SANTA CLARA — I’m writing this because A.J. Jenkins is the first round pick and everything he does is news. He is the famous name in Trent Baalke’s envelope days before the draft, and Jim Harbaugh recently defended him to the media. What happened on the practice field today is the most astonishing thing I’ve ever seen in an NFL practice.
It was Jenkins’ second rep in one-on-one drills against cornerback Perrish Cox. In their first battle, Jenkins caught a short pass for a small gain. Jenkins has been doing a lot of this the last few practices – catching short passes in front of defenders who have given him too much space at the line of scrimmage.
Jenkins’ second rep visibly frustrated coach Johnnie Morton, who wanted the young receiver to run a deep route but threw his hat in disgust and dressed the receiver down in front of the media when Jenkins cut off his route, turned to face the quarterback and looked for a short pass instead.
The last time he ran deep in a similar drill was Sunday, and that time Jenkins didn’t catch the ball because he never looked for it.
Not a good day for A.J. Jenkins, who didn’t appear to have improved since Sunday.
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You are a joker.
Wow. A coach yelling at a football player….This is astonishing? Have you played sports?
maybe soccer in 3rd grade but I can guarantee Grant never once played organized football in his life. The contrast of quality from this blog from when MM and then Branch were here is just “ASTONISHING”
JDilla! Nice pull on the name
a perfect example of why coaches like practice closed to the media
At 26 replies, yours here oldcoach is the clear cut best.
I can’t wait for Harbaugh to tell you , “I told you so” your a joke and clear hater of the 49ers , you should be barred from practices.
lol you’re such a troll Cohn. You’re writing this because you and your pops have this stupid anti Harbaugh movement going. Everyone knows the comments the other day were directed at you.
Oh no a rookie was yelled at by a coach because he ran the wrong route…time to make a separate article about it! Can’t you write all your stuff in one entry like normal people?
Grant you are the worst. You have had it out for this guy ever since they drafted him. You wanted Fleener, we get it. not sure how you got this gig or how you have kept it. You must know someone at the PD or have some good dirt on them. Do some real reporting. People don’t want to know your opinion. I will never read your column again
Oh, boo hoo hoo. Then I guess you won’t see me writing buh bye!
Good thing your pop works at the same place because that probably saves your job. Press Democrat could definitely do better than you. You can take me off ,thats ok i only stop[ by to see if you have changed,but thats not going to happen. Not as long as daddy is whispering in your ears,remember son we don’t like Harbaugh.
Your playing a Head game with harbaugh , dude your going to lose , he will Jedi mind trick you so bad , I’ll be the first to say I told you so
I think he already did by the way this blog is heading
…..just have to wait till preseason to really see what the fuss is about……patience…patience!!!
This is not even 2012 internet news worthy.
LOL. Here is other reporters wrote about the same incident. I wonder who has an agenda here:
Maiocco/Mindi: “A few plays later when a coach criticized A.J. Jenkins on his execution of a route, Williams grabbed the rookie and showed him what the coach meant and gave him a supportive pat on the helmet before running off to the next drill.”
Barrows: “Rookie A.J. Jenkins drew the ire of receivers coach John Morton, who wanted Jenkins to run a different route during one-on-one drills vs. Perrish Cox.”
@Mike
All reporters mentioned the same incident using their own interpretation. The News Media circulations always report the same news stories using their own slants and interpretations.
It’s called having options, chose the reporter(s) you enjoy.
This is much ado about nothing. And only becoming a story by those here who give it life.
“LOL. Here is other reporters wrote about the same incident. I wonder who has an agenda here:”
You mean here is what the REAL reporters wrote… this kid is not a reporter, he’s an internet troll.
@Ryan
Feel free to move on bud.
Analogy; If you don’t like the food at a restuarant, why keep going back? That become more of an indictment on you than the restuarant.
@AES
This restaurant you so call refer to used to be a 5 Star establishment with great service and wonderful dishes. This was hardly over a year and a half ago… Now it sells Microwaved dishes that wouldn’t last in a ceap fast food restaurant. If you like the taste of **** then by all means keep coming here. I shall return once in awhile to see when management gets their heads out of the sand and returns the PD to respectability.
AES – why are you defending such bottom barrelled “reporting”? Here’s what a real reporter has to say about Jenkins:
Maiocco:
“It’s because of Manningham that I don’t see how rookie A.J. Jenkins can make much of an impact as a rookie. Jenkins has neither been outstanding or bad. And, as expected, he does not appear ready to challenge Manningham, Crabtree or Moss for a spot within the team’s top three.”
…and before you interject some nonsense about Grant being the only one honest enough to call ou the coaches… get a grip. Maiocco is the most respected 9ers reporter on a national basis… and it’s not even close. The reason he’s respected is because he’s not just an internet troll looking for hits by writing controversial nonsensical complaints about the team he is covering. Grant is like a really, really poor man’s version of Skip Bayless… and Bayless is only on TV to play the role of village idiot.
So who else is having a bad camp so far?
Grant,
At first glance this is a non story. Is there more background to this, meaning is it out of the ordinary for the 49er coaching staff to dress down the players on the practice field?
It’s the first time I’ve seen it happen on the Niners and this is my second season covering the team.
Thanks for the clarification Grant. That’s was my assumption. One of the great strengths of Harbaugh and his staff is their ability to teach, and this type of reaction seemed out of the ordinary.
Picking your favorites to reply to is just another misstep by you and will only further alienate you from your readers.
So wait… in your TWO WHOLE seasons you’ve never seen something… so it MUST be out of the ordinary, right? Oh wait… it hasn’t even been two seasons because THERE WASN’T AN OFFSEASON LAST YEAR! So this is your first training camp. And oh yeah, this one just started. Meaning if you have very little if any experience and yet somehow you think your personal experience is relevant to the story. Priceless!!!
A rookie getting yelled at by coach during the 1st week of training camp… that NEVER happens.
This is my second training camp.
Your second training camp?? Last years was not a full training camp and this one just started. The point? You still haven’t seen a FULL training camp even if you add up both seasons.
Grant has obviously never seen a episode of Hard Knocks either where coaches are ripping their rookies all day long. LMAO. I watched Joe Haden get his butt chewed again and again and he’s a All-Pro corner. Grant is clueless… it’s like me trying to cover Synchronized Swimming
I guess you like the kid so much you wanna be a thron in his side to make him better. AJ keep doing your thing. This guy never played a sport in his life. Player hating from the sideline.
Dear Mr Cohn,
Please shut mouth. Thanks!
Why is everything you report negative? Every time I click on a negative looking blog title, it’s your name that comes up. I understand not everything is good news, but I don’t think your pic should be you smiling. Matt Barrows has a scowl on his face, but at least some of his reports are positive. Please change your pic Grant, unless you enjoy posting negative things only. Then I guess the smile is appropriate.
Grant you are trying too hard my friend. It’s like you are keeping score on bad play vs. good. Don’t let Harbaughs comments affect you. Just let the AJ Jenkins story play out and don’t focus on his day to day trials and tribulations so much. Rookies get yelled at all the time it’s not an astonishing event.
Thank God for coaches who actually care enough to correct their students.
Thanks Grant for calling it like you see it.
How do you still have a job? This isn’t even reporting. You’re trying to prove you’re right about the rookie and any chance you can take to knock him you do. I’m sure he’s the first player to misinterpret what a coach asked for Grant. Do yourself a favor, get over yourself and stop hounding this guy. Make an attempt to report just the facts without putting your HORRIBLE two cents.
The critiquing here lost the last bit of credibility when Grant had to make the honorable mention of sitting next to Matt Maiocco to give his observation credibility. (i.e. the Frank Gore run by, “I am the best, Dog.”)
This blog is 5 people insulting each other causing 135 hits, with the occassional well thought question by one of the other 4 readers. It is for that occassional gem, that the other 3 of us continue to read it.
Haha made me laugh. I hope I’m one of the three, but don’t tell me if I’m not; leave me in blissful ignorance! LOL
Bravo. Well played, Medic.
HA!
A real article by a real Beat Writer:
http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2012/08/moss-popular-among-49ers-wideouts-and-49ers-cornerbacks.html
Hey Grant, I frequent the 49ers.com website and like to read the “Morning Tailgate” articles that are posted most days. I’m sure you’ve seen it, they give a synopsis of the daily news and usually have a few links to articles from other writers,; Maiocco, Barrows, Branch, etc. I check out your blog everyday and it would be cool to see some of your stuff linked to the 49ers website. What do you think it would take for the website to recognize your blog?
We’re all In this together ,From The Fans to the Team… And you clearly are not with US
@rocket
A story is usually a process that takes time to develop. You are correct in your assessment about letting AJ’ story play out.
But I like to hear every angle of the story and that includes the development process.
AJ has looked good in some practices, and mediocre today. That shouldn’t be construed as a slight against AJ, it’s just part of the developing story.
No big deal (IMO). AJ may come back and blow-it-up tomorrow? Once again, just part of the story.
AES,
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not telling Grant not to mention Jenkins at all. What I’m saying is don’t focus so much on him in light of all that is being said by both Harbaugh and fans on this blog.
I don’t want this to become a pissing contest between Grant and the 9ers over an opinion of a rookie. I sense it going that way with the way Grant is singling out Jenkins in blog postings.
AES
Think I hold a grudge? JH is waaayyy worse than me about letting grudges go.
Grant is on JH’s hitlist. JH thrived off of the grudges as a player. Maybe we should thank Grant. With him here, JH will have enough grudges to give us a slew of Titles.
:- )
I hear you rocket, but if a few reporters from different media outlets reported the same story it was significant.
I don’t agree with the majority here who believe that Grant is grinding the proverbial axe because we didn’t chose Fleener. That ship has sailed, and sour grapes won’t change that and certainly don’t make for clear thinking. Grant may be young, but I chose to believe that he is above this.
If Grant had been the only reporter to mention the incident, then perhaps there is reason to question his motives.
AES,
It’s not the fact he mentioned the incident; it’s how he described it and the importance he attached to it by making it it’s own blog entry. This on the heels of Harbaugh’s comments which appeared to be singling him out.
I’m with you in that I like to read different takes on the 9ers. I just see a little bit of Grants youth and stubborness starting to rear itself much like it did with the Anthony Davis Twitter war a couple of months ago. I don’t want to see that happen again. Grant’s a good guy and I want to see him keep this blog and grow into the job. You have to know when to pick your battles.
This isn’t a battle, this is what happened today at practice. I wanted to show it, not summarize it.
Grant,
And you don’t think you may have just made a little bit bigger deal out of it than it really was?
To what are you referring?
Jenkins getting chewed out by Morton.
No way. I’m not allowed to write what he said.
AES*
If you don’t think grant holds a grudge, wait until he talks about anthony davis next.
He must be a rookie ! Oh yeah he is.
Sorry, it took me a while to respond to this article. I fainted from astonishment and was out cold! Seriously, the hyberbole of Cohn’s description of events defies, well, description. How can one take the journalist seriously when confronted with such dramatics in rendition? By the way, I witnessed the most gruesome accident today. A bicyclist skinned his knee when narrowly avoiding a bunny rabbit crossing the road. It was horrible!
Whuppadeedoo!
Grant,
Honestly a lot of these comments are hate towards your reporting. I on the other hand, appreciate it. It is the off-season so every story is interesting. I think people need to stop assuming that Grant is trying to hate on Jenkins, and realize that he is just reporting incidents that happen at practice. Would you rather not know that this happened? People need to grow up, Grant is just doing his job.
+1. Thank you for saying what the majority feel here.
Aman
Then you can add a bunch of quick football posts to see if that stems the tide away from negativity.
I’ve done it before. Works sometimes.
You should here the Smith fans when Grant keeps it real about him. Look below for the biggest one on here. Hypocrite leader. Ill give you a hint; It rhymes with Bs
+1
+100
Keep the journalistic mediocrity comin, Grant.
If you honestly felt you were serving necessity in writing this piece (which is news, although this angle already feels stale just several days into camp), you wouldn’t also feel the need for an opening qualifier.
Whether you agree or not, at this point, it’s hard for many readers to not to see this as anything other than the work of a provocateur. This story has created some discussion (and paranoia-fuled Harbaugh overreactions) in the middle of what’s still a relatively dead period for exciting football news.
Several of your colleagues on the beat addressed this same occurrence in their camp day breakdowns…not one I’ve seen thus far felt the need to give it its own headline. Why not just address it within your earlier camp day post? I agree that it’s news if A.J. looks bad, but one week into camp, is a bad route and subsequent butt chewing really worthy of its own headline ?
woops. “paranoia-fueled”
AMH,
That the on field butt chewing is out of the norm for this staff is what makes this news worthy.
Have you ever thought that other beat writer don’t have the balls to tell the truth and take on the niner’s wrath?
@Brian
It generally is not a good thing to do stuff that gets the guys who you depend on to get strories to be upset with you.
Hopefully Grant builds trust by being fair, not by being a fluffer. I’m not interested in soft focus, softball journalism. Again, that’s porn, and bad porn at that. I’d much rather read this stuff. It’s fun.
I don’t understand why people bash on grants blog all the time? If you don’t like it then don’t read it. On the other hand, I appreciate the reports and insight that he gives us and since we’re on the outside looking in.
Thanks grant and keep it up.
DS94everXev says:
August 1, 2012 at 5:05 pm
AES
“Think I hold a grudge? JH is waaayyy worse than me about letting grudges go.
Grant is on JH’s hitlist. JH thrived off of the grudges as a player. Maybe we should thank Grant. With him here, JH will have enough grudges to give us a slew of Titles.
:- )”
@DS
There is a difference between holding grudges and protecting his players. BTW, Harbaugh protects ALL HIS PLAYERS (which includes MC)!
Harbaugh played in the NFL for 14 years. I think he knows about the importance of locker room camaraderie. Harbaugh is playing the ‘us against the world’ tune like a master musician.
No need to get caught in it’s overblown web.
AES
Yes AES. JH did what he’s supposed to do. MC needs to learn how to defend his teammates coming into year 4. Something I learned when I was 6 years old.
Maybe he’s got rookie, beginning of training camp jitters. He obviously wasn’t doing that in college. I don’t make much of it at this point.
AES
Yes. JH did what he was supposed to do. Something MC hasn’t learned coming into year 4 of the NFL. Something I learned when I was 6 years old.
What?
Sorry for the 2 post all.
No probs DS, it didn’t make any sense on both occasions.
DS94everXev says:
August 1, 2012 at 5:35 pm
AES
“Yes. JH did what he was supposed to do. Something MC hasn’t learned coming into year 4 of the NFL. Something I learned when I was 6 years old.”
@DS
Well DS, maybe when MC get’s it, he can one day lead the team in receptions. Oh, my bad, he did lead our team in receptions.
So, you played in the NFL when you were 6 years old?
Not bad DS (lol)!
He led the team in receptions but it was an absolute Houdini at his best cause I maybe remember 2 that were outstanding out of the 72.
AES Are you still smacking this clown around? Has it dawned on anyone that on this sight ds can mean something? That ds doesnt have to face the real people in the world? That ds is a self proclamed “God” on here? That Ds has 3 friends on here more than its ever had in the real world? Who else posts 37 times on a page with 145 comments? I dont know if I should think of Ds as Tattoo or Mr York on Fantasy Island. This is D’s’ life. Pretty damn sad! Whew
AES
The fact you don’t get it explains a lot about how you don’t get it. Thanks for that insight by the way bud. lol
And if he does get it before his playing days are done, it will have nothing to do with being the leading WR.
It will mean he has become a leader. Something he hasn’t done. If he had, then he is showing RM how to do things as a Niner. Not the other way around. And I would like him as a person/Niner.
md=worst example of a person.
” I maybe remember 2 that were outstanding out of the 72.”
That’s too bad Prime, but don’t worry, there will be plenty of memorable ones in 2012 : )
Sure Jack, let’s hope so, actually I’m just hoping he can get in a few practices this training camp. If he doesn’t look for an opening day lineup that includes Williams in the slot split between Mario M and Moss.
Prime
If KW works on his fumble issue a lot, that may be how it turns out regardless.
Like Jim Harbaugh always says, the best player who practices the best plays. In this case Crabtree needs to practice to prove he is a starter. Based on everything Harbaugh, blue collar, work hard, mighty men, Crabtree is working himself into a ball cap and sweat pants on Sunday’s.
DS94everXev says:
August 1, 2012 at 6:00 pm
md=worst example of a person
How would you know? Youre an Alien remember? Truth sets in and wakes you up out of Fantasy land doesnt it Ds? You are a true Pathetic piece of work. I really do feel sorry for you. Seek help ASAP!
Harbaugh isn’t going to punish a player for being injured. If he is one of the best two he will start come game 1. Even if he is unable to play a pre season game
@Adam707
We saw how that went in 2010. Opening game in Seattle. MC runs the wrong route, AS throws it, ball Intercepted and returned for a TD. Meanwhile MC just stands there, not going after the defender.
Been there, done that. Have no care in the world to do it again. If MC doesn’t play a pre-season game, and stays on the team, I would want him to slowly be introduced into the passing game. Meaning he isn’t the starter. And if another player is stepping up, then that player will be the starter regardless.
Besides, I thought you said you would be “concerned” if MC missed even 1 practice as you stated in the blog where Grant first reported the injury. How can you suddenly be ok with him if he misses (again) the whole TC and comes in cold starting in the regular season?
I don’t have any problem reading that Jenkins frustrated his coach. Carry on.
Lol I guess my comment was deleted. Sorry hurting your feelings grant
The most astonishing thing you have ever seen in a practice? You have to be kidding me. It’s this type irresponsible hyperbole that makes your writing unbearable to read. We get it, AJ is a rookie and is struggling a little. Stop reporting every piece of negative info you can find no matter how insignificant just because it supports your uninformed view. It was known before he was drafted that he was raw. I don’t understand why you consider this astonishing news, it only serves to highlight your inexperience and pettiness. Your column is a joke, wish PD could find someone worthwhile.
Prime Time says:
August 1, 2012 at 5:49 pm
“He led the team in receptions but it was an absolute Houdini at his best cause I maybe remember 2 that were outstanding out of the 72.”
@Prime
Now Prime, is that any way to treat one of your favorite players?
Shame on you bud (lol).
So let’s play the MC’ “meaningless” receptions game.
1. Of those “meaningless” “Houdini” (as you and DS refer to them) receptions how many went for TD’s?
2. Can you please convince me when TD’s in the NFL became “meaningless?”
And if Houdini was the master of escape, than AS should thank his lucky stars for MC and the other WR’ helping him escape criticism for making catches that weren’t always accurate. Don’t be afraid to go back and look at the ‘tapes’ from last years games Prime. Oh, no need. I forgot, according to you and DS the 16 game season meant nothing.
AES “1. Of those “meaningless” “Houdini” (as you and DS refer to them) receptions how many went for TD’s?
You tell me, your the stat guy?
I think the regular season is relevant but like I said the true warriors an elite players shine in the playoffs. When it’s do or die, the real athletes perform, Alex, Vernon, Gore, those guys had zero playoff experience and played like it was week one. Crabtree, looked like he was overwhelmed, rattled, scared and slow.
@Prime
You are carrying on like a wild roller-coaster ride bud.
Which is it; Meaningless or Relevant?
I’m all cornfused???? Please stop (lol)!
“…true warriors an elite players shine in the playoffs. When it’s do or die, the real athletes perform, Alex, Vernon, Gore..”
So you consider Alex Smith elite Prime?
AES, Jack are we playing semantics and dictionary trivia or what?
Better yet I’ll send you a CD on hooked on phonics. If you guys want me to define my words, we could be here all night.
My arguement against Crabtree stems from his inability to show up in the 2 playoff games. I wasn’t happy he disappeared, tell me I’m wrong about that?
I’m not happy he is always hurt, there something wrong with his conditioning, no way a high performance athlete gets hurt every year at the same time of year 4 straight years. C’mon Michael get a better trainer, eat right, lose some weight, something, anything.
I’m not happy he threw Alex under the bus to the media. Joe Staley, Alex praised Crabtree last year when people were dogging him. Is he really all about himself?
The hold out, the lack of participation in OTA’ s, it’s all accurate to what everyone said after we drafted him, he fell to 10th overall for a reason and has done nothing to dispel any of it. Tell me I’m wrong, I actually want to believe he can be a great 49er?
You are wrong Prime. Crabtree can be a great 49er.
Heck, he was the leading WR on a 13-3 team that came within a game of the Super Bowl : )
Jack says “Heck, he was the leading WR on a 13-3 team”
So was the guy who hands out the towels after the players shower. You know he is there and is an integral part of it, but you never see him in action, just like #15.
Prime:
I hear ya. I’ve told it in a million ways. They don’t get it. They are stuck at leading WR last year. Everything else is nothing.
Well a few years ago, the Raiders leading tackler wasn’t kept. Why? He wasn’t all that good a tackler despite leading the team in tackles. Now if the Raiders can figure it out, Niner fans should figure it out.
Simply leading the team in a non-win stat is pretty meaningless. Other factors matter a lot more. If MC satisfies those, he will start. If not, he won’t.
Simple. But not to them. If they got that, this issue ends here and now.
Don’t hold your breath though.
Well said DS
Prime,
26% of the completed passes on his team were to him, the 3rd highest total in the league. If you didn’t see him maybe you need a new TV bud : )
Jack, 26% of the completed passes on his team were to him”
Fabulous, but how many of those did he turn into something , how many we’re for 1st downs, how many for TDs?
If your gonna throw stats at me, shoe me the entire picture!
Hey Prime Hypocrite,
These are your own words:
Your a fan, how is being critical helping anyone or anything getting better? You think the 49ers org. Is reading all you haters comments and rhi is a way for them to help their team get better?
All your critical comments are helping no one, in fact, they are not being addressed so how is it improving anything … Your not a critic so your critical analysis means jack and it’s not helping improvement of anything!
So going by your logic Prime, how is your hating on MC helping anything? Hypocrite!
By the way, where was Alex Smith during the NCFCG? He had one good game and followed it up by promptly disappearing in the NFC championship game.
Sorry Nick you would not understand what I’m talking about. I don’t speak dumbinese. I have tried explaining things to you and Neal but both you guys are dumber than a sack of hammers, therefore I don’t reply any longer to you imbeciles! Stay off my jock homey!
@Nick Row:
You had a somewhat compelling argument going until you insisted upon needlessly dragging Alex Smith into it. Then you let your prejudices show, and, as is your want, you distorted and exaggerated Smith’s performance in the NFCCG. It’s hard to accept the assertion that he “disappeared” when he threw for 2 TDs. Moreover, Smith played as well as, if not better than, any QB the Giants faced in the playoffs.
I don’t know why everyone is so laser-focused on the few things that didn’t go right last year. This is a new year, and with the benefit of a full off-season, complete training camp, and focused roster additions, the team is not likely to repeat the few (very few) glitches we saw last year. Why don’t we move from 2011 into 2012 and enjoy the promise that this season brings?
Prime, ” Fabulous, but how many of those did he turn into something ,how many we’re for 1st downs, how many for TDs?”
Prime, Crabtree caught 24% of the TD passes that his QB threw. This number puts him in the top 10 in the league.
@Jack, great stat, Not! Actually of the lowly 4 TD’s one was thrown by Ackers so my question to you couldn’t Crabtree have converted the other 68 receptions into something? I mean he was the king of the YAC in college taking 2 yard hitches to the house. Is it maybe because he is slow at the NFL level, or maybe he was overrated coming out of college, or is he just an average WR?
You guys say he is a #1 but 4 TDs and little else in between tells me otherwise, or can you come up with the stats that show the 1st down conversions or really any substantial highlight of his career as a 49er to date outside of the fake FG catch and Xmas saving catch in SEA? C’mon Jack, bring the stats outside of 24%?
Impressive stat anlaysis prime!
Prime,
You are correct, it should have been 22%. The other stats are all relative since the 49ers threw the fewest passes in the league.
You have proven there is nothing that can change your perception, and that is fine. Your view of Crabtree is nearly identical to the view the “haters” have of Smith.
@ Claude
I brought up AS as a reply to Mr. Hypocrite who was insinuating that AS was elite. You’re right, AS didn’t disappear. But, he wasn’t anywhere near elite either.
@Primate
One word for you: Hypocrite!
1. Not enough to get us to 16-0. Look at elite WR’s, how many TD’s did they get in their first 72? But who cares. How did they play in the playoffs? That is what matters.
2. Don’t watch a lot of games do you. I hear “meaningless TD’s” all the time in blowout games. From fans/reporters/ex-players and HC’s. That enough sources for you?
DS94everXev says:
August 1, 2012 at 6:31 pm
“1. Not enough to get us to 16-0. Look at elite WR’s, how many TD’s did they get in their first 72? But who cares. How did they play in the playoffs? That is what matters.”
@DS
Well unless he was throwing at himself he could be subject to criticism. But for a WR who caught 72 passes and 7 touchdowns from the QB who had the lowest thrown passes of almost any team, well, maybe not bad at all. But hey DS, who’s counting AS’ passes, right?
If AS has better WR’s, he may have reason to pass more.
And, look. We got Moss/AJ/MM and a few more. Guess MC didn’t satisfy the WR need despite leading the team in receptions. By the way, how many teams didn’t have aWR lead the team in receptions? That is what they do. Does that make them all god? Nope. Everybody but MC was out/new. He was leading the team by default.
Teams with great WR’s throw it regardless. LF has had horrible QB’s for a few years. Doesn’t stop the Cards from throwing it and from LF to still be a force as he demonstrated playing us 2x last year.
Better reverse. Hit a wall here AES.
And, look. We got Moss/AJ/MM and a few more. Guess MC didn’t satisfy the WR need despite leading the team in receptions.
Just a little bit slanted in your analysis here DS. Crabtree wasn’t the problem or the reason for getting the WR’s you listed. The problem was the Niners were having to play guys like Brett Swain and Joe Hastings in big games because the depth was awful.
By the way, how many teams didn’t have aWR lead the team in receptions? That is what they do. Does that make them all god? Nope. Everybody but MC was out/new. He was leading the team by default.
Sounds like a claim made without any research DS. Upon further review I present to you the following teams that did not have a WR leading them in Receptions:
Saints, Cowboys, Jets, Ravens, Bucs, Chargers, Bears and Jags.
I only scanned the first couple of pages from the NFL.com receptions pages so there may be more. So far you have given false info on this and on Crabs injury history. Your argument is severely flawed and has little merit.
You have concocted an entire scenario in regards to Crabtree that is untrue and has no basis in reality DS. He is not injury prone, played through a foot problem last season, led his team in catches, was singled out regularly by his HC for his contributions, was given a glowing endorsement by the QB you say he threw under the bus, and yet you continue to speculate on whether he’ll be a starter or even make the team.
This is a clear example of when a personal view of a player clouds judgement DS. You are no different in your opinion on this subject from the people you accuse of hating on Alex Smith.
As I said in a previous post, I’m not going to try to change your opinion, but I won’t ignore the posting of erroneous and misleading info from you either.
Rocket the 49ers also brought in a lot of undrfated WR’s to compete. Now they could be just camp bodies but some of these guys are impressing the coaches and could make the team.
Its not unrealistic that Crabtree gest passed over on the depth chart if he misses considerable time.
I also dont think that Harbaugh is the kind of coach who will let Crabtreee play meaningful snaps if he has not demonstrated the work ethic to be a starter on offense.
rocket
We drafted a WR in round 1. We picked up 2 more who are realistic starters in FA. We picked a few guys that we hope to strike it rich in.
Immediately following the Title game, virtually every writer was saying that the Niners need to get WR’s. Then we did.
Maybe you think you know better than all the writers, bloggers, “experts”. Maybe you think it was coincidence that we got all these guys after the obvious need to get a real #1 WR. That is quite a coincidence.
“He is not injury prone, played through a foot problem last season…”
Really? Well he was prone to not show up to work his first year on time. Maybe he was injured then as well. Besides, a lot more people here and elsewhere think MC is injury prone.
I’ve said he led the team in receptions. Of course when the other starting WR got injured early on, the new guy came in (KW) and had to learn a lot, the other guy has never been a WR (TG), and the best passing threat we had was kept in to block a lot to help out our RT and pretty much stank (he more or less said so) the first half of the season or so, leading the team in receptions is less than a spectacular feat.
Tell me rocket. Who else realistically had a chance to lead the team in receptions? VD? No. He is blocking and dropped a lot as well early on. FG? His best days as a pass catching RB are behind him. KH? He was a sub for FG. No chance does he lead the team in receptions. DW? Same thing applies to him as applied to KH. TG? No. KW? No, he was almost a rookie coming into last season. JM? No. His season was cut early due to injury. Swain/Hastings? No. There weren’t even on the team for half the year or so!
So, who else was going to lead the team in receptions rocket? Look at some of those teams your borough up.
The Saints – Sproles I’m guessing is the leading receiver. Do the Niners have anybody like Sproles last year? KH maybe. But he wasn’t even a starter.
Admittedly, I don’t know the other teams so well, so I don’t know how they are run offensively.
Your argument that MC was the leading WR is true. But meant nothing when it mattered (title game). Was achieved when no other real people could have. So, great he did it. Like running a 1 man race practically. Guess who wins.
And, I never called anybody a hater for not thinking AS was as good as I think rocket. Look back at the blog. You are lying. Never happened. I’ve said it repeatedly. “Hater” has nothing to do with AS or football even. Maybe others have used that term. But I have not. Don’t apply it to me. That is a low blow from one of the bloggers some consider near the top of us. That isn’t cool.
DS,
Provide a link to one story that puts out the possibility of Crabs getting released or not starting. The problem at WR was not Crabtree; it was the fact we were having to rely on players signed off the street and the practice squad due to injury and lack of depth. I have not read one story from any writer stating a WR brought in from FA or the draft was done to replace Crabtree.
Not having a competent WR to play opposite Crabtree was the problem and it was addressed in the Draft and FA. If healthy Crabs will start along with Moss, with Manningham subbing in and playing in 3 wide. If you don’t agree that’s fine, but that is how it will be because that is what common sense dictates it to be.
I’m also going to be straight up with you on this habit you have of getting offended and playing victim. It’s annoying and tired. Drop it and act like an adult. No where in any post have I referred to you as a hater so enough with the low blow garbage. I stated that you are no better than the people who criticize Smith and you aren’t when it comes to Crabtree. I say this because most of your complaints are personal; not performance based and that is what is known as having a biased opinion. If you are going to apply a set of requirements for one player you need to be consistent and apply it to all.
rocket
I will point out that JH could have announced the starting WR’s. After all. If he is as sure about them as you are, why not be done with it and say it?
You won’t find any story at all about any of them starting that has any merit. Because nothing has been determined. JH is big on playing the best players. That is what TC is here for. Unless there is a clear cut favorite (JS at DE for example), JH doesn’t announce the starting players until the end.
If MC thinks his job is safe, he won’t have a job. That is a theme JH believes in. Work harder to be better than you were the previous day. Something that AS excels at. And a reason why he was announced the starter after mini-camp.
If JH was a sure about MC being the starter as he was about AS being the starter, he would have said it. You have as many stories as I have. Asking me to give you a story that does not exist is ludicrous. We are talking possibilities. Those end when the coach decides.
If you are so certain about MC being the starter, why the need to reply? JH will announce MC. Ok. Till then, the position is open. And he hasn’t announced it yet. In case you didn’t notice, JH said we have a good 5-6 starting caliber WR’s here. Clearly not all will start. That means TC will determine the pecking order. Why you insist this isn’t’ true…only you know. Why you insist none of the undrafted guys won’t strike lightning…only you know. I am a fan, and hope they do. More weapons, the better. Let the coaching staff determine the order. That is their job. My job is to cheer for whomever they choose. Simple.
rocket
Who, looking at my post of other possible leading WR’s from the Niners was seriously likely to lead the team? If there are none, then that means MC led the team by default.
“I have not read one story from any writer stating a WR brought in from FA or the draft was done to replace Crabtree. ”
I don’t remember any stories being written about every Niner who was released in camp due to a new guy coming on in. Unless you can prove that every Niner we released due to getting a new player had in the report of the signing of that player was to replace the old guy, your argument holds no merit.
Of course there aren’t. What you will find are a bunch of reports of signings of players where it will state something like
“Player x was signed to compete at the y position which is currently being played by player z on the team.”
Then TC opens. Player x is better than player z and that player is released or demoted. You mean to tell me, that doesn’t happen? That is the norm.
DS94everXev says:
August 1, 2012 at 5:55 pm
AES
“The fact you don’t get it explains a lot about how you don’t get it. Thanks for that insight by the way bud. lol
And if he does get it before his playing days are done, it will have nothing to do with being the leading WR.”
@DS
Well DS, for someone who posts on this blog day and night (if this were an Airline business, you would have earned frequent fliers miles for life), you should know by now how to formulate your thoughts.
No matter what you say to dismiss MC’ catch receptions from last season, you can’t change facts. But I must admit, I’m starting to be entertained by your fruitless efforts Mr. Sisyphus (lol).
@AES
No. You don’t get it. MC becomes a leader, he is cool with me. All forgiven. I said what MC must do. Hasn’t done it, so he isn’t cool with me.
I’ve said it the whole time. You choose to ignore it because this back and forth between us is to much fun for you to admit, leave it alone and let MC determine how fans treat him.
After all, he is the only one who can change peoples views. Not fans.
DS94everXev says:
August 1, 2012 at 6:40 pm
@AES
“No. You don’t get it. MC becomes a leader, he is cool with me. All forgiven. I said what MC must do. Hasn’t done it, so he isn’t cool with me.
I’ve said it the whole time. You choose to ignore it because this back and forth between us is to much fun for you to admit, leave it alone and let MC determine how fans treat him.
After all, he is the only one who can change peoples views. Not fans.”
@DS
And is that AS screaming, “I second that!”
Hahaha! Let it go DS, let it go. Your obsession with Crabtree is keeping you up all night bud.
New season. New and fresh start for every player. You can’t change MS’ stats with your boisterous rants. But you’re right about one thing, it is getting entertaining seeing you try to balance on the tight-rope called “I hate MC!”
AES
If you’re done with MC, I will be.
Up to you.
But like I said, you won’t stop it.
AES
Crabtree caught 4 td last year not 7. He had 5 if u count the playoffs. U might be thinking of VD who had 3 in the reg season and 4 more in the playoffs
My bad Bos.
Does that include the TD pass from Akers?
I need to double check my stats (arrrrrggggh!).
AES
here is the stat line for MC
http://www.nfl.com/player/michaelcrabtree/71269/careerstats
He has 12 TD’s in his career. Basically, RM has exceeded MC’s career total in a season 6 times. And a handful of others where he has almost as many (10-11) 3 times. I’m betting this guy has the lead on one of the starting positions. Don’t you agree?
Well at least Jenkins is out there doing some things, right or wrong at least he is out there. There is another WR we have that is never out there for whatever reason. Hopefully when Jenkins finally gets it he will be a fine receiver.
For those who have a problem with Grant, there is a very simple solution, dont read him. Grant is like Jenkins, he isnt perfect but he is out there giving his all. Thats all I expect from anyone doing anything.
undercenter says:
August 1, 2012 at 6:22 pm
“Well at least Jenkins is out there doing some things, right or wrong at least he is out there. There is another WR we have that is never out there for whatever reason. Hopefully when Jenkins finally gets it he will be a fine receiver.”
@undercenter
Undercenter, can you be more specific on who the other receiver is?
Not trying to be coy (ok, maybe just a little), but if you are referring to MC, he is out because of a calf injury.
It’s your right to believe or disbelieve at this point.
undercenter,
It was reported on another site that Crabtree was on a separate field working on conditioning today. Oh wait, maybe you were referring to Joe Hastings?
AES & Jack
Lol, I just couldnt resist taking a poke at Crabs. Yes Jack, I had read that Crabs was out on the field doing some rehab or conditioning, thats good. The old adage,”if your not rejected once a day your not living”. I was trying to make lite of Jenkins mistakes and that at least he was out there putting himself in a position to be critiqued. No I am not a Crab hater, tho I do have questions about the guy. At this point its not the “reason” he isnt out there its just that he isnt and never has.
+1 undercenter
“Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.” ~ Vince Lombardi
Jack
I doubt any rookie ever has a perfect practice for that matter I doubt a veteran has a perfect practice. Practice is where you get better and iron out the problems. But I got your point.
Its all good AES I believe it does . 1vs clevland 1 vs rams at home 2 vs rams on road 1 of which was from Akres. So at the risk of inadvertantly firing up prime or ds 3 of his 4 TD were vs the Worst CBs in the league belonging to the rams
2nd training camp , well it just started
Old story time to move on… If it’s of any conciliation, I was not pleased with the pick either but going to war with Harbaugh about it will get you nowhere fast. Bust or not get over it.
@undecenter
You’re incorrigible (lol)!
Thats the nicest thing said to me all day, lol. I know you have defended Crabs as well as you should, he is a Niner and deserves the same consideration as AS does. I was really hoping that Crabs would be there at training camp so he and AS can get some sort of rapport going before the season gets started instead of during the season. Still lots of TC left so maybe it will happen yet.
Totally agree undercenter.
I’m not happy about MC missing TC practice. It is very important that he and AS work on timing and chemistry.
But to use his injury (not you) as a platform to spew hate and denigrate his receiving numbers as “meaningless” is not deservant of any 49er player.
Good thing other team bloggers don’t frequent this blog. They would be laughing.
undercenter,
I agree with you, I wish Crabtree were practicing. At least he participated in almost the entire offseason program this year, which eases the lost reps a bit. At this point the most important thing is that he get to 100% and be ready for Green Bay week 1.
I would much rather have him missing practice in late July early August than in September.
AES
The fact you kep using the word “hate” is sad.
FYI – Since you started using that word, you’ve become very defensive. You used to be mellow and easy going. That word is not to be used lightly. The fact you don’t get that is sad.
Prime and I said what you need to do to put an end to the back-and-forth. You refuse. You refuse to let the HC decide. We simply say that leading a stat isn’t the determining factor. Other variables are important. If MC satisfies them, he’ll start. If not, he won’t.
That seems quite reasonable. You refuse to accept that. If there is hate here, it isn’t from the ones offering a reasonable offer. It is from you.
Ever hear bay/md/23J suggest such a thing? “Hate” is not a term to use lightly AES. More you use it, the easier it is to do.
*MC’
I like reading from different sources to get a better look at things. I don’t really like how Grant carries himself in terms of arguing with players, but writters like Grant can give you an insight that others don’t. Not because he’s a better writer or analyist, but it’s because he leans towards the negative side when it comes to pointing out the flaws. But having said that, can we just leave AJ Jekins alone? The kid hasn’t even played a preseason game yet.
Prime Time says:
August 1, 2012 at 7:04 pm
“Jack says “Heck, he was the leading WR on a 13-3 team”
So was the guy who hands out the towels after the players shower. You know he is there and is an integral part of it, but you never see him in action, just like #15.”
@Prime
Wow, I’ve never seen it that way Prime. That analogy really settled it for me!
Ahhhhhh – ahhhhhh – ahhhhhh – hahahahahahaha! Please stop it! My ribs are hurting from laughing. You and DS need to take your show on the road (lol).
Well bring Crabtree with us and call it the “Invisible Trifecta”
Just like Crabtrees playoff performances.
@Prime
One day he’s one of your favorite players. Next day his numbers are ‘meaningless’ and Houdini like.
Must be difficult trying to live in a ‘love/hate’ relationship.
My thougths go out to you bud (lol).
Good night bud
At least I’m honest in my assessment. Good night AES, if your having trouble sleeping, think of Crabtrees highlights from last year, you will be out like a light!
“You and DS need to take your show on the road.”
AES, They already made a movie about these two, even a sequel. Have you not seen the cinematic greatness that is “Dumb and Dumber” or the follow up, “Dumb and Dumberer”? Fits these two perfectly : )
So Jack both DS and I have kept in civil with you and AES fthenobly the past 2 days. No name calling on both out parts, actaully DS never does but I like to dabble, and then you come out and throw that out there. That’s cold man but as history has shown, you do that a lot when you have been put in your football place. Enjoy the rest of your evening, it’s Olympic time for me!
Prime, You’re right. My apologies to you.
Have a good one.
OKAAAAY, Grant! We get it. The 9ers made a horrible mistake by passing up on Fleener! Let it go, bro!! LOL!! Just messin Granty ma’ boy!! ;)
how has fleener been doing…..i was always suspect of his ankles
DS94everXev says:
August 1, 2012 at 7:34 pm
AES
“If you’re done with MC, I will be.
Up to you.
But like I said, you won’t stop it.”
@DS
So let’s see if I get the giest of your request.
You’re basically asking me to be done with my leading WR, right?
Ahhhhhh-ahhhhhh-ahhhhhh- hahahahahah! You’re kill’in me DS, stop it!
Thanks for the comic relief bud. I can always count on you for a good laugh.
Good night bud
No. My fault.
If you’re done bringing him into every blog immediately, so will I.
All on you now.
You realize ya’ll just posted close to over 100 comments on your disapproval of the article; plenty of other writers gave their perspective and Grant gave his. It seems biased fine, but it’s his. You know what everyone else has said so now this is Grants interpretation, just read between the lines. No biggie.
Grant. for the hell of it why don’t you try something. Tomorrow, write a piece on why Manningham is gettin little to no reps on 11 on 11 drills. Write the piece and keep youe biases out of the piece. Write only facts and don’t tilt the piece to your liking. Just report the facts and let’s see what we think of the piece. Deal?
@Fred soft
I don’t want to read a stat sheet though.
I get what you are saying. Grant really has to work on his tone. Say the same thing, but in a less confrontational manner.
Me too, DS. Don’t wanna read a stat sheet, either. Some folks tend to forget this is a BLOG. I think Grant’s doing a fine job. I mean, sometimes I agree with him, sometimes I don’t (like this article for instants), but Grant is writing his take on his blog. Nothing more, nothingless. Just my 2 pesos.
the apple doesnt fall far from the tree…cohnheads. Only beef i got is making it a headline, feels like a desperate attempt to stand up to harbs…may the force be with u but prepare for the repurcussion, lowell jr
“What happened on the practice field today is the most astonishing thing I’ve ever seen in an NFL practice.”
That is only because you have limited experience around NFL practices and didn’t play the game yourself. It’s called coaching, and coaches get mad at times. Some of them are always mad. I’m sure that even future HOF’er Coby Fleener gets yelled at sometimes by his coaches. Jenkins will be fine.
“Not a good day for A.J. Jenkins, who didn’t appear to have improved since Sunday.”
Lol, no agenda there.
grant, I really wished you’d go to the raiders and be a beat writter for them instead.
“this is the last straw” You sound like such a tool. Newsflash NOBODY cares if you read this blog. BYE BYE
NVM. Post is gone
No wonder Harbaugh (supported by KNBR’s Larry Krueger) calls Grant out. This is really a silly, silly non-story. Give the rookie a break, for gosh sake, and stop trying to prove Harbaugh (Baalke) have made some huge mistake here. Just way too early for that.
“What happened on the practice field today is the most astonishing thing I’ve ever seen in an NFL practice.”
Remember some dork driving a motorcycle onto the practice field?
Remember some other dork making players hit each other at full speed only two feet apart?
But a receiver breaking off a route and getting yelled at?
“REMARKABLE!!!”
Pops,
Grant wasn’t covering the team then so he didn’t see it.
Mr. Cohn, good job stirring the pot.
Too bad we couldn’t get the transcript of Morton – perhaps the critics in the room would agree with your FIRST HAND IMPRESSION. I am curious how Jenkins responded and played afterwards.
Not sure what the big deal is. I want to hear what’s happening in camp and that’s what Grant is doing. If AJ isn’t doing well, so be it. I expect he’ll be down at the end of the bench this year anyway.
Last year it took most of the season for the Niner-doubters to acknowledge that Alex Smith was having a good year. Presumption does not equal insight.
I love how there are so many people on here saying: “Don’t report what’s actually happening.”
Is your only purpose here to talk about the people posting or do you have anything that is actually interesting to contribute?
I’ve put it several points about angles on this story. You like a lot of others just can’t handle the truth.
“You like a lot of others just can’t handle the truth.”
What part of what I said had anything to do with truth or my ability to handle it? Please cite example for reference of your point because at this point based on what I said your statement makes zero sense. Are you actually reading the complete post before responding?
Prime Time says:
August 1, 2012 at 7:53 pm
“At least I’m honest in my assessment. Good night AES, if your having trouble sleeping, think of Crabtrees highlights from last year, you will be out like a light!”
Which one????? (lol). Your contradictions are off the chart bud (lol).
I think your in defensive mode AES. Prime and DS have both made valid arguements. At the end of the day, Crabtree needs to have a year where he silences all the critics.
It happens to a lot of athletes, case in point Alex last year. Now Alex didnt have a pro bowl year, but he showed the NFL that he is a capable starter in which to lead a team to a division tittle and playoff, which by the way, he played pretty wel in against NO and had no help against the NYG.
Now Alex is not an elite QB, he is no Rodgers or Manning, but he is a winner and I think the Niners can win a SB with him.
As for Crabtree, he needs to have a big year. But its off to a bad start. He needs to get healthy, play in the preseason and have a big year. I have to agree with Prime in saying that he might not start if he has a mediocre preseason and Williams/ Jenkins have an outstanding preseason.
FDM,
You’re a day late. I made reference of that last night.
But I add that one good season does not mean a player has arrived.
MC and AS both must improve.
BTW, I’m Mr. Mellow around here (lol).
Oh sorry AES, didnt realize that a thread could not continue a day later and people could potentially say the same thing. You are defensive, need to chill bro!
Yes one season does not make a player, but Crabtree has had not one productive season. Neither has Alex until last year, but Crabtree shows more alarming concerns than any other 49er who is struggling.
He led the team in recpetions yes,but had only 4 TD’s. You would think that out of 72 receptions, he would have at least 10? Of those 4 TD’s, they came against two teams. A pretty good CLE defense but the 3 others were against a horrible Rams team, and one of them was on a fake field goal!
I mean the injuries, the overall attitude and expectations, he has done nothing to prove he is an elite WR.
Now that could all be mute if he has a strong year and I think Prime, DS, myself and every 49er fan is hoping he does. But once again, he’s hurt and the team is moving on and guys are moving ahead of him in the depth chart. I would not be surprised if he is not a starter come week one.
FDM,
I disagree with your first statement. I don’t think DS and Prime have made a good argument. I think their argument is based on false perceptions more than fact.
What I see are some people frustrated by Crabs missing TC time again and completely overreacting by making it out to be more than it really is.
Maybe Rocket but the other arguement I am hearing is that he led the team in receptions and the injuries are bad luck. Thats weak!
Let me ask you this, has Crabtree proved anything substantial during his NFL career and do you think he is a #1 WR and why if you do?
rocket
For a generally open minded person, you seem pretty closed on this matter.
I have a set of requirements that are different from yours. Why you can’t accept that and be ok with it is beyond me. I accept your line of thinking. You seem like you can’t accept mine.
At the end, as I’ve repeated a million times before, it is up to MC and the coaches make the decisions. I will go with what the coaches say. But since this is a blog, people generally put their opinions in as well.
You are not right. I am not right. Prime is not right. FDM is not right. Jack is not right. AES is not right.
Opinions are just that. Why don’t you get that point?
@FDM
Very good. One of my requirements is that a player makes big plays in big games in big moments. None of MC’s TD’s in the regular season were any more critical than any other TD (meaning, of all of AS’s 6 comebacks, how many late TD’s did MC have?) Then come the playoffs, he vanished. MC made the big catch in Settle, and I dare anybody to find anybody mention that catch more than I have and have complimented him for it accordingly.
“Now that could all be mute if he has a strong year and I think Prime, DS, myself and every 49er fan is hoping he does. But once again, he’s hurt and the team is moving on and guys are moving ahead of him in the depth chart. I would not be surprised if he is not a starter come week one.”
Great paragraph and summation FDM! Now, I will cheer for any of the players. If MC isn’t the starter, will AES/rocket support the new starter as much as they are behind MC? What if the new starter (say MC is injured and can’t play) scores 2 TD’s in game 1. Half of MC’s last year total, and 17% of his career total (12)l. Does MC get the job automatically?
My point is he does not. Why the fight that he does, and the insistence that such a thing is impossible (new guy gets 2 TD’s against the poor GB D) is to me, absurd.
FDM,
Maybe Rocket but the other arguement I am hearing is that he led the team in receptions and the injuries are bad luck. Thats weak!
Really, how so? He’s missed two TC’s due to injury. One was because of a neck injury and the other was due to a broken foot. How is it weak that he missed time with those ailments? He also returned from those injuries to play for most of those seasons. As I said, this is more about the frustration of a few fans at Crabs not practicing, his perceived poor attitude and the false belief that he’s always injured, than about what he’s done on the field over the course of his career
Let me ask you this, has Crabtree proved anything substantial during his NFL career and do you think he is a #1 WR and why if you do?
It depends on how you view it. When I look at Crabs short time in the league I see a kid who got some bad advice that cost him 5 games of his rookie season and has labled him as a bad apple by some fans on this blog.
If I look at his production, I see a guy who has made the most out of a lousy situation. His first year he immediately became the best WR on the team and caught 48 balls in 11 games without a TC. His second year he caught 55 and scored 6 TD’s during Singletary’s reign of stupidity where he didn’t know who he was going to be catching passes from in a given week and played in an offense that resembled the 1940′s Bears. Last season, he comes in with no offseason, no TC, recovering from a broken foot and catches 72 to lead the team.
So what I see in Crabtree is a kid who has pushed through a tough start to become his teams best WR even though the offense doesn’t feature the position as much as some other systems, a guy who has improved every season and somebody who has played through pain and contributed anyway. Is he a #1 WR? In the context of how we view that category around the league, no, but if we view it in the confines of the offense we run, he’s performed very well.
Listen, I’d love it if he didn’t get hurt in TC, practiced every day, and fulfilled the expectations everybody had when he was drafted. But I’m also a realist and understand that like Alex Smith, Crabs has had some major obstacles to overcome and that what you want him to do doesn’t always mesh with what he’s able to do.
What I do know is that he is well liked and respected by his teammates and Coaches and that he is still very young and will continue to improve. Whether he becomes a top ten WR in the league is another story.
DS,
I have a set of requirements that are different from yours. Why you can’t accept that and be ok with it is beyond me. I accept your line of thinking. You seem like you can’t accept mine.
Because your opinion is based on mischaracterization and erroneous information, that’s why.
If you want to continue to dislike Crabtree because you believe he threw his QB under the bus, or because he held out his rookie year, that’s your prerogative, but don’t place into a context that diminishes his ability or standing with the team.
For some time now you have been going on about how the team should keep the best 5-6 WR’s and how you don’t believe Crabtree was a lock to make the team, nevermind start. I’m sorry but that’s complete nonsense. There is no scenario where Crabtree doesn’t make this team and the only way he doesn’t start is if he is injured when the season gets underway.
You can tell me I don’t know but I do know because logic states that to be the case. Teams don’t cut or bench their leading receiver DS. They don’t talk about him in glowing terms and then release him because he misses time in the preseason.
This is nothing but a delusional fantasy you’ve created to appease your dislike of Crabtree the individual. There is no common sense in your take on this subject because you are not looking at it from a performance perspective. That is why I don’t accept your line of thinking.
At the moment rocket, MC standing on the team is the same as the other WR’s. Nobody has been labeled a starter. Stop it already.
“As I said, this is more about the frustration of a few fans at Crabs not practicing, his perceived poor attitude and the false belief that he’s always injured, than about what he’s done on the field over the course of his career”
Seems like more than 1 reason. Some might think it to be enough. Tell me. Other than the performance thing, how many of those things have ever been said of AS? AS has been here longer. Fact is that stuff was never said by anybody with any real insight. Because it isn’t true. Rumors of MC doing all those things started when he didn’t show up for work. And MC has done nothing to put an end to them. If anything, he has only reinforced them. If you never head those things being said of MC, then you aren’t paying attention.
Those things are never said of PW/JS/VD/AS/FG and more. There is a reason. And there is a reason why they are said of MC. And it has nothing to do with coaches/GM’s because all these guys went thru it. AS/FG more than any other.
“Because your opinion is based on mis characterization and erroneous information, that’s why”
No. There are articles from real journalists who have seen it (VD vs. MC) and heard of it. I’m not making up any of the stuff I’ve said. They happened. His holdout. His injury. His “veterans courtesy for playing 11 games”. His lack of trying to tackle a guy after a ball intended for him was Int. Him not supporting AS as FG/VD/JS have since day 1. Him being stupid about who the Niner QB was. This is all stuff that happened rocket.
Difference between us is that I don’t ignore it. I don’t dismiss it. You do for no reason than he led the team in receptions last year (did he lead the team in receptions the other 2 years? If not, why? And what factors went into him leading the team last year?).
The problem is you not allowing me to have my opinion which is based on things that really happened. You want me to dismiss all of it. I won’t. End of story.
Very well said Rocket, and completely grounded with facts and reality.
AES
Stop stating Prime is contradicting himself. He isn’t. Prime sees that MC has not done as he was drafted to do, and it has been 3 years.
You mean to tell me that you have never had a favorite player (or near favorite) who you liked for whatever reason, but also didn’t think he might be right for his team?
I’ll help you out here. I loved Arnez Battle a lot. I thought he was decent. But in his last year here, he just seemed to lose his advantage. I supported him fully. I even wanted his new team to win the Super Bowl if it didn’t get in the way of us possibly winning it (no concern there, we stank). I liked him a great deal.
But, I realized that he might not be starting WR material here and he may not be right for this team now.
I’m guessing, but maybe Prime feels something similar about MC. It isn’t impossible, and it isn’t a contradiction. It is called living in reality.
Well said DS but I guess I will explain it again. When MC was drafted I was estatic, here was finally the #1 WR that Alex needed and a guy who was gonna make Vernon’s and Gores job much easier. In fact, it was gonna make our entire offense that much better as all 4 guys would grow together and my wishful thinking at the time, become the big three/four ala Irvin, Aikman and Emmitt.
Well 3 years later its been a hold out, lack of participation in OTA’s, throwing teammates under the bus, and ill timed injuries.
I’m not contradicting anything, I still hope he becomes the guy I envisioned him to be. But it might not happen. Thats not hating because all those mishaps could have been controlled by Crabs, there were not extenuating circumstances, he has controlled his own destiny and to date he has not performed well or shown the potential to play as a #1 WR. That is a fact.
Prime,
Well 3 years later its been a hold out, lack of participation in OTA’s, throwing teammates under the bus, and ill timed injuries.
This is the crux of my argument against what you and DS are saying Prime. The holdout happened before his career even started. He had bad judgement and an agent who was trying to break the system. It happened 4 years ago. It’s time to let it go.
Where did you get the idea he hasn’t participated in OTA’s? He has participated, it’s even written into his contract. He even went to the first Camp Alex where he proceeded to break his foot. This is why I say you and DS are mischaracterizing him.
He and Smith did not get off on the best of terms to begin with no question about it, but Smith was a part of the back and forth with him last year and subsequently apologized, and the speech after the Championship game was blown out of proportion by you guys imo. Let’s put it this way, the guy he supposedly threw under the bus has done nothing but rave about him, so he obviously doesn’t see it the same way you do.
The last point again is misperception imo. An ill timed injury is when you go down during the regular season and miss some important games. Crabtree has played in all but two regular season games during his career. He is not injury prone and the injuries came at the right time if they are going to happen.
I think you guys have just formed an opinion based on his personality and what you believe you can read between the lines, and can’t budge from it. It’s too bad.
Prime
I was in the same boat with you. 1st paragraph was exactly how I felt.
“The holdout happened before his career even started. ”
Yes. And was all on MCs doing. If you went to college, and got a job to pay you $30 million or so, and it was in the field you loved, and you don’t show up, that is all you rocket.
“He has participated, it’s even written into his contract. He even went to the first Camp Alex where he proceeded to break his foot. This is why I say you and DS are mis-characterizing him.”
I know he went to Camp Alex. Did you know the crap he said before going? Did MC attend from Day 1? MC then did what he did before the draft. Got injured, and I believe, it was the first day of Camp Alex as well when he got hurt. Same thing happened to him in year 2 (lead to VD fight). Last year was the lockout, and…he got hurt during Camp Alex. Now, this year, day 1 of TC, he gets hurt.
No mischaracterization at all there rocket. It happened. It sucks.
Don’t see a pattern here? Think he is as fit as JS? If not, then why doesn’t he hang out with him and see what he does, and do it himself? And this whole time rocket, how often do you hear of MC wanting to get out there? When FG is hurt, the staff has to hide his helmet. Have they done the same with MC yet?
“Let’s put it this way, the guy he supposedly threw under the bus has done nothing but rave about him, so he obviously doesn’t see it the same way you do.”
Yes rocket. He did. That is his job. He did the same thing when asked about MN/MS at the time as well. AS has never back-stabbed a teammate. MC has. MC stabbed the back of the guy who let him lead the team in receptions. If MC left, I don’t think he would be holding back tears. So, keep things in perspective please.
Grant I don’t care if you’re negative, you’re old man is a curmudgeon in the best possible way. He rode Singleturd all the time, was usually right in doing so. Maybe AJ Jenkins does suck, who knows. But, you’re not a sportswriter, you’re an embarrassment. Your articles and blog entries are junk, and you are the definition of nepotism.
Look I’m interested in reading insightful “in your face” reporting. My posts here are sticking up for that. Grant does a great job at that. I find it appalling that people don’t value that and only want to hear kiss up stuff. My bad if you’re not in that camp, but my agenda should be obvious. I love football, but these guy are not my idols.
Brian, nothing about Grant’s “reporting” is insightful. Your thinking that it is reflects poorly on you.
The fact that you read and comment only proves my point.
“What happened on the practice field today is the most astonishing thing I’ve ever seen in an NFL practice.”
Getting yelled at by the coach was the most astonishing thing you have ever seen in an NFL practice? Wow. You must not see many NFL practices…
I’m thinking we can all just get used to it. For the next year pretty much every time Grant writes anything about AJ some will question his objectivity. This theme will be wrung out here and may be useful for those with insomnia; not unlike a couple of other over-beaten subjects.
Wherever you happen to come down on that I think its important to remember that Grant can not and should not avoid critiquing Jenkins or A.Davis or Alex just because the Head Coach thinks so. No journalist or blogger or fan should be muzzled because they don’t agree with the coach.
Personally I like Anthony and see him improving. I’m guessing AJJ will be fine. I like Harbaugh but neither he nor any other coach should be able to intimidate writers. I don’t think JH is into censorship, its more the personal thing of not liking criticism he feels is incorrect. Jim’s watching a lot of film of practices. He’s seeing raw talent and steady improvement.
Now, Jim’s timing..? Bothering with it? Hmmmmmm? I guess he’s just trying to counter false (in his opinion) impressions and stick up for his guys. For someone who doesn’t care about the media………why care?
In the meantime Grant has to just keep plugging.
DS94everXev says:
August 2, 2012 at 2:51 pm
AES
here is the stat line for MC
http://www.nfl.com/player/michaelcrabtree/71269/careerstats
“He has 12 TD’s in his career. Basically, RM has exceeded MC’s career total in a season 6 times. And a handful of others where he has almost as many (10-11) 3 times. I’m betting this guy has the lead on one of the starting positions. Don’t you agree?”
@DS
Aren’t you the one who wanted to leave the MC convo alone?
What’s your point in showing me stats? Didn’t you and Prime just spend an evening dismissing stats?
AS’ 6yr stat line isn’t steller material either. Is he above the 500 % mark in the wins and loss catagory? His career TD vs Int stat line is 68 TD’ and 58 Int’s. These numbers are on par for an average QB.
As I mentioned to Bos this morning, why don’t we wait until their careers are over before making judgement. I believe that MC and AS have yet to play their best ball.
I’m looking forward to 2012-13, I cordially invite you to join me (lol)!
“ALL IN!”
Prime Time says:
August 2, 2012 at 2:18 pm
“@Jack, great stat, Not! Actually of the lowly 4 TD’s one was thrown by Ackers so my question to you couldn’t Crabtree have converted the other 68 receptions into something? I mean he was the king of the YAC in college taking 2 yard hitches to the house. Is it maybe because he is slow at the NFL level, or maybe he was overrated coming out of college, or is he just an average WR?
You guys say he is a #1 but 4 TDs and little else in between tells me otherwise, or can you come up with the stats that show the 1st down conversions or really any substantial highlight of his career as a 49er to date outside of the fake FG catch and Xmas saving catch in SEA? C’mon Jack, bring the stats outside of 24%?”
@Prime
Nice legwork on the stat line. Once again, for a person who spent the previous night dismissing stats, it seems like finding any stat to ostricize MC is permissible.
For someone who has called me a flip-flopper (with no proof of support), you are leading the pack for the flip-flopper imaginary championship belt title (lol).
But I’ll use DS’ principle of insult. DS condemned me as slighting A.J. for saying he has yet to catch 70 passes (I know, it was quite a reach). But he somehow concluded that is was an insult (lol).
So once again, using the DS principle I must conclude that your continued bashing of MC is an insult to the 49ers FO and it’s coaches.
I did not draft MC, the 49ers did.
I don’t sign MC’ paychecks, the 49ers do.
I did not place MC as my Starter over the last few seasons, the 49ers have.
So perhaps you should begin to direct your deep seeded hate of MC to the proper personnel. Because so far, as a 49er fan, you have come here to vent to the wrong crowd.
But then again, that’s what drama queens like you and DS like to do.
Like I told Jack last night, a good spirited debate results in you name calling AES. What’s the matter AES, feel defeated and no where else to turn? It’s not about that anyway (who wins the debate) it just shows you could not handle all our points an decided to go all insulting, classy my friend, real classy!
OK! Prime. If you want to call yourself a winner (funny, I never knew we were in a race?), you win bud. You have captured the ever elusive imaginary championship belt (lol).
But would you agree with my previous post about directing your MC bashing to the FO and coaches?
Now go and wear your belt with pride!
Like I said its not about winnin any debate, just being able to have a spirited debate and present arguements about something we all obviously are passionate about.
You and Jack decided to end each debate last night with some name calling, Jack apologized and I respect that. You however continue to live up to your blog reputation as the “flip flopper” in that when things don’t go your way or you disagree you turn 180 degrees. Nice work, your consistent!
Prime
The thing none of them are getting is that none of us are really right or wrong. The whole thing is subjective (who should be starting WR’s). And I have been consistent. TC determines all. TC is here, and gues what? WR is wide open.
And I still hold true to “In JH I trust.” I will. I am wondering though if they will. After all his opinion is the only one that carries any real weight, and he hasn’t done anything yet. And JH has no advantage by not announcing it. Just like RG. He’ll let it play out, and select who he feels is better. I have faith he will do the same for WR as well.
AES
When mini-camps started, JH said the Niners have 4 capable QB’s who he feels good about taking snaps. He said we have 5-6 starting caliber WR’s. He complimented all the QB’S and WR’s very nicely/evenly.
At the end, JH announced AS as the starting QB. Despite complimenting them all, JH ended all doubt about the starter QB then and there.
Now if you/rocket/others are right about how AS and MC are even, then JH announces MC as 1 starting WR. He didn’t. That means AS is now higher up than MC. MC hasn’t earned the starting job before TC.
You keep saying MC is the starter. JH doesn’t agree. If he did,he would announce it. He didn’t, he doesn’t. Since that time MC got injured and is out who knows how long.
If JH didn’t know the starter before the injury, he sure doesn’t know it now that MC (gasp) is injured Day 1 of TC.
This has all been laid out nice and flat. I’ll leave it to though to wrinkle it up.
Prime Time says:
August 1, 2012 at 7:57 pm
“So Jack both DS and I have kept in civil with you and AES fthenobly the past 2 days.”
@Prime
Well, not completely true Prime. You did fire the first salvo when you called me a flip-flopper. Hey, no props Prime. Maybe you’re to busy scutinizing every ones posts to check your own (lol).
All good.
*Hey no *probs (problem)
AES
I this whole time didn’t call you flip-flopper. You’ve called me drama queen/hater a ton. Even though a drama queen responds to bad news (MC hurt) along the lines of: Aahhh! or some siilar emotional out burst, while the calm collected person replies with real words/sentences/thoughts.
Go back and read my fist post to the injury, then your first post and tell me how yours was not dramatic (drama queen) out burst, but mine was. And then how your use of hater is added to every other post because you are a logical, collected individual.
I suspect you won’t reply though.
@DS,
Well DS, there are many ways of insulting someone without calling them a name.
Your condenscending lecture about me using Nate Palmer’ nickname “Napalm” certainly smacks of disrespect. And isn’t that the nature of this convo; disrespect? How do you plead?
Spin it any way you want DS, but you are not an innocent victim.
I apologize to you in advance, but I won’t spend another night going around in circles with you (and Prime).
Good night bud
AES
Perhaps if you saw your famiily getting burned by Napalm before your very eyes, you’d have a different opinion. Remember, you know nothing about me. You don’t know my country of origin, age, sex, anything.
And if NP is so weak as to be insulted about somebody having a problem with his nickname (named after a mini-WMD no less ) he won’t be in the NFL for long, and he won’t be called that name again. Again, I have no problem with him. I don’t know him. His nickname is what I have issue with. How annybody can confuse the 2 (him vs. nickname), is beyond reason.
@DS
I know that I bid you a good night earlier, but I have to reply your comment.
I know that you and I have rarely agreed on anything here, and I have no problem with that.
But I respectfully ask that you keep my family out of our convos.
Thank you in advance.
Ha, I stop reading all the comments only to see on my first venture back people deriding Grant. Hope you guys feel better after your done after letting your emotions out. Maybe, and this is just a suggestion- stop reading the blog???