Eric Heitmann is a Good Football Player | Page 7

MadDog49er · 2008-11-25T17:02:17-08:00

The Abominable Snowman Exists! Bigfoot is Alive and Well! Hilary Clinton Gave Birth to an Alien! The Moon has Turned to Blood! Eric Heitmann is not a Good Football Player! All of the above statements are myths, and yet, there are far too many people on this board (there are about 7 or 8 in one active thread right now) that seem to have blindly accepted the last "fact". So, I have taken on, as nearly a full-time profession, to dispell one the silliest myths in Webzone history, that Eric Heitmann is not a good football player and needs to be replaced. Here is the truth, no matter how much some may personally hate it: Eric Heitmann is having a very good football season. I believed this weekend would be an excellent opportunity to isolate and analyze his play, so I tracked his every down (I only took bathroom breaks when the Niners were on defense) against Dallas NT Jay Ratliff, who is considered one of the finest interior defenders in the NFL. Ratliff led all 3-4 NT's around the league with 6 sacks going into the Niners' game. He ranks 20th overall in the NFL in sacks, and is 3rd overall for all DT's in the NFL. Here were comments or thoughts by coaches, broadcasters and journalists about Ratliff going into the Niners' game against Heitmann: * Mike Martz stated last week that Ratliff was the best pass rusher from NT position he has ever seen. * John Madden put him on the horse trailer as his player of the game against the Redskins. *Many believe Ratliff is a Pro-Bowl candidate. So, I tracked all 53 snaps of the game, in the matchup between Ratliff and Heitmann. I listed the down, the yards to go, whether Heitmann doubled on Ratliff with another guard, or handled him by himself. I marked down the direction of the block. And, finally, I listed whether he won the battle against Ratliff by pushing him out of the way, stopping his rush, etc. Here is what I found: Heitmann excelled on 50 of 53 snaps. The three situations where I counted his play as a loss: 1) On the four yard line, at the 49 second mark left in the first quarter, on a 2nd and goal. Heitmann and Baas were to double Ratiliff, but did not get enough leverage to completely clean him out of the play. Ratliff gets an arm on Gore, but Thomas does most of the work coming through the middle. Play went for zero yards. 2) The next play, on third and goal, where Ratliff ran untouched into the backfield and Hill threw an incompletion. On the play, Heitmann went directly after the other DT Canty at the snap. Rachal blocked Spears, and Ratliff was unaccounted for. This may have been Heitmann's error, but it also may have been Rachal's. I'm guessing Rachal, but will count the miscommunication on Heitmann, just for the sake of argument. 3) The fumble with Hill. Now, Hill has already come out and said it was the QB's fault. Whether this is the truth, or if Hill is simply falling on the sword, we will never know. I will still count this against Heitmann. The other 50 snaps, Heitmann played extremely well. In fact, Ratliff is nowhere near Hill the rest of the game. He is not pressured once by Ratliff. Ratliff does not make a tackle behind the line of scrimmage. Ratliff does not break the line of scrimmage beyond the one pressure. Ratliff finishes with 2 solo tackles (one of his two solo tackles was made on a three yard run by Gore at the 9:05 mark in the second...and Heitmann drove Ratliff off the ball on the play) and 1 assisted (previously mentioned), and the sole pressure mentioned before. He would not have made the horse trailer, he would not be considered a Pro-Bowl candidate, he would be considered average at the end of this game. In fact, on most pass plays, Ratliff, matched one on one with Heitmann, is barely in the screen when Hill throws the ball. And after playing at a high level against one of the better NFC defensive linemen, he is garbage and needs to be replaced? I'm searching for some sign of intelligence in these statements. I am challenging any skeptic, who has the ability to be objective, to review the tape, and grade him yourself, instead of simply accepting this ridiculous board myth than Heitmann is a problem, and should be sat. There is no Bigfoot, there is no Abominable Snowman, and I am once and for slaying the silly myth than Heitmann is a problem. I call on the skeptics of the board to take the challenge. Watch the tape yourself, and then come back to the board and join me in crushing this silliness. I thought I would spare the board my entire description of the 53 offensive plays, but if someone wants to know about a particular play, or down, please let me know. Now, can we to another subject, like benching Patrick Willis. Or cutting Manny Lawson. Or taking away Joe Montana's Super Bowl rings. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Update: In order to prove how bad Heitmann has played this season, please check out the third page of this post, on the link that gives the stats for the Niners' running game. It may "shock and awe" you. Cheers. [ Edited by MadDog49er on Nov 25, 2008 at 20:35:19 ]

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:27 PM

#91

Norwalks_Best
Member
Posts: 2,781

Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by moopoo:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by moopoo:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
A breakdown from MM:

"If I had to rank their performances based on this game, from best to worst, I'd go: Heitmann, Staley, Baas, Rachal and Snyder."

http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2008/11/closer-look-at-o-line-play-against-dallas.html

On that 3rd and goal, Heitmann got blown up. Ask Alex about that. LA is equally to blame on the Bernard play.

Heitmann is a smart guy. He is technically sound. However, when he gets blown up it is obvious and at bad time.

I don't know why there are 6 pages defending the guy. He's no Randy Cross or Jesse Sapolu or Newberry.

Look, I'm not a Heitmann fan, but I am a fan of the truth. Heitmann did NOT get "blown up" on that third down play. He blocked left to double team the DE with Bass. Rachal went right and Ratliff went up the middle untouched. That is obvious miscommunication.

Of which it is crucial that the center must make sure that he gets the message out to the line about the assigned blocking scheme for the play. The guy is over rated. He has been the starter here long enough to at the least have the proper technique downpat, amongst other things he fails at.

So you're assuming that Heitmann (a six year starter) failed to communicate, and the ROOKIE right guard is exempt from blame?

So, you are assuming that the Center did a great job on the play , and did everything text perfect ? He is the Captain, and should make sure everyone is on the same page. Sapolu,Cross, andNewberry, guys like those are far superior to what Heitman offers us. We have above averagePAY, for a slightly below average center.

The most LIKELY scenario is that the ROOKIE made a mistake! Making the right call is easy, but it's the other guys job to understand it and execute it. Rachal is a ROOKIE starting his first game in a pressure situation, so he probably made a mistake.

So, have you abandoned you're orignal theory that Heitmann "got blown up?" LOL.

I think he tried to end Hill career like he did smith. What is he doing double teaming? He can't recognize whos coming. He's garbage

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:31 PM

#92

09etihW
Member
Posts: 1,520

Originally posted by Norwalks_Best:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by moopoo:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by moopoo:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
A breakdown from MM:

"If I had to rank their performances based on this game, from best to worst, I'd go: Heitmann, Staley, Baas, Rachal and Snyder."

http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2008/11/closer-look-at-o-line-play-against-dallas.html

On that 3rd and goal, Heitmann got blown up. Ask Alex about that. LA is equally to blame on the Bernard play.

Heitmann is a smart guy. He is technically sound. However, when he gets blown up it is obvious and at bad time.

I don't know why there are 6 pages defending the guy. He's no Randy Cross or Jesse Sapolu or Newberry.

Look, I'm not a Heitmann fan, but I am a fan of the truth. Heitmann did NOT get "blown up" on that third down play. He blocked left to double team the DE with Bass. Rachal went right and Ratliff went up the middle untouched. That is obvious miscommunication.

Of which it is crucial that the center must make sure that he gets the message out to the line about the assigned blocking scheme for the play. The guy is over rated. He has been the starter here long enough to at the least have the proper technique downpat, amongst other things he fails at.

So you're assuming that Heitmann (a six year starter) failed to communicate, and the ROOKIE right guard is exempt from blame?

So, you are assuming that the Center did a great job on the play , and did everything text perfect ? He is the Captain, and should make sure everyone is on the same page. Sapolu,Cross, andNewberry, guys like those are far superior to what Heitman offers us. We have above averagePAY, for a slightly below average center.

The most LIKELY scenario is that the ROOKIE made a mistake! Making the right call is easy, but it's the other guys job to understand it and execute it. Rachal is a ROOKIE starting his first game in a pressure situation, so he probably made a mistake.

So, have you abandoned you're orignal theory that Heitmann "got blown up?" LOL.

I think he tried to end Hill career like he did smith. What is he doing double teaming? He can't recognize whos coming. He's garbage

[ Edited by 09etihW on Nov 27, 2008 at 12:33:05 ]

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:35 PM

#93

wysiwyg
Veteran
Posts: 16,348

Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by moopoo:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by moopoo:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
A breakdown from MM:

"If I had to rank their performances based on this game, from best to worst, I'd go: Heitmann, Staley, Baas, Rachal and Snyder."

http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2008/11/closer-look-at-o-line-play-against-dallas.html

On that 3rd and goal, Heitmann got blown up. Ask Alex about that. LA is equally to blame on the Bernard play.

Heitmann is a smart guy. He is technically sound. However, when he gets blown up it is obvious and at bad time.

I don't know why there are 6 pages defending the guy. He's no Randy Cross or Jesse Sapolu or Newberry.

Look, I'm not a Heitmann fan, but I am a fan of the truth. Heitmann did NOT get "blown up" on that third down play. He blocked left to double team the DE with Bass. Rachal went right and Ratliff went up the middle untouched. That is obvious miscommunication.

Of which it is crucial that the center must make sure that he gets the message out to the line about the assigned blocking scheme for the play. The guy is over rated. He has been the starter here long enough to at the least have the proper technique downpat, amongst other things he fails at.

So you're assuming that Heitmann (a six year starter) failed to communicate, and the ROOKIE right guard is exempt from blame?

So, you are assuming that the Center did a great job on the play , and did everything text perfect ? He is the Captain, and should make sure everyone is on the same page. Sapolu,Cross, andNewberry, guys like those are far superior to what Heitman offers us. We have above averagePAY, for a slightly below average center.

The most LIKELY scenario is that the ROOKIE made a mistake! Making the right call is easy, but it's the other guys job to understand it and execute it. Rachal is a ROOKIE starting his first game in a pressure situation, so he probably made a mistake.

So, have you abandoned you're orignal theory that Heitmann "got blown up?" LOL.

I was referring to the other 3rd and goal when he actually got blown up. But, thanks for showing this pic on the other one to show that he screwed up that one (communication) too.

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:39 PM

#94

wysiwyg
Veteran
Posts: 16,348

Boy there are some people on here getting butt hurt because we criticize "The Stud", the Captain of the OL.

I don't get it.

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:41 PM

#95

Norwalks_Best
Member
Posts: 2,781

Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Boy there are some people on here getting butt hurt because we criticize "The Stud", the Captain of the OL.

I don't get it.

Amen to that brother! Ain't this the whole point of conversation.
Everyone has their opinion no reason to take it personal.
You ain't making the paycheck out.

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:41 PM

#96

Watchutalkinbout
Member
Posts: 10,049

Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Boy there are some people on here getting butt hurt because we criticize "The Stud", the Captain of the OL.

I don't get it.

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:48 PM

#97

wysiwyg
Veteran
Posts: 16,348

Doesn't that pic beg the question why the center, the stud, the captain of the OL, is releasing the NT to do an up the middle rush. . . . on a run up the middle.

That was not the counter trey where that is designed

A T releases a DE to rush the QB outside the rush or on a screen

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:49 PM

#98

wysiwyg
Veteran
Posts: 16,348

Originally posted by Watchutalkinbout:
Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Boy there are some people on here getting butt hurt because we criticize "The Stud", the Captain of the OL.

I don't get it.

I love that pic, but it is SO WRONG LOL

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:50 PM

#99

09etihW
Member
Posts: 1,520

Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by moopoo:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by moopoo:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
A breakdown from MM:

"If I had to rank their performances based on this game, from best to worst, I'd go: Heitmann, Staley, Baas, Rachal and Snyder."

http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2008/11/closer-look-at-o-line-play-against-dallas.html

On that 3rd and goal, Heitmann got blown up. Ask Alex about that. LA is equally to blame on the Bernard play.

Heitmann is a smart guy. He is technically sound. However, when he gets blown up it is obvious and at bad time.

I don't know why there are 6 pages defending the guy. He's no Randy Cross or Jesse Sapolu or Newberry.

Look, I'm not a Heitmann fan, but I am a fan of the truth. Heitmann did NOT get "blown up" on that third down play. He blocked left to double team the DE with Bass. Rachal went right and Ratliff went up the middle untouched. That is obvious miscommunication.

Of which it is crucial that the center must make sure that he gets the message out to the line about the assigned blocking scheme for the play. The guy is over rated. He has been the starter here long enough to at the least have the proper technique downpat, amongst other things he fails at.

So you're assuming that Heitmann (a six year starter) failed to communicate, and the ROOKIE right guard is exempt from blame?

So, you are assuming that the Center did a great job on the play , and did everything text perfect ? He is the Captain, and should make sure everyone is on the same page. Sapolu,Cross, andNewberry, guys like those are far superior to what Heitman offers us. We have above averagePAY, for a slightly below average center.

The most LIKELY scenario is that the ROOKIE made a mistake! Making the right call is easy, but it's the other guys job to understand it and execute it. Rachal is a ROOKIE starting his first game in a pressure situation, so he probably made a mistake.

So, have you abandoned you're orignal theory that Heitmann "got blown up?" LOL.

I was referring to the other 3rd and goal when he actually got blown up. But, thanks for showing this pic on the other one to show that he screwed up that one (communication) too.

Oh, you mean this one where the ball was snapped at the 1 and Heitmann is now 2 yards down field? This is what you call "blown up?"

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:52 PM

#100

09etihW
Member
Posts: 1,520

Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Doesn't that pic beg the question why the center, the stud, the captain of the OL, is releasing the NT to do an up the middle rush. . . . on a run up the middle.

That was not the counter trey where that is designed

A T releases a DE to rush the QB outside the rush or on a screen

The answer (seemingly obvious) is that the ROOKIE RG was supposed to block down on the NT.

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:55 PM

#101

wysiwyg
Veteran
Posts: 16,348

Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by moopoo:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by moopoo:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
A breakdown from MM:

"If I had to rank their performances based on this game, from best to worst, I'd go: Heitmann, Staley, Baas, Rachal and Snyder."

http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2008/11/closer-look-at-o-line-play-against-dallas.html

On that 3rd and goal, Heitmann got blown up. Ask Alex about that. LA is equally to blame on the Bernard play.

Heitmann is a smart guy. He is technically sound. However, when he gets blown up it is obvious and at bad time.

I don't know why there are 6 pages defending the guy. He's no Randy Cross or Jesse Sapolu or Newberry.

Look, I'm not a Heitmann fan, but I am a fan of the truth. Heitmann did NOT get "blown up" on that third down play. He blocked left to double team the DE with Bass. Rachal went right and Ratliff went up the middle untouched. That is obvious miscommunication.

Of which it is crucial that the center must make sure that he gets the message out to the line about the assigned blocking scheme for the play. The guy is over rated. He has been the starter here long enough to at the least have the proper technique downpat, amongst other things he fails at.

So you're assuming that Heitmann (a six year starter) failed to communicate, and the ROOKIE right guard is exempt from blame?

So, you are assuming that the Center did a great job on the play , and did everything text perfect ? He is the Captain, and should make sure everyone is on the same page. Sapolu,Cross, andNewberry, guys like those are far superior to what Heitman offers us. We have above averagePAY, for a slightly below average center.

The most LIKELY scenario is that the ROOKIE made a mistake! Making the right call is easy, but it's the other guys job to understand it and execute it. Rachal is a ROOKIE starting his first game in a pressure situation, so he probably made a mistake.

So, have you abandoned you're orignal theory that Heitmann "got blown up?" LOL.

I was referring to the other 3rd and goal when he actually got blown up. But, thanks for showing this pic on the other one to show that he screwed up that one (communication) too.

Oh, you mean this one where the ball was snapped at the 1 and Heitmann is now 2 yards down field? This is what you call "blown up?"

If the ball was snapped at the 1 and he was 2 yards down field, mister nitpicker, wouldn't that put him 1 yard in the end zone. I "nitipicker" is a person that "picks nits" i.e. would comb lice out of a child's hair, because the lice larvae is a nit.

He's blocking his own man to the exclusion of the Cowboy player.

And where is the QB?

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:59 PM

#102

09etihW
Member
Posts: 1,520

Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by moopoo:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by moopoo:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
A breakdown from MM:

"If I had to rank their performances based on this game, from best to worst, I'd go: Heitmann, Staley, Baas, Rachal and Snyder."

http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2008/11/closer-look-at-o-line-play-against-dallas.html

On that 3rd and goal, Heitmann got blown up. Ask Alex about that. LA is equally to blame on the Bernard play.

Heitmann is a smart guy. He is technically sound. However, when he gets blown up it is obvious and at bad time.

I don't know why there are 6 pages defending the guy. He's no Randy Cross or Jesse Sapolu or Newberry.

Look, I'm not a Heitmann fan, but I am a fan of the truth. Heitmann did NOT get "blown up" on that third down play. He blocked left to double team the DE with Bass. Rachal went right and Ratliff went up the middle untouched. That is obvious miscommunication.

Of which it is crucial that the center must make sure that he gets the message out to the line about the assigned blocking scheme for the play. The guy is over rated. He has been the starter here long enough to at the least have the proper technique downpat, amongst other things he fails at.

So you're assuming that Heitmann (a six year starter) failed to communicate, and the ROOKIE right guard is exempt from blame?

So, you are assuming that the Center did a great job on the play , and did everything text perfect ? He is the Captain, and should make sure everyone is on the same page. Sapolu,Cross, andNewberry, guys like those are far superior to what Heitman offers us. We have above averagePAY, for a slightly below average center.

The most LIKELY scenario is that the ROOKIE made a mistake! Making the right call is easy, but it's the other guys job to understand it and execute it. Rachal is a ROOKIE starting his first game in a pressure situation, so he probably made a mistake.

So, have you abandoned you're orignal theory that Heitmann "got blown up?" LOL.

I was referring to the other 3rd and goal when he actually got blown up. But, thanks for showing this pic on the other one to show that he screwed up that one (communication) too.

Oh, you mean this one where the ball was snapped at the 1 and Heitmann is now 2 yards down field? This is what you call "blown up?"

If the ball was snapped at the 1 and he was 2 yards down field, mister nitpicker, wouldn't that put him 1 yard in the end zone. I "nitipicker" is a person that "picks nits" i.e. would comb lice out of a child's hair, because the lice larvae is a nit.

He's blocking his own man to the exclusion of the Cowboy player.

And where is the QB?

Let me try and cut through your BS. Heitmann snapped the ball at the 1 yard line, in the photo his right foot is on the 3 yard line, thus putting him 2 yards downfield.
He his blocking Ratliff while Gore is running into him from behind. Is that clear?

Nov 27, 2008 at 1:00 PM

#103

49erfeeeever808
Veteran
Posts: 31,326

eric heitman is an average center........

Nov 27, 2008 at 1:03 PM

#104

09etihW
Member
Posts: 1,520

Originally posted by 49erfeeeever808:
eric heitman is an average center........

But according to some in this thread, if our center doesn't dominate his man on EVERY single play, he's horrible, possibly the worst center in the league. LOL.

Nov 27, 2008 at 1:07 PM

#105

wysiwyg
Veteran
Posts: 16,348

Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by moopoo:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by moopoo:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
Originally posted by wysiwyg:
Originally posted by 09etihW:
A breakdown from MM:

"If I had to rank their performances based on this game, from best to worst, I'd go: Heitmann, Staley, Baas, Rachal and Snyder."

http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2008/11/closer-look-at-o-line-play-against-dallas.html

On that 3rd and goal, Heitmann got blown up. Ask Alex about that. LA is equally to blame on the Bernard play.

Heitmann is a smart guy. He is technically sound. However, when he gets blown up it is obvious and at bad time.

I don't know why there are 6 pages defending the guy. He's no Randy Cross or Jesse Sapolu or Newberry.

Look, I'm not a Heitmann fan, but I am a fan of the truth. Heitmann did NOT get "blown up" on that third down play. He blocked left to double team the DE with Bass. Rachal went right and Ratliff went up the middle untouched. That is obvious miscommunication.

Of which it is crucial that the center must make sure that he gets the message out to the line about the assigned blocking scheme for the play. The guy is over rated. He has been the starter here long enough to at the least have the proper technique downpat, amongst other things he fails at.

So you're assuming that Heitmann (a six year starter) failed to communicate, and the ROOKIE right guard is exempt from blame?

So, you are assuming that the Center did a great job on the play , and did everything text perfect ? He is the Captain, and should make sure everyone is on the same page. Sapolu,Cross, andNewberry, guys like those are far superior to what Heitman offers us. We have above averagePAY, for a slightly below average center.

The most LIKELY scenario is that the ROOKIE made a mistake! Making the right call is easy, but it's the other guys job to understand it and execute it. Rachal is a ROOKIE starting his first game in a pressure situation, so he probably made a mistake.

So, have you abandoned you're orignal theory that Heitmann "got blown up?" LOL.

I was referring to the other 3rd and goal when he actually got blown up. But, thanks for showing this pic on the other one to show that he screwed up that one (communication) too.

Oh, you mean this one where the ball was snapped at the 1 and Heitmann is now 2 yards down field? This is what you call "blown up?"

If the ball was snapped at the 1 and he was 2 yards down field, mister nitpicker, wouldn't that put him 1 yard in the end zone. I "nitipicker" is a person that "picks nits" i.e. would comb lice out of a child's hair, because the lice larvae is a nit.

He's blocking his own man to the exclusion of the Cowboy player.

And where is the QB?

Let me try and cut through your BS. Heitmann snapped the ball at the 1 yard line, in the photo his right foot is on the 3 yard line, thus putting him 2 yards downfield.
He his blocking Ratliff while Gore is running into him from behind. Is that clear?

Must be the new math.

I never directly called your posts "BS". I said there were some that were butt hurt about defending Heitmann. Surprise, Surprise Gomer you pop up.

You, sir, have just proven my point. You call 2 yards backwards 2 yards forward. There is no winning with people that are blind Heitmann lovers.