49ers-Titans: The offense comes down to the offensive line...again
Thus far this week we've discussed plenty about what the Tennessee Titans bring to the table on offense. Their primary weapon is Chris Johnson and most of us probably agree that he is the key player to stop tomorrow. And of course there is plenty of discussion about Vince Young and what he might or might not bring to the table. But what about the Titans defense against the 49ers offense? The 49ers defense has scored some points, but the offense is likely going to need to get some points on the board if this team is going to win.
The title is probably one that can be used each week for most of the rest of the year. Whether you are strongly behind Alex Smith or not, everyone will agree that the offensive line needs to step up for anything to develop on offense. If Frank Gore is going to make plays, he needs to get some holes to burst through. if Alex Smith is going to make plays, he needs time to progress through his reads. Simply put, the offensive line is once again the key.
The line has been riddled with injuries, so it's probably a lot to expect a fantastic performance. However, they could still put together a mediocre performance and the team still wins. The Titans defense has a lot of question marks, particularly in a rather young secondary. This could be a legit chance for Josh Morgan and Michael Crabtree to both take advantage.
Of course, Smith will need more than a second or two to make things happen. The Titans have some guys who can get to the quarterback, but like the 49ers they haven't been able to be all that consistent. They have one fewer sack than the 49ers, but I'd love some more insight on general pass rush. After all, a lack of sacks doesn't automatically mean no pass rush. For example, the 49ers have had games with limited sacks, but they've still managed to keep the quarterback running.
A quick look at DVOA (speaking of which, Florida Danny is dealing with some important stuff this week and will not be posting his rankings) indicates the Titans are 28th overall, 28th against the pass, and 14th against the run. On the same page it ranks a team's defense against various receivers (1st, 2nd, Other WR, TE, RB) and the Titans rank, in order, 28th, 18th, 30th, 26th, and 6th.
Needless to say, those rankings against receivers and tight ends has to be rather enticing. So, will Alex Smith get enough time to make plays tomorrow? Even if he has enough time, will the team utilize enough of a vertical game for it to make a difference? I guess I'm asking for general predictions about what kind of scheme we'll see from the offense tomorrow.
0 recs |
10 comments
| Add comment
|
Comments
Blocking is the key!
I must say that you hit the nail on the head with the key to winning against the Titans. I unfortunately haven’t got to watch a lot of the niners this year because I’m at the mercy of AFN (Armed Forces Network). I do however read a lot of these posts and watch sports center to try and catch highlights when I can. So with that being said I do agree with the struggles on the line. This is a good football team, we are young we have great peices to the puzzle we just can’t seem to get that base we need from the o-line. We have been close in 2 of our 3 losses. One drive in games against Minnesota and Indy seperate us from being 5-1 instead of 3-3. I think we are on the up, but we are just missing a couple key aspects. Alex Smith I think still has the potential to be the answer at QB. We just have to protect him. Next year we will have a good opprotunity to address the line issues either through draft of free agency. This year we just need to utilize our weapons that all we can do and hope the line steps up. Play good d and make more plays and we will be in the playoffs. Its up to Jimmy Raye to help find the team away to win, and thats one thing I like about the coaching staff, winning is first, all the other stuff comes second.
by Kamota on Nov 7, 2009 9:09 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
The Houston Game
My apologies, I forgot to mention the Houston game, also within one drive… 6-1 instead of 3-4.
by Kamota on Nov 7, 2009 10:28 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Does an offense ever not come down to the offensive line?
by Brendan Scolari on Nov 7, 2009 10:38 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
clarification
O-line play is of course always important. I just view it as an even bigger issue for the 49ers given the season-long struggles
by Fooch on Nov 7, 2009 11:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ah ok
Yeah, it is a huge issue.
by Brendan Scolari on Nov 7, 2009 12:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Simply put, the offensive line is once again the key.
I completely agree. We have better players. It is simply a question of whether they will have time to execute.
by zacksf on Nov 7, 2009 1:56 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Spread will be sprinkled in a bit more tomorrow I beleive
If Smith is back in shotgun it gives him a quicker read an possible an extra second to get the ball off and or the ability to see whats coming in from the defense a bit better. If the receivers can get open quickly and they can beat the Titans DB’s a majority of the time, this could possibly work. I doubt Raye would go to it exclusively but it would certainly open things up and keep the Titans D on their heals which in turn help Gore bust a few also
by Drew K on Nov 7, 2009 9:52 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I definitely think we need to get Alex in the shotgun more
He’s more accurate, he gets rid of the ball quicker and he just generally seems more comfortable there.
Plus we can avoid having our own offensive linemen causing sacks if he’s in the pocket . . .
by smileyman on Nov 7, 2009 10:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Josh morgan should return kicks
I don’t think josh morgan plays hard enough. j Hill should take his spot as a starter and just have him return punt/kick returns.
by bong_gabilya on Nov 8, 2009 9:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

by 





















