Who would you take from the Arizona Cardinals?
by David Fucillo on Dec 10, 2009 1:00 PM PST
in San Francisco 49ers News
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PrintFooch's Note: Head on over to Revenge of the Birds to see what 49ers they'd grab.
I'd like to thank Andrew over at Revenge of the Birds for passing along what I think is a great idea for a game-week post. We have plenty of discussion about who we like on the 49ers, and who we fear on the opposing team. However, this post allows us to go off into fantasy-land a bit and decide who we might like from an opposing team. In doing this, you can approach it from a variety of angles. You can take a player just because you like that player, no matter what the 49ers current situation is at that position. You can consider who the 49ers might lose in the offseason or positions they need to improve. If you want to take into account the player's contract and look for "realistic" additions, you're free to do that. You can be as realistic or as fantastical (if that's even a word) as you'd like. For this week, here are some of the guys I'd like. Also, at the end I thought I'd throw out some thoughts on the guy I did not choose that many of you might choose...
Larry Fitzgerald, WR: Ok, so this is certainly an obvious choice. But if you're going to take a player off this team, why not take the best? The 49ers have some solid talent at wide receiver, but it's still young and has a lot of room for growth. Imagine a team with Larry Fitzgerald as the #1 receiver, Michael Crabtree #2, and Josh Morgan #3? One reason I like this is the fact that Fitzgerald's contract expires after the 2011 season. Fitzgerald would still be in his prime, but you could conceivably let him walk as your young receivers would hopefully have grown into specific roles. Anyways, I think this is more of a flashy option.
The remaining three are after the jump...
Antrel Rolle, FS: One could say Antrel Rolle has been fire and ice all season long. After struggling a bit as a cornerback, Rolle has transitioned rather nicely over to the free safety position. The 49ers have been looking to Dashon Goldson for ball-hawking skills, but Rolle could be a nice replacement there at free safety. It's still early to completely judge Goldson, but in this instance Rolle could certainly work well.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB: I like some aspects of the 49ers secondary, but to have a young guy like DRC in the lineup would certainly provide some long term stability. Right now, the 49ers don't completely know what their long term plans are. Shawntae Spencer has one of the jobs right now, but he's not getting any younger, and is always an injury risk. Nate Clements was demoted before getting injured and might not even be a 49er next year. And Tarell Brown has shown some improvement, but also been inconsistent at times. DRC has his ups and downs, but has done enough in a season and a half to impress me.
Beanie Wells, RB: This was a tough one for me. At this point Tim Hightower actually has better rushing numbers, but Beanie has much more upside. I was hesitant on this one because of Frank Gore. Sure the 49ers want a complementary back to Gore, but I don't know if Wells would fit that role. He and Hightower have split the workload almost right down the middle (119 carries for Hightower, 121 for Wells), and Gore seems to work better as the primary back (when he's actually getting his numbers in). However, I couldn't pass up a talented running back at this point, so that's #4, giving us 2 defensive players and 2 offensive players.
So why didn't I take Kurt Warner? Obviously the 49ers were interested in him this past offseason and I'm sure plenty of you would like to have him on the 49ers roster. However, I chose to not include him for a couple reasons. First, is the development of Alex Smith. He's no Kurt Warner, but he's certainly shown some solid development this season. Second, and more importantly at this point, is the fact that the 49ers offensive line has been rather abysmal at times. Kurt Warner has never been an especially mobile quarterback, and if he was behind this 49ers offensive line, I can't even begin to imagine the type of damage he'd have incurred on sacks.
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Dockett
With his inside pass rush and penetration on running plays, we’d have a legit top 10 defense. He’s dirty but he makes plays. It would be fantastical!
Their secondary has more speed than ours but seems technique poor, so no one from that group. 40-times are nice but if you keep giving up plays, who cares.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Dec 10, 2009 1:09 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Teams have shied away from throwning to DRCs side of the field
Good point about Dockett, surprised he didn’t make the list.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Dockett
He was certainly tempting and I suppose the 49ers could move Justin Smith over. But I’m relatively happy with the 49ers defensive ends.
by David Fucillo on Dec 10, 2009 1:24 PM PST up reply actions
This
He’s the best player on the team not Fitzgerald IMHO.
True knowledge is knowing you know, nothing!!
Blk Sand Ninja-
No you have proven that you are.
Their defense gives their offense the oppurtunities. If the D was always on the field what could the O do. If Linehart is in the game he doesn’t have monster games. Dockett has good games all the time and is the biggest playmaker on the team. Trenches is where the game is won so why wouldn’t a standout player from the trenches be the best player.
Oh I forgot that size and skill set he must be on the juice.
True knowledge is knowing you know, nothing!!
Blk Sand Ninja-
Dockett if not Dansby
I agree with the push Dockett gets, but with Spikes getting older, I would contemplate Dansby replacing him and really solidifying our inside linebackers, with Willis and Dansby
No Anquan?
It’s amazing how often this guy fly’s under the radar. He’s a hard nosed wide receiver that never likes to give up. Seems like he’d fit in good with Singletary.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
He can be a bit of a distraction with the complaining
And though that has never seemed to hurt the Cards, I wouldn’t want it here. Plus, doesn’t AZ still usually win even when he’s playing hurt or out injured? I don’t think of him as being one of the key five players to that team.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
If your management promises you money that you have earned
You should be a problem. He flat out produces and Fitzgerald was givin’ an extension on a 1st round contract before him and he was a 3rd rounder.
True knowledge is knowing you know, nothing!!
Blk Sand Ninja-
2nd but good point.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
I agree that from the outside it looks like that,
but Anquan is what makes our offense one of the best in the league. He added so much against the Vikings and him and Larry complement each other perfectly (and him and Crabtree would complement each other perfectly). Don’t forget that before Larry was drafted, Q was considered one of the best receivers in the NFL (and still is)
Not debating talent
Just perception of distraction and importance. I was glad when T.O. departed SF because he was a selfish distraction. Note: not saying they are the same, just pointing out that for me, some distractions are not worth putting up with.
I also think that AZ is still a playoff team and still would’ve beaten Minnesota without Boldin. If Warner has time to throw, he’ll make plays whether or not Boldin is playing. If he’s pressured, he’ll turn the ball over whether or not Boldin is playing. Minnesota got no pressure on him and AZ was able to expose a Vikings weakness that has been there all season, but very few of the teams on their schedule could expose it.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
He lets people know he is disatisfied in the offseason
But when the game is on he is still one of th leagues best and it does not effect the chemistry. When he was hurt the offense struggled, that isn’t a sign of a distraction. They are getting in an offensive groove because he has been healthy.
True knowledge is knowing you know, nothing!!
Blk Sand Ninja-
Yeah the only time he's been upset is the off season
Which I admit is frustrating, but during the season he comes in and does his job.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Also, no love for A Dubb?
I know this is a rivalry and he’s pretty agressive towards the Niners but he’s the best strong safety in the NFC and I’d even say second best to Troy Palumalo.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
I don't think age is a factor
He just turned 30 and keeps himself in incredible shape.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Not for best on the team
Not saying he isn’t good.
True knowledge is knowing you know, nothing!!
Blk Sand Ninja-
Adrian Wilson
I second that. Pro Bowler every year. He was there way before the team got any good and has always stood out. It would fix our secondary immediately
Why does fat chance = slim chance?
You really think that?
Whatever problems exist in the secondary, and most think speed is the first factor, I don’t see how AW would fix that. He’s as slow if not slower than Michael Lewis who has been solid all season as SS. I do like Wilson and would be fine if he were our SS instead of Lewis, but I don’t think it would make any difference in the current standing of the defense.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Then you obviously don't know what Wilson does for the D
He is one of the, if not best blitzing safeties in the league and same goes for run support. His size may make him look slow but he’s actually pretty quick and is usually around the ball when he does drop in coverage. Wilson used to be a cornerback so his coverage skills are fine IMO.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
As well as you, no, since I don't watch every AZ game
And I didn’t insult him but it seems you’ve got a sensitive streak of homerism going. If he were in the Niners secondary, he wouldn’t elevate the unit since SS is not our position of weakness. I aslo didn’t say he had no speed, but there are many Niner fans who think that lack of top speed has beena problem in the secondary. Wilson wouldn’t upgrade that since I doubt he’s any faster than Lewis.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
When...
… your starting SS has to leave the field in passing situations, I’d say its a weakness.
Speed isn’t the only problem in the secondary, it’s an overall lack of pass coverage technique in the safeties. Wilson is more than likely an improvement over Lewis in that regard, and he’s definitely better than whomever is taking Lewis’ spot as the deep safety.
Two things
I’ll take any teams’ nickel safety over Roman. Close my eyes, pick any team at random and would still prefer whomever that player is.
Secondly, I think the technique of the corners and Lewis is fine. It’s the mistakes of the young fast safety (Goldson) plus the lack of ability of the slow veteran safety (Roman) that are the real issues. Those and lack of a consistent pass rush.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
That's what I'm saying, though.
Maybe with Wilson, the 49ers go with a more traditional set and line up a LB in the box instead of Lewis, leaving Wilson out in coverage. As you agreed, Wilson is better than any of their nickel safeties.
Sensitve streak of homerism?
He’s leading all other strong safeties in pro bowl voting by a mile so I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels he’s a top 3 safety in the league. He’s been overlooked and is underrated by everyone other then Cardinal fans until these last couple years and that stayed the same here at NN.
Yes I do like him because he’s a Cardinal and I would say he and Michael Lewis are similar safeties, but to say Wilson would be a slight improvement over Lewis is an understatement. He’s by far better then Lewis in every facet of the game. Interceptions and passes defended aren’t a very valid way of defining how good a safety is.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Again
Since SS is not the weakness in the Niner secondary, the upgrade that Wilson would provide is not enough IMO to make the unit noticeably better. We need a better nickel safety, preferably one with great speed. That person would also contribute to special teams, thus taking the roster spot of Roman on both units. So my accusation of homerism is not that you’re overrating AW, whom I’ve already stated is a similar but better DB than Lewis, but that you are overstating the upgrade that he would bring to the SF secondary.
And please, when making an arugment for or against a player, do not mention pro bowl voting. You should know that.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Pro bowl voting has nothing to do with the player's skills or talents
But you implied that my arguement is more-so “homerism” when in fact thousands of other NFL fans agree he’s the best strong safety, at least in the NFC. Like I said, he and Lewis are similar safeties, I’ll agree with you on that. But, what he brings to the table is much more then what you’re already getting with Lewis. You can’t measure how much of a difference a safety makes just by looking at how many picks he has. Just like you can’t measure a defensive end by sacks.
Generally strong safeties aren’t measured by “speed”, so I doubt throwing a fast safety on the 49ers with no other skills will improve them no matter what their situation is.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Steve Breaston
1000 yard receiver and PR man extraordinare.
Yep, I said Breaston.
Alex Smith may have been the #1 overall pick but he still can’t tell why kids love Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
by Andrew Davidson on Dec 10, 2009 2:33 PM PST reply actions
Get real
I guess I want to keep it real by suggesting players that the Niners actually have a chance of acquiring from the Cardinals.
- A. Boldin. We all know his grievances with the Cards. The key to me with his attitude is that he still gives the Cards 110% in spite of his grievances with the team. It’s stunning, really. If I’m the Niners and can afford him, and Boldin is offered, I take him this off season.
- D. “Dockett, who is one of the biggest talkers in the NFL, says that he would sign with an NFC West rival to seek revenge on the Cardinals. He has been complaining about his contract for the last few years. Since Dockett is still under contract for two full seasons after this one, the Cardinals don’t have much urgency to address his complaints. While Dockett is taking advantage of every possible opportunity to publicly voice his discontent, he’s still producing well on Sundays. He leads all NFL defensive tackles with seven sacks this season and he has already established a new career high with 12 tackles for loss.”
Obviously, it would take a trade for the Niners to acquire Dockett, but it may well be worth it. Dockett for V. Davis, perhaps?
Just curious
Who do you get to replace Davis? He’s arguably one of the best 3 TE’s in the NFC right now.
Yeah bad choice
Especially when the talent is pretty slim all around, the biggest issues being on offense.
Draft choices
In most cases like this one you would offer draft choices in trade. It is a viable option for the Niners this offseason because they have two in the first round.
Definitely not VD for Dockett...
that’d set our offense back who knows how long. But if I wanted anyone off Arizona’s team, it’d be Darnell first, Fitz 2nd, and Cromartie 3rd.
Good point
It seems like just about all of Alex’s INT’s this season came off passes that bounced off the receiver while the defender was on him. Someone with not just sure-handedness but size could help that.
I couldn't and wouldn't pick Boldin over Fitz and I think Fitz is Sensational. Number 2 in the league.
True knowledge is knowing you know, nothing!!
Blk Sand Ninja-
Yeah, I agree. Boldin is great, but Fitzgerald might be the single best receiver in the game for the next 10 years.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Dec 10, 2009 6:51 PM PST up reply actions
Andre Johnson might have something to say about that.
"It came down like a punt, Coach!" - Josh Morgan
I don’t know too much about the Cardinals O-line, but there’s got to be someone there I want.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
The first Chester Arthur fanboy ever.
This was pretty much my answer.
And Fitzgerald.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Dec 10, 2009 6:51 PM PST up reply actions
their coach?
perhaps
I suspect that you think tilting at windmills means something other than what it does
How dare you question the genius of Mike Singletary
As I’ve learned, Singletary can do no wrong.
Don't trust this guy. He lies.
I'm a Cardinals fan and I wouldn't recommend anyone from our OL
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
True, Warner's release makes them look better but they have improved.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Dreamers
Keep on dreaming. After Monday night you will be dreaming about getting a whole new team……
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