Day 8, practice 14: Raye of hope
New offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye might not be the most charismatic coach in the universe. And his offense might be a heck of a lot less flashy than the one the 49ers ran a year ago.
But that approach seems to fit the 49ers' offensive players just fine.
Frank Gore said he appreciates he emphasis on the run game. Vernon Davis likes Raye's "tight-end friendly" approach. And the quarterbacks have talked about their preference for an offense that has stressed perfection over volume.
Raye spoke to the media for the second time this training camp. Here's what he spoke about:
--He said it's "extremely important" for the 49ers to be able to hit big plays down the field in the passing game in order to prevent the defense from stacking eight defenders in the box. Advantage Alex Smith? No, not exactly. Raye said he is very pleased with Shaun Hill's ability to work the deep routes. "They are both doing well in that part of it," Raye said.
--Raye has good things to say about rookie running back Glen Coffee, but he does not anticipate using both Coffee and starter Frank Gore on the field at the same time.
--The only receiver who Raye says is guaranteed to be on the 49ers' 53-man roster is Isaac Bruce. (OK, that's fine, but I will go ahead and guarantee Josh Morgan and Brandon Jones will be on the team after the final cuts, too.)
--Raye said he has not plan to change the grip of rookie QB Nate Davis, who does not throw the ball with the laces. "If I had him in Pop Warner, I would've," he said. But Raye has an if-it's-not-broke-don't-fix-it approach with
--Raye said he is behind in installing elements of the spread offense or "wildcat" to the team. The reason is because Michael Robinson would be the player to handle the "wildcat" duties, and he's been out since early in camp with a groin strain. Also, Micheal Spurlock can do it. Raye said he knows less about Arnaz Battle because he did not practice in the offseason as he rehabbed from an injury.
--Yesterday, coach Mike Singletary said he figured Michael Crabtree was continuing to study the team's playbook during his contract impasse. That would be impossible. Raye does not allow the players to take home any team-issued materials after organized team activities. The only thing Crabtree can review would be his personal notes from the 49ers' offseason program.
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And here are the deets from the recently completed morning practice:
--"Take that!" That's what Shaun Hill could've said after lofting a beautifully thrown deep ball to Arnaz Battle down the right sideline.
--Other than that play, Hill and Alex Smith were solid but not spectacular. They completed the balls they should complete, and did not take many shots down the field. Smith was 11 of 13, while Hill was 6 of 9.
--Running back Thomas Clayton was matched against rookie Scott McKillop in blitz pickup. This is an area of the game that RBs coach Tom Rathman really enjoys. After Clayton locked up McKillop, Rathman turned to the crowd and shouted, "Everybody give him a hand."
--After the one-on-one session, defensive backs coach Johnnie Lynn kept tabs. He admitted that the receivers won the head-to-head matchup by one.
--Rookie defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois saw his most action. Call it a wash. He had some good plays and some not-so good, struggling to get off blocks.
--Aubrayo Franklin and Dashon Goldson sat out a portion of practice because of tightness. Isaac Sopoaga and Kentwan Balmer filled in from
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Back at it this afternoon with a 4 p.m. practice.
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Thanks Matt. Can't wait to see how we look in 6 days!
"With Singletary at the helm, 49ers ready to return to glory days."
Matt is Nate Davis throwing with gloves?
It doesn't look like it.
"They completed the balls they should complete, and did not take many shots down the field. Smith was 11 of 13, while Hill was 6 of 9."
For Smith, usually not so good with the short and intermediate passes, completing 11 of 13 in that range is a good sign.
Alex Smith is still holding on to the ball to long. His deep passes are not there. Hill will win the competition and Glenn Coffee as well as Michael Spurlock look very good!
yeah, he was. He got very few snaps though
I wonder if Spurlock workin in the wildcat means there's a strong chance he'll make the 53.
I hope he does. He looked sharp today. Hes got some wheels.
It seems not long ago that the team was deep in the receiver position. But we now see how things can change in a second? Not that we still don't have a good crop at receiver, but losing one real good receiver makes things different, For instance, let's pray nobody else goes down!!
"Alex Smith is still holding on to the ball to long. His deep passes are not there."
Same old critics spouting the same old line.
Deep passes are not there? Every beat writer is praising his deep accuracy. You are outnumbered.
And it's only holding the ball too long if he's sacked. When I read "coaches rule a sack," then I get worried. That has happened no more to Smith than it has to Hill. You can't find it. Might be too long for you, but I don't see that it's causing any problems.
Indiana Jim is totally right, Alex Smith has been REALLY sharp with the deep pass thus far in camp (most impressive pass being the flea flicker last Saturday).
-I used to be anti-Smith, but this training camp has blown me away, I haven't seen Smith play with this much confidence, command of the huddle, and improved footwork since even his most promising year in 2006!
Matt,
Was that you this morning wearing that green hat. I saw it and looked at my Dad and told him you must have stolen his vacation hat. Good going, maybe I won't have to see that again.
OK back to reality, The team had a good practice this morning and frankly I thought Smith and Hill both looked pretty good out there this morning.
But yeah, pre-season is going to be interesting, it all depends on who looks best with both the first, and second teams during the first 2 pre-season games (the best QB will be determined by what he can, and cannot do without the full starting talent around him).
-I have a feeling Hill will be the starter during the Broncos game, and Smith will get command the following week against the Raiders, winner takes Cowboys, and the entire season.
I think alot of us saw different things then. I think Smith looked good but did on numerous occasions hold on to the ball WAY TOO LONG. He would have been sacked numerous times today... Lawson was in his face all day.
Hill is going to start... no doubt in my mind. He's exactly what this offense needs and once again dispelled the rumore that he can't throw the long ball. He had 2 long passes for TD's while Smith did have one. but it wasa busted play that S.Spencer would have picked but rather popped up and VD caught with no one in front of him
You're blind! Wait until he has real game pressure. He'll freeze, hold the ball too long and then get sacked or throw a pick. He's like that one little kid on South Park that throws up every time a girl talks to him. Smith was the first pick overall and does not have the talent to back it. You have to let it go and welcome Hill as the starter. GO HILL! GO NINERS!
I was not happy about the Raye hire but the more I read the more I like this guy. It's a new offense for this team. Keep it simple and let the players have success then build complexity after the unit masters the basics. I just hope he's a good tactician in his play calling.