Question: While everyone is fixated on the quarterback competition, I don't think it matters who plays QB if the offensive line is as bad as it was last season. What's your take on the offensive line.
Answer: Like a few positions on this team, it takes a leap of faith to view the 49ers' offensive line as a group that can lead the way to the playoffs. With the possible exception of quarterback, no position group is more important to the success of the team this season.
If the unit stays together for a few years, the line could become a strength of the 49ers. But it's probably not going to happen as quickly as this season. Still, the 49ers can win the NFC West if the offensive line shows a reasonable improvement from the end of last season.
After all, this position group was not nearly as bad as the 55-sacks-allowed statistic might suggest. The line's pass protection was only part of the problem.
Mike Martz's offense put a lot of stress on a line because of the long-developing pass routes and abundance of seven-step drops. It also did not help matters that J.T. O'Sullivan was notorious for taking sacks even when he had ample time to get the ball out of his hands.
New offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye promises to play more to the talent on the offensive line with an inside power running game, and play-action passes. The prediction here is that 49ers will see a huge improvement in sacks allowed.
But, of course, the 49ers' line is a largely unproven unit.
The only established player on the offensive line is center Eric Heitmann, who was the team's best man up front last season. He handles the center's main responsibility with aplomb. The center's job is to be a student of the game and an extension of the coaching staff. He must make the line calls and adjustments. But Heitmann also has the size and strength to more than hold his own at the point of attack.
Left tackle Joe Staley, left guard David Baas and right guard Chilo Rachal are projections. None of those individuals played at a championship level last season. But they are all young, so the club is confident they will continue to progress this season - especially Staley and Rachal. If that happens, the 49ers' offensive line could look strong for years and years to come. (Baas is a scheduled free agent at the end of the season, and the 49ers have demonstrated a reluctance to pay big money to attract or retain guards.)
The 49ers' biggest weakness on the line throughout last season was right tackle. Injury-prone Jonas Jennings is gone. The team signed veteran tackle Marvel Smith, who has gone on injured reserve the past two seasons with back difficulties.
Adam Snyder is a valuable utility lineman, capable of playing each of the guard and tackle spots. He lined up with the first-team offense throughout the offseason program because the 49ers were cautious with Smith. When training camp begins, Snyder and Smith will compete for the starting job.
The 49ers would be ecstatic if Smith remains healthy and holds onto the starting job. That way, Snyder and Tony Wragge could give the 49ers great versatility as the only backup linemen to suit up on game days.
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Call me crazy (or maybe just preseason optimism taking over) but I believe the O line will play well this year baring any catastrophic injuries. This is a young group with something to prove and have the size and muscle to play the style of ball coach wants. They just need to gel as a unit. I'm eager to see some power running that will wear down the D line of the opposition thus diminishing the rush and lowering sacks and turnovers. Controlling the ball and clock will also benefit our defense and we should be a better 4th Q team. All O linemen love to get off the ball and smash the opponent in the teeth. Martz's system was not cut out for a bunch of guys tipping the scales at 330. If they can run the ball with authority then the defenses will have to move up in the box and that will help the passing game, especially with they promising group of wideouts we have. We also have Norris back so stopping our run game may prove to be a challenge. Let the games begin!
I look forward to a real mean physical w/F line. We will see. If Boone can realize his potential then we could be set at the tackle spots for the next 10years. I would like to see what Wallace has to offer as far as his progression.
I have 2 issues with the 9ers oline philosophy. First, we draft the fastest oline around, then pack on 30-40lbs and ask them to be as mobile. Between the tackles rinning will help that, but I think. Mobile, quick olinemen may help. Scot loves huge oline prospects. Second, I don't understand why we won't spend money signing OGs to contracts, particularly if wekeep using high draft picks on interior OL (Baas, Rachel, Wallace). It makes more sense to hold our own picks, or signing an FA than drafting and letting a high pick walk after4-5 yrs. We let them go after they have gone through their growing pains and are in their prime. Smiley I understand, he didn't fit the "image".
I'm a bit confused by the refusal to pay OGs. I understand that the FO does not believe the position is worth big money, but it seems unlikely Baas would demand a large contract. And I would think they would value the high draft picks we have been spending on guards lately (three picks at the top of the second round since 2004) over FA money given our cap health of late. What are your thoughts, Matt? Are they reluctant to pay Baas because of the money, or because of his somewhat spotty performance given his draft position? I would think he would be a relatively easy player to lock up at a reasonable price, and that would contribute to continuity along the OL for years to come. I for one am tired of using high picks on guards when we seemingly have solid players at that spot and other glaring holes.
Matt -- You said, "With the possible exception of quarterback, no position group is more important to the success of the team this season." Followed by: "If the unit stays together for a few years, the line could become a strength of the 49ers." But you inferred they may not be willing to pay Baas. And with Smith, well, no one would be shocked if his back went out again. So the front office dots are not lining up on this one if your two statements are correct (and I believe they are). What odds do you place on Baas getting extended?
matt,
whats your predictions for the starters on both sides of the ball? Do you see Dre Bly starting at cb? do you think crabtree is going to do better than heyward-bey?
CrimsonCrew -- You and I are on the same page. Baas was two picks removed from a Round 1 selection and Smiley was also a high pick (as is Rachel)...yet, there is no evidence the team wants to put an O line in place that can -- as Matt states -- become a strength if you can actually get these guys to all play together for a few years (ala Denver). I don't get the strategy (if there is one). Of course, I'm still scratching my head over the Cody Wallace pick last year... You have Heitmann, Wragge and Baas all capable of playing center and huge hole elsewhere, and you pick a guy who gets thrown around like a rag doll in the 4th round?
You guys are jumping to conclusions. Baas has not had his contract extended yet, but he also has yet to play one full season as a starter. It's prudent to see if he can stay healthy and excel before throwing any money at him. The "rag doll" description about Wallace referred to his first few weeks of TC as a rookie, which is no big surprise. It's old news and no longer accurate. In fact, he's practicing at guard now, too. When he was drafted, Heitmann was coming off a poor year (recouping from his injury the previous year) and was in the final year of his contract. It was unsure how he would perform. Fortunately, the answer was extremely well.
Matt,
Has Baas even practiced at center in the last couple of years? Wragge filled in when Heitmann was injured, and is probably still the primary backup.
The 49ers jumped at the chance to extend Staley, because the OT spots require a lot more athleticism, and the ability to play in space. We also locked up Heitmann, because the center sets the line. The OGs are the least difficult spots to fill on the OL, and you can't spend 7M on every starter. I'm not counting Baas as gone, but I don't think there's any reason to extend him now.
My thoughts on the O-line are that 1: 4 of the 5 guys have played together AT THE SAME POSITION ( a novel idea after the Nolan era) for the last 8 games which should mean more continuity on their part and 2: with the new offense having audibles, that should take a lot of pressure off them. I can see a large leap forward for them as a group, preseason optimism withstanding. This should atleast be a good offense if Raye's playcalling is decent.
the question is not why aren't they payin for OG'S..
..the question should be is BASS worth top or average money..
so far he hasn't done much...i rather see him play a full season ( i will even give him a break that it is a contract yr)..
....maybe i am wrong but as anybody watched BASS dominate in a full game.....(not drives)..a full game!!
CC, your comments are right on the $. Especially the last sentence. Howz about a pass rusher or a NT...
Matt, Thank you so much for the great coverage you provide us die hard 9ers fans. You & your brother by another mother, the other Matt, do a terrific job. Take Care.
HEY Matt, any indication the 49ers are considering starting Shaun and using Alex only in predetermined scenarios? I was reading how well this method worked for Joe and it seems like an ideal method to rebuild Alex. Inserting Alex only in certain situations (red zone, etc.) would give him the chance to regain trust from his teammates (and his shoulder) while allowing Alex to play without the enormous pressure he faces when starting. Also, Alex and Shaun's friendship make this even more appealing since they would likely embrace this system and not cause a distraction for the team. Thanks!
In 2007 Ken Whisenhunt (Stupidly) started Matt Leinart over Kurt Warner.
Leinart was injured in game five and was finished for the season.
However, in the first five games Kurt Warner came in in certain situations like you suggest with Smith. I think it was in some 'No Huddle' or Four Receiver Packages.'
It worked out well for Arizona.
Leinart & Warner are close like Hill & Smith.
I think it could possibly be a good idea for the 49ers to entertain, as you suggest.
They have to produce if we are to make the playoffs.
You can blame Martz and JT but the O line didn't help them either.
One of the reasons VD hasn't been more productive is because we spend too much time with the tight end covering our R & L Tackle. Staley has to produce as a Left Tackle, the hardest position on the O Line. And Marvel has to stay healthy
I think you're right Skeebers on Baas. Due to several different circumstances he has yet to really prove himself on the field. His first 2 years it was because of his inexperience then he got injured so he simply hasn't had alot of playing time to prove his worth. It'll be very interesting to see what he can do with his opportunity before signing him to an extension.
Matt,
As some of the others have implied, isn't it something of a contradiction to have a policy against paying guards big money but have a policy of picking them in the early 2nd round (Baas and Rachal)? Shouldn't your early 2nd round picks be players that you're trying to build around for 10 years?
This line has NOT demonstrated the ability to move people off the line to get 2 1/2 yards when the team really needs it. Them being able to do that is the whole key to this offense being successful. They have not made so many changes in personnel but they did change coaches, put Rachal in the starting lineup and sign Smith - which could be interpreted as changing 40% of the personnel I guess. I hope that is enough because hear me now, believe me later, this offense's success will be predicated more on the success of the line than anything else. Everywhere else on offense they have shown to be more than adequate.
I see a bright future ahead for our OL...considering it's been an evolving group with several personnel changes, I thought they were beginning to acquit themselves pretty well in the latter part of last season. Not worried about Baas and Rachal...they'll be fine and should get nothing but better. I think it's fair Mac wants to see Baas start and thrive for a full season...then offer him a decent, incentive-laden contract that would entice him to stay. Marvel Smith should be a very welcome addition at RT. His back surgery wasn't a major operation...so he's not worried about a recurring injury. They're being careful with him during the healing process, as they should. With Snyder available, he's a good contingency plan. Better yet, Alex Boone could be the long-term answer. He'll have to keep his nose clean, and Mac and Singletary have put a strong support team around him to help. There's no questioning his size and skills. Wallace shouldn't be pigeon-holed as just a C...he can play OG, too. Also wouldn't worry about his initial challenges at being thrown around some. One of the reasons they drafted him is because he doesn't quit. You may get him the first time, but he'll adjust and hang in there. Staley will be a fixture at LT for years. Heitmann's one of the better C in the league, even though he hasn't gotten much national recognition. Collectively, I see good things ahead for this group.
I think Baas is being underrated here. Remember, he spent most of the past 4 years in Nolan's dog house, not getting much playing time at all. Last year he played like a solid starter when given the chance. The question may be "does Bass want to stay past this season?". He may be chomping at the bit to get our of here and take his chances with a new team.
Maybe I'm missing something here, but when Baas has played, he has played well. He gives up very few sacks and his run blocking has been strong; his only issue seems to be getting the second level a step slow, but this is not a guy who gets pushed around. And I have to laugh that Cody Wallace has so many defenders since he has yet to play a single down of NFL football -- for a reason, presumably. Those of you who want to wait to see more of Baas (I've seen enough to be comfortable at this point), do so at your own risk. If he plays even better this year, it's going to cost you more to resign him *after* the season.
Fuzzy -- you are anything but on the subject of the Baas situation; on this one you are cystal clear.