The performances of these three players might determine whether the 49ers have a seventh consecutive losing season or are playing meaningful football once again in January:
OLB Manny Lawson: The 49ers worked a trade prior to the 2006 draft to acquire a second first-round draft pick. They used that selection (No. 22 overall) on an angular pass-rushing defensive end from
As expected, the 49ers promptly moved him to outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme. Then, the coaches quickly determined Lawson lacked the strength to consistently get to the quarterback. He focused on his coverage skills.
Lawson adapted quickly. By the end of his rookie season, Lawson was outstanding in coverage and was strong against the run. His second season started well, but was cut short due to a torn knee ligament sustained during practice.
As he returned a year ago, the 49ers eased him back. For most of the season, Lawson was a one-down player, coming off the field when the 49ers went with their substitution packages. But, now, in his fourth year, they are going to ask him to be the team's most important defensive player.
Lawson will start at outside linebacker on the strong side. The plan is for him to remain on the field for all three downs. In passing situations, Lawson will be situated at defensive end in the 49ers' 4-2-5 or 4-1-6 alignment. His job will be to get the quarterback.
The 49ers got little production from that position last season with Roderick Green and Tully Banta-Cain struggling immensely. Green and Banta-Cain combined for just four sacks.
If Lawson can put consistent pressure on the quarterback, the 49ers should see an increase in their sack and interception totals from a year ago. The 49ers had the No. 13 defense in the league in yards allowed, but they ranked 25th in interception percentage and 21st in sacks per pass play.
The common perception was the 49ers needed to add a pass-rusher in the offseason. But they did not go after anybody in the draft, and they signed former Chargers reserve Marques Harris for reserve duty.
They must have a lot of faith Lawson can get the job done.
RT Marvel Smith: Since 2005, the 49ers have given the offensive line more attention than at any point in club history.
They signed a big-bucks free agent (Jonas Jennings) and used three draft picks within the first 39 selections in the draft to select David Baas, Joe Staley and Chilo Rachal over a four-year period.
Yet, the 49ers have received little dividends. The 49ers' 2008 offensive ranking of 23rd in the league was its best of the past five seasons. The 49ers have surrendered team-worst totals of 55 sacks both of the past two seasons. (Certainly, not all the blame falls on the offensive line, but it's a reasonable starting point.)
According to STATS, Inc., the 49ers' right tackles last season were responsible for 20 sacks allowed with Barry Sims surrendering 10.5 and Adam Snyder allowing 9.5.
In the offseason, the 49ers cut unreliable
Smith did not take part in the 49ers' 11-on-11 work during the offseason program, as the club did not want to take any chances with his return. He is an integral part of the team's plans. He is their most important offensive player because if the 49ers can get solid production from right tackle, things should fall into place for the rest of the offensive line - and the entire offense.
Smith (6-foot-5, 321 pounds) will compete against Snyder for the starting job, but it's clear the 49ers believe Smith can give the team a much-needed upgrade at right tackle. He can help the 49ers become the power-running team coach Mike Singletary wants to see. And, if he remains healthy, he should be an upgrade in pass protection, too.
FS Dashon Goldson: In two NFL seasons, Goldson does not have an interception. He has never forced or recovered a fumble.
Yet, when Singletary decided early in the offseason that Goldson would replace incumbent Mark Roman as the 49ers' starting free safety, it was clear the move was made to bring more playmaking potential to the 49ers' secondary.
As starting free safety, Roman has a streak of 34 consecutive games without an interception. Roman's value as a starter was his knowledge of the defense and his ability to make adjustments to cover up weaknesses with a scheme against a particular offensive formation.
But it came to the point Singletary decided he wanted more tangible production. That is why he is calling on Goldson to give the defense some much-needed big-play ability.
Goldson's job will be the throw around his 6-2, 200-pound frame to be an intimidating presence to receivers who venture into his neighborhood. His job will be to play center field and create big plays in the secondary.
But the expectation of big hits and interceptions could come at a big price with such a young player. Goldson must learn when to pick his spots. After all, the occasional turnover can't come at the price of frequent blown coverages and allowing passes to sail over his head.
* * *
You will notice that I did not include Shaun Hill or Alex Smith on the list of the team's most important players. The 49ers do need production from the passing game, to be sure. But I think the best chance of getting production from the passing game is by receiving strong play from right tackle.
Hill and Smith enter training camp next week in competition for the starting job. The expectations for the position do not change regardless of which quarterback wins the competition. The 49ers want a game manager at quarterback. It is not the design of the offense for the QB to do spectacular work. They want the passing game to open up because of the running game and the use of play-action pass.
* * *
* * *
Jeremy Newberry, a second-round pick of the 49ers in 1998, has announced his retirement, agent Doug Hendrickson confirmed this morning. Newberry signed with the Falcons last month. He played just 11 games for the 49ers from 2004 to '06 because of injuries, and his career appeared to be over at that point. However, Newberry underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee in August 2006. He managed to play '07 and '08 with the Raiders and Chargers, respectively. Newberry signed with the Falcons last month, but in the past week the swelling and pain in his knee forced him into the difficult decision to retire. Newberry, one of the toughest NFL players of this era, made the Pro Bowl twice with the 49ers.
* * *
Matt, are the 49ers looking to upgrade the depth at the RT spot? As you state Marvel Smith has missed a lot of time lately and Barry Sims and Adam Snyder allowed 20 sacks last year. Should Smith go down then the offensive line is in the same position again. Are the 49ers looking at Levi Jones or anyone else?
Among the high picks spent on OL in the Nolan-Scot era, let's note that the Niners traded up to get Snyder in the 3rd rd. Known as a "tweener" then (Scot: "We look for good football players"), Snyder is now called "versatile" - meaning he's a backup and can't really start anywhere.
Nolan-Scot were also smug about locking up Snyder with an very early extension - he couldn't start on subpar OLs!
Question: are the 49ers looking to upgrade the depth at the RT spot?
My response: They looked to upgrade the talent level during the offseason. They added Marvel Smith and undrafted rookie Alex Boone. I do not expect any more moves. --Matt M.
Matt,
I understand the current 9er philosophy is to have a qb who will be safe with the ball and manage the game. I get it. But IMHO the NFL is a QB league. The teams with perennial SB hopes have the best QB's starting each year. Look no farther than the Minnesota Vikings to prove that point. SB level roster with the exception of the QB position. Even with an exceptional running game they can't throw the ball so they can't win. I would have included the QB at least over the safety. Other than that, the list is a good list. I truely hope Lawson delivers but I still don't see it.
Alex Boone is an intriguing, mauler prospect. I'd like to commend Matt M. for bucking the media habit of using "taser gun" in each note about Boone.
Of course, if Boone makes it, I can hear the TV guys turning it into a prop: "Three police officers needed taser guns to subdue Boone - one OLB is no match for him, with or without a taser gun!"
Comment: Among the high picks spent on OL in the Nolan-Scot era, let's note that the Niners traded up to get Snyder in the 3rd rd.
My response: Yes, I could've written that they spent four top-100 picks on O-linemen in four years. But decided three picks in the top-40 over four years was more noteworthy. --Matt M.
Alex Boone is the key guy...
I just don't see how a LT from ohio could be a bust in the nfl.....
Newberry was a tough dude. Check that, IS a tough dude. I remember reading about him in the CC Times when he was tearing it up at Antioch. From there to Cal to the Niners?! Nice way to go. Following his career really made me realize how much of a beating these guys take. Yeah, they're compensated pretty well for the most part, but the second their body goes, the team pulls the plug and that's it. Newberry battled through so many injuries and played at a high level for so many years. It was nice having him paving the way for Hearst and Garner a few years back. Live well, #62!
Now, Matt. Didn't mean to imply criticism. My point is that Snyder was more expensive than just a top 100 pick - the Niners paid to trade up with other picks (i.e., those 4th and 5th rd. picks can net vets). Given the price, as well as Snyder's early extension (before Baas), he was relatively expensive and has fallen way, way short.
Comment: My point is that Snyder was more expensive than just a top 100 pick - the Niners paid to trade up with other picks (i.e., those 4th and 5th rd. picks can net vets). Given the price, as well as Snyder's early extension (before Baas), he was relatively expensive and has fallen way, way short.
My response: I got ya, but I don't know that I would say he's fallen "way, way short." His cap figure in in the final year of his contract (2011) is scheduled to be $2.1 million. Relatively speaking, that is not a big deal. --Matt M.
Don't worry, Jed. If we do retain Baas, he'll get more than Snyder.
Matt, is there any update on Boone's legal situation. Last I saw, he was to be arraigned in March. Was he charged? Is there a case pending? Any word on whether the NFL will suspend him?
Although he was picked up late last season, I look at the Bender grab as a move with an eye towards this year's OL.
I can't agree that Snyder is coming up "way short". He has been constantly moved all around the OL and has performed well. As far as his draft position, he came out of Oregon as the PAC 10 Offensive Lineman of the Year while playing at LT.And last years sack numbers were very high in large part due to long developing plays and J.T. O'Sullivan's habit of holding onto the ball too long trying to make something happen.
When I saw your twitter message stating the article was about the 3 most important players this season I guessed it would be QB (whichever is starter, Marvel Smith and Goldson. 2 of 3 ain't bad I guess.
But you're right about Lawson. Looking at the numbers you posted, 13th overall in defense but low rankings in ints and sacks/play tells me the 49ers were a playmaker away from top 8 defense.
Why oh why didn't they get a passrusher? You are definitely right, last season the team was "broke" by their lack of pass rush, and the 49ers have put a heavy weight on Lawson's shoulders. That said, if he can't carry that weight as a first round pick, then the 49ers should definitely look elsewhere next season.
reguarding Adam Snyder:
When you look at Snyder you have to look at the way he was developed. For the entire Nolan era he was the top back-up to both guard and tackel spots. he never learned one position, and in my opnion should have been groomed as a tackel. Snyder is not a very good guard, and i am not sure if the 9.5 sacks were exclusively from teh RT position or from LG/RT.
AFter playing a few games in a row at RT it seemed snyder was finding a home there. he is a good run blocker from the tackel position, but apoor run blocker from teh G postiion.
I still maintain a cautious optimis that Snyder will be able to develop into a good RT when he is allowed to focus on playing RT, but having watched some tape on Marvel Smith i don't think he can compete at the same level this year.
Hey Matt,
Aside from the Niners obvious investment in Manny Lawson this season, have you seen any encouraging signs as to his future pass ruch production? Granted, there's probably been little to judge with mostly low-contact drills going on, but I was hoping you heard or saw something to give hope.
Sorry if this seems like a dogpile. While I agree that Snyder deserves some slack for the OL upheaval and demands, what has he done to claim his own spot on the OL? Signed Larry Allen; traded up to get Staley; drafted Rachal high; behind Smiley; behind Wragge some; behind Jonas; behind Baas; behind Barry Sims some; signed Marvel Smith. In his 5th season, you'd expect Snyder to stake out LG or RT as his own - not compete for backup time at a yet to be determined position. What is Snyder's best position?
..i gave up on snyder being a starter long time ago.....
I realize Singletary gagged the assistant coaches, but has Al Harris made a difference? If so, in which aspect?
Alex Boone got toasted at the Shrine Game (by Lawrence Sidbury, Nick Reed, even Canadian invitee Etienne Legare).
I don't think nearly enough of the onus is put on J.T. O'Sullivan for those inflated sack totals last season. I remember that it wasn't just 5 and 7 step drops that got him in trouble. It was also severe indecisiveness in quick pass situations. He just did not have the ability to make quick decisions. He'd throw a pick, or if he held the ball he'd hold it too long.
You can't expect a lot of success from an o-line that doesn't have a lot of faith in who's taking the snaps. They'll be a lot better this year based on the simple fact that they can trust their QB, and the system.
I was gonna ask the same exact thing, re: the "pass rush specialist" assitant coach. Has there been any noticable difference since adding this coach to the staff?
..something wierd is going on...how come espn is not reporting on the big ben news...
I think at this point in time you can't look at Snyder as a disappoinment. He clearly is VERY valuable as the utility player & we all know you need solid back-up players just in case of an injury to any of the starters. That being said had Snyder been given a fair opportunity to be a starter at 1 position when NoWin-NoClue was the HC who knows where he would be. It's the same crap Lawson was dealt with when NoClue was in control, Lawson was moved around so much like a yo-yo that he never mastered OLB.
I doubt if many (any) coaches in the league would not put QB as the key position for the Niners this year. There's no way in heck a tackle is more important.
I do agree that the key on defense will be protecting against the pass. I can't see any opposing team having great success with the run so pass happy game plans will be the norm until the team can prove they can stop them.
This is a 6-10 team, + or - 2. There are questions at almost every position, and at QB where it begins and ends, the 49ers have a back-up journeyman and a quality kid who was misused and abused by the previous head coach. Let's hope for 10-6, but 6-10 is much more realistic.
Lawson is critical for a couple of reasons. If he doesn't improve, it has a cascade effect. We may to bundle up to get a pass rusher as well as a qb. I would like to see us take bpa nt or db
Comment: I doubt if many (any) coaches in the league would not put QB as the key position for the Niners this year. There's no way in heck a tackle is more important.
My response: As I noted at the bottom of the entry, production from the QB position is going to determine a lot. However, I believe the 49ers would probably get similar production from whichever QB wins the job. Apparently, Mike Singletary feels that way, too. That's why he has yet to settle on a starter. I don't think there would be a huge dropoff from one QB to the other. That's why I did not list Shaun Hill or Alex Smith as one of the three most important players. Meanwhile, the 49ers have a chance, with Marvel Smith, to show a marked improvement at RT, which was the team's weak spot on the O-line last season. --Matt M.
The moment Barry Sims starts we can just kiss our season goodbye. That guy shouldn't even be allowed on the field, he's a complete piece of garbage (as a player that is, but not a human being of course), that Dolphins game last season was enough to make you cry!
-Seriously, Boone may not be 'the complete package' just yet (to be a NFL season starter) but he's probably miles ahead of Sims.
"that Dolphins game last season was enough to make you cry!"
Not defending him... but didn't Matt break that game down and came to the conclusion that Sims held his own throughout the game, despite going against Porter quite often?
I do remember that on the final play, the slot receiver was supposed to chip porter, but they lined up wrong.
sad to see newberry not playing...the guy was one of the best centers in the league even though he didnt practice for like 4 yrs in a row with the niners cuz of injuries....
If Marvel and Manny can both come through this year, both the offense and defense will be much stonger. There is a big drop off if Marvel or Staley get hurt. There is a big drop off is Manny or Haralson get hurt. No so much with the QBs.
Well Well- so much for the notion" fans are overoptimistic in the preseason!". Don't underestimate the leader of this team -Coach Singletary nor the dynamics of whole organisms in nature-the whole when properly organized can be much greater than the sum of its parts.That being said, the weaknesses of this organism seem to be clearly delineated above -can they be surmounted ...as Coach said "just watch"!
I've said it before on this blog but it's worth repeating. Coach Singletary demonstates some of the same leadership qualities as Vince Lombardi. Football has evolved over the years but it still boils down to blocking, tackling, and teamwork. These disciplines seem to be what Coach Singeltary is emphasizing. Additionally, he isn't accepting anthing less than perfection in how plays are run, how practices are conducted, and in the players' demeanor both on and off the field. I guess will see beginning next week.
It's a common scenario, blame the guy who isn't here for the failures of the past. But the 49er O -Line has stunk for the last four years and JTO was only here last year. It bothers me Marvel didn't participate in OTAs 11 on 11 drills which are not padded. Hopefully he can play well and survive a full season.
As for Newberry he was a dedicated good player but I am afraid he sacrificed his 50's for fame, money, and glory in his 20's. The line of playing with pain is not the full story in the NFL. You play with pain killers. Until the NFL impediment a 48 hour no pain killing injection rule before games more young men will pay dearly in their later years. It isn't right and despite their willingness to play the NFL should stop it.
Let's let Sing actually coach for a full year before we compare him to Lombardi. I'm a fan of Sing as a person but who knows how his approach as a coach will work with players. Some of his antics so far have been questionable to say the least. I can't imagine Lombardi giving a speach to the team with his pants at his ankles.
Man, I was blaming that joker when he was here too. JTO was hot garbage. You should be ashamed of yourself for defending that guy. Esp when S.Hill stepped in w/ the same O-line that "stunk," and outperformed the prior by MILES.
i just wish those JTO supporters will stop being cowards and step up ...to their mistake
oldtimefan is correct.
Not coaching for a full season doesn't neagte the fact that his leadersip qualities are similar to Lombardi's.
What other 'antic' beside the pants dropping have been questionable?
As far as Singletary dropping his pants, he was just trying to visually quantify how badly the team was playing.
Who knows what kind of things Lombardi did in the locker room? Not you. Not me. Only his explayers and coaches know.
Enough of the "pants dropping" already, it's been played & it's tired now. As far as the Lombardi comparison, it wasn't a direct comparison literally ok. It was a comparison in getting it right in practice until Sing is satisfied that's all. So lighten up & don't take everything so literal.
I was a supporter of JTO. I had seen glimmers of excitment when he was in Detroit backing up Kitna. I was for him here because of his knowledge of Martz' offense. I know you are a supporter of Smith, while I hope he succeeds I was opposed to starting him in place of JTO. I was also not in favor of Hill (I am now) as his career as a back-up with no field experience concerned me (I remember writing something like being careful what you wish for). But I can also tell you that I would rather have seen you on the field at QB instead of JTO after the tackle and fumble that resulted in his benching. When your team is so bad for so long it is easy to look for rays of sunshine that may lead to nothing. I'm hoping I'm not doing it all over again as I do feel encouragement with this team.
You guys are comical. You want to say Sing has the same leadership qualities as a coach who died 40 years ago but an incident that took place a year ago isn't relevant. What makes you put Sing and Lombardi in the same sentence? They share the same leadership qualities? Is that it? There have been alot of great leaders as head coaches in the NFL. By all accounts Rod Marinelli, Gunther Cunningham, and Ray Perkins - to name but a few - are outstanding leaders. Why didnt oldtimer name those guys in the same sentence. These men demanded perfection from their players and they all had (have) a very strong moral compass. Oldtimer obviously picked Lombardi because he was a great leader AND he won multiple championships. All I'm saying is let's wait for a year before we start using Mike Singletary and Vince Lombardi in the same sentence - which is in and of itself a comparison.
thanks for the honesty...it is refreshing
unfortunately you are doing it all over again...
..and if i am right AGAIN****......your honesty wont be refreshing it would be a disorder...
The best plays on the chalkboard sometimes breakdown that is why the ability of your QB to make a play in such a scenario is vital. This is where Nate Davis excels and I believe should be a key intangible when this team is ready to make a championship move. A playoff appearance this year would go a long way into fueling the fire for next year. The 2 first round picks next year are the perfect remedy for what ails us after this year. Now I don't consider Snyder as a bust because I did not expect much more than I've seen from him but Baas on the other hand, now to me to be drafted second round high to replace Newberry at center coming out of Michigan touted as he was is a bust.
On the subject of Alex Boone. He comes from the Big Ten Conference that is a run first, run always College Conference. I think that is why the Conference has trouble in Bowl games, especially when they get behind early, unless they open up their offense to the surprise of their opponent.
Run blocking is considered easier to pass blocking for an O lineman whether in College or Pro's!
Boone played Florida and USC in big games and was completely run over by whoever they put at defensive lineman! Especially Florida who made him look like he was in slow motion and the D end had a free shot at the QB. He was utterly destroyed because then his run blocking became pathetic do to the D ends getting into his mind!
I don't care about his legal problems right now because when MS gets a hold of him for good, he'll either straighten up or he'll be gone, and I mean faster than his head can spin.
Boone will be a project that needs a LOT OF WORK (see above.) Just because a guy is 6'5 and 300 million pounds doesn't make him an automatic success in the NFL. I really hope he succeeds, and with MS's ability to knock the immaturity out of football players, he might have chance. But I still say he's a project at this point. A BIG project!
Why is Davis seen as a saviour by some commenting here? We, including the commenters, know nothing about this Davis that has anything to do with what he has done or will do in the NFL. I haven't once read, except for commenters here who see him as the coming of the next Montana, that he is THE guy for the future for the 49ers! It's AMAZING to see these Davis kid hype addicts already KNOWING he's the man!
To me, the 49ers moved up (hopefully) in the draft to get that QB of the future. As I've written before, the next "future QB" for the 49ers will be playing college ball this year.
We can wait until the second round – Tebow will parachute down to us.
Nope. Our extra first rounder will be just the carrot to trade up to within the first four spots and take the second coming of Ronnie Lott next year.
Just a hunch.
Nice to hear you on KNBR Matt! Franchise- T Mays would be a great addition -we shall see. I'm still banging my drum about Franz Joseph -firmly believe we should grab him off waivers while we can!
That's why Boone is worth the risk, size and run blocker at FA money.
With a little TE help on passing downs he just might pay off.
He reminds me of Kevin Gogan and that ain't half bad.
Comes down to his mettle to succeed. He's been given a chance, the rest is up to him.
Funny, I don't remember saying anything about a savior in referencing Davis. You obviously have not followed his career in college because if you did you would know he was one of the best at making a play downfield when the play called broke down.
Bottom line is what ever Davis did in college means nothing. He's playing with the Big Boys now & until we actually see him in Pre-Season games if we even see him at all the 49ers & fans won't know what potential & capabilities Davis has. I can't count how many college QB's that had very good if not great college careers only to come to the NFL & simply disappear because they couldn't make the adjustment to Pro Ball.
I LOVE MY COFFEE...
I just went over coffeee's highlights on utube again, the guy is the real deal..
the way he runs reminds me of mcfadden..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfK6_E57__8&feature=fvw
...Gore makes fun of the comment "This is V.Davis breakout yr"...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBmdWUPlCns&NR=1
And Nolan couldn't control V.Davis after a fight
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=c1jAkPw2iyc&feature=related
"He reminds me of Kevin Gogan and that ain't half bad."
Gogan played guard – most likely opportunity for Boone after the coaches realize midseason that he was indeed a turnstile tackle afterall for the Buckeyes.
To Terry's point, he was a decent mauler, but his feet turned to cement when it came to controlling speed rushers.
Have to disagree. If that were the case then what would be the point of playing college ball, scouting, combine, etc?
I saw Nate Davis play 3 times in his last year at Ball State. My nephew is also the head trainer (there are others who we see on the sidelines for the teams who are learners and students involved and that work with the head guy), and spent a lot of time with Nate.
He also remembers the coaches on Ball State's offense having problems teaching him the the conventional passing motion needed for him to progress and be even better than he was.
Davis had the problem with the position of his arm at the time of release. The NFL scouts saw this throughout the season and at his workouts for the teams. That's the reason Nate ended up where he did at the NFL draft.
I agree with F49er. The best of College QB's have a way of being dismantled in the NFL. And also they can be a surprise (see Montana.) Let the kid show himself in the games ahead and then we'll call him whatever. It's not anything directly in your comment. I'm just tired of reading comments that are always Knighting Davis as the future of the team. No offense guy! But for the others who believe he is a cinch Hall of Famer and the next Montana, I guess I should just let them be dreamers.
College football is nothing more than a minor league for the NFL to watch and try to do the best they can at finding a gem. And knowing the minor leagues, not all get called up to the big time. Yes, there are scouts and others watching College football trying their best to "predict" what a player can be to their team. But lets face it, most don't make it.
Just because a guy looks so good in College ball, doesn't make him an automatic player, let alone a star.
Franchise I'm attempting to refer Boone to the Big Guy with a Mean Streak attitude when I mused about Gogan.
Granted we know Gogan was an OG but, he often was down field cleaning off a pile or taking a cheap shot at the whistle just to impose some attitude. Boone has that wreckless abandon about him much as Gogan did IMO.
I agree, he could move inside if they can't improve his pass pro skill-set.
Have to see how he develops.