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Would Things Have Been Different If The 49ers Brought in a Veteran FA Wide Receiver?

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Since the abrupt end of the 49ers season, I have read responses and follow-ups to the NFC Championship game regarding the 49ers. A lot of the news has been focused on the lack of anything resembling a wide receiving threat in the Bay Area. The 49ers just don't have a clear cut true number one. The receivers on the squad don't make defenses nervous and they don't really have game-breaking ability.

As the season went on, the 49ers started to really suffer a constant flux of injuries. The notables that went down were Braylon Edwards, Joshua Morgan, Ted Ginn Jr. and Delanie Walker. So maybe we are being too harsh on Michael Crabtree, insisting he was supposed to carry the load for everyone else. Though, he probably should have had more gaudy numbers since he was the only decent receiver in the line-up.

After Morgan went down for the season and Edwards was still not 100%, the 49ers' hand should have been forced to pick someone up. Instead, they brought in Brett Swain and promoted Joe Hastings. That might've worked in Green Bay or New Orleans, but things are a bit different in San Francisco - we rely on balance.

And this was later in the season where the playoffs were a sure thing, and San Francisco knew they were weak at the position. I'd like to believe bringing in a veteran wide out might have changed things a bit, although the pick'ns were slim. Some of the names the 49ers had a shot to sign were T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Terrell Owens, Chris Chambers and Brandon Lloyd.

The 49ers didn't go the route of the veteran free agent though, and it might have cost them. This isn't a statement about how T.O. or one of these guys would have been our savior, but having seen that catastrophic performance by the 49ers' active receivers against New York; I don't think it could've been much worse.

The two guys I do think would have made a difference, if only a little, would have been T.O. and Brandon Lloyd; the two former 49er wide outs. After Lloyd arrived in St. Louis, there were still big numbers coming from him on a porous Rams team. And as for Owens, I think he would have shut up and played ball. He's an old man now, not the eager young physical phenomenon he once was - the market is slim for him, as it now appears his days as a pro are up.

But what if the 49ers snagged one of these guys? They at least get spot-lit and game-planned against. Their presence alone would have diverted some of the attention away from other players; allowing them room to make a play. Maybe Crabtree would have been more effective. Maybe Gore could have gotten a nice crack block from Owens, who's been yearning for physical contact.

I guess we'll never know, but it's something to think about.

Follow me on Twitter: @DeSimone80

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haha

agreed

Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!

The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!

by Kidd2Petrovic on Jan 25, 2012 4:10 PM PST up reply actions  

Well every post has to do with it.

And when we win, we want to dominate. We want to take guys out. We want to hurt guys. We want to win. We just want to dominate, hit them in the mouth. - Rathman

by manraj7 on Jan 25, 2012 4:23 PM PST via mobile up reply actions  

Alex is too conservative

and doesn’t trust throwing to his wideouts, so a FA WR would not have made much difference.

That conservatism limits turnovers but it also doesn’t help the offense either.

by jviet on Jan 25, 2012 5:05 PM PST up reply actions  

It didn't win the most important..the 14th

Eli was throwing all over the place, why couldn’t Alex have thrown a little more?

I think the WR’s need some change/improvement, but not drastic.

by jviet on Jan 25, 2012 5:08 PM PST up reply actions  

My point was

we played the same against the giants as everyone else the most important thing to do in that game was not turn the ball over the offense did not turn the ball over st did

by AK49e on Jan 25, 2012 5:26 PM PST up reply actions  

The lack of turnovers is a plus

but not throwing to open receivers in a big game is a minus. 1 for 13 on 3rd showed that the offense was not winning the game for us. Thankfully the defense kept us in it…the ST ‘accidents’ were unfortunate in hindisght.

by jviet on Jan 25, 2012 5:32 PM PST up reply actions  

and yet

we’re sitting pissed off about things while the G-men prepare for the Super Bowl, sigh.

A little more aggression might have given us more scores and a bigger lead/cushion to absorb the impact of the turnovers.

by jviet on Jan 25, 2012 5:46 PM PST up reply actions  

Dang bro , slow your roll , they won 15 games in year one with no off- season , just slow your ROLL ...!!

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 25, 2012 6:39 PM PST up reply actions  

Ooooop's 14 ...!!

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 25, 2012 6:40 PM PST up reply actions  

Eli has elite WRs. 2 of them.

Alex has 1. VD. He throws to him.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jan 25, 2012 5:43 PM PST up reply actions  

Eli was making plays. Not brilliant plays but plays none-the-less.

That’s important skill to make two receivers appear elite. Can you say with certainty Cruz and Nicks are putting up elite numbers with Alex Smith throwing to them?

by asmithisaverage on Jan 25, 2012 6:40 PM PST up reply actions  

Dunno , maybe the better Question would be , could Eli put up better #'s then AleX in this Offense in year One with no OFF-SEASON ...!!

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 25, 2012 6:45 PM PST up reply actions  

Considering how far his weapons would drop off

There is very little chance to put up significantly better numbers. And he would most certainly throw more ints. Alex maximized our lack of receiving talent since they can’t accomplish anything with the ball in their hands.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jan 26, 2012 2:05 AM PST up reply actions  

So Eli wouldn't get the staff as well?

That credit has to go to Harbaugh, and I don’t see Eli leaving as many plays on the field and missing as many open targets. Hence the reason for my answer.

1. Kelechi Osemele, OT/G, Iowa State
2.Xavier Rhodes CB FSU/ Vinny Curry OLB/DE Marshall/ LaMichael James*, RB, Oregon
3. Brandon Boykin, CB/KR/PR, Georgia/ Alex Okafor*, DE, Texas
4. DeMarlo belcher WR Indiana
5. Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt
6. Marvin Jones WR Cal
7.T.J. Barnes*, DT/NT, Georgia Tech

by rlott#42 on Jan 29, 2012 11:14 PM PST up reply actions  

Moot point people. Had Alex thrown more and had interceptions and 1 returned the another way for a defensive toughdown he would still be blamed for the loss. Alex was in a possition where he can’t win. He needs betters receivers that’s all there is to it.

by bmcrae83@yahoo.com on Jan 25, 2012 7:05 PM PST up reply actions  

Fourteen, not Thirteen.

Who's got it better than Honey Badger? Honey Badger don't give a ....

by ak4niner on Jan 25, 2012 5:09 PM PST up reply actions  

Ding ding ding!

Alex did NOT trust his receivers. Probably a great idea to not throw a ball to a receiver that you don’t trust.

by dozybolox13 on Jan 25, 2012 6:00 PM PST up reply actions   1 recs

Alex doesn't trust Alex.

"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"

by rlott#42 on Jan 25, 2012 11:30 PM PST up reply actions  

But its the truth...!!!

"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"

by rlott#42 on Jan 25, 2012 11:28 PM PST up reply actions  

O " BOY " ...!!

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 25, 2012 6:33 PM PST up reply actions  

This needs to be front page Fooch...

Happy Birthday Patrick Willis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Qbgetter13 on Jan 25, 2012 7:06 PM PST up reply actions  

The moment they let go of Braylon Edwards, I felt like we were making a mistake by going with Joe Hastings (no offense to Hastings, but I figured this guy was a practice squad player for a reason). It just seemed like we were way too thin at WR considering the fact that Kyle Williams had the concussion, and Ted Ginn had the ankle injury.

I will say, at the time it was really hard to question the front office though since they had made so many good moves up until that point. In my opinion though, they made a mistake by not at least taking a look at someone outside of the organization. Having said that, we still somehow could have (should have) won that game on Sunday (how many teams can do that with 1 WR catch?). It just goes to show how good our D really was this year.

by E-Train on Jan 25, 2012 4:15 PM PST reply actions  

even if they felt braylon was useless

They should’ve held on to him just to get a compensatory pick

Rule #1) If you hate Joe Buck, watch this www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkCSZKbyL94

Rule #2) Follow rule #1

by mtl9ers14 on Jan 25, 2012 4:30 PM PST up reply actions  

eh what??

How do we get a comp pick out of Braylon?

by mrg80 on Jan 25, 2012 4:34 PM PST up reply actions  

he was going to be a FA after this season

If he signs with another team we would’ve gotten a comp pick

Rule #1) If you hate Joe Buck, watch this www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkCSZKbyL94

Rule #2) Follow rule #1

by mtl9ers14 on Jan 25, 2012 4:52 PM PST up reply actions  

depending of course

on how many other FAs we lose in relation to the rest of the teams losing FAs and quality of FA loss.

Edwards likely would not have counted towards any compensation, because he wasn’t productive.

by Andrew Davidson on Jan 25, 2012 4:55 PM PST up reply actions  

I don't think production counts in whether you get a comp pick

I think it’s the salary they were paid or are going to be paid (after signing with a team in FA)

Rule #1) If you hate Joe Buck, watch this www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkCSZKbyL94

Rule #2) Follow rule #1

by mtl9ers14 on Jan 25, 2012 5:02 PM PST up reply actions  

you could be right

I know they also determine comp. picks based on how many FAs you lose compared to how many you gain.

by Andrew Davidson on Jan 25, 2012 5:19 PM PST up reply actions  

didn't know about that

Rule #1) If you hate Joe Buck, watch this www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkCSZKbyL94

Rule #2) Follow rule #1

by mtl9ers14 on Jan 25, 2012 5:24 PM PST up reply actions  

yep

each new free agent signed cancels each free agent lost. checked into it a bit further too, and player’s earning the minimum don’t count as players lost. Also, you are correct that the annual value of the contract is how the league determines how high the comp pick is and it doesn’t have anything to do with on the field production in that respect.

I felt on the field production was a factor, but it isn’t directly. Indirectly it is, because if a guy sucks, he likely won’t sign for much anywhere else anyway.

by Andrew Davidson on Jan 25, 2012 5:35 PM PST up reply actions  

ya in a way production does matter

I just hope someone offers Braylon big money so we get a high pick lol, but that’s never going to happen

Rule #1) If you hate Joe Buck, watch this www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkCSZKbyL94

Rule #2) Follow rule #1

by mtl9ers14 on Jan 25, 2012 5:37 PM PST up reply actions  

Harbaugh getting a grip on this team's emotion would have proved more beneficial

Seriously, having an extra WR in this offense would have improved things slightly at the most, and likely not at all. I think a big problem this team suffered was its own emotion.

Did you notice how bananas everyone was celebrating when Alex scored the go ahead TD with over 2 minutes left against NO? It seemed like everyone on the offense was so wrapped up in celebrating, no one saw Jim Harbaugh yelling “GO FOR TWO!!!”. Then take a look at VD’s excessive celebrations. He’s lucky he didn’t get flagged for the first against NO, but the absurdity of the second was downright hilarious.

When it’s the first quarter of a playoff game, players should not be celebrating like the game is over. When there are two minutes left in a game, and 2-points is necessary, you would hope the team could keep a little bit of composure.

Bottom line, composure cost this team the game against the Giants and Harbaugh needs to stress the importance of staying calm. I’m almost glad the team lost because of how incredibly arrogant the celebrations were getting (save for VD bawling his little eyes out). They needed to be brought back down to earth, and Harbaugh should have been the one to do it. Unfortunately, it was the New York Giants that did.

Lesson learned, I hope.

by Andrew Davidson on Jan 25, 2012 4:22 PM PST reply actions  

Then it's a lesson every team in the NFL needs to learn

What about Brady running to the sideline after a TD and spiking the ball in front of his own bench? What about Graham and his dunks? Sproles spent more than a minute celebrating his late TD, what about him?

When Graham scored his 2nd TD, the Saints bench was jumping up and down, and Graham pointed to his name on the back of his jersey. They acted just like they had won the game, even though there was time remaining.

Show me one team that plays completely without emotion, which always hands the ball to the referee after a TD without spiking it, who doesn’t high-five or chest-bump. You can’t. Doesn’t exist. This ain’t 1962.

by NinerEd on Jan 25, 2012 5:04 PM PST up reply actions  

I think you missed the point

Playing with emotion is a lot different than playing with uncontrolled emotion. I also didn’t say other teams weren’t guilty of such uncontrolled emotion. I have no problems with team’s celebrating a TD, but the way the VD celebrated on his first TD against the Giants was a complete lack of composure. Ditto for when Alex rolled in for the go ahead score. The team still had to go for two and take care of business, and everyone but Jim Harbaugh lost sight of that while they were throwing a party in the end zone.

Frankly, I don’t care what the other guys are doing when they celebrate. That doesn’t make my point any more or less relevant. I’m speaking in direct relation to the excessive celebrations during meaningful important playoff games that were far from over from a 49ers fan perspective. I don’t care what Tom Brady does, how Jimmy Graham celebrated, etc, because they don’t play the 49ers and aren’t coached by Jim Harbaugh.

This ain’t 1962, but who says that’s an excuse for grown ass men getting paid millions of dollars to act like little the world is ending when they score a TD. Fist pump, spike the ball, do what needs to be done, just don’t get excessively caught up in the moment. VD showed little composure, surprising for a guy whose been in the end zone more times than any other TE in the past 3 seasons.

by Andrew Davidson on Jan 25, 2012 5:30 PM PST up reply actions  

I'm sorry but

we lost because Kyle Williams fumbled the ball twice. It had nothing to do with how emotional our players were. It had nothing to with the Giants being more composed than the 49ers, because they weren’t. The Giants couldn’t do a thing in the second half. Their last 2 scores were giftwrapped.

by thekelvman on Jan 25, 2012 6:34 PM PST up reply actions   1 recs

This

"It's impossible to hide the fire inside" - Bob Seger

by Jaxson876 on Jan 25, 2012 6:54 PM PST up reply actions  

Bingo ...!!

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 25, 2012 6:56 PM PST up reply actions  

While I'd normally be inclined to agree

Watching the lifeless offense struggle to move the ball at all after the game was tied leads me to think otherwise.

I completely disagree that Kyle Williams fumbles were the only reasons the 49ers lost. What say you about the 1 for 14 third down conversions?

I think everything is equatable to the 49ers loss, including lack of composure. To pin it soley on Kyle Williams is absurd. Realistically, he never should have been put in that position to fumble in OT, because the 49ers had three chances prior to that to end the game, but failed to pick up a first down, let alone points.

by Andrew Davidson on Jan 25, 2012 7:29 PM PST up reply actions  

Regardless of the third down problems,

The twin Alex/VD touchdowns were enough to win that game. It would have been a minor miracle if the Giants crossed midfield during the second half, considering the Niner D. #10 cost the 49ers #6.

The Dude: Oh boy. How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm once they've seen Karl Hungus.

by slapsy on Jan 25, 2012 9:25 PM PST up reply actions  

Regardless of the third down problems,

The twin Alex/VD touchdowns were enough to win that game. It would have been a minor miracle if the Giants crossed midfield during the second half, considering the Niner D. #10 cost the 49ers #6.

The Dude: Oh boy. How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm once they've seen Karl Hungus.

by slapsy on Jan 25, 2012 9:27 PM PST up reply actions  

I know I didn't miss the point

OK, so you don’t give a crap about Brady or Graham or whoever plays on teams other than the 49ers. Have you even watched this team all year? Have you been watching every second of sideline activity? Have they been jumping up and down after every freaking touchdown?

You’re going to freak out over one Davis celebration. Fine, cut his *&%. Maybe we can get a better composed tight end who can’t run worth a crap, but hey, at least he hands the ball to the official!

If what you’re trying to say is that Vernon blew his wad on that play, then you’re wrong. Maybe you didn’t notice that he caught another TD that day…which gave the Niners the lead back.

This is yet another example of Niners fans acting like “the world is ending” because we lost a game that we weren’t supposed to be playing in the first place! For crying out loud, get some damn perspective and move on. The draft is three months away.

by NinerEd on Jan 25, 2012 9:33 PM PST up reply actions  

Are you serious

If so, I believe your reading comprehension has failed you miserably.

Did I say cut anyone, did I say fire anyone, did I say the world is over?

I made an observation that I felt the 49ers lacked composure, and that an extra WR would have made little, if any difference. The game wasn’t lost because the Niners lacked an extra WR, which is what this topic is about. The game was lost because the 49ers couldn’t execute, and a think a part of that was attributed to lack of composure.

In case you haven’t realized, I haven’t commented on every single game or every single article posted about the 49ers. That doesn’t mean I haven’t followed this team or am not loyal to this team. Making an observation should not incite the type of response you gave me. You have little class, and are a shining example of why I barely give this site the time of day.

by Andrew Davidson on Jan 26, 2012 5:51 AM PST up reply actions  

and just to clarify that last sentence

I mean no disrespect to the writers and contributors of this site, because I read most of the articles on a daily. My head just explodes from all the idiots like NinerEd who can’t objectively accept another person’s opinion without ranting and pointing accusing fingers of who and who isn’t a 49ers fan.

Blow it out your asshole, NinerEd.

by Andrew Davidson on Jan 26, 2012 5:54 AM PST up reply actions  

I'm glad at least that we didn't resort to namecalling

oh wait, we did? that’s cool too.

Both of you are basically right — the 49ers did lack composure, and it may have cost them their focus down the stretch. You could almost see how demoralized they offense was at the end of the Giants game and that’s the ugly side of a team that feeds off emotion. In their defense, that’s to be expected for a team that hasn’t been to the playoffs in a decade. I imagine things will change when the playoffs become routine for this team.

But NinerEd is also right that TD celebrations aren’t that big of a deal. If the 49ers won last weekend, would we even be talking about this? I don’t think so, and I think that says all you need to know about the importance of celebration etiquette.

by ninerspride on Jan 26, 2012 9:51 AM PST up reply actions  

Correction: Absurdity of the second was in reference to VD’s first TD in the second game, not his second TD against NO. My baaad.

by Andrew Davidson on Jan 25, 2012 4:24 PM PST reply actions  

the team dynamic

In your own job, think about how you’d feel if your boss hired some hotshot to handle a big account / client instead of trusting you with the job?

by dlh on Jan 25, 2012 4:27 PM PST reply actions  

Huh? No, of course it wasn’t.

It was a much better decision to take the practice squad guy who knew the system and put up one target in 2 extremely important playoff games rather than signing a future Hall of Famer before Week 17 for a prorated contract of $62,500 who could have been given an extra bye week to learn at least part of the system and be our 3rd or 4th string WR

Of course not.

"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais

by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 25, 2012 4:29 PM PST reply actions  

yeah

but Marvin Harrison wouldn’t work with our offense

by mcwagner on Jan 25, 2012 4:30 PM PST up reply actions  

No, I didn’t say murderer

"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais

by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 25, 2012 4:33 PM PST up reply actions  

He was arrested?

No, so how is he a murderer?

"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"

by rlott#42 on Jan 25, 2012 11:33 PM PST up reply actions  

You can absolutely be a murderer without ever being arrested.

I could be the SBnation killer. I just haven’t been caught yet

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jan 26, 2012 2:07 AM PST up reply actions  

is this a spoiler for Dexter Season 6?

"Cruelty, It’s not giving another person what they want. That’s our mindset on defense, to go out and play with everything we have and not give the other team anything." -Patrick Willis

by 49erLou on Jan 26, 2012 10:29 AM PST up reply actions  

I rarely agree with you

but I agreed with you on this issue then and I agree now. 49ers bet too much on Ginn staying healthy, bringing in TO for 62K would’ve helped.

by reedkrase on Jan 25, 2012 5:11 PM PST up reply actions  

Brandon Lloyd was not a free agent, and the 49ers did try to trade for him. They offered more than St. Louis did.

Lloyd didn’t want to come here, so the 49ers did not have a shot to sign him.

And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter

by James Brady on Jan 25, 2012 4:30 PM PST reply actions  

In other words , you calling James a Liar ...!!

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 25, 2012 7:04 PM PST up reply actions  

I'm inclined to think

James Brady is the source, he only needs to link in the Nuggs, bro (and I can promise you there was a link to this in a rendition of said Nuggets).

by Andrew Davidson on Jan 25, 2012 7:31 PM PST up reply actions  

NJ never lies

He could say that Moore is a cowboy fan and I’ll probably believe him.

And when we win, we want to dominate. We want to take guys out. We want to hurt guys. We want to win. We just want to dominate, hit them in the mouth. - Rathman

by manraj7 on Jan 25, 2012 9:15 PM PST via mobile up reply actions  

Source?

Judging by the emails I was getting, sounds like Lloyd himself tried to mislead folks into thinking he was open to come back to the Bay so the 49ers would drive up the price. They did, but the Rams didn’t bite, and then Lloyd backed out because he was not open to a return to the Bay. A few of the beat writers reported it, as did that radio station, The Game. Lloyd was simply not open to coming back here. I think the 49ers offered up something like a third or fourth.

So yeah, if myself as a source isn’t good enough, just search up Lloyd on Twitter and go back to Oct. 17.

And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter

by James Brady on Jan 25, 2012 9:33 PM PST up reply actions  

Thanks

It wasn’t that I didn’t believe you, I just hadn’t heard any of that.

by asmithisaverage on Jan 26, 2012 11:25 AM PST up reply actions  

Maybe NN should put up a cuople of threads today n tomorrow so 49er fans can

go there vent about the game cry light some candles or insents sing kumbya just put it all on there for these next couple of days maybe leave it on open over the weekend.Then come monday " enough " of that !#%! n start talking about free-agents n the draft n players we need to sigh because cleeeeeaaarrly some of us is having a hard time to get over it n don’t get me wrong i’m not totally over it it was a hard,hard,hard loss thats true but damm i want 2 get on with this off-season so maybe thats a idea?

by Jayubb415rebirth on Jan 25, 2012 4:34 PM PST reply actions  

Things would not haver been different

because the problem is that the guy throwing to them tended to be scared of doing that and held back instead.

The problem in the Giants game is that Alex basically refused to throw to the wideouts even when they were open. The Greg Cosell article really opened my eyes to that…we all know that Alex is conservative on his throws, but there is also being too conservative as well.

Alex needs to learn to throw the ball to the wideouts when they are still developing their routes. His conservatism does limit turnovers which is nice, but as we saw against the Giants it also limits our offense.

I would rather put Kapaernick in their as he has a cannon for an arm. With a year of learning under his belt I fully expect Kaep to supplant Alex in camp next year and take the starting job sooner rather than later. Kaep has all the physical tools to succeed and I expect he will.

by jviet on Jan 25, 2012 5:03 PM PST reply actions  

Kaep will be an all-star

Just not yet. Many are already writing him off, but I think the kid is awesome. He’s got the raw talent, the smarts to refine those talents, and the drive to become a winner. Alex may stay for a few more years, but Colin is our future.

Who's got it better than Honey Badger? Honey Badger don't give a ....

by ak4niner on Jan 25, 2012 5:08 PM PST up reply actions  

yeah

Kaep was really raw coming out of UNR so thank goodness he didn’t play this year. However, a year of seasoning and learning should lead to some eye-opening next year.

by jviet on Jan 25, 2012 5:10 PM PST up reply actions  

Correct

And thats way i wanna keep smith for at least 2 more years while colin is getting ready look at rodgers,young,mcnair and rivers all went to the super bowl expect rivers cause of coach and i think cutler sat a few

by Moflush on Jan 25, 2012 6:05 PM PST via mobile up reply actions  

we would have won with to

too big and strong in red zone. this of coarse alex could have gotten him the ball.

by mrb24 on Jan 25, 2012 5:09 PM PST reply actions  

come on

TO is done as a football player and it is not his fault. Injuries and age have done him in like they have every other great player. If he truly still had speed and burst then he would have been a success in Cincy and/or Buffalo.

TO would not have helped us plus Alex would not have trusted to throw the ball to him anyways even if he was open. Vernon is the one guy Alex trusts implicitly as he catches almost everything thrown his way.

by jviet on Jan 25, 2012 5:15 PM PST up reply actions  

either of those two seasons in buffalo and cinci

were still better than any season any wide out on our roster has ever had in their careers

by thekelvman on Jan 25, 2012 5:31 PM PST up reply actions  

Even if he did have something left in the tank

Alex would not have trusted enough to have thrown to him unless he was wide open.

by jviet on Jan 25, 2012 5:33 PM PST up reply actions   1 recs

Nice , learned a new word this year ...!!

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 25, 2012 6:54 PM PST up reply actions  

It was funny seeing Merlin Olsen try and pretend he knew about this when he suddenly started talking about it all the time

As of a few days ago. I wanna know who the first person was that named it on here. I always knew teams had such tape but never knew the name for it personally.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jan 26, 2012 2:11 AM PST up reply actions  

Yup ...!!

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 26, 2012 6:13 AM PST up reply actions  

You know this How ...!!

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 25, 2012 6:47 PM PST up reply actions  

He would have been excellent for the playoffs.

by mrb24 on Jan 25, 2012 6:14 PM PST via mobile up reply actions  

What about Tolzien?

I saw let them compete. Harbaugh bring them in to ride the pine behind mostly mediocrity with an occasional flare?

by asmithisaverage on Jan 25, 2012 6:45 PM PST up reply actions  

Isn't Kaep better than Tolzien?

So if Kaep isn’t ready than I don’t know if tolzien is

And when we win, we want to dominate. We want to take guys out. We want to hurt guys. We want to win. We just want to dominate, hit them in the mouth. - Rathman

by manraj7 on Jan 25, 2012 7:06 PM PST up reply actions  

Dang , you guys are in for a long couple of years ...!!

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 25, 2012 7:24 PM PST up reply actions  

I felt Owens could've helped

but everyone here just hates on him and rants about this supposed “circus” he brings despite him being well-behaved in both Buffalo and Cinci

by thekelvman on Jan 25, 2012 5:15 PM PST reply actions  

would TO willingly have worn

the blue workman’s shirt that Harbs gave everyone? “My name is Terrell”. Methinks probably not.

by jviet on Jan 25, 2012 5:43 PM PST up reply actions  

Because those things are fugly!

But yeah for one postseason, I think I’d be willing to deal with a guy who’ll refuse to wear a shirt but always show up and perform well on the field.

by thekelvman on Jan 25, 2012 5:47 PM PST up reply actions  

I think T.O. would have been worth the baggage.

if there was any in the first place. The guy clearly has some talent left, and he would have made an instant impact in our offense if nothing more than as a threat that required mandatory attention from opposing defenses. This is all in hindsight, mind you… :-)

Let's giggity giggity Go 49ers!!!

by Kittles on Jan 25, 2012 8:09 PM PST via Android app up reply actions  

What I like is that our team is young

…at least for the most part. We can play guessing-games all year about this what-if. I don’t think bringing in a vetran WR would have helped, but that’s just my off-the-cuff opinion.

Here is what is relevent: we made it to the NFC championship and were very close to the SB with basically the SAME TEAM that went 6-10. Oh, and did I mention a rookie head coach and a very limited off-season? Plus no playoff experience? Just imagine with a full off-season, some more talent, and having the taste of what could be?

Who's got it better than Honey Badger? Honey Badger don't give a ....

by ak4niner on Jan 25, 2012 5:17 PM PST reply actions  

Josh Morgan was performing better than Crabtree when he was healthy...

I honestly think Josh was clearly getting better & better by the week before his injury.

If Josh did not get injured, we may be taking about that Josh was more of a legit #1 WR versus Crabtree.

It been 3 seasons now and Crabtree and Alex did not have the same chemistry as Alex & Vernon or Alex & Josh.

I almost GUARRANTEE you that had Josh been healthy and played in playoffs he would have done more than Crabtree did.

3 freak’en seasons and we are still waiting for Crabtree to show us he is a dominent WR.

If he still does not show it this season 2012, his 4th in season in the NFL, then come On Wake UP Folks !

by BigMar on Jan 25, 2012 5:17 PM PST reply actions  

Josh has stepped it up

I’m glad Harbaugh said we will keep him.

Who's got it better than Honey Badger? Honey Badger don't give a ....

by ak4niner on Jan 25, 2012 5:19 PM PST up reply actions  

Josh was also our best blocking WR too!

I think EVERYONE saw Josh’s play clearinmg indicating he was elevating his game into the next level before his injury. You SAW it with Your Own Eyes!

With Crabtree you SAW with Your Own Eyes a inconsistant, hot & cold player who had too many very average games.

by BigMar on Jan 25, 2012 5:27 PM PST up reply actions  

This.

Morgan is not a dominant WR by any means, but he was getting it done before he got injured. He was averaging 14.7 YPC and a 75% catch rate — those are lower-WR1 numbers, similar to Marques Colston’s season long numbers (14.3 YPC and a 75% catch rate). In comparison, Crabtree was averaging 12.1 YPC and a 64% catch rate, which is pretty similar to Harry Douglas’ season (12.8 YPC and 63% catch rate).

Granted, Morgan’s numbers are based in a small sample size, but he had clearly stepped up his game. I hope he can continue that trend into next season.

by ninerspride on Jan 25, 2012 11:07 PM PST up reply actions  

Crabtree is clearly a #2 WR

and not a #1. He has great hands but not speed, so he needs a little help from the scheme and play-calling to have impact.

A true #1 receiver paired with Crabtree and Morgan should make for a very nice grouping.

Is that #1 a free-agent or a draft pick? That is what I wish we could all figure out.

by jviet on Jan 25, 2012 5:19 PM PST reply actions  

Maybe DHB

truly was/is the better of the two??? :-)

by jviet on Jan 25, 2012 5:34 PM PST reply actions  

Victor Cruz

is better than Baldwin, another amazing find.

The process for finding WR’s that have impact may be the most flawed out of all the personnel evaluation processes.

by jviet on Jan 25, 2012 5:40 PM PST up reply actions  

TO sounds like he's in a very bad place

Well, in “hell,” as he puts it in this GQ profile. Not the sort of guy you want to rely on in the NFC Championship game. I worry for him.

"And the Warriors won, so I guess your household is pretty happy"--Donald Sutherland, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, 1978

by BlueInTheFace on Jan 25, 2012 5:38 PM PST reply actions  

He performs. Don’t mind too much about off the field issues. I believe he would show up for a playoff game

by mrb24 on Jan 25, 2012 6:18 PM PST via mobile up reply actions  

I forgot to add the link on the TO article

http://www.gq.com/sports/profiles/201202/terrell-owens-nfl-football-wide-receiver?printable=true&currentPage=2

"And the Warriors won, so I guess your household is pretty happy"--Donald Sutherland, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, 1978

by BlueInTheFace on Jan 25, 2012 6:02 PM PST reply actions  

Dang , Three days . the end of the Season and this where we're at ....

… but , what if’s and shoudla woulda coulda’s …!!

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 25, 2012 6:35 PM PST reply actions  

This might be a better topic then beating a daed horse .....!!

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 25, 2012 6:53 PM PST up reply actions  

why is it a miracle bra?

And when we win, we want to dominate. We want to take guys out. We want to hurt guys. We want to win. We just want to dominate, hit them in the mouth. - Rathman

by manraj7 on Jan 25, 2012 7:06 PM PST up reply actions  

Dang bro , just look at them , looks like a miracle to me ...!!

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 25, 2012 7:08 PM PST up reply actions  

So they don't grant wishes?

And when we win, we want to dominate. We want to take guys out. We want to hurt guys. We want to win. We just want to dominate, hit them in the mouth. - Rathman

by manraj7 on Jan 25, 2012 7:11 PM PST up reply actions  

Well , I do have a wish , so as of now , no wish hasn't been granted ...!!

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 25, 2012 7:13 PM PST up reply actions  

that's a dude

that’s what makes it a miracle bra.

by Andrew Davidson on Jan 25, 2012 7:34 PM PST up reply actions   1 recs

Dang , guess i like Dudes now ...!!

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 25, 2012 7:40 PM PST up reply actions  

don't worry

she was a dude, I should have stated putting the bra on transformed her permanently and without transgender side effects.

alright alright, the joke is foiled, I don’t know why it’s a miracle bra either, but I like the two miracles that are staring me in the face.

by Andrew Davidson on Jan 25, 2012 7:43 PM PST up reply actions  

Her eyes?

And when we win, we want to dominate. We want to take guys out. We want to hurt guys. We want to win. We just want to dominate, hit them in the mouth. - Rathman

by manraj7 on Jan 25, 2012 9:19 PM PST via mobile up reply actions  

hahah

"Cruelty, It’s not giving another person what they want. That’s our mindset on defense, to go out and play with everything we have and not give the other team anything." -Patrick Willis

by 49erLou on Jan 25, 2012 7:57 PM PST up reply actions  

I logged in on my phone just for this topic!?!?!

Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!

The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!

by Kidd2Petrovic on Jan 25, 2012 7:15 PM PST via mobile up reply actions  

Ok, no more insight on our miracle topic?? I'm out...

Goodnight, you guys can proceed with the boring stuff…..

Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!

The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!

by Kidd2Petrovic on Jan 25, 2012 7:21 PM PST via mobile up reply actions  

There would of a difference had Morgan not been injured, Ginn been man enough, tuff enough to play. williams not fumbled the ball TWICE!!!!!!!

by bmcrae83@yahoo.com on Jan 25, 2012 6:57 PM PST reply actions  

Don't know how you can quantify weather Gin was hurt or not , sounds more like sour grapes ...!!

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 25, 2012 7:06 PM PST up reply actions  

Along the lines of if Crabtree was hurt or not

And when we win, we want to dominate. We want to take guys out. We want to hurt guys. We want to win. We just want to dominate, hit them in the mouth. - Rathman

by manraj7 on Jan 25, 2012 7:07 PM PST up reply actions  

Just three thoughts ...

1. Too bad that most of the injuries hit one position … the one we were weakest at to begin with.
2. Too bad that the supply of veteran free agent wide receivers was so weak … I would have NO interest at all in any of the four guys you mention as being “available” … maybe there’s a reason that they were available.
3. Crabtree’s production doesn’t even justify a third- or fourth-round pick, much less a top-ten pick; and what still pisses me off is his contention that he should have been drafted higher … another waste of a high pick.

by 49erFanSince1950 on Jan 25, 2012 7:16 PM PST reply actions  

All good thoughts , so that made this Season even more over the top then it should have been ...!!

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 25, 2012 7:43 PM PST up reply actions  

since you brought it up

for me the worst moment of the season was the Morgan injury. The game was a blowout and it seemed like we were running up the score on the Bucs. there was no reason to be throwing there. it was time for the Jimmy Raye offense of 3 runs up the middle. no one important should have been in the game. We skated around it for most of the season, but in the end, not having another legit receiving threat cost us a trip to the Super Bowl. To me, that’s the biggest (and pretty much, only) Harbaugh blunder of the year.

"There was no torture in the end. Only rapture." - Mike Krukow
Flags Fly Forever

"Orlando before Zod" doesn't have the same nice ring to it.

by nostocksjustbonds on Jan 25, 2012 7:37 PM PST reply actions  

Ok Folks , I understand everyone is upset at the way this Season ended ....

… but lets not forget , this was a 6-10 team one year removed , lets have a little patience and see what unfolds in the coming months …!!

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 25, 2012 7:52 PM PST reply actions  

lol

Another Alex post. I mean, it didn’t start out that way but every post here on NN turns into one. We get it. He’s average. Get over it.
Alex will always be what he is. This is the first year he hasn’t killed us with turnovers but we’ve seen him play well in spurts before. This is nothing new and everyone needs to get over it.

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

by crumpedup15 on Jan 25, 2012 7:54 PM PST reply actions  

just want to chime in and say...

nothing, not even a woefully below-average WR corps, meant as much to the outcome of this season as kyle williams’ knee. yes, still bitter.

by (Florida) Danny Tuccitto on Jan 25, 2012 8:48 PM PST reply actions  

I HONESTLY THINK WE WOULD BE UNSTOPPABLE!!

If we got Peyton, a set of two bad ass receivers, and an extra OL lineman… I mean with our defense that would be awesome… Peyton mentoring Kap sounds sweet also.. But it’s a pipe dream… Harbaugh knows what he needs to do and I trust him… So can’t wait to see what happens…

by pigskin slapper on Jan 25, 2012 8:52 PM PST via mobile reply actions  

All we need is to get Payton, Nick Mangold, Carl Nicks, Joe Thomas (and move him to RT)

Calvin Johnson and Steve Smith (Cause lets not get carried away and unrealistic by asking for Victor Cruz too) and we’d be awesome.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jan 26, 2012 2:22 AM PST up reply actions  

It's going to be interesting

Just how long can Alex Smith hold off Kaep and Tolz is anyone’s guess. I’m excited to watch then all progress under Harbaugh. Both Colin and Scott have a boat load of talent and natural gifts.

I am very impressed with Alex Smith as he really turned it around and had an amazing season. He doesn’t resemble the quarterback of season’s past in terms of his footwork, body mechanics and pocket presence. He still throws the ball at the receiver’s feet on occasion but just how much can anyone fix in one season? Most importantly, Alex has emerged as a leader on a team that was desperately in need of one and an identity. Time after time Alex took it on his shoulders this season and produced a winner. I’ll never forget the Saints game…

And somehow I feel like the story of Alex Smith and this organization is beginning again…

We’re Back!

by Ninerpoints on Jan 25, 2012 9:12 PM PST reply actions  

Tolzien

He’s interesting. I really want to see what he can do next preseason.

The Dude: Oh boy. How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm once they've seen Karl Hungus.

by slapsy on Jan 25, 2012 10:12 PM PST up reply actions  

this

No one knows where is he is in his development, but he’s an interesting prospect on his accuracy alone. Dude completed 73% of his passes in his last year in college. That’s a percentage point higher than Andrew Luck, and a full 5% higher than Alex’s last year in college.

by ninerspride on Jan 25, 2012 10:25 PM PST up reply actions  

amazing

how we went thru the entire season with two rookies as our backup QB’s. How often does that happen, especially when nothing bad came out of it? Alex made it thru the entire season without getting injured which is another plus.

by jviet on Jan 25, 2012 11:36 PM PST up reply actions  

Stranger things have happened...

If anything had happened to Joe during our first Super Bowl run, our fate would have been in the hands of Guy Benjamin…who was on his third team in four years. And if Benjamin went down…it would have been Freddie Solomon, who played QB at a college (Tampa) which doesn’t even have a team anymore.

I’m stunned that more teams went with just 2 QBs this year…

by NinerEd on Jan 26, 2012 10:21 PM PST up reply actions  

woulda, coulda and shoulda

Stupid what if’s.

All I can say is we could have done it without Kyle’s late game fumble. So no, I don’t think we should have grabbed a cancerous cell and placed him in the locker room.

Why would Brandon Lloyd come back to San Francisco? Stupid what if’s.

"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they’re bigger than everybody else, and that’s what makes them the biggest guys on the field." ~ John Madden

by 49erfannm on Jan 26, 2012 5:01 AM PST via mobile reply actions  

uhhh

Because we were on fire this season. Llyod would of been nice. I fully believe the problem still is no break away recievers once Morgan got hurt.

by SFOpsidian49 on Jan 26, 2012 2:12 PM PST via mobile up reply actions  

Alex Smith

When Alex took the field for the final drive against NO you could see win in his eyes. Wish he had that look against the Giants. The fact that he had that look for the first time I’ve ever seen it on him is proof he wants a ring.

by SFOpsidian49 on Jan 26, 2012 2:19 PM PST via mobile reply actions  


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