Crabtree and Alex needing chemistry...and there's only one person to blame

oh, this thread again.

Originally posted by gamechanger:
Crabtree runs time consuming routes by adding too much dancing and head fakes. This messes up the timing and causes him to be steps late or short on his depth in his position on the field. That's why we see the high throws from Alex. I compare it to a hb that likes to dance in the backfield instead of just hitting the hole. I've played with guys that did this type of erratic route running and it's hard for them to break the habit. Hopefully Harbaugh and his staff figure something out.

Good point! I recall reading an article about Fred Biletnikoff that said he hit his spot almost exactly on time even though he ran the route slightly differently each time. He would vary his route but arrive at the ball exactly on time. This requires the QB and the WR to be in sync...not sure who is less in sync but it doesn't seem to be a problem with VD or Edwards.

Really think this is much to do about nothing as they will get their act together soon.

IMO the chemistry crap between Alex and Crabtree is overblown on the wz. They've had plenty of time during the season to get their timing down. I think Alex is simply inaccurate at times like every other QB in the NFL.

Crabtree clearly has not cared for Alex, in the past some of his quotes last season made that clear. Given the teams struggles it is only natural that fingers get pointed, and QB's are usually standing in the general direction of said pointing! Good news is that era is over, new coach, new success, and no more finger pointing. I look forward to Crabtree and Smith developing better chemistry, I don't how ever expect them to pick out curtains and settle down together. So yea, they lack chemistry, but with Morgon out they will need to establish some soon, and nothing motivates and unites players like winning!

Originally posted by angelv05:
IMO the chemistry crap between Alex and Crabtree is overblown on the wz. They've had plenty of time during the season to get their timing down. I think Alex is simply inaccurate at times like every other QB in the NFL.

The problem is that Alex is more accurate with other receivers, like Josh Morgan. I don't know why he and Crabtree aren't on the same page, but you can't miss how often he misses him.

Originally posted by fryet:

Originally posted by angelv05:
IMO the chemistry crap between Alex and Crabtree is overblown on the wz. They've had plenty of time during the season to get their timing down. I think Alex is simply inaccurate at times like every other QB in the NFL.

The problem is that Alex is more accurate with other receivers, like Josh Morgan. I don't know why he and Crabtree aren't on the same page, but you can't miss how often he misses him.

Alex spent more time with Morgan than any other receiver. Morgan was like an assistant coach at Camp Alex, so of course they would be on the same page more than any other.

That also points to a brighter future as not only Crabtree but Edwards also get more practice time. This bodes well for the second half of the season IF both of those two can stay healthy and log the time necessary.

The casual fan does not realize how much time it takes for a QB and WR get to the point that they really connect. It isn't just going out a couple of afternoons a week and playing catch. Montana and Clark would spend an extra hour or more working on the timing of "possession" routes. Rice was the same way. It will come but it will take time.

I wonder if there isn't a bit of Brandon Lloyd in Crabtree??? VD, Walker, and Morgan have all demonstrated that they are willing to risk their bodies to make a catch, and have taken big hits. We don't know about Braylon yet on this issue. Granted, Alex Smith could sometimes make better throws so that his receivers aren't as vulnerable to hits.

But in Crabs case, he seems to vere away from hits, he likes to catch the ball in open holes. So if he prefers or instinctively adjusts his routes to avoid contact, then Smith's throws would appear to be wildly inaccurrate. Essentially, Smith is throwing to where Crabs aint goin'.

Is this Crab's fault or Smith's fault? BOTH. Smith should be better at throwing balls that don't lead his receivers into big hits -- the old "thowing your receiver open" mantra. And Crabs should be willing to take more risk to make the catch.

My point is, that this factor could explain the difference between Smith making completions to the others versus Crabs. Both need to develop trust and chemistry with the other so they will play in a way that helps each other, AND when necessary, sacrifice for each other.

Originally posted by HearstFan:
I wonder if there isn't a bit of Brandon Lloyd in Crabtree??? VD, Walker, and Morgan have all demonstrated that they are willing to risk their bodies to make a catch, and have taken big hits. We don't know about Braylon yet on this issue. Granted, Alex Smith could sometimes make better throws so that his receivers aren't as vulnerable to hits.

But in Crabs case, he seems to vere away from hits, he likes to catch the ball in open holes. So if he prefers or instinctively adjusts his routes to avoid contact, then Smith's throws would appear to be wildly inaccurrate. Essentially, Smith is throwing to where Crabs aint goin'.

Is this Crab's fault or Smith's fault? BOTH. Smith should be better at throwing balls that don't lead his receivers into big hits -- the old "thowing your receiver open" mantra. And Crabs should be willing to take more risk to make the catch.

My point is, that this factor could explain the difference between Smith making completions to the others versus Crabs. Both need to develop trust and chemistry with the other so they will play in a way that helps each other, AND when necessary, sacrifice for each other.

I've seen Crabtree give up on running a deep route several times. Like just stop running. I wasn't sure anybody else noticed. He could "go get the ball" too. A lot of top WR's do. Sometimes you have to sacrafice your body and take a hit or lay out and catch it. I would swear that I see some potentially "catchable" balls thrown to him that he gives up on. Even in this last game and many games over time. That's certainly not the only issue. But it really is happening. Some of it's lack of practice time in preseason with Alex and Crabtree together.

Zak Keasey would fix this.

I expect they'll get more & more in-sync as the season progresses.

Todate, Crabs has done ZERO to be impressed with! Granted, he has had injuries that have hurt his production. Still, I do see him improving. But the reality is this - He has not produced anything that makes him special. He is a little better than an average receiver at this point. Huge potential is there but potential is not results.

I'm optimistic w/JH & the coaches we now have that they will develop him into something special.

Originally posted by valrod33:

Originally posted by ChazBoner:
dude had surgery on his foot before the preseason. surgery....

He paid DRs to perform the surgery even though nothing was wring with him. He is the best Diva of all time. No one goes through the lengths this guy does to not participate in training camp.

i heard he was the cause of the lockout

unfortunately it ended sooner than he expected and not to mention he didnt think there would be a camp alex therefore he asked the doctor to do unnecissary surgury

I wouldn't blame Crabtree specifically.. All you really can do is blame the timing on some factual unfortunate circumstances like the broken foot. Not anybodies fault, just an unfortunate thing that happened.... Over and over again I hear from the coaches and players that Crabtree is anything but a diva and is a hard worker. The timing thing, well, takes time.. They'll get it.. Relax..

Originally posted by gamechanger:

Crabtree runs time consuming routes by adding too much dancing and head fakes. This messes up the timing and causes him to be steps late or short on his depth in his position on the field. That's why we see the high throws from Alex. I compare it to a hb that likes to dance in the backfield instead of just hitting the hole. I've played with guys that did this type of erratic route running and it's hard for them to break the habit. Hopefully Harbaugh and his staff figure something out.

I didn't know you played with Anthony Dixon lol

Originally posted by valrod33:

Wow, I would love to see that against Packers in 2011...in the NFC Championship. That would shut up all the haters who say that the Niners don't have a passing game.

Originally posted by ChazBoner:
dude had surgery on his foot before the preseason. surgery....

So the one person to place blame on is......

The Doctor who operated on Crabtree's foot