The 49ers need a third receiver. That is clear. Most draft gurus agree that the Niners need a burner, someone who can “take the top off the defense,” someone who runs a 4.3 40-yard dash or a low 4.4. Someone like Brandin Cooks or Odell Beckham. I agree, the 49ers need a deep threat. The Niners already have two possession receivers who excel on underneath and intermediate routes — Anquan…
SAN FRANCISCO – Here are the 49ers’ grades for their 23-13 win over the Rams. KAEPERNICK: A-. This was the most accurate Kaepernick has thrown the ball since Week 1 against the Packers. Kaepernick completed 68 percent of his passes for 9.8 yards per attempt against the Rams. My only knock on him is he did not play well on third down – the 49ers converted just 4 of 12…
As we know, the statistical difference between Colin Kaepernick and Alex Smith was subtle last season. So, here are some advanced stats to help differentiate the two quarterbacks: Adjusted yards per attempt: (YPA including sacks minus 45 yards for an INT) Kaepernick: 7.0 (1st) Smith: 5.7 (13th) Other notables: P. Manning: 6.5 (2nd), Brady: 6.4 (3rd) Deep Percentage (Percentage of passes longer than 15 yards) Kaepernick: 29.9 (1st) Smith: 13.8…
If Trent Baalke could redo last year’s draft, do you think he would? Do you think he still would draft A.J. Jenkins No.1? Would you? Knowing what you know now, would you go back in time and draft someone else with the 30th pick if you were the 49ers’ general manager? Or would you trade the pick? Who would you draft instead of Jenkins? If you can’t think of just…
The 49ers play the Packers Saturday at the Stick. In the meantime, I’ll break down the key matchups. WR Randall Cobb vs. CB Carlos Rogers and CB Perrish Cox The 49ers have struggled to cover the best slot receivers all season. The 49ers faced Randall Cobb, Percy Harvin, Victor Cruz, Danny Amendola, Chris Givens, Wes Welker and Doug Baldwin. Against those receivers, the 49ers gave up 55 catches on 70…
SANTA CLARA — Tarell Brown spoke at his locker Tuesday afternoon. Here’s what he said about the Patriots’ offense. Q: What is going to be key for your defense against the Patriots? BROWN: We all have to go out there and win out one-on-one battles. They have a lot of different weapons, a lot of guys that can make plays, but we’re really fighting against Tom Brady. He has the…
When the 49ers drafted A.J. Jenkins in the first round and LaMichael James in the second round, all we heard was how the 49ers didn’t need those guys this season. The 49ers are so deep and talented, those two high draft picks could afford to “red shirt” their rookie seasons, just lift weights and learn the system. Forget all of that. The 49ers need Jenkins and James right now. James…
NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell spoke on the Murph and Mac Show Thursday morning. Here’s what Cosell said about the 49ers upcoming matchup with the St. Louis Rams. Q: Who are these 3-5 Rams? COSELL: I think they’ve clearly made a conscious effort to limit Steven Jackson’s carries for whatever reason. Daryl Richardson has taken up those carries and he’s got a little more juice, he’s got a little more…
