Any fan can see that the 49ers have problems.
Everyone wants to throw out solutions starting with Quarterback, Receivers...the big play guys. Sure Shaun Hill was a perennial backup...a third-stringer who hasn't played long enough to prove anything. Sure the Niners don't have that "household name" receiver like a T.O. or Randy Moss.
But I started looking at the depth chart today and I came to a conclusion: We have a lot of young, talented, coachable guys on this team on both sides of the ball...for the most part.
I think the O-line can be a unit good enough to get us above .500 (which is realistically a good goal after the last two seasons) with some work.
We have a good mix of size and speed at WR with some young guys who show a lot of promise.
- B/R Ticket Guide
I don't even need to mention Frank Gore but I will mention we need to get a damn good fullback. I like the Jorvorskie Lane conversation...or a proven free agent. That shouldn't be too tough to pull off.
Our defense is fairly young and has a lot of talent except at DB. We have been known to employ pieces of toast at corner for years now. It puts a lot of pressure on the pass rush yet we have to drop LB's to help cover...so it becomes hard to blitz. Let's not even mention what happens if we face a four-, five, or six-wide look...we're just not deep enough.
So, although it's as far fetched an idea as one could have but...isn't it fun to imagine who our defense would be with a true shut-down corner like Nnamdi Asomugha, who is a free agent after this season?
Now obviously Oakland isn't going to let one of their best players go with all of the struggles they have but can you imagine the rest of the defense being able to go into every game saying, "OK, T.O. is a non-issue. Nnamdi has him covered."
We could corner blitz, bring a safety up to support the run, it's like playing 10-on-10 with no No. 1 receiver in the game.
Maybe I'm way out there, but I say let's save the QB/WR money and bring in a guy who can make everyone around him better and give our defense respectability in the league. Someone send a boat of cash across the bay and see if Nnamdi climbs on board.
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21 days ago
I love this idea. As currently staffed, this 49ers defense can keep the team in games, but it cannot win games when the offense is struggling. They don't create disruptive pressure...they don't cause fumbles or make interceptions...they cannot be looked to for any defensive points. The best they do is create favorable field position. Projecting forward, with either Hill or Smith at QB, the 2010 defense needs to be able to score. So spend free agency dollars on defense!
49ers have a ton of cap room ($24MM+)...and that is before Alex Smith accepts a restructure of his $10MM base salary in 2009. As much as I like glamour free agents Albert Haynesworth and Julius Peppers, I would be inclined to sign Asomugha and Terrell Suggs...and draft a safety (Taylor Mays) in the first and a RT in the second round. Ray McDonald, Isaac Sopoaga, Justin Smith, Aubrayo Franklin and Kentwan Balmer are the nucleus of a 3-4 line that would let Willis, Suggs, Lawson and Spikes shine. Asomugha and Clements on the corners, with Lewis and Mays in center field, would create a playoff caliber defense with plenty of youth. A dominant NT can wit 'til the 2010 draft (and I usually consider the trenches a priority).
Bill Walsh always said a championship defense needs at least four, preferrably five impact playmakers. Suggs, Willis, Smith and Asomugha/Clements...and Mays developing into a Ronnie Lott-type intimidator...that would set this defense apart and win games.
9 days ago
Love your comments.
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