Michael Crabtree: Getting some of that college swagger?

by David Fucillo on Nov 30, 2009 10:00 AM PST in San Francisco 49ers News

I listened to yesterday's game on the radio through my cell phone so I wasn't able to see the action. It was kind of fun listening to the game, but football is definitely easier to follow on tv. When I got home last night I re-watched the game (I had DVR'd it) and one thing jumped out at me. Michael Crabtree seems to be showing quite a bit more swagger lately. In past games after he made a big play, I don't recall Crabtree jumping up and preening for the crowd. This is the first game I really remember seeing it at this level.

Now, I'm not saying this to be negative. Actually, I like the swagger. As long as Crabtree's early success doesn't go to his head, I like having that kind of confidence on the field. We've already had it with Vernon Davis (whether we wanted it or not), but now we've got a pair of players on the offensive side of the ball who are great, know they're great, and want to make sure you know it as well.

It's interesting from Crabtree's end for a couple of reasons. First, during his initial games he did not seem to have that verbose, visual swagger after making solid plays. He's still only a rookie, but it's certainly a plus that he at least started to prove something before unleashing the swagger. Second, he's done a solid job in press conferences of offering bland quotations and not talking himself up. From what I'm reading he's looking for more information and ways to improve himself. My favorite quotation from him yesterday was about how he was talking to Isaac Bruce on the sideline during the game:

Isaac is like my big brother on the field so I'm always going to talk to him about anything, every play, and every release that I did. I'm always going to be talking to Bruce.

Have other folks noticed the swagger developing? While the team still has a ways to go, a little swagger can definitely be a good thing for the team.

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Hey Giants fans:

I think I found the swagger.

I don't know about that, to the groin.

by howtheyscored on Nov 30, 2009 10:07 AM PST reply actions

Where’d it go to begin with?

by PiKAgiant on Nov 30, 2009 10:09 AM PST up reply actions

I don't know about that, to the groin.

by howtheyscored on Nov 30, 2009 10:16 AM PST up reply actions

paging Aaron Rowand

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 Nov 30, 2009 10:53 AM PST up reply actions

But where’s the warrior spirit?

Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son

by lincecuminyourface on Nov 30, 2009 10:58 AM PST up reply actions

Still looking.

I don't know about that, to the groin.

by howtheyscored on Nov 30, 2009 11:11 AM PST up reply actions

did you check behind the couch?

FIRE BRIAN SABEAN... UNLESS HE KEEPS DRAFTING WELL. .. AND SIGNS UNDERRATED PLAYERS LIKE AFFELDT OR PHELPS. .. OR ALRIGHT WHO'S PLAYING WITH THE ALIEN MIND-SWITCHING RAY?
-------
PARPG- Indy post-apocalyptic roleplaying game currently in early planning stages.

by zenbitz on Nov 30, 2009 1:59 PM PST up reply actions

howie

it all boils down to the NE DEF vs. Laurence Maroney in our Fantasy Match-Up. I benched the NO DEF because I think Belichik is going to batter Brees with a barrage of blitzes (that’s a lot of "b"s). Will it be the mastermind move of the fantasy season, or just another boner in a long line of fantasy boners I’ve made this season?

by Andrew Davidson on Nov 30, 2009 11:05 AM PST up reply actions

This game is huge for my team. It’s basically the difference between finishing in 3rd place in the regular season and finishing in 6th place.

It sucks that if I had just started Moreno and one other player, I’d have the game basically wrapped up right now. Oh well.

Also, interestingly enough, if Maroney wins me this game tonight, then it makes my C. Johnson move earlier this year look BRILLIANT. But if you end up winning because Maroney duds on me, it makes me look like an idiot.

I’m hoping for Brilliant.

I don't know about that, to the groin.

by howtheyscored on Nov 30, 2009 11:13 AM PST up reply actions

Howie

If Maroney wins you the game tonight, I’ll put up a fanpost bowing to the incredible add/drop acquistion involving Calvin Johnson. I forgot that’s the player you picked up when dumping Megatron. You sly SOB.

by Andrew Davidson on Nov 30, 2009 11:17 AM PST up reply actions

I’m basically rooting for a huge shootout where Maroney accounts for 5 touchdowns and New Orleans never gets sacked, never turns the ball over, and scores 100 points.

Sounds plausible.

I don't know about that, to the groin.

by howtheyscored on Nov 30, 2009 11:33 AM PST up reply actions

I will say

I have been an avid hater of the Crabtree pick, and in the defense of that, it ws more about what I fealt was best for the team going forward. This kid is a natural an instinctful player. I just hope his talent isn’t wasted with an OC that isn’t creative and a QB who is one dimensional.

"Optimist Prime"
"CHILD PLEASE"......................-E. Ochocinco
Morgan dropped a TD, and the whole blogospere went nuts!!
Yes I want Eric Bery to be a 49er!

by rlott#42 on Nov 30, 2009 10:12 AM PST reply actions

Crab is in the Bay for six years

If Alex Smith flames out, then the 49ers will find Crabtree a QB that gets him the ball. I know we need a big hulking RToTF, but do you really want to pay top 10 money to a RT when the most heralded WR in the draft falls to your lap?

by Andrew Davidson on Nov 30, 2009 11:07 AM PST up reply actions

Uuuuummmmmmmmm

Have I not made it clear that I would have traded the pick? I will again I guess. This WR will be asking for a lot of money if he makes a pro bowl or two and may be out of our reach to keep or may be asking for too much as a WR in the future. (With his agent Hammer and Deion????)

I wanted the pick to be traded because someone wanted Crabtree that would have given their first and 2nd to get him or a 2nd and their next years first for him. We could have 3 1st round picks, or two OL and still have 2 1st round picks this year. I wasn’t after a player, I was about using Crabtree to get two good selections in a decent two rounds of drafting.

"Optimist Prime"
"CHILD PLEASE"......................-E. Ochocinco
Morgan dropped a TD, and the whole blogospere went nuts!!
Yes I want Eric Bery to be a 49er!

by rlott#42 on Dec 1, 2009 1:04 AM PST up reply actions

I'd like to know...

… who was willing to give up a first and second for Crabtree. If that were the case, they could have done so with the #8 or #9 teams. I’m sure Green Bay would have loved to get additional picks instead of Raji. Most teams would.

by sfgfan on Dec 1, 2009 10:54 AM PST up reply actions

I think that it's been nice to see that the swagger came out while we were winning, and that he's been more business like when we're behind.

There’s no way of knowing how it’s going to continue, but the small-sample-sized pattern right now seems to suggest that he keeps it in check when there’s some catching up to do. Even on his first career TD reception the other week, he was pretty reserved about his celebration.

Or maybe he just needed to prove to himself that he belongs here. We’ll see. Either way, I really don’t mind it. Swagger is a good thing for an NFL team to have.

I don't know about that, to the groin.

by howtheyscored on Nov 30, 2009 10:12 AM PST reply actions

Agreed, in the end, i really don’t mind the swagger either, as long as he’s producing on the field, and so far he’s been pretty darn good, even without a training camp and he’s been outstanding, making plays, and yesterday was the first time i saw him gaining YAC, and did well with it

by PiKAgiant on Nov 30, 2009 10:17 AM PST up reply actions

But:

There will always be some; myself included, that prefer the Barry Sanders Style: "act like you’ve been there before!" Celebrating is nice but looks better after the game is over and the TEAM has won more than the last play.

by CorneliusJ on Nov 30, 2009 10:28 AM PST up reply actions

Indeed

I continue to maintain that if players are going to preen and dance and etc. after they make a good play, they should drop into penitential and apologetic postures after they screw up.
It bears noting that Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald—arguably the 2 best receivers in the game—celebrate big only after scoring TDs.
Get back into the huddle, son.

Jason Hill is turning the corner!

by grantmp on Nov 30, 2009 12:18 PM PST up reply actions

Dude, you’re right, Barry Sanders’ style was golden, and i totally agree with that. Like if you score, great, now shake some hands and remember that it was not all you. My dad always thought of TO as a hot dog, always will because of what he did. Luckily Singletary isn’t like Mangino who went off on one of his players… calling him a “bleepin hot dog” in this video

by PiKAgiant on Nov 30, 2009 12:58 PM PST up reply actions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmAYpAzNB34

by PiKAgiant on Nov 30, 2009 12:58 PM PST up reply actions

He’s getting more opportunities, he needs to capitalize on 99% of them. I was a tad miffed he dropped the TD catch even though it was a tough one. Big time players make big time plays…we all know the saying.

I’m glad we’re starting to realize we can throw to him deep and he’ll give his all to go up and get it. We need to do that every time he has single coverage. I was crying for the fade every time we got in the red zone.

He also is |this| close to breaking a tackle and streaking down the sideline YAC style.

I can’t wait for a huge game out of him. All in all very happy to have Mike Crabtree.

by Tre9er on Nov 30, 2009 10:20 AM PST reply actions

Yea, he should have had that TD, In time he’ll make those catches.

Kinda think he’s really growing into his position

by PiKAgiant on Nov 30, 2009 10:22 AM PST up reply actions

He needs to capitalize 99% of his opportunities?

That’s crazy.

I don't know about that, to the groin.

by howtheyscored on Nov 30, 2009 10:25 AM PST up reply actions

I mean when Andre Johnson's hands touch a pass

he catches it almost every time.. Reliable, hardly any drops…that’s what I want out of him.

by Tre9er on Nov 30, 2009 10:27 AM PST up reply actions

Sure, but that doesn’t equal 99%. But I guess I shouldn’t be one to complain about hyperbole.

I don't know about that, to the groin.

by howtheyscored on Nov 30, 2009 10:32 AM PST up reply actions

You use hyperbole more than anyone in the history of the universe.

GROUGTHINK ALERT
The first Chester Arthur fanboy ever.

by groug on Nov 30, 2009 12:55 PM PST up reply actions

I know, right?

I don't know about that, to the groin.

by howtheyscored on Nov 30, 2009 1:06 PM PST up reply actions

lol there is one that AJ dropped in yesterday's game v. Indy.....

by 49er Faithful925 on Nov 30, 2009 11:14 AM PST up reply actions

Of all the examples he could have brought up!

Andre Johnson dropped a similar pass in the same place of the end zone.

by bignerd on Nov 30, 2009 11:16 AM PST up reply actions

And...

it cost me my fantasy game!!

by Smithisstilltheanswer on Nov 30, 2009 11:26 AM PST up reply actions

make that 100% please

by PiKAgiant on Nov 30, 2009 10:27 AM PST up reply actions

Needs to catch the tough ones too!!

That TD he didn’t get to in the endzone…. needs to get to those and third downs….. drops on first and second can always be made up for but those drops in the endzone and third downs NEED to be caught!! I really don’t care about him being pumped up just catch those clutch ones.

by 49er Faithful925 on Nov 30, 2009 11:13 AM PST up reply actions

He is getting better on the field too

and that is because he is feeling more comfortable and getting that swagger.
I saw this game he was much better with Yards After the Catch than previous games. Rather than trying to do a juke move and get tackled right away like in previous games, he was able to get around guys and pick up 5-10 extra yards.

Plus the timing of his intensity after big plays is perfect, unless it’s just a coincidence it took him this many weeks to start celebrating visually. He wasn’t doing it before much and it makes sense because we weren’t winning or having a lead much.

by fortyniners on Nov 30, 2009 10:55 AM PST reply actions

mixed feelings

good to see a little swagger, but I’m also not a fan of guys celebrating every catch. Keep it in check and a little here and there is fine.

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 Nov 30, 2009 10:55 AM PST reply actions

In his defense, his catches all seemed to be in big-moments.

by randolphforpresident on Nov 30, 2009 12:07 PM PST up reply actions

Like the swagger

but gotta be careful in the No Fun League. he could easily be flagged and push us back 15 yards

Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son

by lincecuminyourface on Nov 30, 2009 11:00 AM PST reply actions

he will have to get flagged before he learns.

by whitemike1644 on Nov 30, 2009 11:04 AM PST up reply actions

Maybe he's got that swagger

because we’re finally in a spread offense with a physically better QB, which means he’ll finally have a chance to hit some of those performance escalators in his contract!

by Rep the Bay on Nov 30, 2009 11:05 AM PST reply actions

Look at what Swagger has done for

Cincy this season. I like seeing Crabtree bounce up and get fired up about a big play he makes. I also noticed that on the drops, he knows it’s on him to make those grabs. Plus, I’m still absolutely impressed by his 20-yd catch the play after one of his drops yesterday. The kid’s got YAC ability, something we’ve lacked at WR since T.O..

by Andrew Davidson on Nov 30, 2009 11:10 AM PST reply actions

i'm all for light celebration

if you make a third down play, a TD, a great catch, etc…while we’re in a position to win the game. Hey, it fires up the team too. I get pumped when I make a good play in the backyard. it’s human nature

by Tre9er on Nov 30, 2009 11:14 AM PST reply actions

I fist pump...

and point to the sky everytime I score in Madden… so yea I like the little celebrations.

by Smithisstilltheanswer on Nov 30, 2009 11:29 AM PST up reply actions

awesome

A few years back I remember I was playing a playoff game with the 49ers in franchise mode and I had to put together a drive in the last two minutes of the game to win it. I started playing Eye of the Tiger on iTunes for the length of the drive. We won on a fly pattern by the slot receiver and pandemonium broke out in my dorm room.

by David Fucillo on Nov 30, 2009 11:35 AM PST up reply actions

on the flip side

I remember when my friends and I first got a house while we were in University and one of my roommates and I were doing a Madden Franchise together. I made it to the NFC Championship game in the first season, and lost to the Bucs (which I could not believe, I never lose to the CPU in madden). Without thinking, I punched a hole in my bedroom wall, which I later covered up with the GTA map so my landlord wouldn’t see it.

That was also the same year Vinny Sutherland fumbled the kick return vs. GB in the playoffs, and I launched an ottoman across the room out of anger. I covered that hole up with duct tape, but the landlord understood (he lost money on the game).

by Andrew Davidson on Nov 30, 2009 11:39 AM PST up reply actions

Ha

thats funny,

must have been lots of duck tape, and very stylish

by fortyniners on Nov 30, 2009 8:02 PM PST up reply actions

Tough WR

I like what I see.

by zonedogs on Nov 30, 2009 11:16 AM PST reply actions

anybody else

does anyone think that vd has spoken to him about showing too much swagger on the field? i like the kid too much to ever see sing send him to the lockerroom

by srill waiting on Nov 30, 2009 11:17 AM PST reply actions

I doubt that happens

Remember, Sing sent VD to the locker because of his attitude AFTER the penalty, not for the penalty itself. I can’t see Crabs drawing an unsportsmanlike flag and then not caring about it.

by Smithisstilltheanswer on Nov 30, 2009 11:32 AM PST up reply actions

I Like The Swagger

he wasn’t disrespecting the opponent and made a great play on that one. It’s nice to see with VD and Crabs on offense as well as Spikes and Willis on defense bringing personality to this team. Now Crabs did drop two passes that were thrown perfectly by Smith, one for a TD. That is something he needs to sure up because we all know his hands are like glue

"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(Vincent) on Nov 30, 2009 12:04 PM PST reply actions

Well Darrius Heyward-Bey finally caught his first touchdown, but look at the difference in the numbers between him and Crabtree. Crab’s got 17 more receptions and 222 more yards- in five less games. And obviously those stats can’t just be waved off as the Niners’ having a much better quarterback or being a more wide receiver-friendly team. Crabtree’s got something to prove.

by Chimneyfish on Nov 30, 2009 12:40 PM PST reply actions

Great quote from Sing today on Crabs

Matt Maiocco: “Which offensive players were the most vocal?”

Coach Sing: “Well, Vernon (Davis) would be the No. 1 guy – Alex (Smith was) a close second,” Singletary said. “Even the young kid – as much as I hate to say it, (Michael) Crabtree. I keep telling him he needs to be quiet, but he’s getting there. Good kid. Those guys are leading the pack.”

"This could be another Very Special Team" ... Superbowl winning Niners lineman Dan Audick ...

by LondonNiner on Nov 30, 2009 2:29 PM PST reply actions

I was at the game.

My brother and I routinely stated “Look at that.. it’s swagger, look at the way he’s walking around. The kid is confident.” I love Crabtree.

You can never resist the game... nor could I... we're the same, so don't even try.

by James Brady on Nov 30, 2009 3:18 PM PST reply actions 1 recs

Me too!

Yes, I'm sure Jerry Rice never dropped a single pass in his entire football career.

by 10forTech on Dec 1, 2009 4:09 PM PST up reply actions

Swagger!

Havent had that since Owens was running over the Giants in the playoffs. Its nice to have that again!

"Bar None!" - William Floyd

by maveric_87 on Nov 30, 2009 4:28 PM PST reply actions

U GOTTA HAVE SWAGG!

period!

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are"

by Bo$$Ixta! on Nov 30, 2009 4:56 PM PST reply actions

I like it

Its good to see our players wit that swagg

by swagger on Nov 30, 2009 5:59 PM PST via mobile reply actions

Wondered how he'd respond to his first TD

And was pleased with his positive clapping and smiling (at a point in the GB game where we needed it) but not going overboard with dancing or showboating. Perhaps all of his positive vibes and that of other receivers shows that they all have confidence in each other and expect to make plays.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Nov 30, 2009 10:29 PM PST reply actions