Rachal: Slump, Bad Coaching or Bust?

cull the herd

Originally posted by gavindirishmen:

Originally posted by unst4bl3:
The sooner he gets cut/benched... the sooner Alex smith will throw for 4000 yards.

Ummmmmmm

Well at least you have a positive outlook

My outlook isn't as positive as his, but he's right in that Alex has never really had a completely solid line. It's not a great excuse, but valid nonetheless.

Keep in mind that the 5 game losing streak at the beginning of the year was also partially caused by heitmann being injured(among other things, like singletary's dumbassness)- baas's first few games we had some off snaps, and general lack of communication with the line that lead to penalties and such.

Goodwin will immediately impact in that area and should make it easier for rachal and davis. The center leads the line, having a veteran leader in Goodwin there should really help the youngsters even if it's just by his confidence at the position.

So if rachal does start, I'm not too worried, he could improve with more stability at the position next to him. But what I want is for harbaugh to make it a competition, I don't know that the UDFA's or depth guys can really be competition for rachal like Snyder could. Snyder shouldn't just be stuck with center reps...

He needs 7 years to show the answer to this question.

any reports of him in TC hopoefully snyder gets some reps at G

If the 9ers are to keep 7 active OLmen and they are placing a priority on players who play (or can play) several positions, does that leave Rachal out?

I believe Staley and Davis can play either side, Snyder can play anywhere, Wragge can play either G and C, and Iupati is potentially great at LG. So, the only top seven from last year who play one position is Rachal. Even Goodwin can play G.

Perhaps he did a lot of work in the offseason and will be fine this year. If not it may be possible to trade him to a team that can wait a year or two for him to develop but roster spots on the 9ers need to be reserved for players.

Originally posted by dtg_9er:
If the 9ers are to keep 7 active OLmen and they are placing a priority on players who play (or can play) several positions, does that leave Rachal out?

I believe Staley and Davis can play either side, Snyder can play anywhere, Wragge can play either G and C, and Iupati is potentially great at LG. So, the only top seven from last year who play one position is Rachal. Even Goodwin can play G.

Perhaps he did a lot of work in the offseason and will be fine this year. If not it may be possible to trade him to a team that can wait a year or two for him to develop but roster spots on the 9ers need to be reserved for players.

he sisnt attend a single offseason workout one of the few who didnt and snyder not only led but taught it to others he is more talented a better player who works harder and knows the system he needs to start over rachal

o lineman take the longest to develop. Before the NFL went to the strict 53 man roster it wasn't uncommon for lineman to develop for several years before playing.

Originally posted by fister30:
o lineman take the longest to develop. Before the NFL went to the strict 53 man roster it wasn't uncommon for lineman to develop for several years before playing.

Yes, it use to be rare to see a rookie OLman even get to the field except on special teams. I wonder how many roster spots there will be for them. Seven active and ? total?

Boone as a back up for OTs, Wragge backing up Gs and C would seem to be the likely 6 and 7th players. That leaves Snyder and Rachal battling for the starting RG position. At any rate I would think the 9ers line will be much better this year with Davis and Iupati having a year under their belts and more experience/stability in the middle.

Why did the poor coaching only affect him?

We had two rooks on the O-line last year who didnt struggle nearly as much.

Im saying bust. Trade him to Seattle

Originally posted by LeadFarmer:
Why did the poor coaching only affect him?

We had two rooks on the O-line last year who didnt struggle nearly as much.

Im saying bust. Trade him to Seattle

eh, Davis struggled a lot last year although he did play better toward the end of the year. Iupati played like a rookie for the first 10 games but improved quite a bit in the final 6.

IMO, Rachal has not yet come close to what he needs to do to stay on this team. Hopefully with a more consistent offensive scheme and better attention to technical details he will become the player we need.

I hope he turns out to be great!!!!!! I hate wasting picks and want all Niners to do great!!!!!!

I said it before and I will say it again:

In college he could get away with using his upper body because college players aren't as good and the d lines in the pac10 are usually smaller guys then let's just say the SEC. Also played next to a few guys who were pretty good. It's easy to hide mediocre interior o lineman in college.
He gets to the NFL and was exposed as soon as there was tape on the guy. Bad feet, non fluid hips, over extends, once he loses initial contact he's done and has no ability to get to a LB. He's all upper body.
This guy should be cut and cut fast. I can't see anyone giving up a draft pick but someone out the most be desperate for a guard with experience. Please stop wasting time with this guy. If Mays doesn't get a second season then he shouldn't get any more. He only played because he was Singletarys illegitimate son.