Is Battle really worth a roster spot at this point?

Every year, it never seems like Battle is going to make the team, but he always does well in the summer, winning a spot. He hasn't been the most healthy lately, but when he is, he's our third down receiver, is sure-handed, and is versatile (runs reverses, gimmick plays, can field punts)

I like Battle, but on a great offense like the Colts or Patriots, he's only a #3 or #4 receiver. If he doesn't make the team this summer, then it's a good thing because it shows that our young WRs have progressed.

Originally posted by Wubbie:
Every year, it never seems like Battle is going to make the team, but he always does well in the summer, winning a spot. He hasn't been the most healthy lately, but when he is, he's our third down receiver, is sure-handed, and is versatile (runs reverses, gimmick plays, can field punts)

I like Battle, but on a great offense like the Colts or Patriots, he's only a #3 or #4 receiver. If he doesn't make the team this summer, then it's a good thing because it shows that our young WRs have progressed.

Agreed. One thing is for certain, some kid is going to have to take a roster spot away from him. He won't go down without a scrum.

As the Wildcat formation becomes more popular, and will undoubtably show up this season for our team, it will be interesting to see who runs it (Robinson, Battle, or someone else). One little known fact: Michael Crabtree was a high school QB, and switched to WR after arriving at Texas Tech.

Originally posted by MadDog49er:

Originally posted by Wubbie:
Every year, it never seems like Battle is going to make the team, but he always does well in the summer, winning a spot. He hasn't been the most healthy lately, but when he is, he's our third down receiver, is sure-handed, and is versatile (runs reverses, gimmick plays, can field punts)

I like Battle, but on a great offense like the Colts or Patriots, he's only a #3 or #4 receiver. If he doesn't make the team this summer, then it's a good thing because it shows that our young WRs have progressed.

Agreed. One thing is for certain, some kid is going to have to take a roster spot away from him. He won't go down without a scrum.

As the Wildcat formation becomes more popular, and will undoubtably show up this season for our team, it will be interesting to see who runs it (Robinson, Battle, or someone else). One little known fact: Michael Crabtree was a high school QB, and switched to WR after arriving at Texas Tech.

When I look at this thread, I sense that a lot of guys are assuming that he will be the same player that he always has been. I don't think at this point, that we can make that assumption. I hope I'm wrong because I love the guy's toughness and attitude. Healthy, he is a great asset to any team.
I just sense though, that he is nearing the end of the line. His chronic knee problem has been getting worse in the last couple of years and even when he has been "healthy", he has missed a lot of practice time. I'm sure that pattern will continue this year if he makes the team.
We have seen this before, guys.... Both Dwight Clark and John Taylor had to end their careers prematurely due to chronic knee problems. Let's face it....the NFL is really tough on bodies. If a player lasts 7 years, he has done well.

Originally posted by VA49er:
Every off season people ask about cutting battle. I'll eat a five dollar bill if he doesn't make the team.

I'm calling it a bit early. But I heck. I called it on April 2nd. It looks as if I can spend my $5 on ice-cream.

Now if only my playoff predictions could come true

Originally posted by GoFD74:

Originally posted by GolittaCamper:

Originally posted by carl:
Battle is Captain 3rd Down Conversion.

He is a key "Role Player" Now we need a few stars to emerge! (yes Josh I am talking to you!)

For depth/potential special teams purposes, it's important to keep Battle around for another year. Not sure about 2010 and beyond though, especially as Morgan, Hill, Jones and any incoming rookies become more prominent in the offense.

Someday hopefully Morgan and Crabtree will be a great duo at wide out, and in those big play off games when the going is rough, Battle will do what he always does, come in on 3rd down and make a tough catch get blasted by the DB and hang on for the first down!

When we have real stars at wide out people will rave about Battle he will get a cool nick name on sports center and everything, but on a team were he is has to carry the entire load, he gets no respect!

I hope to see the day when Battle is considered a great roll player on a championship Niner team!

Battle isn't going to go anywhere. He is to consistant and dependable for the QB's in tough sitations to get rid of. Look for him to be around this year, next year and so forth.

dude comes through. he's staying.

Originally posted by backontop:
Battle isn't going to go anywhere. He is to consistant and dependable for the QB's in tough sitations to get rid of. Look for him to be around this year, next year and so forth.

This is the last year of his contract if my memory is correct. With Crabs, Morgan, Jones has locks for next year, I'm not sure we bring him back. It would be easier to draft a healthy kid who would cost much less.

cut all of our WRs, sign more FBs and linemen, and run every down

how could anyone stop that? defensive back isnt getting past a linemen or FB

Originally posted by jreff22:

Originally posted by backontop:
Battle isn't going to go anywhere. He is to consistant and dependable for the QB's in tough sitations to get rid of. Look for him to be around this year, next year and so forth.

This is the last year of his contract if my memory is correct. With Crabs, Morgan, Jones has locks for next year, I'm not sure we bring him back. It would be easier to draft a healthy kid who would cost much less.

I think they resign him.

Originally posted by RonMexico:
cut all of our WRs, sign more FBs and linemen, and run every down

how could anyone stop that? defensive back isnt getting past a linemen or FB

Replace your DBs with Safeties, and your Safeties with Linebackers, thats how I would stop you, in a 6-3 alignment!

4 down linemen
2 stand up D-end, (use linebackers here)
3 Linebackers
2 Safeties up on and out

I would crush you like a bug in crazy world!

Battle is worth his weight in gold right now. who on our team besides bruce has PROVEN to be a dependable WR? not one other guy, say anything u want about battle but i cant think of anyone else i would want to throw to on 3rd down than battle. Crabtree is not here, Jones is hurt for a month still, Morgan is a youngster and didnt look too hot in the preseason (even though i think he will rebound), Hill is in the same situation as Morgan. who else is there? Battle is welcome on this team unless someone out plays him, and since he was drafted no one has done that

The moral of the story:
Don't argue with the Dog!

Cheers.

P.S. Woof!

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
The moral of the story:
Don't argue with the Dog!

Cheers.

P.S. Woof!

Lord have mercy. As though you're always right.

Was this really that difficult to call?

[ Edited by LA9erFan on Sep 4, 2009 at 14:00:21 ]

Originally posted by LA9erFan:

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
The moral of the story:
Don't argue with the Dog!

Cheers.

P.S. Woof!

Lord have mercy. As though you're always right.

I think it's a sad, tragic attempt at humor...