Originally posted by BrodieWins:
[quote=VA49er
Wait. So we need to get wide receivers and running backs to compete? You can't be serious.
Let me clarify...we need more at RB that Gore/Coffee/Robinson. None have the speed necessary to get to and turn the edge. All of the Walsh teams had that.
Defenses load up on us because we can't run wide on them. If we add a fast HB that can also do the Punt Returns that would be a big win. FA or draft don't care...just a need.
Also we need more speed at WR. Do you remember the Ravens comment that they were surprised we didn't play Ashlie Lelie the year before? That kind of speed at WR stretches the field vertically. Combined with Vernon Davis that woud force safeties out of the box to handle the speed. Brandon Jones may be the answer here but this is a definite need to open the field up.
Both of these needs fall behind the OL and pass defense/pass rush.
I remember after the 1981 Championship game Tom Landry was asked how the 49ers could beat the Cowboys. He said the 49ers team speed was more that his team could keep up with and it lasted all 4 quarters.
I'll give you a speed back. I don't know why we cut that kid this year and kept MROB because of his special teams abilities (see my rant and delight over Al Everest's firing.) It's a shame to have to go back to the draft for this. A CJ spiller type guy who could return punts and run the ball would be great.
I don't think we need a "burner" at wide-out. We have guys with 4.3 speed in Hill and Jones but they don't seem to help. Crabs and Morgan should be capable of stretching the field. I'd like to see some more deep balls to Morgan because he has the speed/size to make a difference. We should only take a wide-out if he can be a threat in the punt return game. I see you acknowledge that we at least have speed on the team. I've also notice Crabby is pretty crafty at getting deep. He would have had two huge TDs if Alex would have thrown the ball correctly in our last two games. We may never know his 40 time but it won't matter he can run by people.
