatic game, after spending a week painting one team in Niners colors and another week painting the other team in Rams colors (I loved loved loved beating the Rams), what happened? Our family’s pet dog found them and chewed them all up. Arggh!
Great read Grant and great prospective by all! There is always a couple of underdogs that you hope make the team but your evaluation is responsible and most should stick. This is truly a deep roster with lots of talent. Again, thank you.
The name of the blog is as misleading as the fact that it is attached to a newspaper site. There isn’t any real reporting going on here. All week long NFL.com has run with “insider 49er news” that won’t show up here for another day or two.
The name of this blog should be one guy’s opinion after reading all the bay area reporters report on the 49ers.
Gannon gave REAL inside the 49ers info when he discussed the Moss’s interview with Harbaugh…shouldn’t that be “inside the 49ers” material?
Big P,
I remember the game, but I never played it. All the modern tech games passed me up and I could never catch up.
Just when I was starting to get pretty good at ‘space invaders’ a new wave of tech games hit the market, ugggghhhh#@#%!!!!
Lol, damn 8 bit machines!
No 3rd TE? You lost me, sorry. It’s Harbaugh. He loves that stuff. I believe we will have one. If we don’t give an actual roster spot to it, it will be a 2 way player. Ohhhhh….. Dobbs…. right…. um…. carry on.
I would rather expect to see Kilgore (or Looney and Slowey) develop into a starting caliber RG than Boone…
I also wouldnt expect Tolzien to go unclaimed off waivers…
People say how valuable Ginn is and that he won’t be cut. They forget that the reason Kyle Williams was receiving punts in the NFC Championship game is that Ginn (again) was out with a minor injury. That’s his problem, he’s pretty fragile and I don’t see the 49ers relying upon him again.
Grant,
You seem to be gaining confidence in James, both as a RB and potential backup returner. Is there something you’re seeing or hearing to sway your opinion?
There are always a few injuries in training camp, unfortunately. So slots will open up, and some on the bubble will make the opening day roster.
The udfa Safety from Stanford (forgot his name) is versatile with some coverage skill, so he might be on the bubble/ps. He’s unlikely to beat out T. Robinson for a spot on the 53.
My guess would be that Cam Johnson is ahead of Kourtnei Brown for OLB just by one drafted, the other not, but who knows?
Owusu and Palmer to ps probably.
I’ll be interested to see if they go with Person at OT (even though they can shift Boone).
What about Cam Johnson? P-squad?
Byham’s a terrific blocker…but, he can actually catch the ball, too. He’s not targeted much, but he did have 47 catches, 612 yds and 3 TD’s at Pitt. I wouldn’t count him out…he’s ultra-motivated to show his coaches he’s completely healed and ready to rock. Harbaugh loves versatility, so Dobbs getting reps at TE is just another example, as is Tukuafu at FB. Coach likes to present different looks…Byham can line up in the backfield, too. Again, I wouldn’t count him out. As for Ginn, he’s got limitations…he simply won’t be a factor at receiver…not with the depth there now. I think he’ll have to battle for a roster spot as much as Byham. Competition will be at its highest in a decade or so…less wiggle room for one-dimensional players. It should be very interesting…
My colleague mr Jerry rice sees what I see. Alex smith moving up the charts. Very very smart man. ;-)
DS:
“And a true #1WR needs to be a leader on a team. Doesn’t mean he has to like the media and do interviews a lot.
But it does mean you are a major factor in meetings. That you defend your teammate (at least in public).
Things MC hasn’t done. You got drafted #10 overall to be the leader of the WR’s. By year 2, he should be setting the high standard for all others (notes, questions, etc.) to emulate.”
Once again DS, you continue your harange against one of our best players.
So now Crabtree is a target simply for not sitting at the head of the class.
Truth be told, Crabtree would still be on your hit list if he had sat on Harbaugh’ lap during meetings. DS, you are looking to magnifacture anything to validate your dislike of the guy.
I never knew that the learning process had to have a geographical position in the classroom, hmmmm.
Perhaps every class should only have 8-10 seating capacity with every chair lined up in front just a few feet away from the instructor?
C’mon DS, you are really ‘reaching’ bud (lol).
@AES
DS has a consistent low opinion of Crabs; at least that he hasn’t lived up to expectations. But the seating issue was important to Coach or he wouldn’t have made a point about it. Its not about the chair, its about being engaged. You don’t want someone hanging around near the huddle, you want them in there and paying attention. All in; nothing but.
So to get off bashing our guy: who you want in your meetings with you; Chris Carter or Plaxico Burress? I think that’s the issue. Improve how you do everything in every detail to keep getting better.
AES
If MC sat on JH’s lap, I’d have him evaluated by a therapist. I can participate in meetings, and not sit on anybody’s lap.
“I never knew that the learning process had to have a geographical position in the classroom, hmmmm.”
Not married or around anybody in the education field I see. In fact, studies have shown that those in front of class tend to be more engaged, ask more questions, are more alert and get better grades than those who are in the back of the class. And, if you knew anybody in the education field, you would know full well that class size has a huge impact on performance in this country. I think there aren’t more than 25 people at most in most of the meetings (the offensive players and coaches). My own personal experience reflects this study perfectly.
And as for your Aldon comment down below, you still don’t get a huge reason why people don’t like MC. Aldon was HERE. MC wasn’t. Aldon was around in TC. MC was not. I’ve pointed this major issue out to you a lot, but somehow, you don’t get it.
Not showing up for work does not get you a good evaluation. MC does not. In 3 years, he never did. Now we are in year 4. I’m not going to give props to a guy who should have done what he is doing now since he was drafted. You get props for going over and beyond. Not for simply getting out of bed and going to work. If your job does, please tell me where you work, so that I may join a very easy laid back get paid $30 million job.
A grade school child knows that they have to go to school. MC is an adult and should know he has to go to his job. If not, he won’t have one for long.
@brotha
No. I was quite high on MC when we got him. During his rookie year (even with the hold-out). But when MC got into a fight with VD in year 2 as reported by both Daniel Brown and Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News on Thursday September 2nd, 2010 was then followed by MC standing idly by while a pass intended for him in game 1 vs. Seattle was Int and returned for a TD, I had it.
Add to that the fact that MC has never once supported AS like
FG (who is no eloquent speaker himself) has, and MC has no respect. You have to show up for your job, support your co-workers and do your best. MC up till now has not.
Grumpy:
“Still. Guys who aren’t with the program do not please me. And i doubt they make Jimbo happy either. MC needs to work at his game and improve. If not, well it is the NFL: “Not For Long”.”
I understand your concerns Grumpy. I had an 80 personnel crew working under me at one time and you want everyone to fully understand and comprehend all instructions. But this is a new breed of athletes.
We see this nonchalant attitude in almost all sports today. Is it exceptable?
Well, not if you don’t produce. Sadly, it’s a two edged sword, with a large helping of hypocrisy thrown in. Why is S.Moss still playing for the Jets after his unfettered critique of Sanchez? Attitude issues? Yes. Is he still on the team? Yes. Why? Because he can produce.
Did D.Wade get into his coach’s face during their championship run when his coach tried to correct him for a bad play? Yes. Is D.Wade still on the team? Yes. Why? Because he produces.
Up to this point MC has been lauded by both coaches and players on his good practice routine and play, but to some it may never be enough.
I guess there are those who can’t help themselves when it comes to knit-picking’ and finding fault. This blog would be a nice place if the same people who intensly protect and insulate AS would do the same for all 49ers. But that would be asking for to much I guess.
Speaking strictly for me, I’ve never had much patience with excuses for Alex or anyone else.
Now, I’d much rather be starting Crabs than Rashaun Woods, and much rather be starting Alex than Cody Pickett. Or Goldson over Roman. Or anyone over Chilo. I understand that, though not perfect players, these starters have a certain value. And represent a step forward over the Dark Years of 2004-2010.
Not going to stop me from having high expectations though. And I suspect Harbaugh feels much the same. And if the results sometimes fall short – at least let’s see the effort.
I don’t disagree with you Grumpy. I’m simply stating that there is a new mind-set with the pro athlete of today.
Bill Walsh knew this over 20 years ago, hench the hiring of Dr. Harry Edwards.
But there may be some knit-picking as I mentioned in the case of MC. Aldon Smith certainly seems to be heading in a tenuous direction, but he seems to get more leniency than MC because he has satified the fans appitite in production.
MC has not had off-field issues that I know of, has not been late or missed a team meeting (while on contract) that I know of. His condemnation seems to center around his missed TC’ due to injury and his postgame statement about not having enough opportunities to make a play during the championship game.
Oh, now he’s being targeted because he does not sit in the front of class. Really folks?
Analysis of the 49ers’ o-line (Ravens and Saints games only) from former Stanford left tackle Ben Muth:
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/word-muth/2012/word-muth-scouting-49ers
Surprise, surprise; he saw real problems with the RG play. His discussion of Snyder ended with this observation: As a Cardinals fan, I am not thrilled for the Adam Snyder era.
He thinks that Iupati can be something special this year.
I liked Adam Snyder as a person and I’m glad he managed to get a big contract. He was always a good team player and did his best wherever the coaches put him.
As a player though… well, I’m glad a division rival signed him.
You really don’t like Cam Johnson, do you, Grant? Personally, I have a hard time imagining he won’t at least get a spot on the practice squad, and, having watched him play in college, I think it’s more likely he’ll make the 53-man roster and possibly be the first OLB of the bench in clear passing situations. Based on the number of outside linebackers they’ve added this offseason and the uncertainty re: Aldon Smith’s ability to play full time on the field and to stay out of trouble off it, I also doubt Harbaugh et al. will start the season with only three healthy bodies at that position. But I’m wrong alarmingly often, so who knows?
ginn wont be cut if he was a question they wouldnt have resigned him. williams wont be cut watch last season our WRs were crab an williams thats it, williams had some good catches an runs hes staying. i can see us keeping many WR an RBs this year because 1st we signed many this offseason an 2nd thats what we lacked last year was explosive skill position players on offense. we need those playmakers on offense so the only rb i see getting cut is dixon(purely because of how much good depth we have) carwright got signed for ST
Why is Kyle Williams on any depth chart?
I see 52 so it looks like one more spot is open. Either Nate Byham makes it as a 3rd TE or they carry the 4th OLB like Baalke planned and the battle is between Kourtnei Brown and Cam Johnson. My money is on Cam…