Position Group Review (Offense)

Great analysis!

Great post,

However im only gonna disagree with one statement you wrote about Crabtree, about how he doesn't have the elusiveness in the open field. I think he has great elusiveness, defenders have a hard time bringing him down on first contact, it seems like after he catches the ball he makes a few moves to get away from the first defender then is wrestling his way for a couple more yds. The issue I see is that most of the time when he catches the ball, it seems like there are no other 49ers around him or close enough to him to throw a block so that he can make a few more moves to get out into open space. We have seen it before if Crabtree has some open field he can get some pretty good chunks of yardage, sometimes scoring on those plays.

I'll add that Justin Peelle is filling in for Nate Byham, so yeah Peelle will most likely be gone next year.

Yep can't wait for Nate Byham next year....too bad on his injury this guy was a beast blocking and has pretty good hands too.....

Originally posted by Natewillis2252:
Great post,

However im only gonna disagree with one statement you wrote about Crabtree, about how he doesn't have the elusiveness in the open field. I think he has great elusiveness, defenders have a hard time bringing him down on first contact, it seems like after he catches the ball he makes a few moves to get away from the first defender then is wrestling his way for a couple more yds. The issue I see is that most of the time when he catches the ball, it seems like there are no other 49ers around him or close enough to him to throw a block so that he can make a few more moves to get out into open space. We have seen it before if Crabtree has some open field he can get some pretty good chunks of yardage, sometimes scoring on those plays.

I'll add that Justin Peelle is filling in for Nate Byham, so yeah Peelle will most likely be gone next year.

You might be right. I guess I would amend it to say that he doesn't have the burst of speed to consistently get big YAC. It seems like he moves around and gains 4-5 yards extra, rather than hitting a seam and breaking it. I don't think teams worry about his open field speed.

As for Byham, I am excited to see him back. I think he is a better blocker, has more experience coming out of the backfield as an extra FB and can even suprise people with his hands and quickness.

Good write up.

1. STALEY -- I agree 100% on Staley. I've said that same thing in other posts. I've even thought that ADavis might be a better LT, but Staley isn't a god power blocker for RT. But you bring up an interest point - I forgot about Boone. He might be the RT next year with ADavis moving to LT.

2. CRABTREE -- I don't think Crabtree is a #1 WR - he is making strides, and could be a really good #2 IMHO. But he lacks #1 ideal size, speed, and ability to go up tough in traffic or with defenders on him. That is what they brought in Edwards for, but unfortunately hasn't worked out well. I dare say that if Morgan got a whole season playing, while not possessing elite speed, he has more #1 attributes than Crabtree.

3. CHILO - oh man, I feel the same way after the Ravens game. He has the physical tools, but not the mental aspects or will. Without that, talent will never show through. Say goodbye. Like you, I'd rather watch our rookies make those mistakes but gain experience that will pay off later. The experience is clearly being wasted on Rachel.

4. GINN - again, agree. he is just not natural catching passes. Which is mind boggling because he is so natural catching punts! And punts are harder to field and take more courage. I just don't get it.

5. A. SMITH - Only disagree slightly on his development. I think keeping him conservative is the plan to build his confidence in the scheme. Its not something you do in 8 games and then put it all at risk by taking the wraps off. Instead of it all riding on a playoff performance, I think the staff will be looking for him to become more comfortable and proficient in the offense over these final 5 games. As long as he plays solid for his position in the playoffs, even if the team as a whole struggles, they will retain him to grow more and compete for a spot with an improved offseason and roster next year.

Good report, Alex will have to show up when there's a big game. If he can come through at playoff time then Kaepernick and Tolzien will just warm the bench. When is Chilo going to produce? When he's in the game the entire right side collapses.

Awesome analysis dude. Always good to read in depth niner views.

I think Goodwin not standing out is a good thing. Centers usually only get noticed when they F up. He's been a great pick up.

We are good to go with pretty much the same cast of players for next year. With the exception of Chilo. Braylon and Goodwin are iffy, pending injuries and age.

Great analysis and much appreciated. Pretty much have to agree with you on Crabtree and Alex. But, the homer in me still holds out that there is a chance they could each develop into something special. Hope springs eternal! Go Niners!

Excellent post! Thanks for the hard work.

I just don't see JH replacing Staley with anyone. I'm a big ABoone fan and I have a feeling we'll see him more involved sooner than later. Staley seems to get injured every other year [I don't have the data - it just seems that way] Also, inuries are part of the game and I think ABoone can be a force.

JH's cultivation of Alex Smith has been awesome to say the least. I see Alex growing and getting better. I also think we have 2 backups who will be very good. That Toleizen was very impressive in preseason.

Chilio sucks, that's the whole story and having a guy like Snyder who can fill in all over the line is a blessing.

I've read in the Zone that Kilgore is being groomed to be the Center of the future, probably in 2 years. He was also impressive in preseason so it will be interesting.

After everything is said and done this season, I think everyone will be on the edge of their seats seeing what Baalke/JH will do in FA and the upcoming draft.

Thanks again.