KR Allen Rossum released/Michael Crabtree added to 53-man roster: Special teams not looking so special
by Fooch on Oct 12, 2009 2:34 PM PDT
in News
140 comments
As has been pointed out in a FanShot and in comments earlier, Mike Singletary announced during his press conference that Allen Rossum was given his release. It's not exactly shocking given the fact that he was inactive the last two weeks. He had some back issues this past week, but if he had been in the teams plans for the rest of the year, he would have been active and returning kicks. In a related move, the 49ers lifted the roster exemption on Michael Crabtree.
Over the next week we'll have plenty of bye week discussion about the team at the quarter-plus point of the season. There are plenty of major issues to discuss after yesterday's game and I thought we'd start things out slowly with the relatively quiet area of special teams. We know what we're getting with Andy Lee, Joe Nedney and Brian Jennings, so really we're looking at the area that has been less than stellar most of the season: the return game.
Over the past two weeks, the 49ers utilized Delanie Walker and Michael Robinson on kick returns, and then Arnaz Battle solely on punt returns. None of them has done anything amazing, and in fact, Walker had his fumble yesterday, while Arnaz Battle has averaged a robust 1.3 yards per punt return over four returns. Clearly not world-beaters. So is there in fact a solution?
The 49ers.com depth chart actually lists Micheal Spurlock behind Allen Rossum as the #2 kick and punt returner, with Arnaz Battle as the #3 punt returner. While Spurlock has not had a single return in the regular season, he had four kick returns in the preseason, averaging 20.5 yards per return. Prior to joining the 49ers, Spurlock's biggest season as a return man was with Tampa Bay in 2007 when he had 16 kick returns and 4 punt returns. His biggest claim to fame was being the first player in Bucs history to return a kick for a touchdown. He actually averaged 27.8 yards per return that season.
So are the 49ers doomed to a mediocre return game for the rest of this season?
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I'd say yes
There’s just no dynamite return man on the team.
Also, it’s worth pointing out that Battle fumbled twice during the Rams game while returning punts.
by Brendan Scolari on Oct 12, 2009 2:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd also say yes...
unless we literally kept Spurlock only running punt returns and the Tazer. He should be OUT as our slot WR, with Battle stepping up his game (as always), Jones getting healthy, and Crabtree joining the team.
I am really hopeful that Crabtree shows his worth in the blocking game enough that Raye goes to more 3-WR sets with him.
On a sidenote… who here was one of the thousands of people that called the deep route to Jones the second he stepped on the field? Way to be predictable, Raye.
And no, that fake FB then RB toss doesn’t prove you’re a good playcaller. You’ve pulled it out of your bag of tricks twice; I doubt it works again.
by Quiet Fool on Oct 12, 2009 2:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Delanie Walker
How can a 250 lb TIGHT END be our #1 return man. Joke. Plus he can’t even hold onto the ball. In that case put Vernon back there.
by theduke85 on Oct 12, 2009 2:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I belive he was good in college and his rookie year
He’d certainly be tough to tackle once he’s built up momentum but the blocking has to improve.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 12, 2009 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This coming from the guy....
… with the handle “theduke85.”
I agree that Walker just flat out shouldn’t be back there. He can break tackles, but that guys an utter fail when it comes to hitting the wedge with any kind of authority.
by sfgfan on Oct 12, 2009 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
what has delanie proved?
wow he can consistently get us to the 20!!!! good job! Vernon is certainly a better option then Delanie…I mean ANYONE IS! We need speed…that’s all I’m saying
by theduke85 on Oct 12, 2009 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We hate speed on this team.
Having Robinson and Battle run back kicks. Pathetic. Look at the Cardinals or Pittsburgh rookie RB return men, quick and exciting.
by Mullester on Oct 12, 2009 7:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't the Vikings have a rookie return man also?
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
by Eastbayjim on Oct 12, 2009 8:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lots of teams do. Teams often feature a rookie or 2nd year player in the return game.
by bignerd on Oct 12, 2009 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Percy Harvin
A hearty thank you to Rich Aurilia for all the good memories, and to the Niners for finally getting the uni's (mostly) right.
by wjackalope on Oct 14, 2009 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I finally caught your reference . . . BTW, it’s a good screen name.
VD isn’t a return but he’s right that Walker isn’t one either.
by bignerd on Oct 12, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually think Walker is a decent returner.
He’s probably not a #1 caliber returner but it’s being unfair to denigrate him so much
by foosball4949 on Oct 12, 2009 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can I say bottom grade returner? He’ll catch the ball and run forward to get the relinquished yards but he’s not making a big play.
by bignerd on Oct 12, 2009 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
see, I disagree
I think he actually has a really good burst and while he doesn’t change directions like a Joshua Cribbs or Devin Hester, he’s very good about finding his hole and hitting it, something that I know our coaches are looking for
by foosball4949 on Oct 12, 2009 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How much of the problem is injuries?
Special Teams usually take the biggest hit with injuries as it shuffles the depth chart and guys who are on the blocking/coverage units. We’ve seen Ulbrich (injury) and Hudson (CD) occasionally on the inacitve list and they’re two of our top ST players. Same back and forth for Spurlock (whose lane Harvin ran thru for the KO-TD), Harris (injury), and Reggie Smith (injury). That has meant ST play for rookies Curtis Taylor and Coffee (whose illegal block cost Rossum a TD).
We’re fortunate that most of our injuries, outside of Gore, have been to backups. But those players were key cogs to ST and our bigger issue on returns isn’t the return men but lack of blocking.
I wonder if we won’t miss Rossum. He’s no worse than Spurlock and doesn’t put the ball on the ground. Blocking has been the biggest reason Rossum had poor numbers this season.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 12, 2009 2:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
What about seeing what Sheets or Spurlock can do with KR’s since they aren’t doing much anyways. Spurlock is supposed to be the #2 but hasn’t touched one this year? That seems weird to me all these other guys have been doing it.
Judgment day is coming!
by Widowwolf on Oct 12, 2009 2:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sheets is a brilliant idea
Speed is what we need. Great kick returns lead to great field position which leads to less work the offense needs to do to score. Rossum was great at all of the above. We need someone electric back there to take pressure off Shaun, Jimmy Raye and the rest of the offense.
by theduke85 on Oct 12, 2009 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why is everyone so high on Sheets?
He didn’t even make the 53 man active roster. Why is everyone so convinced he’s going to be a stud? Besides, bringing him up from the practice squad means someone else has to be cut. Who gets the boot if the 49ers bring up Sheets?
Don't trust this guy. He lies.
by urnext on Oct 12, 2009 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well it's worth a shot if Michael Robinson is returning kicks.....
The offense sucks as it is, how badly will they suck if they have to travel 85 yards to score after every kickoff?
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Oct 12, 2009 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sheets is a speed guy
He adds a different element that is not in the offense. He’d play a Jerious Norwood or Sproles role as a guy you can run screens, sweeps and draws to see if he can get to the edge and out run the defense.
He might have the speed to break a few plays as special teams returner.
by bignerd on Oct 12, 2009 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who do the 49ers cut if they bring him up?
Like everyone else, I hope Sheets turns into a good backup at RB. Maybe he’ll give them a nice change of pace. I’m just not ready to put him in the same catagory as Sproles. He needs to prove it on the field first. Like I’ve said before, their was a reason he went undrafted (yes I know about the character issues, but a huge talent doesn’t go undrafted), and their was a reason the 49ers cut him after the preseason which gave the other 31 teams a chance to pick him up off waivers. No one did.
Don't trust this guy. He lies.
by urnext on Oct 12, 2009 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good question as far as who they cut
Clayton? Not sure just kinda thinking out loud.
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Oct 12, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, they can't cut Taylor anymore, with M Lew's injury
Maybe if Lewis retires or goes on injured reserve, they can bring Sheets up in Lewis’ spot.
Morgan breaks through in 2009!
by grantmp on Oct 12, 2009 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
See Roman, Mark. If only they would.
by Mr. Nice Guy on Oct 12, 2009 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They need Roman and SS. He’s actually not to bad playing that position cause essentially the position is the 3rd inside linebacker on the field.
by bignerd on Oct 12, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
True,
Now that Lewis is out. He’s a solid run-stuffer, but if we’re playing a pass oriented team like, say, the Colts in three weeks, he’s not going to have a prayer of sympathy from me when Manning throws a deep bomb to Reggie Wayne.
by Mr. Nice Guy on Oct 12, 2009 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Spurlock would be my answer
If they aren’t going to use him as a special teams returner nor a receiver than what is he contributing to on game day?
by bignerd on Oct 12, 2009 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have wondered that too
Why is he on the roster if they are not going to use him as a return man or a receiver? As bad as the return game has been, you think he would get a shot. As bad as the receivers have been, you think he’s get a shot there too. It isn’t his special teams play, that’s for sure. He isn’t a gunner. I’d be willing to bet that after the Bye, our new returner will be Spurlock. Just one of the many moves that need to be made. I think the most important moves need to be made on the offensive line. If they cant get that fixed, they are not going anywhere fast.
What was the name of the kid from Ohio State who had a drinking problem…Alex Boone I think. Hell, bring him back to play Rt Tackle. Can’t be any worse that Chilo Rachel. Rachel has been manhandled and thrown around like a little kid. At least Boone has a mean streak in him. Pretty sad state of affairs when I have to think up the name of a kid on the practice squad to help on our terrible offensive line…
Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!
by FaStRmAn on Oct 12, 2009 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boone is a Tackle and Rachal is a Guard.
Not sure if Boone has ever played guard.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
by Eastbayjim on Oct 12, 2009 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually Spurlock has been a gunner on punt coverage
And KO coverage too.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 13, 2009 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
there
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Oct 12, 2009 7:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rookie return man?
Not so sure about that. Unless he was a Deion or Tim Brown type college player, I’m not sure you trust a rookie return man. Rookie mistakes by Coffee have cost us some yards and a key timeout so I understand why coaches would be in no hurry to have one returning KOs.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 12, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey if you are gonna have your returner bobbling the ball every which way every Sunday, might as well have Speedy Gonzales try to eek out some extra yards for you. I am so sick of these pathetic returns (minus the almost one for a TD). If you saw sheets in the preseason games with his speed and athletic ability , i think he could do decently well. IMO you cut Robinson which really Isn’t doing anything for you (3 receptions for 12 yards) , and please don’t bring up that he can throw it in the Taser because we never need to run that idiotic play again!
or Spurlock who we don’t need and some other team desperate at WR can pick him up
Judgment day is coming!
by Widowwolf on Oct 12, 2009 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Robinson isn't going anywhere
For a handful of reasons beyond taser. If the Niners were to elevate Sheets or trade for a return guy Spurlock would be cut. But when you say “bobbling the ball” it should be noted that wasn’t Rossum nor Walker on kick-offs. That’s Battle on punts and I’m not sure Sheets, even if brought up to return KOs, would be put back on punt return.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 12, 2009 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Robinson isn’t going anywhere. For a handful of reasons beyond taser
Please explain and list any other reason. Is he a great blocker or soemthing?
Judgment day is coming!
by Widowwolf on Oct 12, 2009 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Special teams Ace
You’ve seen how badly our ST has suffered with Ulbrich, Hudson, and Smith out.
ST guys are important too.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Oct 12, 2009 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Special teams captain and one of the unit’s best players.
Backup at FB and tailback.
Up man on punt protection and blocker/#2 man on KO return.
3rd down back (when Gore is injured or needs a rest) due to his solid blocking and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
4th string (God forbid) QB
Respected team leader who, as stated above, can play multiple positions on offense and special teams.
It may not sound like much but with a roster of only 53 with 45 dressing on game day, you must have players that can do more than one thing.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 12, 2009 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Spurlock, his value is absolutely 0 now.
We have at least 4 receivers ahead of him on the depth chart, and considering that he was the backup returner and has yet to return a kick means that he isn’t in fact the back up returner…
I was "Deific16"
The cake is a lie.
by Sultan of Seitan on Oct 12, 2009 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
he didnt make the 53-man roster
Because he did not have the blitz pickup/blocking skills necessary to be a 3rd down back and because it seemed like Rossum had a firm grasp on all return duties. Id be all for promoting him to the 53 as a specialist at first and then possibly bringing him into the offense.
Did he return any punts/kicks in the preseason? If so, can anyone comment on how he did?
by Rep the Bay on Oct 12, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why does everone so high on Sheets?
Sheet I don’t know, Let try the fastest man on the team, VD
by 49er Doc on Oct 12, 2009 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tim Brown got his knee blown out returning kicks...
It can be dangerous. Rossum was in a way, a perfect guy for that role, since he’s otherwise completely expendable. Since there’s something of a fall-off after VD at the tight-end position, I don’t think this is such a brilliant idea.
by asleepinSF on Oct 12, 2009 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to mention VD isn’t a very elusive open field runner. He runs like a TE meaning he lowers his shoulder and looks for someone to hit.
by bignerd on Oct 12, 2009 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We should bring Dexter Carter out of retirement.
Context, people. More context is good. Less context is bad. If you're willing to be reductive, then you're willing to be wrong.
by howtheyscored on Oct 12, 2009 10:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Carter would be pretty expendable at this point...
What about reanimating the corpse of Red Grange?
by asleepinSF on Oct 12, 2009 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, Red is out of style. What other colors does he come in?
Context, people. More context is good. Less context is bad. If you're willing to be reductive, then you're willing to be wrong.
by howtheyscored on Oct 13, 2009 12:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
TECMO SUPER BOWL FTW!
A hearty thank you to Rich Aurilia for all the good memories, and to the Niners for finally getting the uni's (mostly) right.
by wjackalope on Oct 14, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will say yes as well
I can’t say that I’m too happy with this cut but Singletary sees more than we do and knows more than we do. I think our return game will be less than mediocre with this move unless they throw in Crabtree possibly for punt returns but who knows how that would work either. It’s too bad, I liked Rossum and I figured he would be good for 1 more year.
by Haggardninja on Oct 12, 2009 2:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Man o man...
loved me some rossum.
NINERS 4 LIFE
by LADubbz45 on Oct 12, 2009 3:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
you know what i just realized we need to get someone with some play making ability back there because if we plan on giving up that many points our KR is in for a fun filled day.
by whitemike1644 on Oct 12, 2009 3:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Link/extract
I deleted your comment. Please post a link and then if you want to post something from the article, only post an extract of it.
by Fooch on Oct 12, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fix the O-Line!
everything will fall into place nicely when that happens. Right now they can’t block anybody in either run or pass mode.
by jviet on Oct 12, 2009 3:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
o-line
We’ll have a separate post about that later in the week. This is more just about the special teams issues.
by Fooch on Oct 12, 2009 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looking forward to it...
If anyone is watching MNF, then a great O-line exercise is to watch the snap and start counting as soon as the ball moves…on pass plays one will clearly see the difference with how much time the QB generally will have. Then watch tape of our game and one will see how little time Hill has.
On a Special Teams note, I’m really concerned about the loss of Ulbrich to injury and possible retirement. He was/is a fantastic coverage guy on kickoffs and punts and his loss will hurt.
by jviet on Oct 12, 2009 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking the same thing while watching the Jets OL.
Of course 4 of the 5 on the OL for the Jets are 1st round picks.
The 49ers need to draft a top OT in the 1st round and hopefully a top G in the second. This will help the defense more than anything else.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
by Eastbayjim on Oct 12, 2009 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My initial results from doing this
are that when you clap your hands you get about a three count, and most passes are thrown between the third and fourth clap. If the QB has not gotten any pressure by the 4th clap then I think that would constitute excellent pass-protection. Of course on three-step drops the pass should be thrown by the second clap. However, if the pass-rush pressure is close to the QB by the beginning of the third clap then that results in the QB breaking off their read and then the chance of a sack is much higher./probable.
During halftime I tried this on our game on a few plays and Hill consistently had the pressure on/close to him at the beginning of the third clap and thus he has to break off reading the field and unfortunately it results in a pressure or a sack or something not so great. On a few others he was slow to throw the ball by the end of the third clap which makes me think that he’s reading the field and not seeing open throws/receivers, and so this is also a problem as our WR’s may not be getting open with enough confidence for Hill to want to throw. Thus I’m seeing that pressure is getting to Hill either from the O-line failing (beginning of third clap) or Hill has not gotten the ball out by the beginning of the fourth clap and the rush is now on him. Either way these types of scenarios all lead to bad endings unfortunately.
The successful plays have Hill throwing by the beginning of the third clap (thus beating the pressure) but he has had almost no throws where he had a pressure-free 4th or even fifth clap…guess who had lots of time and/or reads the field fast and gets the ball out really fast (in the 2nd to third clap)…Matt Ryan, wow. A few times he had a five clap and of course it was almost always a completion.
Thus my initial impression is that yes, the O-line is not giving him Hill enough time, plus sometimes he is not reading/seeing the open man/throwing fast enough which is surprising considering that is what he is known for. I’m wondering if Jimmy is giving him too many reads to have to look thru…Hill looked good with Martz passing which makes sense because that was all timing so Hill’s clock was fast enough to throw to the spot and let the WR get there. If Jimmy Raye is giving him luxury of pick and choosing his receiver then that may be an issue as well.
Also, on running plays up the middle or off-tackle, the RB must get to the line of scrimmage by the third clap. If not then they are late or slow.
by jviet on Oct 12, 2009 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about trying Crabtree
He has a lot to learn and he’ll probably be used only sparingly at first. Having him return punts could be a way to get him involved earlier. After all, probably the 49ers best returner of all time was a WR, John Taylor.
Don't trust this guy. He lies.
by urnext on Oct 12, 2009 3:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd say no
we just promised him 18 million dollars – not worth the injury risk
A hearty thank you to Rich Aurilia for all the good memories, and to the Niners for finally getting the uni's (mostly) right.
by wjackalope on Oct 12, 2009 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It wouldn't be the first time a 1st round pick was used as a kick returner
I know what you’re saying, and if he got injured I could imagine the heat Singletary would take. But football is a contact sport. He could get hurt catching a pass over the middle. I think they should have him return some kicks in practice and see what happens.
Don't trust this guy. He lies.
by urnext on Oct 12, 2009 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
well yeah
but the 1st rounders that return kicks were generally drafted because they were pretty good at doing it in college. Did Crabs return kicks in college? If so, not enough to be well known for it.
A hearty thank you to Rich Aurilia for all the good memories, and to the Niners for finally getting the uni's (mostly) right.
by wjackalope on Oct 12, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A top 10 pick?
I don’t know many top 10 picks that return punts/kicks.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Oct 12, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ted Ginn Jr
I think he was chosen 9th by Miami and he returns kicks. I’m not say Crabtree should return kicks. I’m only saying they should try it in practice and see how he does. If he shows promise, than let him try to return 1 or 2 in a game. I’m just not sure what better options the 49ers have and this lets him get involved in the game since he won’t be used a lot on offense to start with.
Don't trust this guy. He lies.
by urnext on Oct 12, 2009 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ted Ginn was a huge overdraft, though...
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
by ZeroIndulgence on Oct 12, 2009 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ted Ginn sucks, though
They probably don’t care if he gets injured
LOL
jk
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Oct 12, 2009 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think AP did as a rookie
And obviously DBs like Deion did but I’d prefer Crabtree focus on route running, sight adjustments and working with the QB.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 12, 2009 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't really get this
I know Rossum has been unspectacular this year but let’s face it – he is a professional return man. He doesn’t make mistakes, cough up the football, or muff punts. He’s probably lost a step but at least he gives you someone you are comfortable having back there. Sure we’d all like to have someone who has breakaway potential on every play but it just doesn’t look like we have that guy right now.
A hearty thank you to Rich Aurilia for all the good memories, and to the Niners for finally getting the uni's (mostly) right.
by wjackalope on Oct 12, 2009 3:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
What is Spurlocks role?
Why isnt Battle utilized on the tazer since he was a QB in college? Whats Spurlocks role now that we have an abundance of receivers
by dalien82 on Oct 12, 2009 3:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Good question
I was kinda wondering that myself. Besides, how many times have they even run “The Tazer”? I heard of it being run during the Seattle game that I missed and I heard it wasn’t very successful.
by Haggardninja on Oct 12, 2009 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thing is
Spurlock was returning kicks for Tampa Bay (if I recall) and got the first TD kickoff return in that franchise’s history, right? So since we’ve got so many receivers you’d think that his value on the roster would be on returns.
I’d have no problem putting him back there for returns. He makes more sense than Battle or Walker. But if they don’t want him returning kicks what with Hill, Jones and Crabtree on the horizon as receivers then I’m not sure what he’s doing on the team.
By the way, a some of us here were calling for Rossum to be cut before the season and putting Spurlock back for returns.
by Bob On The Coast on Oct 12, 2009 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Funny how the opinions about Spurlock & Rossum have flopped since then
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 12, 2009 8:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Part of the reason is because they haven't used Spurlock for anything
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
by Eastbayjim on Oct 12, 2009 9:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
With Sheets being on the practice squad he should be PRACTICING that right now.
Anyone see Andre Johnson or Miles yesterday. We don’t have playmakers on offense or special teams. Sheets appeared to be the most dynamic player we currently posess and he’s on the practice squad, because he can’t pass protect. Well he doesn’t have to block in the return game and he can be helpful returning kickoffs. We need Spurlock to return punts, end of story. The coaches need to use their heads a lil bit.
"Optimist Prime"
Come along and ride the muthaship!
by rlott#42 on Oct 12, 2009 4:16 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I know the knock on him
is that he doesn’t have all the blocking schemes down. So? Neither do our guards, apparently.
I thought it was a mistake to not move him up to the roster during this stretch without Gore. Heck, I thought he should have been part of the running game from the beginning of the season. Nothing like someone running wide with lots of speed to slow down pushes up the middle by opposing defenses.
by Bob On The Coast on Oct 12, 2009 8:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I too wouldn't mind seeing Sheets on the big roster at some point
But check out some of Coffee’s mistakes as to why the coaches would not be comfortable with another rookie at RB. If his blitz pickups are worse than Coffee’s we’d be in even worse shape. Plus Coffee is making the typical rookie mistakes of hitting the hole too soon and not taking the cutback. Hard to think that Sheets may not do the same and I can certainly understand the coaches hesitation.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 12, 2009 8:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Coffee is making the typical rookie mistakes of hitting the hole too soon and not taking the cutback.
I thought Jimmy Raye got on him about taking the play in another direction.
He told Coffee to pound the ball straight ahead even if there is no opening.
Obviously that’s the stupidest thing you could tell a RB, but hey, that’s our OC…….
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Oct 12, 2009 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heard that too
And though there may have been a time or two that made sense, it’s a bad strategy to tell a RB to not look for the cut back which is different than always looking to bounce it outside. I do think that Coffee hits the hole to quickly and does not allow blocking to develop on the occasions it is present.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 13, 2009 12:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, the fact that the guards can't block anyone...
makes it that much more important that somebody be able to make a block elsewhere. Running wide? Defensively, there’s often another name for that, “stringing the play out”. The 49ers guards are not the guys to run sweeps behind. Remember Lawrence Phillips? He was a fast guy that couldn’t run inside or block. How effective was that little experiment?
by asleepinSF on Oct 12, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's a (crazy) thought
Isn’t Josh Cribbs demanding a trade out of Cleveland we should trade for him maybe a third or fourth rounder? I know this is crazy, by crazy i mean it probably most likely won’t happen by hey it just hit me. It would help out return game by alot!
by 49ersAllTheWay on Oct 12, 2009 4:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
If that's true
I’d look to that and see what they’re asking.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 12, 2009 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah its true
go to espn on the rumor section it says cribbs situation (he was asking for a bigger contract but the cleveland isn’t negociating) says the situation might end in a trade. Again its just a rumor and again the chances of niners trading for him are slim but u never know in the nfl
by 49ersAllTheWay on Oct 12, 2009 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting
Not sure what we could trade to get him without giving up way too much. But to a degree Cleveland seems to be having a yard sale but I’m not sure that the yard sale is over.
Here’s what ESPN says about Cribbs:
Few players in this league are in Cribbs’ class as a special-teamer — both as a returner and coverage player. He is elusive, quick and powerful with the ball in his hands, and shows fantastic vision in the open field. There probably isn’t a wide receiver in the league who is as good with the ball in his hands as Cribbs, but even after several years in the league, he remains very unrefined overall as a position player. A college quarterback, his ability to throw the football also should not be overlooked.
Just thinking really wildly: Trade Clayton, Spurlock and a late round pick (5-7?) I don’t know what we could do to get him. Then you have as WR: Isaac, Crabs, Morgan, Jones, Cribbs, Hill, and Battle. There are probably some there that could go too. Again I’m just mentally playing here but it is a possibility
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Oct 12, 2009 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like this also because it opens up another person to be brought up to team..Only problem is i look at the 49ers home page and i don’t see Clayton anywhere on there Am i just blind to Clayton here: http://www.49ers.com/team/roster.html
Judgment day is coming!
by Widowwolf on Oct 12, 2009 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, only seeing Harris on that list..or is it a different list then that
Judgment day is coming!
by Widowwolf on Oct 12, 2009 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about Alex Smith for Cribbs
Cleveland needs a QB, it gives him a chance to learn the offense there for next year.
Cribbs comes in as an immediate starter for punt returns and kickoff returns.
They're called RUNS for a reason.
by connie mack on Oct 12, 2009 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cribbs will take the deal
The Browns pretend he sucks despite being their best player so they don’t have to pay him the contract they previously promised him.
by bignerd on Oct 12, 2009 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Edwards is doing well after leaving there
I’m sure any good player that escapes will feel like a freed prisoner.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 12, 2009 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who wants to bet that Dre Bly gets a "C’MON MAN!!!" from the Monday Night Football pregame guys.. hahaha!
by Drew K on Oct 12, 2009 5:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I want to know why they would release Rossum so early....
I read another article stating Ulbrich and Michael Lewis may not finish out the season due to concussions, couldn’t they be put on IR and we could use that extra spot for Rossum?
by sanfranfanmdk on Oct 12, 2009 5:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Holy crap. I don’t think I’ve ever been more disturbed than I just was watching the Monday Night Football song for the New York / Miami game
Context, people. More context is good. Less context is bad. If you're willing to be reductive, then you're willing to be wrong.
by howtheyscored on Oct 12, 2009 5:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
How about....
that truck commercial that was in SPANISH!? lol
by sanfranfanmdk on Oct 12, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And the refs
calling penalties en espaniol? Haha. Freaky… did anyone else here the boo’s? Not sure if that was for the call, or the call being in spanish
by Drew K on Oct 12, 2009 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What does it matter?
A lot of people in Miami know Spanish.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Oct 12, 2009 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too bad
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Oct 12, 2009 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don’t like the Spanish version?
FIRE BRUCE BOCHY NOW!!!!!!
AND TAKE BRIAN SABEAN WITH HIM!!!!!
by 49er16 on Oct 12, 2009 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t like the weird singing and dancing golden athlete busts. Creepy.
I actually think it would have been pretty cool if Mark Anthony had sung the national anthem in Spanish. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a translated version of the national anthem. Kind of strange for a country that prides itself on being a melting pot.
Note: I’m sure there is a version of the star-spangled banner in another language. The fact that I haven’t heard it means very little.
Context, people. More context is good. Less context is bad. If you're willing to be reductive, then you're willing to be wrong.
by howtheyscored on Oct 12, 2009 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
National anthem in Spanish?
Nah, that kind of kills it.
I though the ref call in Spanish was cool
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Oct 12, 2009 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why shouldn’t the national anthem be sung in different languages? Whether or not it always succeeds, this country is supposed to embody exactly the ideals that such a thing would represent.
Context, people. More context is good. Less context is bad. If you're willing to be reductive, then you're willing to be wrong.
by howtheyscored on Oct 13, 2009 12:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It won't rhyme in other languages
But I’d still like to hear it.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 13, 2009 12:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://twitter.com/ADAM_SCHEFTER
i guess we tried to pick up DT Michael Bennett on waivers from seattle, but the Bucs claimed him at the same time and they were awarded his services based on record.
i wonder why we went after him? obviously trying to make moves in the bye week.
by whitemike1644 on Oct 12, 2009 6:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Never can enough talent
Never can have enough defensive linemen . . . that’s George Seifert’s contribution to football.
by bignerd on Oct 12, 2009 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
glad to see we are trying to mix things up.
also Ray going down last game probably didn’t help our team.
by whitemike1644 on Oct 12, 2009 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ray McDonald?
No Golden Nugget was published today so I haven’t taken time to check the beat stories.
by bignerd on Oct 12, 2009 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i just know he was hurt yesterday in the game
found it: he sprained his ankle… no word on how bad
by whitemike1644 on Oct 12, 2009 6:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
nuggets
They’ll be up tomorrow (probably me posting them) so I’ll see what I can get on that.
by Fooch on Oct 12, 2009 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think losing Ray McDonald yesterday was HUGE
In my opinion, yesterday was our worst day of rushing the passer this season. McDonald has done a great job of getting a push up the middle this year.
They're called RUNS for a reason.
by connie mack on Oct 12, 2009 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did Ninjajames jump off a bridge after yesterday’s game?
by bignerd on Oct 12, 2009 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Radovich got realsed today also
man i hope we are moving around things for something big!
by whitemike1644 on Oct 12, 2009 6:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Look hes already on our roster!
http://www.nfl.com/players/drewradovich/profile?id=RAD702174
Judgment day is coming!
by Widowwolf on Oct 12, 2009 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess i missed this on friday that they signed him to PS: Sorry
49ers | Radovich signed to practice squad
Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:51:04 -0700
Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports the San Francisco 49ers have signed free-agent OT Drew Radovich (Vikings) to their practice squad.
Judgment day is coming!
by Widowwolf on Oct 12, 2009 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i stand corrected.
put his ass to work!
by whitemike1644 on Oct 12, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like both Michael Lewis and Jeff Ulbrich are considering retiring because of the concussions
Those two are big shoes someone would have to fill. I don’t want to lose either of these two but 3 concussions for Lewis since the beginning of the preseason and Ulbrich has been here for 10 years… it is something he really has to think about.
I imagine Briggs would come up to replace Ulbrich..
Roman and Smith would replace Lewis at SS with Goldson and Taylor at FS
Who then would the Niners bring up to in place of Lewis’ spot on the roster? Sheets? Boone?
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
by Eastbayjim on Oct 12, 2009 7:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather them retire
The 2009 season isn’t worth another Real Sports episode featuring an ex-NFL player w/ family suffering from brain damage.
by bignerd on Oct 12, 2009 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not worth it
They should retire before the concussions seriously affect them.
FIRE BRUCE BOCHY NOW!!!!!!
AND TAKE BRIAN SABEAN WITH HIM!!!!!
by 49er16 on Oct 12, 2009 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe it is time to give Boone a shot on the line
They're called RUNS for a reason.
by connie mack on Oct 12, 2009 7:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You want to try him at Guard?
Cause that’s where the problems are.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 12, 2009 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Defense
I have wondered on occasion, has Boone ever played Defense? Maybe in HS. He seems to have more of a DL attitude/personality: aggressive, disorganized, disruptive, mean, etc.
by CorneliusJ on Oct 12, 2009 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Boone as the Returner!
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
by Eastbayjim on Oct 12, 2009 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Why don’t we just put Alex smith as the returner..he ain’t doing much else..heck maybe if he is about to get tackled he can backward pass and get him some more throwing experience..
Judgment day is coming!
by Widowwolf on Oct 12, 2009 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why don’t we just put Alex smith as the returner..he ain’t doing much else..heck maybe if he is about to get tackled he can backward pass and get him some more throwing experience..
Judgment day is coming!
by Widowwolf on Oct 12, 2009 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about giving Sheets a try on Special Teams?
FIRE BRUCE BOCHY NOW!!!!!!
AND TAKE BRIAN SABEAN WITH HIM!!!!!
by 49er16 on Oct 12, 2009 9:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sheets is at least fast
Has he ever returned kickoffs/punt returns before? And also, how does this fix our offensive line? We need to fix the O line before anything else. The entire right side of our line is a sieve. Chilo Rachal reminds me of Kwamie Harris. USELESS. The fact that Barry Sims is still on the team is a stark reminder of how bad our offensive line really is. They need to make a trade for an offensive lineman who can play Right Tackle. No more waiver wire bums. Most of our O-Line is waiver wire bums already..
Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!
by FaStRmAn on Oct 12, 2009 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since Chilo Rachal is a guard and not a tackle they will probably move Wragge to RG in place of Rachal
Rachal is going to be a good OG but he needs some time and work. Same for Boone at RT.
I also am not fond of Sims but for RT there is Snyder with Pashos as his backup.. and as Pashos becomes more familiar with the offense his place will get better.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
by Eastbayjim on Oct 12, 2009 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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