Originally posted by NCommand:
A team can not just replace the leadership, heart, work ethic, will to win, etc. of Justin and Gore. However, you can replace their production. Justin had a good year but again, you only need to replace 43 tackles (lowest of his career), 5 sacks, 2 FF's, and 3 STF's. For reference, in 2013, Dockett had 46 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 10 STF's. In limited snaps last year, Carradine alone had 17 tackles, 3 sacks and 3 STF's.
He's ready! Ha...right on que: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carradine-Could-Have-Breakthrough-2015-Season-for-49ers-295006851.html
"Carradine, in fact, was at his best over the final three games of the 2014 season as he got more playing time. Against the Seahawks in Seattle, he had two sacks; in the final game against Arizona, he had three tackles and a sack."
As to Frank, he ranked low in PFF with a -.8 grade and replacing 1,106 yards (lowest of his career) and a 4.35 average with only 4 TD's should not be difficult to do in a run-heavy offense like ours. Hyde alone averaged 5.7 yards. He's ready too.
It's just hard, emotionally, to move on.
Justin was responsible for much of Aldon Smith's success, Pat and NaVorro being all pro, and the defense being able to play a three man line much of the time with little to no help. That might not show up in production numbers but it won't be replaced by Carradine. There aren't too many "Great" players in the game but Justin is one of them. The niners have been very fortunate to have quite a few guys who will go down as among the five best at their positions...ever! The one thing JS has going against his legacy is that he played an unsung role...take on three guys and let Aldon rack up sacks. I can't think of a DL that could wrap his left arm around the OG and sweep two OL into a third to open a huge hole for a pass rusher, and still containing the outside if necessary.
What I'm saying is no one person will be able to replace his production. It will take two DL to play at a high level to do what JS did. McDonald and Williams/Dorsey were good linemen but they were greatly helped by the opposition having to concentrate on Smith. Imagine Carradine, Williams and Dorsey as the 3 linemen next year...not a good prospect, so the coaches will need to use LBs more to help out. That's one reason I think they may try to bolster the CBs...domino effect when you lose a guy like this.
I wasn't a fan of Goodwin but the same thing happened to the OL over the past few years. You can't just plug in a guy at center and hope they build a rapport. It's a tough thing for the line and is under rated. I think we have agreed on this in the past...no? (this is a bit off the topic of Justin but...
)
) and a slightly above average QB. So, though I don't believe Nolan is a great HC, I do believe he would have done A LOT better with this team then the one he had.