Weapons & Matchups (49ers vs. Colts)
by Drew Kerr on Oct 29, 2009 3:42 PM PDT
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Although it seems that the Colts would have the overall edge on the 49ers this coming weekend, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at some of the key matchups for both teams. While certain formations offensively and defensively may force different matchups at times, I would still like to generalize to see what we have. Of course these are only my opinions and you all are certainly welcome to have your own and or disagree.
After the jump, I will give a full breakdown on position and grade (A-F) in conjunction with a short explanation of each player of each team. Upon doing that, I will tally the grades and give a final team grade based on average. Feel free like I said to agree or disagree and elaborate with specific players grades and theories.
Once I have completed that, I am going to focus on some of the key matchups with specific players at the very bottom of the post.
I am going to begin with our beloved 49ers. I am only going to include the starters (12 on offense and 12 on defense. Yeah there's 11 on each side but I am adding a 3rd WR and a 3rd DB) for each team to cut down on time:
49ERS OFFENSE
QB- Alex Smith [C]- (Smith has alot to prove. The grade is based in combination of last weeks performance and years prior performance. I believe I am giving him the benefit of the doubt here. Hope to see him bump that grade up).
RB- Frank Gore [C]- (Right now Gore is at this current grade because he too needs to prove something this year. With the exception of the Seattle game, he's (a) been shut down or (b) hurt. I look for 100% Gore to have a breakout game)
FB- Moran Norris [B]- (This grade is based mostly on what I have seen in his blocking. There have been a few runs that he's really exploded out of the backfield. I feel based on his limited utilization, he deserves this grade).
TE- Vernon Davis [A]- (I think you have to agree that Davis has been one of, if not thee, most effective TE in the NFL. When a TE leads the league in TD receptions, its my opinion that he deserves an A).
WR- Josh Morgan [C]- (Morgan has shown lots of upside but he is also young and is still getting in to his grove and dropped a few here and there that were catchable).
WR- Isaac Bruce [C]- (Bruce has lost a step or two and this year has dropped a few important key passes. He is on the downward side of his career. If I would have done this a few years ago, he's easily got an A).
WR- Michael Crabtree [B]- (Of course I only have last weeks game to go off of here and 5 catches for 56 yards is good even for a seasoned veteran. I was really surprised and did not expect that from him at all. Even more surprised that he went the entire game. More to come...to be continued).
LT- Joe Staley [B]- (Considering that he was moved from his natural position from RT to LT, I think he has made quite the transition and very well. When Staley reaches his potential, I beleive he will be one of the best Tackles in the league).
LG- David Baas [D]- (Probably one of the streakiest players on the team. He has some real work to do and may not be the answer at this position. He's been in the league long enough to get it together. He really needs to crank up the volume if he wants to keep his job).
C- Eric Heitmann [B]- (He would be an A but I think that he is partially to blame for the others around him not doing well. The Center is the head of the offensive line. He's got to make the guys around him better for him to earn an A with me).
RG- Chilo Rachal [D]- (I would have given him an F but Sing opened my eyes this week a little bit when he said that it's just one stunt that that the defenses keep throwing at him that he keeps falling for. However, I don't completely take Sings word for everything and I do have eyes. With that said and Sings word taken in to account, I feel I am being generous with this grade. I hope to see him bring it up to a C by season end).
LT- Adam Snyder [C]- (For what Snyder has had to endure with all the bouncing around here and there, I'd have to say he has done well for that. I am not sure he is worthy of a C at the Tackle position maybe more deserving of a D at the RT position but I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt and hope to see him earn this C).
49ERS DEFENSE
LDE- Isaac Sopoaga [D]- (When a defensive end is not hurrying the QB or getting sacks, I feel like the position is being wasted. He hasn't really created to many holes for blitzers to get through. I feel like this DE position could be upgraded in the off-season because I don't see him getting better).
NT- Abrayo Franklin [C]- (I don't see improvments in him. He started off strong and has since sort of just stayed at a mediocre pace).
RDE- Justin Smith [B]- (Smith has been all over the place. It seems as I am watching the game, he is in on every single play. And when he's not, he's usually breathing down the opposing QB's neck).
LOLB- Manny Lawson [C]- (For me, I just don't see alot going on here except for good pass coverage and a bunch of assists on tackles. Maybe there's a reason Dyral Briggs was brought up?? Dunno, time will tell).
LILB- Takeo Spikes [A]- (I am not sure there is much more that he can do at this position. He's been partially responsible in helping Willis develop and the guy's just an animal. Is there more I could say? Not sure).
RILB- Patrick Willis [A]- (I don't need to elaborate here other than MVP of the team).
LOLB- Parys Haralson [B]- (This guys wreaks havoc on the field. He makes QB's have nightmares and I think that if we hang on to him, he has the potential in to earning an A here soon).
LCB- Nate Clements [B]- (While this guy is a beast against the run, I guess that Atlanta game's still lingering with me a bit. If its possible at this point in his career for him to improve in coverage, he could earn an A here as well).
SS- Michael Lewis [C]- (Concusions....is what has prevented him from staying on the field. He's one more good blow to the head from retirement. I think I am being generous because there's no way to judge if he is holding back or he plays the same regardless. Awesome run stopper and smart football player. We need to upgrade next year though).
FS- Dashon Goldson [D]- (Out of all the DB's on the field, he is the weakest link. I thought highly of him early on in the year but as the games have passed by at glacial speed, the fondness has worn off. Maybe the green dot will help him adjust better. Facing the best QB in the league will be a sure fire way to find out).
RCB- Shawntae Spencer [B]- (If he had a few picks he would certainly have an A in my book. He can stop the run and it doesn't seem that teams are going at him very much or at all. If he can snatch a few out of the air, he's going to easily be at the A level of play in my book).
5DB- Dre Bly [C]- (Playmaker, risk taker, ball hawk...all these things can also be his down fall as well. If he doesn't make the play, he's usually getting smoked. It's sort of a wash. That showboating against Atlanta at mid-field certainly didn't help his cause any).
TOTAL TEAM GRADE = C+ (82 Points)
COLTS OFFENSE
QB- Peyton Manning [A]- (Arguably the best on field game caller in the history of the NFL).
RB- Joesph Addai [C]- (He has been outshined by a rookie RB. Fortunately for us that rookie RB will not play).
TE- Dallas Clark [A]- (He is more of a receiving TE than he is a complete TE like Vernon but by far probably the best TE in the AFC. Knowing this is something scary considering what Owen Daniels did last week against us).
WR- Reggie Wayne [A]- (Since the departure of Marvin Harrison, Wayne slid right in to the leading receiver role for that team with not much missed in Harrison being gone. He has filled those shoes well).
WR- Pierre Garcon [C]- (Emerged this season early on and looked like he was going to be a force to be reckoned with but has slowly taperd off. I just hope that his slump doesn't break against us because this kid has some true potential. Save it for Houston Pierre).
WR- Austin Collie [B]- (Seems to have developed some real chemistry with Manning. Chemistry with Manning equals real danger for opposing defenses. He seems to be taking on Anthony Gonzales's role as the 2nd or 3rd option in a given pass play in the interim process of Gonzales getting healthy).
WR (In place of FB position)- Hank Baskett [D]- (The Eagles didn't want him and he hasn't done much at all while in Indy which is hard to do when you have a QB like Manning 1 catch is it. Kendra Wilkinson is the only thing he has going for him right now. Stick to reality TV).
LT- Charlie Johnson [B]- (Has been very good at stopping the pass rush off the edge by the teams they've faced with decent pass rushes. The Cards were really the only team that has a good pass rush out of the teams they have faced this far. The Dolphins do too, but the Colts offense only had the ball for a few minutes in that game).
LG- Ryan Lilja [B]- (Pulls very well but strengths are in the pass block).
C- Jeff Saturday [A]- (Probably the best, or without question the best Center in the league. Makes every player around him better. Pro Bowl type player every year. Great work ethic and it shows on gameday).
RG- Mike Pollak [B]- (One of the more well-rounded Guards in the league. Creates holes for the RB. And gives Manning enough time on most plays to get the ball off. Not that he needs much time. He has given up one of the two sacks and thats why I feel a B is appropriate).
RT- Ryan Diem [A]- (This is the type of guy that we dream about having on our O-line. We will have trouble bringing pressure on this side of the line. Hell...any side of the line, but I think this is the stronger side for them).
COLTS DEFENSE
LDE- Robert Mathis [A]- (One of the better pass rushing DE's in the NFL. Already has 5 sacks and he will make life very difficult for Alex this weekend).
LDT- Antonio Johnson [C]- (Good at creating a wall in the middle and stuffing the run. You wont see alot of tackles or sacks by this guy but he provides an obsticale for opposing RB's).
RDT- Daniel Muir [C]- (Same as Johnson, big body in the middle but not necessarily going to create alot of pressure on the QB. Unless of course you're playing against our O-line).
RDE- Dwight Freeney [A]- (I think that it is a safe assumption to name this guy best DE in the NFL. It's also safe to say that he has the best spin off move I have ever seen. Alex and company could have a long day just from this guy alone).
SSLB- Tyjuan Hagler [C]- (I wouldn't say anything more than that this guy is an average LB in the NFL. He doesn't have the best wheels and if Raye can exploit a mismatch here, and he see's VD in coverage, he could get burnt on a few plays).
MLB- Gary Brackett [C]- (Again, I wouldn't go further than saying Brackett is more than an average LB in the NFL. While he has been rated higher than that in years past, he isn't really doing alot more than the other average LB's on the squad).
WSLB- Clint Session [D]- (Even though he has the better stats of the other two guys mentioned, he has struggled and been out of position on more than a handful of plays. He too will be in trouble if he has to cover VD. This will be the biggest mismatch we can create).
LCBor 5DB- Kelvin Hayden [C]- (He has done so-so in coverage but does not exactly provide a bunch of help on run plays. It always seems he is in the back drop when a run play is developing. Is he scared to hit? Not sure but there are DB's that don't like a ton of contact in the league. He could very well be one of these).
SS- Bob Sanders [B]- (I would give an A here and most likely would in a couple of weeks. However, he is coming of a long rehibilitation of injury and the rust could still be there this week against the Niners).
FS- Antoine Bethea [A]- (While Bob Sanders has been out, this guy has really stepped in and filled the role of the leader in the secondary. I'm not sure when this guy is a FA, but I think alot of teams will be hungry to obtain his services whenever he is).
RCB- Jerraud Powers [B]- (While this is his rookie year, he has proven to do well against stopping the run. He has a few deflected passes and seems to be in there quite a bit. Obviously he is still going through the learning curve of the NFL. It's going to be an intersting matchup to see rookie vs. rookie this week).
5DB or LCB- Jacob Lacey [C]- (Also a rookie but a potential good one. The Colts could be looking at two very solid and respectable DB's in Powers and Lacey. Lacey just recorded his first NFL INT recently and I am sure will be hungry for more).
TOTAL TEAM GRADE= B (92 Points)
KEY MATCHUPS
Alex Smith vs. Colts Defense- Edge= Colts D
Peyton Manning vs 49ers Defense- Edge= Manning
Frank Gore vs. Colts LB's- Edge= Gore
Joseph Addai vs. 49ers LB's- Edge= 49ers LB's
Vernon Davis vs.Colts LB's, DB's- Edge= Davis
Dallas Clark vs. 49ers LB's, DB's- Edge= Clark
Reggie Wayne vs. Shawnte Spencer- Edge= Wayne
Pierre Garcon vs. Nate Clements- Clements
Michael Crabtree vs. Jarraud Powers- Edge= Crabtree
Josh Morgan vs. Kelvin Hayden or Jacob Lacey- Edge= Morgan
Niners O-line vs. Colts D-line- Edge= Colts D-line
Colts O-line vs. Niners D-line- Edge= Colts O-line
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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matchups
This is a very thorough job and I appreciate it. However, I have a concern about two of your key matchups: the Addai and Gore matchups.
You point out RB vs. LB/SS group matchups (often seen in newspaper previews), but I think better “key matchups” would be Gore vs. Colts LBs or something like that. There are certain clear 1-on-1 matchups like WR vs. CB or OT vs. DE. While Willis may get a lot of tackles on Addai, it’s part of a greater scheme. Just my thoughts. Otherwise I like your breakdown.
I think you've got at least two players undervalued
Justin Smith should be an A and Franklin should be a B. He’s much better than people give him credit for.
Smith
I felt like it was appropriate because of his lack of sacks. I look at some of these other DE’s and they have like 4-5 sacks… the ones deserving of A’s I guess. Like I said though, it’s only my opinion. Franklin has been kinda quiet the last couple games
Franklin hasn't got a bunch of stats
but he’s done a great job of filling up running holes which creates opportunities for others. He does a great job of not over-pursuing the ball and he’s exceptional at keeping gap integrity. He also does a decent (not great) job of getting pressure.
Smith was kinda quiet in the Houston game but had some really good pressure on Schaub who is quick enough to throw the ball away when it’s coming to him. In fact there were several times that game that he was almost sacked but managed to either throw it away or get it to one of his receivers.
I completely agree about Sopoaga who has been virtually non-existent for us.
I think our biggest problem is not the lack of pressure but our weak coverage on pass plays by the DBs and safeties. This will burn us against the Colts because Peyton is so good about getting the ball out quickly (which is one of the reasons he’s got such low sack numbers).
Cullen Jenkins
Trevor Pryce
Are a couple of guys that have more sacks as DE’s in a 3-4. There aren’t alot of teams that run a 3-4 defense so there really isn’t much to compare with in that regard. But most of the guys that are DE’s in the 3-4 have 1 sack like Smith as well. I don’t know, I guess I would bump it up to a B+ maybe. Just for me you have to be unstopable to earn an A. He may bring it up to an A eventually this season but I think as of right now he’s playing about what I had him at. In 4-3 defenses there’s alot of guys that have more than Smith. It was a good observation by you though because honestly I didn’t even think about the differences (mental error on my part). My eyes were starting to cross by the time I finished the post so it was easy to overlook certain aspects when trying to capsulate everything.
I was just asking, I know at 7 sacks last year that was great for him as a 3-4 DE
You also have to take in account that their really isn’t any pressure from any other DL on the team. (consistently) When we rush 4 down lineman it is horrible to watch, as no one gets pressure. I was thinking it woudl have been a good idea to put 20 lbs on Lawson or move him to ILB. I also think that McDonald should be our starting DE opposite of Smith, his play has stood out a lot. I don’t think the scheme or players help Smith in the pass rushing aspect of the game.
"Optimist Prime"
"Child Please" -Ochocinco
Really?? Thats impressive
49ers Al Grito De Guerra!!! hahaha
by 49erSalvatrucha on Oct 30, 2009 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions
great post but...
i think you have over-estimated colts RG and RT and under-estimated the colts LBer’s and secondary…the right side of the line has been getting the job done on pass protection but has not done well at all in run blocking…C’s or B’s at best. Gary Brackett is one of the best coverage LBer’s, along with Sessions they make up an OK LB corp. i wouldnt be surprised in Davis does not have that good of game atleast not running routes in the middle of the field. Antonio Gates never had any luck against Brackett, his only good game against the Colts Brackett was injured. Colts secondary is one of the most solid in the game. i believe the Colts have the #1 ranked passing defense. its not due to teams just simply running the ball either. Outside of Dolphins game opposing teams have not been able to put up incredible rushing stats like years past
"I bet Eli doesn't even have one touchdown today, ... I'm the best Manning."
-Peyton Manning
Colts secondary is one of the most solid in the game
When you say solid, I think continuity. Sanders has been out and you have a couple rookies in there at the Corner positions in Powers and Lacey. Bethea is really the only one who’s been consistent in playing back there.
I felt like I was somewhat fair in the grading although I will admit that I don’t know the Colts as well as I know the Niners. Most of the stuff on the Colts is just from what I have seen so far this year in combination with statistically what they have done. I watched the entire games of the Dolphins, Cards, and Seattle games…so it’s mainly based on those three games. I didn’t catch the Jags, Titans, and Rams games but those games would have probably not shown me too much other than what I already knew I’m guessing.
understandable i dont really know much about the 49ers
other than what i have read this week. Bob Sanders has not been consistent believe me and Colts fans do not count on him to be in every game, i think he has played 45 out of 80 games(thats close but not exact). Melvin Bullit has sparked an arguement over at SB whether Bob Sanders should even start over Bullit. Melvin has been more than just a fill in for Bob. Hayden has been injured for most of the season but he is a big part of the defense. Bill Polian made it more of a concern to bring back Hayden than Jeff Saturday! other than the grades for the secondary i believe them to be pretty close.
"I bet Eli doesn't even have one touchdown today, ... I'm the best Manning."
-Peyton Manning
I understand
that Bob gets hurt…but honestly its just the same injury that keeps reoccurring because I honestly don’t think it ever healed 100% before he was put back on the field. Now it is. If you listened to the interview after the Rams game Bob said "this is the first game where I haven’t had any pain or swelling. (that’s not exact but something along those lines) And as for Melvin starting over Bob…I have said it once and Ill say again Bob is the starter and Melvin is the backup. Melvin came in and did a hell of job filling in for the starter, BUT the starter is healthy now so guess what?? The starter will play. Bullitt CAN NOT make some of the plays Bob can. Bob is a beast. And Bullitt is good and the Colts are going to find ways to get him on the field. Plus he’s excellent on special teams. All the “Bob is gonna get hurt again” and “he probably wont play every game” BS is just ignorant. I mean come on…lets give the guy some credit please.
Bob Sanders does not play Hide-and-Seek, He plays HIDE and PRAY-HE-DOES-NOT FIND-YOU!
I have just 2 things
I think your ratings on Hank Baskett and Clint Session are a little low. Starting with Baskett…this guy is a great receiver and I think the Colts are gonna start using him more especially in goal line situations. Hes a tall reciever and has good speed. This guy could be a starting receiver but due to the Colts depth hes not. Bill Polian mentioned on his show the other day about how he thinks WR is the deepest position the Colts have.
Now on to Session….this guy is a beast. He is playing very well and he can hit very hard. He has registered 34 tackles and half a sack…I think your D grade is a little low for him. He should be no lower than a C IMO.
Bob Sanders does not play Hide-and-Seek, He plays HIDE and PRAY-HE-DOES-NOT FIND-YOU!
idk about baskett...
how many weeks has he been with the team and we have seen him on one snap. Gonzo is about to return to practice(i guess in time for the Pats). if he were such a good WR wouldnt the Eagles keep him? his estimate about Hank is about what i would give him. i dont know if you could really grade him at all, i guess it would be an incomplete
"I bet Eli doesn't even have one touchdown today, ... I'm the best Manning."
-Peyton Manning
He has played 2 offensive snaps and has caught both with an average of 5.5 yards
but the guy is a hell of Special Teams player (which is one of the reasons he was brought to Indy) But Manning has been working a lot with Hank. I really believe the Colts are gonna start utilizing him more on offense. Especially in goal line and and short yardage plays. And I think you’ll see a few passes throw up to him. He’s a tall receiver and he has good hands and good speed, and he’s a big receiver…he 6’4 and weighs in at 220 lbs I believe. The Eagles didn’t keep him because they didn’t need him. They got DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. Baskett is a good player and I gotta give the guy credit. He really could start on a lot of teams.
Bob Sanders does not play Hide-and-Seek, He plays HIDE and PRAY-HE-DOES-NOT FIND-YOU!
Not to mention
Baskett is a is a GREAT blocker. Id like to see him on goal line and short yardage as a blocker. But really if his height is an advantage so Peyton can just throw it up to him and he can go get it.
Bob Sanders does not play Hide-and-Seek, He plays HIDE and PRAY-HE-DOES-NOT FIND-YOU!
"Again, even against an injured Seattle defense the 49ers had their best rushing game against, the Colts managed only 78 total yards."
Seattle’s defense had was without Lofa Tatupu and DT Brandon Mebane vs. the 49ers, both of whom played against the Colts.
"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."
I think what he's trying to say is
that’s why you were more successful on the ground then the Colts were. But that’s just how I interpreted it.
Bob Sanders does not play Hide-and-Seek, He plays HIDE and PRAY-HE-DOES-NOT FIND-YOU!
LB and NT out or not, when someone runs for 207 yards on you and 2 TD’s, you got it handed to you on a silver platter.
Plus, is it really necessary to run the ball that much when Manning is lighting you up for 350+ yards in the air with a 75%+ completion rate? Maybe that explains the 78 yards. There were 2 rushing TD’s in that game also so Tatupu and Mebane didn’t do a good job at keeping Colts RB’s out of the endzone.
How can you say that, though?
When their best ILB (arguably their best LB period) and their best interior lineman are missing, that’s a HUGE chunk of their defense. Fractionally, it’s a little more than 1/6th of an impact, but I think in overall influence, Tatupu and Mebane missing has a much larger impact than that.
Were they being replaced by proffessionals or high school players? Thats all I am saying. Before that game were they not saying how good their fill ins were going to be against us?
207 yards is impressive at this level against anybody and any team. I hate it when people say well it was against the Rams…or… we had a couple back ups in there. Well there were 9 other starters in there and two guys paid huge money to step in when guys are hurt.
McKillop had to step in for Spikes last week and you don’t see any of us ssitting here saying, well we would of done this or that if Spikes was in there.
I just think its silly to not give a player credit where credit is due
Before that game were they not saying how good their fill ins were going to be against us?
What fans say and what is actual reality aren’t always the case, but we both know that. Gore had a greally great game, and there’s no denying that, but to use it as a basis of comparison between two teams is a little off base.
Tatupu is to Seattle what Willis is to San Francisco. The guy is the key cog of that defense, the archstone, if you will.
I’m all for giving players credit, but Gore hasn’t done a whole lot else this season. I really like Gore and I completely understand that if the LOLffensive LOLine was anywhere near average, he’d be producing, however, the 49ers running offense has been buoyed by that one game. Take away those two runs and the 49ers rushing offense is ridiculously putrid.
but to use it as a basis of comparison between two teams is a little off base.
talk to FF about that one…
Tatupu is to Seattle what Willis is to San Francisco
Not exactly…. Willis has played every game (*knock on wood)
I’m all for giving players credit, but Gore hasn’t done a whole lot else this season
This is what I was saying in the first place above on Gore’s grade.
Take away those two runs
And you cannot take away anything cause they happened.
For FF to try and defend why the Niners destroyed them with the running game, is trying to dispute a fact. It happened. It could very well happen again against Seattle.
talk to FF about that one…
I thought he was quoting someone saying that the 49ers run offense is better than the Colts’.
Not exactly…. Willis has played every game (*knock on wood)
You knew what I meant.
And you cannot take away anything cause they happened.
I’m sure you can understand the idea of taking away outliers when you’re trying to analyze a set of data. Gore’s runs against Seattle, so far this season, are nothing more than outliers.
For FF to try and defend why the Niners destroyed them with the running game, is trying to dispute a fact. It happened. It could very well happen again against Seattle.
It’s not like he was denying it happened. It was an aberration to the 49ers season, and the Seahawks defense was missing it’s best tackler and a starting interior lineman on a thin defensive line.
I just see it as an excuse and looking for a scape goat.
Like I said, I could very well say the same thing about our losses being due to Gore being out. Or last weeks loss due to us missing Spikes for a majority of the game, etc. I’m just not going to do it as a fan. It makes you look like youre reaching for every little thing you can…If you lose, you lose as a team regardless of who’s playing and who’s not. If someone runs for 200+ yards on you, then they did.
I just don’t buy it. Seems that Seattle fans have been making excuses due to injury for the last couple years. I guess it’s just wearing on me.
Injuries are part of the game
Fans use them as excuses for their teams all the time, but everyone deals with them.
And...
49er use the injury excuse exclusively as well.
Like “if Gore was healthy…”
=)
Well, we're waiting....
You guys are incorrigible
I usually am but not so much now that I’m an ‘older’ ( sic? ‘old’ ) guy.
Drew gets some praise for his post. Actually alot. It was good.
So go argue somewhere else.
P.S. Good Morning Indianapolis! Peyton up and at ’em and looks forward to playing against the 49ers at home today!
The future ain't what it used to be.
LOL
49ers Al Grito De Guerra!!! hahaha
by 49erSalvatrucha on Oct 29, 2009 8:58 PM PDT up reply actions
i consider your breakdown fair and i will rate your effort a B+ :)
But the poll divide the ones who thinks the colts will win in 2 , so you should sum the 2 to get the total right. :) , so far ninersnation has been my favorite opponent blog, you guys are a class act and i hope you win all your games ,(after sunday please..) your team is lucky to have fans like you.
note: as a web developer and programmer my dream is to go to SF one day, maybe i get to see Steve Wozniak walking around in silicon valley. :)
Glad you enjoyed
Too late to change the poll …haha.
Anyhow, if you ever visit San Fran I’m sure you will thoroughy enjoy your stay. I grew up in Northern California and miss living there (except for all the rain). I live in AZ now and it’s alright two seasons a year. I may consider moving back to California someday, miss the ocean and used to surf.
I think alot of us feel that your fans are class acts also. You just have a better organization right now but we’re getting back hopefully to what we grew customed to in the 80’s and 90’s.
You all have one helluva QB in all facets of the game. One of the best this game has seen.
Great post and examination
I would have give the edge to IND LB’s in the GOre matchup because our line is week. Smith has a lot riding on his shoulders, as our pass will set up our run.
"Optimist Prime"
"Child Please" -Ochocinco
Definitely
Most teams that are effective open up the pass with the run but unfortunately we will have to do the opposite. Either way, if you do one successful you open it up better for the other to work. I like to watch the pass more than the run anyway. But if Gore happens to bust a couple long runs, that gets me outta my seat too
Our line isn't the whole problem though
I really need to do a post about this and maybe I will. You really don’t notice this unless you rewatch the games, but there were several times this last game where there were open holes and Gore didn’t hit them fast enough. I’m wondering if he’s actually at 100% with that ankle of his because he seems to have lost an edge on his speed from scrimmage.
Coffee is terrible at cutting to the open hole. He’ll follow his blocker in regardless. He doesn’t have a good field vision—once he’s past the initial traffic jam at the line of scrimmage he’s decent.
Maybe he wasn’t 100%. Being off and not running and stuff means that he’s not using his muscles in the same concurrent way from week to week. It may have had something to do with it. Let’s just hope he gets there if he isn’t. We sure could use him playing the way we have been used to seeing him play the past few years.
If Alex is successful, I think Gore can be as well.
Nice post Drew K
Not sure how to evaluate the Colts ratings but seems very fair for the 49ers. If there would be plus or minus, your ratings would be close to what I would say within that range.
Only these exceptions:
I think even lack of sacks, read the comment that you wrote for Justin Smith. Sounds like it is worth an A, especially considering he is doing all that out of a 3-4. Justin Smith A
Also, for both Franklin and Sopoaga, they may not be getting big stats, but I think the success of Willis and Spikes and can be attributed to those defensive lineman taking up the offensive lineman and letting the LB’s do the work. Both of the combined probably about a C but not below on overall effort.
I like how your matchups make this game look closer than just looking at a 3-3 team vs 6-0, yet another reason why we’re optimisitc how close this game will be. I’m sure it would be possible to add things like Coaching and Special Teams, and Colts Home advantage.
I think we would have the x-factor or the luck on our side though. It was already against us couple times this season, so its our turn. Plus the whole Hill to Smith transition is hard to predict how it will affect other parts of 49ers football but it certainly sparked every aspect last game (even defense, Texans only managed 3 points in the 2nd half)
Appreciate it
It’s really hard to gauge everybody accurately or exact but I tried to be as fair as I could. I am sure that my opinion is off here and there so its good to see the feedback.
Gijon Robinson would make a lot more since than Baskett to talk about in place of a FB
The Rams blowout was the first game Baskett’s played on offense. Gijon has started 5 of 6 games since the Colts like a 2TE package nearly as much as 3 WR.
Overrated:
Pollak (he’s now splitting snaps with a guy who was playing in the AFL2 last year)
Diem (he’s always had issues with speed rushers and hasn’t been a good run blocker the last 2 years)
Possibly Garcon as well. He’s got the tools and should develop but I don’t think he’s ready for prime time yet. He had an AWFUL day against the Rams, had dropsies all preseason and even in his good games was picking up a dumb flag a game.
Underrated:
Addai he’s probably an average runner (very good in short yardage, but not a big play threat), but he’s an elite pass blocker and great in the receiving game.
Brackett, he’s a great coverage linebacker, just compare Antonio Gates’ numbers against the Colts D without him in the playoffs last year, with his performances in previous matchups with Brackett.
Session, he’s having a repeat of last year taking some time adjusting the starting at a new position. Like last year he should settle in around midseason and start bringing some very good LB play.
Hayden, compared to Sanders, Bullitt, Bethea and Jackson he’s not a hitter, but those are some of the most physical DBs around. I haven’t seen Hayden shy from contact (despite him being a converted WR). He’s been battling a hamstring issue since preseason, but when he’s played he’s been the best CB on the team hands down.
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
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