NFC Championship: 49ers Kyle Williams To Step Up

by Dylan DeSimone on Jan 20, 2012 8:00 AM PST in 2012 NFL Playoffs

The 49ers face a squad with maybe the league's top wide receiving corps on Sunday against the New York Giants. The injury report weighs more heavily on the 49ers side, even though tight end Delanie Walker is expected to play. But perhaps the biggest factor the Niners may be without is wide out and return specialist, Ted Ginn Jr. The man who would likely be able to fill that void left by Ginn, is second-year man Kyle Williams.

First off, I am a huge Kyle Williams fan. Williams is one of two recent later round picks that I have been a big supporter of since their respective draft moments; the other, NaVorro Bowman. Williams is another player that I believe is on the cusp right now, and he could show the world on a national stage what he can really do in this league if given the opportunity. Given Ginn's knee, it's looking like the 1 and 2 starting wide receivers will be Michael Crabtree and Williams on Sunday.

Williams is explosive and capable of big plays and spectacular catches. The youngster can fly and is always looking upfield to get more yards after the catch. Besides the fact that he is a little shorter than we'd like, I think he can be a great compliment to Crabtree for the time being. As most of you may have read, Mel Kiper projected the 49ers to select wide receiver Alshon Jefferey in the late first round -- it doesn't mean it's going to happen, but San Francisco is likely looking for a dominant downfield threat at the WR position.

So, much like they do on ESPN's NFL LIVE, I'm throwing the challenge flag on Kyle Williams: step up and have a big day for your team. Show that "the next man up" still applies in the playoffs. Williams has that dynamic ability about him, similar to Victor Cruz, Percy Harvin and DeSean Jackson. I could see some end arounds that usually go to Ginn, go to Williams in this game. I don't think Jim Harbaugh would be hesitant to give a young, eager player a chance on the big stage. That's what this team is all about; each man stepping up and taking care of his responsibilities.

I foresee Williams getting in the endzone against New York. I believe he's got the speed and quickness to help in the red zone, and concentration to make some big first down catches and splash plays. I'm less worried about Ginn's absence, and more excited about it opening the door for Williams to have a big game that helps the team immensely.

We'll see come Sunday when the San Francisco 49ers host the New York Giants at Candlestick Park for the NFC Championship and the right to play in this year's Super Bowl in Indianapolis.

Follow me on Twitter: @DeSimone80

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Speed....Kyle compared to Ginn

(1) Does anyone know if Kyle has similar speed to Ginn…what were their 40 times?

(2) From what i can tell Kyle is clearly physically stronger and possibly a bit better pass catcher than Ginn. So hopefully with ball being slippery due to rain, maybe Kyle can hold ball firmer than Ginn may have.

(3) In the passing game, here is where Kyle & Crabtree NEED to come through, it all can’t be on Vernon or Delanie…we going to need Big plays from the WR position.

(4) Whatever your take, the bottom line is the Big Guys O-Line & D-Line have to dominate & finally the Giggest factor will be which Q.B. Alex or Eli simply performs better.

by BigMar on Jan 20, 2012 8:18 AM PST reply actions

0.1s slower to 40

by Mindless on Jan 21, 2012 12:20 AM PST up reply actions

I think kyle may have a quicker acceleration

but Ginn can probably outrun him once he gets to full speed

by blue42red30 on Jan 21, 2012 12:46 AM PST up reply actions

Would love to see him break a TD

Kid’s good, but the injury slowed down his progression.

by mrg80 on Jan 20, 2012 8:24 AM PST reply actions

40s

KW (according to NN’s earlier article) was 4.30 on his pro day and 4.43 at the combine

by manas on Jan 20, 2012 8:25 AM PST reply actions

I heard Willis missed a practice (yesterday maybe?)

Does anyone have any info on that injury? is he expected to play? what happened?

I assume since I don’t hear much chatter its nothing serious, otherwise the inter-googles would be ablaze with concerns about the defense without one of its best players.

by Matt dubs on Jan 20, 2012 8:45 AM PST reply actions

also...

I heard Gore was banged up at the end of the game last week… any info on that?

by Matt dubs on Jan 20, 2012 8:46 AM PST up reply actions

Gore's been banged up all season

Nothing new there…I imagine he’ll be a much bigger presence than he was in week 10.

"We're not into answering questions"
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by LooseCannon79 on Jan 20, 2012 8:48 AM PST up reply actions

sounds a lot like bradshaw

he’s only been practicing on fridays for about 1-2 months now, but is always ready for game day. I hope to see both on the field come sunday.

by Matt dubs on Jan 20, 2012 8:54 AM PST up reply actions

What I've heard...

Was that he’s got a little “thing” with a knee, but the sit out was more of a precautionary thing and he is fully expected to play with no problems come Sunday

"We're not into answering questions"
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by LooseCannon79 on Jan 20, 2012 8:47 AM PST up reply actions

ok cool

I’m a giants fan, but i’ve always believed in “beating the best at their best” philosophy. I want to win, but not because of some untimely injury, bad call by the refs, etc.

as an example, I hate when people say the giants beat the 18-0 pats in the SB a few years ago because of the pressure and wear and tear of trying to go undefeated… rather than just the fact that the giants were better on that one day.

anyways, good luck, thanks for the info

by Matt dubs on Jan 20, 2012 8:50 AM PST up reply actions

I'm with you on that

I’m looking forward to the Niners playing the Giants at full strength, and vice versa. Both teams had some injury issues in week 10.

"We're not into answering questions"
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by LooseCannon79 on Jan 20, 2012 8:53 AM PST up reply actions

Exactly my thought when i read about Eli being sick.
I hope he plays, i hope the Giants to play well.

But i ultumately hope the 9ers to play better

Proud Night Owl from Niners Nation

by zemd on Jan 20, 2012 9:02 AM PST up reply actions

Eli's definitely playing

He was back to practice yesterday and took all reps. He claimed to be “100%” – which that may be a bit of showmanship. Stomach bugs, even though they generally go away in 24 hours, can still leave a person feeling a little drained for a day or two after – but then again, he’s got a full blown medical staff at his beckoned call and got fluids through an IV before leaving practice on Wednesday. I don’t think it’s a major story either way.

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by LooseCannon79 on Jan 20, 2012 9:28 AM PST up reply actions

As a Giants fan....what is your opinion of our Q.B. Alex Smith?

by BigMar on Jan 20, 2012 9:28 AM PST up reply actions

hmmm....

well leading into this season I thought what most people probably thought; he’s a below average starter that would need to be replaced if the team was ever going to do anything.

Throughout the beginning of this season I heard some good things, but it seemed like he was “managing” the game rather than leading the team.

Then they played the Giants. I was very, very impressed with how Smith played against the Giants in week 10, and since then I’ve been a believer. I think he has all the talent needed to be a star-level (maybe not top3, but next tier) QB in the NFL, and just needs the right group of people around him both on the field and in the coaching staff. Mostly he needs stability and time to grow without changing schemes/systems.

It reminds me a little bit of Eli… it took him a LONG time to be a top QB… sure he was good the last 3/4 years, and we all saw the talent was obvious, but he wasnt a top QB until this year. I don’t know if Smith WILL make that jump, but I think he could.

That being said… there’s no QB in the league I’d trade Eli for right now. I know Rodger, Brees and Brady are better, but I’m happy with my guy.

by Matt dubs on Jan 20, 2012 10:37 AM PST up reply actions

You should be....I think most folks acknowledge Eli as an Elite Q.B.

However, Im really hoping our Q.B. Alex of course out performs Eli this weekend.

Both Alex and Eli certainly appear to be great character guys, great leaders, great competitors…..so both 49ers and Giants should be excited for what they have.

by BigMar on Jan 20, 2012 11:30 AM PST up reply actions

Well , your comment ...

… but it seemed like he was "managing" the game rather than leading the team…

… this team isn’t built around a Qb that going to have Goddie stats like those you mentioned , it’s built to control the clock grind out first downs and balance , keeps the Defense well rested …!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ..( .AleX ) was asked , what do you think about all the game manager talk ... AleX i guess i just managed myself a VIctory ... Extend the Man ...!!

by Edggy on Jan 20, 2012 7:59 PM PST up reply actions

they beat them because the defense didnt let the pats do anything

thats dumb to say the better team didnt win that day.

Coach Harbaugh is the truth!!

by chris z on Jan 20, 2012 11:02 AM PST up reply actions

Impressed with Kyle this year.

Have been hoping for more reps and touches, so here we are. Will miss Teddy in return game, big. Always a possibility to go home. But when he’s wide, can’t forget the Dolphins all to ready to say goodbye.
Kyle can add a dimension to O we need. The next level of the D on effort and elusive speed. AND hands.
Hunter needs his wheels, like it or not Frank will be needed to ‘happy island’ the pocket for Alex. I can see Frank taking it well into the secondary in the fourth, again.
Much is rightly made of our excellent punter, Andy the magnificent, but we don’t want him Sunday. We want Alex and the gang to move chain reliably and win field position battle by offense! No 3&outs. Give Andy a break.
NOBODY!!!!

by TheCatch81 on Jan 20, 2012 9:25 AM PST via mobile reply actions

He could be the game breaker

Both in the return game AND as the #2 receiver on the field. With all of the attention Vernon Davis will be getting from the defense, plus the anticipated return of Delanie Walker and the normal attention that Crabtree pulls from the secondary, I think Williams is going to find himself open quite a bit and will have a chance to really make a name for himself on the national stage.

"We're not into answering questions"
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by LooseCannon79 on Jan 20, 2012 9:35 AM PST up reply actions

Kyle WIlliams is a star in the making

Love his attitude, his toughness (springing the Alex run in the last game), blocks well for his size, and he has the speed, hands and should have a good day. Also, given that he grew up around stars being the son of a baseball manager or something, he won’t be intimidated by the stage.
I am SICK of hearing about the Giants pass rush and their receivers!!! We have the best front seven in football and while our receivers don’t have the numbers the g-receivers do – we got some talent with us. You can bet Crabtree is going to bounce back after all those drops against the Aints.

Niners to win – 28-24,

by Togna Balogna on Jan 20, 2012 9:37 AM PST reply actions

You said it best!…not as worried about Ginn not being in, but more excited about K-W getting his chance! This is so exciting!…lets just hope the WR Corp doesnt get ‘drop happy’ on sunday…

by Hesperia9er on Jan 20, 2012 9:43 AM PST reply actions

Notice that Niner's third back

is getting a few carries. If he can get thru the line, he can take it further down field than Gore. Been waiting to see that. Need to step up the running game w more misdirection – how about an end around pass?

by oldfoggy on Jan 20, 2012 10:28 AM PST reply actions

Plays for KW

I’m thinking the Niners take advantage of Giants pass rush with some quick slants to KW (since I’m guessing they’ll double VD), and maybe throw him some WR screens.

by kailuakid9er on Jan 20, 2012 10:46 AM PST reply actions

Pretty clear that the Giants make sure that Gore & Vernon don't beat them, so.....

that clearly leaves it up to everyone else not named Frank or Vernon to step up, prove their worth and make plays for us to win.

by BigMar on Jan 20, 2012 11:34 AM PST reply actions

Go, K-Dub!

We know you can make those plays.

Niners Nation on the Reservation

by kinglouie33 on Jan 20, 2012 11:50 AM PST reply actions

Ginn sucks, I won’t miss him. Hasn’t had a return for touch down since the opener and those were luck. Always been a crappy receiver and always will be. It was Ginn’s man that made the tackle on Gore in the opener where Gore almost scored a td. Gore was tackled just shore of the goal line, niners ended with 3 points instead of a TD. If Ginn made the block on his man like he should have, Gore would have scored that TD. Williams probably would have made that block. Williams is already a much better overall player.

by bmcrae83@yahoo.com on Jan 20, 2012 11:52 AM PST reply actions

You do realize that Ginn is the 3rd best return man in the league based on averages?

He may not be a great receiver, but he’s among the best as a return man, even without scoring many TDs. Plus, not everyone is Hester or Peterson and scores on returns at will.

by 9thevolution on Jan 20, 2012 11:56 AM PST up reply actions

Ginn does not suck.

And if he’s not resigned, we will miss him. He’s a huge threat on special teams, always ready to break one. Calling his two return TD’s this year luck is ridiculous.

While he’s not a great receiver, he’s not as terrible as you and others make him out to be. His hands have really improved from last year and he dropped only 3 passes this year.

"It might be time to give Alex some credit, huh?" - Harbaugh

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by mikeinsp on Jan 20, 2012 2:52 PM PST up reply actions

Also yeh Ginn may have missed a block

but Gore doesnt have the speed to take it distance most of the time anyway. Ive seen alot runs this season where im like if kendall was in that would have been a td

by blue42red30 on Jan 21, 2012 12:57 AM PST up reply actions

Josh Morgan included...

are the 49er receivers the best blocking receivers in the league as a whole?

Semper Gumbi-always flexible

by Military49er on Jan 20, 2012 12:06 PM PST via mobile reply actions

We need to throw Kyle the ball more.

I don’t understand why we’ve pretty much avoided throwing to him for a while now. I’ve said since he was drafted that he could shine. And he broke out middle of the season and he was really involved in the middle part of the year. But now we rarely go to him.

"It might be time to give Alex some credit, huh?" - Harbaugh

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by mikeinsp on Jan 20, 2012 2:55 PM PST reply actions