Originally posted by BirdmanJr:
Originally posted by oldninerdude:
Originally posted by BirdmanJr:
Originally posted by oldninerdude:
Sorry, I respectfully disagree. I believe that Battle is well "worth a roster spot at this point."
Next to Isaac Bruce, Battle is the most experienced and reliable WR on the roster.
Battle has proven, time and again, to be a dependable slot receiver who finds ways to get open at times of need, typically on third down. He has great hands, and underrated speed, and is a willing and capable blocker. He's also a terrific special teams player, and a solid, veteran presence in the locker room. What's not to like?
So, unless injuries force him to retire, or someone is drafted who beats him out of his spot(s), I look forward to watching him continue to contribute to whatever success the team has this year, as he has in years past. Hopefully, even more so.
Go Niners.
I dunno I just rather give our young WR's a chance instead of Battle...I've had enough of Battle...meh
Well, I agree that we need to develop our young WRs, Morgan and Hill specifically, but we also need some dependable, capable veteran presence, besides Bruce, on the roster at WR. It only makes sense that the younger guys are going to develop more quickly when they have a veteran mentoring them and taking some of the pressure off of them.
Plus Battle is an important ST player. We sorely missed him as a punt returner last year, and Ziegler did not show any promise there at all. IMHO. It seems unbelieveable that anyone would simply "dismiss" a guy like Battle. He may not be an all pro, but every team needs guys like him, guys that contribute in ways large and small to the success of the team.
But he hasn't done anything at all to make us win...so what if he's got us a few first downs...has that made us win an important game at all that mattered? Um nope...why not see what our youngster our made of. And what kinda advice would Battle give to our young guys lol...he hasn't done s**t...not even a 700 yard season..I wouldn't be taking advice from him if i was a young WR

Sorry, but I still respectfully disagree. I'm not saying he's superman (or even an all pro), but didn't he score on an end around to seal a win against Arizona two seasons ago?
If we were to get, say Crabtree in the draft, and a great punt returner besides, then I would concede that Battle's roster spot might be in jeapardy.
However, at this point, he's likely not only on the roster, he's probably the starter at the slot--because he contributes in many ways, blocking, receiving, punt returner, etc. He's experienced and knows how to adapt under pressure. He helps the RB by blocking downfield, helps the QB by adapting to a blitz, etc.
And its not like he's keeping the young guys from playing, nor are we at a position where we should just play the young guys and forget about trying to win.
It would seem crazy not to have a guy with his array of abilities on the team, but that's just my take on it.