Preseason Week 1: Thoughts after Re-Watching the game...

So far into 3rd quarter and after breaking down those matchups, I must say, the OL when in zone blocking has been organized and accurate in who they are to pick-up when extras are coming.

SO very different from the preseason game 1 of last season.

Originally posted by AllTimeGreat:
Out of curiosity, what has Johnson shown you that you like him more than Kap?

Fluidity. He looks alot more natural while Kaep seems to constantly be fighting himself. Hard really to describe. He also seems to constantly throw late.

The guy has some tools, don't get me wrong. BIG arm. Wheels. HUGE. I'm not giving up on the guy. Johnson tho seems SOOO much smoother. Much more natural. Just my opinion so far with small sample size. It could change next week.

Then again Kaep had a good TD to Moss in the 7 on 7 drill on Sunday.

One of the reasons that the first string O-line looked good is because the Vikings kept two of their defensive line, Jared Allen and ? out of the game. Allen, being their pass rush specialist would line up against the left side of our line. That is the the side that Hunter had two good runs in that first touchdown drive. I got that by watching a Youtube feed from the Minnesota announcers. The URL is on another thread.

While I believe that the Niners will be a running team, I recall that Harbaugh and Roman wanted to call a vanilla game plan so not to give D's a head start on scheming for all those weapons we brought in. I'm looking forward to the 49ers spreading the field, because it makes it easier for the QB to anticipate his reads. I think I will have to wait till Green Bay to see what Roman has in mind.

I agree that Kaep needs a lot more development to be a pocket passer. And like you, I'm now much more intrigued by Tolzien than by Johnson.

Originally posted by oldman9er:
So far into 3rd quarter and after breaking down those matchups, I must say, the OL when in zone blocking has been organized and accurate in who they are to pick-up when extras are coming.

SO very different from the preseason game 1 of last season.

....lol.

You mean the "jailbreak on every down" game.

Originally posted by mebemused:
One of the reasons that the first string O-line looked good is because the Vikings kept two of their defensive line, Jared Allen and ? out of the game.

Kevin Williams, who I believe would have been matched up more often vs Boone. Good point. We'll just have to see how it goes, but sure, we can't get too confident yet.

Originally posted by susweel:

Originally posted by SportsFan:
Moss did look really slow to me at FanFest as well.

I told ya'll he's old and washed up.

Not going that far.

I compare him more to Isaac Bruce when he signed in SF. He has a role, it's just not the OMG we have to cover this guy deep" guy anymore. He's never been an over the middle guy.

I think he's going to get used ALOT in the red-zone. He'll do what they had hoped Braylon would do last year. The need a presence in the red-zone. A guy who can run to the corner with great hands and timing. Moss can still do that.

Originally posted by Marvin49:

Originally posted by oldman9er:
So far into 3rd quarter and after breaking down those matchups, I must say, the OL when in zone blocking has been organized and accurate in who they are to pick-up when extras are coming.

SO very different from the preseason game 1 of last season.

....lol.

You mean the "jailbreak on every down" game.

Yep, lol... fraid so. That was a PS game I wish I could forget.

Originally posted by mebemused:
One of the reasons that the first string O-line looked good is because the Vikings kept two of their defensive line, Jared Allen and ? out of the game. Allen, being their pass rush specialist would line up against the left side of our line. That is the the side that Hunter had two good runs in that first touchdown drive. I got that by watching a Youtube feed from the Minnesota announcers. The URL is on another thread.

While I believe that the Niners will be a running team, I recall that Harbaugh and Roman wanted to call a vanilla game plan so not to give D's a head start on scheming for all those weapons we brought in. I'm looking forward to the 49ers spreading the field, because it makes it easier for the QB to anticipate his reads. I think I will have to wait till Green Bay to see what Roman has in mind.

I agree that Kaep needs a lot more development to be a pocket passer. And like you, I'm now much more intrigued by Tolzien than by Johnson.

I know. I said in my post that there were other factors. It was still impressive tho. They had 150 yards rushing 2 minutes into the 2nd quarter. I don't care WHO is in the game...that's impressive.

Originally posted by oldman9er:

Originally posted by Marvin49:

Originally posted by oldman9er:
So far into 3rd quarter and after breaking down those matchups, I must say, the OL when in zone blocking has been organized and accurate in who they are to pick-up when extras are coming.

SO very different from the preseason game 1 of last season.

....lol.

You mean the "jailbreak on every down" game.

Yep, lol... fraid so. That was a PS game I wish I could forget.

Not me we got the last laugh.

Originally posted by Marvin49:

Originally posted by AllTimeGreat:
Out of curiosity, what has Johnson shown you that you like him more than Kap?

Fluidity. He looks alot more natural while Kaep seems to constantly be fighting himself. Hard really to describe. He also seems to constantly throw late.

The guy has some tools, don't get me wrong. BIG arm. Wheels. HUGE. I'm not giving up on the guy. Johnson tho seems SOOO much smoother. Much more natural. Just my opinion so far with small sample size. It could change next week.

Then again Kaep had a good TD to Moss in the 7 on 7 drill on Sunday.

Johnson also played a pro style offense in college under Harbaugh and has been in the league for a few years already so it's no surprise to me that he looks more "fluid." That being said, Johnson was playing 3rd stringers on mop-up duty. Really not a whole lot of preseason data to go on here. But given what I've seen out of him in his career (not just 4 throws in a preseason game) I haven't been overly impressed.

Even though Johnson's looks more natural, it doesn't mean he's a better passer then Kap. It just means he has more experience. I think Kapernick's a slightly better QB now and the difference will be even more pronounced in a few years.

Originally posted by Marvin49:
I know. I said in my post that there were other factors. It was still impressive tho. They had 150 yards rushing 2 minutes into the 2nd quarter. I don't care WHO is in the game...that's impressive.

I agree! And thanks for the analysis!

For the first game, this team looked better than any other pre-season team that played this weekend especially given just how many times they changed personnel groups though out the game, not many penalties. They seemed very organized and prepared. That OL group is jelling already in the run game especially with Boone and Davis in the JUMBO package.

I have watched this game now three times with a focus on that OL. Damn, they look good n cohesive, Boone especially since this is his first year at OG. Not bad at all says I.

One thing is for certain and already apparent, we have some SERIOUS depth. It will be hard to make this team, but those that do will be the best for our team this year.

Run Forest Run!!!! I love the fact we are so "Old School". Pound the rock down your throat and play lights out D with winning field position. Ah, good times!

These next two games will be great litmus tests for our squad.

Originally posted by AllTimeGreat:

Originally posted by Marvin49:

Originally posted by AllTimeGreat:
Out of curiosity, what has Johnson shown you that you like him more than Kap?

Fluidity. He looks alot more natural while Kaep seems to constantly be fighting himself. Hard really to describe. He also seems to constantly throw late.

The guy has some tools, don't get me wrong. BIG arm. Wheels. HUGE. I'm not giving up on the guy. Johnson tho seems SOOO much smoother. Much more natural. Just my opinion so far with small sample size. It could change next week.

Then again Kaep had a good TD to Moss in the 7 on 7 drill on Sunday.

Johnson also played a pro style offense in college under Harbaugh and has been in the league for a few years already so it's no surprise to me that he looks more "fluid." That being said, Johnson was playing 3rd stringers on mop-up duty. Really not a whole lot of preseason data to go on here. But given what I've seen out of him in his career (not just 4 throws in a preseason game) I haven't been overly impressed.

Even though Johnson's looks more natural, it doesn't mean he's a better passer then Kap. It just means he has more experience. I think Kapernick's a slightly better QB now and the difference will be even more pronounced in a few years.

Again, as I said, small sample size.

As for the experience thing, I've followed Johnson his whole career. I remember him at USD. He has ALWAYS been that smooth. He is just a great athlete who makes it look effortless. Thats his style.

While his pro stats haven't been great, his College stats were off the charts. Yes, it was college/lower level of competition, but his time in TB isn't his only history.

Johnsons problems right now are mostly about decision making...something Harbaugh is very good at correcting by making the reads much easier for the QB.

Again tho...I'm not "down" on Kaep. I'm commenting mostly on the preseason game and what I saw at the Fanfest on Sun. I'm not taking a stand here...my opinion could change after the next preseason game...just as it did after this one.

Great Analysis! Here are my responses to the ones I disagree with.

2. I honestly think Kaep played a lot better than youre giving him credit for. Considering his preseason performance last year, I think hes improved a lot. He did a great job eluding the rush, he made explosive plays with his feet, he got the ball out quickly despite his awkward looking release, and he showed no hesitation when delivering the ball. I think Johnson is going to be the one who gets traded, and I think Kaep and Tolzien are gonna have a big battle for the #2 QB. (Just my thoughts)

4. I agree that there isnt much to say about Moss, but it has been well documented that he hasnt lost much speed, if any at all since 09. He ran a 4.3 with the 49ers, so I dont see how its all the sudden possible that hes slow. I think Fanfest isnt the best indicator to judge his abilities, so lets wait a bit on the verdict until he actually shows us some real time gameplay.

8. Perrish Cox was acquitted of all charges IIRC. So I dont see any reason to feel "iffy" about him. However, I do agree that he did play well.

Agreed with everything else. Good job on the analysis! Go Niners!!

Originally posted by oldman9er:

Originally posted by lamontb:
I was most impressed by the short yardage runs. Really in the last few years they have been terrible on short yardage runs. They always get stuffed in goal line situations. Another reason why they struggled in the red zone last year. They dropped the ball vs the Giants when they couldn't convert on that short yardage run late in the game and had to settle for 3. Jacobs and Bruce Miller along wiht the entire o line looked great.

I don't think they will use Moss much in pre season. Gotta save whatever he has left in the tank for the regular season.

And watching the game it seems like offense will continue to attack Whitner covering tight ends.

I think we may really have something special going on with Boone/LD at RG and the improved conditioning of Jacobs.

And besides Goodwin the o line is full with young still developing talent.

Originally posted by Kronos2560:
Great Analysis! Here are my responses to the ones I disagree with.

2. I honestly think Kaep played a lot better than youre giving him credit for. Considering his preseason performance last year, I think hes improved a lot. He did a great job eluding the rush, he made explosive plays with his feet, he got the ball out quickly despite his awkward looking release, and he showed no hesitation when delivering the ball. I think Johnson is going to be the one who gets traded, and I think Kaep and Tolzien are gonna have a big battle for the #2 QB. (Just my thoughts)

4. I agree that there isnt much to say about Moss, but it has been well documented that he hasnt lost much speed, if any at all since 09. He ran a 4.3 with the 49ers, so I dont see how its all the sudden possible that hes slow. I think Fanfest isnt the best indicator to judge his abilities, so lets wait a bit on the verdict until he actually shows us some real time gameplay.

8. Perrish Cox was acquitted of all charges IIRC. So I dont see any reason to feel "iffy" about him. However, I do agree that he did play well.

Agreed with everything else. Good job on the analysis! Go Niners!!

2) I don't think he played poorly (although his QB rating was 66). It was more of a case of being impressed by Tolzien. I do think Kaep looks really unnatural out there tho and it seems the only time he plays well is when they are running the Pistol. AGAIN tho...not taking a stand here. I could change my mind next week. Just immediate thoughts.

EDIT: Oh...and I think the only QB who would be traded is Kaep. Thats based more on the fact that teams KNOW the Niners would have to get rid of one and they only one who I think generates alot of interest is Kaep (mainly because of age, athleticism, and what teams thought of him pre-draft).

4) As far as I know he didn't run any official time with the 49ers. I think someone (it might have been him) said that he COULD run 4.3, but I don't think anyone has timed him. Moreover, the team would never announce what time he ran. It may be "well documented" that people SAY he hasn't lost any speed, but that CERTAINLY was NOT on display on Sunday at the Fanfest. I would absolutely LOVE to be wrong in this regard, but I can only comment on what I've seen.

8) Aquitted doesn't mean he didn't do it. From what I read he got off based mostly on lack of evidense. He could be innocent. He could also be guilty. He's iffy to me because I just don't know and that's a sore subject for me. That ain't cool. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, but it's still in the back of my mind.