Originally posted by WRATHman44:
LOL, I initially read this as Boone being moved to ILB. Yeah I agree that he's done well as a fill-in at T, but that he'd struggle at LT as a starter. He does a good job of using his reach and long strides to overcome his slow foot speed, but he also has the advantage of not being studied all week by the guy he's working against, since they're always planning for Staley. I think he'll make his money as a tackle in this league, but he's better suited to the right side, unless the team he goes to has a very good LG and/or system that provides help from RB/TE/HB, and lots of playaction.
Boone to ILB? Let's go for it! LOL!
I agree with your take on this and also believe the OL could have been greatly helped by better playcalling and a better option out of the backfield...more screens and short passes to backs.
It's also likely that Gore and Kaepernick were not the best fit. Gore does best getting many carries and not moving out of the backfield. Hunter might be a better fit and Bush as well. Not sure about Hyde but I think he may be a better fit. Teams stacked the box because the two biggest threats of the SF offense were Gore running within the tackles or Kaepernick running. Pinch down on those two options and a high percentage of the niner game plan is unended. But the OL was built for Gore's king of running and the playbook seemed suited to that as well.
They tried to include a spread once in a while but that's hard for the line and receivers if it's only an occasional option...easier going from a zone scheme for this, so I may be very happy next year. Would still like them to draft a 220 pounder for tough yards.
Staley/M Martin/Kilgore/Thomas/Davis next year would be a nice line...with Looney and Pears as the first off the bench (Fonoti, Tiller, C Martin and a rookie fighting for roster spots). Maybe Indy would like to trade for Boone?