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Originally posted by Oakland-Niner:Originally posted by silkyjohnson:
N u know I gotta salute my general @mysonne1 ... Him n them BX goon sqaud niggas had NY on smash last nite for his BDAY... We onnnnn !!!
I live in Oakland, home of the movement to make ebonics a recognized dialect in classrooms and I'm still like WTF.........LOL
Originally posted by lamontb:Originally posted by ninertico:
After reading all the info on our OTA's, seeing the pics and videos and listening to NFL analysts, I see some definite improvement on our squad especially the offense. I see that Alex Smith finally has total control of this offense and is wielding his power and respect with authority barking out assignment recognition to not only his offense, but the defense as well. This alone will expedite the implementation of expanding the offense. Now, he can concentrate on timing with his offense rather than having to focus on the basics. It's the maturity of the offense that is vital to its development.
Not only is Alex the focus, but what about these questions beginning with the rooks:
Davis and Iupati? They seem to be handling their own against the second teamers. I remember reading that Mitchell couldn't go anywhere against Davis. Iupati seems to be able to "pull" well, too. Basically, both have met or exceeded expectations concerning how quickly they could assimilate. They are doing just fine.
Mays?--Seems to be handling the adjustment well and seems to be covering well, too. I know, it is against the third teamers, but coverage is as coverage does.
Bowman? Where does he fit? Manusky is using him as MIKE and TED. What I have read pleases me. It seems as though he really has a nose for the ball and can use his speed inside to blitz. Based on his limited clips, you can see him slice and dice in the backfield to get to the ball. I believe this guy is the steal of the draft given expectations and draft placement, a 1st rd talent in the 3rd.
Dixon? Well one thing is for sure, this kids brings it ALL all the time. He simply burned out and the coaches didn't want to continue his diminishing stamina. Still, he seems to be what the coaches wanted, a big boy with speed and hands. He will compliment Gore and Coffee very well. No combo of Thunder and lightening. Instead, its Thunder, Thunder, and Thunder! I like it a lot especially in the 4th!
Williams? Nice catch! Another sixth rd WR who can immediately contribute. He will be invaluable in the Slot and ST. Like they said, we don't have a WR with his skill set and he's getting valuable time in the slot, too. He even said he feels natural there. With more practice in fielding punts, he will get acclimated to the winds for more concentration.
Vann? He's my hope for the team. I like it that he made some plays on defense and that he stayed later to practice catching punts when everyone else left. That's how you make the team and demonstrate the work ethic necessary to succeed in the NFL. I really hope he shows more in TC!
Ginn? Hey, he muffed some, but came back strong. He needs to work with Davis catching after practice...over and over and over. Still, his speed will allow us to spread the defense as they will have to respect the edge. Just the fact that he can fly will allow others to get open in the middle or short. I still think he was a great addition for the price.
All in all, it looks like we are on pace or just exceeding it a bit. We are definitely not behind this year so that in itself is a bonus.
I can't wait to see these guys in pads. One thing is for certain, Coach Singletary is beaming about these kids. You remember 1981 and 1986 when the rookies dictated the "feel" of camp, young and full of energy. I think we are about to see the same from this class.
I can't wait to see Davis and Iupati doing nutcracker drills
Originally posted by NickSh49:Originally posted by lamontb:Originally posted by ninertico:
After reading all the info on our OTA's, seeing the pics and videos and listening to NFL analysts, I see some definite improvement on our squad especially the offense. I see that Alex Smith finally has total control of this offense and is wielding his power and respect with authority barking out assignment recognition to not only his offense, but the defense as well. This alone will expedite the implementation of expanding the offense. Now, he can concentrate on timing with his offense rather than having to focus on the basics. It's the maturity of the offense that is vital to its development.
Not only is Alex the focus, but what about these questions beginning with the rooks:
Davis and Iupati? They seem to be handling their own against the second teamers. I remember reading that Mitchell couldn't go anywhere against Davis. Iupati seems to be able to "pull" well, too. Basically, both have met or exceeded expectations concerning how quickly they could assimilate. They are doing just fine.
Mays?--Seems to be handling the adjustment well and seems to be covering well, too. I know, it is against the third teamers, but coverage is as coverage does.
Bowman? Where does he fit? Manusky is using him as MIKE and TED. What I have read pleases me. It seems as though he really has a nose for the ball and can use his speed inside to blitz. Based on his limited clips, you can see him slice and dice in the backfield to get to the ball. I believe this guy is the steal of the draft given expectations and draft placement, a 1st rd talent in the 3rd.
Dixon? Well one thing is for sure, this kids brings it ALL all the time. He simply burned out and the coaches didn't want to continue his diminishing stamina. Still, he seems to be what the coaches wanted, a big boy with speed and hands. He will compliment Gore and Coffee very well. No combo of Thunder and lightening. Instead, its Thunder, Thunder, and Thunder! I like it a lot especially in the 4th!
Williams? Nice catch! Another sixth rd WR who can immediately contribute. He will be invaluable in the Slot and ST. Like they said, we don't have a WR with his skill set and he's getting valuable time in the slot, too. He even said he feels natural there. With more practice in fielding punts, he will get acclimated to the winds for more concentration.
Vann? He's my hope for the team. I like it that he made some plays on defense and that he stayed later to practice catching punts when everyone else left. That's how you make the team and demonstrate the work ethic necessary to succeed in the NFL. I really hope he shows more in TC!
Ginn? Hey, he muffed some, but came back strong. He needs to work with Davis catching after practice...over and over and over. Still, his speed will allow us to spread the defense as they will have to respect the edge. Just the fact that he can fly will allow others to get open in the middle or short. I still think he was a great addition for the price.
All in all, it looks like we are on pace or just exceeding it a bit. We are definitely not behind this year so that in itself is a bonus.
I can't wait to see these guys in pads. One thing is for certain, Coach Singletary is beaming about these kids. You remember 1981 and 1986 when the rookies dictated the "feel" of camp, young and full of energy. I think we are about to see the same from this class.
I can't wait to see Davis and Iupati doing nutcracker drills
Blind homerism, at it's finest.
Originally posted by PTulini:
This was from Singletary's post OTA press conference from yesterday...
Quote:
On whether QB Alex Smith being more vocal prior to the snap is something he’s encouraged him to do or it’s happened more naturally:
“That’s something that we talked about a number of times last year, being able to take control of the offense and being able to have a command of the huddle and have a command of what we’re doing. I remember a conversation that I had with him last year because we were talking about it and he said, ‘Coach, in all honesty, everything that you want, I can give you. I know that I can do it,’ but he said, ‘I just need a little continuity and I’m still trying to learn some of the things that we are doing. Once I get it, I promise you I will show you that I can take command of the offense. I will do all the things that you are looking for,’ and I left it at that. Given the opportunity, we did have some continuity this offseason and it was very nice to see him step up and do exactly what he said he was going to do.”
On whether QB Alex Smith is all the way there:
“I wouldn’t say that he’s all the way there. I don’t think he would say that. I just think it’s very good to see him take the necessary steps that he has and he just has to continue to come forward."
Singletary's Notebook- May 20
Originally posted by ninertico:
After reading all the info on our OTA's, seeing the pics and videos and listening to NFL analysts, I see some definite improvement on our squad especially the offense. I see that Alex Smith finally has total control of this offense and is wielding his power and respect with authority barking out assignment recognition to not only his offense, but the defense as well. This alone will expedite the implementation of expanding the offense. Now, he can concentrate on timing with his offense rather than having to focus on the basics. It's the maturity of the offense that is vital to its development.
Not only is Alex the focus, but what about these questions beginning with the rooks:
Davis and Iupati? They seem to be handling their own against the second teamers. I remember reading that Mitchell couldn't go anywhere against Davis. Iupati seems to be able to "pull" well, too. Basically, both have met or exceeded expectations concerning how quickly they could assimilate. They are doing just fine.
Mays?--Seems to be handling the adjustment well and seems to be covering well, too. I know, it is against the third teamers, but coverage is as coverage does.
Bowman? Where does he fit? Manusky is using him as MIKE and TED. What I have read pleases me. It seems as though he really has a nose for the ball and can use his speed inside to blitz. Based on his limited clips, you can see him slice and dice in the backfield to get to the ball. I believe this guy is the steal of the draft given expectations and draft placement, a 1st rd talent in the 3rd.
Dixon? Well one thing is for sure, this kids brings it ALL all the time. He simply burned out and the coaches didn't want to continue his diminishing stamina. Still, he seems to be what the coaches wanted, a big boy with speed and hands. He will compliment Gore and Coffee very well. No combo of Thunder and lightening. Instead, its Thunder, Thunder, and Thunder! I like it a lot especially in the 4th!
Williams? Nice catch! Another sixth rd WR who can immediately contribute. He will be invaluable in the Slot and ST. Like they said, we don't have a WR with his skill set and he's getting valuable time in the slot, too. He even said he feels natural there. With more practice in fielding punts, he will get acclimated to the winds for more concentration.
Vann? He's my hope for the team. I like it that he made some plays on defense and that he stayed later to practice catching punts when everyone else left. That's how you make the team and demonstrate the work ethic necessary to succeed in the NFL. I really hope he shows more in TC!
Ginn? Hey, he muffed some, but came back strong. He needs to work with Davis catching after practice...over and over and over. Still, his speed will allow us to spread the defense as they will have to respect the edge. Just the fact that he can fly will allow others to get open in the middle or short. I still think he was a great addition for the price.
All in all, it looks like we are on pace or just exceeding it a bit. We are definitely not behind this year so that in itself is a bonus.
I can't wait to see these guys in pads. One thing is for certain, Coach Singletary is beaming about these kids. You remember 1981 and 1986 when the rookies dictated the "feel" of camp, young and full of energy. I think we are about to see the same from this class.
Originally posted by NinerGM:Originally posted by foreign49er:
I'm hearing a lot of "2 WR sets". :(
The team invested two 1sts on the OL and another in a big RB. Gore is the best player on offense. Why wouldn't you see a lot of 2 WR sets?
I don't care if they have a lot of 1 WR sets as long as they win. I think winning is more important to me than how they win.
Originally posted by simplyfloyd:
thanks for all the reports guys, I haven't been able to catch up on anything since the draft. Great coverage!
Originally posted by foreign49er:Originally posted by NinerGM:Originally posted by foreign49er:
I'm hearing a lot of "2 WR sets". :(
The team invested two 1sts on the OL and another in a big RB. Gore is the best player on offense. Why wouldn't you see a lot of 2 WR sets?
I don't care if they have a lot of 1 WR sets as long as they win. I think winning is more important to me than how they win.
They also have a lot of depth at WR in a passing league. It'd be nice to see them put somebody in the slot to pick up 3-4 yards through the air if we need it. I just don't want to see RUN-RUN-PASS-PUNT again.
I would also like to see them win, imo the reason they lost a few games last season was that they went to 3-4WR sets too late in the game. We seemed to open it up when we were down and magically score 14 points. I'd like to see our coaching staff work on that aspect of our offense because it can be a huge contrast to our bruising run game. Otherwise, our offense becomes predictable and easy to stop imo.
Originally posted by NinerGM:Originally posted by foreign49er:Originally posted by NinerGM:Originally posted by foreign49er:
I'm hearing a lot of "2 WR sets". :(
The team invested two 1sts on the OL and another in a big RB. Gore is the best player on offense. Why wouldn't you see a lot of 2 WR sets?
I don't care if they have a lot of 1 WR sets as long as they win. I think winning is more important to me than how they win.
They also have a lot of depth at WR in a passing league. It'd be nice to see them put somebody in the slot to pick up 3-4 yards through the air if we need it. I just don't want to see RUN-RUN-PASS-PUNT again.
I would also like to see them win, imo the reason they lost a few games last season was that they went to 3-4WR sets too late in the game. We seemed to open it up when we were down and magically score 14 points. I'd like to see our coaching staff work on that aspect of our offense because it can be a huge contrast to our bruising run game. Otherwise, our offense becomes predictable and easy to stop imo.
(siiiiigh) When did you see run run pass punt? Name the game please - after Smith was the QB and Crabtree was starting. I really would like someone to point out specifics rather than regurgitate "talking points." What few games were lost using the run run pass punt offense? Please name the games? Predictable you say? People immediately assume the reason there was a problem with the offense was ALWAYS due to play-calling. If that's so why do we invest in QB protection? If there was a serious issue with play-calling and the sole reason for offensive ineptitude, there would have been another change in coordinators, not drafting of 2 OLs. So I guess Smith being new to the system and his primary WR missing an entire training camp had nothing to do with the predictability of the offense? I understand what you're trying to say but in the list of challenges that negatively affected this offense play-calling comes at least THIRD on the list. EASILY.
(1) You can't "open up the offense" when the QB doesn't clearly understand what protections to call against the defense. Smith has said this in recent interviews and scribed by a number of the reporters during the OTAs.
(2) If the QB doesn't know what protections to call, the center isn't going to get what protections to call.
(3) Even if the QB understand where the pressure is coming from and tries to counter, the hot needs to be on the EXACT same page. Crabtree as good as he is was not always in synch with Smith - and you can say that for all of his receivers. Smith hadn't practiced blitz pick up in this offense until he got the start mid season.
(4) Serious inconsistent line play from Rachal and Baas along with the consistently horrid Snyder - all being poorly taught and little attention to detail in blocking and understanding assignments.
(5) Here's where I rate "predictable" play-calling.
Sorry, but the other 4 are much more important. Most telling stat? 3rd down conversion percentage. That's not about being predictable. 3rd down conversion percentage is about EXECUTION, not about out-witting your opponent. Drives didn't stall because of punt punt pass, drives stalled because folks either didn't or could execute their assignments because of poor play, inexperience or both.
Ok so from what I understand I can't talk about the play-calling until I talk about those other things? Here goes,Originally posted by Oakland-Niner:Originally posted by foreign49er:Originally posted by NinerGM:Originally posted by foreign49er:
I'm hearing a lot of "2 WR sets". :(
The team invested two 1sts on the OL and another in a big RB. Gore is the best player on offense. Why wouldn't you see a lot of 2 WR sets?
I don't care if they have a lot of 1 WR sets as long as they win. I think winning is more important to me than how they win.
They also have a lot of depth at WR in a passing league. It'd be nice to see them put somebody in the slot to pick up 3-4 yards through the air if we need it. I just don't want to see RUN-RUN-PASS-PUNT again.
I would also like to see them win, imo the reason they lost a few games last season was that they went to 3-4WR sets too late in the game. We seemed to open it up when we were down and magically score 14 points. I'd like to see our coaching staff work on that aspect of our offense because it can be a huge contrast to our bruising run game. Otherwise, our offense becomes predictable and easy to stop imo.
Is it safe to say that our 2WR set is like 3WR sets simply because we have and use Davis?
Originally posted by foreign49er:
We have 6 WR on this team but we're only going to use 2 at a time? That seems like a waste of talent imo. Imagine if Ginn/Davis/Crabs/Morgan are all on the field at the same time, that's a lot harder to cover than Davis/Crabs/Morgan/Walker wouldn't you agree?
Originally posted by NinerGM:Originally posted by foreign49er:Originally posted by NinerGM:Originally posted by foreign49er:
I'm hearing a lot of "2 WR sets". :(
The team invested two 1sts on the OL and another in a big RB. Gore is the best player on offense. Why wouldn't you see a lot of 2 WR sets?
I don't care if they have a lot of 1 WR sets as long as they win. I think winning is more important to me than how they win.
They also have a lot of depth at WR in a passing league. It'd be nice to see them put somebody in the slot to pick up 3-4 yards through the air if we need it. I just don't want to see RUN-RUN-PASS-PUNT again.
I would also like to see them win, imo the reason they lost a few games last season was that they went to 3-4WR sets too late in the game. We seemed to open it up when we were down and magically score 14 points. I'd like to see our coaching staff work on that aspect of our offense because it can be a huge contrast to our bruising run game. Otherwise, our offense becomes predictable and easy to stop imo.
(siiiiigh) When did you see run run pass punt? Name the game please - after Smith was the QB and Crabtree was starting. I really would like someone to point out specifics rather than regurgitate "talking points." What few games were lost using the run run pass punt offense? Please name the games? Predictable you say? People immediately assume the reason there was a problem with the offense was ALWAYS due to play-calling. If that's so why do we invest in QB protection? If there was a serious issue with play-calling and the sole reason for offensive ineptitude, there would have been another change in coordinators, not drafting of 2 OLs. So I guess Smith being new to the system and his primary WR missing an entire training camp had nothing to do with the predictability of the offense? I understand what you're trying to say but in the list of challenges that negatively affected this offense play-calling comes at least THIRD on the list. EASILY.
(1) You can't "open up the offense" when the QB doesn't clearly understand what protections to call against the defense. Smith has said this in recent interviews and scribed by a number of the reporters during the OTAs.
(2) If the QB doesn't know what protections to call, the center isn't going to get what protections to call.
(3) Even if the QB understand where the pressure is coming from and tries to counter, the hot needs to be on the EXACT same page. Crabtree as good as he is was not always in synch with Smith - and you can say that for all of his receivers. Smith hadn't practiced blitz pick up in this offense until he got the start mid season.
(4) Serious inconsistent line play from Rachal and Baas along with the consistently horrid Snyder - all being poorly taught and little attention to detail in blocking and understanding assignments.
(5) Here's where I rate "predictable" play-calling.
Sorry, but the other 4 are much more important. Most telling stat? 3rd down conversion percentage. That's not about being predictable. 3rd down conversion percentage is about EXECUTION, not about out-witting your opponent. Drives didn't stall because of punt punt pass, drives stalled because folks either didn't or could execute their assignments because of poor play, inexperience or both.
Originally posted by 49erThrowback:Originally posted by foreign49er:
We have 6 WR on this team but we're only going to use 2 at a time? That seems like a waste of talent imo. Imagine if Ginn/Davis/Crabs/Morgan are all on the field at the same time, that's a lot harder to cover than Davis/Crabs/Morgan/Walker wouldn't you agree?
This team will end up with 5 WR, and probably one on the PS. How many 3-receiver sets you see will be based more on what the receivers (and other playmakers) show during TC and PS than anything else. If it makes the most sense to have two RBs in the backfield most of the time, do the math and figure out how many WRs you'll have. In this case, if you want 3, you'll have to take Davis out of the game. If you want only one RB in the backfield, Davis probably becomes a blocker.
Originally posted by NinerGM:Originally posted by foreign49er:Originally posted by NinerGM:Originally posted by foreign49er:Originally posted by NinerGM:Originally posted by foreign49er:
I'm hearing a lot of "2 WR sets". :(
The team invested two 1sts on the OL and another in a big RB. Gore is the best player on offense. Why wouldn't you see a lot of 2 WR sets?
I don't care if they have a lot of 1 WR sets as long as they win. I think winning is more important to me than how they win.
They also have a lot of depth at WR in a passing league. It'd be nice to see them put somebody in the slot to pick up 3-4 yards through the air if we need it. I just don't want to see RUN-RUN-PASS-PUNT again.
I would also like to see them win, imo the reason they lost a few games last season was that they went to 3-4WR sets too late in the game. We seemed to open it up when we were down and magically score 14 points. I'd like to see our coaching staff work on that aspect of our offense because it can be a huge contrast to our bruising run game. Otherwise, our offense becomes predictable and easy to stop imo.
(siiiiigh) When did you see run run pass punt? Name the game please - after Smith was the QB and Crabtree was starting. I really would like someone to point out specifics rather than regurgitate "talking points." What few games were lost using the run run pass punt offense? Please name the games? Predictable you say? People immediately assume the reason there was a problem with the offense was ALWAYS due to play-calling. If that's so why do we invest in QB protection? If there was a serious issue with play-calling and the sole reason for offensive ineptitude, there would have been another change in coordinators, not drafting of 2 OLs. So I guess Smith being new to the system and his primary WR missing an entire training camp had nothing to do with the predictability of the offense? I understand what you're trying to say but in the list of challenges that negatively affected this offense play-calling comes at least THIRD on the list. EASILY.
(1) You can't "open up the offense" when the QB doesn't clearly understand what protections to call against the defense. Smith has said this in recent interviews and scribed by a number of the reporters during the OTAs.
(2) If the QB doesn't know what protections to call, the center isn't going to get what protections to call.
(3) Even if the QB understand where the pressure is coming from and tries to counter, the hot needs to be on the EXACT same page. Crabtree as good as he is was not always in synch with Smith - and you can say that for all of his receivers. Smith hadn't practiced blitz pick up in this offense until he got the start mid season.
(4) Serious inconsistent line play from Rachal and Baas along with the consistently horrid Snyder - all being poorly taught and little attention to detail in blocking and understanding assignments.
(5) Here's where I rate "predictable" play-calling.
Sorry, but the other 4 are much more important. Most telling stat? 3rd down conversion percentage. That's not about being predictable. 3rd down conversion percentage is about EXECUTION, not about out-witting your opponent. Drives didn't stall because of punt punt pass, drives stalled because folks either didn't or could execute their assignments because of poor play, inexperience or both.
(1) The starting QB gave an excuse as to why he sucked last year? Shocking. I agree that Smith will be better but not an All-Pro.
(2) Fair point, if the defense can't put 8 in the box though it becomes a little easier to see who is coming.
(3) Yes hot-reads are important, it's also important for multiple route trees to already be in the play. So, for example, the team should have different receivers running different routes at different depths, so if the play blows up the QB's face he still has a short option, or if it's bump-n-run he's got a deep option. It shouldn't take an audible to have receivers running at multiple depths.
(4) Ah the offensive line. I agree that the line will be much better eventually but it's very unrealistic to think these two rookies will be All-Pros from day 1. Both of the guys we drafted are raw. The hardest thing for OL/DL to learn in the NFL is technique, you think they'll get all that in one TC? Didn't it also take Alex and Heitmann an entire year to get the protections down? And they're vets!! Iupati and Davis will have a large learning curve this year, but they will perform better than Rachal and Baas in the long-run.
(5) So now, according to you, I am allowed to talk about the play-calling right?
Are you saying that having a 3WR set is a bad thing? It's something we shouldn't waste our time on? I agree that their are other aspects of the offense that were poor last year but to say that play-calling isn't as important, I don't agree with that.
You'd like examples of horrible play-calling in specific games? First of all, if you can't remember one 3&out then you weren't watching the games. The Texans and Packers games were lost because we went down too big and came back in the second half once we opened it up. Also, in the Vikings game do you realize that we had the ball with under 3:00 to go?! What did we do? RUN-RUN-PASS-PUNT. Favre gets the ball back and we lose. That's 3 games that could have been won with better play-calling, if we win those we're in the Playoffs.
If they know you're going to run on 3rd and short why not come out with 3 wide and pick up 3-4 in the slot? Wouldn't it be nice to be able to throw the other team a change-up once and a while?
We have 6 WR on this team but we're only going to use 2 at a time? That seems like a waste of talent imo. Imagine if Ginn/Davis/Crabs/Morgan are all on the field at the same time, that's a lot harder to cover than Davis/Crabs/Morgan/Walker wouldn't you agree?
I don't care if we go 2WR sets most of the time, but it'd be nice to know that if the run game isn't working, or if Davis or Iupati get hurt, we aren't totally ****ed. Is that so wrong of me?
Smith wasn't the one giving the "excuse" it was Raye. So if you disagree with Raye that's on you. If every team could throw 6 WRs on every snap to solve their offensive woes, why doesn't every team in the NFL run this outside of New Orleans or the Colts? I know why - because not every team has the blocking that we do. It's amazing that you by yourself propose the most simplest solution to a problem that many coaches apparently can't see. So most coaches must either have less football knowledge and perception than you do or they know something that may not be readily seen with someone who doesn't or hasn't played/practice/met with his guys.
Simply asserting that we "open things up" and that "Smith provides excuses" or implying that somehow Snyder would have played better last season if we would have run more 4 WR sets just isn't credible to me. I think you'd have a hard time convincing many here of that. Having more WRs doesn't make your blocking better when it's really, really bad.
Responding to point (3) - My point wasn't that it takes an audible to run "multiple route trees". In fact a hot read has nothing to do with multiple route trees, but identifying protections schemes. My point was that regardless of what route is run, EXECUTION trumps; if your WR and QB isn't on the same page with protection, it's incomplete regardless of how many "routes" are being run.
Responding to (4) - I never said that the rookies would be the reason the OL improved this season. See, I'm not a "talking points" guy and don't just regurg what others have been saying. The reason I expect the OL to improve is because of coaching. I referenced this above (obviously omitted). I never said that Davis and Iupati would make immediate impacts - I just said look where we invested in the draft. I never said those investments would pay off this season. Hopefully they will. Regardless, the point is without blocking, the offense won't work regardless of what routes are being run.
Let's use your examples:
"The Texans and Packers games were lost because we went down too big and came back in the second half once we opened it up."
If you check it out, we went down big because of two reasons in those games; could NOT sustain drives because when we needed to run OR pass the blocking was terrible. People see the game "open up" and they see success because the opposing defenses don't play the same in the 1st Q than they play in the 4th Q with a lead. OF COURSE you're going to have success throwing the ball down by 14+ points in the 4th with 10 min to go. Again why the "run run pass punt" analysis has no adequate context other than it sounds nice.
Your example:
"Also, in the Vikings game do you realize that we had the ball with under 3:00 to go?! What did we do? RUN-RUN-PASS-PUNT. Favre gets the ball back and we lose."
We were running the ball and going to win the game because, and I'll emphasize this, WE WERE AHEAD. What team in the NFL is going to throw the ball in a defensive struggle on the road in the last few minutes of the game while WINNING? If you're going to pass in that situation, against an opposing defense taking every risk to get a turnover, you're going to lose as a team more often than you win. Favre makes that unlikely pass because what? MARK ROMAN was out of position. If your defense can't stop a hail-mary, last gasp play, no matter what your offense does you'll lose. Just as Green Bay.
Your quote:
"If they know you're going to run on 3rd and short why not come out with 3 wide and pick up 3-4 in the slot? Wouldn't it be nice to be able to throw the other team a change-up once and a while?"
Again, this statement over-simplifies football, IMHO. It assumes:
1) Adequate blocking
2) QB and the WR actually KNOW the offense they're running
3) QB and WR are on the same page
4) WR is good enough to beat the coverage/press
5) Opposing team won't blitz when they see we go 3 wide on 3rd
EXECUTION, EXECUTION, EXECUTION
This is why I'm so glad Solari is here.
As I said before, the Niner's offensive weakness was 3rd down conversion last season. That was because we rarely were are rarely in a situation where it was 3rd and less than 3 yards.