49ers Preseason Week 1 2016 - Thoughts on the game... | Page 2

Marvin49 · 2016-08-15T08:42:03-07:00

So...just to start right off the bat, the most important thing to remember is this is just preseason. People always tend to say that after something bad happens but the exact same thing holds true when you put up 300+ yards in a single half of play. It was nice to see, but lets not go overboard. The second half similarly isn't as bad as it looked, particularly when you consider who was on the field. I got to see this one live and then go over it quickly when I got home, so sorry if I miss something glaring that people saw on TV. 1) QB: I was kinda sad to see Kap not suited up. I want to see a real competition there and want to see Kap play in this offense. IMO though, Gabbert didn't do much to separate himself in this competition. the throw to McDonald was a good one, but not a great one. That play was really made by the falling down LB and a good individual play by McDonald. (More on that later). Thad Lewis was interesting at times and at others an example of why he won't be counted on in any serious measure this season. With Kap out it was Driskel I really wanted to see. He's got wheels as we all know but his passes were really scattershot. After watching that game, it really seems to me that if Kap can show anything AT ALL, he might be able to win this thing. Now lets see if he can even got on the field to make it a competition. 2) RBs: Hyde looked like Hyde. Fumble was bad, but it happens. These guys haven't been taking live hits for some time now. Draughn was interesting and it was nice to see some flashes from Mike Davis and DeJuan Harris. Taylor really didn't do much of anything. To be honest, after looking at this group, I'm not sure Hayne would have had a chance to make this roster. 3) Ronald Blair: I don't know how much that guy is gonna play, but when he does he's gonna make some plays. Undersized and not real fast straight ahead, but QUICK, athletic and flat out a good football player. I like that kid a lot. 4) O-Line: This one more than any other really has my attention. Of all the position groups on the roster, this one to me has the greatest chance at big improvement. I really don't know how this is all going to play out and who is going to end up where, but there are guys there now at every spot who can play. The right side of the O-Line last year was horrific. So much of the offensive struggles started there. Now, there are so many potential combinations that intrigue me. For the first time in awhile, there are more players there that I like than positions available. My favorite combo (tho it hasn't actually happened): Staley-Garnett-Kilgore-Davis-Brown. I have no idea if AD would be willing to move inside but Trenton Brown looks pretty good out there. The only real problem I see is that I don't hate Zane and I like Tiller....but those are good problems to have. We'll see what happens, but this looks to be a hugely improved position group this season. 5) WR: This one? Not so much. There are a number of interesting guys running around out there, but nobody IMO really standing out. My guess is that the way the season will play out and next year WR will be a big point of emphesis in the draft and Free Agency. 6) Vance McDonald: Only two catches so not going to go overboard, but I've been fan of his for awhile. His penchant to have the ball bounce off his hands has been aggravating to say the least, but he is just so damn athletic for a guy his size AND he can block. He's got the athletic ability to be a dominant TE in this league, but he's gotta focus and get it going this year. He reminds me a bit of Wesley Walls who was a high pick for the 49ers many years ago and they let him all only to become a pro bowl player elsewhere. I'm hoping a new coaching staff can get hat out of him this year. We'll see. 7) DeForest Buckner: Really hard to make any judgement one way or the other as he didn't do a lot, but he as big as advertised. :) Has to get low as he got pushed back a bit at times, but watching him reminded me a bit of watching Bryant Young in his first preseason. Bryant got pushed around as well. Its a learning curve. He'll be fine. 8) OLBs: I'm concerned here. Brooks did what he does...made a stupid play (offsides) followed by a good one (great spin to get the sack) but he is never going to be THE guy to get to the QB down after down. Lynch looked decent out there late but he's out for 4 games. What I was hoping to see what Eli Harold make a statement...and he didn't. Largely invisible. It'll be a long year if there is little rush from the OLBs. 9) Defense in general: It was really nice to see that defense play as well as they did in the first half. As Kelly has said, if they can get off the field on 3rd downs, that high tempo offense can really exhaust an opposing D. Strange to say it, but the D might be the highlight of a Chip Kelly team. 10) Offensive Scheme: Well, we're all in peoples. 3 WRs, 1 RB, high temp offense. I liked a lot of what I saw and I saw some of what concerned be about his time in Philly. Yeah, the running game has a chance to be special...especially if that line comes together the way I think it can. Concerns are (obviously) at QB and in the way they approach short yardage. This doesn't surprise me BTW because Chip did the same thing in Philly. Short Yardage? Goal Line? Yup....3 WRs, 1 RB, high Tempo. He doesn't adjust his offense to situation. I'll be keeping my eye on that as we move forward, but that was one thing I was worried about. All in all though, the first half was a lot of fun to watch. The second half? Not so much. Either way SOOOOOOOO happy 49er football is back.

Aug 15, 2016 at 9:09 AM

#16

PhillyNiner
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Posts: 8,995

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by Marvin49:

Originally posted by SofaKing:
Also dissapointed Kap didn't get to play. I agree, if he can show his playmaking ability, he still has a shot to win the job.

The improved o-line and running game bodes very well for him, especially to open up play-action. In 2012 and 2013 he was lethal throwing intermediate-deep off play action. He's never gonna be a drop-back, pick you apart type of QB. But at his best he can get chunk plays that change a game.

In regards to Gabbert, I don't think he was as bad as people suggest. The misthrows on those gimmes were ugly, but I'm more focused on the decision making which was there. He'll make those gimmes in the future. A couple nice scrambles as well.

No, I don't think Gabbert was horrible either, but I don't think he did anything to secure the job either.

That's where I'm at...didn't really impress to the point of securing the job IMO. Sucks because I'd rather have a answer now. Also I agree with our OLBs Eli was nowhere to be found which is not good. I thought Tank made some plays which is a positive and our WRs are gonna be a real problem this yr IMO.

Tank might not make a full transition in year one to be an every down OLB who can set the edge and bump out into coverage, but I saw some real potential there to be a pass rush specialist right away, which is encourage because damn do we need one.

Aug 15, 2016 at 9:10 AM

#17

SoCold
Hall of Dumb
Posts: 133,136

Originally posted by Marvin49:

Originally posted by crabman82:
Lol there's a female play by play radio voice? Interesting

Just for yesterday and Broncos game. Ted Robinson is doing the Olympics.

Its Kate Scott from KNBR.

well great Scott she sucks

rather hear banjo man and whatever old players they get

Aug 15, 2016 at 9:13 AM

#18

sdaddy101269
Veteran
Posts: 4,737

Originally posted by Marvin49:
Originally posted by sdaddy101269:
Nice post Marvin! The only place I disagree with you is concerning the oline and Brown. He seemed to struggle with a couple of the Zone run, getting beat inside (see Hyde fumble play). I think Davis will supplant him at RT. Tiller looked good so it'll be interesting to see how they handle the guard spot with 3 good players vying for 2 spots.

Not sure that was all on Brown on the fumble as I don't know what Tillers assignment was, but point taken.

Yes, Tiller is suppose combo block the tackle before moving to the next level. I think that Davis is more nimble and fleet of foot than Brown though. IMO.

Aug 15, 2016 at 9:20 AM

#19

OKC49erFan
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Posts: 7,423

Always enjoy reading your take, Marvin. Keep it up!

Aug 15, 2016 at 9:34 AM

#20

SolRebe1
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Posts: 13,546

You saw Bryant Young play in his first pre season game?!

Aug 15, 2016 at 9:41 AM

#21

Marvin49
Hall of Fame
Posts: 16,506

Originally posted by SolRebe1:
You saw Bryant Young play in his first pre season game?!

Yes. San Diego Chargers. 1994.

[ Edited by Marvin49 on Aug 15, 2016 at 9:41 AM ]

Aug 15, 2016 at 9:43 AM

#22

SoCold
Hall of Dumb
Posts: 133,136

Originally posted by Marvin49:

Originally posted by SolRebe1:
You saw Bryant Young play in his first pre season game?!

Yes. San Diego Chargers. 1994.

I seen Bryant Young make a snow angel in the endzone before the game at Cincy.

Aug 15, 2016 at 9:47 AM

#23

Marvin49
Hall of Fame
Posts: 16,506

Originally posted by SoCold:

Originally posted by Marvin49:

Originally posted by SolRebe1:
You saw Bryant Young play in his first pre season game?!

Yes. San Diego Chargers. 1994.

I seen Bryant Young make a snow angel in the endzone before the game at Cincy.

Unfortunately, I was also in the stands the night he broke his leg. :(

BTW, Saw BYs first preseason game ON TV, not at the game. It was IN SD as I recall.

[ Edited by Marvin49 on Aug 15, 2016 at 9:49 AM ]

Aug 15, 2016 at 9:48 AM

#24

SFVNiner
Veteran
Posts: 1,015

Regarding our D and the competition for inside LB next to Bowman... i was really impressed with Nick Bellore-- is he a possibility? Or does he play same side as Bow?

just a thought... he showed a lot of energy and made a some stand out plays.

Aug 15, 2016 at 9:49 AM

#25

SolRebe1
Veteran
Posts: 13,546

Originally posted by SoCold:

Originally posted by Marvin49:

Originally posted by SolRebe1:
You saw Bryant Young play in his first pre season game?!

Yes. San Diego Chargers. 1994.

I seen Bryant Young make a snow angel in the endzone before the game at Cincy.

Jealous.

Aug 15, 2016 at 9:49 AM

#26

Marvin49
Hall of Fame
Posts: 16,506

Originally posted by SFVNiner:
Regarding our D and the competition for inside LB next to Bowman... i was really impressed with Nick Bellore-- is he a possibility? Or does he play same side as Bow?

just a thought... he showed a lot of energy and made a some stand out plays.

I don't think he's a possibility. Liability in pass game but good at shooting gaps in run game. ST ace.

Aug 15, 2016 at 9:59 AM

#27

lamontb
Veteran
Posts: 33,249

Yea we really need Eli or Tank to produce. Wr is a major problem on this roster. Hopefully scheme and tempo will help guys gain separation.

Aug 15, 2016 at 10:10 AM

#28

northoakland510
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Posts: 2,513

Anyone have film of the first half? I missed it thinking the game came on later.

Aug 15, 2016 at 10:15 AM

#29

Willisfn4life
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Posts: 7,341

Good write up Marvin. Pretty on point. I would only throw caution to the wind on the short yardage concerns. While it appeared Chip still was stubbornly trying to run it in on a three wideout spread near the goal line, if Chip has adjusted his mindset to that area of the field, I seriously doubt that'd he'd show it in preseason.

I remember months ago Modkins making the remarks and I'm paraphrasing here that the coaching staff wasn't looking to recreate the Eagle's offense but rather establish a stand alone offense for the 49ers. So I'm willing to sit through the vanilla approach to preseason and see what changes when the games that count get here. Overall nice job though Marvin.

Aug 15, 2016 at 10:24 AM

#30

NCommand
Hall of Fame
Posts: 123,365

Originally posted by Marvin49:

Originally posted by SofaKing:
Also dissapointed Kap didn't get to play. I agree, if he can show his playmaking ability, he still has a shot to win the job.

The improved o-line and running game bodes very well for him, especially to open up play-action. In 2012 and 2013 he was lethal throwing intermediate-deep off play action. He's never gonna be a drop-back, pick you apart type of QB. But at his best he can get chunk plays that change a game.

In regards to Gabbert, I don't think he was as bad as people suggest. The misthrows on those gimmes were ugly, but I'm more focused on the decision making which was there. He'll make those gimmes in the future. A couple nice scrambles as well.

No, I don't think Gabbert was horrible either, but I don't think he did anything to secure the job either.

Great to have you back! It's official now...football is back in NT!

This!

BTW, people keep talking about the LB falling down but that was Gabbert's read all the way (play design) and he was already in his wind up as the LB was falling and Vance already beat him badly...the LB falling down at that point was moot.

[ Edited by NCommand on Aug 15, 2016 at 1:50 PM ]