I’ve been watching the coaches’ film of the 49ers 13-6 win over the Seattle Seahawks this morning. I’ve been looking for the Y-Stick and the Y-Stick Lookie.
Those are basic pass plays designed for the tight end – Vernon Davis. He runs a quick hitch in the middle of the field. The quarterback takes a three-step drop from undercenter and throws the ball to Davis. It’s an easy way to get him involved in the pass game – something the 49ers couldn’t do against the Seahawks.
Although the tight end is the primary receiver, the quarterback has the option to throw the ball to the other receivers in the pattern, especially the “go” route if the cornerback is playing bump-and-run coverage on the flanker and the QB likes the matchup of his WR against the DB.
Those plays were staples of Jim Harbaugh’s offense at Stanford, but I haven’t noticed the 49ers run them recently.
Yesterday, I asked Harbaugh why they haven’t made it into the game plan and he said I was incorrect. He said they did run the Y-Stick and the Y-Stick Lookie against the Seahawks.
I checked those coaches film’ and discovered Harbaugh was right. Greg Roman called those plays in the second quarter.
With 11:18 left in the second quarter, the 49ers faced second and seven from their own 19 yard line.
Roman called a Y-Stick. Alex Smith noticed Richard Sherman was giving flanker Michael Crabtree a 10-yard cushion. Smith, without ever looking at Davis, took a three-step drop and fired a short pass to the sideline. Smith expected Crabtree to run a quick out, but he ran a “go” route up the field and the pass fell incomplete.
I don’t know who takes the blame for that busted play, because I don’t know if Crabtree was supposed to change his route.
On the next play Joe Staley was flagged for a false start, and then the 49ers faced third and 12. Roman called another Y-Stick play – this time from a spread shotgun formation. Davis lined up as a receiver in the slot right next to the right tackle. He ran a quick stick route and was open, but Smith didn’t throw it to him. Instead, Smith stepped up in the pocket and threw a 2-yard check down pass to Frank Gore, and then the 49ers punted.
It appears to me Roman called at least two stick plays in which Vernon Davis was the primary target, but Alex Smith decided to throw to other receivers.
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How many other times was Davis open?
lol
who cares we won!
Grant
The announcers said MC was to change his route accordingly. For what that is worth.
Also, why would a WR run a Go route when the DB is 10 yards off? A quick out is what I’d run. And that is what AS threw.
If he looked closely he would have seen all 3 Receivers went GO routes. Which is odd because like you said the DB was playing 10 yards off the ball.
I was pissed when I saw that. Nobody who knows anything about the game would think that our Offense was so good that we could just run an all Go route like that when we’re not getting the separation from the DBs’.
It’s obvious that 15 completely forgot what he was supposed to run. Especially when the ball skipped right by him and he turned around like “huh??? was that for me?”. Having played the position I’d bet cash money against anyone that he was sposed to run a flag or button hook and squat on that route. It’s one of the most basic plays to run and the guy was completely lost on that play.
And people want to know why other fans think that he sucks? I don’t think he does, I just think that he’s not playing up to his capabilities most times and until he puts a solid body of work together over a season he’s just another number on the field to me. 15 needs to get his act together.
If the play is called for VD but AS sees a better option I have no problem with that because AS has shown the ability to make those decisions. In an earlier interview either GRo or VD said that on the delanie TD VD was the primary read but DW just popped open. While id like for him to get the ball more its up to the coverage to dictate what “they give us” because thats most likely the place AS will go with the ball. I want to see more seam routes called. Even if its covered that would clear out the middle and open up the shalow to mid crossing paterns
Y-stick…works all the time in Madden…..
lmao, like
Grant,
Honestly, I’d be happy if Alex Smith hit wide open receivers/TE’s. I’ve never seen a quarterback at the college or NFL level especially miss so many players wide open like Kyle Williams down the sideline. Many times Crabtree gets knocked for a lack of production, yet I continually see him wide open and Smith doesn’t see him. I’m tired of seeing all of these “long foul balls” by Smith whenever he must make a deep throw down the sideline. The entire premise of running and setting up play action is to open deeper routes, but I often find Smith unable to hit those routes when the players are wide open. I know Smith is what he is, but he has to start making the most of the opportunities. I understand his careful, mistake free play, and opting not to throw to closely covered options, but it is time to hit the open options.
I just think he is not “missing” them per say but rather throwing the ball away from the defender. Alex is pretty accurate when he throws to Davis.
Against the Bills, the pass he threw to Davis along the sidelines could not have been thrown better. My theory on the difference in accuracy, is that Alex trusts the matchup vs the linebacker, who is much less likely to make a play on the ball than a cb.
I dont agree with the assumption that Alex is accurate. I have watched far to many of his balls be thrown slightly behind or slightly high for his wr causing them to slow down and limiting thier yac. But that is just what I have seen… Dwight Clark and Greg Cossell have both stated that Alex is not a very accurate passer as well in interviews on KNBR. In fact the only person I have ever heard say Alex is accurate is Jim Harbaugh… and no I dont trust him to tell the truth while trying to build his starting qb’s confidence
Alex is limited by his lack of faith in receivers. And his receivers generally resent him for it. That said, Delanie should have either caught that wheel or else busted up the INT. Delanie regularly screws things up. But Alex should be throwing more 50/50 balls to his WRs. Not only would they have the advantage based on action (not reaction), but O gets the favor on PI calls. Let’s see Alex wing it a bit more.
Couldn’t agree more. Especially Randy.
They let Alex “wing it” against the Giants. That turned out great. Alex limits himself by thinking too much… Quit being so blind. Alex’s days are numbered…
Very insightful analysis. It’s clear that Alex does not trust his receivers to win balls. I dunno if it stems from all the times he had so-so passes batted up and intercepted, or players give up on balls in the air, but it’s pretty evident that the trust is not there.
Alex wouldn’t trust Jerry Rice. It’s not the receivers. It’s the QB!
Alex Smith is washed up. Just a matter of time before he’s history on this blog and as a 49er! Thank God!
Might not want to thank God before checking with the head coach as to what he thinks.
@roger that
Actually VD was asked how he (AS) and VD are so connected on the field. They have chemistry that AS and MC for instance lack.
VD’s reply had nothing to do with football. He really focused on how he and AS have a great relationship. So AS trusts VD off the field, and that carries over to the game.
For AS at least, that chemistry comes at least in part off the field. VD talked relationship guys. Not any football exclusive reason as to why they have it. If he doesn’t have it with the WR’s, then that matters. I’ve never heard a story of AS and MC hanging out together. For example, recently, Matt Barrows had an article about how VD and AS both attended the Obama fundraising event in SF.
23jordan, your comments is very funny. Only washed up i know is Nate Davis and your boy Smith. I wonder where are those guys? Seriously, jordan where are they? You are the only one that knows there where about..
Troll TIME!!!!
We won…. Next!!! He shoulda completed that pass when his facemask was grabbed also.. even if we won the Superbowl with that score people would complain..
He’s better than average as a QB.
He sucks as a Jedi. Can’t complete a Pass when the blaster shield is down. How dare anyone cheer for a man that can’t complete that Pass. >.<
Obi Wan says: “Alex, trust your feelings.”
Alex says: “My feelings are fine, It’s my arm I don’t trust.”
Nice …. post …. Oneniner
With the time to prepare for the Cardinals, I expect an outstanding gameplan by the staff and by the players. Should be a 10 point victory.
More like a two-point loss with three more interceptions. Doesn’t matter how great a game plan you have if your qb sucks as much ass as Alex does.
yeah, you’re right….
Alex throws too many int’s!! Better go get a qb who throws less int’s than Alex.
Now try and name one who’s thrown less int’s than Alex over the last 25 games.
If you want to criticize, attack a weakness of his, not one of his strengths. It would make you look less silly.
Grant,
Glad to see you took my advice and bought the ‘Game Rewind Coaches Film Package’ buddy! Except you wouldn’t know what to do with it if it came with instructions. Show me something and talk about the coverage pricnicples on the play (within the next hour).
You must have Vernon on all of your fantasy teams dude… Wide open? Earl Thomas crashing down on him is not “Wide Open”. I hate to use this term on you again, but you really can’t see the forest through the trees. Is Vernon not getting the ball a function of what? The coaching staff? The defense?.. Or the quarterback? It really is the defenses focus as well as Alex’s poor play.
Why aren’t you writing about Alex’s confidence level? After the interception in the redzone, the offense called it a day for the passing game. he’s playing that poorly; There was considerable amount of time left in the game at that point. 2 Qb draws later to run the clock out, we put our Defense on the field twice to finish the game. It is so similar to our approach to the very beginning of last year. That is the story from the game. I suggest you run with it.
Oh come on now. Smith wasn’t going to force stupid throws to Receivers who were being mugged up and down the field. Not with a lead and not when our Run game was gashing them for HUGE chunks of yardage.
On the Interception, I’m pretty sure that DB came out of the End Zone and then went right back into it after he’d run from one hash mark close to the next one and then back in the End Zone. If our Receiver who tackled him had kept him in the End Zone that’s not a Touch Back. I believe the Kickoff rules apply in this instance. If you leave the End Zone you cannot go back into it to avoid a Tackle, fail and get the touchback if tackled there. Safety. We’re up 15-6 and get the ball back.
Harbs was correct for taking the Spot of the ball on the change of possession instead of the Safety but there were a few things about this game that had me wanting to hang out in the Parking lot waiting for the Officials to get the high sign.
What I find funny is that people seem to think that winging it to the Receivers would have garnered Pass Interference. What moment in the game did the Officials give ANY indication they would have called PI on the Sh!7gulls DBs’? There were 3 instances where they should of and didn’t in the 1st Half.
I hope the League tells Harbs no harm no foul. That way he can let the dog off the chain and smack the Officials with the ruling when they flag us for it. I’ve never seen the 5 yard contact rule violated so much in a game since the Packers beat us in the Playoffs and not a single flag thrown on them for it. Bush League!
not sure what you disagree with… but I do agree that the Seachickens ‘physical’ secondary is much about nothing outside of illegal contact and PI. But Earl Thomas lays wood. He’s good.
Ceaderman,
You make it sound like the DB is more responsible for not getting a safety then Smith is for missing Moss and throwing a pick. Lmao. C’mon now.
Speaking of receivers being open, Smith had Williams on a short crossing route wide open when he decided instead to tuck it and run. Too bad the defender caught Alex from behind for a 2 yard sack to end the drive. These are the types of regular opportunities that Alex Smith misses… And a reason why we stall so frequently on offense when they put it in Alex’s hands. This team would literally be unstoppable if they upgraded their QB position.
Amen!!
I AM A TROLL!!!! NOT A NINERS FAN
Only a troll would make up a name and post. Onelame is back. And still has no life.
Very lame dude! Just because someone does not agree with your opinion it does not make them a troll!
That’s what drives me crazy about Alex. I don’t hate the guy. Sure we don’t play the position. But we’re not paid to! Its not our whole livliehood, not something we do 24/7 and yet we can all see what he doesn’t. He needs to show a tape of how other good QBs play the game. Alex can’t extend plays when it breaks down. Either he’s getting no help from the receivers, or they gave up on trying to help him make a play because he won’t throw them the ball. We’ve heard all of this before. What’s amazing is just a few weeks ago we though the Offense broke through against Buffalo. But when facing two good defenses, Alex and the WR revert. Brady threw for 395 yds. I watched that game. The difference was Brady made the throw. Alex didn’t. We have 10 games to really see what he can do. Because next yr is going to be Cap’s year….
77,
Excellent post sir. Next year is Kap’s year. Don’t count out this year!
I thought this year was Josh Johnson’s year, wasn’t it?
Lmao!!!! Would just like go say that I said last season that if smith regressed the OC would start getting the blame. An baaaam here it is. Wheeew!
That’s interesting MD. Wait until the coaching staff replaces Smith with CK as starter.
Nick,MD,
It’s really sad that the coaching staff is being thrown under the bus. Anybody butthe BUST Smith. I can’t wait until Kap gets in there so this blog can rid of a circus full of Smither Clowns! lol.
23
No it wont. because if KAP falters ul be screaming for his head and then the rational people will have to defend CK while u rile on about how tolzien is the answer. The smithers will become the Kaepers and this whole sad affair will keep on roling until we get a HOF quality QB
G ro, has some to blame too, his play calling has left a lot to desire. In fact in some cases it has brought any very needed momentum to a complete halt.
Other than the Wildkap plays, where has the creativity gone? last year we had tackles catching balls, with limited weapons. this year we have weapons but neither them nor the lineman are catching balls.
His inability to create for his TE’s or having both Hunter and gore in the backfield at the same time puzzles me. His halftime adjustments have left a lot to desire.
Where are the 3 TE sets. A bunch formation to the right with the option to audible into a running play?
We have a lot of weapons but no creativity put them in winning situations.
Quick question. Is JH still pounding AS’s shoulders before the game to pump him up? I haven’t seen that in a while.
Grant,
You’re just stoked that Harbaugh isn’t going to roll his eyes “every time” you ask a question now :0)
He hate me
ALEX – With our defense, you don’t have to win it. Just don’t lose it.
The defense isn’t as stout this year. The offense is going to have to win a few. We needed the O to step up against the Vikes and Giants and they failed miserably.
On a tangent – in hindsight was keeping all 11 starters on defense a mistake? There seems to be a little bit of complacency this year, especially in the secondary.
I am a proud fan of any player that wears the 49er jersey on the game day to represent our team. After reading hundreds of comments and opinions it is very intriguing to see how some of us either completely hate a player or blindly back a player without ever suggesting there is room for improvement while suggesting other players or coaches are responsible for the entire break down on offense!
I realize everyone is entitle to an opinion and let’s face it we all love to chat on the blog about our team, however facts are facts regardless of what we think:
- We were 13-3 last year and had a chance to go to the super bowl!
- This year we are 5-2 and going the right direction so far!
- After a complete season and now 7 games in the same offense our offense is not showing consistent ability to generate points
- Our QB is not playing consistently and seeing the whole field
- Are coaching is responsible for lack of production on offense, so is our QB and the surrounding players
- A very good QB typically will make other offensive players much more productive with good decision making, quick reaction, accuracy and resilience to WIN!
- Every single player on this team has the opportunity to improve and perform better, yes including ALEX SMITH or any of the receivers
- This is the NFL and not every team is capable of performing at a high level with very few mistakes!!!
- We will not win in the playoffs if we do not correct the offense!
There is so much discussion about Alex since he has thrown 4 INTs in the past 2 games and missed wide open players such as Kevin Williams! However, Alex has also made some very good plays this season and should be given credit for helping us win a few games! On the other hand Alex has also missed several key opportunities to produce offense due to lack of his QB play!
Bottom line if Alex does not prove he is a consistent QB for this team by being able to produce points then we will not have a chance at the playoffs and he will be replace eventually regardless of what we think! I noticed a huge difference in Alex’s game in the first few games however then something happened! Maybe the finger or Giants defensive scheme! Anyway I truly hope we figure things out and we can consistently put points on the board! GO NINERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
To look at the glass half full, all this debate over how terrible the qb is comes after a win, so things could be worse. I think that game isn’t nearly as close if the officials enforce some pretty blatant penalties. The two that come to mind are the first shot to Kyle Williams, where he was grabbed at around the 10. That’s no over throw if he isn’t slowed down.
The second is the horrible face mask/roughing the passer near the end of the second quarter. How that got missed is beyond me but it definitely falls under the umbrella of don’t hit a qb in the head. That’s 15 yards, a first down and likely some more points.
There were missed throws as there are in every game, some worse than others. There were also missed blocks and missed tackles. I saw Lynch run threw a Willis tackle, but I guess there aren’t any Larry Grant lovers on here. Do I think AS is an all pro? No, but I think he can be the qb of a super bowl team.
Big passing yards doesn’t always equal wins. Great team play is nicer to have.
I mentioned the holding of Williams on the 1st deep ball on the in-game blog, and the haters ridiculed that comment, said that ball was uncatchable….whatcha gonna do? Haters gonna hate.
Besides the overthrow to the back left of the end zone and the int, (which were both bad plays), Smith played reasonable. Not great, reasonable. You wouldn’t know it reading this blog.
Haters gonna hate? Like calling ck out if his name when he has done nothing to lose a game right? Lol yeah you’re right. Haters gonna hate. How are you living? What a joke!
Augusin,
Reasonable meaning handing the ball off to afore. Checking the ball down to Gore. That’s all Smith did in the 2nd half. I remember a 7 yarder to Crabtree the Crabs ran for 5 more and made a 1st down. Overthrowing every receiver on the team. Read the National headlines and the local ones. I beg to differ and so do they.
Gore***
Hates are going to hate you are so right on! and some people are going to hate every other player and point fingers to CK and Crabtree and Roman and god but Alex can not do anything wrong!!! What a joke! I personally like Alex and wish him the best by proving he is one of the best QBs in this league! But you know what there are fans here that except much more from their franchise QB and just winning is not good enough they wan this team to win a superbowl game!!! Just like Steve until this QB take us to the promise land we are going to have some fans that question his ability to lead us! winning is not enough we want a superbowl ring! GO NINERS
Vernon himself expressed frustration that he’s not getting open. I don’t think there’s much debate about that. Teams routinely try to take away the first option in the passing game with coverages.
Failing to throw a 4 yard stick route, which has no chance of developing into a big gainer isn’t anything to complain about, in my book, particularly when there’s more favourable options.
#1 rule is you take what the defence gives you.
Has Alex taken advantage of recievers that are open downfield or in the end zone? Nope! Keep the blame going. But the fact of the matter is. Elite qb’s that are “the coaches guy” don’t play musical chairs with another . Actions speak louder than encouragement words.
MD, he’ll be fine. Does he need to play better? Yes! It’s a bump in the road. There’s a lot of overreaction here. It seems his play, especially the INTs, started increasing when his finger was injured. He now has time to heal and I believe we’ll see better play from him.
Hof… When the Super Bowl or bust label is back. You have to expect a little overreaction. He might be fine. I think the second half of that game shows that they are going to go back to the dinks and dunks and power running game. They tried to test smiths downfield ability and failed. I just hope its good enough to win a Super Bowl. And in order for that to happen the defense and st are going to match what they did last season. That’s a tall order.
MD, how many SBs have elite QBs ARodgers, DBrees, and PManning won?? The answer is one!! There are no absolutes as we know my 9er brother. If AS isn’t the guy, then I’m open to taking the large number of accumulated draft picks and putting together a bundle to move up in the draft and pick a QB to compete with CK. Winning is number one over any one player period!
Done. Go SF Giants!!!!!!!!!!
ALEX SMITH IS OFFICIALLY ON THE HOT SEAT!!!
Officially??? According to whom? I’ve read the blogs from the Bay Area, and find nothing to state such a claim…if you’re referring to the national blogs, those are conjecture on the part of the blogger……besides, there’s only one other person, besides the QB, in the NFL that sits on the Hot Seat and that is the Head Coach.
Augusin,
But Smiths favorite pass is the 4 yard stick route. You’re right, he chose not to throw the 4 yard stick route to check down to hunter for 2 yards. Alex Smith is a machine! A coach killing Machine! Roman might be next! Lol.
So 23Jordan/ We Need a QB! Smith was the reason Nolan, Singletary and Raye were fired?
If so, I have a bridge forsale that I know you could use and for a really good price, cheap cheap for you, good deal.
Axel,
They got fired because they wouldn’t cut bait with Smith. Listen to the criticism Roman is getting now because Smith can’t throw successfully further than 10 yards down the field. All of a sudden, roman has no clue. Sad but true Prime!
Ceadderman:
And people want to know why other fans think that he sucks? I don’t think he does, I just think that he’s not playing up to his capabilities most times and until he puts a solid body of work together over a season he’s just another number on the field to me. 15 needs to get his act together.
@Ceadderman
Wow, #15 makes a mistake (you are only assumming by Crabtree’ body language) and this put you over the edge to say he needs to get his act together.
I’ll say this in defense of Crabtree. If he doesn’t make catches 3 feet above his head or catches passes from AS that consistently cause him to break his stride, AS’ numbers/stats would look pedestrian.
IMO, AS should be happiest QB on the planet to have a M.Crabtree on his team.
Alex Smith was a free agent during the offseason. How many teams wanted his services. NONE. Seattle signed a rookie quarterback instead of Smith. Everyone in the league knows he sucks except some of the Niner fans on this board. Ask any other fan of any other team if they would want Smith as their starter. Then ask if they would want either of the Manning brothers, Brees, Rogers, Stafford, Ryan, Brady, Vick, Romo, Dalton, Luck, Bradford, Griffin, or Cam Newton. Smith absolutely a proven 2nd tier quarterback.
Seattle signed Matt Flynn based on the 6TD game he had.
Grant, information like play names and formations is the kind of stuff that most of us just absolutely eat up and cant get enough. Anything else along these lines would also be equally consumed.