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Around SBN: Uga VII, Requiescat in Pace: A Tribute to a Damn Good 'Dawg

According to Josh Morgan, through Matt Maiocco, Crabtree and Isaac Bruce will be starting at WR Sunday.

about 1 month ago Tiny sfgfan 121 comments 0 recs  | 

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Crabtree

I also read somewhere he would get 12-15 plays. So maybe he’d be “starting” but Morgan would still get a large chunk of the playing time.

by Fooch on Oct 19, 2009 1:28 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That figure...

…surfaced a few days ago, at pro football talk, if I recall correctly. It seems if it was true then it was very preliminary and the coaches got more opportunities to evaluate Michael and what he can do for us against the Texans. I’d be surprised now to see him see any less than 20 snaps.

by Ninjames on Oct 19, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Giving a late rookie signee the title of “starter” in name only does not send any kind of message consistent with what Singletary has been about. If he’s earned the starter role, he’s earned it, and he’ll be on the field for a number of plays commensurate with his role on the team.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 19, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Get familiar...

With the bubble screen, and I’m telling you if we don’t run a WR screen to Crabs, Raye should be fired post game because that’s the #1 thing Crabs can do in his sleep.

by whitemike1644 on Oct 19, 2009 1:35 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Hell yeah let the bubble screens begin!!! lol

by 49erSalvatrucha on Oct 19, 2009 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't like this...

Unless he really kicked ass over the last two weeks, I could see this causing a lot of animosity within the team…

I was "Deific16"
The cake is a lie.

by Sultan of Seitan on Oct 19, 2009 1:37 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I wondered about this way back before he signed

But Sing’s rep is that he would not play any guy who hasn’t earned it. And looking at our receiving stats, no WR can gripe about reduced playing time. It would be like any lineman not named Staley or Heitmann being angry about reduced or altered playing time. I think Crabs and Jason Hill certainly deserve more than some of the other guys.

This may also be an attempted kick in the butt to Morgan and attempt to ultimately have Morgan replace Bruce. Isaac has dropped more passes thus far than all last season and is not much of a threat beyond a possession WR when we go 3 or 4-wide. If Morgan can’t outdo him there’s a problem.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 19, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll take this a good sign

I don’t think Sing would replace Morgan unless Crabtree actually has kicked ass and learned his routes exceptionally quick.

I agree with SpurredOn that Morgan could be moved over to replace Bruce. It’s Bruce’s last season and he’s not getting much, if any, separation anymore.

I’d assume Morgan splits snaps until Crabtree learns the playbook fully. Then he can start taking over for Bruce.

… Still waiting to see Hill in the slot instead of Battle.

by abasketballfan on Oct 19, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Could also be a show of respect for Bruce

I don’t think Singletary would rip the starter status from Bruce in his last season. More than likely we’ll see a rotation of Bruce/Morgan/Crabtree but Bruce will always take the 1st snap to get the starter credit.

by bignerd on Oct 19, 2009 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Valid point

It’s also rewarding Bruce for being a true pro in game preperation and running the correct routes. That he can’t seperate on those routes is due to age not will.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 19, 2009 3:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed

But I hope to see less and less of him as the season progresses. That would be a good sign that the young guys are learning and producing.

by abasketballfan on Oct 19, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Respect Bruce

Of course Bruce as always been a class act. But fact is he is no longer producing. He has got to step aside for the younger WRs. Are the 9ers running a charm school or football team? You put in the players that give you the best change at winning.

by 49er Doc on Oct 19, 2009 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bruce…not getting much, if any, separation anymore.

I’ve gotten really tired of hearing this. Separation from the defensive secondary is created by footwork, timing and field awareness – not speed. Who would you say is open more often – Marques Colston or Devin Hester?

"It came down like a punt, Coach!" - Josh Morgan

by shlecko on Oct 19, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is true

But you do still need a certain amount of speed to keep that separation long enough to have a window for delivery longer than a millisecond.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 19, 2009 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Colston wasn’t open and it didn’t matter.

by bignerd on Oct 19, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Josh Mogan is too slow to be a return man,

They can’t have forgotten about his “break away speed” demonstration against Atlanta.

I was "Deific16"
The cake is a lie.

by Sultan of Seitan on Oct 19, 2009 1:39 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Had nothing to do with actual speed.

He slowed for mental reasons, not physical. If there’s any coach in the league that can handle the mental, I believe it’s Mike Singletary.

by Ninjames on Oct 19, 2009 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 19, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I happen to think...

… he was gassed. That’s just me, though.

by sfgfan on Oct 19, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just don't see that.

Don’t see anything which points to it.

by Ninjames on Oct 19, 2009 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just don't see that.

Don’t see anything which points to it.

by Ninjames on Oct 19, 2009 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He looked slow relative to the field,

Not to Atlanta’s secondary.

I was "Deific16"
The cake is a lie.

by Sultan of Seitan on Oct 19, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Even with a 3 yard head start, he got caught by Brian Williams, who is in Atlanta’s secondary. Thus, he’s slower than Brian Williams, or Atlanta’s secondary.

In the replay, he looks back a lot, then cuts in front of the guy. Either keep running straight ahead and focus on your speed or look back with the intention of stiff arming the guy as he gets closer.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 19, 2009 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You just agreed with me

in theory and argued with me at the same time.

by Ninjames on Oct 19, 2009 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Watch the replay

Here.

When he’s at the 45, Williams is at the 48 and almost at the numbers while Morgan is on the sideline. That’s a healthy head start. When Morgan gets to the 20, Williams is right behind him and only 2 yards back. Morgan doesn’t start cutting until the 12 or so.

Would he have got the TD if he’d run straight and not looked back? I don’t know, probably. But that doesn’t mean he was faster. He had a 3 yard head start on a 50 yard dash and ended up having to try something weird because he got caught. And I don’t think Brian Williams (who’s 30) is exactly a burner. At the end of the day, his size allowed him to break a tackle, get a first down, and much more. I’ll take it.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 19, 2009 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think you don't get

that you’re agreeing with me.

by Ninjames on Oct 19, 2009 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It looks to me like Morgan stopped going full out

Could be wrong, but it’s not just that he cuts in, it’s that his intensity seems to drop, and his stride shortens.

I think, in addition to the technical error of looking backwards, he wasn’t going all-out. I think he makes it if he stays focused.

by Ronaldinho on Oct 19, 2009 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, he slows down almost as far back as half-way to the end zone.

It seems he never saw a defender during the multiple times that he looked back and then really let up to a near-walk just inside the 10.

This play is an example of very poor concentration, not poor speed.

"It came down like a punt, Coach!" - Josh Morgan

by shlecko on Oct 20, 2009 5:01 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He looks back 3 times

Once at the 30 or so, once at the 15, and then again as he’s cutting across the field. I really think it’s more of a “I’m getting caught, what do I do!” rather than a “There’s nobody around me, I’m gonna waltz in!”

Regardless of his poor speed, we’re all in agreement that he can get the most out of his YAC by just sprinting straight ahead instead of worrying about what other people are doing. He’ll learn.

But he’s not beating a remotely speedy DB down the side lines for 90 yards, that’s for sure.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 20, 2009 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Mogan Morgan

I was "Deific16"
The cake is a lie.

by Sultan of Seitan on Oct 19, 2009 1:40 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Why the hell is Crabtree starting over Morgan?

Morgan has been our most effective WR this year.

Bruce has been mediocre.

WTF?

by Ronaldinho on Oct 19, 2009 1:44 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Saying he is effective isn't saying much

We have 7 WR and 3 that have catches, so no one is standing out. morgan is Hills favorite target but i don’t think that means alot right now.

I think the idea is to have Morgan and Crabs together when Bruce is gone but i guess you can’t bench Bruce right now.

either way him “Starting” doesn’t mean much i’m sure morgan we see the same amount of plays.

by whitemike1644 on Oct 19, 2009 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

A compliment to Crabtree's work and conditioning

And a shot at Morgan’s play. We’d only know this from film study but perhaps he’s not running his routes as well as the coaches want and/or is not mentally where the coaches expect. This may wake him up. And KO return keeps him involved.

I do recall reading in pre-season that Morgan can play either WR spot (flanker or split-end) so perhaps they’ll give Morgan some of Bruce’s snaps as that would seem to be what we’ll have next season.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 19, 2009 1:46 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

And a shot at Morgan’s play.

Maybe it was the “it came down like a punt” comment?

Too soon?

by sfgfan on Oct 19, 2009 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

"It came down like a punt?!?!?!?"

I’ll show you “coming down like a punt”!!!!!

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 19, 2009 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Didn' Sing say a few weeks back

Something about Josh needing to grow into the position or waiting for him to do so? Some slight that implied Morgan has the talent but was not taking the responsibility.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 19, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

well at least we know Singletary wont be asking him to return punts for now

Judgment day is coming!

by Widowwolf on Oct 19, 2009 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow

two thumbs way down here. This kind of favoritism/starting he guy with the big bucks is exactly what Singletary was supposed to be against. No rational person can claim that Crabtree can just walk in and be ready to start over Morgan. Further, it impedes Morgan from developing. This is one of the few moves from the new regime that I just hate.

Sam Fuld is the more accomplished Major League Hitter- Gordon Wittenmeyer

by dylanj on Oct 19, 2009 1:54 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

With the way the 49ers receivers are playing

if one outshines another on the practice field, that player needs to start. End of story.

by Ninjames on Oct 19, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

He walked in two weeks ago

Nothing Singletary has ever done smacks of favortisim. And Crabtree was doing pushups and working with Trent Dilfer all throughout his hold out. I’ll wait to see how he looks on Sunday to say “it was too soon.”

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 19, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm pretty sure he did more than just push ups

What we've got here is a failure to communicate.

by chikmagnet_565 on Oct 19, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Me too

Including working out with Dilfer. It was just one of those fluff piece quotes: “While his former teammates were partying, he was at home doing pushups while watching a crappy Patrick Swayze TV movie.”

If he’s earned Sing’s trust, he was staying in IMPECCABLE shape… which bodes VERY well for his future and that of whatever team has him signed for 6 years.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 19, 2009 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

rational person

That’s not necessarily true. Given their respective draft positions one could argue Crabtree is more talented (on-field production aside). If Crabtree stayed in game shape (he did say he was doing two-a-days in the Tampa humidity), what’s to say he didn’t pick up a chunk of the playbook really quickly and look good enough to be better than what Morgan has done so far?

by Fooch on Oct 19, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thing is

Morgan hasn’t exactly looked bad. I mean I love Issac Bruce as much as anyone but if Crabtree is REALLY ready to play then maybe we can find a way to get our top two receivers on the field at the same time. Can Morgan learn Bruce’s position?

Sam Fuld is the more accomplished Major League Hitter- Gordon Wittenmeyer

by dylanj on Oct 19, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Morgan hasn't looked good either.

And yes, Morgan can play that position and looks to take it when Bruce retires.

by Ninjames on Oct 19, 2009 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Morgan plays both positions

And we never know if a receiver is running good routes without watching coaches film with the coaches. We may think Hill threw an awful pass and not know that the WR made the wrong read or ran a poor route.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 19, 2009 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

thats true

I can’t see what the coaches see on film and in practice. I guess I will just trust their judgement but this just seems very questionable.

Sam Fuld is the more accomplished Major League Hitter- Gordon Wittenmeyer

by dylanj on Oct 19, 2009 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Think of it as step one in Crabs development

Now, if he comes out with 6 receptions for 90 yards and a TD in a win, he will be the story of the weekend. More likely is that he catches a few passes (or as many as Hill hs time to complete) and opens up chances for Vernon and the running game. I’m sure they’ll monitor his endurance for a first game and we’ll have to see how he adjusts his routes to what the Texans do defensively. If they blitz six or seven guys that would make his adjustments fairly easy.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 19, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

What if crabs is faster than Morgan and would present a better option

Since we have been facing 8 men in the box. No one seen him run a forty, we have no idea how fast he is. Maybe he will present a threat to the defense and get them out of the 8 in the box formation.

"Optimist Prime"
"Child Please" -Ochocinco
It's the Shogun of no fun

by rlott#42 on Oct 19, 2009 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No argument

But I think we have to be realistic about what kind of stats Crabtree will produce on Sunday. He’s still a rookie. It’s still his first game. We still have O-line problems.

I do still expect Houston to put 8 in the box. We’re a run first team and until Crabtree or any of our WRs burn the blitz (and by extension the OL blocks it well enough to burn it) why would any team stop what’s been working?

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 19, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

In addition with crabs there

We could have Morgan, Bruce and Crabs and finally keep V Davis back with Gore for max protect to help the O-line. Blitz 7 and have 4 to cover those three and you can get burnt, even on short passes. This would be efficient with Hill’s throwing style. He just needs to get the ball out early enough.

"Optimist Prime"
"Child Please" -Ochocinco
It's the Shogun of no fun

by rlott#42 on Oct 19, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Two words

Anquan Boldin! Yeah!

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 19, 2009 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Surprising

Either this a great coaching smoke screen to force the Texans to waste practice reps preparing for Crabtree or he did in fact show bring a “WOW Factor” when the team practiced him this last week. The last rookie the 49ers elevated to a starter after one week was Willis. Can’t wait to see Sunday.

by bignerd on Oct 19, 2009 1:58 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

+1

Either way, I love it. Either Crabbs is awesome or Singletary’s using some 1337 coaching maneuvers.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 19, 2009 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was thinking Raye should open in a 3-wide

But with Bruce/Morgan/Hill just to see how the Texans defend a 3-wide look. That would give Crabtree an idea of what to expect when he came into the game. Now, Crabtree will be out there as a starter. In his home state. This certainly has the potential, with Gore back and changes on the line, to be a break-out yes-we do-have-an-offense kind of game.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 19, 2009 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or just another

No, we don’t have an offense, and we might just get to 6-10 without a single out of division win.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 19, 2009 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If we're good enough to go 6-0 in the West

We’ll win a handful outside of it.. We still have home games games vs the Titans, Jags and Lions. And I feel good about our game vs Chicago.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 19, 2009 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm sure we'll win a few OOC games

The fact that it’s 6 weeks into the season and that possibility is still in play is just hilariously depressing. I still say we get to 10-6.

I count 4 games we should win by more than a score, 3 games we should win, 3 toss ups, and 1 almost certain loss. If we go 3-3 in the close games, we’ll get 10-6.

Should be easy wins:
9 Sun, Nov 8 Tennessee W
12 Sun, Nov 29 Jacksonville W
16 Sun, Dec 27 Detroit W
17 Sun, Jan 3 at St. Louis W

Games we should win:
7 Sun, Oct 25 at Houston W
13 Sun, Dec 6 at Seattle W
14 Mon, Dec 14 Arizona W

Toss ups:
10 Thu, Nov 12 Chicago Toss
11 Sun, Nov 22 at Green Bay Toss
15 Sun, Dec 20 at Philadelphia L (though, Oakland…)

Games we’ll probably lose:
None

Games we’ve got little to no chance at winning:
8 Sun, Nov 1 at Indianapolis L

If we can make it to week 11 at or above 0.500, we should be able to close out the season on a 5-1 run. That being said, we could easily move 2 games to either side of 10-6.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 19, 2009 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why hilariously depressing?

We’ve had three division games, two non and one bye. We’ve only had two chances, one home one road, vs teams with a combined 10-1 record. If we still haven’t come November then yes, problem.

I don’t disagree with your schedule summations. I would move Chicago to “should win” and move @ Philly to “probably lose.” Remember, the Eagles close strong and always seem to have one awful loss like yesterday (remember the tie @ Cincy last year?). Even @Seattle could be a toss-up if the weather is bad.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 19, 2009 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why hilariously depressing?

Because we play in the NFC West, and thus I have an inferiority complex due to constantly being beaten over the head with the “East is better!” mantra of everybody around me. Maybe I’ll get better back here on the west coast.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 20, 2009 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I understand

Though the East isn’t looking so dominant with an avg (yet constantly overrated) Cowboys, Eagles losing in Oakland and Redskins just plain pathetic. Even the Giants now have to deal with the “who have you beaten” question.

Just think how different the West would be perceived if we make one play in Minnesota (you Dre Bly), Mare makes his FGs vs Chicago and the Rams go for the end zone one final time at Jax. That would be three more out of division wins. Yet I still think the West would be forgotten since we’re not east. The best thing for our division is for us and AZ to be 8-4 come that MNF game for the division lead. That would certainly bring lots of attention and the loser would still have a legit WC shot.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 20, 2009 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Texans are used to seeing 3 WR sets just having played the Cards and facing Indy twice a year. I don’t think that wrinkle would throw them off.

by bignerd on Oct 19, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No-no, not to throw Houston off

For Crabtree to see how the Texans defend our 3-wide look so he would have an idea of what to expect when he came in. No matter how they defended the Cards and Bengals, they’ll defend us differently as everyone alters their plan vs us this year (8 or 9 in the box, send the blitz).

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 19, 2009 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow

That’s fast. I expected Crabtree to get some balls thrown his way this game but not to start.

On the other hand the clip that was posted a week or so ago where Irwin talks about the Niners routes being pretty simple to pick up seems to be coming into play here. If they are indeed easy to pick up for Crabtree (i.e. the same kind of routes he was running in college) and he’s kept in shape as per the talk then good for him.

by smileyman on Oct 19, 2009 2:07 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Am I crazy to be the only one excited? While I don’t have film on every snap from Morgan it seems like he’s not getting open a whole lot, and he’s not exactly a sure thing when the ball comes his way. I had very high expectations of Morgan coming into the year, but let’s not kid ourselves, Crabtree is by far the better talent. If the 49ers staff thinks he’s ready then I’m all for it. This team badly needs an impact receiver.

(all this assuming it’s not a smoke screen)

by TexanNiner on Oct 19, 2009 2:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That's the thing I don't understand...

It seems to me Crabtree is built for the slot. A big, physical, yards-after-the-catch receiver with good hands running the slant. We have young talent on the edge with Morgan. Morgan has been the most effective WR in this offense. Why replace him instead of Bruce?

I only have three guesses:
1. Morgan’s spot is closest to how Crabtree lined up in college?
2. Crabtree gets the official start but Morgan rotates in more.
3. The Yorks want to trade Morgan. Yep. The timing is just too close to the trade deadline not to consider this.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Raye doesn’t have enough 3-receiver sets to keep as many receivers as the Niners have. Morgan has the most trade value. And if it happens? I’ll be very very pissed off.

by Edluva on Oct 19, 2009 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Crabtree can still play slot

Just as a starter in the 2-WR set he’ll be outside. Which he’ll have to be in his career. He’s the #10 pick. Rice was awesome in the slot but he was great everywhere. That’s what is expected of a top pick.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 19, 2009 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You forgot the most logical

4. Sing is paying respect to the veteran by not straight jettisoning him. Bruce gets the start, all three will share responsibilities. Just be excited that Crabby is even good enough to earn this so quickly. There’s no way Sing just handed him the starting job.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 19, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The trade deadline is in like 2 days

I don’t see how demoting Morgan would help his trade value.

by Brendan Scolari on Oct 19, 2009 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That would be tomorrow

Judgment day is coming!

by Widowwolf on Oct 20, 2009 1:33 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope they start to use 3 WR formations more

they could mix it up by having davis at the FB slot and stuff like this.

Go 49ers

by iaalexeeff on Oct 19, 2009 2:23 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

So, what, 3 or 4 series until Crabs passes DHB in the "career receptions

They call their best player "Kung Fu Panda" and they complain that people aren’t taking them or the game seriously enough? -Nick

by mikev on Oct 19, 2009 2:28 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Too bad you can't post polls on fan shots

"Optimist Prime"
"Child Please" -Ochocinco
It's the Shogun of no fun

by rlott#42 on Oct 19, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

SERIOUSLY!!!

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 19, 2009 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

hahaha... this is messed up if this is true

Bruce should be the one on the bench

Joe and Steve were under the same system for years... don't expect Smith to be super so soon.

by bayboy on Oct 19, 2009 2:48 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Maybe out of respect for Bruce the Niners are leaving him the starter

They ased him to return when he wanted to retire. Maybe he is the one rotated out.

"Optimist Prime"
"Child Please" -Ochocinco
It's the Shogun of no fun

by rlott#42 on Oct 19, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

some possibilities

1 – Crabtree has flat out been better than Morgan in practice – this is definitely a real possibility – Morgan is good but let’s face it – he doesn’t have the raw talent that Crabs has. Maybe he really is still in game shape and he’s a quick learner

2 – pressure from ownership to get the big money maker on the field – doubtful – doesn’t seem like something our management would do or Sing would go along with

3 – Coaches are sending a message to Morgan because he slowed up on that long completion – again, doubtful – when someone does something wrong Sing will let them know directly, not punish them through something like this. And usually he sends the guy right back out there to prove he believes in the player.

4 – they are planning to change Morgan’s position and make him either the slot guy or start slowly working him into Bruce’s role – this is a very real possibility that has been discussed above – Bruce is done after this year and it makes sense to have Morgan start getting reps at that position.

5 – they’re sending a message to the whole team – the offense has not been good and starting Crabs sends the message that nobody’s job is safe and people better starting busting their tails to get better.

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 19, 2009 2:59 PM PDT reply actions   1 recs

or

as someone suggested – smokescreen to throw off the Houston coaches

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 19, 2009 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed

my gut is that if this were a legitimate benching of Morgan, they would announce after the weeks practices, around Wed or Thurs. Since they were quick to announce it on Monday, its probably done to have Houston’s coaches spend more time watching film on him and preparing for him to take the majority of snaps.

by Rep the Bay on Oct 19, 2009 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

good post

"Pat is still just scratching the surface." - Coach Singletary on LB Patrick Willis

by 49erLou on Oct 19, 2009 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My thoughts are

If Crabtree starts, then it’s harder for teams to say they’re passing when he is in the game. If we started as usual and then Crabs came in then we’re passing 9 times outta ten judging from Raye’s body of work. Which still makes no sense bring him in and run because teams won’t play 8 in the box. I’d look for 20 snaps out of the 3wr formation and I honestly believe this will help our run game.

"Optimist Prime"
"Child Please" -Ochocinco
It's the Shogun of no fun

by rlott#42 on Oct 19, 2009 2:59 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

If we're going to use him as a passing weapon

Why not use him as often as possible? He’s a WR, not a wildcat QB.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 19, 2009 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He actually was a QB in school and was converted during his reshirt season at TTU.

by ckurt49 on Oct 19, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

A good number of guys are converted from QB or RB because that the positions athletes play in H.S.

by bignerd on Oct 19, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep

HS is weird… it’s a highly unprofessional mishmash of talented, dedicated guys and guys who are big and looking for something to do. You give your best athletes the ball and see what happens.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 19, 2009 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think it's a good sign

Like others have posted, the preliminary thought would be 12-15, and they figured that would be the case. but I think with the coaches watching his work ethic, and probably noticing just how damn good he could be, he needs to start. Talent wise, he is the best WR we have. If he busted his butt the last 2 weeks, and has proven it, He should start.

Also, Kudos to Morgan. Class act, putting the team before him. He’ll be back in the starting core soon enough.

Let’s go Niners!

by ZonaBacks10 on Oct 19, 2009 3:37 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Definitely kudos to Morgan.

It definitely takes some professionalism to not only train someone to take your job away from you, but to go out of your way to do that during your break.

Of course I would think the coaches expect him to take Bruce’s spot eventually and have told him that this is all part of the plan so I don’t think he’s too upset. It gives him some time to learn the position slowly without too much added pressure of having to make an immediate transition for the sake of gameplay.

by jveezy on Oct 19, 2009 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like the Move.

It sends all good messages. Morgan plays both X and Z positions. He was going to move into Bruce’s spot next year anyway so he can focus on that. It shows Crabtree is taking in the playbook. This along with the other lineup changes shows the rest of the team a sense of urgency. Plus Morgan is more of a possession receiver. It will work out. The way the passing offense has been looking why not? We’ve been asking for Something and we got it.

by ckurt49 on Oct 19, 2009 4:11 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Will Crab be effective?

I also saw the Irvin interview, but do you guys really believe that Crab (with less than 3 weeks of work with the first team offense) will be better than Josh Morgan? Crabtree has barely worked with Shaun Hill this year, I still believe that Morgan is the better option at this point

by rice3eva on Oct 19, 2009 4:38 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I’m actually not sure that Hill has even thrown a pass to him at all. I think Smith was working with him and some of the other receivers during the week off. I could be wrong though.

I want me some Buster

by gbears16 on Oct 20, 2009 1:32 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Crabtree/MNF thread

I opened up a new thread for Monday Night Football that has some info on Crabtree that I was curious about (also a transcript from Singletary’s press conference today.. Feel free to continue discussing here, or move it over there.

http://www.ninersnation.com/2009/10/19/1091858/broncos-chargers-mnf-thread-a

by Fooch on Oct 19, 2009 5:04 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

In Sings 10-19 press conf he was all smiles about Crabtree.

Coach says that the coaching staff was very impressed with Crabtree and as well was he. Coach did say that he would play in this game. As to whether he starts or how many play;s he is in will depend on game plan and situations. If these rumors are true then it would signal a more aggressive passing game plan. Has anybody gotten any reasonable intel on Gore? If Gore isn’t 100% then a focus on a real passing game may be in the works.

by WC-Ninerhead on Oct 19, 2009 7:40 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

If Anyone Thinks

Singletary is just going to hand a job to anyone on the roster then they are mistaken. I have read many reports that Crabtree has looked like a stud in practice and that he is working his tail off. Let’s see how it translates to the field but at this point it’s more important to put the most talented offense on the field then it is to think about egos.

Regarding how many snaps Crabtree will take against Houston, i believe they have a pre set plan of about 17-20 that could change depending on how Crabtree plays on Sunday. One huge positive is that Crabtree won’t be going up against Houston’s #1 corner, Dunta Robinson, instead he will be lining up against a weaker corner in Jacque Reeves. Also this is the perfect game for Crabtree to get his feet wet because the safety play of the Texans isn’t really that good with Eugene Wilson and Bernard Pollard who both struggle in coverage. So help from over the top won’t be quick in coming meaning that Crabtree will be going one on one with Reeves a lot, that bodes well for the 49ers passing game.

"Cannot play with them. Cannot win with them. Cannot coach with them. Can't do it. I want winners. I want people that want to win!!!"

by nocal81 on Oct 19, 2009 8:49 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

This will help the offense

Right off the bat the texans have to prepare for a player that they didn’t get to see at the combine because he was out with the injury. And now he impresses singletary so much he makes him the starter because if what he has seen in a few weeks. They went from thinking about just stopping the run and that’s why I think that we wil put some points on the board this Sunday if we can get decent line play.

by jonzer77 on Oct 19, 2009 10:03 PM PDT via mobile reply actions   0 recs

Bubble Screens

If Crabtree is as electric with those in the NFL as he was in college than teams will be scared has hell to put 8 in the box knowing Crabtree would only have to beat two defenders on the outside to take it to the house.

by bignerd on Oct 19, 2009 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

they also didn't get to see him from preseason or any of the previous games

because he didn’t play. Also they don’t know how fast he is. For all we know he is faster than Darius Heyward-Bey. I doubt it, but it is still possible

Go 49ers

by iaalexeeff on Oct 19, 2009 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yup, he is our new secret weapon lol.

by jonzer77 on Oct 19, 2009 10:22 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions   0 recs

I Will Trust Singletary With This One

He is going to put the players on the field that are going to perform the best. Hence Pashos starting at RT. If Singletary saw enough from Crabtree in practice to have him start less then a month after signing then i am going to give my full support to the decision. Very excited to see Crabtree play!!!!

"Cannot play with them. Cannot win with them. Cannot coach with them. Can't do it. I want winners. I want people that want to win!!!"

by nocal81 on Oct 19, 2009 10:13 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

For sure Crabtree and the bubble screens yeah!!!

by 49erSalvatrucha on Oct 19, 2009 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seems like very good news

I’d guess this means Crabtree must have been very impressive in practice.

by Brendan Scolari on Oct 19, 2009 11:59 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

True

I cannot imagine any scenario in which Singletary would just hand the job to Crabtree. That isn’t they type of coach he is.

"Cannot play with them. Cannot win with them. Cannot coach with them. Can't do it. I want winners. I want people that want to win!!!"

by nocal81 on Oct 20, 2009 12:05 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think it speaks volumes for the simplicity of Raye's offense.

I’d like to say that Crabtree is to be praised for learning the playbook in two and a half weeks, but I really don’t think that there was all that much for him to learn.

As for him getting the job, I’m not surprised. He’s obviously the most talented receiver on the team, and it’s not as though he was on the couch playing xbox all summer. There were reports out of Texas that he was putting himself through two-a-days while the 49ers were in camp, and not one murmur has made about him being in anything less than perfect football shape. Considering his competition, who’s to say that he hasn’t already earned the job?

"It came down like a punt, Coach!" - Josh Morgan

by shlecko on Oct 20, 2009 5:06 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’d like to say that Crabtree is to be praised for learning the playbook in two and a half weeks, but I really don’t think that there was all that much for him to learn.

Made me laugh… a “He’s right, that’s so sad” laugh…

not one murmur has made about him being in anything less than perfect football shape.

Exactly. Though, strangely, I hadn’t really heard any murmurs about much of anything about him.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 20, 2009 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Raye's playbook

Watching last night’s MNF game, I saw the Chargers run many of the same looking plays as us. The difference: early in the game they picked up the blitz better than we have all season and their QB did better at getting the ball downfield. I have no doubt it’s not quite that simplisitc, but would we think differently of Raye if the O-line did a better job?

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 20, 2009 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

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