In the game of chess that takes place between offensive and defensive coordinators, Jimmy Raye will make the first move. Then, the 49ers will eagerly see how the Seahawks respond.
That action and reaction might shape tomorrow’s game.
You see, 49ers tight end Delanie Walker should be a big factor in the game tomorrow. And it might not even be so obvious. After all,
“He can be a challenge personnel-wise on how you treat him,” 49ers quarterback Alex Smith said. “To come in as the second tight end, you can treat him as a receiver. As a tight end, we can do a lot of blocking stuff with him as well, so I think that he’s kind of a personnel match-up problem for a lot of teams as to how they view him.”
When
–Stick with base personnel of a front-seven with four defensive backs, which should create mismatches for the 49ers as a linebacker will likely be asked to cover
Or . . .
–Sub in a fifth defensive back, which should enable the 49ers to run the ball better as it takes away a bigger linebacker and matches
“That’s a dilemma,” Seahawks coach Jim Mora said, “and you hope you make the right decision at the right time based on the information you have going into the game.”
“I’ve always had a lot of respect for him, and he’s developed into a tenacious player,” Mora added “The combination of him and
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I asked
Q: How long does it take you to look over to the other sideline to see who’s coming in on defense?
(Note: The first number refers to running backs and the second number is tight ends. Therefore, “12” personnel consists of one back and two tight ends.)
Q: This last game when Jacksonville stayed in base, did you start licking your chops?
Q: But when you see a nickel back come in . . .
Q: During the week as you prepared for Seattle, how much time was spent talking about what they’re going to do?
Q: You had a season-high four catches for 52 yards against
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INJURY REPORT
49ERS: CB Nate Clements (shoulder) is out; DL Kentwan Balmer (shoulder) and T Joe Staley (knee) are doubtful; LB Takeo Spikes (hamstring), WR Isaac Bruce (ankle) and CB Marcus Hudson (back) are questionable; LB Ahmad Brooks (thumb), RB Michael Robinson (shoulder), WR Arnaz Battle (ankle), WR Brandon Jones (thumb), S Michael Lewis (quadriceps), T Adam Snyder (shoulder) and DL Ray McDonald (shoulder) are probable.
SEAHAWKS: LB D.D. Lewis (knee) and DE Cory Redding (concussion) are doubtful; RB Justin Forsett (quadricep) and DE Lawrence Jackson (groin) are questionable; RB Julius Jones (chest) and C Chris Spencer (thumb) are probable.
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Some folks misinterpreted the Scot McCloughan-Jeff Maehl anecdote I wrote about yesterday. It seems my light-hearted headline caused some confusion.
McCloughan was not there to scout Paradise vs. Las Lomas. He was there to enjoy an evening with his son at a high-school game close to where he lived at the time. The point of the story is that a scout sees the game differently than most — even when he’s not “scouting.” He knew nothing about either team, yet he was able to immediately assess there was one player on the field who had superior skills.
That’s it. The 49ers do not spend their resources – let alone send their general manager – to scout high school games.
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