49ers Preseason Week 4 2016 - Thoughts after rewatching the game...

Marvin49 · 2016-09-02T09:36:21-07:00

1) QB: There were a few "yikes" shows in there but he largely looked much better than last week. I've read a few people say (He didn't play THAT well, his QB rating was only about 76". Right. He was 11-18 for 103 yards. If Whalen keeps his feet in bounds He's 12-17 (doesn't need to throw final pass) for 117 yards and a TD. His QB rating would be 109.2. I say this not to make excuses. I say this to make the point that numbers don't tell the entire story. You need to watch the game and see how he looks. The sample size is way too small to say "his rating sucks. He sucks". The difference between a 76 rating and a 109 rating was a WR who will not make the teams foot dragging in bounds. Also fair to say it was inches away from being a rating of about 53 if the safety had been able to hold on for the INT on his final throw. Small sample sizes create wild swings like that. To me though he looked far more comfortable. He made several short passes that have been the thing he's had the most issues with. I read a number of people say he was on his first read all game which may be true, but on second watching it looks like he was actually looking some guys off out shorter outside passes. Tough to say without seeing his eyes and its tough to spot, but ion the Kerley first down he's looking at the other WR on the right side before looking our to Kerley. Now these are baby steps so I don't want to over praise him...but there was a little life there. I still think Gabbert will start, but I think Kap makes this team and we may see him start at some point this season (if Gabbert struggles or gets hurt). Driskel? He had his worst game at the worst possible time. I like the kid and would like to see him stick around, but he's got work to do. Ponder didn't look half bad, but my guess is he's unemployed by Sunday. 2) Mike Davis: Really like this guy. I even liked him last year when the poor guy kept getting caught in the backfield. So much effort, great body lean, lots of lateral speed...just seems to have it. Hoping to see a good amount of his this year...but not TOO much (Please stay Healthy Carlos). 3) Dujuan Harris: I like this kid too. Hope he makes the squad. 4) Kelvin Taylor: Damnit. Hope they can get them through waivers and onto the practice squad. I think he needs a year to bulk up a bit and get his shot next year to make the 53. 5) Ronald Blair: This is becoming repetitive. Every single week. Dude looks to be a steal. 6) Rashard Robinson: I gotta admit...I really questioned that pick. Some of that was his history, some of that was his build, and a lot of that had to do with players I really liked NOT getting picked there and IMMEDIATELY after (Dixon, Prescott, and Booker). I'm starting to get it though. He's got some speed and quickness...tho really needs to work on decision making on returns. He has said he wants to get over 200 lbs. You can already see the difference in size between 171 and 188. he might be a find there. Looks like he's got the tools. 7) Garrison Smith: Dude needs to make the team. Glad to see a guy at that position playing well as its needed badly. 8) Jeremy Kerley: Very limited action, but he might be decent out there playing in the slot. WR still a huge need for this team, but he might do for the time being. 9) Marcus Rush: I've been doubting this guy from the start. No more. I gotta give it up. I still have concerns about his all around game, but that guy has some "want-to you just can't teach. I think he played Lemonier right off the team. Good for him for making the most of his chances. 10) Kaps Protest: I was happy to see Kap do something many of us should do more of. Not only did he make his statement. He did what he is asking others to do. Listen. It would be hypocritical of him to make his statement, expect people to observe it and hear his message if he were unwilling to listen to how people responded to it. He did that. He did not nor should he fall in line with the company standard, but he did make the realization that the conversation he sparked wasn't the one he was trying to bring attention to. He recognized he needed to refine the statement he was making in order for the message to be what he intended. Eric Reid? That was a bold move my man. Cap has a guaranteed 12 mil paycheck coming this year. Reid is in a contract year. I applaud him for standing up for what he sees is right. So. Finally. Football. Season. Is. Here. :D

Sep 2, 2016 at 9:40 AM

Marvin49
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Oh...just to illustrate my point on Rush....

Jeff Deeney @PFF_Jeff
Marcus Rush preseason grades among edge defenders:
vs. Run: 143rd out of 152
Pass Rush: 1st out of 152

Sep 2, 2016 at 9:41 AM

mjonags32
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Posts: 2,207

Good analysis as always.

Thoughts on TE? Bruce caught some good balls, but dropped one too. But it looks to be a crowded TE position. Thoughts on how it pans out?

Sep 2, 2016 at 9:42 AM

Jcool
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Posts: 44,530

Kap was throwing to his first read and pretty much locked in on that guy on every throw. Almost cost him two picks but luckily it was 3-4th string defenders. But did play well enough not to get cut, so improvement?

Sep 2, 2016 at 9:42 AM

Jcool
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Posts: 44,530

Originally posted by Marvin49:
Oh...just to illustrate my point on Rush....

Jeff Deeney @PFF_Jeff
Marcus Rush preseason grades among edge defenders:
vs. Run: 143rd out of 152
Pass Rush: 1st out of 152

That big run SD got when they showed the replay you could see Rush on the edge and just let the RB run right around him.

Sep 2, 2016 at 9:43 AM

StubbyNBY
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Posts: 4,749

I really hope Garrison Smith makes the team. Over Jerod-Eddie or Purcell, I just hope they keep him!

Kerley is going to lead this team in receptions. He isn't great but we needed a solid, veteran, professional WR and we got one. He will catch 50-60 passes and sadly lead the team.

Rashard Robinson really looks like he is on his way to becoming a player. If he stays focused, he could be a real special player in a year or two.

Ronald Blair is a player right now! What a steal!

Marcus Rush has to make the team... RIGHT?

Been a big Kelvin Taylor fan and last night he finally started showing why I think he could be a poor man's Frank Gore. I would cut Harris and keep him.

I would add Burbridge to the list of guys who played well and should make the team.

Sep 2, 2016 at 9:44 AM

Marvin49
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Originally posted by FourNine49:
Good analysis as always.

Thoughts on TE? Bruce caught some good balls, but dropped one too. But it looks to be a crowded TE position. Thoughts on how it pans out?

I think I would not be surprised if Bruce is cut or traded tomorrow. I love the guy, but I don't know that he has a place in this offense.

I really don't know how many TEs they keep. McDonald and Celek of course...but after that? Hamm? Bell? Dunno.

Sep 2, 2016 at 9:44 AM

Cjez
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Posts: 170,590

Originally posted by Jcool:
Kap was throwing to his first read and pretty much locked in on that guy on every throw. Almost cost him two picks but luckily it was 3-4th string defenders. But did play well enough not to get cut, so improvement?

Noticed that too. 6th year and still can't read a D full of scrubs.

Not to mention his mechanics. Just fkn horrible. Dude looked like Tebow out there and to top it off, when he ran, he looked slow as hell. No where near the speed he once had.

Sep 2, 2016 at 9:46 AM

mjonags32
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Posts: 2,207

Originally posted by Marvin49:

Originally posted by FourNine49:
Good analysis as always.

Thoughts on TE? Bruce caught some good balls, but dropped one too. But it looks to be a crowded TE position. Thoughts on how it pans out?

I think I would not be surprised if Bruce is cut or traded tomorrow. I love the guy, but I don't know that he has a place in this offense.

I really don't know how many TEs they keep. McDonald and Celek of course...but after that? Hamm? Bell? Dunno.

My thoughts as well. I think the team keeps 4 TEs, aside from the LS who can double as a TE. Hamm has shown he can get open. Bell is good too, but Bruce is such a fan fav. Interesting to see how this pans out.

Sep 2, 2016 at 9:46 AM

Jcool
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Posts: 44,530

Originally posted by ChazBoner:

Originally posted by Jcool:
Kap was throwing to his first read and pretty much locked in on that guy on every throw. Almost cost him two picks but luckily it was 3-4th string defenders. But did play well enough not to get cut, so improvement?

Noticed that too. 6th year and still can't read a D full of scrubs.

Not to mention his mechanics. Just fkn horrible. Dude looked like Tebow out there and to top it off, when he ran, he looked slow as hell. No where near the speed he once had.

Not sure if he is "slow" or just typical needs 15 yards to get to full speed. He isn't quick but he is fast when he has the open space.

Sep 2, 2016 at 9:46 AM

#10

Marvin49
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Originally posted by Jcool:
Kap was throwing to his first read and pretty much locked in on that guy on every throw. Almost cost him two picks but luckily it was 3-4th string defenders. But did play well enough not to get cut, so improvement?

The first read was there...so not sure if that really says anything.

I don't buy the first one was almost pick. He gunned it in there and that safety who was near the ball on both plays looks pretty damn good.

I think Kap is behind. I still think he's rusty. I still think he gain a lot of weight during the season so we aren't yet seeing what he can be in this offense. My guess is he rides the bench for at least the first month of the season and if Gabbert struggles or gets hurt Kap gets his shot.

My guess is also that if Gabbert struggles ad bad as many fear people will be BEGGING for Kap to get another shot.

Sep 2, 2016 at 9:47 AM

#11

9moon
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WHAT GOOD coaching staff can make a team look better, play better, act better and play smart..

Sep 2, 2016 at 9:47 AM

#12

CenCal9er
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Sep 2, 2016 at 9:47 AM

#13

mjonags32
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Also wanted to point out that in the halftime interview with Chip, he mentioned that they tailored the play calling because of the surrounding talent. Which means to me that he dumbed it down because of the learning curve. Probably better that way anyway so he can see how individuals do 1 on 1s vs scheming.

Sep 2, 2016 at 9:48 AM

#14

Cjez
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Posts: 170,590

where is this guy?