Originally posted by sacniner:
Originally posted by 49erphan:
I don't think Pettis' standing is as dire as some here seem to think, but I think there is something more than just being "hard on receivers" with respect to Pettis. I think the "Pettis needs to get tougher" take on what Shanahan is doing is also right. I think Pettis has had so much ability that he could get away with not playing physically (relative to NFL level athletes) - and he's had a lot of fun playing that way. I think having light-hearted fun has been part of his love of playing football. And now Shanahan is saying, "That's not enough." This is pro-football where you put your body out there even if you are a finesse receiver. He's challenging Pettis to tax his body harder. Work harder. Play longer. Play harder. If I'm right that part of Pettis' love for the game has come from it being light-hearted fun, then there is a danger that Shanahan's approach will not turn up the flame but instead stifle the spark that keeps Pettis passionate about the game. I suspect that Pettis will respond less vigorously than Shanahan would really like to see, but will, never-the-less "toughen up" and be at least somewhat more productive than last year - which was not all that bad.
Good post
+1 and yes it was. Interesting that Mike Mani on staff has got Pettis at the 8th WR... and then he goes on to say, by rights, Kyle and JL have to suck it up and do what's best for the team, not what their pre draft hunches told them.it would be interesting if he is one of the WRs we don't keep. It would show a remarkable about face for kyle...and same goes for CJ..and unfortunately for him, Jet. But we'll see.