Help is on the way for pass rush
The 49ers activated defensive lineman Ray McDonald today off the physically-unable-to-perform list just three days after coach Mike Singletary said he did not know whether McDonald would be available for the regular-season opener.
If McDonald can get to the quarterback as quickly as he convinced Singletary that he's 100-percent healthy, it could serve as a huge boon to the 49ers' pass rush. McDonald is scheduled to return to practice today at 4 p.m.
McDonald probably will not be a starter this season for the 49ers, but he could become one of the four most-important players on the 49ers' defense this season. That's because if McDonald returns to form, he could line up next to Justin Smith as a defensive tackle on third downs.
In the 49ers' nickel defense - when the opponent is likely to pass - the 49ers generally play a four-man line. Manny Lawson and Parys Haralson line up at the ends, with Justin Smith and another player at defensive tackle. Kentwan Balmer has been that person up to this point in the exhibition season. But McDonald's quickness off the ball makes him a potentially more-explosive pass rusher.
Of course, the 49ers have other ways to generate pressure on the quarterback. Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky can dial up a variety of blitzes in hopes of getting an unblocked man to the quarterback. But the 49ers will need to get some production from those four men in pass-rush situations.
Smith and Haralson are the 49ers' proven pass rushers. They combined for 15 sacks last season, which is not bad. Lawson is the player who must step up and apply pressure to the quarterback this season.
What you might not know is that McDonald actually ranked second on the 49ers last season with 37 quarterback pressures. According to the stats that the team takes from the coaches' film, Smith led the 49ers with 57 quarterback pressures, while McDonald had 37 and Haralson added 33.
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"McDonald actually ranked second on the 49ers last season with 37 quarterback pressures"
....not suprised, he is the quickest out of all the d-line men ....we really need him - I pray he his 100% healthy....
Hope he can contribute. We can use all the help possible when it comes to the pass rush.
Sorry but I'm not at all convinced that McDonald can somehow "jump start" what I call a pathetic pass rush. Especially from a player who's coming back from knee surgery. I'm telling you guys that I'm starting to get a little more than concerned about this MAJOR issue on defense. You have to ask yourself this, can the 49ers somwehow turn the switch on against the Cowboys & show me something? I hate to be negative but I'm calling it the way I see it, I doubt the 49ers can just flip that switch & make this eye sore go away. 49er Empire your thoughts?
it would be nice to see him back on that line. i was talking to a few people the other day about how important a pass rush is and how it can effect the secondary. the sad part is there are a ton of people who just dont know. pass ruch and secondary go hand and hand. we could have the best DB's in the league but without a pass rush, it means nothing.
You make good points. honestly i was a little upset that we didnt try to make a major move in the offseason with picking up a proven pass rusher. there were enough out there to be grabbed and we didnt make a move on any of them.
id much rather get one out FA then a rookie in the draft. we need an answer for it now not in a season or 2.
I finally agree with you 150%!! He's the quickest off the ball!
..i believe he would help...remember he first had surgery came in and perform well with his quickness...he his the difference maker on the d-line...
No Doubt next year we get our NT... Vince Wilfork, NT, New England, Casey Hampton, DT, Pittsburgh or the rookie coming out...
Here's a list of the top 20 players projected for free agency next spring. Keep in mind that many of these players will be tagged and never see the free market.
1. Ryan Clark, FS, Pittsburgh
2. Vince Wilfork, NT, New England
3. Julius Peppers, DE, Carolina
4. Karlos Dansby, LB, Arizona
5. Richard Seymour, DL, New England
6. Brett Keisel, DE, Pittsburgh
7. Aaron Kampman, DE/OLB, Green Bay
8. Casey Hampton, DT, Pittsburgh
9. Willie Parker, RB, Pittsburgh
10. Dunta Robinson, CB, Houston
11. Kevin Walter, WR, Houston
12. Antonio Bryant, WR, Tampa Bay
13. Ryan Pickett, DL, Green Bay
14. Justin Bannan, DL, Baltimore
15. Chad Pennington, QB, Miami
16. Chester Pitts, G, Houston
17. Kassim Osgood, WR/Sp. Teams, San Diego
18. Nate Burleson, WR, Seattle
19. Casey Rabach, C, Washington
20. Sebastian Janikowski, K, Oakland
Things usually figure themselves out the moment rhythm is formed. By week 3 Shaun Hill will make Vernon Davis look like a Pro-bowler, and our defense will be playing the way it did towards the closing stretch of last season.
Our schedule this year looks way easier than last year (and we were only a handful of winnable games from making the playoffs that year, that got blown due to 'Big Nickel' Nolan, and Martz's poor clock management).
I thought McDonald was the fastest DL also until last season when Tomsula put all of the DL on the camera and on the clock. Fastest off the ball was... are your ready for this? Isaac Sopoaga.
really....thats a suprise...
he his the strongest and fastest -
We're going to see a significant change in pressure/rush the moment Ray & Haralson return to the line. -This is gonna be Haralson's big year if he can stay healthy!
But I've honestly lost faith in Manny Lawson project, we need to scrap him and either bring in Julius Peppers, or pray Sergio Kindle falls to one of our 1st round draft slots.
I really wish one QB could have clearly pulled away in QB competition against Oakland. Mediocrity from both was about the worst possible outcome. My gut still tells me Shaun Hill. When Hill's in the game I don't get the feeling that something bad is about to happen like I do when Alex Smith is under center. It looks like Alex Smith is expecting bad things to happen too. It's a body language thing at this point.
Shaun Hill announced as the starting QB for Opening Day Sept 13. That's a big suprise, not!
Sing must haven been waiting for me to publicly post my opinion. You're welcome Mike. Glad I could help.
Matt,
How does his return affect our 53-man roster? I'm guessing that we only keep 6 of Franklin, Sopoaga, Smith, Balmer, McDonald, Evans, Jean-Francois, and Mitchell.
RJF may not be safe on the PS. Khalif Mitchell certainly could end up there.
Do you think Evans might be vulnerable? How much of his contract is guaranteed?
If McDonald come give us 75% this year would be a blessing, especially after surgery. He would be a huge contributor next season because it takes two years to get back from something like that. For example: Julian Peterson (when he was with 49ers) and then Manny Lawson).
Matt, it would be nice if the team would not have to rely on blitz packages just to get pressure. I agree with some bloggers above that McCloughan should have gone after an edge rusher, so that they can rush the passer with a four man front. I don't feel that Lawson will make the big improvement that the team is hoping for. He has yet to show anything yet. Pass rush right now looks like last year's version.
Quick!! some one check to make sure oneniner didnt go bananas after hearing the news
When I read the title I thought we just traded for Julius Peppers!! LOL
Where can I find the stats for QB hurries?
Man i dont know why we didnt try and get him!!!
thats going to bug me this whole season