49ers 2009 Season Preview: Drinking a little Kool-Aid? Oh Yeaaahh!
by Fooch on Sep 12, 2009 8:00 AM PDT
in Preview
74 comments
My original plan was to use this preview as my contribution to the final portion of our divisional round-table discussions previewing 2009. Unfortunately that didn't quite work out, but it works just as well as a stand alone piece wrapping up that discussion on our own.
We’ve already gone through every positional unit and what we’re expecting (or hoping for) in 2009. So, instead of reviewing the entire offense and entire defense again, I thought I’d take a quick look at what would constitute a successful season for the 49ers. Then, I’ll take a look at an area on offense and an area on defense that each need to show improvement if the 49ers are going to be successful.
If the team went 8-8, that would certainly be an "improvement" over last year’s 7-9 campaign. At the same time, I think this team is capable of more and should put itself in the mindset of expecting better. 9-7 and a potential division title are things they could accomplish. Obviously neither is a guarantee, but I do think the talent is in place to take that step. And things don’t need to reach a best-case scenario for the team to go 9-7. They certainly have to show improvement, but not so much as to seem unrealistic. Feel free to disagree with that assessment.
Offensive Line
It’s not rocket science: While there are certainly numerous other factors, this offense will go as far as the offense line takes it. Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye has stated he would like a run to pass ratio of 60/40. Very few teams reach this ratio, and those that do are usually making the playoffs. The 49ers have talent and potential depth (depending on how Coffee performs) at running back and they’ll certainly get yardage. However, if the running game is going to take a step back to something closer to Gore’s 2006 season (49ers single season record), it’s going to fall in large part on the offensive line returning to that kind of form. The 2006 offensive line was just beastly, thanks in part to Larry Allen’s final season of dominance. The line has struggled the last two seasons thanks in part to injuries, but more to general ineffectiveness.
I think the line can improve this season because of a hopeful general consistency across the board. The last two years saw Joe Staley starting as a rookie at right tackle and then moving to left tackle his second season. The right tackle position was a rotating door last season, which did not help the line gain chemistry necessary for the unit. This year, Adam Snyder (one of the OTs revolving through) finally spent an entire offseason and preseason at the right tackle position. He’s struggled in the past but I think that could be attributed to being moved around between right tackle and left guard. Additionally the team added insurance in Tony Pashos (in the last few days), which I think could be huge for the line. A big key to all this is simply hoping that the 49ers can keep Staley-Baas-Heitmann-Rachal-Snyder in place the entire season. If they spend the whole season together on the line, I think that means the OL is improved. If that happens, I think the running game can become dominant.
As Jimmy Raye is relegating the passing game to almost an afterthought, I will too. The 49ers don’t need a dominant passing game, and probably should not expect one. Jimmy Raye said the road to victory lies on the shoulders of #21 (Frank Gore). However, almost any good rushing game needs some semblance of a decent passing game. Shaun Hill doesn’t need to drop bombs all day long, but he needs to be able to make the basic plays. Fortunately, this plays into this game. He’s not going to drop bombs on the defense, but he can certainly make enough plays (maybe just enough). One of the good AND bad things about Hill is his proclivity for checking down to his escape valve option. It’s good because he’s usually not going to hold onto the ball too long. It’s bad because he’ll give up on the potential big play a little too quickly. If he realizes he’s consistently getting more time in the pocket, maybe he’s willing to wait a few seconds longer for either the play to completely develop or the defense to have a breakdown.
After the jump we look at the defensive side of the ball and what's necessary to be successful...
Pass Rush
Over the course of the preseason, the 49ers starting defense managed 1 sack. For a team that has had concerns in the past about the pass rush, that is not encouraging. Pessimists (some might call them realists in this case) argue the pass rush has not been improved and will be the Achilles heel of the 2009 defense. Optimists argue the team has maintained a more vanilla defense seeing what players could do in one-on-one situations. That would seem to indicate the team could scheme and double team its way to more sacks.
I think it falls somewhere in the middle. The team will get sacks. They won’t have a dominating pass rush, but it will exist. Parys Haralson had a breakthrough 2009, leading the team in sacks. The question for 2009 is whether Manny Lawson can step up with more sacks of his own. Many folks call him a bust as a pass rusher, but he hasn’t exactly been given the best opportunity to rush the passer prior to this season. Nolan has been over thinking Lawson’s role since his rookie season, using him as a drop back defender more often than not. Throw in a lost sophomore campaign and I really do think Lawson can show some solid improvement this season.
Why is the pass rush so important to this particular defense? Well, that would be because of the lack of a true #1 lockdown cornerback. Nate Clements (2009 preseason struggles aside) is not a lockdown corner. He is still a very good cornerback (let the mockery begin), but he’s not a Champ Bailey or Deion Sanders type of cornerback. The 49ers have solid corners, but they need serious help from the pass rush, otherwise it will be a long day down the field.
I can’t really put a number on what would constitute improvement, but like obscenity, I’ll know it when I see it.
Conclusion
So there you have it. If the offensive line steps up and the pass rush improves from last season and the preseason, the 49ers will go 9-7 and win the division. Ok, maybe that’s a bit of an over-simplification. These two areas could show drastic improvement and the team still struggles. I don’t think that would happen, but there are just too many factors to be able to say with absolute confidence that this or that will happen.
Some folks think this will be a tremendously boring team. If they struggle they certainly could be boring. However, this could be a very fun team if things break the right way. On offense, while chicks may dig the long ball, a dominant rushing game that just brutalizes your opponent can be just as enjoyable to watch. When they can’t stop your running backs from averaging 5 yards a carry, well, it’s a thing to behold.
On defense, the secondary appears to be much more aggressive this year than in year’s past. If the pass rush can improve, the 49ers defense could turn into a turnover machine finally.
[Sets down Kool-Aid]
And if these improvements don’t occur (a distinct possibility), it could be a looooooooong season.
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You Forgot The Most Important Thing....
Full season without J.T. O-dropped-it-again. Instant improvement. There are a couple of games in particular that we lost almost exclusively because of him (The first Seattle game comes vividly to mind.)
by Riding The F Train on Sep 12, 2009 8:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
that was actually the second seattle game....
he managed to win the first one
by sanfranfanmdk on Sep 12, 2009 8:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it was more of
seattle managing to lose the game…
by Joshpreet on Sep 12, 2009 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, SF tried to lose it in both halves
The somehow still managed to win.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Sep 13, 2009 1:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you're thinking of
The Philly game. Or maybe the New Orleans game. Perhaps even the New England game (tho that was more on coaching).
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Sep 13, 2009 2:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
chicks dig the long ball
in more ways than one
by foosball4949 on Sep 12, 2009 9:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
People are so ready to blame the o-line
If the team wins 6 or less games, it will be Raye’s fault and will most likely be because there are 8 or 9 men in the box every play.
by whistlingmountain on Sep 12, 2009 10:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think I'd automatically lay the blame on Raye.
He’s running what Singletary wants and he’s doing it with the players that McCloughan provided. And if Josh Morgan is constantly uncovered I don’t think that Raye will consistently ignore it in favor of an off-tackle plunge.
Now if the team is just sloppy at execution, then you can lay the blame on Raye.
Myself, I’ll wait a few games before I start laying the blame. I even did that for Hostler.
by Bob On The Coast on Sep 12, 2009 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
An adult approach
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Sep 13, 2009 2:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What if the passing game is really just that horrendous?
I don’t know that you can blame Raye for an ineffective offense if we just have a crappy quarterback, a line incapable of pass-blocking and a really meh group of wide receivers. If there’s no reason for teams to fear your air attack, then there’s really nothing that you can do to prevent them from stacking the box on every down.
My pessimism goes to the point of suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists.
by shlecko on Sep 12, 2009 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have to play the cards
that you are dealt (pun intended). Niners do not have a dominate QB or dominate receivers. They DO have a dominant running back in Frank Gore. Team him up with Norris and add Coffee and the Running attack will flourish. Some play action passes will have to be thrown to keep teams from bringing all 11 men into the box to stop Gore. I think that Hill throwing the occasional pass will keep teams from completely selling out to the run. I really believe Hill can be a safe and productive passer.
Our defense will only be as good as our pass rush will allow it to be. One way (blitzing) or another (better DL play) the Niners have to get pressure on the other team’s QB. If we can generate pressure, it will make our Defensive Backfield look better. We have a defense that was designed to stop the run. They stop the run pretty good too. But it will all be for naught if the Niners don’t put the Opposition’s QB on his keester now and again. If we can generate a pass rush, we have all the makings of an excellent defense. Couple that with a ball control type run first offense that eats up clock and that 9-7 season doesn’t look completely insane.
Don’t get me wrong, I saw the giant red jug DUDE running around, and I got a free glass myself. But as one person already stated here, just not starting games with JT O’Turnover as your starting QB is an improvement over last year. I think Mad Mike went NUTZ in Detroit, but I understand that town will do that to a person. Yum this red sugar drink is delicious! Way better that that Silver and Black sludge they are swilling across the bay :-)
Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!
by FaStRmAn on Sep 12, 2009 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hill must be able to burn blitzes.
One key item I think Fooch left out was that Hill must be able to burn opposing defenses that blitz constantly or drop 9 into the box to stop the run. My guess is that opponents, knowing the 9ers are a run-first team, will simply put nine players in the box and force the 9ers to show a passing game. I know I would. So Hill must be able to find the open man and hit him when that happens – not just toss it to the outlet. On obvious passing downs, opponents will simply blitz hard instead of attempting to cover all receivers, and Hill must be able to recognize the type of blitz and know who the open receiver will be in these situations. If he can do these two things, the team will be successful on offense. If he can’t, it will either be a very long season or A. Smith will get another chance.
Right now, I’m predicting a 9-7 season and a dogfight with the Seahawks for the division title. And I suspect our pass rush is going to be better than anyone thinks. I just can’t believe Sing hasn’t addressed the problem in a more thorough fashion than the team is letting on. I sure hope so anyway.
by MontanaPass on Sep 12, 2009 10:22 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
If the Niners can exploit a stacked line of scrimmage
with any consistency they could surprise a lot of people.
I keep thinking of Gore’s great season, how he’d pick up three or four yards over and over and then suddenly, boom! he’s forty yards downfield.
by Bob On The Coast on Sep 12, 2009 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do believe that Hill to Vernon Davis will help that.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
by Eastbayjim on Sep 12, 2009 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Walker
Our TEs, both of whom are mismatch issues for any defense, should see plenty of action.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Sep 13, 2009 2:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Philly game will be a true test of Shaun Hills defense-reading abilities
Those guys blitz almost every down.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Sep 12, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
holy mixed metaphor, Batman!
Jimmy Raye said the road to victory lies on the shoulders of #21
How about rather “the Niners’ march down the road to victory will be led by the bell cow, Frank Gore.”
nevermind…
Morgan breaks through in 2009!
by grantmp on Sep 12, 2009 12:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Ha Ha
I love a mixed metaphor. I drink from the cup of metaphors on the highway of life.
by LondonNiner on Sep 12, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i got a fever and the only prescription is
more bell cow!
It was Johnny Hopkins, and Sloan Kettering, and they were blazin that s*** up everyday.
by 49erLou on Sep 12, 2009 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, there can be something said for...
‘telling’ the entire league what your game plan is for an upcoming season. It’s an automatic 8 or so guys in the box to see if the QB & WR’s can make plays faster than the defense blitzing every which way possible. With our o-line…that’s iffy. But, when I think about Frank Gore being used in conjunction w/Coffee, I imagine the ratio 60/40 of run to pass plays is plausible.
I’m just hoping Shaun is up to the challenge of being quick in his mind because…I think we all know what the end result will be if he’s not.
by Doni S on Sep 12, 2009 1:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Why Not??
Why not the Niners for NFC West Division winners? Why not Vernon Davis to the Probowl? Why not Shaun Hill to Pass for over 3500 yards?
Addressing NFC West: The 49ers have the best chance to win the division and here’s why…
A.) The Seahawks have a as many holes in thier O-Line as a piece of swiss cheese. Furthermore, they have no run game. Hasselback has been injury prone for the last few years and his age is not helping out his cause. The Defense will be Seattles highlight BUT Curry is not the seasoned veteran that Peterson was and there is a learning curve as a rookie in the NFL unless you’re a freak like Matt Ryan or Patrick Willis. T.J. Who’s ur momma is not the sole answer to this team winning the division nor is a 32 year old running back in Edge. There are many factors that will prevent the Hawks from contending for the Division title this year.
B.) The Cards… well let’s just put this in to perspective here. Todd Haley is gone and Clancy Pendergast as well, two coaches that were vital in helping AZ reach the Superbowl last year. Replacing them will be Wisenhunt and Davis (ex-niners d coordinator when we were at our worst). Now Wisenhunt was a really good offensive coordinator for Pittsburgh but multi-tasking between head coach AND o coordinator could pose a real problem. If Davis brings in the same philosophy that he brought when with the 49ers two years ago, well….enough said I think. Fitzgerald will be good if he isn’t plagued by the madden curse (“funny” you may say to yourself, but look Palumalu already got nailed by it)…this happens EVERY year. I don’t wish injury on anyone…I am just pointing out the obvious vuduu behind the curse. The offensive line for the Cards is mediocre at best; they have a rookie center and I think that Mike Gandy is very streaky and at time lets pass rushers in unavaided to the QB. Hightower and Wells are very new to the NFL and will have trouble picking up pass rush…especially from teams that blitz heavily. Which brings me to Warner. If he takes alot of hits this year, he will not hold up for 16 games. He’s 39 and farrr from being an iron man like Favre. Warner has had his fair share of injuries throughout his career. I like Warner but I don’t see him making it through the entire season. And Leinart…well…he’s Lienart. The last factor in which I see Arizona not able to contend for the division in ’09, is the moral of the team, or obvious lack of moral I should say. Through the 2009 preseason they all looked very down and very confused…For the last 8 years, teams that have lost the superbowl, have not made it back to the playoffs the proceeding season. FACT.
C.) The Rams… I don’t need to spend alot of time here. The entire team will rely on a defense that has to labor harder than mexican field workers just to be average. Spagnuolo, has his work cut out. I saw pieces of thier practice this week and over and over he stated, “guys..guys..we shouldn’t have to be telling you things like that in the NFL”. That speaks a thousand words in just a few. On the other side of the ball, they are very one-dimensional relying solely on the run game, run game meaning injury prone Steven Jackson. Which leaves you with Kenneth Daarby? Who? Yeah, that’s what I said too. Bulger and Boller will trade off all year long because of injury or lack of motivation to play and since the offensive line ceases to exist on most plays, we may even see no-name Keith Null (the 3rd string QB) before season end.
THE 49ERS: I think Raye will not be strictly 60/40 run/ pass for every game. He has a high football I.Q. and he will adjust to teams as needed. Raye knows his X’s and O’s very well. Shaun Hill will be above the middle of the pack as far as stats for starting QB’s in the NFC in TD’s, Rating, Yards, and Percentage. If you look at his stats last year, he had 5 wins out of 7 games starting in the NFC which is the most important stat…but looking at his overall stats for the half season he got to play…not bad, not bad at all (2000+ yards passing with 13 TD’s). We could see him quietly sneak up among the elite QB’s in the league. Vernon Davis was named a captian for the team recently and I look for him to step up and act like one. He, Gore, and Hill are all three leaders and will feed off each other as the rest of the offense will. Remember… Tony Gonzales and Shannon Sharpe were captians for the Chiefs and the Broncos/ Ravens when they played. I think the mentality here is that Davis will, at the end of his career, be mentioned in the same sentence as the two players mentioned above. I look for Vernon not to be an alternate on this years NFC Probowl team, but for him to actually make it this year…Behind Gonzales and most likely Whitten of course for the ’10 Probowl team.
I have a feeling Niners fans that we are ALL gonna have a reason to finally exhale this year. It has been a long six years…It’s time we return to glory!!
by Drew K on Sep 12, 2009 1:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Not reeking of homerism at all
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Sep 12, 2009 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's a kool-aid preview anyways
If a person can’t be optimistic now, then when?
by Fooch on Sep 12, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, you're right
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Sep 12, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A real Homerism
Me: Ned Flanders: You ugly hate-filled man.
Fearless Frog: Moe: Hey. I may be ugly and I may be hate-filled but … uh … what was that last thing you said?
Figures: Amphidiorthosis, Paromologia
by Drew K on Sep 12, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
beats saying...
my computer dvoa calculations determine the niners to be 3rd worst in the league…oops i dropped my pocket protector…
by 11allstar on Sep 12, 2009 3:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
pocket protector? Really?
Sorry to say but I’m a fan of FO. I certainly hope they’re wrong, but they do good work.
by Fooch on Sep 12, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really.
computers can’t measure heart…Fooch you know as well as anyone—- we had the same players but a different team the second half last year…
plus if future analysis were so good they’d be out of business…(i.e. put money on their predictions). I believe you’re not “drinking kool aid” with your post, you’re actually making a reasonable determination based on recent performance..
Drew K makes some good, valid points on why our nfc competitiors aren’t as sexy as the media thinks..
by 11allstar on Sep 12, 2009 3:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
last season
Well, just remember we played a weaker schedule in the second half of the season. I’m not saying you’re right or wrong, I’m just saying it’s something to keep in mind.
As far as same players under Singletary, that’s not true. Shaun Hill was inserted into the lineup, Rachal was inserted into the lineup. Jason Hill was given more opportunities and seemed to take advantage of them. That wasn’t heart, that was mixing up the lineup.
by Fooch on Sep 12, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For the love of God...
‘Computers can’t measure heart’?
Really?
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Sep 12, 2009 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I lol'd when I read it.
But then again, they say that laughing is humanity’s way of dealing with immeasurable sadness.
My pessimism goes to the point of suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists.
by shlecko on Sep 12, 2009 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
FO
I think my bigger problem with what you said was the comment:
oops i dropped my pocket protector…
I realize you’re joking around with that, but that has become the type of thing a lot of people say about people who try and utilize statistical analysis with football. It’s like they want to stick their head in the sand just because somebody is trying to look at things a little different than them. There is a place for scouting and old-school analysis, and there is a place for statistical analysis. It just annoys me when people dismiss statistical analysis completely out of hand (I’m not saying you’re doing that, just saying in general).
by Fooch on Sep 12, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Especially when they propose that crap like 'heart', 'will', and 'motivation' is a more valid way to predict this season.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Sep 12, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Predictions...
are impossible to begin with….anything can happen any given Sunday…or season. Heart, will, and motivation have MOUNDS to do with HOW teams win. Not stats!! Or computer analysis…
Answer me this, if stats are sooo important….then how do teams that do not matchup statistically sometimes win games? Stats are for loosers. All that matters in the end is if teams are a.) playing in unity b.) do not create turnovers… and most importantly (the only STAT that matters c.) getting the W.
That is why you play the game…to WIN…not for stats. Unless you aren’t a team player i.e. Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson, Fearless Frog, Brandon Marshall…soon to be Michael Crabtree, etc.
I think Fooch’s point was that both statistical and old-school analysis have thier places.
by Drew K on Sep 12, 2009 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There are so many things blatantly wrong with what you said,
that I’m just going to label you an idiot and exit this before it gets ugly.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Sep 12, 2009 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Riiiiiiggghhht
Good back up behind your well thought out comment.
Buh-bye
by Drew K on Sep 12, 2009 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your only hope...
My pessimism goes to the point of suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists.
by shlecko on Sep 12, 2009 8:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't say more valid
But you can’t discount those things in football. Grown men in three-hour car crashes better have lots of all those or they will lose, even to better teams. That and the ball not being round make football different and more unpredictable than other major sports.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Sep 13, 2009 2:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You do realize..
The “football” is lesser than how it’s used, like a golf ball, tennis ball, baseball, etc..
Don’t you?
Well, we're waiting....
by drummer on Sep 13, 2009 2:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You realize that was the least most important point made don't you?
Stop looking for an argument.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Sep 13, 2009 2:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well..
I’ve been in a car crash. Without a ball in my hands.
Well, we're waiting....
by drummer on Sep 13, 2009 2:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You serious?
Are you alright and will you be okay?
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Sep 13, 2009 2:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
I’m a “grown man”. Who has played football and has driven a car.
And had shot 87 the other day with my old Hogan Blades.
Well, we're waiting....
by drummer on Sep 13, 2009 2:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aha
Being playful late, how cute.
So, what’s your prediction for the opener?
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Sep 13, 2009 2:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
BTW...
I have an Adams set, with “Futility” irons. I see a long Par 3 with water. I take out my 1970’s Hogan 3 iron, and say “F-IT”.
I went left, shaped the shot, hit the green, and 2 putted for bogie.
That’s a win to me.
Well, we're waiting....
by drummer on Sep 13, 2009 2:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too add..
About the 3 Iron…
It’s my Father’s club. He grew up on Old School golf. I grew up on Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Trevino, Watson…
Golf is pragmatic. It is you, and who you are. It’s you against conditions and the competition. There is no room for anty excuse, and the rules are not arbitrary. In other words, you can’t dress my pig of my game. My stats prove against the course, and against the level of play. They all matter. My decisions are based on what I trust in my game. You have nothing to do with it.
You are so far from anything pragmatic, because it’s you against this forum. Why? Because you can’t walk alone with your shit.
Well, we're waiting....
by drummer on Sep 13, 2009 2:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What did FO predict last year?
Did they get the Dolphins or Falcons right? Or did they assume a mediocre team couldn’t turn it around. ANY GIVEN SUNDAY! The 49ers can be 10-6 or 6-10… or anywhere between. If what the Dolphins or Falcons did to improve in one year is not possible by the 49ers this year… then tell me why not? And don’t mention the schedule… as it appears it may be easier or at least no more difficult than last year. This team “can do” if they believe and execute. And they “cannot do” if they don’t and don’t. I’ll stay tuned three hours a week for the next few months to find out… because that’s how I roll.
by jlx49er on Sep 13, 2009 12:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
FO..
Pretty much had the 49ers right.
If the 49ers win? Great. If the 49ers lose? So what. But I won’t call them a good team unless they beat to good teams, and do it by playing a consistent type of football.
My attitude comes from the 49ers of the 90’s mopping up inferior teams, and losing to the Cowboys or Packers. Great 49er teams, just not great enough, but they at least were able to compete.
The 49ers now? Mediocre to bad, but maybe just a hair above some really bad teams.
Well, we're waiting....
by drummer on Sep 13, 2009 12:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great memories but those were SB contenders
I don’t think any (many) people would make such a claim this season. That doesn’t mean the Niners can’t have a winning season or even win a mediocre division. Last year’s Dolphins and the ‘07 Bucs are two recent unimpressive teams that managed to do that much. We agree that SF needs to get better, especially at pass rusher(s) to get to the next level. But in a league where most teams can fall between 7 and 9 wins, this year’s Niners can be in the thick of a playoff run.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Sep 13, 2009 2:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure they can..
But like last year when fans thought just a few yards, a few seconds, or a basic coaching decision that Tressel can make with Ohio St, would make the 49ers a playoff team.
Well, we're waiting....
by drummer on Sep 13, 2009 2:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
60/40 = deault to plan B
To win in todays NFL you must be able to effectivly work the 2 minute drill. So many games are won on the last drive. Hill will be OK. Our receivers should be OK. Hope our protection is OK. Hope our pass rush is OK. Our schedule is tough. We will improve as the season progresses. I predict 8-8. Could make 9-7 if all key players stay healthy. 10-6 if everything went perfect for 9ers and turned to poop for our opponents. This is a learning and adjustment year for us. 2010 will be the real deal.
Nine mile skid, on a ten mile ride ... Hot as a pistol but cool inside
by Shad929 on Sep 12, 2009 4:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Re: last season
Aronius! Aronius on all accounts…
I was at the Monday night game last year in Arizona and I saw more heart out of a TEAM (not individual players) than I ever have. We got the “L” but that’s because Martz made the worst playcall in MNF history. That is when the tide turned so-to-speak. The teams “attitude” transformed under Singletary’s direction. With a full season, and that same “attitude” amplified with the reins of an ENTIRE season, we will play as a TEAM and win as a TEAM…not individual players (that was the former “attitude”).
by Drew K on Sep 12, 2009 4:16 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
play as a team?
Why do you think the team was playing as individuals before? Is there something you can point to that indicated they were playing as individuals?
by Fooch on Sep 12, 2009 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
individuals
Intangables cannot be measured statistically, no…you’re absolutely correct. However, they can be measured through the play and also by what coaches see, fans see, etc…
I played sports at the high school level as well as the collegiate level. I have seen it first hand. Heart means the will to win, work ethics, and most importantly its a state of mind. Throughout the course of the season (from beggining to end) this WAS “seen”…not measured of course, if that’s your argument. Seen by fans, seen by coaches, and seen by upper management. Hence a decision to fire Nolan, bench O’Sullivan and make the personel changes necessary. Why do you think Singletary is constantly preaching he wants “winnners”…Being that I was an ex athlete…I know what that equals…it equals HEART, WORK ETHICS, THE WILL TO WIN, and MOST OF ALL A STATE OF MIND…
I am sorry but I tend to side with 11allstar on this matter of subject.
by Drew K on Sep 12, 2009 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree to disagree
I just view it as a little cliched sometimes.
by Fooch on Sep 12, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can't be a real person being serious...
Aronius! Aronius on all accounts…
Umwut? I think you mean Erroneous.
My pessimism goes to the point of suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists.
by shlecko on Sep 12, 2009 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Moroneous...better?
Yeah, I think that suits you better.
You got the point Proffessor English
by Drew K on Sep 12, 2009 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
fooch
i meant we had the same players on the Team…its correct what you say we made changes…long overdue changes in the case of the QB…it was heart in the sense the attitude of the players changed…if you talk with pro athletes they will tell you most of the game (give you have physical attributes of course :p) is Mental or its between the ears! Last year early on we looked like disoriented drunks trying to navigate a sailboat…ok that’s a bit hyperbole…although everyone keeps reminding me of that cursed arizona ending…
the point is attitude and mindset directly correlate to performance. With the right attitude, (and I believe we have it), this team is going to perform bettter. I do agree the right decisions (coaching moves) also have to be successful consistently this year for our team..
by 11allstar on Sep 12, 2009 4:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
please use the reply button
In bigger threads it becomes too hard to follow the discussion. So please make sure and use the “reply” button that is at the bottom of every comment.
You say attitude and mindset directly correlate to performance and I’m wondering how anybody can prove that correlation? You’re talking about intangibles and intangibles cannot be measured.
by Fooch on Sep 12, 2009 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Individuals
Intangables cannot be measured statistically, no…you’re absolutely correct. However, they can be measured through the play and also by what coaches see, fans see, etc…
I played sports at the high school level as well as the collegiate level. I have seen it first hand. Heart means the will to win, work ethics, and most importantly its a state of mind. Throughout the course of the season (from beggining to end) this WAS "seen"…not measured of course, if that’s your argument. Seen by fans, seen by coaches, and seen by upper management. Hence a decision to fire Nolan, bench O’Sullivan and make the personel changes necessary. Why do you think Singletary is constantly preaching he wants "winnners"…Being that I was an ex athlete…I know what that equals…it equals HEART, WORK ETHICS, THE WILL TO WIN, and MOST OF ALL A STATE OF MIND…
I am sorry but I tend to side with 11allstar on this matter of subject
I will use the “reply button” …I am new to this blog. My apologies
by Drew K on Sep 12, 2009 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
no problem
Just want to make it easy for everybody to be involved in the discussion.
And welcome to the site. Hopefully we’ll hear from you during the game tomorrow.
by Fooch on Sep 12, 2009 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did this thread...
Turn out well?
Well, we're waiting....
by drummer on Sep 12, 2009 11:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think we need some new flavors..
The “Intangibles, Heart, and WILL TO WIN” flavors are so last January. These should have some sort of warning for Diabetics since it’s all sugar and no juice.
Well, we're waiting....
by drummer on Sep 13, 2009 12:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
What idiot voted 0-3 wins
I mean Idiot(s)
AKA.............Optimist Prime
Banned in 13 comments from the Gulls and I am proud!!
by rlott#42 on Sep 13, 2009 2:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Season goals
Using last season as a comparison, my goals for the team this season that I believe would lead to an improvement in wins:
- Turnovers: biggest stat for me from last season. Our TD/INT ratio for the season was 21/19. This year needs to be around 20/12. We fumbled 36 times losing 16. Those need to get cut in half; those alone would’ve caused last year’s TO differential to be even at zero. Flip side, we only recovered 6 fumbles and 12 INT. A 50% increase in both (9 & 18) combined with the offense not being a charity would swing our turnover differential from -17 (wow that’s horrible) to +9. Anything in the plus side makes a winning team. I think reducing them will be easier than increasing but being better in both is the biggest key to this season.
- Red zone offense: Only 10 rush TDs last season. Since we are now truly a run first team, the run blocking near the goal line has to be better, as well as the play calling. Seeing our Rushing TDs go from 10 to say 15+ would make a difference in wins over a full season.
- Sacks: Everyone knows we gave up 55. That we’ll likely have fewer pass attempts should automatically bring that number down. It would be nice to see our QB sacked 35 time or less for the year. Our defense only collected 30 and I doubt we’ll see a huge improvement there. What would be nice is a collective effort due to blitzing scheme that sees multiple players collect a sack or two and perhaps just by having the lead a bit more often in the 4th quarter (thus making opponents more predictable) we could see that number jump by a handful. I’d be happy if it only jumped by one but overall QB pressure was improved from last season.
- Intangibles: IMO we’re better than we have been since 2003 but we still don’t have much room for error. Healthy amongst key players (Gore, Willis, Staley, J. Smith, etc) and thin positions (LB, TE) will be key. Seeing growth and contribution from younger players such as Morgan, VD, Rachal, Balmer, Goldson and Coffee, along with more stability from semi-young guys with a consistent role (Snyder, J. Hill, Spencer) is required and I think expected. They have not yet hit their respective ceilings but we don’t yet know how high or low those ceiling are. Being a good 3rd down team is mandatory to control TOP and field position. And continuing to have a strong performing special teams. We also can not have the kinds of coaching errors as it relates to replay challenges and clock mismanagement that plagued the Nolan era. If Sing and his staff improve this area along with overall team preparation, they will have made the biggest of strides from the previous regime.
Obviously, if all these things happen the Niners will win 11 games. That’s the hope and kool-aid talking. So long as most happen to some degree, I see our guys in every game and winning 9 or even 10. They should be competitive every week and thus have a chance. This will mean a number of close wins and losses but that’s the way the current roster is built.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Sep 13, 2009 2:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I hate when the numbering doesn't work!
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Sep 13, 2009 2:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good effort..
But you pushed it all on this…
but that’s the way the current roster is built.
Good luck Bubba
Well, we're waiting....
by drummer on Sep 13, 2009 2:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would expect no less from you
And I’ll happily take the luck. Take a win however it comes.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Sep 13, 2009 3:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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