49ers Show Some Promise On Defense Against Saints

by David Fucillo on Aug 14, 2011 3:58 PM PDT in San Francisco 49ers Game Recap, Review 2011

Amidst all of our collective grumblings about an abysmal offensive performance, the 49ers first team defense put together what I would characterize as a strong effort. It's hard to clarify exactly what constituted portions of the first team defense due to substitutions, but the guys that were on the field during Drew Brees' own time put together a very solid effort.

The defense was not entirely the first team unit due to some injuries, but we got a good look at much of the starting unit. The significant changes saw Tramaine Brock, Ricky Jean-Francois and Madieu Williams starting the game. Shawntae Spencer has been out since the end of the first week of training camp, Isaac Sopoaga has been out all of camp with hamstring issues and Dashon Goldson only has one practice under his belt since returning to the team.

Aldon Smith was arguably the "star" of the game (ok, maybe Andy Lee!). However, among the starters I'd say Ahmad Brooks and Donte Whitner put together the two strongest performances in week one. Some players did not see a lot of action go there way, but among players that saw Drew Brees and the Saints offense come at them, Brooks and Whitner were arguably strongest.

Brooks was making plenty of noise during the first quarter. He was able to pressure Brees out of the pocket on one play and generally seemed to do well against Jon Stinchcomb. It's tough to tell how the three-player OLB rotation of Brooks, Smith and Parys Haralson will play out by week one. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say Smith and Brooks are the most talented duo of the three OLBs. At the same time, while they have more upside there is the possibility of significant downside at times. If they can show some level of consistency play in and play out, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see them starting over Haralson against the Seahawks next month.

Donte Whitner came over to the 49ers with a reputation as a solid run stopper, but a bit shaky in the passing game. Whitner had no tackles on Friday, but his pass coverage was quite solid. On the Saints second offensive series, Whitner broke up a short third down pass to tight end Jimmy Graham. Later in the quarter he provided solid step-for-step coverage on Graham after Chase Daniel had entered the game. If Whitner can develop some consistency in pass protection, all the better.

Aside from Whitner, Brooks and Aldon Smith, did anything else about the defense stand out for you?

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I'm excited to see the defense progress

Would be quite nice to have a team that can effectively blitz

Also, I don’t know that the 3 way battle will matter much, I think we’re going to see them rotate rather evenly for at least the first part of the season.

The new safeties look promising and Culliver looked really solid

Really, I’m excited to see if they can get to a 4th or 5th gear and really produce some big plays and scare people. The offense could REALLY use some short fields.

by whistlingmountain on Aug 14, 2011 4:05 PM PDT reply actions

Speaking of short fields

or maybe the opposite, but it seemed like the Niners started at least 90% of their drives inside their own 20 yard line, that needs to change

by sanfranfanmdk on Aug 14, 2011 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Rookie wanting to bring it out.

I am sure they will put the breaks on him a little more this week.

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by Drew Kerr on Aug 14, 2011 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions

spillman stood out...

But not in a good way. Everyone else seemed solid.

by wtlichens on Aug 14, 2011 4:07 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

Yeah at this point

if it comes down to him or Mays come cut time, i’d keep Mays because of his upside

by sanfranfanmdk on Aug 14, 2011 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Spillman did well on special teams where Spillman does well.

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by Drew Kerr on Aug 14, 2011 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions

spillman over mays on the depth chart is crazy and did spillman miss any tackles on special teams?

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

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 14, 2011 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions

I think he missed one on a punt

the one with a big return that wasn’t for a td.

by asmithisaverage on Aug 14, 2011 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Demarcus Dobbs stood out to me. Looked to be pretty good in his first NFL game.

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

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 14, 2011 5:01 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah me too.

Looks like a hard worker and overachiever.

by Jaxson876 on Aug 14, 2011 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Brooks was good

Played hard and under control. He can be a very disruptive force to opposing offenses if he do that during the season.

by Jaxson876 on Aug 14, 2011 5:03 PM PDT reply actions

i think his problem the last 2 seasons

is that he’s gotten off to slow start because of injuries. Hopefully he can stay healthy and create his path of destruction from the get go

by sanfranfanmdk on Aug 14, 2011 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Agreed

While I think Aldon may eventually turn into a special player, I think the breakout defensive player for the Niners this season is going to be Brooks…this will be the year where he shows why he should be a starter.

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

by lottwasgangsta on Aug 14, 2011 8:41 PM PDT up reply actions

practice update

mattbarrows Fan Fest ends with boos as Alex Smith, on 4th and 1 from the opposition’s 3 yard line, can’t find anyone open and has to eat the ball.. about 1 minute ago · reply · retweet · favorite

MaioccoCSN 49ers Fan Fest ends with a Cowboys 27-21 win on scoreboard as first-team offense fails to get in end zone w/ 2-minute drill.

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

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 14, 2011 5:14 PM PDT reply actions

Wow, booing at practice?

jacobtaylor2002

by jacobtaylor2002 on Aug 14, 2011 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions

appears that way. might be a long year for alex.

did not help that the cowgirls were ahead on the practice score board.

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

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 14, 2011 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions

You hope!

by CorneliusJ on Aug 14, 2011 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions

I hope?

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

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 14, 2011 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions

I was amazed at how upbeat he looked in his interview afterwards.

Old Alex woulda been dark and gloomy for like at least 4-5 days after a loss.

Bright side. If there is one at this point.

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by Drew Kerr on Aug 14, 2011 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions

It was sort of like a game if I am not mistaken.

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by Drew Kerr on Aug 14, 2011 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Hey Matt... did anyone block for Alex this time?

by BigMar on Aug 14, 2011 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions

maybe the Niners defense is just THAT good lol

I think judging training camp is such a tricky thing. It is hard to tell if one side does really bad that it’s because they stink, or the other side is just really good. You almost want a split between the offense and defense being successful.

by sanfranfanmdk on Aug 14, 2011 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Lord Fangio is scowling at you in his thoughts for mocking his defense.

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by Drew Kerr on Aug 14, 2011 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Stand out to me?

Well….. lets see

(1) LB McKillop…where was he?
(2) SS Mays…I saw him. So did the other 31 NFL teams. Has anyone offered a trade yet?
(3) Surplus @ Safety….Raiders need one, someone call them.
(4) If J.Smith or McDonald or Sopoaga get hurt…. the talent depth behind them so so.
(5) I starting to believe Culliver truely was not a reach drafted in 3rd round.
(6) If CB Rodgers can actully hold on to his intereceptions…Yes, way better than Clements.

by BigMar on Aug 14, 2011 5:21 PM PDT reply actions

Mays!!!

Mays stood out to me. Seemed to always be around the ball. So why do the 9ers hate this guy again?? Or is it cause he came from USC?

by San Fran Niners on Aug 14, 2011 5:37 PM PDT reply actions

If it was the USC thing, I doubt they would have drafted Ronal Johnson lol

by sanfranfanmdk on Aug 14, 2011 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions

What if Harbaugh traded all our USC drafted players

Mays-Rachal-Johnson, LOL.

Pete Carrol what you think about these guys?

by BigMar on Aug 14, 2011 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Part of it is that several teams contacted the 49ers about Mays, and so they put out that email that he was available.

That doesn’t mean they don’t like him but that he didn’t show more in practice that anyone else. If he works harder he could still make the team. But he has to want to put in the effort.

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

by Eastbayjim on Aug 14, 2011 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions

"Several Teams?"

and you really bought that statement from Harbough?

If true, Mays would have already been traded by now.

by BigMar on Aug 14, 2011 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions

With McNabb going for a 6th round pick, I would doubt anyone was offering higher.

Pre Snap reads, if Smith doesn't get better at it, we made a HUGE mistake!!!

by rlott#42 on Aug 14, 2011 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions

McNabb at end of his career....

Taylor Mays has at least 10 years of service to offer a team. Frankly, I don’t see the connection between the two.

My guess the 9ers may be able to get a 4th or 5th rounder if Mays traded at all.

by BigMar on Aug 14, 2011 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions

I wouldn't take that deal.

Pre Snap reads, if Smith doesn't get better at it, we made a HUGE mistake!!!

by rlott#42 on Aug 14, 2011 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions

I think it was mostly a tactic to get Goldson to sign

if they get a “good” deal they will pull the trigger.

by asmithisaverage on Aug 14, 2011 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions

They may not have the right deal yet.. and he may still make the club...

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

by Eastbayjim on Aug 14, 2011 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions

If nothing else...

We are tremendously set at the safety position. Reggie, Whitner, Goldson are all quality, Mays still has upside, and I am rooting for Madieu to return to pre-injury form.

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

by lottwasgangsta on Aug 14, 2011 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions

maybe it was a tactic to get Mays to step up

a reverse “play me or trade me” if you will

by Jaxson876 on Aug 15, 2011 4:51 AM PDT up reply actions

spillman over mays is a joke on the depth chart.

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

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 14, 2011 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Aldon Smith is amazing

Alex Smith 86%+ QB rating with 22+ TDs in 2012, hopefully! :)

by teekay on Aug 14, 2011 6:13 PM PDT reply actions

Concerned About ILB's (after Pat)

Bowman has range and quicks, but commone sense, footwork and his inability to disengage from OL should be much better by now.

Grant looked heavy (overweight), slow, hesitant and his pursuit angles seemed like the “tourist” version (the long way around.

Kristick has range, quickness, looks athletic and is the youngest of all our ILB’s. He was a bit slow scraping and filling Grant’s weakside A gap, which allowed Ingram to bust thru for the TD. The plan was/is for the TED backer to fill the A gap, thus cancelling Ingram’s run. I believe Kristick’s assignment was run support of Grant?

Joseph looked good on a few key plays/tackles. But, he also looks a little slow in pursuit and in pass coverage.

Would’ve helped imo to have McKillop suited up and ready to go!

by fbGOD on Aug 14, 2011 7:30 PM PDT reply actions

I share some of those concerns

I think Bowman WILL put it together eventually, and while he made some dumb plays, he also demonstrated impressive speed, so I think he just needs coaching.

I think the Niners should pay attention (again this year) to who Pittsburgh cuts after pre-season. They might get rid of Larry Foote, who could start for half the teams in the league, and might also help fill the vocal leader role vacated by TKO. Gives them a little more stability at the position.

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

by lottwasgangsta on Aug 14, 2011 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions

What a shame... Mays & McKillop

both drafted by the 9ers, and this season both should have been challenging as starters and yet neither guy appears in the 9ers plans.

I would hate it if the 9ers simply cut either guy without at least trying to re-coup a respectfully draft pick. I think both guys could make some other NFL team, if not ours.

by BigMar on Aug 14, 2011 7:56 PM PDT reply actions

I think McKillop is still semi recovering from his injury last year. I would be upset also if either of them is cut, especially if spillman makes it over Mays.

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

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 14, 2011 8:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Agree with you on Mays

But while it’s hard not to like McKillop, he just doesn’t seem to have the physical gifts to be a player in this league. He works incredibly hard, and seems to be a good guy, but heart doesn’t always beat the size/speed/strength combo.

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

by lottwasgangsta on Aug 14, 2011 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions

McKillop is perfect for the back-up inside linebacker position. On a lesser talented team he would be a starter. Willis is a freak when it comes to speed and it is not normal for an inside linebacker to be that fast.

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

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 14, 2011 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions

I wasn't even so much referring to the speed

As strength, and stoutness at the point of attack. I’m not saying he has to be Willis, because, frankly, no one is, but he just doesn’t have as much physical talent as a lot of players in this league. He DOES work harder though, and I agree with you that as a backup, he’s solid.

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

by lottwasgangsta on Aug 15, 2011 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Ray McDonald played well

and is good- me like. Improved play-making at LDE will mitigate downgrade at NT, not eliminate it. Speaking of…

RJF is a good back-up/decent space eater. Not a playmaker, at least not yet. IMHO.

Brock….. why??? Adams, Culliver kicked site decorum. In any case… why? Just why?

Spillman made me wretch a few times.

Gibson didn’t play… why?? I don’t doubt there’s a reason, but that was a letdown of sorts, not least with Briggs backing up Matthews in Green Bay, a team that knows a thing or two about judging talent (were that we were half as good).

Relatedly, Applewhite, meh.

Kirstick not terrible, but I don’t see how he makes team if we stay committed to Costanzo.

The Mays thing is tragic but that’s covered up-thread. I like Harbaugh thus far, and Vic, and even Baalke’s ok. But there’s been some real head scratchers on D thus far.

that is all.

by BKisforSF on Aug 14, 2011 8:03 PM PDT reply actions

I guess we have forgot the lesson we learned during Free/Agency ...!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!

by Edggy on Aug 14, 2011 8:53 PM PDT reply actions

yes sir

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

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 14, 2011 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Is there anyway to play Aldon Smith & Ahmad Brooks at the same time ?

That’d be a force to reckon with lol

"Winning means being unafraid to lose." – Fran Tarkenton

by Nelow on Aug 14, 2011 10:07 PM PDT reply actions

yes, and hopefully they do start together

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

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 14, 2011 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions

I think that's the plan

both have to be able to cover too though and that will be the big challenge because they will get after the QB

by Jaxson876 on Aug 15, 2011 4:56 AM PDT up reply actions

Watching the Rams game right now.

They look like a frikin’ nightmare to deal with.

Their first teams, second teams, everyone is just dominating the Colts head to toe.

Their offensive line looks filthy. Bradford has all the time in the world.

And someone tell me WTH we got rid of Brit Miller? Moran Norris over that guy. If we are planning on using a fullback, I’d have to say that was the most moronic thing that the coaching staff decided last year to put him on the practice squad.

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by Drew Kerr on Aug 14, 2011 11:28 PM PDT reply actions