Day 12, practice 21: ‘Taser’ is unveiled
The 49ers’ version of the spread offense is called the “Taser,” offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye revealed. (Insert your own don’t-taze-me-dude bro joke here. I’m feeling a little sluggish today.)
Let’s get right to the deets from the morning, as Mr. Raye stood in front of the assembled media to answer some questions:
–Receivers Micheal Spurlock (the team seems to be really high on him) and Arnaz Battle took the direct snaps out of the formation today. Michael Robinson, who has been out since Aug. 4 with a groin strain, is the other player Raye has identified for the role. Spurlock is small and shifty, while
“I think they’re totally different players,” Raye said. “Micheal is a sudden, quick, initial quickness type of guy. Arnaz Battle is a bigger, stronger, more physical receiver, probably in the line of his true qualities are as a receiver from the transformation that he’s made from college to being a receiver. He’s played it longer. I see them differently. They have some similar traits, but they are very dissimilar in their physical abilities.”
–Spurlock is a very intriguing player. The coaching staff seems to be very high on him. He’s put himself in the conversation for a roster spot. Spurlock seems to be having a better camp than Jason Hill. We’ll see how these things shake out during the exhibition season, but Spurlock also brings return skills to the team. In 2007, he became the first player to return a kickoff for a touchdown in Buccaneers history. Spurlock played behind Eli Manning for three seasons at Ole Miss. He became the Rebels’ starting QB as a senior.
–Spurlock attempted one pass out of the “Taser” formation, and he completed it to Isaac Bruce.
–The 49ers have yet to name a starting QB for Friday’s exhibition opener. It’s really not a big deal. Raye said the decision will not be any indication on where the competition currently stands. It’s reasonable to think the pecking order involving 1-2 will be reversed for the 49ers’ second game, Saturday, Aug. 22, against the Raiders.
–Shaun Hill lofted a nice pass 40 yards down field that hit receiver Josh Morgan in perfect stride behind the defense of Nate Clements and Michael Lewis. Alex Smith responded moments later with a laser on a deep-in to Dominique Zeigler.
–Despite being tightly covered by Marcus Hudson, Bear Pascoe caught a throw from Damon Huard along the left sideline when
–Adam Snyder has taken every snap with the first-team offense at right tackle this summer. Marvel Smith has yet to make his mark, as he bids for the starting job. Said Raye, “(Smith) is being evaluated along with Adam Snyder. I think the rep count is basically pretty close. When we make the decision to give him some more reps with the first unit, it will be from the medical staff that gives us clearance to practice him a little more. If his play to that point dictates that he’s deserved or earned the right to get some snaps with the first team, we will do that going forward.”
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