Originally posted by nw9erfan:Interesting idea to put James on the PUP list. That would give us one extra roster poster and buy the team over a month to continue working with a player that wouldn't make the practice squad. The only thing is unless the player that makes the roster with James being out of the picture performs out of his mind, he's cut the moment James is ready. It doesn't necessarily have to be another RB because I for one would love to see what a player like Anthony Dixon could do with the carries LaMichael James would normally get as the 3rd RB. Plus we don't have a running back that would bring to the table what James brings (more speed). Instead it would only be another bruiser if we kept Jewel Hampton now that James isn't available.
The fact that all 3 of the backup OLBs can play on ST (and play well) helps to justify keeping all of them on the 53. I think C Johnson is an absolute lock to make the team now. Like BJ Daniels, Cam will be picked up in 5 seconds if he hits the waiver wire.
The LMJ injury makes the upcoming cuts even more interesting. The Niners now could conceivably put James on the PUP list (so he misses the first 6 weeks) which means they may have room for Hawkins (who replaces LMJ on ST) and/or RB J Hampton.
On the radio last night after the Hawkins TD, Ted Robinson said that very few NFL players could make that play and I agree. Hawkins, for all of his faults (many), is a very explosive player and frankly, the Niners lack that type of guy in their receiving corps right now. He may have even climbed up the depth chart over Baldwin (at least in terms of playing time) after last night's performance. If the Niners end up cutting him, he will also get picked up in 5 seconds (Raiders, Jags, etc.). If all of you noticed, he waited until he got to the sidelines to celebrate last night. He's learning. Right now, he's a guy I want on my team.
One other point, WR Chuck Jacobs might have played himself out of a Niner uniform last night. There is no room for him on the roster now so they will have to expose him to waivers. I suspect, after the past 2 weeks, he's earned himself an NFL gig somewhere. Alas, no room to stash all of these talents.
What an amazing off-season of acquisitions for the Niners!
Cheers!
On the subject of this game, something felt very real about this. I am just amazed at the depth we have and it wasn't even like we were trying to score that much on San Diego. Our 2s and 3s are just that superior. It makes what wonder what guys like Quinton Patton, Vance McDonald, Kyle Williams, Jon Baldwin, etc can do with all the focus that will be on CK, Vernon Davis, Gore/Hunter, and Boldin. The "other" guy will likely get 1-on-1 cover for awhile until they begin to dominate teams. Then it will truly become pick your poison. On offense for opposing teams, there will be no rest for the weary (look out Seattle). We have an even more imposing NT, the Smith Brothers are healthy, Ahmad Brooks quietly continues to be an overlooked playmaker, and we have the best 1/1a ILB tandem in the NFL. Should our OLBs need a breather, we sub in Corey Lemonier. Seems unfair. Better us than anyone else :-). Even on defense, Phil Dawson looks to be David Akers from 2011. I just hope we put up a consistent, sustained effort week in and out. This will be a tough team to beat.
