Originally posted by Marvin49:1) Hoyer: This is the kind of game that defines the reason why you don't decide how a player played in the game solely by a stat line. In fairness, he did make some good throws and there were a few drops, but it is abundantly clear he ain't the guy. Thats not a shocker. Just statement of fact.
2) Offensive Scheme: I am so excited to see where this offense goes once they have more pieces. Watching the games it seems like Kyle is scheming the hell out of the games and he is just one block here, one catch there or a better throw away from really having something. They have little bursts where you se guys wide open in space and they move down the field with ease and then they have spurts where they can't do anything. This team is on the right track. There is no question in my mind.
3) Defensive Scheme: I would say the same is true on the defensive side of the ball but a bit less so. When they hired Saleh I thought he's be something of a placeholder for possibly hiring Vic Fangio when he breaks loose next year. I still think thats a possibility, but now I kinda doubt it. They have completely changed the scheme. The young D-Linemen (especially #99...more on that later) are thriving. I don't know that you would want to switch back to another scheme. I have been pleasantly surprised so far by Saleh, but he has the same challenges that Kyle does. You can scheme all you want, but if you don't have the horses, it ain't gonna happen.
4) DeForest Buckner: Monster. Plain and simple.
5) Carlos Hyde: I'm a fan. I really like the guy. He can't stay healthy. Its maddening. Its ALWAYS SOMETHING with Carlos. He'll have a monster game and then disappear. I know he was limited in his opportunities this week, but he's clearly not the same right now. He's a FA after the season and right now I can't see them putting big money into retaining him. To be honest, I've had my eye on #26 at Penn State but I'll save that for a conversation at another time.
6) Tartt: He still makes mistakes, but he is a big part of the future. In fact, he more than any other reason might be why Eric Reid doesn't get a long term deal in SF. Really seeing him coming into his own. He did totally screw up on the first TD and thats going to happen from time to time, but the guy is a player.
7) Ray Ray: Another due who drives me crazy. On one play he looks outstanding. On the next I think he's brain dead. Guy has the athletic ability, but I can't wait till he's no longer in the starting lineup. I sense a 5AVA6E coming back soon. :)
8) Arik Armstead: Miscast. I don't know how good he can be in another scheme or in different role in this one, but he's totally miscast as a Leo. That isn't exactly a revelation either. He is a good NFL player trying to do something he's not suited for. I would be interested how he would play bigger, inside beside Buckner. Problem is that Solomon Thomas and Earl Mitchell seem to fit best there too. My guess is Armstead is on another team as early as next year and he'll play well for that new team.
9) WR: This will be an emphasis in the offseason, but I have to say I like the signing of Garcon much more now. Dude is a stud. I hope he has several years left in the tank to be a part of the future. Goodwin I like but its clear he's limited. IMO he should not be a starting player but should be a role player. Really like what I've seen from Trent Taylor.
10) Jed/Anthem/Jerry Jones: Two weeks in a row I'm going down the political path because I don't really think I have a choice...but this is a bit different. I'm not going to comment on whether players should/should not protest or if teams should or should not let them. I clearly have an opinion that would likely not surprise many of you but I actually think there is a football aspect to this that might be interesting to watch.
The NFL is supposedly "discussing" rule changes to require player to stand for the anthem. The reality is that it would likely be argued against by the NFLPA and if it went to court would likely be shot down outright. No legal grounds to force a player to stand for the Anthem.
As such, where individual owners stand on the issue will be noticed by players as the process moves forward. Jerry Jones has already stated where he stands. I can't imagine thats popular with players. Jed York has made comments on where he stands. My guess is players will notice that as well.
As free agency looms and you are a good player in the NFL who happens to agree with the stance the players are taking, are you more likely to sign in SF with an owner that has publicly supported you or and owner in Dallas who wants to force you to stand? SF also has a young HC who can relate to players with a brilliant offensive mind.
Don't be surprised if under the surface the political battle thats brewing on NFL sidelines makes players choose a location and an owner that support their beliefs.
Just sayin',
As always Marvin, great post! I completely agree about the bright future with how close we've been and seeing that the O and D schemes will work! It's hard to see right now because Kyle trying to street race a Ferrari in a Dautson B210😂. I always felt this was a three year rebuild😉