A look back at San Francisco 49ers OTAs

by Fooch on May 23, 2009 8:00 AM PDT in News Comment 29 comments

Things quieted down a bit after the draft, before moving back into high gear with the first OTAs of the offseason. Baseball's offseason is pretty straight forward with free agency going on, but not much else before spring training. The NFL is kind enough to offer numerous activities in the offseason. We go from free agency to the draft to rookie minicamp, to multiple OTAs to training camp. There is some dead time (most notably coming up this week), but there is enough to keep us busy throughout.

Now that the first OTAs are completed, assessments are starting to come in, most notably from Matt Barrows over at the Sacramento Bee. I thought I'd pull out some of his comments for a little further examination. Barring something crazy happening, it figures to be a quiet day for the 49ers (famous last words). So, I thought we'd use this to open up some general discussion about the Niners.

My favorite news was that Josh Morgan and Brandon Jones both looked good in practice. As we saw last training camp, all the injuries mean more 1st team practice time for Morgan, which can only be a good thing. It should make for a very interesting battle in training camp for playing time. While we all would love to see Michael Crabtree blow up this season, I'd like to think there shouldn't be a ton of pressure on him. The 49ers have more talent at wide receiver than they've had in several years. If the rest of the receivers are performing well, will fans get pissy about a slow start from Crabtree?

Another interesting aspect related to the offense was when Barrows said, "Vernon Davis also is being used more like a tight end (10-, 15-yard routes) in the passing game instead of like Lynn Swann as was the case a year ago." I've said this repeatedly and I'll say it again. If the 49ers can get the ball in Vernon Davis's hands, no matter how it happens, the Duke can make plays like very few big men can.

At times it seems like Davis has hands of stone (reminds of wjackalope's D-jax graphic), when he did get the ball he was tough to bring down. One of my favorite plays was when Davis was given the ball as a running back and barrelled down the field. That doesn't mean he should be taken out of the passing game. He's a monster, and in the red zone he creates serious mismatches. Anybody remember that redzone touchdown against Cincinnati? He blew past a linebacker and then outfought a safety for the ball. It was just one play, but it was most definitely a sight to behold. Again, I'm not suggesting one way over the other. Anything that gets the ball in this man's hand is a good thing.

I'll close with a look at the other side of the ball. Naturally, Virginia man Matt Barrows was pleased with the performance of Ahmad Brooks. He thought Brooks had some extra pep in his step on the field and flashed some of the talent that we hear so much about. The way I look at it, Ahmad Brooks remains one of the biggest enigmas on the team. We know what the other guys on the 49ers can do for the most part. We have some ideas about their potential. With Ahmad Brooks, it is really hard to tell. With no regular season playing time, it's just too hard to tell. Any thoughts on Brooks as we make our way towards training camp and the 2009 season?

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the news on Morgan

Yeah, I’m totally pumped for Morgan’s 2009 season…so much so that I made myself a new avatar:

Morgan breaks through in 2009!

by grantmp on May 23, 2009 8:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

hell yes

i love it.

"I'll be honest with you, I love his music, I do, I'm a Michael Bolton fan. For my money, I don't know if it gets any better than when he sings "When a Man Loves a Woman"

by 49erLou on May 23, 2009 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously...

I can’t wait for the season to start. If Mannen ‘10 comes out and the 49ers are a 70 like last year, I’ll probably cry.

by Smithisstilltheanswer on May 23, 2009 10:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

of course I meant Madden.. not Mannen

by Smithisstilltheanswer on May 23, 2009 10:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

i wouldnt count on much from crabtree this year

i think niners top 3 receivers to start the year are bruce, morgan, jones

If you had a lineup of 9 Jack Custs who hit(Cust career average) .239 AVG, .382 OBP, and .475 SLG, then your team would score 6.12 runs per game-totalling to 991runs a season.The 08 rangers lead the majors in runs score with 901.

by 9Custs on May 23, 2009 11:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

Crabtree is clutch

by 10forTech on May 24, 2009 8:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

OTA so far

I like the news about the receiving corp and do expect Davis to be a contributor in all aspects of the offense (blocking at the line and down field as well as receiving). Also I have heard good things about the RB’s. Does any one have a sense on how the O-line is looking?. We all know that no matter how good the rest of the offensive talent is, the O-line needs be solid in protecting and oppening holes or it will be a very long year cause 3 and out is a very old tune and even last year we had some very long drives the used up tremendus amounts of time but came away with FG’s or in some cases a turn over. We need to be able to puch through in the red zone.

by WC-Ninerhead on May 23, 2009 5:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

General discussion: Greg Ellis--stop gap

What I’d like to know is this: does anyone else think the 49ers should actively pursue Dallas Cowboys linebacker Greg Ellis?

One report has it that Cowboys GM Jerry Jones is looking to trade, or release the 11 year NFL vet.

I read through several of the posts over at Blogging The Boys and the consensus seems to be that Ellis is a heck of a player and a pass rushing specialist.

I realize that Ellis will be 34 in August. However, the guy had 8 sacks last year and 12 the year before that. Plus, Ellis is familiar with the 3-4 defense. I mean, the guy could come in and compete for the starting gig, or come in on passing situations.

The knock on Ellis is that he can’t guard against the run, and that he is a little whiney to the press about things such as contract negotiations. But according to the boys over at BTB, Ellis shows up on gameday.

Anyone else want to join me on the sign Greg Ellis campaign?

I like to shake them haters off, so sometimes I just sit here shaking.

by jfainsf49 on May 23, 2009 6:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hmm, actually sounds like a reasonable idea as long as it’s an FA signing and not a trade involving a draft pick. Veteran, used to the (general) scheme, probably not too expensive. He seems like a guy who can make a few plays and is usually in the right place on the field. Use some of that cap space and let the three outside backers battle it out for the two roster spots.

Joe Martinez: My fingers are crossed and my palms are together for you.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.

by cornball on May 23, 2009 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

you’re smart i don’t care what anyone says

I like to shake them haters off, so sometimes I just sit here shaking.

by jfainsf49 on May 23, 2009 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What I’d like to know is this: does anyone else think the 49ers should actively pursue Dallas Cowboys linebacker Greg Ellis?

http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com

by supraman on May 23, 2009 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ignore this

http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com

by supraman on May 24, 2009 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

General Discussion

The Niners have plenty of over the hill guys on the roster now to school the youngsters. The current old guys and new tallent will deliver. I don’t belive adding another old fart with a big $ price tag will be of use. Jerry J. is just tring to dump some of his sallary cap on who’ll pick it up. Niners are better off leaving that old steak on the table.

by WC-Ninerhead on May 23, 2009 6:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What old talent do we have at OLB or for that matter proven pass-rush outside of Haralson? Plus your right we should not trade and pick up his over-inflated contract but if he gets released and we can pick him up for a Jason Taylor type contract why not?

by Mullester on May 23, 2009 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re:

Well, WC-Ninerhead, you obviously have no clue what you are talking about. This ain’t about what Ellis has to teach the youngbloods. This is about what Ellis brings to the field on gameday. He is not a young man by NFL standards. And it’s quite possible that Jerry Jones is trying to take a big fat dump. But there is more to this story.

I like to shake them haters off, so sometimes I just sit here shaking.

by jfainsf49 on May 23, 2009 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Greg Ellis

I brought this up in the 49er message board and no one seemed to like it. Personally I agree with you he could be a very good stop-gap in case of injury. Or even a starter over Lawson if he fails to show up as a pass-rusher this year.

by Mullester on May 23, 2009 6:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Greg Ellis

When it comes to LB I Iook to coach Singletary to make the call. He is who he is is. As a Hall of Famer none other is a better judge of tallent. We do have a bunch of talent on the team a LB be it OLB, LB or or nickle LB. The question is whether Mike S. can draw, pull, grab or kick in the ass what is there and make champions of them.. I think yes. however I agree that if we can pick up this guy with out giving an arm and a leg, then go for it.

by WC-Ninerhead on May 23, 2009 7:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re:

Wait, maybe you do have a clue: I agree, I mean, I don’t want to sell the [site decorum] farm. But if I was GM you know I would give a 5th or sixth rounder in a heartbeat. Maybe offer hime 2.5 million, with some bonuses work into the contract.

I like to shake them haters off, so sometimes I just sit here shaking.

by jfainsf49 on May 23, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You forgot something.

Borrows said A. Smith looked “more confident.” Confidence inspires quicker decisions. It keeps me on my toes.
Every bit of logic in me thinks Hill will get the job, but if Alex can perform at his best in training camp it might not be such a lock. That ESPN poll about starting QB’s is intriguing, its much closer.

What if it makes sense to put things the other way around? Then what seems to be common opinion that Hill will start because
1) Hill has a good record leading this team
2) if he fails then Alex should come in under presumably less pressure.

But is this the case?

Flip it around.
1) Hill has never started the season as #1
2) Alex already is restructured to be a #2. SOooo what I’m trying to say is that it might make more sense to Try Alex as the #1 and if he fails put Hill in, because he has won in “that role” then Hill will still have that rugged confidence and Alex is still a #2 if he fails.

What my scenario aims to avoid is this scenario: Hill does poorly in his first few games. Remember the first bunch are divisional and really important. Alex subsequently goes in and doesn’t perform well at all. Now Hill has been shaken and Alex, well is a #2.
The point is that this grim realization(that we don’t have a capable leader) is a potential reality as early as game 7 or 8!

by goatfather on May 23, 2009 7:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Smith vs Hill

As I said in my first comment. The O-line is everything. A Smith ran up against what he didn’t have to in his college career, a bad NFL O line and great to mediocre NFL D-line. Even a great NFL QB can’t do well with that. And I point to none other than Steve Young (pre Niners) and Jim Plunkett (pre Raiders). Each had got the crap kicked out of them due to an inferior O-Line. Football is more than the talent of any one or two individual. Alex as a very young person going into the NFL he was unfortunately chosen by the wrong team at the wrong time. S. Hill on the other hand is guy who was moved from team to team with out a real chance to prove himself as a starter. The knock on him is that he doesn’t show well in practice but had a proven record in game situations and in my book that is where it really counts. If given an O-line that can provide more than 3 seconds of protection can Mr. Smith deliver? Meaning I am not sure he is real deal.

by WC-Ninerhead on May 23, 2009 8:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

My point.

my point is that if we abandon Both as possible future starters, as in the next 2 years, then how do we maintain the best continuity? The above scenario is meant to get at that possibility, that is, how can we be productive with a mediocre QB without letting the QB figure out that he is mediocre.

by goatfather on May 23, 2009 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You cannot be...

“way beyond mediocre” after going 7-3 against non playoff teams. Those other QB’s played the whole season, not to mention some of these guys are just in the right place at the right time (Bulger, Eli), and Delhomme looked really bad at the end of the year.

I like Hill as a good competitive QB. I’m am just not sure if he has enough talent and athleticism to go against elite teams.

by goatfather on May 23, 2009 8:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hil is way beyond

mediocre so we won’t be abandoning both in the next two years barring injury. His passer rating last season was better than Eli, Roethlisberger, Cutler, McNabb, Delhomme, Bulger and a whole lot more. This season he will really shine under Jimmy Raye.

Kezarvet

by kezarvet on May 23, 2009 8:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs