| Subject: Trevor Talks of Castoffs... |
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TANK
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Date Posted: 16:11:12 01/02/03 Thu
Hey Great One, I don't know where you got the impression I would replace Garcia with Plummer. Your salary cap rebuttal pretty much echoes my earlier comments from shortly after the recent Arizona-49ers game. More recently I have stated:
"My prediction: the 49ers will draft another QB in one of the first three rounds this year. Cade McNown is the wild card. If he projects to be a starter, then forget I said this. But, if he is merely a backup, then somehow, somewhere, the 49ers will be looking for a QBOTF." Archives: pg. 2, 18:26:54 12/31/02 TUE
Trevor asks, "when has LDE ever been cited as a spot of weakness?"
I don't expect the front office to come out and say it, and the print media may be a bit behind the curve, but the 49ers' radio announcers (Gary Plummer) and other local talk show hosts regularly comment on the frustrating lack of a consistant pass rush other than Andre Carter. I could argue argue that we replace Bryant Young and Dana Stubblefield, but I doubt that would please you (or address the pass rush). Fact is, Okeafor is undersized and isn't an impact player. He is ideally a backup, situational player, who is at his best when rested with fresh legs. That is why Carter probably has taken twice as many snaps as Okeafor this season. Engelberger? Starting experience? That isn't the standard. JJ Stokes has "starting experience..."
As for the offensive line, I am not really satisfied with what "several major writers" say. All I know is that Jeff Garcia doesn't feel secure behind this line and describes his experience as "fighting for survival." All I know is that our rushing game is no longer ranked #1 in the NFC, #2 in the NFL.
Yes, LDE and OT are always cited as problem areas on this forum. And, they were listed as areas of concern after last season.
"Hearst carried only 13 times, and it became clear fairly early that the offensive line could not sufficiently excavate Gilbert Brown, Santana Dotson, Vonnie Holliday or Cletidus Hunt to create the running lanes to which Hearst had become accustomed." Ray Ratto, SF Chronicle, 01/14/02
"We weren't able to control the lne of scrimmage today." Jeff Garcia quoted in same Ratto column.
Below, is Ira Miller's summary of where the 49ers stood after the loss to Green Bay (SF Chronicle, 01/14/02):
"The first area we have to get faster and stronger is our nickel and dime (defense) teams on the field," Donahue said.
"Not that the 49ers are perfect in other areas. They have never put much emphasis on offensive tackles, instead getting by with converted guards, good coaching and quick-footed quarterbacks. But the Packers exploited that; their defensive line dominated the 49ers' offensive line, and the 49ers couldn't do much against Gilbert Brown, Green Bay's 345-pound lardbucket at nose tackle."
"The Packers' run defense had been poor the second half of the season, but they controlled the line and held the 49ers, second in the NFL in rushing yardage, to just 71 yards, half their average."
"Another playmaker to complement Terrell Owens would also be a nice addition, but Donahue said, "In my mind, there are other priorities...We've come a long way. And we've a long way to go."
Back to the present, 01/02/03. I think the 49ers' offensive line has been dominated by on several occasions this year (San Diego, Green Bay, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Denver come immediately to mind). Aside from Ratto, Garcia and Miller's obvious reference to the inadequacies of the offensive line, there are three areas of need highlighted by "several major writers," a general manager and a quarterback after last season's end:
1. Donahue cited getting "faster and stronger in our nickel and dime teams..." An obvious assumption is cornerback, but could Donahue also be talking about the pass rush? I argue that LDE is a critical part of "stronger" nickel and dime teams, so Trevor and I disagree. Bottom line, did Donahue improve our nickel and dime teams? NO!
2. Ratto, Garcia and Miller all mentioned the offensive line. Donahue cryptical acknowledged other priorities. Did Donahue improve the o-line? Let's ask Jeff Gacia...
3. Miller argued for a playmaker compliment to Owens. Did Donahue heed his advice? NO!
To paraphrase Trevor's words: "This team does have some needs ... LDE and OT are always cited as problem areas around this site. Hopefully someday Donahue will learn."
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