49ers Free Agency Strategy: Pass Rush/Secondary, Chicken/Egg?
by Tre9er on Aug 2, 2011 9:00 AM PDT
in 2011 49ers Free Agents
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PrintWe've all been relatively impatient with the 49ers self-proclaimed "patient approach" to free agency. One of the most notable positions from which the team has seemingly stayed away is cornerback. Nate Clements left in free agency to the Bengals just last week and the team has yet to replace him with a starting-caliber CB.
Curtis Holcomb, the team's seventh round draft-pick, suffered an achilles tear on the first day of on-field practices and is out for the season. For a team struggling statistically in passing defense, it would seem they are in need of some players.
But this got me thinking: What if the team's strategy isn't to bolster the pass defense via adding big-time free agents to the secondary, rather it's to focus heavily on the pass-rush in order to make the secondary look better? We've had the debate before of "does the secondary need a pass-rush or does the pass-rush need a secondary?" Sort of a "Chicken or the Egg" debate.
After the jump I'll briefly explain my thinking.
The team selected Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith with the seventh overall pick in the first round of the draft this year. Thus-far Smith has not disappointed, albeit in limited practices. Still, many of us have hope that Smith will be a menace every time he's on the field. Couple that with Justin Smith making life miserable for the interior line and perhaps a resurgence by an Ahmad Brooks - who was a problem for opposing teams in 2009 - and perhaps the secondary will look quite good.
Vic Fangio is known for being creative with his schemes, using plays that suit the personnel on the roster. The team has shown promise in the OLB position and with guys like Thaddeus Gibson added last-year, it's not too far out of the question to surmise that perhaps the 49ers will attack opposing QB's fervently and not give them enough time to "burn" our secondary.
Then again, it's also possible that Fangio and new secondary coach Ed Donatell turned on the tape and felt like they had a lot they could work-with in the secondary. Different staffs see different things in players and Lord knows Mike Singletary's staff didn't seem to be able to get much out of anyone on the roster, at least not consistently.
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I still would've liked to see the team get Ed Donnatell more talent to work with.
Most scouts that I’ve read rated Culliver as a 5th-rounder, so I’m not sure what the Niners saw in him in Round 3. Donnatell has coached up some talented players (DeAngelo Hall, Champ Bailey) into being some of the top DBs in the league, so I wonder if the fact that they didn’t inject more talent into the CB position means that he’ll be in a situation of polishing the proverbial doo-doo—that is, finding out just how bad our DBs are the more he coaches them.
Kaepernick may have some growing to do as a passer, but you don't get to 10,000 yards passing in college without being able to read a defense.
Twitter me at twitter.com/grantmp1
The top two guys were thought to have a lot of promise at one point.
Both Spencer and Brown were thought to have been the future at CB as recently as 2009. Last year neither was very good or consistent, but it is possible that they saw something to work with and didn’t feel it was necessary to add another big name at a big price (aside from Nnamdi). I think Carlos Rogers would still be a valuable addition, but I will let the staff make their decisions on who to get.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
certaily would have been nice
I’d take Rodgers on 1 or 2 year deal. I think Culliver is going to start either right away or near the beginning of the season if they don’t bring anyone in.
by whistlingmountain on Aug 2, 2011 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm starting to fell this way, as well.
He’s been making plays in practice. He and Brown will compete for that spot.
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SCREW THE SECONDARY!
Osi Umenyora is hitting the trade market. LETS DO THIS. Him and Carlos Rogers and the niners arent looking so bad after all.
donnatell wanted holcomb but that will have to wait until next year
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions
well I think they clearly wanted to upgrade CB
they just weren’t able to get the guys they felt were worthy of it. just like I thin they wanted to keep Baas, but were unable.
I doubt they looked at tape of Brown, Spencer, Mays, Smith etc and thought they’re just being used incorrectly. But you can’t always upgrade with ease.
They clearly favor pass rush over defensive backs, they spent the #7 pick there. They clearly favor pass rush from OLB over other abilities as well.
I think we’re going to see a very aggressive defense, perhaps very different from the bend-don’t-break philosophy of the last few years. Oddly, I think Goldson and Mays would both fit this defense better since their play gets poorer the longer the play goes on and the longer the drive goes on.
by whistlingmountain on Aug 2, 2011 9:25 AM PDT reply actions
All good points.
I don’t think it is a coincidence that so many players on the Niners had “down” years. Tarrell Brown was supposed to become a starter at CB, Spencer was expected to take another step forward, Goldson’s weaknesses came to the forefront, etc. I believe that many of the players were not put in the best position to succeed. Do they have flaws? Absolutely. The coaching staff just needs to do a better job of putting them in positions to minimize the impact of their weaknesses while utilizing their strengths.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
Thursday
All teams have to be under the salary cap by Thursday. Maybe they know some players who might be released and have been biding their time.
Barrows reporting Niners have a ton of cap space:
by Sactown_Loyalty19 on Aug 2, 2011 9:37 AM PDT reply actions
49ers are more than $30 m under the cap
While the league as a whole must spend cash in 2011 that equates to 99 percent of the cap, there’s no minimum requirement for each team until 2013. Thus, neither the Bengals nor any other specific team is required to spend another dime — as long as all 32 teams cuts checks this year that equal at least $3.814 billion.
If we’re $15M+ under the cap when the season starts, a lot of people are going to be pissed with the ownership / front office. Yes you may not want to tie in lots of money to long term deals, but can spend a little to get some better players in place.
The best position that this team could be in at the end of the season
Is as a team that had a lot of changes coming into the season, and started to settle down and play well by the end of the season, with $30 million of cap space, and a bunch of teams that can’t afford to pick players up in 2012, because they splurged so much in the first off season of the new CBA.
I survived Nnamdiwatch 2011
by Mertons_merkin on Aug 2, 2011 9:51 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
this
plus when you’re building a new stadium and probably wont win a SB with a first-year HC, you don’t want to ALSO spend tons of cash along the way.
Clicks Ruby Slippers: There's no game like football! There's no game like football!
I just Twitter'd that
Great point. How much of a let down would it be if they spent all this money in FA only to come short of expectations again?
better to start slow and build momentum going into it versus raising up hopes early on.
by Sactown_Loyalty19 on Aug 2, 2011 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions
Look at the relatively fair price the Eagles got Nnamdi for
I can’t imagine that he would have signed with SF for that price tag. My guess is that the FO wants to prove their coaching chops first, and become an attractive enough destination for FAs that they won’t have to pay a premium for sucking.
Nobody wants another Clements… as a Buckeye alum, I have a spot in my heart for the guy. Still, for Nate winning is a secondary concern to getting paid. That is the quality of FA a losing team attracts. Better to be a winner first.
I survived Nnamdiwatch 2011
by Mertons_merkin on Aug 2, 2011 10:19 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree
People aren’t jumping at the chance to come to a team absent the playoffs for a million years. We’ll surprise some people this year, despite all of our “horrible” FA moves…then people will be more apt to come here in FA
Clicks Ruby Slippers: There's no game like football! There's no game like football!
I just Twitter'd that
This Plus
this new coaching staff needs to do their own inventory before jumping into the deep end of the FA pool.
I’m bettin’ that there’s some guys on the squad that are going to develop by getting a chance to play and being coached up. Especially on defense.
Having a D ranked in the bottom 5 won’t help us recruit next year, just because we’re ‘developing’ players at half the starting positions
That is a strong point.
That is the risk inherent in that plan. I have a feeling that this FO and coaching staff doesn’t lack self confidence. so, yeah, you need to perform, and the names on the roster aren’t promising. But, hey, I’m glad I’m not in charge.
I survived Nnamdiwatch 2011
by Mertons_merkin on Aug 2, 2011 10:44 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Thanks. I wish I wasn’t so skeptical at this point, but it seems like a bunch of backups are going to be our starters. Hopefully a couple quality starters emerge. I just don’t want to see use lose time and time again in the 4th Quarter because our secondary can’t make a stop.
Look on the bright side,
How in the world would we be in the lead in the 4th quarter?
:P
I survived Nnamdiwatch 2011
by Mertons_merkin on Aug 2, 2011 10:51 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Remember when talking about "fair price"
That contracts signed before this year were operating with no cap in 2010, and expectations from 2008 and 2009 that the cap would be increasing.
This years cap is 7 million less than the cap was 2 years ago.
So a 12 million cap number compared to the 120 million cap.. Nnamdi is 10% of their total team payroll each year.
Yikes
And SF likely wouldn’t have gotten the same “bargain.”
I survived Nnamdiwatch 2011
by Mertons_merkin on Aug 2, 2011 10:39 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Nobody gets excited about building a stadium for a perennially losing team.
If the 49ers were Superbowl contenders, this stadium issue would be fast tracked.
by asmithisaverage on Aug 2, 2011 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions
just like it got fast tracked in the 90's?
When Eddie wanted it done? Yeah, I’m going to disagree.
Besides, $30 million does not = Superbowl. If you don’t believe me, head over to the Redskins blog. This is their favorite time of year… Every year.
I survived Nnamdiwatch 2011
by Mertons_merkin on Aug 2, 2011 10:29 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
There were other things going on in the 1990s that prevented a stadium from being built
There are new complications now, but it doesn’t help that the team has stunk for almost a decade.
by asmithisaverage on Aug 2, 2011 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions
Falling on our faces early is going to make that a difficult task. Consequently, it will piss off our vets and make signing good players to reasonable contracts in 2012 even harder than it is now.
Not to mention, having a porous secondary is not going to stimulate the performance of developing youngsters. If you throw a pile of unproven players out there, you’re asking for disaster. If you inject a couple at a time, then you can get some development and improvement.
Which has probably been surpassed already,
and if not, likely will be before the season starts.
Since the full amount of bonus checks will count as cash spent this year, but be prorated over the multiple years with regards to the cap.
Yes I think so because a $30 million
signing bonus would counts as cash spent.
Also because of the rookie cap, I just don’t see 49ers rush out to spend any money they don’t think it is necessary. Best hope is 2012 and 2013, this year is pretty much written off unless the UDFA are our future.
edggy posted something similar earlier today
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/08/02/11-teams-still-have-20-million-or-more-in-cap-room/
So if the league is $100-200M under the cap this year, how will we reach the $3.814 billion number mandated by the CBA in 2011-12? There’s no minimum requirement per team, so where does this money come from and where does it go?
I'm feeling...I feel like I want to rage. Right now. - B. Wilson
by fjm on Aug 2, 2011 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions
case and point
cut and paste…so I think the $3.8 billion total is not a problem.
Remember, it’s not cap space but cash spent. So when a team like the Panthers gives defensive end Charles Johnson a $30 million signing bonus on a six-year deal, only $5 million counts against the cap — but $30 million counts against the league’s total spending requirement of $3.8 billion.
I get the difference between cash & accounting
Bonuses amortized over the life of the deal vs the cash given as signing bonuses, etc, but…
$100-200M seems like a lot of money not being spent that would need to be made up with this type of cash spending elsewhere.
Even if these cash amounts more than make up for the teams under the cap, my question is more about what would happen if the teams don’t spend the minimum. It may not be pertinent, but I’m curious.
I'm feeling...I feel like I want to rage. Right now. - B. Wilson
by fjm on Aug 2, 2011 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions
I guess they keep the cash
2011 and 2012 have no minimum cap per team. There is a minimum per team starting 2013.
Trying to find the link
Read somewhere that money not spent goes into the league coffers. Will keep searching.
How are league coffers helping the players?
by asmithisaverage on Aug 2, 2011 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions
It doesn't, but it doesn't help the owners of the team either.
It’s an incentive to spend it rather than give it away to be used for someone else’s stadium or something.
I could be all wrong on this too. Can’t seem to find a link to it, so maybe it was something that was being discussed and didn’t get into the final contract.
Just the Charles Johnson signing in return222's example
puts 25 million toward the spending cap that does not count toward the salary cap.
That’s 1/8th of 200 million and 1/12 of 300 million. So that’s actually not that big a deficit between the two that must be made up.
The league cannot fail to meet the minimum. If contracts for some reason don’t cause that much cash spending, the league must pay the players union that money. As to how it gets distributed then is up to the union rules.
McDonald starting should help the pass rush as well.
But didn’t Fangio once say something along the lines of having good CB’s really helps because it allows you to do many different things and be creative and aggressive? Obviously we didn’t improve that position and possibly got worse, so maybe they think Culliver is going to be something special or maybe they have a longer term plan for it. Who the hell knows.
But whatever their plan is for our DB’s, a good pass rush will help tremendously. I’m very excited about Aldon. I have a feeling he is going to be an absolute terror.
Aldon
I do too. I think he’ll really surprise as a pass rusher. He’s got about 3 moves and he’s been pretty lethal with each. The guy could probably play some 5-tech if he wanted-to as well.
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Could also throw a complete curve and play him at 3 tech.
On pass rushing downs.
Get his fast first step and nasty club move on a guard with slower feet and shorter arms than most OTs.
Smith will be a three down player sooner rather than later this season
You are going to see him rover between positions depending on the circumstance in order to utilize his athletic ability. He will be a quick defensive end that will give offensive tackles issues on pass rushing downs and can be disguised a long the linebacking corp because of the athleticism/talent of both Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman. You are going to see him have immediate impact
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions
he's going to be a 3 down player out of the gate.
I don’t see how anyone on the roster bumps him off the field when he’s not tired.
by whistlingmountain on Aug 2, 2011 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions
I agree with whistling
That he’s a 3 down player out of the gate.
I just think that when we get to 3rd down we see him lined up anywhere and everywhere but NT and in the secondary, but on 1st and 2nd he’ll be standing up at OLB.
Isn't he supposed to be a bit of a project though?
I know he has impressed in camp, but I’m not expected an early in his career Shawne Merriman right out of the gate from him.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
Project?
that is what draft pundits called him, but if you remember correctly Demarcus Ware was a “project” coming out of Troy. I am not comparing the two, but athletic ability and technique are two important aspects of the game for pass rushing OLBs, and Smith has both of those
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm not saying he'll tear it up from day one and rack up 18 sacks
But that he’s good enough in comparison with our other options that there is no reason not to start him.
Sitting him for a marginally better veteran will just slow his development. He needs game experience against Pro level tackles that have a deep desire to make him look worthless — so our coaches on defense can find his technical weaknesses and coach them out.
I completetly agree as far as starting him.
My point was more for fans getting ridiculous expectations for him right away, and then being dissapointed if he struggles a bit.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
As a realist
I would say he will get between 6-8 sacks in 2011, and move on from there. At the very other end of the spectrum he could get 10. However, it must be noted that his athleticism alone is good for 4-5 sacks in 2011
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
This is what I love about him.
He will be effective no matter where he lines up. Offensive linemen are not going to like playing against him, and more importantly, opposing coaches will have to scheme like hell for him when they play us.
He left without signing
And why should he, he’s never been someone who liked TC or the pre-season, he can take his time before he signs somewhere.
by whistlingmountain on Aug 2, 2011 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Barrows and Maiocco reported that the two sides met but did not reach an agreement.
by Sactown_Loyalty19 on Aug 2, 2011 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions
I'd say more likely than not
He flew in because he wanted a meet, not because the 49ers did.
We met and the FO told him “we have decided to go a different direction”. Bet he wishes he signed a more reasonable contract last year.
He’s a great 2 gap nose, but I’d bet money we aren’t 2 gapping any longer.
I REALLY want him back on a 2 year deal.
but he would probably rather have a 1 year deal
by whistlingmountain on Aug 2, 2011 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Just curious
If all the signs that we aren’t playing a 2 gap front are right — why want him back for any length and any price?
Of course, if we are playing a 2 gap front, I’d want him back, and on a 2-3 year. But 2 gapping limits your ability to be aggressive and Fangio has always run a 1 gap front.
How do you think Fangio's 1-gap front matches with our current front 7?
Looking for something to be excited about when games start…
by Sactown_Loyalty19 on Aug 2, 2011 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions
Has Fangio always coached a 34?
I’m honestly curious because I don’t know. I also don’t know as much about that stuff as you (gap responsibilities and how they relate to what kind of defense is ran), so I’m curious how a 1 gap front changes our D. As you know, Justin Smith and Patrick Willis have both “campaigned” for Franklin because of how effective he is in the role he plays (2 gap as you say). In your opinion, will our 34 be as effective with a 1 gap NT?
just the greatest 34 Linebacker crew of all time.
do not take my word for it, look here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dome_Patrol
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Gonna answer you and Sactown here
Hunter is right and Florida Danny did a good history and statistical analysis of Fangio here.
Really the only similarities in the 1 gap and 2 gap 3-4 are that they have 3 down lineman and 4 LBs. Everything else is night and day. Usually when you run two gap you line up (4/5) tech, 0 tech, (4/5) tech, depending on personnel strengths. When you run a 1 gap line you usually break symmetry and line up 3 tech, 1 tech, 5 tech with the 5 tech being on the side of your rush backer so your OLB doesn’t have contain responsibility and can all out rush.
Two gapping when successful allows your ILBs to make more plays against the run. We’ve run a 2 gap system with Franklin and Sopoaga and have been a top 5 defense against the run (Ave YPC) and both Willis and Spikes have racked up the tackles.
Changing to a 1 gap front means the priority for the NT isn’t to eat up 2 blockers and clog running lanes, but shooting a gap on either side of the center and causing havoc on the offensive line. The trade-off is that your ILBs will see more guards in their faces on running plays. So you might get more tackles for loss against the run, you might also see more long gains. Against the pass you have more guys trying to get to the QB which if successful, provides insane pressure from all sides. That’s the short and sweet version, but basically everybody has different responsibilities. Willis won’t like it because he will now have to read and react on a 2 gap responsibility against the run in addition to underneath zone coverage instead of being able to free roam as much.
As far as personnel goes, I think Smith, Smith, McDonald, and Willis won’t have any issues performing. I worry about Sopoaga’s ability to generate penetration at the 1 tech, Bowman/McKillop and their size / ability to take on lead blockers, and Haralson’s ability to be the primary contain on strongside with little help.
by Ougadas on Aug 2, 2011 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Adding
This is all speculation based on Fangio’s history, descriptions from Sione Fua of what he was asked to do at Stanford, Fangio’s statement that we are going to be a more aggressive front 7, and the roster moves we have made and/or appear reluctant to make with regards to the D-line.
He could do something completely different, he hasn’t said we aren’t going to be a 2 gap system.
by Ougadas on Aug 2, 2011 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
So it seems like more of a high risk/high reward defense.
That would certainly be different than what we are used to. I’m assuming this means the CBs will play more press coverage as well, right?
Twitter: @Joshuahss
Yes it can be
But some of that risk is mitigated by forcing the offense to respond to your attack instead of reacting to what the offense does.
He can play 1 gap as well.
They have no depth on the defensive line.
by whistlingmountain on Aug 2, 2011 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Sorry I just don't see Franklin
being even mildly successful if asked to penetrate rather than just hold up multiple blockers.
Franklin
is a top 5 NT in the NFL
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions
I think he's better than top 5 at what he does
being a 2 gap run plugger that shuts down everything between the outside shoulder of one guard and the outside shoulder of the other—when he’s in shape at least.
I’m just saying that the things he’d be asked to do in a 1 gap front are outside of his skillset.
Fangio said just the other day
that he hasn’t looked at tape that much. He wanted to evaluate players away from the schemes they were put in. That means he hasn’t had a chance to evaluate the DEs and CBs either way.
Let’s stop making excuses. The FO hasn’t been able to deliver. I don’t believe Balkke has some secret plan that takes patience. I think he has a fall back plan after failing to get the guys he wanted. And that fall back plan will hopefully include Carlos Rodgers, a FB, a RT, a veteran QB who can challenge Smith to start, a WR, and another TE. Because Harbaugh’s offense has been TE focused more than WR focused.
If the fall back plan fails, we are going to be left with the team we currently have, which will have a LOT of holes. This is not a strong team personnel-wise. We’ll be starting a second string QB, at least one back-up CB as a starter, a WR corps with no #1 receiver, one of the league’s worst FBs, and a very inconsistent RT.
A weak secondary = the other team dinking and dunking and setting up longer passing plays. That leaves us with Alex smith to match up in a shoot-out. Any thoughts on how that would turn out?
Balkke, it’s time to press go on your plan. Show us you’re not leaving us to root for another Niner re-building year.
I agree with everything you said, minus the QB stuff, which I think we're pretty set at.
We had a few holes which would have been very easy to fill with decent personnel this offseason, and Baalke did nothing to deliver. The idea that they wanted to “see what they had” is nonsense: they would have been starting at the same point with whatever veterans they brought in. And the fact that players are going to the bengals instead of us means its not the “chance at a super bowl” thing, its just that we’re either being cheap, or bad negotiators.
And as far as the cap is concerned
They have plenty of room for one year deals. Alex Smith’s $5M will be gone next year. And it’s not like we have a lot of great personnel we need to re-sign. We have Willis and Davis and CK locked up for a number of years. Staley is locked up for a while too. He’s a decent but not pro bowl LT. Iupati has potential. They are our core. This could be Gore’s last year. Justin Smith can’t last much longer. Who else is really all that valuable to sign to a multi-year deal? They’ll have plenty of cap space in the future.
Next year I see
Gore, Norris, Ginn, Morgan, Zeigler, Snyder, Boone (restricted), Rachal, Brooks, R. Smith, Spillman and newly signed Grant and Applewhite.
The year after
Sopoaga, Spencer, Walker, Lee, McKillop, C. Taylor, RJF, and Gibson.
Nobody worth a mammoth contract, but some are guys we’d still like to see with the team. Others are guys who will get new contracts or walking papers depending on what we see this year.
so you want a new team than?
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions
since 79
.if the FO secure solid cb/secondary and defensive help there is a chance (albeit not a great one) of success. This is still dependent on many factors..
Usually this time of year there are many posts on here that are extreme views..this year is no exception but I think your assessment is the most balanced one.
Taylor Mays... Blitz Monster!
Im hoping that Taylor Mays can be used on Blit Packages. This guy could be scary coming of blitz with his speed and physical nature.
Agree...I think he's best used in a Troy Polumalu role. Close to the LOS, blitzing, stopping the run, enforcer in mid-field.
Having him cover deep is not ideal.
by Sactown_Loyalty19 on Aug 2, 2011 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions
Polumalu has a vast understanding of scheming as well as fantastic instincts
Mays doesn’t have either at the moment.
by whistlingmountain on Aug 2, 2011 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions
This is very true.
But I think there has to be a way to utilize Mays’ rare size/speed combination. Hopefully Fangio can get the best out of him.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
pwilly- record year in sacks
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions
CANT BELIEVE IT...
all this money under the cap and we cant sign anybody except madieu williams and david akers?!!!!! sorry but i’m sensing another losing year NO MATTER who the coach is…..we still need talent and i’m just not seeing enough of it on the roster…does baalke really think spencer and brown are gonna be able to get us enough stops to be relevant gimme a break….ALL THESE LOSING SEASONS AND THIS ONE IS LOOKIN THE FRIGGN SAME…..i had hope for baalke but now i know he’s those mats u put around ur toilet to PISS on..
We could have had every great free agent this year
and still have a losing season. New coach, new system, no QB, shortened offseason. Better to take the lump this year and build up than to do the same thing of chasing the quick fix
I don't think anyone is ok with that.
But the point is it is better to be good for many years than make a big splash during free agency and mortgage your future. Maybe the team unites and is good this year, but at the very least they are set up to succeed over the long haul.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
do I have choice?
If I see players buying into the system, improving, and staying in the game then yes. Makes me excited and I will stay with the team next year.
Pass Rusher...Osi Umenyiora
Can he play in a 3-4 Defense? If, so, the 9ers should be exploring what it may take to trade for this guy. I would hate to see him get traded to Rams,Cards or Hawks.
Would be rough
We drafted Aldon for the rush backer spot, the offside backer will be expected to drop into coverage which the Giants found Osi couldn’t do when they tried him at 4-3 OLB, and Osi is a bit small for a 3-4 DE — McDonald has 30 pounds on him.
Fangio wants both OLBs to be primarily pass rushers
I think it would work. Would be similar to the Steelers OLBs.
by whistlingmountain on Aug 2, 2011 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions
He'll have a hard time of it running a hybrid
with a 4-3 Under. Your strongside backer has to be a complete wrecking ball in run support or you get eaten alive off-tackle.
But maybe we have made the assumption of a 4-3 Under
just because they mentioned Aldon with his hand on the ground, and he’s not going with the Under variant.
I think they have the personnel for the 4-3 regardless of who is playing the other OLB spot in 3-4
Willis, Bowman, Brooks, McKillop at least, then McKillop, Applewhite, maybe even Mays.
by whistlingmountain on Aug 2, 2011 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
For the 4-3 yes
The Under is a different story. You’re basically lining up 3 down lineman and 2 LBs between the inside shoulder of the right guard and the outside shoulder of the left tackle. From the outside shoulder of the right guard to the outside shoulder of the tight end, there is only 1 down lineman and 1 LB.
That LB is out on an island, has a line gap responsibility and will usually also have to take on a lead blocker — and he’s your primary contain. If you don’t have him, you don’t run the 4-3 Under. So if we don’t have that guy, maybe we don’t see the under variant.
lose high draft picks for one posistion, dude is going to be 30 in months, dude wants to be paid more than 10million a year with huge new contract
and he has only played in 43 DE which he would have to move to 34OLB. would be good move if not so expensive, he played 34olb and did not cost any high draft picks.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions
I haven't seen any actual demand from him on price or contract length
it’s all assumptions.
What if all he wants is some guaranteed money and and an extension going into a contract year. Gotta ask.
by whistlingmountain on Aug 2, 2011 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
dude wants to be traded because the giants did not make him the highest paid 43de in the league. that is why he is on the trading block.
the team that get him will have to give a new contract. that is the point of him being traded.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions
I realize what Reese told him, but players often accept well below what they demand
the fact that Reese isn’t willing to give him anything means there’s a middle ground for whomever ends up with him.
by whistlingmountain on Aug 2, 2011 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions
That won't happen
If the niners aren’t willing to spend money on FAs because they want to build through the draft and pay their own players, I doubt even more that they’re willing to give up draft picks to make a trade. I just don’t see them making a trade for OSI.
2-14 or 3-13
Once the lockout ended I was many of the 49ers Faithful hoping we would make a splash in free agency. Especially since our name was tagged to a lot of the big names out there like Asomugha, Ochocinco, and Hasselback. In my mind I thought wow if we sign those guys we can really make a run for the division. But then it daunted on me. A new GM, new coaches, new system, wait we are freaking rebuilding. Heck we started rebuilding when Alex became a bust. We have not been able to build around our franchise quarterback because we don’t have one. Who am I to say Coach Harbaugh can’t take A. Smith to the next level. Something tells me he WAS the stop gap qb we needed before Kaepernick takes the realm but even then who knows if he is capable. Maybe the 49ers have a horrible season and lock up the 1st round pick and get the Luck sweepstakes. Sorry to see the glass half empty but I need to see it not hear it. I’m looking towards 2012 and beyond. It would be foolish for the fans to expect the 49ers in the playoffs especially since Bradford will be better, the Cardinals have Kolb, and the Seahawks will be wanting to defend the division with their new additions in T. Jackson and Sidney Rice. I would be very surprised to us in the playoffs. Heres to another shot of patron and a looooong season! Go 49ers!
yeah its going to be rough
The Rams are building the right way. If we want to win the division with some consistency we need to contend with what they will have. I doubt we will go first overall where Luck is. Besides, who is to say that Harbaugh will not prefer having an athletic guy like Kaepernick. I think we messed up this year by chasing the top agents at all when we should have concentrated on the younger lower tiered guys that can help us into the future. Should have gotten a CB we can count on going forward.
We’ll get at least 6 wins
Winable games:
Arizona (2)
St. Louis (2)
Seattle (2)
Browns
Bengals
Lions
Redskins
Tampa Bay
To say we will only win 3 games is a really low estimate
I think that Detroit will be a lot better. Of course we could steal a few games from better teams too. With good coaching, we can overachieve and make 7-9 and really get the fanbase going. Or we could go 3-13 if we overestimated Harbaugh’s coaching talent.
lions might be really good this year
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
The lions, bucs, and arizona are going to be tough games to win.
by Sactown_Loyalty19 on Aug 2, 2011 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions
we beat Arizona when they were good
Spencer is very good at covering Fitzgerald, Kolb will suffer, and we can run on them. I think I am the only one that thinks we will have a very stable running game.
I'm more concerned with our defense. The secondary worries me and Spencer took a big step back last year.
Not saying we can’t beat them because we’ve had their number for years…just saying it’s oging to be a tough game.
by Sactown_Loyalty19 on Aug 2, 2011 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions
I'd say only 5
At best they split within division for 3 wins, they split Browns/Bengals for 1 more, they lose to the Bucs and Lions, and they win the Skins. 5 wins.
Everybody raise your hands if you picked the Bucs to win 10 games last year.
Nobody? How bout we let the season play out before making predictions. It could be really back or the team could surprise.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
by Joshuahss on Aug 2, 2011 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
By definition, predictions occur before an event; predicting the past, effectively the proposition to which are you committing, is a contradiction in terms.
I think he means that once we play a few games
it will be a lot easier to guess the rest of the season. If the team lays an egg for the first 2 regular season games, then it makes a bad season all the more likely.
He wants to make a 16 game prediction based on 3-4 games, which I think is a much better idea than pronouncing 2-14 seasons with nary a preseason game playd
by brundylop on Aug 2, 2011 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sorry
I just assumed “let the season play out” effectuated waiting until season’s end.
I see how you may be right
I just thought “season play out” meant a few games.
Anyway, I am more optimistic about this team than most here, and I think 8-8 is not nearly as impossible as it’s being made out here.
Then again, we start out optimistic every year. Maybe lower expectations eases the pain.
That's why I posted the reply directly above yours.
I wrote it incorrectly. I think we will get a better feel for how good the team is a couple of games into the season.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
this team won more games than that. compare last year to this year what is different?
offensive head coach and rookie probably starting over nate clements. offense looks to be much better and secondary may or may not suck as bad as last year……….
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions
IT WAS JUST AN ACORN!
Remember Chicken Little thought the sky was falling but what really happened? It was just an acorn.
CHILL OUT Y’ALL!
Clicks Ruby Slippers: There's no game like football! There's no game like football!
I just Twitter'd that
by Tre9er on Aug 2, 2011 10:14 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Nope.
Sky is falling, Niners will be the worst team in the NFL and nobody is going to watch them. This offseason they made the worst decisions of any team in history and they might match the Lions by going 0-16 [/end hysterical fan ran]
Twitter: @Joshuahss
ima gonna watch em. Love my 9ers.
I just hope I don’t get disgusted half way through games and have to turn it off like last year.
49ers won't even be near the worse team in the NFC
Our offense is going to be dramatically improved in 2011. You are looking at two offensive linemen gaining experience in Iupati and Davis. The new scheme is going to be of great benefit to Alex Smith, Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker and (when healthy) Michael Crabtree.
Of course, there is still an issue in the secondary; even if we sign Carlos Rogers. The pass rush will probably be better because of Aldon Smith replacing Manny Lawson, but that will also effect the coverage within the front seven.
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"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 10:26 AM PDT reply actions 3 recs
I also think that we will be able to run the ball very well. That will help the passing game and defense.
Iupati is only going to improve
and lets face it David Baas wasn’t that great last season, if Snyder can make that transition smoothly or e acquire another center the o-line will be better than 2010. Plus, Frank Gore isn’t injured
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m more excited about a committee of runners. I think Kendall will shine, Dixon will improve and Gore will stay fresh. I know Frank gets hissy fits when he doesn’t run every play, but he had that last year.
You are also going to see Gore
with 70-80 receptions and getting the ball in the open field, which is going to be extremely dangerous.
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions
I remeber reading an article
Where Fangio was asked if he looked at film on the defense and he said that he hasn’t, and probably will not.
Its like it was already pre-determined that they are going to gut the defense. He said that there are only 2 spots on D that are solidified, Willis, and Smith. Maybe they are planning on making a big splash in next seasons free agency, and use the 12 picks to move up higher in the draft.
They did just come up from college maybe they have some guys in mind that they heavily scouted during Stanford.
"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."
Norm Sloan
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."
Weldon Drew
by EcERyda69 on Aug 2, 2011 10:27 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
I disagree that he was pre-determined to gut the defense without watching tape.
He’s evaluating each player’s strengths adn weaknesses. Then he makes his decisions on who to cut and who can perform certain roles. He molds his defense after his personnel. I like this about him and hope he has enough talent to work with. There’s obviously a lot of “unknowns” on the defense.
by Sactown_Loyalty19 on Aug 2, 2011 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Remember he also said
That he’d rather see how the players worked in his scheme than judge them based on what he saw them execute on Sunday.
He might as well have said, Manusky had no idea what he was doing and I’m not even sure he was putting the right guys on the field.
or at least tha the and Manusky have very different mentalities
aggression vs patience
by whistlingmountain on Aug 2, 2011 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions
If patience was the word for a drinking game...
we’d all be done-ski’s days ago.
by Sactown_Loyalty19 on Aug 2, 2011 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions
I did, but not to describe the current 49ers
As Fangio is more about agression
by whistlingmountain on Aug 2, 2011 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
How can he
see how players work in his scheme, if four of them haven’t ever participated in training camp.
Another point
There is a reason Lawson only got a 1Y-3MM contract from the Bengals and both Dashon Goldson as well as Aubrayo Franklin are still on the market; other teams value them as much as our front office does.
They are not great players
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"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 10:33 AM PDT reply actions
did you just say that about franklin? lol
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions
I agree.
It seems like we largely overvalued those three. I’m surprised that is the case with Lawson and Franklin, not so much Goldson though.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
If they had value
you would see more interest on the open market right? Not really too upset at this point in regards to FA losses. But, we need to start adding solid vets
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"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions
***The Plan***
Is pretty obvious right now…Baalke is waiting for teams to make salary cap adjustments (releasing or trading players) before pouncing. While I think we could’ve gotten a lot of quality players in their prime early on, he chose to wait and see who else becomes available come Aug. 4th. The question is, does he or anyone have a clue as to who may be on the chopping block? I think he’s anticipating that those guys will be cheaper too. And while he’s doing this, the coaching staff is expediting their evaluations of their personnel so they can recommend to Baalke where they need help at (even if it is obvious to us…but there may be some surprises. Surprise players arise on a lot of teams…Miles Austin, Tony Romo, Stevie Johnson, etc. Hopefully that’s the case with us).
Anyone by any chance have a clue who may be on the chopping block on other teams? We’re looking at teams close to or above the new cap.
by Sactown_Loyalty19 on Aug 2, 2011 10:34 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I hope you're right...
What if the team’s strategy isn’t to bolster the pass defense via adding big-time free agents to the secondary, rather it’s to focus heavily on the pass-rush in order to make the secondary look better?
That certainly seemed to be our thinking during the draft.
it does start up front
I like this type of thinking.
"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."
Norm Sloan
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."
Weldon Drew
by EcERyda69 on Aug 2, 2011 10:50 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Bolstering the line
at the expense of the pass defense assumes contributing to both is a mutually exclusive scenario — which is untrue. We could have, especially with 30m in cap room, signed Johnathon Joseph and continued to bolster the line / front 7. Moreover, I’m not sure how we ‘focusing heavily’ on the pass rush — we drafted one player (Aldon Smith) who plays along the front 7. Yes, we had 10 picks, and only 1 went to the front 7.
Where the aura of our focus on d-line improvement is coming from, is truly beyond me.
True...
…but I believe CBs are overvalued in today’s NFL because rules limit contact with receivers and teams play so much zone.. So there’s more bang for your buck investing in a stud pass rusher and a good offense, and making due with merely decent corners.
By “focusing heavily,” I just meant using our first-round pick on a pass-rushing specialist, which we desperately needed. On that note, I read some very positive accounts of Smith’s skills in that regard during practice thus far.
Praise baby jesus
Zach Miller looks likes he is staying with Oakland and not going to Seattle
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"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 10:48 AM PDT reply actions
Except
national writer Adam Kaplin re-tweeted it, a little bit different.
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"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
good, rumors that rams are in the lead for that guy from new york who wants to be traded. hope that does not happen also.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions
Give up a 1st round pick for Osi?
No way, that wouldn’t be smart for St. Louis and it would go against their plan of building through the draft
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"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions
hope so
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions
That is your huckleberry
From the link
The 49ers have favored players who do not count against the compensatory formula. Hayden started 11 games at left cornerback.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions
The 49ers have favored players who do not count against the compensatory formula.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Hayden would be a solid addition
Don’t remember when he hit the market. Has been a solid corner
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"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions
Can he hold up in man coverage? IS he more of a #2 CB?
by Sactown_Loyalty19 on Aug 2, 2011 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions
More of a #2
but played #1 in Indianapolis because of their pass rush in Mathis and Freeney. Can hold up in man if he has solid pass rushing, but isn’t a shutdown corner by any means
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions
Isn't he on the smaller side?
I thought I read that the Niners would be going to more press coverage, while I don’t think is his strong suit. I could be wrong, though.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
niners are looking for those comp picks lol
two or three third rounders next year will be epic.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions
One thing that doesn't make sense to me
and Tre9er is covering this on Twitter. Why don’t the 49ers go after Le’Ron McClain? He would cost between 3-4MM per season and by releasing Norris San Francisco would save about 1.5.
McClain would be a duel threat in the backfield and hasn’t received much play on the FA market
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 11:08 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I have no idea.
I thought he would be an ideal fit for the team, unless he doesn’t want to sign because he won’t get enough touches or something. I’ve been asking about this for awhile now and his name hasn’t popped up much.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
I hope we cut Norris
I am suprised he is still on the team.
Unless they just view him as a camp body.
Or needed him to get Gore back in camp, I agree 100%.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
Add another CB to the list
JasonLaCanfora Jason La Canfora
CB Dimitri Patterson agrees to terms with Browns
I'm not worried about that.
I don’t think he would be an upgrade over what the Niners already have.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
Very true.
But it doesn’t make sense to add someone who isn’t going to improve the team. It seems like the F.O. is comfortable with who they have or they are waiting for something else. Thanks for the update though.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
Whoever the starting LB's are, Fangio will have them playing above their potential.
Our LB’s will be much improved from 2010. Bold prediction but I am sticking to it.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
Dome Patrol is now the Stick Patrol. lol
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions
LOL...we gotta do better than that. Maybe while we do the whole "Patience" thing, someone should start a thread to nickname our LB crew.
by Sactown_Loyalty19 on Aug 2, 2011 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Bowman-willis-aldon smith have the potential to be a heck of a three man combo.
fangio coached a 34linbackers that all went to the pro-bowl at the same time and all of them had multiple pro-bowls themselves they were called the dome patrol. there is great potential with all of the three mentioned above.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
I know that...I'm talking about coming up with a better name for our guys than "stick patrol"
by Sactown_Loyalty19 on Aug 2, 2011 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions
well the dome patrol was named after the place they played at.
opened air stadium patrol is not good, windy patrol is not good.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Our
entire front seven will be much improved from the 2010 season. That should mitigate the lack of skill in the secondary to some extent
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"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
If Bill Walsh had FA when he took over
I imagine it would be very similar to what is happening this first year with Harbaugh, let players go who want to go, keep only proven vet stars, evaluate new talent and use the draft wisely over the next two years, with the possibility of picking up a proven vet FA within those years as well.
You know how the Colts win
A potent offense and a strong pass rush. There secondary is filled with a bunch of no named players that performed past their talents because of coaching etc…
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"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 11:31 AM PDT reply actions
and count their rings.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions
Perennial contender
and building through the draft with the occasional signing
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"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions
One more than the Niners,
and a bunch of other teams during that same time.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
4 less then the niners
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
I'm talking about recently.
The fact that the Colts have won one should not be overlooked.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
but how many rings?
great cornerbacks are needed. with this league after green bay won. teams are looking for great db combos. charles woodson and tramon williams make one heck of a combo. so does revis and cromartie, brent grimes and dunta robinson and now cromartie, nnamdi and samuel. contenders are looking to go strong with great combos at the cb position. not just one player.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Seems to me that you need lots of "good" CB's
instead of one superstar with average around him.
Much easier to exploit the bad CB’s on a team, so I think DB is more of a “weakest link” sort of thing, whereas pass rushers and stuff, it’s easier to get away with one monster and average around him.
ya, many teams are going to great combo tandems.
niners weakest link has always been the nickle cb.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions
I still believe you have to run in the playoffs to win
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
you have to be able to run period
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions
no you throw to get in
run to win.
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
you have to run to win.
throwing is the exception, you need tom brady to have that exception.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
I just feel that its more heightened in the post season
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
Exactly...
…also the Pack didn’t lose a step when Woodson went down because their defense was built around a strong pass rush.
GO GET IT DONE NATE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!
AdamSchefter:
With Peyton Manning on PUP, the four QBs taking snaps in Colts camp are Dan Orlovsky, Nate Davis, Mike Hartline and Curtis Painte
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:32 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Good to see Nate "The Great" competing
Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!
The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!
by Kidd2Petrovic on Aug 2, 2011 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions
I hope he does well
He never had a chance to be even a bad QB here. More stability in Indy and a pretty good example on how a QB works.
this^
Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!
The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!
by Kidd2Petrovic on Aug 2, 2011 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions
NFLN
Marshall Faulk just said the 49ers are not as far off as many people think because they were way more talented than every other team in the division last season. Better coaching in 2011
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 11:34 AM PDT reply actions
Not sure
he was talking more about the offense with Harbaugh and Alex Smith
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"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
goldson is average and soaps will impress people in 2011-2012
lets hope they both get decent contract somewhere else to get good comp picks for the 2012 draft!!!
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Oh when he says it it makes sense
but when I say it I’m a homer. Tsk tsk
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
You are a homer.
But that doesn’t mean you are wrong, haha.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
Marshal Faulk complimenting the 49ers
Damn 0-16 here we come
"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."
Norm Sloan
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."
Weldon Drew
#HOP
Harbaugh changes him scheme to fit the players. No way…
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
sing last year, hey jimmy, keep running it up the midddle. that seems to be working. lol
raye responds
garble garble, great diction just have patience, just have patience. did alex get that play?
alex calls a time out
sing- no ray he just called a time out.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions
lol
any coach would be an improvement
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
he only had two plays
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
TKs article on Becker in 1992...it's a good take.
by Sactown_Loyalty19 on Aug 2, 2011 11:38 AM PDT reply actions
Becker with Rams 1st round picks from 1992 -1995....Pretty damn good evaluating
’92- Dan Wilkerson DT
’93- Jerome Bettis RB
’94- Wanye Gandy OT
’95- Kevin Carter DE
Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!
The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!
by Kidd2Petrovic on Aug 2, 2011 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions
* '92- Sean Gilbert DE
Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!
The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!
by Kidd2Petrovic on Aug 2, 2011 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions
you need both
When the Niners sent 5 or more rushers the opposition qb had a higher rating. The mediocre secondary could not handle the lack of help from the linebackers. Look at the three best blitzing defenses: steelers, packers, and eagles. They have guys like assante Samuel, ike Taylor, Charles woodson, troy palamalou, etc. You won’t get to the qb every time, you need a secondary that can handle that.
by BY97ismyhero on Aug 2, 2011 11:39 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Schemes bro...plus we have Aldon now too. I'd look for WIllis and Bowman on more blitzes as well.
by Sactown_Loyalty19 on Aug 2, 2011 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions
This.
The team needs to be more unpredictable in its blitzes. Sending 5 guys doesn’t matter if the offense knows where they are coming from, unless you have an elite pass rusher.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
They were
sending Lawson as part of that package right? Smith is an immediate upgrade in terms of pass rushing over Lawson. Also, don’t sleep on Fangio sending Willis a lot
Yes, I just did Twitter. Follow me for ultra intelligent insight.
"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Bowman played OLB in college and has solid pass rushing skills, Willis would get between 6-10 sacks if he were sent on more blitzes. Expect Fangio to mix it up a lot in the front seven
Yes, I just did Twitter. Follow me for ultra intelligent insight.
"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions
willis got six last year. willis would have 10plus if he blitzed more.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions
Was being conservative in that estimate
You are also going to see the blitz scheme confuse offenses, so that J. Smith and McDonald will be able to get to the QB more
Yes, I just did Twitter. Follow me for ultra intelligent insight.
"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions
But
would his increased blitizing, even if it resulted in 4 sacks, produce relatively worse results in the context of the entire defense?
Depending
on the specific circumstances and when SF decided to utilize the MLB blitz. The issue with this is Aldon Smith’s inexperience in terms of dropping into coverage. It is going to leave the 49ers open in the middle of the field if you blitz Willis and send Smith into drop back up the middle
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"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions
coverage is willis's weakness
rushing him will be better than dropping him in coverage.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions
He is still decent at coverage
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
Lofa Tatupu and Kelvin Heyden both visiting Washington today
The 49ers need to get aggressive in addressing their CB issue, it really is that simple
Yes, I just did Twitter. Follow me for ultra intelligent insight.
"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 2, 2011 11:51 AM PDT reply actions
49ers are going to stick with what they have
I bet it will look like this
culliver-spencer to start philip adams in the nickle and tarrel brown or brock as the fourth cb.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Aug 2, 2011 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions
2-14 or 3-13
Not going to buy tickets this year. Its a shame but I’ll save my money till 2012 and beyond.
Pass rush comes first
Even a mediocre WR in the NFL can get separation from the worlds greatest CB if he has five seconds. If the QB doesn’t have time to throw a quality pass, even a mediocre CB can cover the world’s greatest WR.
The DBs may need some upgrading, but a great pass rush will solve a multitude of issues.
"(I)f you think you've got an inside track to absolute truth, you become doctrinaire, humorless and intellectually constipated." Saul Alinsky
where to start on this?
Last year we had at times good pash rush and qb pressures..the problem was often missed assignments in the secondary, being caught up in playaction, db’s being plain beat, and sometimes the qb having all day to throw.
Now, there were games where the df sent only 4-5 and they still completed passes against our lb + secondary zones..leading us to loathe manuskys “bend dont break” and contain defense. He basically would give up small plays to make 2nd or 3rd and long…problem was we’d subsequently give up the big completion after that..
Our secondary was the problem..we had too many holes back there to cover..
In order to stop our pass rush, teams simply kept back a te or running back to help..or they’d double team j. smith and keep one back to chip block anyone else getting close enough to sniff the qb..the extra time that gave their qb’s killed us because our secondary was porous.
It is unrealistic to expect the defense to pressure the qb on every play or in every formation (high protection)..therefore you must have solid covers that can take away what the offense is trying to do on those passing downs.
ive said it
This teams free agents weren’t that good to begin with. Lawson is a coverage LB who fits a cover 2 scheme or needs another pass rushed on the other side to be productive. Golson is average at best. He can’t cover. Franklin is old and won’t he productive long enough for when this team is ready to contend. I wish they could’ve cut more fat from the roster.
I believe this team should be allowed to rebuild for the next two to three years and be very selective in FA. Only sign guys that are young and ready to break out in your scheme. No 30 year olds or signing guys just to sign them. Building a winner takes time.
And I believe you need a better pass rush than secondary. Don’t believe it, look at the Patriots vs Rams in January 2002.
by gifts_and_curses on Aug 2, 2011 2:21 PM PDT reply actions
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