49ers Position Battles: FB Bruce Miller vs. Moran Norris

by Dylan DeSimone on Oct 26, 2011 7:30 AM PDT in 49ers Roster

Something I haven't missed from the Nolan-Singletary days is the continuous position battles at damn near every position. When Jim Harbaugh came to town, it was clear that he thought that would be a waste of people's time and energy to withhold information like that, but it appears as if a position battle has emerged.

At the fullback position, Bruce Miller and Moran Norris are the two active players competing for playing time. Norris, the longtime lead blocker for Frank Gore, has been sidelined by injury, giving Miller a chance to show what he brings in Norris' absence. Norris has become more frail in his age, and appears to have taken a backseat to Miller, ability-wise.

Miller is anxious and excited to get out there and contribute as a blocker and pass catcher. Meanwhile, Norris has never really been known for his versatility and it could hurt him starting immediately. While Norris was out, Miller took over as the starter but was never officially slated as the number one on the depth chart.

As of Tuesday, Miller was officially bumped ahead of Norris on the depth chart to the number one fullback. This is worth noting because this is a team that is always looking to build toward the future, and Norris may find himself left out of that plan sooner rather than later.

Coaches have taken notice that the rookie who played defensive end at Central Florida has transitioned much smoother and quicker than anticipated. Miller has been a reliable checkdown option for quarterback Alex Smith, recording nine catches for 40 yards so far in 2011.

Coaches Harbaugh, Roman and Rathman will likely come to a decision where Miller will be declared the starter, but I'd expect Norris to still get reps when he's fully healthy. Having fresh legs on the field, especially for a lead blocker, could be instrumental to the 49ers ground game.

Norris is coming to the end of his career while Miller is just getting his going. But the 49ers have a competent staff in place to ease Miller in as the starter and depart with Norris gracefully. And even though Norris has frustrated fans, I have always had a soft spot for him given his relationship with Frank Gore. He's been a great teammate, but unfortunately, he isn't getting it done on the field anymore and the Niners have found someone who can.

The position battle should become more clear when Norris returns to full participation, but the pendulum is likely leaning in Miller's favor. Norris may be used situationally on third or fourth and short, but the brunt of the work should be Miller's to lose.

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a long time in the making with Norris...Miller just exploited the time left....its MILLER TIME!!!

…bring back the good ol’ days of Rathman Fullback power and sheer violence!

by Hesperia9er on Oct 26, 2011 8:01 AM PDT reply actions

not much of a real competition

Norris was decent, but let’s be real. His saving grace was Gore’s friendship. This reminds me of the Jason Giambi – Jeremy Giambi connection the A’s had. When Jason went, Jason was gone moments later. Jeremy was OK, but you need to be better than OK on a good to great team. Years past the least issue of the day was.. Who is our startiung FB. My how times can change so abruptly.

But at the end of the day, Miller has more upside and more options to the team than Norris does. Norris should not wallow though. Get healed up and make a run at free agency next year if he cannot stomache being the #2 FB. Someone will want him. Again, he is an OK player, just not needed on a good to great team. His NFL experience alone will assist him in joining another team. eg Minnesota or Tennessee? If you have have a star runner ala Gore, you just need an OK caliber FB to pop a hole here and there.

Hopefully Gore sees that as his treads get worn down though, having a better than OK FB option will spring him for more yards and extend his useful RB life for the team – giving him more yards, more glory, and more money as he gets another year to three years out of his body on top of his current run. He can still maintain his friendship with Morris, but still be healthier and richer… I actually have a lot of admiration for Gore for sticking to his friend, but at the end of the day, Morris won’t leave the NFL broken and poor.

by D.P on Oct 26, 2011 8:42 AM PDT reply actions

I don’t dissagree that Miller is the man, but I wonder how much of Gore’s improved play has been the addition of Hunter. Gore seems a little fresher now the he can take a few plays off here and there. I hope Hunter (or another RB2) continues to improve and get mixed in, the days of relying on a single back are over.

"Kompromise, my friend, is the essence of diplomacy, and diplomacy is the kornerstone of love... sweeeeeet looooOOOve"

by CheekyMonkey on Oct 26, 2011 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions

Gore's improvement has been a combo of both Hunter keeping Gore fresh and Delanie Walker in the special motion/run blocker that he has provided

For each of Gore’s long runs against Detroit, Walker was the man who was in motion and then blocked the NT and opening a lane for Gore.

I do believe that as Miller grows into the FB position they will use him in more schemes.

2011 best Free Agent signing: Jim Harbaugh!

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

by Eastbayjim on Oct 26, 2011 9:04 AM PDT up reply actions

Don't forge about o'line gelling

by mrb24 on Oct 26, 2011 1:02 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

Gores improved play

I think the run game has gotten better because of the insertion of Miller and of the offensive line gelling and actually making their blocks.

I believe in excellence. I believe in Alex Smith.

by 9er4Life on Oct 26, 2011 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions

He might have hard time in free agency. Hell, nobody wanted pro bowler Beasley

by thekelvman on Oct 26, 2011 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Norris Fits

the Bill Parcels model. He’s a battering ram for your star running back, but Nolan and Sing are history. The WCO is back in San Francisco and the day are numbered for a fullback that can just block. The Niners need a skilled full back that can block, run and catch the football and that’s not what Norris can do.

Miller has shown some ability to catch the ball but the rest of his game needs a lot of work. His blocking is sketchy and he hasn’t shown any ability to run with the football. This position needs to be opened up for competition like every other position on the roster! We need to spend the draft pick for a ‘real’ WCO fullback and see where the competition shakes out.

by Ninerpoints on Oct 26, 2011 9:09 AM PDT reply actions

Really

I believe the HC and OC should decide the “needs” and will be happy to just sit back and watch.

by Kricket on Oct 26, 2011 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions

Miller is a real fullback.

Deal with it. Not need to waste a draft pick, and they will not.

by Mindless on Oct 26, 2011 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions

a ‘real’ WCO fullback....

How about Tom Rathman and Bar-None? Now those are two top-tier WCO fullbacks.

by hohoholy on Oct 26, 2011 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Agreed!

They brought those skills to the table when they were drafted — Miller did not. That doesn’t mean Miller can’t be successful. All I’m advocating is to finally open the fullback spot up for competition and let the best fullback wim. That means drafting a ‘real’ fullback to compete or bringing in an accomplished player at the position, like we do with all the skilled positions.

To simply stick with Miller is… well…. Mindless.

by Ninerpoints on Oct 26, 2011 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Miller brought more then enough skills to the table.

He is a rookie and he is outplaying all other “real” fullbacks drafted this year, and a whole lot of veterans.

by Mindless on Oct 26, 2011 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions

While That May or May Not

be true — It means nothing. So much depends on the system being used. We spent a third round draft pick on Rathman and higher than that on Floyd. A ‘real’ WO fullback is worth it. We’ve spent more on a safety from USC that isn’t even on the roster!

If Miller is all that, why has he not gotten more carries? I’ll tell you why — Because he fumbles or gets one yard. You don’t see him getting the carries on the goal line like Rathman use to. They bring in Dixon if they have to. Face facts — He has shown ZERO ability to run with the ball.

As far as his blocking goes, his run blocking is getting better but he is pretty bad in pass protection, that’s why you don’t see him blocking much on passes.

The Niner has been smart with their personnel groupings. They use their strengths and shield their weaknesses and Miller has significant gaps needing improvement at this point in time. Bringing in an accomplished fullback to compete is the best thing to do because the position is in dire need of an upgrade.

by Ninerpoints on Oct 26, 2011 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions

It's also called being a rookie

Let’s see how much he improves those things over the course of the season.

I am not opposed to drafting a “real” WCO fullback if it doesn’t look like Miller can be the guy, but with what we’ve seen so far, I’m optimistic that he has talent, and can convert it to production. I def think he is better than Norris, and I trust Harbaugh to know what to do with the position at season’s end.

"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will

by lottwasgangsta on Oct 26, 2011 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Would we really carry 2 FB's

on the active 46-man roster? Just asking…

Because we already know we can use Ice in blocking situations for Bruce…

by Doni S on Oct 26, 2011 9:47 AM PDT via iPhone app reply actions

Norris has to use anymore

He’s a terrible receiver and a below average blocker on a team that is the definition of versatility. Why would we keep him around for short yardage plays? We are already using extra linemen and Sopoaga in the jumbo package.
Norris is eating up valuable roster space.

Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).

by crumpedup15 on Oct 26, 2011 9:53 AM PDT reply actions

*no use

Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).

by crumpedup15 on Oct 26, 2011 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions

Definitely!

Heck I think they’ve even used Walker as a FB and he’s been able to help spring GORE for some monster runs this year….. and not only that but most of are aware of Delaine’s pass catching abilities as well!

by 49er Faithful925 on Oct 26, 2011 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions

Thank you Jim Harbaugh

Norris, the longtime lead blocker for Frank Gore

This should read like this instead:

Norris, the longtime ~~lead blocker~~FRIEND for Frank Gore

I like Frank Gore. He like Patrick Willis personify the character and leadership qualities that old niners like Bryant Young used to exemplify but man at what point do you cut off the umbilical cord? I think Gore grew fond of Norris bc of his 2006 season but he should remember that he had a solid healthy veteran o-line helping him as well. I think Larry Allen was beasting that year.

But yeah Miller is definitely the man. The fact that a converted undersized former d-lineman can make the transition to FB and actually run the ball, block and catch a pass or two are all reasons why he should be the starter. Not to mention his youth, health and speed.

My apologies to Mr. Norris but for years I’ve felt that the FB was a wasted roster spot bc of his play….. I’m sorry for being so anti-Norris but I just feel he was just here to appease Frank’s friendship w/ him.

Gotta roll w/ the punches and move on. GO NINERS

by 49er Faithful925 on Oct 26, 2011 9:55 AM PDT reply actions

To any one with good eye vision, it's pretty dang clear Bruce Miller....

is an all around upgrade over Morran Norris.

by BigMar on Oct 26, 2011 9:55 AM PDT reply actions

Alex Smith....the media assumed that Harbaugh kept him because of the strike shortened season out of necessity.

No one in the media believed that Harbaugh really thought that Smith had the talent and potential to be a good QB.

I believe that Moran Norris was this player. A guy that Harbaugh kept because he had to, because Miller had never p;played the position and was just started to learn the FB position. Miller has developed more quickly that they anticipated and fits the mold better than Norris does for what Harbaugh needs in his FB.

If there is an injury of the 49ers need to pick up a guy, Moran Norris is the first guy to go. I understand Norris is guaranteed his full salary for the rest of the regular season, but with “Ice” playing FB at times and Miller having a good season, they should cut him loose as soon as he is declared healthy, and give him a chance to play for some team that could use him.

by ericalancanty on Oct 26, 2011 10:20 AM PDT reply actions

I didn't proof read this and I'm in a hurry so hang with me....LOL

by ericalancanty on Oct 26, 2011 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions

Cut Norris

by Mindless on Oct 26, 2011 12:10 PM PDT reply actions

enough has been said.

"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Oct 26, 2011 12:48 PM PDT reply actions

A big FYI for everybody...

I’m going to show some respect for Moran Norris here… I believe I read that he and his wife have set up a foundation “back home” [where ever that is] for children… you have to both love and respect that.

Now, that having been said, I agree with the sentiment of the large majority above that Miller is not only our future at FB, but our present there, as well.

After all was said and done, a lot more got said than done.

by OldJock on Oct 26, 2011 1:17 PM PDT reply actions

I set up a foundation also. But I have been only able to contribute ten bucks too it.

"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Oct 26, 2011 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Miller's recieving skills have been a surprise

I thought he would be just a battering ram and the fact that he was a linebacker in college would mean he would need some time to develop into a complete full back. Miller appears to have hands though!!! Obviously this opens up the offense to have miller as a receiving threat out of the backfield

by slim on Oct 26, 2011 1:19 PM PDT reply actions