Week 7 (Giants) Link Dump

by sfgfan on Oct 16, 2007 9:10 AM PDT

Since there isn't one up already, I'll take liberties into my own hands to create one.

Some 49ers fans have been calling for the 49ers to allow Smith/Dilfer more leeway in terms of audibles. Changing the plays at the line. Nothing Peyton Manning chicken-like, but something. According to this blog entry by Matt Maiocco yesterday, Smith does audible, and quite a bit.

Also in that entry, it sounds like the 49ers may opt for shotgun sets more often (as Smith is already comfortable in them). One of the downsides to that is it takes away the play-fake. I've also been a believer that the shotgun gives DE's a better angle to the QB. Instead of having to either go through or loop around the OTs to get to the QB, they can almost have a straight shot at him.

As the trade deadline nears (today though not sure of time), the 49ers have a couple of viable trading chips. The 49ers may still deal Kwame Harris. They have supposedly been asking for a conditional 5th that becomes a 4th with play-time. I'm thinking they'll be willing to go down to a conditional 6th, going up to a 4th or 5th with playtime. I doubt they'll go lower, because he is a very good backup to have (if only for a few months). There is also the possibility they could deal Smiley (though no mentioned int he linked article). His contract is up at the end of the year and Nolan has already been pretty clear he will not overpay for guards (who according to McCloughan, "don't do a whole lot").

Down toward the bottom of that article, Andy Lee is currently leading the league in NET punt average at 43.8 (with "gross" average at 50.1, good enough for a tie for the lead). I'd say he's played to his contract extension so far. McCloughan and Nolan are still thanking the Steelers silently as we speak.

According to this article on NFL.com, Bulger expects to play this week. He was roughed up quite a bit during the 49ers game a few weeks back and hadn't been the same since.

Gwen Knapp (not a big fan of her) has a little fluff piece on Patrick Willis.

Another IR resident for the Seahawks. DT Chartric Darby tore a patella tendon and is looking at surgery that will put him out the rest of the year. He's been a "starter" for the last couple of years, and will be replaced by Brandon Mebane (rookie out of Cal). This injury news comes (practically) on the heels of Mack Strong's career-threatening injury announcement last week.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.

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What does everybody think

Of all the 49er (or football) writers?

Obvious Maiocco is fantastic. I don't really like Knapp either. I can't say I'm much of a fan of Ray Ratto. Nancy Gay is alright, but I always feel like she's kind of just saying the status quo about everything.

Outside of them I don't read enough of the others to have a real opinion. Who do you like or dislike?

I keep reliving the moment when Steve Young almost fell down. Over and over. / My Blog, For Writers

by howtheyscored on Oct 16, 2007 10:50 AM PDT 0 recs

Writers

I really don't like most of the beat writers in the bay area. As I previously said, I don't really like Knapp. I don't really like Gay, Ratto, Dennis Georgatos (Media News/Oakland Trib/Contra Costa Times). Bruce Jenkins kind of covers all of bay area sports, and I generally don't like his work either.

Guys I do like are Matt Maiocco (obviously), and Matt Barrows (Sacramento Bee). Kind of odd that the two best beat writers (IMHO) are working for either a smaller paper, or one that's stationed over 100 miles away from 49ers headquarters. Not that distance has to do with quality of writing, but you'd think the "local" papers would strive to hire THESE kind of writers.

Someone else I liked, even though he didn't really write articles and only had a blog at the SF Chronicle, was Kevin Lynch. Last I read (albeit sources are iffy), he's going back to his main "love," politics.

by sfgfan on Oct 16, 2007 11:46 AM PDT up 0 recs

rough week

for the Seahawks. First they lose Strong, then they lose at home to a winless team, then they lose Darby.

Bring back the classic Uni's!

by wjackalope on Oct 16, 2007 10:52 AM PDT 0 recs

Watch out

Pasquarelli says the Giants might get even better.

He talks about the defense learning the new schemes over the 1st two weeks, and now being comfortable with them and playing really well. We know they can rush the QB so we need to do a MUCH better job of protecting this week. Their weakness is supposed to be the secondary, so if we can buy a little time we should be able to make some plays downfield.

I think our D will be up to the challenge. Manning is still pretty inconsistent and prone to making a bad throw or a bad decision. I won't be surprised to see Nate the Great pick one off this week. If we bring our A game we can win, but it won't be easy.

Bring back the classic Uni's!

by wjackalope on Oct 16, 2007 10:59 AM PDT 0 recs

Pasquarelli

I'm not sure about this, but my hunch is that he's an east coast writer. He doesn't seem to show any west coast team the same respect he shows an east coast team, especially the Giants.

Not that the 49ers give many any reason to give them a second thought, I disagree with this statement:

With a home game in Week 7 against the inconsistent San Francisco 49ers, followed by the historic matchup in London versus the currently winless Miami Dolphins on Oct. 28, the Giants might not need their "A" game for a little while at least.

by sfgfan on Oct 16, 2007 11:38 AM PDT up 0 recs

Shot gun

With the shotgun, if the DEs are getting a straight shot, would Smith be able to buy some time by stepping up into the pocket?

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by Fooch on Oct 16, 2007 12:17 PM PDT 0 recs

Interesting question...

In theory, I think that would be the case. However, considering teams are blitzing the gaps up the middle, it doesn't give much of a pocket (inside especially) to step up into. Considering the performance of the middle three linemen as well, I'd say it's easier said than done.

by sfgfan on Oct 16, 2007 12:32 PM PDT up 0 recs

Shotgun

sfgfan you're theory on the shotgun is flawed, the DE part of it at least. Basically a shotgun will put the quarterback in a 5 step drop location in the pocket right of the bat, sooner that he'd presumably be there when taking a snap from under center. Either way DEs need to get to the same location [to sack a QB taking a 5 step drop]. The only way being in a shotgun would benefit a DE is if QBs normally took zero step drops and remained riding the centers ass throughout the whole play.

Fooch's point is dead on. A QB would be able to step up into the pocket from the outside DE rush. If the defense is blitzing up the middle, the QB should be in a better position to read that blitz and distribute the ball quickly.

From a passing stand point the shotgun is way more beneficial than taking snaps from under center. There are draw backs in the running game. Probably most notably would be the lack of a lead blocker (FB). A team's play action ability/effectiveness would be lessened a little but not totally eliminated.

I was discussing almost this very topic last week. It seemed to me that if we took a QB with the #1 pick that we should be willing to mold the offense around him, especially if that QB played in a spread offense in college. The Saints designed there offense around Bush last year, using him in various positions in different formations. It's time for the Niners to figure out how to put Smith into a position to succeed and I think putting him in the shotgun is a step in the right direction.

by methodrampage on Oct 16, 2007 1:21 PM PDT up 0 recs

You make sense.

That makes sense. I've seen QBs do additional "drops" from the shotgun, which is probably what influenced my "theory." Is it normal for a QB to take a couple of extra steps back? Or are they supposed to stay pretty much where they receive the ball.

I seem to have memories in my mind that say Elway and Jim Kelly both took a couple of steps back after receiving the ball. I'm probably just wrong.

I agree with you on your #1 pick theory, though. If you're going to take someone that high, ESPECIALLY a "franchise QB", your franchise should be molded after him. He instantly becomes one of (if not THE) most important players on the team. In the same way they're trying to work a scheme for Vernon Davis, they've got to do the same with Alex.

by sfgfan on Oct 16, 2007 2:02 PM PDT up 0 recs

Dead on

I think I fell ass-backwards into being dead on.

I do agree that you mold around your QB, although obviously we won't throw in an entire spread offense. Although we could go get Jerry Glanville and rock the run-n-shoot!

Niners Nation - The premier 49ers blog on the Internet!

by Fooch on Oct 16, 2007 2:10 PM PDT up 0 recs

Stroking the Chief Editor's ego

Let me wipe that crap off my nose real quick.

As for your question sfgfan. Yeah they move back a little after taking a snap from shotgun. It buys them a little more time and its easier to move up in the pocket than it is to move back, especially if you're trying to unload the football. I would think that the OT technique would vary in an attempt to negate any advantage a DE would have when rushing a shotgun.

by methodrampage on Oct 16, 2007 2:19 PM PDT up 0 recs

B-row's take on Harris

See this blurb by Matt Barrows today for his take on the Kwame situation. He does make an interesting point. It surprises me that Washington isn't willing to cough up the 5th rounder. Is it because they KNOW he'll play enough to turn it into a 4th rounder? They really need help on the o-line, and starter quality help at that. It's not like Snyder can't afford to do a trade and sign. Or maybe doing that once with an ex-49er has bit him once and he doesn't want to do it again.

Still 12 minutes (by my clock) until the deadline. Lets see if the Redskins cave.

by sfgfan on Oct 16, 2007 12:50 PM PDT 0 recs

Fantasy Football Question

Ok guys I'm interested in seeing your take on a possible trade I'm considering.

It's basically standard PPR scoring, you have to start either 2 RB and 2 WR or 1 RB and 3 WR.

My RBs:
Addai
Wynn
DeA Williams
Watson
Bush (the Michael variety, it's a keeper league)

My WRs:
Wayne
Welker
Crayton
Bowe
Andre Johnson
Colston

I can get Gore for Wayne. So are the Niners going to get the offense turned around? I'm pretty much on pace to easily make the playoffs, so looking at the playoff match-ups, weeks 14-16, would you rather have:

Gore: MIN, CIN, TB
or
Wayne: @BAL, @OAK, HOU

by methodrampage on Oct 16, 2007 1:33 PM PDT 0 recs

Question

Would you be able to keep both Gore and Addai for next year? If so, it's almost a no-brainer for me. If not, I still think it's a good trade.

Fire Conservative Playcalling Now.

by marcello on Oct 16, 2007 1:56 PM PDT up 0 recs

Keepers

Here's how my league's keeper rules work. Nobody drafted in the first 3 rounds can be kept. Everyone else can be kept for a pick 2 rounds higher than where they were drafted the previous year. Only 3 players per year can be kept and a player can be kept a maximum of 3 years before being returned to the draft. 18 round draft.

It's the league's first year so Gore was taken 1.03 and I took Addai 1.04 (neither can be kept). I've already got some good keeper value at RB in Wynn and Bush (trust me), both can be kept as 12th round picks. And my WR look pretty good as well; Welker could be kept as a 14th, Bowe as a 13th, Crayton as a 10th. I've also got Jamarcus Russell rotting on my bench to kept possibly as a 13th. So Long story short, no Gore and/or Addai can't be kept.

I do like a line up Addai, Gore, A. Johnson (who's hopefully due back soon), and then one of Welker, Bowe, Crayton, Colston.

However, currently Gore has produced 69.8 fantasy points while Wayne has put up 89.3.

by methodrampage on Oct 16, 2007 2:12 PM PDT up 0 recs

Normally

I would say that the RB has the better probability of outscoring the WR than the other way around. However, these two guys are surrounded by unique circumstances. Wayne's surrounded by so much complimentary talent that he's almost always 1-on-1. With Manning at QB, he's definitely in a unique situation.

Frank's situation isn't a very happy one. Offensive line sucks. The QB doesn't have time to throw, thus being unable to take the heat off of him. He's just stuck between a rock and a hard place.

If you can't keep Gore beyond this season, probably stick with Wayne. You probably can't go wrong either way, though.

by sfgfan on Oct 16, 2007 2:28 PM PDT up 0 recs

Hmmm.

It's a keeper league you say? So does that mean you'd get to keep everyone next season? Or are you limited on who stays?

If you get to keep Frank next year I'd say go with him. I have this feeling the 49ers offense will improve before season's end, but the amount it improves is up in the air. However, it's more likely than not that Frank should return (at least somewhat) to what he showed last season next year.

If you don't need Wayne to make playoffs, I don't think it hurts to pick up Gore, in other words.

by sfgfan on Oct 16, 2007 1:57 PM PDT up 0 recs

Kwame update.

In addition to Kwame being a 49er until the end of the season, there's a Kevan Barlow sighting here.

by sfgfan on Oct 16, 2007 2:33 PM PDT 0 recs

Kwame @ Guard

Someone seems to think along the same lines as me.

by methodrampage on Oct 16, 2007 3:00 PM PDT up 0 recs

Oooo, Barlow!

Did anybody pick the Patriots?

Beer on the line here.

I keep reliving the moment when Steve Young almost fell down. Over and over. / My Blog, For Writers

by howtheyscored on Oct 16, 2007 3:56 PM PDT up 0 recs

Not going to happen

Barlow would have to pay the Patriots to sign him.

by methodrampage on Oct 16, 2007 4:14 PM PDT up 0 recs

I know

It's just so funny that anybody would even work him out, much less a team that has no need for even a shred of a running game (and I mean, they actually don't need to run... might as well line up Gotkowski in the backfield).

I keep reliving the moment when Steve Young almost fell down. Over and over. / My Blog, For Writers

by howtheyscored on Oct 16, 2007 6:07 PM PDT up 0 recs

beer

I totally forgot about that...Just checked and:

NOBODY PICKED NEW ENGLAND!

Niners Nation - The premier 49ers blog on the Internet!

by Fooch on Oct 16, 2007 7:06 PM PDT up 0 recs

damn

I thought with Rhodes suspended the Raiders might look for a stop gap. I guess Jordan and Fargas are all they needed. Oh well, it's not too late. It only takes ONE carry.

Bring back the classic Uni's!

by wjackalope on Oct 16, 2007 9:52 PM PDT up 0 recs

11/17 Links

Once again, Andy Lee is having a phenomenal year and is one of our MVPs this year. He leads the NFL in net average, is tied for second in gross average and has dropped almost a third of his punts inside the 20. I think I need an Andy Lee jersey.

Speaking of special teams, does anybody else remember Owen Pochman? Apparently he just finished a book called "I'm just a kicker," in which he discusses life as a kicker, particularly failing on the national state. Apparently it's a novelty type of book. I'm intrigued and might pick it up. The best line after he missed 2 field goals that handed Arizona a win in the wretched 2003 season:

"I felt like I was in the locker room of the opposing team. No one wanted to talk to me or look at me. Jim Mora, Jr., the former defensive coordinator, screamed, 'I can't put my kids through (expletive) college because our kicker can't make a field goal.' He's a millionaire, but I still wanted to hand him all the money in my wallet, I felt so bad.

Alex Smith says "The shoulder feels great! The big test is if he practices tomorrow. If someone hears something about today's practice before I post anything, get a diary up if you can and I'll promote it to the front page.

Tim Kawakami has his Merc blog and had some thoughts on Monday about the weekend.

The Giants bring one hell of a pass rush. It will definitely be a test for the offensive line.

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by Fooch on Oct 17, 2007 7:36 AM PDT 0 recs

start the campaign...

Bring back the classic Uni's!

by wjackalope on Oct 17, 2007 8:43 AM PDT up 0 recs

Clements good off the field too

At the bottom of this story about Kevin Everett (walking with a special walker) it says that Clements is one of his former teammates who has been to Houston to visit him. What a good guy.

Bring back the classic Uni's!

by wjackalope on Oct 17, 2007 8:45 AM PDT 0 recs

Paolantonio disses on "The Catch"

In this article, Sal Paolantonio says that The Catch is overrated, and a misnomer, saying it should be called The Pass, or as someone has in their signature, The Throw. It talks about how the Niners should have won that game easily, and would have if not for 6 turnovers. It also downplays the significance of that game in the demise of the Cowboys dynasty.

It's actually well argued, but come on, it's The Catch. You don't hear anyone saying that "The Play" should be called "The Return" because it wasn't a play from scrimmage.

Bring back the classic Uni's!

by wjackalope on Oct 17, 2007 9:38 AM PDT 0 recs

Well

"Call it the throw" is actually a reference to The Catch II (Young to Owens vs. GB), but that doesn't diminish your point at all.

I heard Sal make this argument on KNBR about a month back or so and I didn't care for it. He makes some sense, but arguments like "the 'accident' of Dwight Clark's biology" and "the name is what makes it overrated" are really just reaching too far and too hard for my tastes.

My impression is that he makes some very valid points about the actual significance of the play, but fails to account fot the fact that the impact of the play was ALWAYS based on two things: 1) the symbolic significance of the play, and 2) the insane physical display of both Montana and Clark that brought it all together.

I keep reliving the moment when Steve Young almost fell down. Over and over. / My Blog, For Writers

by howtheyscored on Oct 17, 2007 11:26 AM PDT up 0 recs

Lelie not a starter this week.

Matt Barrows reports that Nolan has said there will be no changes to the starting WRs. That means Lelie will not be starting, but according to Nolan, "He'll have a role in the things we're doing."

by sfgfan on Oct 17, 2007 11:17 AM PDT 0 recs

Haha

Ashlie Lelie: Punt Returner.

I keep reliving the moment when Steve Young almost fell down. Over and over. / My Blog, For Writers

by howtheyscored on Oct 17, 2007 11:27 AM PDT up 0 recs

New position.

Designated go router. DGR is like a WR, except he only goes straight.

by sfgfan on Oct 17, 2007 11:30 AM PDT up 0 recs

sounds

a little like a LOOGY

Bring back the classic Uni's!

by wjackalope on Oct 17, 2007 12:38 PM PDT up 0 recs

Admitting you have a problem...

... is the first step to solving said problem. We've all heard that cliche before, but I think it's somewhat fitting coming after the 49ers' bye week meetings.

It seems that in addition to the Ashley Lelie "revelation" this past week, Nolan and the 49ers have agreed the offense has been "too careful" this season. Not necessarily the playcalling is too conservative, but the offense on the whole is just too careful. As I've said before, Alex Smith plays with a very good head on his shoulders. He doesn't force things, and that leads to being "too careful." But the playcalling HAS had it's "careful" and conservative periods too. In any case, Alex Smith agrees with this sentiment. Hopefully if Alex starts this weekend, they'll loosen the leash on him a little bit.

The surprising thing to me in the post is the consecutive streak without a 200 yard (net) passing game. The last time Alex Smith (or any 49ers QB) threw for over 199 yards was Week 3 of last year against Philly. With that in mind, people who have complained about the passing game this year thinking it was any better last year are very mistaken. Matt Maiocco makes a very good point that the reason many fans thought so highly of last year's offense is because the running game was so effective. This year, the running game has struggled for variety of reasons ranging from inconsistency in performance along the offensive line all the way to Frank maybe missing his one cutback window that he didn't miss last year. As a result, the offense on the whole looked terrible.

So what comes to my mind is this: was Norv REALLY that good last year? Or was he just lucky that Jennings and Allen were still able to create holes? Or was he lucky that Frank didn't miss any chances he had last year to blow up a play? The passing game struggled under Norv, and it's struggling now, so did he really make as big a difference in the offense as many make it out to be?

by sfgfan on Oct 18, 2007 10:18 AM PDT 0 recs

well

I think there's two answers: 1. The passing game didn't generate a lot of yards last year, but I wouldn't say it struggled the way it has this year. Because the running game was so effective, we didn't need to pass very much, which I think is more of why the net yards were so low. The passing game was NOT very good, but it was made better and more effective (and less necessary) but a great running game.

2. Turner did do a lot. His playcalling was less predictable and more creative, and he used the players he had correctly. He also benefited from some really solid OL play that we're not getting this year. Maybe the OL played better because the schemes and plays were better, who knows. I think the run game being better was a combination of better plays and better performance.

Bring back the classic Uni's!

by wjackalope on Oct 18, 2007 10:58 AM PDT up 0 recs

BY, Allen, Harris practiced on Wednesday

According to the brief at the bottom of this article, the 49ers broke the "tradition" of sitting those three on Wednesdays. I don't know if this was a result of the meetings or not, but it's good to see them practice more. It gives the team more continuity heading into the weekend.

Briefly: In a departure from Wednesday tradition, guard Larry Allen, defensive end Bryant Young and cornerback Walt Harris practiced. The three normally do not practice on Wednesday ... Linebacker Tully Banta-Cain (ankle) and safety Michael Lewis (Achilles tendon) were limited in practice.

by sfgfan on Oct 18, 2007 12:02 PM PDT 0 recs

Friday morning update.

As noted in the comments for this main page entry, Vernon Davis should be back in the starting line up Sunday morning.

The following snippets are blurbs from Matt Maiocco's most recent blog entry:

At least the 49ers will get tight end Vernon Davis back in the lineup. He missed two games with a knee injury. He took part in the entire padded practice on Thursday. He even hit the ground at least once, got up and continued to run down the field.

As previously noted, there will not be any changes in the starting offensive lineup. Arnaz Battle and Darrell Jackson will remain the starters, though Ashley Lelie is expected to get a more prominent role in Sunday's game, Nolan has said. Also, there will be no changes on the starting offensive line.

Outside linebacker Hannibal Navies (knee) is doubtful for Sunday's game. Therefore, the player who led the team in tackles and sacks last season will likely get his most extensive playing time of the season. Brandon Moore will see action at outside linebacker on the opposite side of starter Tully Banta-Cain, who saw more practice time Thursday with his ankle injury.

Other than the Brandon Moore news, there's not much that people around here didn't already know. I'm kind of excited to have Moore starting at OLB, as I've thought (all along) that he's a better fit there than Navies was. Hopefully the time riding the pine has got him to realize he needs to get himself in gear and take a starting position back.

by sfgfan on Oct 19, 2007 8:48 AM PDT 0 recs