Originally posted by NinerGM:
Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:
Originally posted by NinerGM:
Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:
Originally posted by oldman9er:
Nate deserved better than Manusky's 10 yard off-coverage, and definitely deserves better than the 49ers fanbase. At least he was well compensated for us wrecking what was (at the time of the signing) a good career.
I actually read somewhere that the DBs are often given a choice of whether to line up in press or off coverage.
-9fA
And I think there in lies the problem - DBs are given a choice? Shouldn't the DC be making that decision given the scheme? Sounds like a coaching/scheme issue to me.
But then again, you don't want to force your players to play in a manner in which they're not comfortable. It's a balance.
-9fA
ITA. However, I'm hoping Fangio/Donatell can get more out of him in terms of coverage than Manusky/Joseph. In any event, he's better than most FA outside of Asomougha. I'm all in favor of upgrading but only if there's a plan in place for an upgrade. IMHO, a rookie in the secondary without an impact player generating pass-rush is not an upgrade to me.
The balance I see that needs to be achieved is between the defensive LOS or backfield; if you're going to pick at OLB at lower rounds, then I recommend not cutting Nate (or bringing in an equivalent or better FA). Keeping Nate, IMHO keeps draft options open. Creating a DIRE need at CB I think isn't the best thing to do in a shortened off-season.
I agree with what you said and what Oakland-Niner said. Cutting Clements at this point in time makes little sense since his contract bonus does not come into full effect till the regular season starts (I think). Furthermore, cutting Clements at this very moment raises a bright flashing neon sign over Santa Clara HQ saying that we'll be drafting PP or AK in the first round. So yes, it makes sense not to cut him at this time.
However, in reference to your first paragraph, I don't believe that Clements' issues arise from scheme and/or coaching. The guy is a 10 year veteran of the league, his poor performance is due to his physical and mental limitations. While the mental limitations may be corrected, it's clear that Clements is half through the down-slope of his career.
In reference to unrestricted FAs, I like Ike Taylor and Brent Grimes. I would be especially happy with Grimes as a consolation prize in the event that we don't win the Asomugha sweepstakes (we likely won't).
I want to keep Clements but I do not want to retain him at $11M. As an owner or a coach, you don't reward mediocrity. In addition, it also sets you shorthanded in future contract negotiations as player value is based on precedent and current wages.
-9fA