Originally posted by K1ngCoopa24:
NC, Austin Collie out performed all the WR not named Boldin. He ran super clean routes, made a couple nice catches. The 8 yard catch in the dirt on a bad throw from Tolzein was one that sticks in my mind. Then the 18 yard 4th down conversion on the very next play. He could and I think he will end up being the #2 behind Boldin. He's the most solid receiver we have on this roster besides 81.
Agreed he played well out of the gate...but here are my thoughts on Collie in another thread:
Man, the more I think about it, the less I think we need Collie...hear me out.
X = Marlon Moore / Ricardo Lockette
Y (slot) = Kyle Williams / Quinton Patton
Z = Anquan Boldin / Kassim Osgood; Mario Manningham & Michael Crabtree (PUP)
Note: AJ Jenkins could be that #7 who could can line up at all 3 WR positions while Manningham and Crabtree are shelved. I noticed we ran a 5-WR set last game (granted both James/Miller were in the mix, with 2 TE's and 1 WR, I believe). Personally, I think AJ would be abused outside.
So here is my question. How many slot WR's do we need? Right now, Williams is ideal for the slot but will play out wide a large part to start the year opening the slot up for Jenkins/Patton. Also, in the RZ specifically, Boldin will slide inside to the slot. Then, Manningham should be back in 2 months and HE is a slot WR also. And don't forget, both VD and McDonald will run out of the slot as well.
What we don't have right now are guys that can take the top off ala Moss (critical to our underneath passing game last year); this is also critical to Boldin's game as well. The only two guys who can do this is Moore and Lockette at the X (hopefully Jenkins at some point). Osgood would be a good backup behind Boldin and on ST. Both Moore & Lockette are also excellent ST gunners.
Collie adds no ST value and has serious injury issues. So, even if healthy, where does Austin Collie really fit into our type of offense esp. when we are very thin outside? And even if he makes it, is he temporary until Manningham comes back?
Read more at
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/173943-which-remaining-wrs-make-53-man-roster/page16/#jOQyyRFIQTsi5Cdg.99