SANTA CLARA – Here’s what Jim Harbaugh said about the 49ers offense at his Monday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers.
We talked to offensive coordinator Greg Roman yesterday. He noted that it was obvious early on that QB Alex Smith was hot. That WR Michael Crabtree was hot. When you see that early on, do you then start to tailor the calls to fit the hot hands, so to speak?
“Yeah, and really great credit to Greg Roman. And just the game that he called, the plan that he had for our team. We all have just tremendous confidence in Greg. And he is a shining light. He is a real, real superstar. And the same for [defensive coordinator] Vic Fangio, [asst. head coach/special teams coordinator] Brad Seely. Great, great games for both their resumes. Exceptional, exceptional job by all those men. Alex definitely had a great game. Alex had a tremendous game. Playmakers, Michael Crabtree and [WR] Mario Manningham and [TE] Vernon Davis. All of our receivers, [WR] Kyle Williams, [WR] Randy Moss. Just outstanding performances by those men. Real shining stars on our offense. Also, [TE] Delanie Walker. There’s a guy who had no catches in the game, but just does it all, ‘Mr. Do It All.’ Outstanding game for him. And the one penalty that he got, wasn’t a penalty, or it didn’t seem like it was. That’s really the only thing you could say about his performance. It was outstanding. Just multiple alignment, multiple assignment. Really well executed. A couple other guys, [T] Joe Staley and [T] Anthony Davis had tremendous games against very good players, very good pass rushers along the front. And really besides one hurry by [Anthony Davis] A.D. And again, I thought it was an outstanding block by Joe Staley that was flagged. Was a tremendous block on his part. So, really those two exceptional games as well. And the rest of our offensive line, again a great performance against a really solid unit.”
With 556 rushing yards in the last two games and averaging 6.1 yards per carry, has the addition of guys like Manningham and Moss help to open things up in the running game? I’m sure there are various reasons for that, but is that one of them?
“Yeah, I think that goes both ways. It helps open up the running game as [RB] Frank [Gore] noted. That’s an obvious thing. Those guys are doing a great job. And then the running game helps the passing game as well. But, protection was really good. The route running was exceptional and throws were exceptional.”
How tough is it for a quarterback to throw a pass that’s not designed to be thrown the way it was, such as for the ball that Alex threw to Kyle Williams?
“Pretty tough, pretty exceptional. To make that kind of snap decision without the muscle memory of really practicing it on that particular play. That’s something that’s not the intent on that play. But, Kyle made an adjustment and a cool-headed decision by Alex. And they were both in sync and executed it flawlessly. So, I think that speaks volumes for both those guys.”
In terms of the personnel that you guys have now and just the way you’ve been able to evolve the playbook in your second year, how different is this offense than the one that ended last season in the NFC Championship game?
“Different in some ways and similar in most of the ways. They’ve been consistently good with their attitude, their approach. Talent level I think has been upgraded and guys are playing really well. Playing really well together. Again, talk about just a good attitude amongst the offensive players. Whatever they can do to help the team move and score points and pick up first downs, etcetera, they’re doing it very much as a group and as a team. And to a man, you could highlight every one of them. Delanie Walker, again, everything that he does for our offense, without the statistics that most people look at. Randy Moss has been just great. A lot of people talk about the past or whatever, I’ve seen nothing other than a guy that just works hard and wants to contribute and practices, just says and does all the right things. If there was something in the past it’d be like that etch-a-sketch you have a as a kid and you lift that piece of paper up. It’s been nothing but great, nothing but good. Same with Alex Smith. To a man, our line, everybody.”
Getting back to Randy, he seems to be the single wide receiver in a lot of times when you have your running personnel out there. Is that because defenses need to respect him and he’s taking two guys away from what could be a running play?
“Yeah, in some cases that’s definitely been happening.”
And the long play to – I forget the yardage, to Vernon Davis, I think it was 53 yards. It seemed like Randy was part and parcel with that is that right?
“Yeah. It definitely can – and I wouldn’t say just Randy. There are a lot of players that are proving that you’ve got to respect their presence, their ability. Michael Crabtree, Mario Manningham, Kyle Williams, Randy Moss, Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, [RB] Kendall Hunter, [QB] Colin Kaepernick. We feel very confident in all those guys making plays and doing their assignment and doing it to the best of their God-given ability every play.”
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We see the offense can be great now do it consistently.
Scored over 20 points in all but 1 game hov. Only 1 TD was a defensive TD. Offense seems to be doing fine.
Considering the way the offense has played this year, Harbaugh’s Etch-a-Sketch anology may be perfect. Shake away the previous 7 years and start fresh.
So, you want to discount last season?
Yes, of course.
Little confused why the title is what it is. CK being 1 of 9 playmakers tells me very little. I mean, how many playmakers do we suit up every game anyway?
1. FG
2. KH
3. VD
4. RM
5. MM
6. DW
7. MC
8. Kyle Williams
9. CK
Who am I missing on this list? Alex Smith. But he’s the QB. Playmakers are the ones who get the ball from the QB. I don’t see how CK go the title here. Anthony Dixon/Ted Ginn? They are really special teams guys.
QBs can be play makers too. Both Alex and CK made outstanding plays on Sunday.
No, he go title just fine.
Yeah, I’ve kind’a been saying that the past two weeks (lol).
Get used to seeing more of CK7. He’s talented, he’s dynamic, and he could be a game changer with more playing time.
The AS club should not be threatened by him, because Alex is not going anywhere. I love Harbaugh’ description of CK as just being another weapon. That is exactly what he is, and exactly what Harbaugh envisioned when he drafted him.
I’m kinda leery about doing the Tebow with a guy who’s better than Tebow. Know what I mean? Tebow is used all over the place because he’s not particularly very good at the position he’s supposed to be playing. He’s kept around as a side show for the religious folk, I figure.
CK has some promise at the QB position. What happens though if he gets smacked by some overzealous DB or LB, (see RGIII) then what?
I suppose they have confidence in Tolzien but I just kinda wonder about all this Tebow stuff with a guy who is arguably 10x better than Tebow. Seems like maybe some unnecessary risk.
adam,
So what would you do with a player like CK7?
After having proven his effectivness in only two games do you now put him on ice?
Regarding Tebow. I’m not a big fan of his, but
I’m a little taken-a-back by your comment that Tebow is being kept around to appease religeous groups.
adam, I normally enjoy your objective and well thoughtout views, but I must admit that this one is a stretch.
Just to add to my last post.
I consider (although not mentioned by Harbaugh) Will Tukuafu to be a weapon as well.
When you have a 300 lbs + FB with a quick first step lead blocking, yes, I would say he’s a weapon. I’m sure a few D-lineman and LB’ can attest to this. Remember, that we also have D.Dobbs, Jm.James, and B.Jacs waiting in the wings as well.
I don’t care one bit if someone gets hurt because Harbaugh decides to insert another player to add a new wrinkle to the offense.
When our offense becomes as elite as our defense is with their current starters, then perhaps we don’t make any changes. Let’s put a stretch of 5-6 games together that resemble something close to what we saw yesterday (total domination) before we have issues with Harbaugh/Roman’ Mixer and hybrid wrinkles.
Here’s what Harbaugh said this afternoon about Tukuafu: ““He’s carved out a real niche for himself on this ball club. A physical presence, both offensively and defensively and special teams. He is a guy that we know we can count on. He’s a count on me guy. To be filling as many roles as he is, it’s really impressive. I think first and foremost, the physical presence that he brings. He’s big and strong and athletic. Big man that’s very physical. He’s a big man who’s fast. It’s been positive for us.”
We have four important games in a row. The first one is the Giants, a win here would go a long ways. If you all havnt noticed the NFC West has 4 teams playing 500 ball or better. The next game is against the Hawks sporting their very dynamic defense in Seattle. This could be the hardest game of the year for a victory. Next come the Cards. They beat us last year there defense is very very good. There offense seems to run hot and cold. After the break we have the renewed Rams this could be another tough game. Once again defense seems sound. Yup these next four games will go along ways in proving who the best in the west is.
Something funny to note… If the Rams win at least one of their next 3 games, then the Saints game in Week 12 will likely be the first game all season that we play a game against a team that had a losing record entering the game. All of the teams we have played so far entered their game against the 49ers with a record of .500 or better, and the Giants, Seahawks, and Cardinals, are all guaranteed to be no worse than .500 when they suit up against the 49ers. Interesting thing to note.
Seattle in Seattle is the toughest game for any team. Ask the Saints and the Ravens.
Yup. couldn’t agree more. In the glory years the 9ers started their roll around the 4th or 5th game every year. This is the time to stake our claim that we’re the best team in the NFC. We really need to do well over the next 4 weeks. They don’t need to go 4-0 but I think at least 3-1 isn’t unreasonable.
According to espn’s Schedule, Seattle is coming to San Francisco for the game, not the other way around.
Your right my bad its the Cards we go to. The Hawks are at home.
Grant Cohn says:
October 8, 2012 at 4:57 pm
Thanks Grant. I hadn’t read the whole article.
What they are doing with the offense I don’t think has ever been done before, not even by Bill Walsh, and I am not talking about the Jumb-O line. What I am talking about is executing the simple strategy of giving touches/making throws to as many as possible. Besides fostering the sense of “team,” this spares the key playmakers from so much wear and tear, and builds depth. I think it’s revolutionary. Just as Walsh made contributions to the game, so is Harbaugh, in his own way. Please, no one jump on me for equating Harbaugh to Walsh. I am not. But just watch: I think this will be copied, alot, and it might have staying power. JH is the best thing to have happened to the franchise since BW.
Also should give credit to Baalke. They are a team.
Nice insight, George. To build on the team-building theme, I think it keeps every player on a positive edge, knowing they could be called at any moment to make a play. Non-starters have to take responsibility for getting the win. Its also that meritocracy thing; have a kick## week of practice, who knows on Sunday?
Jets lose to the Texans; but score 17 points while giving up only 23. Does this make the Niners better than the Texans?