Shutterstock" />
Shutterstock" />
Shutterstock" />
Shutterstock" />
San Francisco 49ers Pre-Season Report Card
By Eric Thurow posted on Friday, September 3, 2010 @ 9:43 PM - (General)
San Francisco 49ers - Pre-Season Grade = B+
Finally the pre-season has concluded. Now we await the official kickoff to the 2010 NFL season. The San Francisco 49ers went undefeated for the first time since 1992. In 1992, the 49ers finished with a winning record of 14-2, but would lose to the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship game. However, grading the progress of this year's San Francisco 49ers, I would have to give them a B+. During the off season the 49ers had two very distinguishable weaknesses; 1) the quarterback, and 2) improving the defensive stops on third down conversions.
The 49ers went into last season with a new coaching staff. Once again, Alex Smith, who was the number one draft pick in 2005, would have to once again learn a new offensive scheme and language with yet another offensive coordinator at the helm. Smith would eventually lose the starting position at quarterback to Shaun Hill. But would reclaim his starting roll with his efforts that were put forth during the second half of the week 6 game in Houston.
However, this year would be different from the years past for the 49ers. As they have the same coaching staff for the second year and this allows for some comfort for the offense and knowledge of the offensive scheme and language. So, with this said, Head Coach Mike Singletary has declared the starting quarterback is Alex Smith's position to lose, even after picking up free-agent QB David Carr.
The 49ers seem to have the offensive arsenal in place with QB Alex Smith leading the team, with more confidence and a better understanding of the offensive scheme; RBs Frank Gore, recently acquired veteran Brian Westbrook, and rookie sensation Anthony Dixon (who shined throughout the pre-season); TEs Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker; and WRs Michael Crabtree, Ted Ginn Jr., and Domnique Zeigler. Now of course these weapons can't succeed without either creating a hole in the defensive line for a strong and consistent running game and/or protection in the pocket for the quarterback to deliver the ball. So the 49ers drafted to strong and fast offensive linemen in T Anthony Davis from Rutgers and G Mike Iupati from Idaho, who both have won the starting roles at their respective positions.
On the defensive side of ball, the 49ers were ranked in the top five in rush defense. When it comes to getting off of the field after third downs, the Niners were 88/240, thus allowing the opposition to convert third downs 37% of the time. Eventhough this is a low percentage, with a defensive minded head coach at the helm, improvement and consistency will be needed to work on improving. When teams went for the first down on fourth downs, the Niners allowed their opponents to convert 6/15, or 40% of their attempts.
In the off season, the 49ers went out and got some more linebacking weapons to assist established LBs Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes, Manny Lawson, Ahmad Brooks and Parys Haralson; adding Navorro Bowman and Travis LaBoy. This means that the 49ers are extremely deep in the linebacker core.
Also adding strength to their defensive backfield, the 49ers added some key players to further their developing corners and safety positions. The 49ers drafted Phillip Adams from South Carolina State, Tramaine Brock from Belhaven, and Taylor Mays from University of Southern California. These guys will add further strength, size and coverage speed to prevent the longball.
So overall, the 49ers look to be definitely top contender to win the NFC West. I know that the NFC West hasn't been the strongest division in the NFL, but the 49ers can and will compete with any team in the NFL. So look for the 49ers to surprise many this upcoming season.
Finally the pre-season has concluded. Now we await the official kickoff to the 2010 NFL season. The San Francisco 49ers went undefeated for the first time since 1992. In 1992, the 49ers finished with a winning record of 14-2, but would lose to the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship game. However, grading the progress of this year's San Francisco 49ers, I would have to give them a B+. During the off season the 49ers had two very distinguishable weaknesses; 1) the quarterback, and 2) improving the defensive stops on third down conversions.
The 49ers went into last season with a new coaching staff. Once again, Alex Smith, who was the number one draft pick in 2005, would have to once again learn a new offensive scheme and language with yet another offensive coordinator at the helm. Smith would eventually lose the starting position at quarterback to Shaun Hill. But would reclaim his starting roll with his efforts that were put forth during the second half of the week 6 game in Houston.
However, this year would be different from the years past for the 49ers. As they have the same coaching staff for the second year and this allows for some comfort for the offense and knowledge of the offensive scheme and language. So, with this said, Head Coach Mike Singletary has declared the starting quarterback is Alex Smith's position to lose, even after picking up free-agent QB David Carr.
The 49ers seem to have the offensive arsenal in place with QB Alex Smith leading the team, with more confidence and a better understanding of the offensive scheme; RBs Frank Gore, recently acquired veteran Brian Westbrook, and rookie sensation Anthony Dixon (who shined throughout the pre-season); TEs Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker; and WRs Michael Crabtree, Ted Ginn Jr., and Domnique Zeigler. Now of course these weapons can't succeed without either creating a hole in the defensive line for a strong and consistent running game and/or protection in the pocket for the quarterback to deliver the ball. So the 49ers drafted to strong and fast offensive linemen in T Anthony Davis from Rutgers and G Mike Iupati from Idaho, who both have won the starting roles at their respective positions.
On the defensive side of ball, the 49ers were ranked in the top five in rush defense. When it comes to getting off of the field after third downs, the Niners were 88/240, thus allowing the opposition to convert third downs 37% of the time. Eventhough this is a low percentage, with a defensive minded head coach at the helm, improvement and consistency will be needed to work on improving. When teams went for the first down on fourth downs, the Niners allowed their opponents to convert 6/15, or 40% of their attempts.
In the off season, the 49ers went out and got some more linebacking weapons to assist established LBs Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes, Manny Lawson, Ahmad Brooks and Parys Haralson; adding Navorro Bowman and Travis LaBoy. This means that the 49ers are extremely deep in the linebacker core.
Also adding strength to their defensive backfield, the 49ers added some key players to further their developing corners and safety positions. The 49ers drafted Phillip Adams from South Carolina State, Tramaine Brock from Belhaven, and Taylor Mays from University of Southern California. These guys will add further strength, size and coverage speed to prevent the longball.
So overall, the 49ers look to be definitely top contender to win the NFC West. I know that the NFC West hasn't been the strongest division in the NFL, but the 49ers can and will compete with any team in the NFL. So look for the 49ers to surprise many this upcoming season.
|
By Showtime-Kansas City posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 @ 10:45 PM
Jimmy Ray is the worst offensive mind,... the worst OC in the NFL. Trust Showtime-K.C. when I say this 49er fans. Jimmy Ray ran my Chiefs offense into the ground and has no right to call plays he needs to go back to being a postion coach. This is the main reason why I thnk your team stinks so bad...Jerry would be a better OC. I would say Townsend would be a better OC but as we all know Townsend is big time and the only place for him to call plays would be for his Chargers as long as the Chargers let him be the General Manager as well....This is Showtime-Kansas City I'm out.!!
