49ers-Saints: Getting Delanie Walker the ball

by David Fucillo on Sep 18, 2010 6:00 AM PDT in San Francisco 49ers News

Earlier this week Matt Maiocco put together a review of the 49ers players and focused in on the use of Delanie Walker in the 49ers offense against Seattle. Later that day Effage put together a FanPost that opened up some discussion about Walker. I've been meaning to expand upon the topic because I think Walker is a guy who could provide a certain spark for the 49ers offense given his versatility.

After the jump I've posted a rundown of the 25 plays in which Walker was involved. For some of the routes in which the play went away from Walker, I had to guess how the route ended, so usually I just called it a go route. If you have any questions about any of the specific plays, ask it in the comments and I can check my recording of the game.

In looking over the plays, it was interesting to see that in two different 2nd and 1 situations, the team used Walker at fullback for Gore runs up the middle. I suppose it forces defenses to play the pass a bit more honestly, but even still, it shows the team has some level of confidence in Walker's blocking abilities. And in both situations Gore managed the first down, although in one of the two Walker didn't provide any huge blocks. Walker disappeared from the field after he dropped what should have been an easy catch when David Hawthorne got a hand in while wrapping up Walker. I can't imagine he lost his spot because of that one bad play, but obviously it didn't help him.

Now we look ahead to Monday's battle with the Saints and one has to wonder how the 49ers will utilize Delanie Walker. Is he a weapon the 49ers feel is only best utilized when things haven't gotten completely out of hand? That seems kind of ridiculous but I can't really figure out otherwise why he didn't see the field for most of the second half against the Seahawks. He's not the best weapon on the field, but he's one of the most unique and helps to create huge matchup nightmares. He's perfect for end arounds because he is faster than defensive ends and linebackers. He's perfect to line up at fullback because teams have to guard against passes to him in the flat.

I don't think it's a matter of the team not knowing what to do with him because they've proven they do know of perfect ways to utilize him. The problem is utilizing him on a more regular basis. How would you use Delanie Walker this Monday against the Saints?

Play 1: 1st and 10 at SEA 29, 14:51 left in 1st quarter

Lined up at fullback in I-formation
Makes nice block on Gore 4 yard run

Play 2: 2nd and 6 at SEA 25, 14:13 left in 1st quarter

Lines up to left in slot (to right of Crabtree)
Runs out to left flat and picks up 7 yards and first down

Play 3: 1st and 10 at SEA 18, 13:39 left in 1st quarter

Splits out to right, comes in motion to offset I
Gore run up the middle, Walker blocks Lofa Tatupu fairly well but Gore runs more or less right into Walker and is stopped after 3 yard gain

Play 4: 1st and goal at SEA 8 yard line, 11:49 left in 1st quarter

In slot to right side in trips bunch formation with Vernon Davis on the outside and Josh Morgan in the middle on the line
Ran route to right flat, incomplete pass to Morgan

Play 5: 2nd and goal at SEA 8 yard line, 11:42 left in 1st quarter

Lines up on far right side of offensive line
Block didn't affect play

Play 6: 1st and 10 at SF 10 yard line, 8:11 left in 1st quarter

Lined up on left edge of offensive line in single back formation
Missed his block but Gore went to right side of line

Play 7: 2nd and 7 at SF 13, 7:28 left in 1st quarter

Lined up on right edge of offensive line; goes in motion halfway then comes back
Runs to right flat, pass to Vernon Davis

Play 8: 2nd and 2 at SF 29, 6:09 left in 1st quarter

Lined up on right edge of offensive line
Blocks LB David Hawthorne well on outside, Gore runs inside

Play 9: 3rd and 1 on SF 30, 5:25 left in 1st quarter

Lined up on left edge of offensive line
Blocks either Dexter Davis or Aaron Curry (either 58 or 59, can't tell for sure) then releases and runs up the field with a short corner route; Smith has time and completes pass for 14 yard gain

Play 10: 1st and 10 on SF 44, 4:40 left in 1st quarter

Split out wide left in 3 WR, 1 RB formation
Ran quick slant route; pass completed to Davis and Walker makes solid block on Earl Thomas helping Davis (a little bit) get the first down

Play 11: 2nd and 1 at SEA 47, 3:42 left in 1st quarter

Lines up at fullback
Provides a bit of help in blocking, although not much as Gore gets first down up the middle (more offensive line that time)

Play 12: 1st and 10 at SEA 44, 3:00 left in 1st quarter

Lines up in right slot with 4 WR, 1 RB formation
Runs go route (with a little bobbing and weaving); Smith throws to Gore crossing underneath

Play 13: 2nd and 1 at SEA 35, 2:15 left in 1st quarter

Lined up in right slot (closer to offensive line) and then before setting moves down to fullback (Davis lined up at FB and moved out to left slot)
Good Gore run but more because of offensive line hole as Walker didn't really block anybody and actually moved out of the way when Colin Cole came in for the tackle (Walker couldn't see him, it was just bad timing)

Play 14: 1st and 10 at SEA 29, 11:34 left in 1st quarter

Lined up in left slot; goes in motion to right side of offensive line but not down position
Blocks Aaron Curry well but run takes too long to develop and eventually loses the block on Curry although Curry doesn't make play (Anthony Davis completely whiffs on block of Earl Thomas who makes the tackle on Gore)

Play 15: 2nd and 19 at SEA 38, :30 left in 1st quarter

Lined up on right edge of offensive line just off the line of scrimmage; goes in motion to offset-I position
Runs to right as the off-side of a screen to Frank Gore

Play 16: 1st and 10 at SEA 15, 15:00 left in 2nd quarter

Lined up right in bunch formation of 3 receivers (he's in the middle and on the line)
Runs go route to end zone, but pass incomplete to Crabtree on other side of the field

Play 17: 2nd and 10 at SEA 15, 14:55 left in 2nd quarter

Lined up in right slot (Shotgun, 3 WR, 1 RB)
Runs go route, pass to Gore on left side

Play 18: 3rd and 1 at SEA 6, 14:31 left in 2nd quarter

Line up on right edge of offensive line to right of Vernon Davis, off line of scrimmage
Blocks, but Gore goes to left side

Play 18: 4th and 1 at SEA 6, 13:43 left in 2nd quarter

Lined up on left edge of line; goes in motion to right slot (bunched with Ginn)
Runs short route to end zone; incomplete pass to Norris on left side

Play 19: 4th and 1 at SEA 28, 9:26 left in 2nd quarter

Split short to the left in bunch with two WRs, Smith in shotgun
Walker runs quick comeback route, Smith completed pass to Crabtree

Play 20: 1st and 10 at SEA 19, 8:57 left in 2nd quarter

Lined up in left slot (3 WR, 1 RB formation)
Ran end around for 10 yards; Chris Clemons had a chance to tackle him behind the line, but Walker used an extra burst to get past him

Play 21: 1st and goal at SEA 9, 8:39 left in 2nd quarter

Walker lines up on right edge of offensive line; Goes in motion then comes back to right edge
Runs quick out and then slants back in; Catches ball at SEA 6 and gets to 3 where Tatupu tackles him from behind

Play 22: 2nd and goal on SEA 3, 7:57 left in 2nd quarter

Lined up on left edge of offensive line in I-formation
Walker goes forward and to his right to try and block somebody not really involved in the run; Gore comes his way and gains a yard

Play 23: 3rd and goal on SEA 2, 7:18 left in 2nd quarter

Lined up on right edge of offensive line
Makes block but run goes to Norris up gut

Play 24: 1st and 10, 13:53 left in 3rd quarter

Lined up at full back in I-formation with 3 WRs
Runs to left as part of play action pass incomplete to right side of the field

Play 25: 2nd and 10, 13:46 left in 2nd quarter

Lined up at fullback in offset I
Runs out past right side of offensive line then does crossing pattern to left side; Perfect pass in his hands but David Hawthorne breaks it up as he wraps up Walker

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Comments

How about getting Brian Westbrook the ball?

I know that this is just adding another name to the list, but how ludicrous is it that Westbrook didn’t see the field at all. So with Ginn ailing and Williams still out, why not at least look at him as a punt returner. He’s returned 39 in his career for a 12.8 yard average—can you say instant upgrade?

I may hate your timing, but I can't hate your reason for leaving. Vaya con Dios, Glen Coffee.

by grantmp on Sep 18, 2010 6:14 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs

I may be in a mood

but I would think your HS head coach could get this offense clickin’.

by Riceball on Sep 18, 2010 7:55 AM PDT up reply actions

You should probably check this thread

http://www.ninersnation.com/2010/9/17/1694145/49ers-saints-how-to-work-in-brian

Coach Boone: And who's team is this, Gary? Is this your team? Or is this your daddy's team?
Bertier: Yours.
Coach Boone: Now get on the bus. Put on your jacket first and then get on the bus.

by Amigo on Sep 18, 2010 8:49 AM PDT up reply actions

thanks--I missed that.

I may hate your timing, but I can't hate your reason for leaving. Vaya con Dios, Glen Coffee.

by grantmp on Sep 18, 2010 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions

how about Dixon?

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Sep 18, 2010 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

I would rather see Westbrook in as RB

With Gore leading him outside the tackles, he could give us another dimension. At least the defenses would have to account for running play’s not straight up the gut.

by Pat Willie on Sep 18, 2010 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions

Gore? Leadblocking? excuse me while we hurt our running back to get more touches for a Rb that could never take the punishment.

BOO, scared you!!! Blew you to Smitherines, Forget the Marines I have machines that like to spit and read mad magazines -R Noble

by rlott#42 on Sep 18, 2010 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions

I think those last 2 plays they tried with him are the key to using Delanie effectively

Line him up as lead blocker and have him run out wide for a short pass.

But I also see no reason not to use him in a 3rd and 10 situation as a main option. His hands and his first step will convert those first downs. Take advantage of Vernon drawing coverage.

Coach Boone: And who's team is this, Gary? Is this your team? Or is this your daddy's team?
Bertier: Yours.
Coach Boone: Now get on the bus. Put on your jacket first and then get on the bus.

by Amigo on Sep 18, 2010 8:44 AM PDT reply actions

Let him be the fullback, he would have caught that TD pass and he was more effective than norris lead blocking.

BOO, scared you!!! Blew you to Smitherines, Forget the Marines I have machines that like to spit and read mad magazines -R Noble

by rlott#42 on Sep 18, 2010 10:15 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Delanie has been around a while

This is nothing new. It’s great he had a good game, but we lost. We shouldn’t be talking about how good Delanie did right now, we SHOULD be talking about how amazing Alex was. But he wasn’t. It makes Delanie look good that he was the only one on the offense that was productive, because of how bad everyone else was. Also he was the only one the Seahawks were giving us to throw to. Him and Norris, who apparently is two feet tall and hard to find against the white background of End Zone Markings.

by Pat Willie on Sep 18, 2010 10:27 AM PDT reply actions

worth mentioning

Visante Shiancoe said after the thursday night game that the Saints kept the middle of the field fairly open throughout the whole game, which is why he got the 1 TD that he did. They may respect VD a bit more, but Delanie might be able to find a soft spot or two matched up against their LBs

by Rep the Bay on Sep 18, 2010 10:29 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs

One sure thing

They won’t be able to take away both Vernon AND Delanie.

Coach Boone: And who's team is this, Gary? Is this your team? Or is this your daddy's team?
Bertier: Yours.
Coach Boone: Now get on the bus. Put on your jacket first and then get on the bus.

by Amigo on Sep 18, 2010 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Whoa, thanks for the mention and link love, Fooch.

Very cool breakdown of the plays with Walker. He’s a very unique talent, and this team is built to utilize a player like him. They need to be balanced to succeed, and he is almost always involved in their balanced offense.

Btw, on play 25 you typo’d 2nd quarter instead of 3rd quarter.

You know what else I find interesting is how Walker on the field seems to affect Alex’s play. I don’t mean to say that Alex is thinking about it, but when they run that balanced offense (which is when Walker plays most), Alex was really, really good (well, except for those two bad throws in the end zone).

Alex may not be able to carry a team, but I think he showed he is capable of being very good within the base offense. And honestly, that’s what everyone doubted last year. “He’s only good out of the shotgun.” In Seattle, almost all of the plays were under center in the first half, and he started out 15 of 18. As Steve Mariucci always used to preach: Balance, balance, balance.

Touchdown Forty Niners!

by Effage on Sep 18, 2010 11:02 AM PDT reply actions

Agreed

by Pat Willie on Sep 18, 2010 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree as well...sort of

I think you are right and this offense is designed to be balanced as you have mentioned. My concern is that it is easy to go from balanced to basic. Having Delanie in as fullback is the start of a great wrinkle that would keep DC’s guessing, but we don’t do enough with it. You need two or three plays in a row where he’s pounding up the middle for gore as a setup for a play action with him out in a route or motion him before the snap. Westbrook may not know the playbook, but bring him in for two or three pitch plays or runs outside or maybe a route or two last week and the saints would have to spend hours thinking up what they would do if he had a larger role. I just don’t see Jimmy doing any of that.

by NH49er on Sep 18, 2010 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Absolutely

There is a critical difference between balance and basic. Balance is all about run vs pass, and while you don’t want to over-complicate things, being basic leads to being predictable. If you’re predictable, the opposing defense will stop you almost every time.

I like Raye’s philosophy and what I’ve witnessed of his playbook, but the 49ers need to be more dynamic (I really think he needs to bootleg Alex more often). And while Westbrook is a great player, I would prefer he be on the field in pass catching situations. He and Gore both on the field on 3rd and medium type situations could give defenses headaches. But running outside? Eh, Gore can do it just as well. The reason we haven’t had success there lately is a failure in blocking. That will improve as the season progresses.

Touchdown Forty Niners!

by Effage on Sep 18, 2010 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions

If I remeber right

Smith did pretty good in the first half, I think he went 13-17 for about 120 yards, but that’s not my point, my point is we should just move on to the Saints since the team has done so too, could of should of would of its over, now our team needs to leave it ALL on the field and play TOGETHER, win the trenches on both sides of the ball because they are going to need to get to Brees and protect Smith and make holes for our RB’s if they do that they will have a great chance to win, also sustain the EFFORT for the whole game. GO 49ers BELIEVE

by Lyken84 on Sep 18, 2010 3:19 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Also

I read that the Saints outside Lb’s are prone to getting beat in one on one coverage, so if Davis and Walker get single coverage its OVER, our D needs to come up big as does our Offense, actually the whole team needs to, but they know this, I hope they do.

by Lyken84 on Sep 18, 2010 3:23 PM PDT reply actions

Turnover prone?

Am I the only one that holds his breath every time Delanie touches the ball or has it thrown his way? I don’t breath until it’s not a turnover. It’s probably not that bad statistically, but it just seems like there’s far too many fumbles, dropped passes and broken off routes resulting in interceptions for the amount of playing time he gets.

by mrg80 on Sep 20, 2010 12:54 PM PDT reply actions