Ask Field Gulls - Act II

Apparently our run D has just dropped off in recent weeks. We aren’t allowing 100 yard rushers but we are allowing yards nonetheless. 178 last game against SF.

Defensively – Pretty much anyone who can pressure Tarvaris Jackson. I have no idea how your DBs are other than Peterson so maybe we can get success there. But as long as Jackson is rushed into a decision you can turn him into a disaster.

Great hands, good speed, but Jackson’s limitations as a QB (along with Charlie Whitehurst’s) leave the grade incomplete. The injuries really didn’t help things so we will need to wait another year.

but crappy QB play hindered his numbers.

I don’t think we’ll be particularly picky where it comes from (DE or OLB) but our terrible pass rush needs to improve and stop leaving the CBs covering for all day.

We also could use (in no particular order) LB depth/upgrades, TE depth, Change-of-pace back to pair with Marshawn Lynch, DT upgrades

but I’d still like to see someone challenge Tarvaris Jackson at QB.

And it costs us games.

Putting the game in his hands is begging for a loss.

Round 1 – James Carpenter, RT [Starter, IR] – flashed potential in the run game, slowly improving in pass protection.

Round 2 – (Traded)

Round 3 – John Moffit, RG [Starter, IR] – Average to slightly above-average run blocker, slightly below average pass protector.

Round 4 (1) – K.J. Wright, OLB [Starter] – Went through rough patches but has developed as a LB solid in all aspects of the game that I can think of off the top of my head. A HUGE upgrade over Aaron Curry, I am excited over him.

Round 4 (2) – Kris Durham, WR [Active Roster, IR] – Didn’t get to see enough playing time to judge him.

Round 5 (1) – Richard Sherman, CB [Starter] – Has had rookie mistakes and comes off as a bit cocky (taunting penalty). Over all, has played excellently. Would be surprised if he doesn’t get a significant amount of starter time next year. 6’3" with good turn and run abilities, plays well but is susceptible to the double move. Shut down AJ Green when they played in Week 8.

Round 5 (2) – Mark LeGree, DB [Active Roster] – Situational and ST player

Round 7 (1) – Lazarius Levinston, DT [Active Roster] – Active as part of the DT rotation. Average in most aspects of game (My personal impressions).

Round 7 (2) – Malcom Smith, LB [Active Roster] – Situational and ST player.

Clemons has played well, he is an asset in stopping the run and is a dangerous pass rusher. Our interior rotation of DTs has done an excellent job of bottling up the run, but is underwhelming when it comes to rushing the passer. The other DE, Red Bryant we absolutely love. Gets decent push in pass rush and is a force when it comes to setting the edge and stopping the run.

Lately, we’ve been blitzing Earl Thomas or KJ Wright with some frequency. It has paid off fairly well, Red Bryant, all 330lbs of him, got a pick-6 against the Bears two weeks ago.

We’ll just hope he doesn’t play.

Just of Fitz. The TD grab he made in the first game was nuts. And I don’t have to tell you the 100 other reasons why. Our return coverage has gotten a little better recently hopefully as well.

Even if we draft a QB, T-Jack has done well enough as a game-manager where the coaching staff is probably fine with letting him start while letting a rookie stay on the bench.

Unless we do something crazy like sign Peyton Manning or Drew Brees.

Josh Portis and ex-seahawk Mike Teel have cult status. People will kill to see them play.
Kill, I say. Kill.

In all seriousness though, here’s hoping for a great game and no bad injuries to either side, our division’s gonna garner a lot more respect around the league next year, feels like 2012 and beyond are going to be fun.

Can’t no one call the NFCW the doormat of the league anymore. Cards’, ’Hawks, and Niners all sporting pretty potent defenses and strong ground attacks, Rams actually have a beastly pass-rush, if only they could sort out the mess that is their offense and secondary.

Of course… three teams have pretty significant long-term question marks at QB, that’ll make for an interesting off-season.