The 49ers play the Bears Monday night at Candlestick. In the meantime, I’ll break down five key matchups.
CB Charles Tillman vs. WR Michael Crabtree
Greg Roman likes to move Crabtree around the formations and match him up against the opposing teams’ No.2 or No.3 cornerback. Roman can do this because most cornerbacks play a specific side of the field, so he knows where the No.1 CB is going to be and he lines up Crabtree elsewhere.
Last week against the Rams, Roman avoided lining up Crabtree against Pro Bowl CB Cortland Finnegan, who strictly plays left cornerback in the base defense and slot corner in the sub packages. As a result, Crabtree beat the Rams other CBs for four passes including a touchdown in a little more than a quarter before Alex Smith got knocked out of the game.
Crabtree won’t be able to avoid the Bears’ No.1 cornerback, Charles Tillman. Tillman doesn’t play a specific side of the field – he follows the opposing teams’ No.1 receiver wherever he goes. Tillman is also the best cornerback in the NFL this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
The logical thing to do would be to feature someone else, like Vernon Davis, but Roman features Crabtree nearly every game regardless of the matchup. Look for Roman to call quick bubble screens for Crabtree on Monday night because he may struggle getting open downfield against Tillman.
Advantage: Bears
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4 catches, 45+ yards
You think Crabtree will do better against Tillman than he did against Sherman (4 catches, 31 yards)?
I think it really depends on how Smith is doing. If he is on target like he had been prior to being injured then yes.
I like that angle. We’ll see how it plays out.
I think it might help MC and the other WR’s if the refs don’t allow the DB’s to assault them 10 yards downfield.
I’d add one touchdown to those numbers.
Crabtree 5 catches 60 yards. 1td.
Grant – I promised you I would send a UCLA tailgate picture. 6:30AM with some buddies. Great win for Bruins! C15 (old man) is holding yellow cup.
file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/SCOTT/My%20Documents/ucla%20tailgate%20group.htm
Grant – Sorry link didn’t work. Will try again later……damnit.
Crabs what a game! Jim Mora is great coach. As much as he is doing a good job at UCLA, I see him back in the NFL soon.
Prime – I hope Mora sticks around a while. Hey man, do you know how to link a word document picture into this blog? I’m not a high tech geek-squad person.
C15
You may be able to find a web site which allows you to put that picture (upload it onto the web), then just link that web address. Like a Facebook type page. If you’re not into Facebook, I’m sure you can find something else that allows you to upload a file onto a webpage, then copy paste that link here.
DS – Thanks for the help!! Will try that later.