49ers Wide Receivers: What Do You Do After Braylon Edwards & Michael Crabtree?
by David Fucillo on Sep 1, 2011 10:00 AM PDT
in 49ers Roster
Email
PrintThe 49ers wide receiver position has what could prove to be a very solid pair of starters in Braylon Edwards and Michael Crabtree. While neither is a sure thing for anything due to a multitude of reasons, on paper it is a solid duo to build on this season.
The question I pose today is what happens after that both on paper with the wide receiver depth chart, and also on the field in terms of how the team can best utilize the remaining receivers that make the team. Consider this a mix of projecting the final 49ers wide receiver depth chart and also your thoughts on how to best utilize those receivers.
When you've got Edwards potentially stretching the field and using his size to take advantage of his opponent, Crabtree is a guy who could be utilized on a variety of quick passes whether it be slants, screens or anything else. He's a guy with the ability to put together impressive YAC totals in the west coast offense.
After that, you're looking at some combination of Josh Morgan, Kyle Williams, Ted Ginn, Ronald Johnson and Dominique Zeigler amongst the remaining three or four receivers on the 53-man roster. Morgan and Williams would seem to be locks for the roster. I'm open to arguments otherwise, but I'd be stunned if either did not make the roster.
Beyond that, it's a tough call. Ginn has gotten some praise from offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Ronald Johnson is a rookie draft pick, which might buy him some time, or might guarantee him a ticket to the practice squad. And Dominique Zeigler? He missed a ton of time with his recovery from injury, but Coach Harbaugh said he was surprised by what he could do so quickly since returning to the practice field.
Based on all that and what you expect from Edwards and Crabtree in the passing game, what kind of role do you expect for the rest of the wide receivers? Considering the offense will also be working in Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker, and of course Frank Gore out of the backfield, there are only so many balls to go around. What do you do?
130 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
If morgan
is still the next man up, i would like to see him and edwards out wide with crabtree in the slot. Other than that, I would want crabtree and edwards wide with williams in the slot.
by Sigelvictory on Sep 1, 2011 10:03 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I think that the rest of the WR corps has in common is ability to find open spots in zone
which I’ve seen them all do pretty well, with the exception of Ginn. Williams and Morgan are good after the catch, too. Ziggy is just reliable, when healthy. I think it’s a good mix.
I put RoJo on the PS, personally.
Aldon Smith will have 10 sacks in 2011.
I tweet, therefore I am
+1
I’m thinking RoJo heads for the PS. I know it’s unlikely, but I’m really hoping Ziggy beats out Ginn. I know Ginn is valuable for returns, but it seems Kyle Williams or Phillip Adams could handle those roles.
by Mycroft's Brother on Sep 1, 2011 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't think Ginn is much of a punt returner.
His lateral quickness is not great and that matters more than straight line speed for punt returns. Kickoffs don’t really matter anymore and I like Kyle Williams and Morgan better at WR. Basically Ginn should not see the field much IMO.
FREE TYLER GREENE!
FIRE TLR!
Ginn would be better
If we had a QB who connected more often on deep routes. Not saying that specifically to knock Alex, but I am fairly certain a few teams in the league could use him quite effectively as a 3rd of 4th receiver.
Word from camp is his overall game has improved, too.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Sep 1, 2011 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Eh, I’ll believe his overall game has improved when I see it in season games. If I remember correctly, the report from last year’s camp was that he had supposedly improved his catching ability, but that didn’t really translate to regular season games. I’ve just never been a huge fan of Ginn, and maybe I’m a bit biased, but I just don’t really believe that he’ll improve his catching ability by this point in his career.
by Mycroft's Brother on Sep 1, 2011 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Ginn could be deadly on the Colts of about 4 years ago when their line was dominant.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Sep 1, 2011 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Absolutely true
Even if he only caught half of what they threw to him, that’s still to more downs for Manning to make completions of 8 and 6 yards to Wayne and Clark.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Sep 2, 2011 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions
THIS!! No question that Ginn has the rep as being a great returner, but IMO he ain't what he used to be!
Certainly as a receiver who catches the ball, Ginn is at the bottom of the list. Yes, he’s fast … but if he can’t catch, what difference does the speed make? So, presumedly his value is in the return game. But, is he really far superior to our other possible returner alternatives? It certainly isn’t obvious to me. If that’s true, why keep him? Trade him for whatever you can get to a team who is looking for a better returner.
For now, I think the Niners keep six receivers on the 53-man squad: Edwards, Crabtree, Morgan, Williams, Ziegler … and someone from the waiver wire … there will be a number for high-upside prospects available. I have watched a number of preseason games, and I think that actually the Raiders have to probable cuts that I think that we should be interested in: Denarius Moore (6-0, 195, Tennessee) and Eddie McGee (6-4, 210, Illinois). And, there will be others.
Based upon his training camp results (disappointing) I would put RoJo on the Practice Squad.
by 49erFanSince1950 on Sep 1, 2011 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions
There has been so much hype about Moore, I highly doubt he will be cut.
by SanFranciscoKnights on Sep 1, 2011 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Here's the thing ...
The Raiders currently have eleven WRs on their 80-man roster … nine vets and two rookies, the two guys I noted above. IF they keep six WRs, I think that the six most likely keepers are Heyward-Bey, Ford, Murphy, Schilens, Hagen and Jackson. They would have to cut one of these guys in order to keep Moore. Not obvious to me that they will do that.
by 49erFanSince1950 on Sep 1, 2011 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions
If they put Moore on their practice squad ...
I’d say cut either Zeigler or Ginn, and sign him right to the 53!
by OffensiveInterference on Sep 1, 2011 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh no, I completely agree. I never thought he was much for punt returns. It’s just that the general consensus on why Ginn has stuck around (and really, why we traded for him in the first place) was his perceived return ability.
by Mycroft's Brother on Sep 1, 2011 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Back to work, likely
The thing is, whether or not the injury heals or lingers. It’s hard to assess how good a guy is when he is only 80% healthwise nearly all the time.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Sep 1, 2011 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Lol
I first read your question as “Is he expected to be back by week 17?”
by OffensiveInterference on Sep 1, 2011 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions
nothing wrong with a lot of offensive talent
good teams spread the ball around to a lot of different receivers (see: Patriots). i’m more worried about the O-line than the receiving talent.
Multiple Weapons, Multiple Scoring Drives
That’s the plan. They should all be utilized towards their strengths and expose defenses somehow. Our OL just gotta give Alex those few seconds of protection he needs and we can keep the chains moving while always keeping the defenses guessing.
Why is our off-season more exciting than our regular season?!
as has been stated in a roundabout
way…it won’t matter what we do w/our wr corp if the o-line fails to block. That aside, implementing the WCO ought to be beneficial for us. And while I believe teams will blitz & stunt us ‘till we’re blue in the face, I don’t think we’ll be as bad as we were against NO & Houston…
by Doni S on Sep 1, 2011 10:26 AM PDT via iPhone app reply actions
@ least not the entire season.
by Doni S on Sep 1, 2011 10:27 AM PDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Morgan, Ginn, Williams
Morgan is the epitome of a possession receiver…someone Alex has rapport with and a good short option with Edwards getting #1 treatment and VD going deep up the seam
Ginn is a quality veteran backup whos speed defenses have to respect. Also, he can catch punts in Candlestick wind, and lest not we forget how important that was in 2009 (and even 2010)
Williams is the heir apparent to Ginn, and if Crabs doesnt excel in the slot I can see him being a Wes Welker type next season
If Ginn could replace the feet on his arms with hands
I’d love to see him and Williams battle it out.
Morgan is a good fit for the #2, but I think with Edwards on the roster as the #1 Crabtree is a better fit for the #2.
At the slot you really want to put some speed on the field to test the nickel backs and safeties so if Ginn can’t grow some hands put Williams in there.
correct me if I'm wrong
but I’m pretty sure in Harbaugh’s offense the X and Z WRs pretty much require the same skill-set.
I’d definitely prefer Williams in the Slot with Edwards & Crabtree at X and Z ( VD as Y obviously ), but then again I’ve never been very high on Morgan.
I’m interested to see how they use Walker and maybe even Reuland. I think Reuland is a much more natural receiving threat than Walker and Davis. They both run routes, where as Reuland seems to have that more traditional “feel” for the defense and finding a spot organically.
by whistlingmountain on Sep 1, 2011 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Not really the same skill-set
But some teams have different route trees and responsibilities for X and Z — but we won’t. If you know how to play X, the terminology is the same for Z. The skill-sets are still going to be different because of personnel, and there isn’t really a way around it unless you try to force square pegs into round holes.
For example, if you want to maximize Crabs playmaking ability in getting YAC you don’t really want him playing against the other teams best cover man. Edwards stepping into the #1 role should force the best cover corner onto him and not Crabs which should allow more separation. Or if they do switch over, now Edwards has a very favorable matchup.
We saw this effect last year where Morgan was actually top 3 in the league in Average YAC, with Crabs in the low single digits or early teens.
I also want to see Reuland in action more. VD is really a big WR and if we could contrast him with a traditional TE who can also make some tough catches over the middle it can be a huge pressure relief to both Alex and the wide-outs.
This is why we need Kyle Williams on the outside and Crabs in the slot.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
Rather see the burner in the slot
if we go three wide-outs. Crabs on the outside and Williams on the inside gives you the ability to run the hitch / corner combo that eats the Cover 2 alive. The S has a hard time getting to the corner if your burner lights it up which forces the corner to either drop deeper and leave Crabs wide open, or sit on Crabs and leave the S hanging out to dry.
Yeah but if you look at a team like the Eagles, they don't use Desean in the slot all too much.
Avant is nearly always in the slot and it works. I think Avant’s skill-set is closer to what Crabs is.
If you have a really good burner on the outside you’re almost always going to take a cornerback and a safety out of the picture with deep threat speed out there.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
That may be due to my assessment of Williams
I don’t think he will draw the double. DeSean he isn’t. If he’s outside they just leave the corner on him and trust in the matchup. If you want to use his speed you keep him matched up with a nickel or a safety. Put him out on the starting corner matchup and the best you can hope for is a better matchup for Crabs on the underneath.
Well that is our clear difference then.
I think depending on how he is used, he can be very much like Desean.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
Walker has to be used somehow though.
He is one of the best catching TE’s in the NFL.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
offensive creativity
i hope that Harbaugh’s offense uses many different combinations of receivers on the filed. not sticking only to the depth chart to see which receivers are on the field but using them in packages that use their strengths. even using players like VD, Walker, and Gore in the slot to create match up problems all over the field.
i’m excited to see what Williams can do this year in the WCO racking up lots of YAC
GO NINERS
Gore, Davis, Walker
81 46 T G C G T 85 15
21
This should be our base offense, IMO. That’s two big, physical wide outs with run-after-catch ability, and two big bodied TE’s with elite speed. We are going to be a matchup nightmare this season, once we get into the flow of things. I say we start the season with a W/L record of 3-4 before the 49ers offense goes on a tear.
Edwards, Walker, Davis, Crabtree, Gore
by PatrickJSmiles on Sep 1, 2011 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions
I REALLY want that to be true
Fingers crossed.
I think the one thing that could save this team from a season like their game against the Texans is gelling and chemistry; those things just have not had time to happen yet, but if they do, and the OLine plays a LOT better, we could be surprisingly competitive come mid-season.
Trusting in Harbaugh until he pulls his pants down in the locker room…or goes 4-12.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Sep 1, 2011 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions
I do like the respectful tone
Mr. Smiles indeed.
by David Fucillo on Sep 1, 2011 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions
that is the reason i like to post on this site Mr. Fucillo
aside from a few trolls, everyone is a great 9ER fan just like me. also no one makes fun of my grammar or spelling, since i cant write as well as most of you.
heads-up
Once in a while somebody will call out grammar. Don’t take it personally if somebody says something about grammar. With online message boards people sometimes get frustrated if they can’t understand a comment because of grammar (and other times they’re just being tools). Your comment is fine so you should be good to go on the site. We’ve seen some brutal grammar here.
by David Fucillo on Sep 1, 2011 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions
thanks, i know i shouldnt take it to heart
and i wont. if someone is correcting me in a respectful matter, than i dont mind at all. if they want to be tools thats fine, i dont feed the trolls.
Morgan and Williams
Walker will be in there a lot more than both though. So just alternate Morgan and Williams depending on the set, scheme, and down.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
I think the last point is key
I can hardly imagine the team ever going 4-wide, because that seats Gore or VD on the bench. I think 3-wide is going to be rarely used. Because of that, theres no reason to keep more than 5.
Williams and Morgan are in. If Ginn is the returner he’s in too. If Williams is the returner then perhaps Zeigler or Rojo are kept for depth.
by hammystyle on Sep 1, 2011 11:18 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Right
If we go 4 wide, one of them should be either Walker or Davis. THAT would be fun to confuse defensive schemes, and shift coverages to create favorable opportunities.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Sep 1, 2011 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Zeigler has been pretty legit I think they should reward him with being 3rd behind Crabtree and Edwards. Morgan has shown flashes but I think the 49ers just need to get in a system of rewarding players who have shown they can be starters. Zeigler is one of them. There were a few on defense that I felt the same way. Dobbs has shown to be a force get him in the rotation for games and see what happens. Culliver held his own for the times he has played. Let him start the next preseason game and see what he can do against V Jax and other starting calibre WRs.
Wideouts will set the stage....
I would suspect almost any triple set or combination of Edwards and Crabtree with either Morgan, Williams or Ginn would more or less force a DC to play us straight up. And when he does, the offense could and should have multiple options with Gore getting respect and the tight end being one you cannot ignore.
People need to realize that Stanford’s offense was based all around the TE.
A vast majority of the time, it will be Edwards, Crabtree, Davis, and Walker with Gore as the singleback.
So the other guys probably are not going to get much playing time.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
I think Harbaugh is going to have to give that up
If he wants to run the ball consistently well. Working a 2 TE set allows 9 men in the box and he isn’t in the PAC10 anymore.
two tight ends
The 49ers two tight ends can also be split out (either one or both). The whole point is that the 49ers two tight ends are unlike many tight ends around the league.
by David Fucillo on Sep 1, 2011 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions
everytime I have a great responce, you steal my words.
by ericalancanty on Sep 1, 2011 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions
you got that right
the 9ERS can disguise a lot of plays with a 2 TE set because we can easily run or like you said spilt one or both and throw. our TE’s can cause a lot of match up problems for the defense.
Not when our TE's can work as WR's.
There are all kinds of possibilities. You can spilt wide, bring Crabs in close, etc, etc.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
If you have everybody lined up in tight, then LB’s are going to have match up on TE’s. If you motion your TE’s all the way out and keep your main WR’s in for short outlets, the defense would be screwed. They’d be screwed if CB’s had to line up one-on-one with either Davis or Walker.
Like I said, it’s a total mismatch and if teams bring 7-9 in the box they are going to get lit up.
I don’t see what the Pac10 has to do with any of it. A lot of NFL teams run 2TE, 2WR sets… A lot.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
If you split them out wide
Then you do have a LB matchup in the passing game. That will work.
I’m commenting on the multiple tight end sets he likes using to run the ball — and he does like running the ball.
When I did the breakdown of Stanford a couple months ago I found he ran almost 70% of the time on 1st down, 54% on 2nd down, and 44% of the time on third down.
If he continues that trend we’re in trouble.
Oh that other thing I forgot
I only mentioned the PAC10 because running the ball there and running it in the NFL is like playing two different games.
But if the defense doesn't know whether its a run or pass they won't stack.
This is not Jimmy Raye’s offense. It won’t be that predictable. And there will be a lot of audible out options. Thats the point.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
You can even motion Davis in to the backfield like a FB and then pass. There’s so many things they can do to flip the script on the defense.
It’s going to be up to Aex to recognize mismatches and make the adjustments at the line.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
Also, highly suspect that Jim Harbaugh is smart enough to know that you cannot run the ball 70% of the time in the NFL.
He did afterall play in it.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
I'm hoping so
I really want to be wrong on this one. I really hope he has been bluffing this entire pre-season and is showing nothing of his true offense.
Jimmy Raye and Singeltary
also both played in the NFL.
Raye
Played quarterback extensively in college. More importantly, I’m not sure being a defensive player inhibits the understanding of basic offensive philosophy — like, for example, how frequently one ought to run the ball.
Raye
Didn’t he play with a leather helmet and no forward passes?
by David Fucillo on Sep 1, 2011 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions
He also coached
when there were leather helmets and forward passes.
And,
more importantly, the notion that one understands an aspect of football because he played in the league runs contrary to empirical evidence. Many coordinators and coaches have never played in the NFL (or done so with extremely infrequency), yet grasp and understand
got cut-ff
understand the nuances of offensive football better than those who have played. See: Sean Payton.
Harbaugh
Until he proves otherwise, one of the reasons I’ve thought Harbaugh can counter the college coach jinx (unsuccessful college coaches at the NFL level) is his playing experience and QB coach experience with the Raiders. We’ll see how right or wrong I end up being.
by David Fucillo on Sep 1, 2011 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Played quarterback extensively in college.
Extensively? He was a backup; not a starter and wasn’t even good at that. Then he was drafted to play corner in the NFL by the Rams and immediately traded. His coaching was as poor as his play.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
Indeed
4 WR’s with Davis and Walker in there, either turns out awesome, or they spread the field, block like help, and run a dump-off pass to Hunter for 30 yards at a clip.
I am excited by our potential, and dubious about our pre-season performance. It IS just pre-season, but still…
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Sep 1, 2011 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions
Well you also have to realize that Harbaugh knew he could recruit tight ends better than WRs
and that’s part of the reason he built the offense that way
I do think the initial base offense will be 2 TEs, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see it change by opponent and over the course of the season by who masters the offense quickest.
by whistlingmountain on Sep 1, 2011 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions
That realization by Harbaugh is a good sign for the team's future
It says Harbaugh can adjust to one weakness in his offense by emphasizing the strength of other position groups. That adaptability is exactly what we’ve missed for at least the last four years, and what will hopefully help return the team to respectibility.
by OffensiveInterference on Sep 1, 2011 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions
tight do you think you can hook me up with some tickets
"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"
no, it's just his passes come down like a punt
ask joshua morgan
Great question. Asking the wrong guy.
by 10forTech on Sep 1, 2011 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
it's one sarcastic answer...
in response to another sarcastic answer.
by David Fucillo on Sep 1, 2011 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Some misguided fans characterize Crabtree’s remark as ‘disparaging’, while Alex Smith’s comments get a pass.
At least Smith understands the truth:
"I read it the next day and I was really disgusted with myself with the way it came out," Smith said. "It looked like a jab. I called him up and talked to him and apologized."
Some misguided fans characterize Crabtree’s remark as ‘disparaging’, while Alex Smith’s comments get a pass
some misguided fans need to pull smith into every conversation. Both comments made by both players are disparaging, but they don’t need to be brought up together.
That said, I enjoyed your initial response, until I found out you posted it to protect crabtree instead of laugh at the stupid stuff players say
C'mon, Reed
Everyone knows Crabtree’s public speaking skills leave a lot to be desired. I’m sure with time and practice he may someday be articulate enough to speak confidently to the media. But right now he’s a bonehead. You can hardly put all the blame on him for his response to what even Alex Smith called a jab.
However, misguided fans continue to do so, going so far as to post his quote out of context and label it disparaging.
I don’t see how pointing that out is considered ‘protecting Crabtree’, but hey, it won’t be the first time you’ve mischaracterized someone you don’t know.
Let's bury the whole Alex/ Crabs thing, eh?
Most fans want to see the best from both.
I see your point but let’s focus on the positives. He will be back week 1.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
5 WRs not 6
Edwards, Crabtree, Morgan, Ginn and Williams.
Rojo to practice squad.
Zeigler cut because he’s not 100%
Long (most likely to make #6 spot if there is one) cut because he can’t beat out williams
All others – cut
Reason for 5 is that we’re keeping 2 FBs, 3RBs and 3TEs, doesn’t leave much room for that 6th WR.
no reason to with 2TEs that can be WRs
as you mentioned above.
reuland
I know they nick-named him Novacek, but I’m still skeptical
I'm not.
He looked spectacular in college. I was shocked he went undrafted.
I think he will pan out.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
Well
It looks like a lot of us are being homers. I don’t think any of our WRs are as good as we think and we won’t be posing as many matchup problems as we think. Not to be a downer or anything.
Realistically, I like Edwards, Crabs, Morgan, Soggy, and either Williams or Ginn. I still think Gunn has potential so I am pulling for him.
by ZivilynBane on Sep 1, 2011 11:42 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
"I don't think any of our WR's are as good as we think"
Actually, I think Edwards might be. And Davis, who can line up in several spots, is also special.
As to the rest though, including this “Gunn” fellow, you may have a point.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Sep 1, 2011 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions
lol
Blame my droid for bringing Mr. Gunn into this. I like Edwards too so hopefully he does well.
But I was strictly referring to WRs. I firmly believe Vernon is the best tight end in the league.
by ZivilynBane on Sep 1, 2011 2:56 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Edwards and Crabtree
I still contend they’ll be serious threats that pose matchup problems. Edwards size is kind of ridiculous and Crabtree’s ability after the catch is something he built his draft stock on. They have to still prove it, but I think you’re underestimating them.
by David Fucillo on Sep 1, 2011 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
Edwards and Crabtree are both decent wide receivers
Morgan is a good 3rd receiver and the others bring a little something to the table. The problem is it is unclear we can exploit any of the players to their full effectiveness consider the qb and offensive line situation.
by asmithisaverage on Sep 1, 2011 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions
hey
I don’t want to hear you talking bad about fooch like that
seriously
Of course, considering my passes come down like punts, it’s understandable.
by David Fucillo on Sep 1, 2011 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't think your passes coming down like punts
will keep you from exploiting the full effectiveness of any our our WRs. Joshua will just have to get used to it.
So considering that Fooch is our QB ...
Who on the blog would be nominated as offensive … line?
Nevermind, don’t need a firestorm; just got me giggling after all the hoorah of the last several days.
by OffensiveInterference on Sep 1, 2011 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions
something to the table
Well, focusing on the topic of this particular post, where do you see “the others” lining up after Edwards, Crabtree and Morgan. By that I mean Ginn, Williams, Johnson.
by David Fucillo on Sep 1, 2011 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions
If I had my way
Ginn would probably be cut especially since kick returns are out of style and I have no appreciation for his ability to stretch the field in this offense. Williams would be fighting for the slot from Crabtree and returning punts. Johnson… I am not sure he should make the 53 and assume he is practice squad eligible. I’d rather see Zeigler if we need a warm body but I am afraid he just hasn’t been healthy enough to leave the new staff with a good enough impression.
by asmithisaverage on Sep 1, 2011 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Johnson
He is PS eligible and I’m thinking it’s more and more likely he ends up there.
I mentioned in the original post about how Harbaugh said he’s been impressed with how well Zeigler has done in such a short time back on the field. But Greg Roman also liked what Ginn has done in practice. It’s a whole lot of talk right now. Hard to really know what’s exaggeration in a spur of the moment question, versus what will come down when they think through the roster cuts.
by David Fucillo on Sep 1, 2011 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah
I tend to take public comments from coaches with a grain of salt until they are forced to show their hand.
It isn’t hard to like Ginn’s speed. There are other aspects to his game I don’t like which usually involve his inability to make a spectacular play. May be tough criticism but he just isn’t going to be delivered the easy ball 40+ yards down the field. He needs to make adjustments, fight off the defender and not drop the easy ones. I just haven’t seen it. Without kickoff returns I have trouble reconciling his salary cap hit (though it seems we still have plenty of room) and roster spot.
If Alex Smith lobbies for Zeigler then that might keep his hopes alive but we probably still need to see something significant tonight. And if not to win a spot here, then to keep his career going elsewhere.
by asmithisaverage on Sep 1, 2011 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Smith versus receivers
I’m curious how much weight Harbaugh gives to Smith’s comments on end of the roster wide receivers. With Walker and Davis taking a decent amount of WR snaps so to speak, it probably comes down to special teams contributions for that fourth and fifth receiver (and sixth as the case may be).
by David Fucillo on Sep 1, 2011 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Good point about SP
My sense is Harbaugh is going to do what Harbaugh is going to do. We saw it with the blunt handling of Taylor Mays and with the “game planning” week 3.
by asmithisaverage on Sep 1, 2011 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions
week 3
I still don’t know what went on with week 3. I’m generally choosing to sort of overlook it where possible.
by David Fucillo on Sep 1, 2011 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Coaching
Creates match up nightmares. In the Raye offense if we had certain players on the field we were going to run certain plays. If we can have a base set that we can run AND pass with the same players on the field the defense might not know what we are running before we run it.
The Hard Truth.....
Braylon Edwards, by far the best WR we have had since TO left. A true #1 WR. Has had troubles in the past with the dropsies, but seems to have corrected that problem the last few years. The biggest bang on Edwards is his off the field issues and judgment.
Michael Crabtree, wow, was I excited when we drafted this guy. Wow, have I been disappointed with his production. Labeled a Diva (Total crap BTW), and now a possible bust (also crap), Crabtree has had some very nice moments and games. “You know what grinds my gears?” When Crabtree takes a catch able ball and deflects it perfectly into the defenders hands and a pick. It’s really upsetting and he seems to do it more than most WRs.
Josh Morgan, Dubbed “Mr. Inconsistent.” Morgan has nice hands, but seems to just fall short of expectations every year. I like me some Josh, but at this point he will take a back seat to Edwards and Crabtree. I see Morgan as a backup to both of them, more than I see him in the slot. I don’t think Crabtree will be ready to go as the starter in week one against the Hawks, but will see some playing time.
Kyle Williams, I would have to put Williams as the 4th WR on this list based on the fact he is the slot WR. Williams has nice hands and has made some nice catches in the preseason. Williams has return value and is quickly separating himself from the rest of the pack.
Dominique Zeigler, Here we have “Mr. Glass.” Zeigler is a guy that runs the most perfect routes and is always were he is supposed to be. He is a guy that can teach better WRs how to run a correct route. His main downfall has been injury as of late and this year is no different. I like Zeigler allot and love him in the WCO where his skill set is a priority. Great hands, and quick precise routes is why I would keep Zeigler over Ginn and ROJO.
Ted Ginn, Ginn has 5 main qualities that make him a dangerous WR and a go to guy, that would be his return ability, speed, speed, speed, and more speed. Since that is really only 2 great qualities and Ginn struggles with most things required in a good WCO (or reg) WR. I could see them passing on Ginn.
Ronald Johnson, “Fumble, fumleinski, fumbleia” Practice Squad this guy
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Niners Nation
Related FanShots on Niners Nation
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
