49ers Position Battles: What's going on with Brit Miller?
by James Brady on Aug 24, 2010 3:00 PM PDT
in San Francisco 49ers News
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PrintGoing into the preseason, we had a lot of discussion here about the fullback battle. Almost every roster projection I read had Brit Miller making the roster without a doubt. A lot of them had Miller as the starting fullback, and I made the point that I don't see how you can say that. He just hadn't shown much blocking prowess, and that's most important for a 49ers fullback.
Moran Norris was and is penciled in as the starter. But who is the backup at this point? In week one, it was Brit Miller and Nate Byham taking the immediate "backup" snaps. In week two, it was Jehuu Caulcrick. In a recent article from one of the other beat reporters, they noted that Caulcrick appeared to have passed Miller up for the backup job, but I'm not entirely sure.
While it's true that Caulcrick had a pretty darn good game and that Miller didn't actually take any snaps at fullback last Sunday against the Vikings, he was in an important starting role on the team. Maybe one a bit more suited for his current talents and possibly even more important for the team. Make the jump for more.
Brit Miller exclusively played special teams against the Vikings. More specifically, he slotted into the spot of injured linebacker Scott McKillop, who himself slotted into the spot of Jeff Ulbrich when Ulbrich went down, and he played very well. McKillop was the surprise performer on special teams and he looked to be a piece of that special teams core for a long time, as well as a solid backup. Now that he's out for the season, he sorely needs to be replaced, and that's where Miller comes in.
It's my thoughts that Caulcrick didn't necessarily pass him up for the fullback battle, more so a combination of the team needing a longer look at Caulcrick at FB and a longer look on special teams for Miller. Being at the game, I've found that one thing I get an incredibly good look at is special teams. When you watch the games on TV, you're at the mercy of which couple players you see on camera, but when I was there I took some notes on Miller's play.
He looked really, really good out there. I can't recall any huge tackles, and he did have a bad whiff on one of the coverage units, but more often than not, he led the unit well. He looked very fast and very natural out there, and it's my opinion that after one or two adjustments, he will fit perfectly in McKillop's role and earn a roster spot in that vein. As for the adjustments, he just needs to slow it down a little bit so he can change direction with more ease.
Does he have a place at FB anymore? I think so, but I'm not thinking it's his route to the roster any longer. I think Caulcrick had a pretty darn good game on Sunday and I want to see more of him. Maybe he can push Moran Norris? I'm not completely eliminating Miller, especially because I think he looked good against the Colts minus one missed block he didn't have much of a chance to make anyway.
Nate Byham deserves a mention as well, I suppose. He's looked good lining up there, and it may make Caulcrick expendable, but I'm not convinced. I suppose we'll need to watch when we play the Raiders. I'll be paying special attention to the FB position. Maybe Miller showed enough against the Colts to the point where he wouldn't need to play against the Vikes? Who knows.
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Just because you have size,
Doesnt mean you can play, or have the heart to play.
I’m more excited about Miller to be honest.
Caulcrick played very well on Sunday.
And then God created Saturn... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it.
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How did Caulcrick do on ST?
Miller would be more valuable as FB/ST with Byham backing him up. They did get a good look at Byham at Blocking TE and FB.
My guess is that either Miller or Caulcrick make it as the starting FB with Byham providing the backup FB spot.. (This is probably why I don’t gamble).
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
I don't see Byham backing them up
I think the situation puts Byham back there on passing plays because he is very solid at it. Come running plays that may be another story. I haven’t seen enough of Caulcrick yet but he was solid in college, it’s his natural position. Miller hasn’t quite shown he can handle that work load as a run blocking full back, even pass blocking.
Caulcrick actually was a TB in college
which I think partially explains the slow transition in his blocking game
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Brit
Guy just vanished. I was against Norris because the second he steps on the field the opponents know its up the gut, but hes the best run blocker. I was really high on Brit but I suppose thats just shorts and shells.
The only speculation right now
I think it was Phil Barber who tweeted that Miller’s play as of late may be a result of him having a bad ankle. I still hope he makes a run at making the roster, but right now his value may be taking a back seat to Byham. Byham is a TE, but he and Miller are still in direct competition.
27 da. . .Shut up mango :P
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That's right
I remember hearing about him getting injured and taking a practice off but he was back out for the afternoon session playing through the pain.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Aug 24, 2010 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Think'n it was more ...
… that they were look’n at the Three’s last game in different area’s of the depth chart …!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's juz my game ...!!
and looking FOR a 3 at PR
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Aug 24, 2010 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions
The FB and special teams
According to television the niners started the game in a two Te, two WR set and one back. This could very well be the way they start most games this year. If so it would not surprise me if Norris is let go, they keep Jehhu Caulcrick as the FB and play him only in short yard and goal line situations? Brit miller is probably going to have to make on special teams. I think Nate Byham makes the team, Infact I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the starting TE each game as the blocking TE and Veron is the receiving TE. They’re going to want someone on the right side to help Anthony Davis block and Byham can certainly do that.Byham is a much better blocking than Delaine Walker.
by bmcrae83@yahoo.com on Aug 24, 2010 3:23 PM PDT reply actions
Byham #2 te?
are you kidding me? delanie walker is much better pass catching tight end, he creates match up problems for the d.
Delanie is pretty good
But Byham is a sure thing as a blocker, not sure about Walker
by mr. instigator on Aug 24, 2010 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Agree with that
It looks like Byham is being played more like a situational player (in on certain looks/formations.) He would certainly be in there when we need extra blocking.
27 da. . .Shut up mango :P
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Byham is a true TE
He is a great blocker and has also shown the ability to catch the ball well. Walker is a situational player, he will only come in when they have plays designed for him as a reciever. Other than that he is a liability as a blocker.
I honestly wouldn't call Walker a liability as a blocker.
More of, just not the best option for it. I think Walker is a starting caliber TE with passable blocking.
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by James Brady on Aug 24, 2010 11:46 PM PDT up reply actions
I dont know
maybe liability was the wrong word. But there is a reason you never see him in the game in a blocking situation.
Actually we do.
And he does it just fine. He’s just not a dominating blocker. But I’m not really gonna hassle you for it. Liability is the wrong word, but I don’t want him in there blocking in every situation. I’ve noticed he’s better blocking in an h-back role. Off the line he’s not as good, but when he gets speed he’s pretty good with it.
And then God created Saturn... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it.
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this
he came in as an H-Back a few times at Indy and/or motioned into the backfield
Alex Boone WON'T survive on the PS...in fact, he wont even clear waivers.
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Ummm , nope Davis is a excellent blocker...
… and because of the mismatche’s Walker gives them make’s it a nightmare for the Defense , Byham will be used for short yardage not Caulcrick …The Two Two One was used most of the time in the shotgun last year , so this is not new…!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's juz my game ...!!
Sorry, that last sentence should be Byham is a much better blocker than Delaine Walker.
by bmcrae83@yahoo.com on Aug 24, 2010 3:31 PM PDT reply actions
It will be tough fo Miller
cuz ive read that he’s been downgraded to 3rd string fullback. Caulcrick did very good sunday and miller just flat out stank. Plus with Byham getting reps at fullback, it looks like he wont make the team.
I don’t really feel like we truly have a difference maker at FB anywhere on the roster, so I almost don’t even care. I feel like at this juncture we’d be better served to just go with two TE sets and hope to throw the defense off that way, so I’m honestly not sure it matters too much who our starter is. That’s too bad, though, because with the way Jimmy Raye likes to use the power run game, we’d be really very much better off with a stud at FB— which is why I hope we draft Owen Marecic from Stanford this offseason and get set there for the next decade ;)
Idolizing Robb Nen since 2002...
by Smoke on the Water on Aug 24, 2010 3:56 PM PDT reply actions
I agree with you for the most part
I don’t have much confidence in Norris anymore, but I would really like to see more of Caulcrick because I thought he looked really good last week. I would expect the coaches to give him more looks the next two weeks. He is a true FB and had a great career at Michigan St. I did vote on none though, because at this point I don’t have a lot of confidence in anyone at the position…“at this point”
One more opinion ...
Norris has not been the same since returning to the Niners; I believe that at this point in his career he is WAY over the hill — doesn’t run or catch well and his blocking prowess has deminished substantially. Frankly, I hope that he doesn’t make the final 53.
As for Miller or Caulcrick, I would rather have either in preference to Norris. I had high hopes for Miller this year but his output has dropped off and I’m not sure why. Caulcrick may be a short term answer but I don’t believe him to be a long-term solution.
Smoke, I’m with you — would love to see the Niners draft Marecic; however, given our CB and DL (and maybe QB) needs, I don’t see us drafting a FB until the 4th round at the very earliest; if Marecic is still available at our first 4th round pick I would grab him quick.
by 49erFanSince1950 on Aug 24, 2010 5:05 PM PDT reply actions
I agree that Norris is not a great player, but if you’re looking at a power running game he is unfortunately the best run blocker. I feel that is no excuse because opponents will just stack the box when they see him lumbering in. I like the idea of byham back there as he adds a new element to the passing game, therefore opening the run game
by mcwagner on Aug 24, 2010 6:16 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Norris sucks at blocking
He whiffed plenty last year
Logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority
MilleR
He played pretty decent in first game and I think the seond game was just a matter of getting a look at the 3’s and/or guys who are really fighting for spots. I think they like Miller as a ST player and depending just how good he is there, he’ll make the team in that capacity. As far as a FB I don’t think a backup is necessary especially if Byham makes it, which is starting to look probable. He looked good as an H-Back, including lining up in the backfield. The real question here is who is the starting FB? I’d say Norris has the edge but only if they think they really need a FB a lot. If they are looking at more 12 personnel they can get away with Caulcrick and hone his goalline blocking for when they really need a FB in the game. That guy can catch and run too tho…intriguing thought if his blocking is decent.
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by Tre9er on Aug 24, 2010 6:18 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
You know that's an interesting possiblity
cut Norris and use one of the other guys as a FB when we need one. Delanie Walker also plays FB every now and then. That potentially gives us three different FBs and frees up a roster spot.
Logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority
With all the talent at DL, LB, OL, CB and S I think it might be difficult to have Miller is he is not also the FB.
I know Sing said that some will make the team because of ST but there is just too much talent. I also think that with Byham also playing FB he may fit in as a back there besides being the blocking TE.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
Byham might take Miller's spot
it is kinda like Byham vs. Miller in special teams and then both vs. how well another FB plays as a FB. One of the aforementioned guys will have to make it for special teams then it’s just a matter of who’s the “real” FB?
I think the smart move might be Miller as the “FB” though he’ll not see a ton of looks there, mostly ST’s and Byham will play a TE/H-Back role and also ST’s.
Alex Boone WON'T survive on the PS...in fact, he wont even clear waivers.
Let's talk on Twitter
+1
Use the TEs. Norris isn’t worth a spot at this point. And we’d have a better special teams too.
Byham lined up at FB?
I remember him being motioned into the fullback position, but don’t remember him being back there from the huddle. As for the FB position, I just want someone that will help us win….no favorites.
As for all these nobodies being so great at special teams, just goes to show that they are a dime a dozen.
More of an H-back
He would move back there like you said to either catch a pass out of the back field or for pass blocking.
Doesn't matter much to me
I’d be comfortable if the team went into the season with only Moran Norris as its fullback, and Nate Byham as an H-Back type. Michael Robinson can play FB in a pinch, and I think Caulcrick can easily be stashed on the practise squad. NFL teams aren’t exactly banging down doors to sign fullbacks anymore. 2011 will be a much more interesting roster battle for the FB position.
Niners cut [insert name here]... days later [insert same name] signs with Seahawks. One man's trash is another man's Seahawk.
by Andrew Davidson on Aug 24, 2010 10:18 PM PDT reply actions
H-Back
guys, understand that H-Backs DO play the role of FB, like as in, they really actually line up as a lead blocker without motioning, at times. Other times they line up as a TE and either stay there, or motion into the backfield or to the other side of the line, etc. So you can use a H-Back as a FB…it’s really kinda like having a guy who plays FB and TE. Similar to an OLB in the 3-4. He really IS a DE in nickel. He’s lined up on the end of a 4-man front, hand in the dirt (usually) and rushing the passer.
Alex Boone WON'T survive on the PS...in fact, he wont even clear waivers.
Let's talk on Twitter
who needs clarifying on this?
Niners cut [insert name here]... days later [insert same name] signs with Seahawks. One man's trash is another man's Seahawk.
by Andrew Davidson on Aug 25, 2010 7:19 AM PDT up reply actions
I see a lot of people saying:
Byham is a true TE
Byham lined up at FB?
I remember him being motioned into the fullback position, but don’t remember him being back there from the huddle
More of an H-back
He would move back there like you said to either catch a pass out of the back field or for pass blocking.
Alex Boone WON'T survive on the PS...in fact, he wont even clear waivers.
Let's talk on Twitter
my point is
an H-Back IS a FB…but he can also play TE…he plays two positions, not half-plays each.
Alex Boone WON'T survive on the PS...in fact, he wont even clear waivers.
Let's talk on Twitter
We might also think about why we want or need a fullback
There is a reason that true fullbacks are an endangered species in modern Pro (and college) football. If you have two RBs in the backfield, or an RB + an H-back, or 3 WRs, you can do a lot of things, some of them good. With Gore and Westbrook, you have 2 RBs that can block (and catch). If the O-Line can make holes and get to the second level to block LBs, the lead blocker becomes less important, especially on a team like the 49ers where the WRs can block safeties and corners effectively. I think you need to design the offense to optimize using the talent you have, not make the players fit the scheme even if they are converted 3rd string LBs or RBs trying to play FB.
If you can have a FB that runs and catches in addition to blocking
you have the best of both worlds.
Logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority
Er
Much as I love VD, that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about a second player lining up in the backfield who can either block for your RB or who can go out and have really nice hands.
Tom Rathman re-incarnated basically.
Logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority
bascially Caulcrick with better blocking
Alex Boone WON'T survive on the PS...in fact, he wont even clear waivers.
Let's talk on Twitter
Why keep a spot for Robinson who sucks at running back when you can keep Miller and Adams who can contribute on offense and defense and special teams?
Because Robinson is better at special teams than Miller and Adams combined
Logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority
Bingo.
And then God created Saturn... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it.
Twitter me and what not.
by James Brady on Aug 25, 2010 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions
psh
podcast bias
Alex Boone WON'T survive on the PS...in fact, he wont even clear waivers.
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