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According to reports, San Francisco 49ers’ outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks has suffered a lacerated kidney that will sideline him for at least two weeks.
Brooks was hurt during Friday morning’s training camp practice. The injury was originally diagnosed as a bruised rib. However, ensuing further tests, team doctors identified the damage to be much more serious.
On the bright side, we should all feel fortunate that they were able to detect the injury. Failing to do so could have made matters very dangerous.
The 49ers gave no exact timeline on when Brooks would return to play. He is scheduled to be re-evaluated in two weeks, which is when more information should be released. Based on my research of the injury, though, it could force him to sit a while longer.
The linebacker had signed a 2-year, $4.225 million contract extension earlier in March after having a breakout season in which he registered a career-high six sacks as well as four forced fumbles.
The former 3rd-round pick back in 2006, was given a larger role towards the end of last season when he was primarily utilized as a threat off the edge on third-down obvious pass situations.
It has been noted that the coaching staff has been spending ample time preparing him to be a more prominent piece of the defense.
Despite amassing 44 sacks last season, which ranked tied for 3rd best in the league, their team leader in the category was former 1st-round selection Manny Lawson with 6.5
Considering that his future with the team is questionable, the unit is in search of a dominant force of the edge. In fact, they haven’t had a double-digit sack artist since Andre Carter had 12.5 back in 2002. Based on the tremendous potential Brooks has shown, the team has been hoping that he can develop into an elite pass rusher in the near future.
Therefore, we must all hope that his injury recovers quickly and safely. Otherwise, this would be a major setback for their front seven. That said, I wish him and the 49ers franchise the best of luck moving forward with the upcoming season and beyond.
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Forget predicting the record for the 2010 season. I could put anything from 6-10 to 11-5 and probably be able to argue my point. You never know how the league is going to change from game to game.
Take the Broncos, for example. Before the 2009 season, who would have thought they would go on a 6-0 run, becoming the all-around favorites in the AFC West? Conversely, who would of thought they would then go on a 4-game losing streak and miss the play-offs?
How about a list of realistic expectations for the 49ers in 2010? No record predictions, just some realistic and tangible goals the 49ers should achieve and we, as fans, should expect.
Ultimately, I left Alex Smith off the list because I think all fans expect him to improve, and I’m tired of reading articles about the reasons he’ll do it.
The following is a list of things that should improve besides the QB position. Some of them, though, are directly related to it—another reason why I decided to leave it out.
So, here it is: A list of realistic expectations for 49ers fans in 2010…
The roller coaster of the 2009 49ers’ defense went around the track violently last year. There were so many ups and downs, that fans who took the ride really didn’t know what to expect from week to week.
Actually, it made some of us pretty sick.
Whether it was getting torched by Aaron Rodgers, a Brett Favre miracle, Donovan McNabb killing us softly, or any one of the other painful performances by the 49ers against quality quarterbacks, SF got pretty high on their highs and real low on their lows.
Many of these passers (and their cast of receivers) were made to look more excellent than they should have by a strapped and tardy pass rush.
In Jonathan Flaucher’s “The Dangers of Buying Into Your Own Hype” he refers to numerous weeks and plays where opposing passers simply had “All Day” to sit back, and eventually throw an accurate strike to a target of their choosing.
As Flaucher mentions: seven times a quarterback threw for over 300 yards against the 49ers, and seven times a player racked up over 100 receiving yards.
We limited Peyton Manning to zero touchdowns and pressured him as much as anybody had all year in Week Eight, but Manning threw for over 300 yards, and the game resulted in a 49er loss.
There was often a glimmer of hope or a silver lining to be found for those viewing the world through red and gold colored lenses, but the reality of a playoff-missing 8-8 record—with so many close ones lost—was a tough pill to swallow.
Fast forward to, well, now.
It’s June, and restless football fans across the league can be caught channel surfing for anything resembling American Football.
Stopping by the Food Network because you thought you heard the words “grid-iron” or “pig skin” isn’t unheard of—actually, I think they were saying “grilled flat irons” and “pork cracklin’s.”
Free agency has seen it’s big movers and shakers go about their business, and the draft is well over.
And the 49ers have made a couple adjustments in their pressure package potential.
The defensive line returns and retains all the big pieces: relentless Justin Smith, massive Isaac Sapoaga, and franchised creator of chaos Aubrayo Franklin should anchor the staring three-man front.
The line depth behind them includes youngster Ricky Jean Francois, former first-round pick Kentwan Balmer, another young riser in Ray McDonald, and virtual non-factor against the pass Demetric Evans.
Linebacker is where the personnel additions have primarily taken place.
Travis LaBoy, a devastating hitter coming off an ankle injury, signed with San Francisco right before the April draft.
LaBoy, who averages about five sacks a season, brings a rough wallop to blitz packages. The sixth-year player could be a menace in the backfield, as well as open up opportunities for other pass rushers.
A couple days later, the 49ers selected Penn State’s Navarro Bowman in the third round. Bowman has been compared physically to Patrick Willis, and although he will play primarily on special teams, could be force for future foes to deal with.
Speaking of Patrick Willis, the incumbent captain on defense was given a five-year, $50 million extension.
It’s hard to imagine this would motivate the three-time Pro-Bowler any more than he has always been inclined to play his hardest—every moment—of every down—every game—every season.
Nevertheless, keeping “Bam-Bam” a good message to send to the team, to the division and to the NFL. His average of three sacks a year may end up being bolstered by the improved play of others.
Ahmad Brooks, who had a breakout game against the Bears in Week 10 last season, is just such another.
One of the larger linebackers on the team at 259 pounds, the fourth-year player had only registered two sacks in his career before totaling six last year.
Some of this is attributable to Brooks using his leverage much better now—when he can stay fresh and energetic, he has very good success in limited play.
Manny Lawson, one of the more streamlined linebackers, needs to see his shadow this year. In spite of his commendable six-and-a-half sack total last year, he was a split-of-a-split second late to the quarterback several times last year.
It is for this that it’s not unreasonable to expect even more improved numbers from Lawson in 2010.
Parys Haralson, who saw his sack total reach eight in 2008, watched his number drop to five last year. Haralson should still be a beast to deal with as a member front seven that figures to stay fresher than seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Twelve-years of NFL experience from middle linebacker Takeo Spikes prove that he’s not a big pressure guy.
Over that span, Spikes has averaged 2.29 sacks a year. His total of four last year—his best total since he recorded six in 2001—show signs of fuel left in the tank.
One more prospect who could give quarterbacks hell is the rookie Taylor Mays.
A raw-talent safety, there’s projections of trying him at several positions in a pinch.
Amazing speed and incredible strength on a prodigious frame for a defensive back make it possible he could check in as a significant pass rusher at times, although his real position value in the long term waits to be seen.
Rundown.
Other than Justin Smith’s average of over six sacks a year, there’s not much to expect from the defensive line in terms of sack numbers. They’re a different type of unit as far as that goes
The real pressure should come from linebackers, none of whom have recorded a double-digit sack season in their careers. The cumulative total of their unit last year, however, was 25.5—roughly five apiece.
The result is a crew capable of canning quarterbacks from any and all angles.
They’re an infantry of assassins. An injury here or there can not—will not—stop the obdurate operation of their obfuscated onslaught.
Without selling out the protection, the pass rush roller coaster should be able to harass passers in the backfield with out that “All day” alarm going off.
And when the ride stops, it’ll be the other teams feeling sick.
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This year, it’s the Jets on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series. This is understandable. Rex Ryan runs a solid camp with a fun atmosphere. Their physical style of play and talented group of youngsters make the Jets an appropriate team to feature and follow.
Their defense allowed a league-low 252.3 total yards per game and 153.7 passing yards per game. Their run defense was ranked eighth at 98.6 yards per.
Add the leagues top rushing attack at 172.2 yards per game and you’ve got some smash-mouth football. Oh, and they also picked up a guy named LaDainian Tomlinson this off season; you might have heard of him.
No, you can not blame HBO for picking the Jets this year.
Don’t be surprised, however, when the 49ers number is called to take over the spotlight in a year or two, as the new Mike Singletary 49ers could earn a reputation as the leagues baddest bruisers.
Although they touted a miserable pass defense (21st in the league at 229.4 yards per game) and underachieving run game (25th in the league at 100 yards per game) the leagues sixth best run defense is ready to go crack skulls in a major way.
Last year, the passing defense was missing a couple pieces. The need for a shutdown corner and elite pass rusher.
They also drafted a young stud in Taylor Mays, who figures to be a future force in the secondary.
They signed defensive backs Karl Paymah and Will James; both of whom are capable of contending for a starting spot among Nate Clements, Dashon Goldson, Shawntae Spencer, Micheal Lewis, Tarell Brown, Keith Smith, and Reggie Smith—not to mention all the other rookies.
Travis LaBoy, another big hitting linebacker, has joined the team as well. His pass rushing and shallow coverage should aid the defense as well. He joins a solid line backing corps featuring Manny Lawson, Ahmad Brooks, Takeo Spikes, Parys Haralson, Matt Wilhelm—and of course the unit is anchored by perennial pro-bowler Patrick Willis.
Tough guy linebacker Navarro Bowman from Penn State was picked up in the third round of the draft as well, loading the linebacker spot full.
So where will these guys all fit on the roster? Simply put, they wont. Many will be cut. Some will be headed to the practice squad.
“As iron sharpens iron, so does one man sharpen another.”
—Proverbs 27:17.
The verse is painted on the walls in the 49ers weight room, along with “Team Work” and “Hard Work”. The philosophy breaks down to getting the most out of all players through competition.
When there is no room for error, you must strive for perfection. It’s evolution in fast forward. Only the strong survive.
That sounds like an atmosphere that would attract viewers to me.
Add to the equation the fact that both of the 49ers’ first-round picks will have a season or two of experience under their belt, and San Francisco could make a push to be the leagues best rushing offense sooner than later.
It is a very steep down-hill rushing attack after all. A bullet like Gore, backed by the growing Glen Coffee, backed by a beast like Anthony Dixon. Sure you can tackle them; but exactly how many times are you going to live to tell about it?
Many players not starting but too good to cut will be camping around on special teams units, and looking for a chance to dish out some hard knocks of their own.
And then there’s the coaching.
Sure, Rex Ryan is a jolly man with a healthy appreciation for shoving the ball down the opposing defense’s throat. He cooks up some nice blitzes and encourages his players to do their best.
Of course he also cries after games. Win or lose. Not always, but sometimes.
There’s nothing wrong with being a little emotional, and Coach Mike Singletary can be emotional too. It just happens that his form of expressing it is just a little different.
After all, he had the 49ers create a small mountain at the Santa Clara practice facility for the sole purpose of having the entire team do hill-running drills.
Ryan’s Jets are gonna make some good TV this preseason; I’m just saying Singletary’s 49ers can do it better. After all, we know the formula.
“Our formula is this: we go out, we hit people in the mouth.”
So if you do happen to tune in to HBO’s “Hard Knocks” this summer, think which team could be next in line—and smile.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
Well, pick-wise we’re half way through the draft, pending more trades. Honestly, I felt much better about day one than I do about day two. I feel awful to judge Mike Singletary’s ability to judge a good linebacker when he sees one, but I don’t follow the logic on Navarro Bowman. He is a bit on the small side to play any LB spot in a 3-4 scheme, and is injury prone.
I can only assume that he is slated to be in the competition for Takeo Spikes’s spot when he retires. Personally I think Scott McKillop easily beats him out for that job. I think this guy would’ve been there in the sixth round. For now, I’m willing to trust Singletary on picking a good LB until proven wrong, but I do feel that the 49ers should have drafted CB Dominic Franks from Oklahoma with this pick, all things considered.
On a brighter note, I think Taylor Mays is a good pick. I think that what he does for the secondary as a team is more important than what he will do as an individual.
His speed as a deep free safety gives a slowed Nate Clements help over the top, and allows fellow dynamite hitter Dashon Goldson to move to his natural position of Strong Safety. His closing speed and hitting power will have opposing receivers jittery about going over the middle.
I have seen some film where Mays in college would rather put a hit on someone and hope they go down rather than actually wrap up and tackle. I’m hoping that he is coachable to change on this. I’ll tell you one thing for sure, I doubt Larry Fitzgerald is looking forward to competing with this guy for jump balls at 6’3″ with 34″ arms and a 41″ vertical.
I see both of these picks as gambles. Mays could be the next Ronnie Lott or he could be an overpaid special teams gunner. Bowman was an ill-advised pick, in my opinion, that may not even make the team due to the number of linebackers on the team that have already proved themselves to a degree, vs the number of roster spots that it is OK to have filled by LBs.
Tomorrow I look for the 49ers to target Walter McFadden (Auburn), Sherrick McManus (Northwestern), Ricky Sapp (Clemson), Eric Norwood (South Carolina), and to take a possible interest in trading up to pursue Everson Griffen (USC) or Walter Thurmond (Oregon).
Keep your hopes up, faithful.
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