49ers 15 - Vikings 10: Bubble players stepping up
by David Fucillo on Aug 23, 2010 7:01 AM PDT
in San Francisco 49ers News
Email
PrintA big part of yesterday's game was meant to see if the offense could get things going behind Alex Smith. His preseason debut the previous week against the Colts was less than stellar, so he definitely needed to show some improvement this week. And of course we did see improvement this week. The team managed a nice touchdown drive on the opening drive in which Smtih was huge on 3rd downs. It would have been nice to get some more points from Smith, but we'll take the positives as they come.
However, for many of us, the preseason is the opportunity to see what our favorite bubble player can do to make the roster. It's where we truly can enjoy our guilty pleasure players, along with guys who have a legitimate shot at making the roster if they can only prove themselves in game action.
Yesterday morning I put together a post asking which bubble player would make the biggest impact in last night's game. In a game that was filled with all sorts of action, several bubble players seemed to really step up and give the coaches a reason to keep them around. My prediction was Travis LaBoy, and while he may not have made the biggest impact, he definitely stood out with a few other players.
Travis LaBoy: He finished with a single sack, but he was all over the field and always seemed to be getting a hand on the quarterback as he finished with 3 QB hits. The 49ers find themselves in a bit of a pickle because of Ahmad Brooks' injury and the potential of LaBoy and Diyral Briggs. Last season the 49ers only kept four outside linebackers after the final cuts. How do they handle that this year? Briggs has been solid to date, and LaBoy looked right at home in the pass rush yesterday.
Phillip Adams: Seventh round picks often find themselves in a battle to stay off the practice squad. At this point, Adams may have done enough to earn a roster spot. Adams showed his special teams and cornerback versatility, finishing with a team-leading four tackles and three pass deflections. Like LaBoy he really seemed to be all over the field whenever he was given playing time. The 49ers brought in some veterans corners in Will James and Karl Paymah, but if they think Adams can be an all-around contributor, he will likely nudge one of those two out of the picture.
Nate Byham: The 49ers have a battle going on for their third tight end position that is made all the more intense because the team elected to go with only two tight ends in 2009. At this point, if the team elected to keep a third tight end, Nate Byham would seem to be the guy emerging from the pack. He had another solid game this week, as he's found himself to be a favorite target of Nate Davis and David Carr (last week). However, he's also proven his versatility on special teams and in an H-back/fullback sort of role. If you're not one of the first 30 or so guys on the roster, versatility is the key to sticking around. Byham is showing versatility each week, which could be huge for his roster chances.
Jason Hill: Consider this the anti-impact guy who seems to be rolling with some serious negative momentum. While some folks have stepped up, Jason Hill really seems to be shrinking from the spotlight at this point in time. I really thought at some point he'd step up, but with Crabtree getting healthy and Zeigler stepping up, the reps will not really be there in next week's game against the Raiders. At this point, I'd be fairly surprised if Jason Hill was on the 53-man roster come week 1.
Some folks I didn't pay close enough attention to were the backup offensive linemen. It's a bit difficult because we see the starting offensive line play a huge chunk of the game. Do we have any opinions on Alex Boone's performance in particular?
54 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Isn't Diyral Briggs an ILB?
He is listed as so, that would leave,
Willis
Spikes
Bowman
Briggs as the ILB
Lawson
Haralson
LaBoy
Brooks as the OLB
Bumping Wilhelm off the roster. At this point Briggs has shown to be a better choice than Wilhelm.
no
he’s a former DE in a 4-3, an undersized one at that. He’s an OLB.
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
I can see us keeping nine LB's
Replace Briggs with Wilhelm, Balogun or Kristick (I’m still on the fence with all three. But Wilhelm is fading.)
Add Briggs to the OLB’s. There was a thought that Bruce Davis would be in for LaBoy, but I think LaBoy shows more motor than Davis and has the experience edge. We can take our chances at putting Davis on the PS, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s quickly claimed or gets signed off the squad.
27 da. . .Shut up mango :P
I'm on twitter now. Please follow me! www.twitter.com/@yougomango
a risk worth taking
he was a FA, didn’t cost us anything (no draft picks, trades, etc. no guaranteed money) so if he’s the 6th best OLB we’ll just have to waive him.
Sing got on Wilhelm about not making tackles, about just grabbing and slapping. I’m telling you the guy might know the defense but he just doesn’t make plays (the tipped pass was nice, but it was the only play really). A LB shouldn’t miss that tackle in space on the swing pass…
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
He doesn't look confident with his tackling
Almost like he wants to make the tackle with as little contact as possible. He can learn from his younger colleague Mr. Kristick. I saw him make a number of good ballsy plays last night.
27 da. . .Shut up mango :P
I'm on twitter now. Please follow me! www.twitter.com/@yougomango
I don't remember seeing Boone in the game.
If he did play, then not seeing him could be a good sign. They usually just point out linemen when they make mistakes.
I saw him
I plan on rewatching the second half for some thoughts on Boone and some other backups. What I saw of him briefly was a VERY fast shuffle, and a nice pull on a Dixon run, for example.
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
by shuffle
I mean his feet are fast shuffling side to side, kick step, etc.
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
Yeah
It was a missed assignment. He might have thought he was going to be uncovered and started to help out inside. He had at least one other play that looked a bit shaky, but he still ok. He can definitely use more work on his skills. I can see him at worst starting on the PS and getting signed off it if and when someone goes down.
27 da. . .Shut up mango :P
I'm on twitter now. Please follow me! www.twitter.com/@yougomango
I really need to watch the game on TV in order to get a sense on how the Niners O-line played. Had good seats, but that doesn’t help me recognize the play of Boone. I do know that Smith and Davis had time to pass so that was a positive just not sure about specific players.
I have to say that Alex Smith was good yesterday, but I don’t think he was that bad against Indy; some dropped passes played into that equation. It was real nice driving down against Minnesota’s #1 defense without Gore, Davis and Crabs; really didn’t expect that. Is a good indicator for things to come? Or just as many believe a pre season possession!
Philip Adams played great, I mean the dude was all over the field, could be a diamond in the ruff.
Travis LaBoy has always produced that’s not a probelm, the issue is staying healthy; if he does I have no question he will be an impact player.
Anthony Dixon had some “growing” pains, but that is to be expected. He is an immense talent and could well contribute in 10’.
I really hope Gore, Wesbrook, Davis and Crabs play against Oakland, we need our 1st team on the field for a bit before the regular season starts
BTW, the game was great, had real good seats. One of 6 I will be at this season if you count San Diego and Arizona (away). I was disapointed to see the Niner fans go after FEMALE Viking fans, saw this on multiple ocassions. Having fun with opposing fans is one thing, physically taunting female fans is another!!!!!!!!
"He who lives on hope will die fasting" Benjamin Franklin was a fool
"If we are thinking playoffs, why not look towards the mountaintop"
I like my quote better
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 23, 2010 7:46 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Saw lots of good in that game yesterday
Loved the play of LaBoy, Adams and even Byham. Would’ve liked him to bring in that one when he got hit and the ball came loose, but the defenders helmet came right in on the ball. Adams was impressive in his coverage and nearly had the big interception. LaBoy was consistant and making tons of plays while he was out there. Oh, and I can’t forget Ziggy who should be a lock to make the team.
As for what I didn’t like, obviously Wilhelm’s play made me gag. The one missed tackle that he got chewed out for was no good. It’s becoming more of a shame that McK went down for the year. And even though it’ll start some arguement, Nate Davis was exactly what I thought he would be. His performance against better competition proves that he’s not what everyone thinks he is. I will say that the long pass to Ginn was incredible. The one before that that he dropped seemed like a bad pass.
No argument about Nate here
I agree with Sing about Nate because it looks like his physical gifts are making up for not knowing the role well enough yet. We shouldn’t give up on him yet because he’s a longer term project but he hasn’t earned 2nd string over Carr.
As for the pass to Ginn, that worked only because the Vikings weren’t expecting it on 3rd and 2. If Ginn can’t beat single coverage then, he shouldn’t be lining up as WR. I was hoping to be surprised with Ginn but he’s living down to his Dolphin rep – enough catches to give you hope but too many drops and skittish in traffic. Collinsworth had it right on Ginn’s drop – Crabtree woulda had it.
by DeathValleyCarl on Aug 23, 2010 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Crabtree def. would have had that
Heck Byham was pulling down high passes even. I’m just disappointed they haven’t sent Ginn deep much at all this PS. Wondering if they’re not showing their cards just yet or what the deal is but when they put him in and pretend he’s a real live WR he shows his stripes…
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
Those are the kind of cards you don't show in PS
but I’m losing confidence in Ginn to catch enough deep ones to “sell the threat”. Hill too. We probably won’t find out for awhile. I think Ziggie’s #4.
by DeathValleyCarl on Aug 23, 2010 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Yup it's juz vanilla on the Offense ...
… don’t even think they game plan for any of these game’s ,…!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's juz my game ...!!
One "bubble" name that wasn't mentioned but worth naming
Brit Miller, I’m wondering if his stock is dropping. He’s showing barely more value than the guy who’s supposedly projected to make the team (Norris) and not as much as his closest bubble competition (Byham). At this point I can see him lasting till Sept 4th, but all bets are off IMO for what happens after that.
27 da. . .Shut up mango :P
I'm on twitter now. Please follow me! www.twitter.com/@yougomango
Yeah
A while ago he was looking to take over for Norris, now he’s like invisible.
by mr. instigator on Aug 23, 2010 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Brit Miller looked
different last night. When he took his helmet off it didnt look like him, or maybe they showed the wrong guy and said it was him.
Um, how am i supposed to sign this thing? It's a computer?!
There was another player with his number, but I think he played on defense.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
Bruce Davis
yeah, but when it was a no-no on Miller, I made sure to verify the player inside the helmet and the few I saw were actually him…2 more PS games to go though.
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
his special teams play wasn't great
he missed a tackle and then had a hold or ineligible on another ST play.
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
Miller will likely be a late decision
like 53rd or 54th man type deal
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
A little confused...
You’re saying that Britt Miller is showing “barely more value” than Moran Norris? If that was the case, wouldn’t that be positive for Miller? After all, he is a second year, converted LB.
"Son, I'm going to break you like a wild horse." - Mike Singletary
It is
But he’s not showing as much as Byham. Right now it looks like that’s the difference between him having a great chance and a 50/50 chance of making the roster.
27 da. . .Shut up mango :P
I'm on twitter now. Please follow me! www.twitter.com/@yougomango
I'm sure your right
I just didn’t know they were in direct competition (Byham & Miller), although I suppose they sort of are. They do play different positions, but there is some overlap in use.
"Son, I'm going to break you like a wild horse." - Mike Singletary
They are from a ST standpoint and Byham has also been playing a bit of H-back/FB.
27 da. . .Shut up mango :P
I'm on twitter now. Please follow me! www.twitter.com/@yougomango
If Byham does good int he H-back/FB role then he would be the backup FB if needed
That may make the FB decision easier since Miller doesn’t have the experience he could beat out Norris if they know a backup FB will not take another roster spot.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
starting to think Byham has that spot locked
he’s caught 3 passes in each of the first two PS games, not to mention his blocking has looked pretty good and he’s playing H-Back and Special Teams.
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
Boone
Ok I rewatched the second half just now and slo-mo’d some key plays. Here’s what I found:
Boone is strong, really strong. If he get’s his hands on you, forget about it. He was stellar in run blocking (as you might expect and seems to be the case for most of our OL’s) usually ending up with a pancake or the defender 10 yards down field. He pulls very quickly and my word is he a big kid…he’s super tall which makes him look like Andre the Giant coming around the corner at times.
His pass blocking is where he struggled and it was only really on edge rushes. He didn’t get wide enough early enough (same thing Anthony Davis has been struggling with thus far). If he got his hands on the rusher though it was over.
There was one pressure that was a missed protection by the H-back in the game (49, Finley). On another play it looked to me like Dixon should have chipped then released on the screen but instead he ran by the rusher while Boone protected outside and thus there was a free inside rush.
Overall he shows tremendous strength, great run-blocking, and is about 60/40 in pass blocking. Having good help next to him and in the backfield as well as working on a quick punch and taking a fast, wide first step to cut the defender off would help him round out his game. It’s funny though, most of our OL’s are better run blockers than pass blockers, so at least in that way Boone fits in.
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
Thanks for the writeup Tre. I think the decision will come down to how Solari and Brown view Boone and Sims
If they feel they can work with him and make him a better pass blocker then he could be in.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
really,
I think if he were forced into action he would rise to the challenge. I think he’d be no worse than Davis is going to be through his growing pains. Plus he can play both sides and looked equally comfortable RT or LT.
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
At least with Boone, there would be a future - Not so with Sims
by DeathValleyCarl on Aug 23, 2010 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions
this is how I fell
though i know several others feel we’d be doomed if Boone were the backup this year
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
Seems like it would be just a calculated risk.
Staley isn’t (for sure) going to get hurt again and Boone is now attractive enough to other teams if he doesn’t make our 53. We’d have a versatile set of backups with Baas, Snyder and Boone.
by DeathValleyCarl on Aug 23, 2010 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions
how do you know
that he will have a future? we know sims is in his last year but he will play very solid.
he has upside
he’s obviously coachable and has improved in a year already. I don’t think he’s near his ceiling yet. He’s very big and agile. Technique is all he needs to round out his game. If Boone is cut I guarantee someone will sign him.
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
Adams
wow, that kid is physical. He likes to mix it up in run support and made some nice open field tackles too. He likes to stick his nose in there and he was also around the ball in the passing game a lot too. I think we found a nice little late round steal here to develop. If James is hurt right now (again) I wouldn’t mind keeping Adams around, maybe PS him if roster is full.
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
Defensive Depth
there is a good bit of it on this team. Especially DL and LB’s. Heck they could keep 18 guys just between the front 7. Good problem to have. Offense is starting to show good depth too although the OL could use a little more I think.
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
How does everyone feel about Jehuu Caulcrick?
I think that guy could be really good. But I just don’t see any room for him on the roster. I think he’s elligible for PS, but again I just don’t see when we would ever need him barring injury and/or to see how he can contribute on ST’s.
27 da. . .Shut up mango :P
I'm on twitter now. Please follow me! www.twitter.com/@yougomango
PS would probably be the best option for Caulcrick
But PS slots will fill up fast. Moran Norris will probably play this season as his last one with the Niners. Could have a TC battle between Miller and Caulcrick next year.
by Mood_Indigo on Aug 23, 2010 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions
I can see this being Norris' last year
He’s just not valuable enough to count $1.5M in salary and like another $500K in signing bonus next year.
27 da. . .Shut up mango :P
I'm on twitter now. Please follow me! www.twitter.com/@yougomango
he's a good runner
has to learn the blocking assignments better though. Good receiver too. Big heart too.
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
Seems like every game there are risers and fallers
guys who looked good against Indy were quiet (some of them) this game. Who knows what happens next game.
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Tedd Ginn/Delanie Walker, Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook...which one is getting the ball and where?
Let's talk on Twitter
Payrse Harrilson
Not that he’s in jeopardy of losing a roster spot, but he lost contain and blew coverage in the same drive against AP, who I hear is pretty good. Both plays went over 10 yards.
I know what I'm talking about, I started at right guard for the 1992 College Park Falcons.
Anybody have any news on Abroyo Franklin?
not he is on the bubble but at this point he should make it to make it to camp in order to be solidify the DL and pash rush.
he'll probably sign within a week
Alex Boone WON'T survive on the PS...in fact, he wont even clear waivers.
Let's talk on Twitter
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Niners Nation
Related FanShots on Niners Nation
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- The Shutdown Corner Podcast: Greg Cosell on the NFC South Draft
- BREAKING: Tim Tebow did not become a great quarterback today
- Jerry Jones says Cowboys championship window is closing; Tony Romo disagrees
- Lawrence Taylor was told his Super Bowl ring was bought by Charlie Sheen
- Chad Ochocinco gets robbed, mourns loss of Starbucks gold card
