Analysis from the Tampa Bay coaches film

Originally posted by LBSI9ers:

Originally posted by JoseCortez:

Originally posted by ChazBoner:

Originally posted by xela510:
Can you do an analysis on this play?
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap2000000298154/Anquan-Boldin-one-handed-grab

Analysis: BEAST!

boldin beast. kaep missed a WIDE open Crabtree. instead of tossing the football at the defense, Crabtree should have threw it at kaepernicks face.

Yea it's amazing that Crabtree has never dropped a pass ever in his career. Truly amazing.

That is not the point. The point is that Kaepernick throws in to double/triple coverage low to the back of a receiver that has to make a circus catch. When right in front of his face he has a premier wide out open with no one within 10-15 yards. that is the kind of thing that still makes people shake their head about Kaep. That was a BAD read, and a pro QB should never have made that throw to Boldin over Crabtree. It was a crossing route right in his sight line. If there were other situations like this during the game, no wonder why Crabtree was frustrated.

Originally posted by Bluesbro:

Originally posted by LBSI9ers:

Originally posted by JoseCortez:

Originally posted by ChazBoner:

Originally posted by xela510:
Can you do an analysis on this play?
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap2000000298154/Anquan-Boldin-one-handed-grab

Analysis: BEAST!

boldin beast. kaep missed a WIDE open Crabtree. instead of tossing the football at the defense, Crabtree should have threw it at kaepernicks face.

Yea it's amazing that Crabtree has never dropped a pass ever in his career. Truly amazing.

That is not the point. The point is that Kaepernick throws in to double/triple coverage low to the back of a receiver that has to make a circus catch. When right in front of his face he has a premier wide out open with no one within 10-15 yards. that is the kind of thing that still makes people shake their head about Kaep. That was a BAD read, and a pro QB should never have made that throw to Boldin over Crabtree. It was a crossing route right in his sight line. If there were other situations like this during the game, no wonder why Crabtree was frustrated.

Agreed...BUT, you have to consider the play call itself and it's design as well. I agree with thl408 that this play SHOULD HAVE been a pro-style passing play and it's on CK's shoulders to find the best option here (more evidence is Crabtree's emotional response to the pass not going his way). But we can't 100% dismiss the play call and design...perhaps it was a bunch formation designed to have Crabtree rub off Boldin's DB's for a big gain...that it was Boldin all the way so CK pulled the trigger. I highlighted our AR passing game as a reason why we have seen CK throw into double and even triple coverage for this very reason...he is merely trying to execute the play call, in theory, based on HaRoMan's play design the play THEY called into the huddle. Dilfer backed this up recently with comments as well...and here is more from Michael Silver:

Great NFL coaches find a way to adapt to the strengths of their best players. From implementing a few familiar concepts from a college playbook, to tweaking the game plan to make it simple for the signal-caller, a wily offensive coordinator will find a way to put his best player in a position to succeed. After watching their young passer struggle with a few intricate passing concepts, the 49ers have utilized a series of play-action and movement-based routes from run-heavy formations to help Kaepernick regain his rhythm in the pocket.

Now, I'm not suggesting Kaepernick was incapable of executing full field reads earlier in the season, but I do believe he struggled getting the ball to his secondary receiver on some routes.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000301080/article/frank-gore-michael-crabtree-reviving-49ers-offense

Point? We need to consider all of the factors (as best we can) and the big picture before we jump to the conclusions that this was all on CK's shoulders. It very well may have ridden on the shoulders of the play call and design itself and coaching CK to simply "execute the play." If he is doing exactly what he's been coached to do (all year), to the coaches, he is doing his job well and they've recently come out and said they didn't understand all the criticism of him and that two games ago, may have been his most well-rounded executed game yet. To us as fans, it wasn't that big of a deal when you look at the stats esp. compared to some of his other more, electric games.

Often times as fans, we get caught up in what we SHOULD have done in a situation and miss the concept of the original design.

Originally posted by GORO:

Originally posted by thl408:

I hated this play call when I watched it live, but after watching this Snyder killed it. Good call by Roman

I saw the blown block, but still did not like the call live, thought it was too fancy. Seeing this I love the call, it's simple in it's requirements for execution, VD absolutely destroys his guy and I'll take Beast Boldin with a head of steam and a good angle on that little dude all. day. long.

Originally posted by Igotta:

Originally posted by GORO:

Originally posted by thl408:

I hated this play call when I watched it live, but after watching this Snyder killed it. Good call by Roman

I saw the blown block, but still did not like the call live, thought it was too fancy. Seeing this I love the call, it's simple in it's requirements for execution, VD absolutely destroys his guy and I'll take Beast Boldin with a head of steam and a good angle on that little dude all. day. long.

I think that play needs to be quicker hitting. The fake to James made it take longer for Boldin to get it. Snyder initially had his man cut upfield to create a gap but he was able to recover due to the handoff taking longer.

Snyder never had him. One of the most half assed blocks I've ever seen.

Originally posted by jonesadrian:

Originally posted by jonnydel:




The RB tries to shake Smith to the outside now that Smith has taken an inside move, but, Aldon did a fabulous job of squaring up once he got in the backfield and tackles the RB for a 2 yard loss.

This is really exciting play from a guy who's supposed to be a pass rush specialist. Only when it's slowed down can you truly appreciate the speed and ferocity that Smith uses in this play. The RB literally took three steps from the start of the play and Smith had diagnosed the play, beat a great LT, and was in position to make a tackle. Awesome, awesome play!

Criminally underrated aspect of his game. He's a real OLB.
he's STILL not even as good as he's going to be

just think about that for a minute

Yes, and now that he is sober (? I hope) his maturity will increase at a rapid pace. His size, speed and strength make him an absolute monster to block. I am still just dazzled by the 9ers LBs! Aldon, Willis, Bowman and Brooks are just...unfair!

Originally posted by verb1der:
Woo hoo, Greg Roman doesn't suck after all!

LOL whatever the guy gets us within 5 yards of o SB win and he sucks. Whatever.

NCommand, regarding post #291. This was too glaring of a misread, and I disagree with the play design argument. Crabtree was in the pattern, a viable receiver in Kaep's view, with no one wearing pewter pants the same area code. It would be one thing if Boldin was single covered ... that is always a good thing to try. But he was doubled with a player underneath. This was a bad choice.

Originally posted by Bluesbro:
NCommand, regarding post #291. This was too glaring of a misread, and I disagree with the play design argument. Crabtree was in the pattern, a viable receiver in Kaep's view, with no one wearing pewter pants the same area code. It would be one thing if Boldin was single covered ... that is always a good thing to try. But he was doubled with a player underneath. This was a bad choice.

Receivers are missed all the time...by Brady, P Manning, Brees...and Kaepernick. Pointing out one play seems very non-productive. I am more interested in Crabtree's reaction. Is he now going to sulk because he isn't the primary receiver on every play as he was last season? CK locked onto him and that's one reason the 9ers lost the Super Bowl. It's not all on CK but the lack of viable options other than VD and Crabtree in that game. Crabtree has to accept Boldin, VD and others sharing the ball this year, which means fewer targets for him. If he wants more targets he will have to go to another team, using a passing offense...would be ironic if he chose KC when his contract is up. LOL!

Originally posted by Bluesbro:
NCommand, regarding post #291. This was too glaring of a misread, and I disagree with the play design argument. Crabtree was in the pattern, a viable receiver in Kaep's view, with no one wearing pewter pants the same area code. It would be one thing if Boldin was single covered ... that is always a good thing to try. But he was doubled with a player underneath. This was a bad choice.

In principal, I agree 100%. But to make that claim, we are making 2 large assumptions 1) Crabtree was a viable option in the original play design and 2) CK flat out missed him despite being in his very sightlight.

The former "may" explain the latter.

And like dtg noted, open, viable receivers ARE missed all the time. The point here is that we need to consider ALL factors before we jump to conclusions that this was all on CK. That's all.

Someone had asked earlier about any evidence of the seahawks holding down the field. I've been scouting the Falcons, almost done btw, but, yeah they hold..... Here's a good example I saw(just one of MANY)



I just post this to show where the LOS is.



I've highlighted the LOS(purple) with the 5 yard maker being the point where contact with the receiver is no longer legal. The NFL allows full contact up to 5 yards from the LOS. You'll see how the only 2 receivers past the line are being held/a lot of contact from the Seahawks.



Further in on the play, you see their still doing it.....

Originally posted by dtg_9er:

Originally posted by Bluesbro:
NCommand, regarding post #291. This was too glaring of a misread, and I disagree with the play design argument. Crabtree was in the pattern, a viable receiver in Kaep's view, with no one wearing pewter pants the same area code. It would be one thing if Boldin was single covered ... that is always a good thing to try. But he was doubled with a player underneath. This was a bad choice.

Receivers are missed all the time...by Brady, P Manning, Brees...and Kaepernick. Pointing out one play seems very non-productive. I am more interested in Crabtree's reaction. Is he now going to sulk because he isn't the primary receiver on every play as he was last season? CK locked onto him and that's one reason the 9ers lost the Super Bowl. It's not all on CK but the lack of viable options other than VD and Crabtree in that game. Crabtree has to accept Boldin, VD and others sharing the ball this year, which means fewer targets for him. If he wants more targets he will have to go to another team, using a passing offense...would be ironic if he chose KC when his contract is up. LOL!

Agreed. And while you mull over Crabtree's fit on the field and isubsequent potential fustrations in the near future, I'll also focus on WHY we didn't come back to this play later and exploit this mimatch by making Crabtree the AR1 this time or coaching/instructions to alert CK to expect Crabtree to break open first in a PS play.

Originally posted by dtg_9er:

Originally posted by Bluesbro:
NCommand, regarding post #291. This was too glaring of a misread, and I disagree with the play design argument. Crabtree was in the pattern, a viable receiver in Kaep's view, with no one wearing pewter pants the same area code. It would be one thing if Boldin was single covered ... that is always a good thing to try. But he was doubled with a player underneath. This was a bad choice.

Receivers are missed all the time...by Brady, P Manning, Brees...and Kaepernick. Pointing out one play seems very non-productive. I am more interested in Crabtree's reaction. Is he now going to sulk because he isn't the primary receiver on every play as he was last season? CK locked onto him and that's one reason the 9ers lost the Super Bowl. It's not all on CK but the lack of viable options other than VD and Crabtree in that game. Crabtree has to accept Boldin, VD and others sharing the ball this year, which means fewer targets for him. If he wants more targets he will have to go to another team, using a passing offense...would be ironic if he chose KC when his contract is up. LOL!

Be honest ... do you think any of these QB's would have missed Crabtree on that play? And it is not 'non-productive', but more indicative of critiques that are made of Kaepernick at this stage. I have hope he will keep progressing.

So, I've gone through a lot of Falcons game film. There are a lot of things the Falcons do well, but, they have definitely missed Julio Jones. Defenses play them much differently without Julio. He really made the offense click. That, and their running offense was different than it is with Jackson. With Michael Turner they were much more of a power running game, with a lot of trap, power and dives with occasional zone runs. Last year in the NFCCG they ran a lot more traps and power against us.

This year they are much more of a zone running scheme. They're running game is a lot like the Buc's, the difference is the runner. Barney for the Buc's was a much more, "find the open space" runner who has good burst through the hole. Jackson uses the zone run to set up guys trying to arm tackle, he then runs with his heavy frame into the defense. He looks to run through arm tackles, not run people over most of the time. This is why the Falcons use the zone run scheme with him. When their offense is on schedule, it's very effective. Jackson is still a good RB. It's going to be on McDonald and Justin Smith to hold down the O-lineman to allow for Bow and Willis to hit Jackson head on. I see the Falcons trying to go 3 WR to run the ball.

Last year when we played them, Willis got the majority of the duties in covering Gonzales. Mainly, because Willis is more physical in his coverage, while Bowman is a better change of direction type of coverage player. So, they would use Willis in coverage on Gonzales, while Bowman would lurk the middle of the field. Plus, Gonzales get's so physical with the defender, that trying to use your quickness against him doesn't work.

Last year, we ran a lot of man coverage, but when we went zone, they primarily targeted Roddy White. The same holds true this year. When the opposing team goes zone coverage they like to use White's large frame to run over the middle. If we go zone, I see us running a lot of cover 3 to take away the middle of the field. When we run man, expect Whitner to give Willis inside help from the safety spot on Gonzales. This year when teams run man coverage they look for Gonzales.

I also see them flexing Gonzales out to Aldon's side from a 2 TE set a lot and trying to hit some flood routes towards Gonzales with Jackson as the flat receiver. This means Reid is gonna have to strap it on this week. He'll probably be asked to take on Jackson in the open field in the flat.

I don't see us hardly blitzing them this week. The biggest weakness for the Falcons this year has been their offensive line by far. They are not playing well at all. Brian Orakpo absolutely manhandled every member of that offensive line in the last game at some point. They have also given up consistent pressure vs. just about every front they've played. This is a team that is still trying to figure out it's identity. They knew who they were last year, but this year, with the loss of Julio Jones and with the change in running scheme, they haven't adapted well to how defenses are now playing them differently.

That's how I see us attacking them from the defensive side of the ball.

From the Offensive side, I see us, first, attacking their D-ends. Their D-tackles are very active. Babineaux in particular. I see us running a lot of sweep's and D-end traps. Also, using James like we did against the Buc's to attack the edges, especially to Dunta Robinson's side. Dunta Robinson has been burned that last few weeks trying to be overly aggressive in run support from his corner position. I see us hitting the edges early in the run game to set up a corner or wheel route with Vernon against Robinson(usually plays the right side corner) early in the 2nd quarter(probably by our 3rd possession) off of PA.

Mike Nolan loves to use multiple fronts to make life harder on the O-line. I have seen them run a multitude of fronts, 3-4, 4-3 over, 4-3 under, 4-3 even, 6-2, 3-4 over, 2-4, 3-3-5. They love to show a lot of different fronts. This requires smart, active DT's to pull off. Last year, they started out with a lot of man coverage on 1st and 2nd down and usually an exotic zone blitz on 3rd down. When we started running the ball more effectively, the LB's started to play more forward aggressive. When that happened we started to hit Vernon matched up against either a S or a LB on some crossing/wheel routes. Then, they went to more of a zone coverage, which is when we started to hit Crabtree in the zones more. When playing man, ATL likes to play off coverage with the corners. There were 3 times last year when Kaep saw this and pulled the ball up on a running play and threw it to Crabtree(you could see by the O-line and RB's it was clearly a running play called) I see ATL this year trying to play more press zone at the beginning of the game. Look for us to try and hit Crab's on some crossing patterns in the game as well as some designed plays to get Boldin the ball in space with some blockers against the zone. DeCoud is quicker than fast and not a great tackler so I see him as the guy they try and get Boldin the ball against in open space.

Overall, I see us winning this game. We're probably not going to have a point total to reflect how well we'll dominate this game. We're going to win the TOP by a wide margin and probably put up 24-27 points. I don't see our defense giving up more than 13 points against them.

That's how I see us attacking them on defense. Prob

Originally posted by Bluesbro:

Originally posted by dtg_9er:

Originally posted by Bluesbro:
NCommand, regarding post #291. This was too glaring of a misread, and I disagree with the play design argument. Crabtree was in the pattern, a viable receiver in Kaep's view, with no one wearing pewter pants the same area code. It would be one thing if Boldin was single covered ... that is always a good thing to try. But he was doubled with a player underneath. This was a bad choice.

Receivers are missed all the time...by Brady, P Manning, Brees...and Kaepernick. Pointing out one play seems very non-productive. I am more interested in Crabtree's reaction. Is he now going to sulk because he isn't the primary receiver on every play as he was last season? CK locked onto him and that's one reason the 9ers lost the Super Bowl. It's not all on CK but the lack of viable options other than VD and Crabtree in that game. Crabtree has to accept Boldin, VD and others sharing the ball this year, which means fewer targets for him. If he wants more targets he will have to go to another team, using a passing offense...would be ironic if he chose KC when his contract is up. LOL!

Be honest ... do you think any of these QB's would have missed Crabtree on that play? And it is not 'non-productive', but more indicative of critiques that are made of Kaepernick at this stage. I have hope he will keep progressing.

I really don't know! Brees has much better field vision, as does P Manning and Brady, but they still miss wide open guys depending on the time they have and view being blocked. Brees, in particular, has to move to see the field. If his line doesn't chop the DLinemen he is a gnome among the trees!