2009 49ers Training Camp: A whole lot of Micheal Spurlock?

by David Fucillo on Aug 13, 2009 8:00 AM PDT in Training Camp

Spurlockwildcat_medium
(Courtesy Samuel Lam)

Yesterday I noticed the Barrows and Maiocco both focusing their practice recaps on Micheal Spurlock, and particularly the 49ers utilization of him in the wildcat offensive package. Even Sam Lam (PHUT around here) had a few thoughts on the wildcat offense. The way I look at it, for the 49ers, the Wildcat would be more of just a wrinkle, sort of like a more utilized (and hopefully more successful) version of the reverse. You see it in games and it can be successful at times, but it's not something an NFL can build an offense around for a full 16-game schedule. Yes the Dolphins had some success with it, but that was still relatively limited over the entire season.

I bring it up at this point to focus in on a specific player waging a life and death struggle for a roster spot: Micheal Spurlock. Back in late May I listed Spurlock in the "No Chance" group. Right before training camp, my 53-man roster projection did not include him, and in fact I figured a guy like Kory Sheets had a much better chance of making the roster than Spurlock.

Then this happened, and this happened. While Spurlock may not get much of a nod as a wide receiver, the reduction in numbers could benefit him more than anybody else on this roster. He's certainly helping himself in kick return duties, and as of yesterday, wildcat duties. When Maiocco did his offensive player review a week or so into training camp, he said about Spurlock:

His ability in the return game, as well as his experience in a "Wildcat" type offense is edging him into that first tier of receivers looking for roster spots. He has the versatility to play all three spots.

It sounds like Spurlock's PT in the wildcat is benefiting from the injury to Michael Robinson. The question then becomes what happens when players start getting healthy (Robinson/B. Jones) and signing (Crabtree). Jones is out until early October so that's not a big issue at this point. But Michael Robinson will be back and getting wildcat snaps pretty soon, while Crabtree could sign at any point.

I open this discussion up with a simple question: Given that he has NO practice squad eligibility, what do the 49ers do with Micheal Spurlock?

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Spurlock

I think there are a lot of factors that make up what will happen with Spurlock. When Robinson returns will he be able to step in and duplicate the success Spurlock is showing right now? Is Jason Hill going to step up soon? Does Crabtree sign before the end of preseaason? Does anyone else get hurt? Each of these coudl change the outcome and all of them are unknowns right now. I think the first real test of how Spurlock is being seen will be how much is he used in the upcoming games and how successfully does he utilize his chances to showcase the reasons he shoudl be there. Of course the same coudl be said for quite a few other receivers as well who may also be on the cusp.

Regardless I am very happy with the choices we have now…and hopeful that we get anotehr choice signed and in camp soon once he realizes that people get paid for what the actually do and not what others say they can do.

by 9erEast on Aug 13, 2009 8:08 AM PDT reply actions

If Spurlock demonstrates

that he’s not only a good wide receiver but brings versatility to the table, either Battle or Zeigler become expendable.

Kezarvet

by kezarvet on Aug 13, 2009 8:27 AM PDT reply actions

Or Robinson

This could open up a spot for either Sheets or Clayton as If Spurlock can do the wildcat and receiver and returns he fills a lot of spots and I think the wildcat and returns are the big factor.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Aug 13, 2009 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions

Robinson

I don’t know who was the better college QB, but I think the 49ers are still pretty enamored with Robinson. I don’t see Spurlock taking away from Robinson. I definitely think Arnaz Battle’s days as a 49er are numbered.

by sfgfan on Aug 13, 2009 10:02 AM PDT reply actions

Remind me

Why are we/they so enamored of Mr. Robinson. I can’t instantly recall a positive defining moment for him.

by 49shadow on Aug 13, 2009 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Did you see his game against Florida St? Oh, wait that really shouldn’t factor in the pros . . .

I guess it’s his special teams play. In past the 49ers have tried use him in relief duty to Gore than for goal line carries but was ineffective in both roles.

by bignerd on Aug 13, 2009 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions

Robinson is quite productive catching passes out of the backfield along with being a beast on special teams.
1 of his better catches.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcCyY6tub1Y&feature=related

He’s a good runner in space, getting him out takes a little effort. Between the tackles he’s not very effective.

by Dave R. on Aug 13, 2009 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Last year Robinson was a terrible runner

The Niners would need six or seven downs to move ten yards handing him the ball.

But a lot of the ineffectiveness in the Niners’ run game last year was at the feet of Martz. No blocking back most of the time, the emphasis on the long pass to the detriment of short passing.

Robinson did well on passes where he got the ball in space, but that part of the offense may be taken away with a more traditional role for VD, and no need to substitute Robinson into the game on third downs if Davis is there. Likewise, need for his blocking would be minimized with a steady supply of Norris doing the ass-kicking in front of Frank and Beans.

In short, Robinson does a lot of things well except for what his position is supposed to do: run the ball. All of his tasks may be given to others who already are fixed on the roster.

The other thing to consider is Rossum’s age. It may be time for a younger man to be returning kicks.

It would ironic if Spurlock ends up getting more receptions this year than Crabtree. Ouch! I feel a hamstring snapping somewhere!

by Bob In Beaverton on Aug 14, 2009 8:24 AM PDT up reply actions

because a couple pre seasons ago he looked real good

Other than that I don’t know

Thank you Al Davis for Michael Crabtree!!!!!

by Athletic on Aug 13, 2009 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Robinson made a great leaping

catch on a sideline pass vs. the Redskins that extended the drive that led to the winning TD.

On Rossum’s kickoff return for a TD vs. AZ, Robinson threw two blocks that sprung him. Without the blocks, no TD.

Robinson caught 17 passes for 201 yards out of the backfield the 2nd half of last season. He’s a real receiving threat, a la Tom Rathman.

Robinson is a team and special teams captain and has great leadership skills.

The Taser was designed for Robinson who will be running it soon.

You need to work on your recall.

Kezarvet

by kezarvet on Aug 14, 2009 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions

This run would have been it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ttf4EmNm5k

…had he turned out to be a good RB. He is more of a football player than a running back. I believe he can catch well and he hits really hard, as evidenced in the video (supposedly he bested Willis in the ‘nutcracker’ drill as well). Ringing the bell of a 7 time pro-bowler is no small feat. If memory serves me well, I believe Dawkins was out of the rest of the game after this.

by Red23 on Aug 14, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions

A little off-topic, but fantasy focus today mentions that

Crabtree will sign, but not until the start of the season (once the money actually starts to flow). Thus he probably won’t see much of any play this season unless he shines or the niners receiver core falls apart; as he won’t know the playbook and will be out of football playing shape.

There now I've met the 75 word count. -pookeyguru

by moproblemz on Aug 13, 2009 10:10 AM PDT reply actions

Agree.

Don’t expect him to suit up or get involved for a month or two. And rookie receivers’ hamstrings and groins are always stretching the wrong way.

by Bob In Beaverton on Aug 14, 2009 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions

Spurlock

I’m sorry for what I’m about to say.

I think, since its 2009 and we’re a “new” team, that we won’t have to rely on a guy like Michael Spurlock at all. Allen Rossum is still a good return man, and Michael Robinson is our guy for the wildcat.

This is nice that Spurlock is getting the reps and attention, because it will help him find employment if he’s cut.

by Andrew Davidson on Aug 13, 2009 10:41 AM PDT reply actions

Spurlock is already proving to be more versatile than Rossum

So why keep Rossum?

Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.

by methodrampage on Aug 13, 2009 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions

because he did so well last year

And for Spurlock, I see it as a battle between him and Arnaz Battle.

Spurlock is a backup plan since we are expecting Rossum to play it out this year and when teh opportunity comes, Spurlock might as well take over.

Thanks Fooch for getting my pic out there!

Check my 49ers blogs at Mining the Gold Rush and San Francisco 49ers Examiner

by PHUT! on Aug 13, 2009 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions

Is Rossum getting social security yet?

Does Medicare cover him in the training room?

by Bob In Beaverton on Aug 14, 2009 8:27 AM PDT up reply actions

after one week of training camp

you’re ready to think Spurlock is a bigger commodity in the return game than Rossum?

by Andrew Davidson on Aug 13, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions

He didn't say...

… that. He’s saying that Spurlock’s versatility should give him a slight edge over a one-dimensional player like Rossum. Considering the 49ers are going to have to carry Brandon Jones on the 53-man roster going into the regular season, their 53-man roster suddenly became a 52-man roster. Undoubtedly, there are going to be even more injuries by the end of preseason that make one-dimensional guys VERY questionable.

by sfgfan on Aug 13, 2009 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions

one-dimensional player like Rossum

Reports are that Rossum has seen quite a bit of time as a DB in camp this year.

I think the message going out to every player in camp is that no one is going to be allowed to be one-dimensional – if you want a roster spot, you’re going to have to earn it.

My pessimism goes to the point of suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists.

by shlecko on Aug 13, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions

I saw that previously.

I don’t really know how good Rossum is at CB, but the decision between the two (if that’s what the decision is going to be) will come down to if Spurlock is a better WR than Rossum is a CB.

by sfgfan on Aug 13, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Rossum could also be a threat at WR

He has the hands and the speed. so who knows how it will come out.. Any injury and or exceptional performance ( good or bad) by any one could change it all.. So we will see.

by WC-Ninerhead on Aug 13, 2009 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Do keep in mind though

There’s much more depth at WR than RB, s othere’s not really much need for more WR depth.

by Brendan Scolari on Aug 13, 2009 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions

WR Depth

Remember that there are going to be two WRs that may take up spots on the 53-man for at least the first month of the regular season (Jones and Crabtree) and not contribute at all. Jones’ October return is still just speculation, as we all know how these shoulder things can turn out.

by sfgfan on Aug 14, 2009 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions

True

Still, don’t some teams only have 4 active WR’s on gameday? If so, then I think Morgan, Bruce, Hill, and Battle/Zeigler would do until one of Crabtree or Jones can play. OF course, if another WR gets hurt, then all bets are off.

by Brendan Scolari on Aug 14, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions

Hill/Battle/Zeigler

Based on Maiocco’s observations, he thinks Spurlock’s shown more in camp than Hill. I know that doesn’t necessarily translate to Spurlock being better or the 49ers keeping him, but I think Jason Hill’s spot on the roster is not as sure as many have come to believe (myself included).

by sfgfan on Aug 14, 2009 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions

can spurlock return punts?

if not, then he’s not as versatile as Rossum. Spurlock (4 career punt returns) may have a value role in the Wildcat, but how often are we going to run that formation without Robinson, if Robinson’s is healthy/on the roster?

Rossum isn’t a very good CB, but has been a very good kick and punt return man. How good of a WR can Spurlock really be?

Rossum’s Punt/Kick Return ability > Spurlock’s Kick Return Ability/Wildcat QBing/WR

by Andrew Davidson on Aug 13, 2009 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions

at this point anyway.

I won’t rule out Spurlock having a very good preseason, but one week of camp doesn’t tell us too much.

by Andrew Davidson on Aug 13, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions

This is what I'm anxious to see.

If Spurlock has a solid pre-season – which could very well happen, since it seems he’ll get plenty of playing time – then I can easily see him beating out Zeigler or even Jason Hill.

My pessimism goes to the point of suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists.

by shlecko on Aug 13, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Apparently

the 49ers “Wildcat” offense is termed “Taser” in Jimmy Raye’s offense.a>.

by Andrew Davidson on Aug 13, 2009 1:06 PM PDT reply actions

Shhh... Don't tell Alex Boone!

by Joshpreet on Aug 13, 2009 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs

zing!

My pessimism goes to the point of suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists.

by shlecko on Aug 13, 2009 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions

If the the offense is going back to old school after Martz

why not call our Wildcat “The Nightstick”?

by Bob In Beaverton on Aug 14, 2009 8:30 AM PDT up reply actions

Spurlock

Returning KO isn’t as difficult as punts so the key to Spurlock replacing Rossum this year is to watch to see if the 49ers give Spurlock opportunities to return punts this preseason and how well he does in that role. Also in comparing Spurlock to Robinson in the Wildcat Tazer remember that Spurlock offers a LOT more speed, so if he can throw it should give him an edge over Robinson. If my memory serves me correctly Robinson did not gain much yardage in the Wildcat last year because he isn’t good between the tackles and isn’t fast enough to go outside. Earlier I said that I thought Spurlock could win because he could be kept on the 53 man roster a lot cheaper than Battle and not active on game day unless Rossum was hurt and considering Rossum’s age and slight build this is a real possibility. Also Rossum has been playing a lot of corner this camp so he isn’t as one dimensional as last season.

by Black47 on Aug 13, 2009 2:25 PM PDT reply actions