Snap judgments on the offensive lineman

by James Brady on Jun 20, 2010 7:00 AM PDT in San Francisco 49ers News

It has been widely assumed that both Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis would have the starting job in week one at left guard and right tackle, respectively. It's also been widely assumed that Iupati would be an immediate dominant factor, and that Davis would represent an immediate step up from what we were treated to last season in Adam Snyder.

Early reports out of the last minicamp suggest that both of these guys need to slow down just a little bit. After reading that, I'm certainly being a little more quiet on advocating these guys, but obviously--the pads have not gone on, it's only June and these guys are indeed rookies. Still, what is the best course of option?

We have talked about this several times but I reckon we can talk about it again before the pads go on and at least a few questions are answered. Iupati still seems set to be the starting left guard, he was viewed as NFL-ready for a reason, but he was beat several times in one-on-one drills. Being beaten by Demetric Evans is one that hurts a little. Still, as Phil Barber notes in the link above, he did redeem himself and beat all of those guys in the end. It only takes one, though. Would you prefer David Baas to start over Mike Iupati at this point, is it still Iupati for you, or is it too early to tell? I'd assume if we can judge that Iupati should start so early, we can also judge that he shouldn't start, yes?

Davis is very young, very raw. Despite the fact that he has become one of my favorite players due to back-and-forths on Twitter (guys has a legit awesome taste in music, good sense of humor, etc), I still view him as an immediate upgrade to Adam Snyder. Even once the pads go on I feel like we'll see many mistakes from Davis, but again--very raw, very young guy. What I have to wonder is, should he be thrown in there to start and learn, or would.. and don't kill me on this... would Adam Snyder be an actual, factual starting option at the right tackle position from day one?

Another option would be Alex Boone, though he has been working at the left tackle spot more than anything at practice. I don't think anyone considers Barry Sims an option at right tackle. What about rotating? There are some who think it would be good to get Davis into the mix, but there are some (me included) who think rotating on the offensive line is one of the worst things you can do.

Just give me your early, harsh or not-harsh-enough judgement on the situation.

Poll

What is the best course of action for our offensive lineman?

Iupati and Davis Week 1

323 votes

Iupati and Snyder Week 1

102 votes

Baas and Snyder Week 1

22 votes

Baas and Davis Week 1

10 votes

Rotate Them In

78 votes

I like being different. You guys are all sheep. (Other, please explain.)

16 votes

551 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 35 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

I'm sticking with both rookies

However its too early to make judgments based on OTA observations. There are just too many things we haven’t seen yet. Will Iupati continue to grab? Will Iupati consistently pull and engage the defender? We move those guys a lot. Will Davis flatten people when he can fully punch? Will they get beat initially by the speed of the game?

I don’t think that at all… and of course this is all speculation on your behalf
by Drew K on Apr 14, 2010 2:05 PM PDT

by goatfather on Jun 20, 2010 7:36 AM PDT reply actions

Sticking with the rooks, get them in and get their feet wet.

I think they can be ready, I also would ratther we put our best 5 together in preseason so they can gel as much as possible, we have a tough season opener…

Black Sand Ninja!!!

by rlott#42 on Jun 20, 2010 7:55 AM PDT reply actions

I feel we made a big bold ''Statement''4 a reason when we grabbed both of them basically saying'' these are

Blue Chip Studs want some come get some ‘’we can’t start ‘’pussy-footing’‘,once the season starts i feel if you put 1 out there and not the other you basically ’’killing that dude confidence’’feel me lott?

by jayjonna415 on Jun 20, 2010 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions

but of course I do.,

Black Sand Ninja!!!

by rlott#42 on Jun 20, 2010 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions

''The cardinals''thats tough don't get me wrong (if thats who we open up with?) they've made it 2 the SB and playoffs

lately and their coach look like a cross between ‘’charles bronson and the duke’‘but their not tough i’m sorrry i’m not buying it ,their like ‘’internet gangstas’‘say all the tough (bleep)may even have few pics with them ’’holding straps ‘’but the odds of them even getting close 2 you is ’’astronimicall’’(unless your dumb enough 2 give up your information) are they a good team yes do they have good players yes but ‘’my 6yr old niece are tougher then them’’

by jayjonna415 on Jun 20, 2010 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions

Ha

That’s one helluva sentence

by crumpedup15 on Jun 20, 2010 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions

But i do agree with you we should start them early and often a start them as a unit.

by jayjonna415 on Jun 20, 2010 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions

I think evaluating Iupati negatively based on 1 on 1 drills is premature

the reason he is better at guard is that he plays inside a confined space with bodies on both sides, which makes his mass and strength more effective and negates his need to go 1 on 1 with space to both sides.

I think the plan is to get them both in right away, so they are up to speed for the 2nd half of the season and the playoffs.

They're called RUNS for a reason.

by connie mack on Jun 20, 2010 9:18 AM PDT reply actions

During blitz situations when the center and tackle are occupied, the one on one is major.

It is very important due to that. Especially since we all know in this league, rookie OL are tested with the blitz.

Black Sand Ninja!!!

by rlott#42 on Jun 20, 2010 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions

Thers some ambiguity here

you both have valid points.

by dalien82 on Jun 20, 2010 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions

I agree

however, like Davis said (I think the quote was in the Nuggets), these drills are more about footwork and hand placement when they are run without pads. But if we continue to hear about this once the pads come on, it may. Footwork and hand placement never really sounded like Iupati’s strengths so there may be some growing pains.

And just to add to your point rlott, when facing a 3-4 defense, Iupati will be asked to face the RE probably on his own which means that he needs to get good at one on one because he is going to have to face Darnell Dockett twice a year.

by ZeroOneInfinity on Jun 20, 2010 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions

In games where he is facing an elite guy

I think the strategy will be to go right at him. Iupati for his faults as a pass blocker is a physical monster when it comes to run blocking. We will just put Iupati and Heitmann on Dockett and run right over him again… and again… and again… and again. By the time Alex is passing he’ll be tired and frustrated from getting mauled.

That’s if we’re smart which is one thing that is a big wait for see.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jun 20, 2010 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't think we could consistently put Heitmann with Iupati

If the NT is right over Heitmann, it would be difficult to shift everyone over just to help block Dockett. Don’t forget that the Cardinals now have Dan Wiliams, so that entire D-line could be good. Plus if Dockett lines up in the gap between LT and LG, that basically leaves Iupati in a one on one situation because Staley will probably have to block Joey Porter. The best hope is for Iupati to be able to handle him one on one.

by ZeroOneInfinity on Jun 20, 2010 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions

That's a good point

You’ve got me there. However, I still think as far as run blocking goes 1-on-1 Iupati gets Dockett and has him moving downhill more often than Dockett clogs the lane or shed’s Iupati.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jun 20, 2010 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Maybe after a year or so, the trenches are just about brute strength, it does involve a lot of technique and Dockett is not a pushover.

Black Sand Ninja!!!

by rlott#42 on Jun 20, 2010 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions

during blitz pickup it does count

but its still a more confined space. I think the bigger test for guards on blitz pickup is getting your assignment right as blitzes often include stunts which are implemented with a much higher level of technicality at the pro level than Iupati saw at Idaho. So long as he doesn’t blow assignments he will be fine.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jun 20, 2010 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions

I do not want 2 see ''Sims''out there ever,and i mean ever i don'tknow why some people some people ,seem

okay with using ‘’Sims in any form or fashion ’’whether it be subbing he in or threw injury,this dude is worthless 2 me why he’s still around are team ‘’be-fuddles me lol’‘.But 4 real if were depending on ’’sims and synider’’in any way this season is ’’a wash (okay thats a little extreme lol ), they both have 2 good plays then 3 bad ones give some other OL 2 get their feet wet let those 2 go.

by jayjonna415 on Jun 20, 2010 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions

I want both to start if they are better, but if a guard fucks up, there is mostly help, a tackle fucks up, sack/fumble/incompletion… Smith/Gore choice.

We are close enough they can learn, but they CANNOT cost us a game because they arent ready… so if they aint trustworthy in the fourth quarter of a close game, dont make them cost us because they are first rounders… especially with the NFC west open for us to stand up and take it.

by Svedish Chef on Jun 20, 2010 9:35 AM PDT reply actions

Based off of what you said, what do you think would be the best approach?

Bringing them in late in the season when defenses are more in sync, could be bad for them going forward.

Black Sand Ninja!!!

by rlott#42 on Jun 20, 2010 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions

I just butchered that comment lol by the way '''Happy Fathers Day''2 the father's out there don't know if you are lott,but

2 the ones out there ’’’Its our day’’we get what we want 2 eat ,what we want 2 watch,and sex as long as we want/when we want,if not we should atleast get 1 out of the 3 lol?

by jayjonna415 on Jun 20, 2010 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Thankyou, yes I am a proud 1 at that.

Black Sand Ninja!!!

by rlott#42 on Jun 20, 2010 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions

That true ''chef''never looked at that way?

by jayjonna415 on Jun 20, 2010 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions

I should have posed the question to all.....

If they do not start week 1 what do you feel is the best approach to bring them in??

Black Sand Ninja!!!

by rlott#42 on Jun 20, 2010 10:57 AM PDT reply actions

Well I think they should get in as soon as possible

so if they are not starters by week 1, I’m hoping week 3. Looking at the schedule, I wouldn’t mind them missing week 2 against the Saints where their DC would expose their inexperience. However, week 3 is KC and while KC are not push-overs, I think that is a game where they could build confidence as the 49ers would try to run all over the Chiefs. Same thing with week 4 against Atlanta (not pushovers but not scary either). But Philly, Oakland, Arizona, Green Bay, and possibly Denver could be games where they are going to have some trouble.

by ZeroOneInfinity on Jun 20, 2010 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Hey ''zero'' singletary do you put their ''lockers''by each-other or is that 2 much kind of like those ''traditions where

you don’t have a say in who you marry ‘’like the movie ’’cOMING 2 AMERICA’’

by jayjonna415 on Jun 20, 2010 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions

I would prefer they play the Saints game, since their weakness is run defense.

I think that will be the best confidence builder, “mauling the champs up front” that could be great for the whole team and I expect a win that week, in NO, or not.

Black Sand Ninja!!!

by rlott#42 on Jun 20, 2010 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Ya

We shouldn’t try to hide our rookie lineman. Let em play and learn what the best teams do to attack them.
We could be facing the Saints in the playoffs this year…..

by crumpedup15 on Jun 20, 2010 8:41 PM PDT up reply actions

I want these guys to start Week 1.

No use in sitting either of them. They won’t learn the speed of the game sitting on the bench. They also won’t learn from their mistakes if they aren’t allowed to make any.

I survived the David Carr Press Conference Thread 3/06/2010
Credit to iaalexeeff
It's official: I'm a Buster Posey fan..... Who isn't?

by Hoopers Judge on Jun 20, 2010 11:14 AM PDT via mobile reply actions

People, People,

It’s just June! Give them a chance to learn. Did you except them to come in & be PB players from get-go? Give the coach’s time to work with the rooks. Hell, pads ain’t on yet. I’m waiting till the first preseason game to pass judgement. Unless in TC they show that they need more time before they start. Our coaches are very good, they will know when the rooks are ready. Give them the time they need. Those rooks want to start more than we want them to start on the first Sunday of the season. They will work to get there! I’m glad Evans beat Iupati, the man must learn from his mistakes. Beat him/them NOW! So it doesn’t happen when it counts.
That’s my 2 cents.

"Moving Forward."

by L. J on Jun 20, 2010 11:56 AM PDT reply actions

+1

Give them time to learn and make mistakes. For christs sakes they haven’t even completed their first camp and people expect them to be play at a HOF level. It’s first time they ran the drill, give them some room!

by bignerd on Jun 20, 2010 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Love them both ...

… and think’n they were great pick’s , but what i like more is that the team brought inn Solari and Brown .. if they’re ready Solari and Brown will know … so this i leave in they’re hand’s …!!

Kewl

by Edggy on Jun 20, 2010 12:20 PM PDT reply actions

Good Point. Also, having them go through TC and then start through 4 PS games they should be ready to go for the regular season.

There will be some mistakes but the longer the 5 OL play together as Statley, Iupati, Heitmann, Rachal and Davis… the better they will get.

Let them start in game 1 and on.

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

by Eastbayjim on Jun 20, 2010 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Iupati and Davis or Boone..or Iupati and Staley goes to RT and Sims plays LT (where he outplayes Staley last year).

I know what I'm talking about, I started at right guard for the 1992 College Park Falcons.

by Johnnysixnut on Jun 20, 2010 6:00 PM PDT reply actions

Said it before and I'll say it again

Get em both in there right away to cut their teeth. We have no division games after the opener until about week 10 or so. They can get all that experience before we hammer the division with our physicality!!!

by crumpedup15 on Jun 20, 2010 8:32 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

I don't think we can judge such a physical position on the field until we have seen them in full pads with full contact.

Hopefully they make this decision easy…but either way we already know what we have in Snyder/Baas etc and If these guys are even close to ready there is no reason to delay their development for 2 guys that we already can safely say won’t be the answer.

by ManBearPig21 on Jun 21, 2010 11:17 AM PDT reply actions