The Niners' Year is Coming....in 2010 | Page 8

MadDog49er · 2009-07-23T16:21:13-07:00

The Death of the Ghost of Steve Mariucci is coming soon. Since Mooch was fired at the end of the 2002 season (be careful what you ask for, fans), after winning a spectacular playoff game against the NY Giants (Yes, our last playoff win was nearly 7 years ago), the Niners have had 6 consecutive losing seasons, gone through 4 head coaches, 8 starting QB's: Garcia, Rattay, Dilfer, Dorsey, Pickett, Smith, Hill, O'Sullivan; 6 years running of new offensive coordinators: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. The parade of personnel is staggering. The Niners seem to be building something we haven't seen since Mooch was canned, a winning season. And that day is coming soon...in 2010. Many Niners fans expect the 2009 season to end of the Ghost of Mooch, but the team is not ready yet. Here is why? 1) The starting QB- This is the year the Niners find their starter, but we don't know who that person will be going into camp. Either Hill or Smith is going to emerge as unquestioned man to run the ship in 2010. If Hill emerges as the starter in 2009, he will have his chance to prove to the NFL world that he deserves to be classified as a starter in this league, not just a guy who comes off the bench mid-way through a season to salvage whatever is left in the year. If Smith emerges as the season starter, or replaces an ineffective Hill, he will be the guy to possibly regain the franchise QB tag. Skeptics will say that neither man is the guy to lead the 49ers into the playoff. I disagree. It just isn't going to happen this season. Teams with unsettled QB battles in training camp rarely emerge past the .500 mark (unless they have a studly defense, which we don't). A year from now, we will know our starter, and that stability will help. 2) The Niners' WR's are still a year away. The team should see the emergence of Josh Morgan, but the other side of the field is not going to be permanently occupied and satisfied until Michael Crabtree becomes productive. This is not going to happen in 2009. Crabtree is still recovering from his foot injury, will more than likely be a training camp holdout for some time, and has a LOT to learn before making an impact in the NFL. 2009 is his year to learn the game. 2010 is when we will see something. At TE, this is a big year for Vernon Davis. He has to show that he can run routes effectively, and be a player the team can count on. If so, the Niners have the complete package. If not, they are going to have to look elsewhere. Rookie TE's can make a sizable impact, so if Davis is not the answer, another player can step in and produce. 3) The Niners' OL will be fully ready to go in 2010. 2009 is an experiment at RT, and it could go many different directions. Either M. Smith could emerge as a healthy player who will lead the right side of our OL into 2010, or the Niners will install either a developmental player with upside (Boone, Bender) or use a draft choice. Staley, Heitmann (who Fox Sports stated was our best OL by far in 2008), Rachal, all look solid. At LG, either Baas will play well and pick up an extension, or the Niners will look elsewhere (draft, FA). The key is continuity, and the Niners have at least 3 solid guys going into 2010 that are written in stone. 4) The pass rush is not there, yet. The Manny Lawson experiment is ready to roll, and I'm hoping to be wrong in my prediction, but rushing the passer has never been Manny's strength (he is much better in coverage and running laterally), and I don't see anything to change my opinion at this point. If he has gained the supposed 15 pounds (which he supposedly stacks on every offseason...soon he should be approaching 300 pounds), and strength, we might have a decent pass rusher. However, Parys Haralson is this team's decent pass rusher. The team lacks a dominant pass rusher, and 2010 will be the year the team finally addresses this issue. 5) Dashon Goldson is going to have serious growing pains. While the board loves to bash Mark Roman (deservedly so in terms of forcing turnovers), Roman was a solid, steady and seasoned deep defender. Goldson gives playmaking ability, but expect a spike in deep home runs against the Niners. Spectacular versus steady. I'll take the risk on spectacular, but the Niners may need to visit the draft next season if Goldson does not work out. 6) Singletary, Raye, and company need time to get it all together. I expect the Niners will retain all of their main coaches (Sing, Manusky, Raye) for 2010, and that continuity is going to help us. This season, we are going to see the growing pains of transition, once again. A new OC means a new start again, and that typically spells trouble for a franchise that has not adapted well to the continual line of OC that spin through the team every year. 7) The Niners will have 2 first round selections next season. I believe the team will still need to draft some playmakers in 2010 (maybe a Will pass rusher, maybe a reliable TE, maybe a stable RT, maybe a stud FS). But, slowly, the amount of new talent needed to make a run is shrinking. The Niners appear to be set at virtually every position on offense (outside of RT, LG and maybe TE), and defense (Will, NT, maybe FS and CB). The club has wisely extended players to keep them from running away, and that bodes well down the road. I could be wrong on my prediction for 2010. The Ghost of Mooch could be killed off in 2009. The curse of the Super Bowl loser ALWAYS kills off their victim (Cards better watch out), the Rams and Hawks appear weak. However, I just don't see this year as the year, and I hope fans do not become discouraged in 2009. The run begins in 2010.

Dec 9, 2009 at 3:18 PM

#106

darkknight49
Veteran
Posts: 10,878

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by fryet:
I disagree that we need to pick our OL in the first round. Guards are usually not picked in the first round (late first round if they are). While safety might not be greatest need, if Berry is there, we should definitely draft him since he is hands down the BPA. When it comes to our OT, hopefully one of our first round picks is for an OT.

One thing to consider is that this draft is supposed to have a lot of first round DT (according to Mel Kiper). The 49ers might end up drafting a DT in the first round, even though it isn't a high need.

I tend to agree with the idea that the team needs to select the best player available, and with two first rounders, it really does allow the team to go for the best player with the top selection.

To me, there are a handful of no-brainers, like Crabtree last year. This year, Berry, Okung, Suh are guys who can make a huge difference, regardless of position.

In fact, I would not be disappointed if the team selected a Berry/Spiller combo with the first two picks. We still may not be able to solve the RT dilemma this season, but if you have two major difference-makers on the board, do you really want to pass on them so that the team can draft a RT?

This team is not good enough yet to simply draft for need. You take what is the best player available. you can't have too many playmakers.

Dec 9, 2009 at 3:27 PM

#107

Ricethefngoat
Member
Posts: 77

Originally posted by CalgaryNiner:
Originally posted by WillistheWall:
This post seems awfully prophetic.

No kidding. I starting reading it before I looked at the date posted. I was confused as to whether it was just a review of the season or a prediction before the season. Nice post!

Same here he had some nice predictions. Coming into the season it was obvious that our o-line problems would continue considering that the only real change we made was moving Snyders, who shouldnt be a starting tackle in the first place, to Strong side. Our o line can not get a decent push on d-lines and it showed this year on our third down percentage. They could not handle pressure and obviously could not open holes for Gore in the running game. What amazes me is even though Gore has shown good running skills and an obviously better long range running game, ppl on here still want to get rid of him. If you put Gore behind the Vikings o-line he would be great, but put him with mostly scrubs and young offensive linemen you are going to get what you pay for.

Dec 9, 2009 at 7:04 PM

#108

AXEGRINDER
Veteran
Posts: 25,679

Originally posted by darkknight49:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by fryet:
I disagree that we need to pick our OL in the first round. Guards are usually not picked in the first round (late first round if they are). While safety might not be greatest need, if Berry is there, we should definitely draft him since he is hands down the BPA. When it comes to our OT, hopefully one of our first round picks is for an OT.

One thing to consider is that this draft is supposed to have a lot of first round DT (according to Mel Kiper). The 49ers might end up drafting a DT in the first round, even though it isn't a high need.

I tend to agree with the idea that the team needs to select the best player available, and with two first rounders, it really does allow the team to go for the best player with the top selection.

To me, there are a handful of no-brainers, like Crabtree last year. This year, Berry, Okung, Suh are guys who can make a huge difference, regardless of position.

In fact, I would not be disappointed if the team selected a Berry/Spiller combo with the first two picks. We still may not be able to solve the RT dilemma this season, but if you have two major difference-makers on the board, do you really want to pass on them so that the team can draft a RT?

This team is not good enough yet to simply draft for need. You take what is the best player available. you can't have too many playmakers.

We must draft a couple top o-linemen. Without them this offense will ultimately fail. We cannot throw the ball out of the shotgun 50 times a game for a whole year.

Going into next year with this line as it is right now, or having some 2nd or 3rd round fill-ins/projects would be a mistake IMO.

Don't get me wrong, I would love the Spiller/Berry 1st round combo, but addressing this line is too important. Maybe the last 4 games will tell us more, who knows. Doubt it though, this line sucks.

[ Edited by AXEGRINDER on Dec 9, 2009 at 19:05:48 ]

Dec 9, 2009 at 11:57 PM

#109

CorvaNinerFan
Veteran
Posts: 10,448

Pls explain how Sopoaga's a strength (other than the fact he's the strongest guy on the team)...what exactly has he done? I watched him play in the Seattle game and didn't see him do much at all. Yeah, he eats up space, but that's what you want your NT to do, not so much your DE. He seldom gets into the backfield like Justin Smith does...almost never pressures the QB. So, again, what's he done that's worth the investment the team's made??

Dec 10, 2009 at 5:24 AM

#110

GEEK
Veteran
Posts: 19,415

Originally posted by CorvaNinerFan:
Pls explain how Sopoaga's a strength (other than the fact he's the strongest guy on the team)...what exactly has he done? I watched him play in the Seattle game and didn't see him do much at all. Yeah, he eats up space, but that's what you want your NT to do, not so much your DE. He seldom gets into the backfield like Justin Smith does...almost never pressures the QB. So, again, what's he done that's worth the investment the team's made??

He takes on linemen and double teams in order for guys like Willis, Spikes, Lawson, and Haralson to make plays. That's basically the main job of 3-4 DL players.

Dec 10, 2009 at 6:53 AM

#111

jreff22
Veteran
Posts: 67,314

Originally posted by AXEGRINDER:
Originally posted by darkknight49:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by fryet:
I disagree that we need to pick our OL in the first round. Guards are usually not picked in the first round (late first round if they are). While safety might not be greatest need, if Berry is there, we should definitely draft him since he is hands down the BPA. When it comes to our OT, hopefully one of our first round picks is for an OT.

One thing to consider is that this draft is supposed to have a lot of first round DT (according to Mel Kiper). The 49ers might end up drafting a DT in the first round, even though it isn't a high need.

I tend to agree with the idea that the team needs to select the best player available, and with two first rounders, it really does allow the team to go for the best player with the top selection.

To me, there are a handful of no-brainers, like Crabtree last year. This year, Berry, Okung, Suh are guys who can make a huge difference, regardless of position.

In fact, I would not be disappointed if the team selected a Berry/Spiller combo with the first two picks. We still may not be able to solve the RT dilemma this season, but if you have two major difference-makers on the board, do you really want to pass on them so that the team can draft a RT?

This team is not good enough yet to simply draft for need. You take what is the best player available. you can't have too many playmakers.

We must draft a couple top o-linemen. Without them this offense will ultimately fail. We cannot throw the ball out of the shotgun 50 times a game for a whole year.

Going into next year with this line as it is right now, or having some 2nd or 3rd round fill-ins/projects would be a mistake IMO.

Don't get me wrong, I would love the Spiller/Berry 1st round combo, but addressing this line is too important. Maybe the last 4 games will tell us more, who knows. Doubt it though, this line sucks.

We can get a great RT in the 2nd round easily.

Dec 10, 2009 at 7:34 AM

#112

Jersey9er
Veteran
Posts: 3,972

Originally posted by darkknight49:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by fryet:
I disagree that we need to pick our OL in the first round. Guards are usually not picked in the first round (late first round if they are). While safety might not be greatest need, if Berry is there, we should definitely draft him since he is hands down the BPA. When it comes to our OT, hopefully one of our first round picks is for an OT.

One thing to consider is that this draft is supposed to have a lot of first round DT (according to Mel Kiper). The 49ers might end up drafting a DT in the first round, even though it isn't a high need.

I tend to agree with the idea that the team needs to select the best player available, and with two first rounders, it really does allow the team to go for the best player with the top selection.

To me, there are a handful of no-brainers, like Crabtree last year. This year, Berry, Okung, Suh are guys who can make a huge difference, regardless of position.

In fact, I would not be disappointed if the team selected a Berry/Spiller combo with the first two picks. We still may not be able to solve the RT dilemma this season, but if you have two major difference-makers on the board, do you really want to pass on them so that the team can draft a RT?

This team is not good enough yet to simply draft for need. You take what is the best player available. you can't have too many playmakers.

Now you know i used to think this but now i say the exact opposite. I think we have soo many pieces to the puzzle already that we should draft by need. For example, lets say, when we have our first round pick, again the no 1 receiver, or no. 2 qb, or no1 lb, is still available when we pick.

That exaple says that we need neither of those 3 i mentioned for the first pick, we got Crabtree, Smith at QB, and Willis. So thats why i say we should draft for need this year, because i dont think we can be successful next season if we just pick best available and find a spot for him.

I think this will be one of the more important drafts that we've had in a long time, and should plan accordingly.

Dec 10, 2009 at 8:20 AM

#113

MadMartz
Member
Posts: 3,319

TE a need? we have the 2 most athletic TEs in the Nfl.

Dec 10, 2009 at 1:55 PM

#114

tohara3
Veteran
Posts: 30,683

Originally posted by Jersey9er:
Originally posted by darkknight49:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by fryet:
I disagree that we need to pick our OL in the first round. Guards are usually not picked in the first round (late first round if they are). While safety might not be greatest need, if Berry is there, we should definitely draft him since he is hands down the BPA. When it comes to our OT, hopefully one of our first round picks is for an OT.

One thing to consider is that this draft is supposed to have a lot of first round DT (according to Mel Kiper). The 49ers might end up drafting a DT in the first round, even though it isn't a high need.

I tend to agree with the idea that the team needs to select the best player available, and with two first rounders, it really does allow the team to go for the best player with the top selection.

To me, there are a handful of no-brainers, like Crabtree last year. This year, Berry, Okung, Suh are guys who can make a huge difference, regardless of position.

In fact, I would not be disappointed if the team selected a Berry/Spiller combo with the first two picks. We still may not be able to solve the RT dilemma this season, but if you have two major difference-makers on the board, do you really want to pass on them so that the team can draft a RT?

This team is not good enough yet to simply draft for need. You take what is the best player available. you can't have too many playmakers.

Now you know i used to think this but now i say the exact opposite. I think we have soo many pieces to the puzzle already that we should draft by need. For example, lets say, when we have our first round pick, again the no 1 receiver, or no. 2 qb, or no1 lb, is still available when we pick.

That exaple says that we need neither of those 3 i mentioned for the first pick, we got Crabtree, Smith at QB, and Willis. So thats why i say we should draft for need this year, because i dont think we can be successful next season if we just pick best available and find a spot for him.

I think this will be one of the more important drafts that we've had in a long time, and should plan accordingly.

Agree this is a very important offseason for this franchise!

Dec 10, 2009 at 6:32 PM

#115

MadDog49er
Hall of Fame
Posts: 19,400

Originally posted by MadMartz:
TE a need? we have the 2 most athletic TEs in the Nfl.

I wrote this thread on July 23, 2009. It was recently bumped by another board member.

Dec 11, 2009 at 12:23 AM

#116

sincalfaithful
Veteran
Posts: 27,712

IMO we need to use one of those first rounders on a OL and then take the next best player available

Dec 11, 2009 at 2:07 AM

#117

B650
Veteran
Posts: 4,205

Originally posted by MadMartz:
TE a need? we have the 2 most athletic TEs in the Nfl.

Dec 11, 2009 at 1:00 PM

#118

nw9erfan
Veteran
Posts: 1,497

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by WillistheWall:
This post seems awfully prophetic.

I have my evil crystal ball locked in the closet.

Cheers.

Man, I'll say....good calls all MD...

Since you have your crystal ball at hand, got a couple of questions for it....

1) Since Jed has already made it clear he doesn't plan on any major changes in the coaching staff in the offseason, do you feel the Niners have the coaches in place to make the playoffs? To me, it appears the Niners are getting outcoached on a regular basis in their games this year. Sing's a good motivator but can he improve his game management and game planning?

2) IMHO, the Niners need replacement starters at RT, LG, FS, SS, OLB (pass rusher), and probably CB (complement to Spencer)... Can you please list the Niners' needs in order of urgency? I would say RT, pass rusher, FS, LG, SS, and CB. Also, if you are GM, do you keep Clements and move him to FS or cut him to save cap room?

Dec 11, 2009 at 8:43 PM

#119

jed_york
Member
Posts: 349

The senior management guaranteed the ownership that in 2011, our team will be clicking on all cylinders. However, 2010 is entirely possible as Scotty and Paraag's internship will be completed so we get two important posts filled at that point. In 2011, Singletary will be done with his internship too, and we will have all the pieces.

Dec 11, 2009 at 8:48 PM

#120

CorvaNinerFan
Veteran
Posts: 10,448

I know 3-4 DL are supposed to occupy the OL so the LB's can make plays...but, the good ones also make plays and I don't see Sopoaga making many...that's my point. I just don't think the team's getting their money's worth with him.