Tarell Brown to start at CB over Nate Clements
by Fooch on Oct 31, 2009 10:36 AM PDT
in News
53 comments
Well then. According to Maiocco (as seen in this Chronicle article), Tarell Brown will start at left cornerback opposite Shawntae Spencer. Big thanks to kezarvet for mentioning this in the Pro Bowl Voting FanPost. I hadn't even noticed it yet.
According to the Chronicle article, Nate Clements will likely shift inside to a slot position when the 49ers are in their nickel defense, with Dre Bly now being the fourth corner. According to Maiocco this is a one-week demotion of Clements based on the belief that Brown provides a better matchup against the Colts big receivers.
Even if this is a one-week thing, it's still pretty huge news. Brown stated that it was a coincidence that this came just after he signed his contract extension, and I'm definitely willing to believe him. After all, if this was a money thing, Clements would still be the #1 guy this week. Instead the team is dipping their toe in the water with Brown in a pretty big game. Prior to his training camp injury Brown was making big strides, but was set back by that injury.
Given that the team will likely be in their nickel defense much of the game, I'd imagine Clements will still see plenty of playing time. Of course now, instead of facing Reggie Wayne, Clements will be covering Pierre Garcon or Austin Collie much of the time. This could be particularly interesting in the punting game as well. The team mentioned that Nate Clements (and Brandon Jones) could see some time returning punts, so why not go with Clements now that he's not going to be the #1 cornerback?
For those wondering, Clements does have a decent history as a punt returner, with two returned for touchdowns. His most prolific season was in 2004 when he returned 35 punts for 327 yards and a touchdown. Since then he's never returned more than 8.
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Wow
This is huge news, even if it’s a one game thing. I’m very interested to see how Brown does against Wayne. But even if he does play well, could the Niners even think about keeping Clements in as the nickel back? Should be interesting…
by mountaindew77 on Oct 31, 2009 10:50 AM PDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Should of kept Terrail Lambert around
Move Goldson to SS(to protect Lewis’ future health)
Move R.Smith to FS(When ever smith comes back from injury)
Our current secondary is pathetic.. OL is Pathetic.. QB is pathetic.. Pass Rush is Pathetic.. Raye is pathetic.. McC is Pathetic
by supraman on Oct 31, 2009 11:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
shhhhhhhhh
"You look at Vladimir Radmanovic, this guy is cut from stone. As if Michelangelo was reading and a lightening bolt flashed before him."
-- Bill Walton, 2.8.2004
by rekehavoc on Oct 31, 2009 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How did you find him?
I’ve tried Google and Twittering Lambert’s name but to no avail.
Looking on the Colt’s site now, he was signed the 15th. Going unnoticed again!
by supraman on Oct 31, 2009 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Surprising
The team would make such a big move, but less so given it’s against the Colts. I’m very curious what happens next week if the secondary does fairly well.
by Deelron on Oct 31, 2009 11:27 AM PDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Why WOULDN'T Clements move to a safety spot in a Nickel package?
Think about it:
1) Shawntae is a legit corner.
2) T Brown—well he’s starting at corner in any case.
3) Bly is solid as a Nickel guy.
4) Dashon Goldson is fine at FS.
…and then there’s Mark Roman roamin’ the back of the defensive backfield, blowin’ coverages left and right.
Maybe Clements hasn’t played that spot much, but he’s an experienced guy who knows the responsibilities there.
Morgan breaks through in 2009!
by grantmp on Oct 31, 2009 11:30 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Pass Coverage isn't Clements thing :)
SS though? Come up in non passing downs to play the run..
by supraman on Oct 31, 2009 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Roman gets burned more often than any DB in the league
He’s terrible. I’d be glad to see him sitting next to Barry Sims for the rest of the season… in street clothes…
Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!
by FaStRmAn on Nov 1, 2009 12:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clements
Nate Clements is an awesome corner with a safety over the top. He is a great tackler and run stopper, he is good at jamming receivers and sturdy against short to intermediate routes. Nate clements is terrible against the deep ball. He can run with the reciever but theres is something about when the ball is in the deep and high in the air, he just cant close. Its no secret, the only way to beat Clements is to go for the home run. We cant have that this week against Peyton, let him roam in the Nickel and play down hill, i bet he gets a pick.
J GO
by youngbuckeroo on Oct 31, 2009 11:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow. Things are no loner boring at 4949 Centennial
A not too subtle reminder from Sing that who starts and playing time is not based on salary or draft position. And this is after Maiocco’s film review saw that Clements had a very solid game vs Houston.
I can understand why they want to see more of Brown. Interesting and perhaps odd that they chose Peyton and the Colts as his first starting first challenge. It certainly isn’t about ability; Brown has it. Maybe the knowledge that we’d spend so much time in nickel helps make it less of a demotion, even for one week, since Nate will play about as much as Brown and Spencer. He could also be a good physical matchup for Clark.
Can’t wait to see how this plays out. I hope Brown makes a few big plays and a focused Nate lights up a few receivers and gets an INT, and perhaps takes a punt back all the way.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 31, 2009 11:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
And this is after Maiocco’s film review saw that Clements had a very solid game vs Houston.
This is why people should only read Maiocco’s articles for facts.
by supraman on Oct 31, 2009 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
um
didn’t Andre Johnson have just 2 catches last week? Yes he got injured, but his only big play was an amazing catch in double coverage. Owen Daniels went bersek, which could explain why Johnson wasn’t such a factor, but I hardly disagree with the notion that Nate had a solid outing last week (4 tackles and 1 PD as well).
by Andrew Davidson on Oct 31, 2009 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep - but you're dealing with facts
And not looking to bash players based on opinion. AJ had two catches, one big one on Spencer (who had him covered perfectly). Clemets had a very nice game last week. The secondary did minus the one miscommunication in the zone defense against Daniels. Seems to me that we do better in man coverage but either way, I hope the poor communication mistake are behind us. There’s too much talent back there for mistakes.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 31, 2009 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hopefully the green dot
provides a remedy for the lack of communication in the secondary.
by Andrew Davidson on Oct 31, 2009 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Willis
didn’t have enough time to get the adjustments back to them before. Goldson will be getting the adjustments from a booth now. Someone with an overhead view. This is very smart because when you get overhead looks it’s much easier to see what the Colts are bringing from the time the break the huddle to set formation. It’s going to provide extra time.
I like the dot going to Goldson personally
by Drew K on Oct 31, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It won't stop Manning from audibling
but at least it puts us in better position to counter it somewhat
by Drew K on Oct 31, 2009 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
Lets not count the tackle he missed that went for a TD on Steve Slaton.
I guess when Nate gives up a small TD it’s now considered a very solid game for him.
by supraman on Oct 31, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What missed tackle?
You mean the one where he had to dive for his shoe laces after Willis fell down? You could just as well blame Sopoaga for being too slow and missing the tackle as well. If you’re going to blame anyone, blame Willis for being out of position.
Watch it again:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-playbook/09000d5d813c7847/Playbook-49ers-vs-Texans-recap
by Drew K on Oct 31, 2009 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
D-Backs
are taught to tackle low. Clements even had a chance to break down and strafe a step to get into more of an ideal position to make the tackle.
How can you blame Willis? He was blocked on a designed screen. As a result of the block he stumbled.
Sopo’s effort wouldn’t even go down as a missed tackle..he pushed him while in the air.
by supraman on Oct 31, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wasn't Clements fault
I think alot of others would agree
by Drew K on Oct 31, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
As Drew points out you're incorrect
That was Willis’s play and he was clearly held, in the open field. Certainly the coverage responsibility of Slaton was not on Clements or anyone in the secondary.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Oct 31, 2009 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clements played the left side
He doesn’t play one particular receiver.
by Brendan Scolari on Oct 31, 2009 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Depends
On if they’re in a zone, quarters, or man defense. Obviously if he’s playing man he’s gonna be locked on a particular WR for that play.
I may have what you’re trying to say confused though. If you’re saying that Clements plays strictly left side and Spencers specifically plays the right side, then you’re correct
by Drew K on Oct 31, 2009 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One time thing
This is obviously due to the fact that we will on a majority of plays have one less linebacker on the field. Clements is one of the better tacklers on the team and provides good tackling and good solid pass coverage. I think it’s very smart of Manusky and Sing and they will look like geniuses if it pays off.
This is Browns chance to step up and show that he’s worthy of the extension he just got. I think he will be even if he has a so-so game. I’m assuming that he will be on Garcon most of the day and that Spencer will be covering Wayne.
Clement will probably switch between covering Collie and Clark.
I am sure that Dre Bly will be in there at times as well. Probably mostly on 3rd and long’s.
If the DB’s can lock up their WR’s just long enough for Smith, Franklin, and McDonald to get pressure, the Manning could be in trouble. We have to limit the opportunities of him having chances of throwing those perfect passes
by Drew K on Oct 31, 2009 12:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah - especially with Spikes coming off an jnjury this week - the LB point is a good one
I think it’s a nice game for Brown to get a go – In a way, there’s little pressure on him. Manning succeeds against even the best, so anything that Brown is able to do will be a bonus, frankly. If you know you’re going to get shit on, why not try a different umbrella?
Or something along those lines, at least
by bobnothing on Oct 31, 2009 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the strategy in an odd way
In one way you go “Wait a minute! YOu have Peyton throwing the ball and you’re gonna put in a second year man that’s been at best a backup?!!” But then again the expectations here in this game (as a microcosm) are that we are not expected to do that well. And you have this game as an experiment. Is it risky? Yes. Have we taken those risks before? Yes for good and bad. It’s also a bit of a “ballsy” move as well. It might crash and burn but a crash and burn against the Colts will look a lot better in the long run than a crash and burn against the Titans (In their current invocation).
Worth a shot I guess is what I’m saying.
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Oct 31, 2009 12:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
In a game we aren't supposed to succeed
why not? I’m sure Sing and Manusky know what they’re doing. He is a good young player, so why not give him a shot to prove he’s worthy to play?
Oh, and can you guys imagine if Walt comes back next year? Our possible backfield could be Clements, Harris, Spencer, Brown, Bly(?), Lewis, and maybe we get Eric Berry?
Granted, we don’t need 5 corners, but maybe Clements moves back to a safety position? Who knows.
by mountaindew77 on Oct 31, 2009 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
Walt is a FA next year. I’m not sure he will be resigned as his better years are behind him
by Drew K on Oct 31, 2009 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah that's why I said "if he comes back"
But regardless, we still have a LOT of young talent in our secondary. And after another year of development will help out a bunch.
by mountaindew77 on Oct 31, 2009 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is Clements big enough to play strong saftey?
by zacksf on Oct 31, 2009 1:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
He's 6'0", 205
Not the biggest, but he definitely has the ability to play the position. Especially as far as run stopping.
by mountaindew77 on Oct 31, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bob Sanders
is only 5’8 206…
Clements definitely big enough. Besides size doesn’t matter too much at the SS position. But I don’t think that Singletary would consider it. Some reporter asked that and Sing’s response went something to the effect of, “Whoa, where did that come from? That’s not even in the realm of thinking. Whoa….Next…”
by Drew K on Oct 31, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bob Sanders
Is built like a brick sh!thouse and he’s STILL always getting injured. SS 215 + unless you’re islander like Polamalu
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Nov 1, 2009 5:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clements and Brown
So we’ve discussed ups and downs of Nate, and I know many folks are excited about Brown for the future.
But I don’t remember how Brown played in preseason, and he hasn’t really done anything this season. What are his up and downsides and why would we expect a decent game from him? I just don’t remember since we havent seen Brown much
by fortyniners on Oct 31, 2009 1:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
They are developing players
what it looks like to me is that they are developing players. Seeing what the younger players can do. Playing Smith; then starting Brown against an excellent passing offense. It helps us see what we have and understand what we need. I think it is smart.
I think Singletary, whom I really like and appreciate, was out of line to say, “we’ll seem them in the play offs”. If it is true, great, but to me it comes off as bravado. We don’t have the players to support that…yet.
by zacksf on Oct 31, 2009 1:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
If Merton Hanks can play safety...
Then so can Nate Clements. Merton was a corner coming out of Iowa and he was fantastic as a safety and he and Clements are about the same size. This is a calculated, yet risky choice by Munusky and Sing, but I have a feeling this may really work. Letting Nate roam a bit up close and in the middle could be just what the secondary needs.
by N.Y.C. Niner on Oct 31, 2009 3:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Cagy move
The Niners aren’t expect to win, so this is a free experiment. If it works, Sing and Raye are geniuses; if it doesn’t, little danger to them. I hate these notorious October slides without bold moves, so let’s try it. I don’t see A. Battle coming back in for a while.
by Vertigo on Oct 31, 2009 5:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Interesting move hopefully Brown can shine
49ers Al Grito De Guerra!!! hahaha
by 49erSalvatrucha on Oct 31, 2009 8:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Clements will be covering Dallas Clark
The latest report says Spencer will cover Wayne and Brown will cover the 2nd receiver and Clements will be assigned to cover Clark because he is more physical.
by Forever9ers on Oct 31, 2009 10:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Brilliant! Can't say the defensive coaches are not trying
Clements, Mr. Always Beat by the Double Move versus Wayne, Mr. Always runs a Double Move was just a horrible match up for the 49ers.
In addition, Wayne has to the be the least physical WR in football making one of Clement’s strengths moot.
Reggie Wayne is the most anti-YAC WR I’ve ever laid eyes upon. Pay attention tomorrow, half the balls he’ll catch he will immediately just fall or lay on the ground and not even attempt to gain an extra yard.
A more conventional corner on Wayne in Tarell Brown while moving Clements to Indy’s physical slot WRs or TE produces better match ups for the 49ers defense.
by bignerd on Nov 1, 2009 12:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Wayne
Sounds like Bruce and Holt during their glory years in STL.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Nov 1, 2009 1:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Double Moves Yes, YAC No
Bruce and Holt were both blazing fast would turn on the jets. Reggie Wayne is barely fast enough to play the position. Wayne gets the job done by mastering all the technical aspects of the position, his athletic prowess is bottom tier for the position. He reminds me of the old version of Jerry Rice who was still damn good with the Raiders.
by bignerd on Nov 1, 2009 1:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking with is just fall or lay down
The STL guys didn’t like a lot of contact. That’s the main way, beating them up, that New England won that first Super Bowl.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Nov 1, 2009 9:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wayne proved me wrong today
Where did that version of Reggie Wayne come from?
by bignerd on Nov 1, 2009 1:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If we cant get pressure with the defensive front 4 without blitzing...
It wont matter who is in the defensive backfield. The DB’s can only stay with WR’s for only so long before they eventually get open. If there is pressure by the defensive line, then tight coverage could lead to a coverage sack. But the Pressure needs to come from the DL. Not on blitzes either because Paton Manning will read blitz and find the hot read and burn the defense by throwing to the hot receiver who was supposed to be covered by the blitzer. No, the front 4 linemen have to create pressure quickly to have any chance at beating the Colts. Manning is like a coach on the field. He calls his own plays and reads the defense like a book. He has seen every defense. The only thing our defense can do is maybe play very physical and try to rattle Manning into making mistakes.
Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!
by FaStRmAn on Nov 1, 2009 1:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The Colts are not know for stonewalling defensive lines. Whether good or bad pass rush Manning seems to get the ball out quickly and always has a throw he seems willing to try. I guessing I am trying to tell you is the pass rush is usually moot when playing the Colts.
by bignerd on Nov 1, 2009 1:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nate could play Safety... or they could stick him on Dallas Clark
Clements on Clark is a much better matchup than Clements against Wayne.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Nov 1, 2009 5:14 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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