The San Francisco 49ers and the 2010 Pro Bowl

by Fooch on Nov 4, 2009 12:04 PM PST in News Comment 28 comments

A couple weeks ago we had a FanShot or FanPost go up mentioning that Pro Bowl balloting had begun. I've always found Pro bowl balloting to start incredibly early, but what are you going to do?

I mention it now because of the 49ers-Titans game release I received yesterday. Aside from all the statistics and background information I posted earlier today, it had an interesting little feature I thought I'd post here. On the first page, the 49ers had their "Pro Bowl Watch," which included six players to keep an eye on. Some of the names listed are not surprising at all, but there were a couple that caught me off guard, particularly the last one. Here's what the 49ers PR department had to say:

TE VERNON DAVIS - Davis is having a career-year, leading the NFL with a career-high 7 TD rec. He is also leading the 49ers with 32 rec., 375 rec. yds., and 7 TDs. Davis is on pace to set career-highs in both receptions as well as receiving yds.

LB PATRICK WILLIS - Willis leads the 49ers with 75 tackles, 6 TFLs, 2 INTs and ranks second on the team with 2.5 sacks. He is the only player in the NFL to register at least 2.5 sacks and 2 INTs. According to game-book statistics, Willis ranks 4th in the NFL in tackles.

NT AUBRAYO FRANKLIN - Franklin is the force in the middle of the 49ers run defense and leads the defensive line with 43 tackles and 4.5 TFLs. He has also set a career-high with 2.0 sacks. Franklin has helped limit opponents to an NFL leading 3.2 yds. per carry and the 2nd-fewest rushing yds. allowed (594).

P ANDY LEE - Lee leads the NFC and ranks 2nd in the NFL with a 41.6 net punting avg. He also ranks 3rd in the NFC and 4th in the NFL in gross punt avg. (48.0). He also ranks 2nd in the NFL with 23 punts over 50 yds.

RB MICHAEL ROBINSON - Robinson ranks 2nd on the team with 15 special teams tackles and has led the team in special teams tackles in three different games. He was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2008.

LB SCOTT MCKILLOP - McKillop has been a special teams standout in his rookie season. He leads the team with 19 special teams tackles and also registered a special teams fumble recovery for a touchdown vs. StL.

While the Pro Bowl can certainly be a pointless exercise, we'll still keep track of potential 49ers Pro Bowl options. A little national exposure never hurts and if a youngster like McKillop scored a spot, well that'd be pretty impressive.

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Not a single 49er will play in the Pro Bowl

The team will be practicing that week. Now please pour me a another cup of Kool-Aid™

by bignerd on Nov 4, 2009 12:31 PM PST reply actions 6 recs

Just Had To

Rec that one man. Maybe we will have some revenge against Minnesota in the NFC championship and Indianapolis in the Super Bowl. 6 for 6 right? Cherry kool-aid is tasting mighty good right now LOL

"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 Nov 4, 2009 1:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

well played indeed friend

by Andrew Davidson on Nov 4, 2009 1:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Would take a lot. . .

Vernon Davis would have to make a 180 degree turn from the season he’s having to not make the pro bowl. It’s only been two games, but he seems to have emerged as Alex Smith’s favorite target when taking a shot at the end zone. Willis is a workhorse and his numbers back it up. Andy Lee is beyond a doubt the best punter in Niner history. Those three are shoe-ins to head to Honolulu. The other three are viable candidates as well. It would be nice to see as many go as back in the dynasty days.

by Mangoman1 on Nov 4, 2009 12:47 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Don't forget Brian Jennings...

he can still work on his tan in MIA.

Well, we're waiting....

by drummer on Nov 4, 2009 12:50 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I Think

It’s going to be hard for Vernon Davis to make the pro bowl simply because of the name recognition of Jason Witton and Tony Gonzalez. I am not saying he shouldn’t make it though. I guess if he has 80 catches, 900 yards and 14 TD it’s going to be hard to pass him up.

My list of possibilities

TE- Vernon Davis
DE- Justin Smith
LB- Patrick Willis
LB- Scott Mckillop
CB- Shawntae Spencer
P- Andy Lee
LS- Brian Jennings

Huge wild card would be Michael Crabtree, yes Michael Crabtree. If he averages 7 catches a game, which i don’t think is a reach, he would end the season with about 80 receptions and 900+ yards. Just a thought although it’s a major long shot

"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 Nov 4, 2009 1:16 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

We could do without Crabtree making the pro bowl.

From a front office stand point, we would be much better off if he played at a pro bowl level but got snuffed in the end.

I was "Deific16"
The cake is a lie.

by Sultan of Seitan on Nov 4, 2009 1:21 PM PST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

r u kidding

he’s voted 1 million times already

"Optimist Prime"
"Child Please" -Ochocinco

by rlott#42 on Nov 4, 2009 10:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

if vernon continues leading the league in TD receptions

then he’s going to the pro bowl

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 4, 2009 1:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Witten shouldn't even sniff the Pro Bowl

His pass catching production has dropped immensely this season. He’s barely starter worthy in a large fantasy league.

by bignerd on Nov 4, 2009 1:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think Justin Smith would make it

because in the pro bowl the use a 4-3 and Jared Allen already has 10.5 sacks, 3 FF and fumble recovery TD. Then there is Peppers, Trent Cole, Andre Carter, who are all doing pretty well.

Its not that I don’t think he doesn’t make it, but I don’t think he would get enough votes, unless we vote nonstop until the end of the season

Go 49ers

by iaalexeeff on Nov 4, 2009 9:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No to Franklin!

If he makes the pro bowl, that means he gets an even bigger contract come next offseason! Sorry Franklin, I hope you get overlooked for the Pro Bowl, but continue to play at the high level you are at.

I never really cared for what guys make it to the Pro Bowl, it’s the All-Pro team that matters.

by Andrew Davidson on Nov 4, 2009 1:19 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

IAWTC

in fact, not only am I with it—if YOU hadn’t made it, I would have!

Morgan breaks through in 2009!

by grantmp on Nov 4, 2009 1:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Glad to see Robinson get some recognition

I remember reading several posts earlier in the year saying the 49ers should get rid of Robinson and replace him with Sheets. I think too many people underestimate his value on the Special Teams and his leadership in the locker room. BTW, for anyone wondering, Sheets has yet to suit up for a game with Miami.

Don't trust this guy. He lies.

by urnext on Nov 4, 2009 1:24 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Moving the pro bowl to the week before the super bowl was a great idea.

I predict I will create much more of a buzz about the game, much like the MLB allstar game. When it was after the superbowl it seemed so unappealing. Now, rather than watchIng past superbowl replays we can get excited about the pro bowl.

I was "Deific16"
The cake is a lie.

by Sultan of Seitan on Nov 4, 2009 1:25 PM PST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Also, certain players won’t be in the game because of the SB practices so that create more room for guys who probably won’t make the team if it was played after the SB. Overall, a good idea from the NFL because I have hardly watched the Pro Bowl at all and I doubt the players from the SB losing team even cares about playing at that time.

Win the inning.

by Scooter Ellis on Nov 4, 2009 1:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

A few 9ers should make it...but I hope they dont!

We need to lock Vernon Davis up right now contract-wise. In the midst of this season…before it becomes an in-the-books-breakout-season that we have to pay thru the nose for. He’s a shoe-in for the pro-bowl. If only coaches and players votes counted even more…the Witten thing wouldn’t be an issue. I have him on my fantasy team and trust me he’s having an off year. Schefter mentioned Brent Celek…Seriously? What has he done this year worthy?

P.Willis is a lock to make it too. ’Nuff said.

Franklin should be in that conversation and I agree with all the ST’s guys.

Again though….we don’t want to have to pay huge contracts!! Oh well if they deserve them and KEEP PLAYING GOOD…more power to them.

by Tre9er on Nov 4, 2009 1:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Celek

is averaging over 60 ypg and has 3 TDs. Not VD numbers in the TD department, but Celek is having a pretty good season otherwise.

Normally our FO extends guys before they enter the final year of their rookie deal. In this case, the Niners did not extend Davis when we had the ample cap room. I’m not sure what their plan is, but luckily the top TEs in the league don’t make as much as the top WRs. Even if we have to give VD a market based contract, we have the cap health to do so. I don’t think Vernon is unhappy here, unless it’s all a guise to get that big FA market deal.

by Andrew Davidson on Nov 4, 2009 1:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I wasn’t aware that making Pro Bowl officially compared to having Pro Bowl-like stats will influence contract negotiations. Is that true? Seems like it by so many posts.

by fortyniners on Nov 4, 2009 3:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Anytime you've got a metric

An agent will use it. It’s a much stronger argument to say “He had 10 sacks and went to a pro bowl last year” than “He had 10 sacks last year.” Does it really matter in the game of football? No. But it will matter in contract negotiations because agents are lawyers and will try anything to get what they want.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Nov 4, 2009 11:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Robinson definitely deserves a spot

in the Pro Bowl on special teams. Last season, as the upback, he was mostly responsible for Rossum’s TD kickoff return with two blocks on the same play. When we kick, he is almost always the first one down and always around the ball. Now he’s returning kicks and doing a nice job. Unfortunately, his upback is Coffee who is almost guaranteed to miss a block. Terrible on special teams.

Kezarvet

by kezarvet on Nov 5, 2009 5:04 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

that's what Coffee should be returning

and MRob should be blocking on kick returns. Robinson is an ok kick returner, but he’s too slow. If the blocking assignments aren’t picked up, he won’t get past the 25-yard line too often. If the blocking assignments are picked up, he gets to about the 35-yard line at best.

We should see what Coffee’s got in terms of kick return ability, since we know what we have with Robinson (a better blocker than returner).

by Andrew Davidson on Nov 5, 2009 5:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The last thing you want is a kickoff returner

who was benched in college for fumbling too much. If Robinson averages 20-25 yards per return and doesn’t fumble, that’s fine with me. He is consistent and runs a 4.5 40, the same as Gore and Delanie Walker. He just looks slow because he’s big and runs upright. He also lays some pain on the tacklers. I’m perfectly happy with field position at the 30-35 yard line. Problem is, Coffee has missed almost every block since MRob took over as the returner. The kid is disappointing.

Kezarvet

by kezarvet on Nov 5, 2009 7:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

Coffee so far hasn’t displayed an issue hanging onto the ball, so why not give him a chance to return some kicks? Robinson ran a 4.5 40 on his pro day, I doubt he runs one now. It takes a perfect blocking scheme to get Robinson out to the 30-35 yard line, very rarely does he make anyone miss on a kick return. He may lay some pain on tacklers, but he’d be doing that anyway if he were blocking for the return man.

Coffee may have had issues fumbling in college, but he hasn’t had a single fumble yet in 84 total touches. Robinson averages 23 yard per kick return, and 22 for his career. I’d prefer to have a guy that averages around 26-27 yards per return, like most decent kick returners in the NFL. Rossum averaged 26.8 last season, so there’s no reason to think a good kick returner couldn’t do so again this year with Michael Robinson blocking (and most of the return unit remaining the same).

Robinson is a much more valuable blocker on returns, and Coffee hasn’t been coughing up the rock. I say let the kick show us what he’s got, and not worry about what he did in college.

by Andrew Davidson on Nov 5, 2009 10:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Do you want Robinson taking handoffs if Coffee gets hurt like Clements?

by bignerd on Nov 5, 2009 1:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

both good points

but also, if Robinson is the returner, it gives good practice for Coffee to block which could be a bit more important if he is able to become a more significant part of the offense

by fortyniners on Nov 5, 2009 8:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

it's football

injuries happen. I’d rather have the better guy returning kicks. Darren Sprole is the primary back-up to LT and he can handle return duties? DeSean Jackson is the leading receiver on the Eagles team, yet he’s returning kicks?

Special Teams are One-Third of the game. We can’t put a diaper on a back-up because he might get injured. Nate Clements got hurt returning a punt, that doesn’t mean every player of relevance that returns a kick for the team will get also get injured. This is football, ladies! FOOTBALL!!!

by Andrew Davidson on Nov 5, 2009 8:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What you would like and reality are

two different things. Sure we’d all like a guy to average 26-27 yards per return. Rossum is regarded as one of the best ever and his 26.8 average last season was his best ever. If Robinson averages 23 yards per return and doesn’t fumble, that’s fine with me. Coffee has avoided fumbling which is to his credit, but he has made several mental mistakes that we know Robinson won’t make.

If Coffee gets hurt do I want Robinson taking handoffs? Why not? He has been working with Tom Rathman and is finally getting the kind of coaching as an RB he should have been receiving from the onset. The one time he got some carries in the preseason he ran for 97 yards on 14 carries. His biggest strength is as a receiver out of the backfield. I would be very comfortable if Coffee was hurt because I’d know our QB had an RB in front of him who can block and provide the protection he needs.

You pointed something out that is very important. Robinson is a great performer on special teams. He’s probably the best blocking upback in the league and when we kick he’s either making the tackle or blowing up the blocking. He deserves to be in the Pro Bowl.

Kezarvet

by kezarvet on Nov 7, 2009 5:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs