Archives
It seems like every year since the Raiders lost to the Buccaneers in the Super Bowl, Raiders fans have found a reason to be excited about the upcoming season.
However, whether it was big name free agent signings like Dante Hall and Randy Moss or high draft picks like Darren McFadden, Robert Gallery and the quarterback who shall not be named, the results were always the same: The Raiders ended the season at the bottom third of the league.
This season looks like it could be different.
In the past, many of the moves made by the Raiders in the offseason were attempts at quick fixes. The Raiders are notorious for drafting workout warriors and mostly at the skill positions (see Darren McFadden, JaMarcus Russell and Darrius Heyward Bey). In the years after the Super Bowl, they also made a name for themselves by signing big name free agents (see Dante Hall, Randy Moss and Javon Walker).
It appeared that the only offseason strategy by the Raiders front office was to try and luck into a franchise changing player. Anyone who follows the NFL closely knows that this type of player is almost impossible to come by.
This offseason, a distinctly different tactic was taken by the Raiders. First, there were no big name free agent signings. Instead, the Raiders addressed some key issues through solid veterans who came at a reasonable price. The Raiders added size and strength to their linebacking core by trading late round draft picks for Kamerion Wimbley and Quentin Groves and added some much needed depth to the interior of their defensive line by signing free agent big John Henderson.
These pick ups were a breath of fresh air for Raider fans. They are not the type of flashy signing that some might have wanted, but they were all attained at reasonable prices and address core issues in the Raiders defense without much risk.
Of course, most will agree that the biggest offseason acquisition by the Raiders was the trade for quarterback Jason Campbell.
Campbell has proven himself to be a legitimate option at quarterback in the NFL. His numbers have improved every year in the league and have done so in spite of being part of a dysfunctional franchise, constantly having his starting job threatened and having to change offensive coordinators every year.
Cutting the quarterback who shall not be named was addition by subtraction, trading for Jason Campbell ensured that the most important position in football would be manned by a hard working and dedicated player with lots of potential.
After keeping a low profile in the free agent market, many analysts predicted the Raiders to make fools of themselves in the draft. Many made predictions that the Raiders would draft players like Mike Iupati, Jason Pierre-Paul and Bruce Campbell far earlier than they deserved to be picked. Well, for the second time this offseason, the Raiders surprised everyone with an incredibly well thought out draft.
The Raiders started by filling major holes in their defense in Rolando McClain and Lamarr Huston. By all accounts Rolando McClain should push for the ROY award and become an anchor for this defense for years to come. Lamarr Houston has proven to be one of the most promising picks from this year’s draft. He works hard and has a passion for the game that just cannot be taught.
Next, the Raiders added some much needed depth to their offensive line by drafting two monster offensive linemen in the third and fourth rounds. Both Jared Veldheer and Bruce Campbell need some work as they are still rather unpolished, but give these guys a year or two in the league and they could become dominant starters on the Raiders’ offensive line. In the meantime, Veldheer is already looking like a legitimate option to replace the new weakest link in the Raiders offensive line, Sampson Satele.
With their remaining picks, the Raiders added depth to the WR/KR, DB and LB positions. Travis Goethel and Walter McFadden (6th round and 5th round picks respectively) have already made strong arguments to make the roster with their play and Jacoby Ford (4th round pick) has the speed to make a difference in the return game while adding depth to the wide receiver position.
The Raiders’ offseason was not perfect, but it was a major step in turning this team around. No, the Raiders will not make the playoffs this season, but they should be able to stay in contention until the end of the season, which is a big improvement over the past seven years.
They still have a lot of work to do on their offensive line and the wide receiver and running back positions are a little thin in terms of depth. That being said, anyone who watched the Raiders’ 2010 offseason knows that they are on the right track. They are finally beginning to address the glaring weaknesses that have kept the Raiders in the cellar of the NFL standings. It should be a good year for the Silver and Black and I look forward to seeing it.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
The 49ers had a respectable season under Mike Singletary’s first full year as head coach. While the record wasn’t spectacular at 8-8, few predicted that San Francisco would reach the .500 mark in 2009.
Expectations are higher this year as the 49ers enter the season as the favorite to win the NFC West. In order for that to happen, quarterback Alex Smith is going to have to continue the strong play that he had in 2009; and the pass defense, their weak link, will need to improve.
The 49ers entered last season with the goal of running the ball heavily and utilizing play action in the passing game. However, after Smith replaced an ineffective Shaun Hill, the team switched to more a spread-based offensive attack with less reliance on the running game. In 2010, offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye hopes to find the proper balance that will maximize the strengths of Smith and running back Frank Gore.
After Smith took over at quarterback, Gore became less of a featured player on offense, with 16 or fewer carries in seven of the team’s final ten games. He remains one of the league’s few remaining workhorse backs, however, excelling as a runner, receiver, and pass blocker.
Tight end Vernon Davis finally fulfilled his promise, having a Pro Bowl season in 2009 with 965 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Despite a holdout that lasted five weeks into the season, wide receiver Michael Crabtree performed well in his rookie season and figures to be a Pro Bowl performer either this season or next.
Smith rebounded from missing all of 2008 and played well last season once he moved into the starting lineup. With Smith starting, the 49ers moved away from the heavily ground-based offense they used early in the season in favor of a spread attack that was better suited to Smith’s ability.
Smith was up to the task, putting up 2,350 passing yards with 18 touchdowns over 11 games after replacing Hill—production that, on a points-per-game basis, equals that of a solid fantasy backup. The 49ers spent a pair of first-round draft picks on offensive linemen Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati, and the team features one of the most talented groups of young skill position players in the league in Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, and Michael Crabtree.
The 49ers offense should surprise in 2010, given the young talent on the roster. The ingredients are there for Smith to have a solid fantasy season as well. Draft him as a backup for your squad, but as one with the potential to sneak into starter status.
Once again, Gore shapes up as a top ten running back in all fantasy formats for 2010 because of his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Since his breakout campaign of 2006, when he accumulated 1,695 rushing yards, 485 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns Gore has been solid.
Gore’s talent is undeniable, but he hasn’t approached his 2006 production because of either injuries (2008 and 2009), inconsistent use (2009), or a lack of talent around him (2007). While this may be the year he finally regains his 2006 fantasy form, the better bet based on his history is that Gore will tantalize his owners again, giving them solid but unspectacular production.
With Alex Smith under center, the 49ers will employ the spread offense more in 2010 than last year, which figures to reduce Gore’s touches. While Gore has upside given the upgrades to the offensive line and the talent surrounding him, he doesn’t rate with the consensus top four backs for fantasy purposes. Put it this way: He’s closer to Steven Jackson than he is to the big four.
Westbrook is an intriguing player for fantasy purposes, given his history of production and ability to produce in a limited capacity as a receiving threat out of the backfield.
The 30-year-old Westbrook is coming off a season in which he suffered two concussions, causing him to miss eight games. He finished the season with 274 rushing yards and 181 receiving yards to go along with two touchdowns – easily his lowest production since his rookie season.
Although Westbrook has hit the dreaded 30-year-old mark for running backs (he will be 31 on opening day), he was productive when in the lineup in 2009, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. However, given his age and injury issues, he is clearly viewed as a backup capable of assuming a change of pace, receiving role and filling in as a starter.
Expect Westbrook to put up reasonable production provided he can stay healthy.
Crabtree is coming off of a very solid rookie season and he figures to approach the 1000-yard mark in 2010. With Crabtree, the sky is the limit given his production during a rookie season in which he missed all of training camp and the first five games of the year before stepping right into the starting lineup in week six.
Despite the lack of preparation, he still managed to catch 48 passes for 625 yards and a pair of touchdowns. With a full training camp to gain rapport with quarterback Alex Smith, Crabtree is a breakout candidate in 2010.
However, keep expectations in check since tight end Vernon Davis gobbles up both targets and touchdowns, which limits Crabtree’s fantasy upside.
Morgan looks the part but seems to lack big play ability. After a great training camp during his rookie season in 2008, Morgan seemed to be a solid prospect for keeper leagues; but he has done little since to suggest that he’s ready to approach fantasy starter status.
Maybe the light goes on in 2010, but with Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis hogging targets, and running back Frank Gore an excellent check-down option, Morgan will not likely get enough looks in 2010 to be relevant for fantasy purposes.
Basically, there’s no chance of him surpassing Crabtree or Davis, so why bother? He’s not worth drafting in all but the deepest leagues.
Ah, Ted Ginn.
He runs fast—but too often right out of bounds. He gets open—but too often drops the ball. He makes people miss—but too often makes moves before he has the ball.
Potential is nothing without productivity. After three years, the Dolphins gave up on Ginn; and, after three years, you should too.
While there is the possibility that Ginn will develop into a solid backup wide receiver in San Francisco, he’s equally as likely to be surpassed on the depth chart by Jason Hill or rookie 6th-round pick Kyle Williams. Don’t drink the Kool-Aid.
Davis had a huge, unforeseen breakout campaign in 2009 that included 13 touchdowns and helped make him the top fantasy tight end. While Davis has always had exceptional speed, too often he was running the wrong route, missing blocking assignments, and blaming anybody but himself for his mistakes.
However, he put it all together last year, showing a maturity and dedication that didn’t exist previously. While it is difficult to imagine that he can repeat his 2009 campaign, it’s just as difficult to view him as a one-year wonder.
The question is, Do you believe? Here’s the answer: You should. Expect a repeat of his 2009 breakout campaign, but without the 13 touchdowns he had last year.
Dave Stringer is a staff writer at FFToday.com, home of the popular Cheatsheet Compiler & Draft Buddy custom cheatsheet and draft tracking software.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
In a league that has become known for egotistical diva’s that try and squeeze the life out of not only their agents, but every dollar they earn, Frank Gore has fast become one of the more respectable “old school” type players left in the NFL.
For as long as I can remember, Frank Gore has been a terrific running back. His uncanny ability to throw his weight around, yet still burst through holes in a similar Adrian Peterson type fashion is always a joy to watch, and for a 217-pound running back to be so dominant, it certainly sets the bar high for anyone stepping in as a future San Francisco runner.
But as long as we are talking about Frank Gore’s dominance over the years, we may as well talk about his new teammate Brian Westbrook, who was recently signed by San Francisco earlier this week.
When the news first broke that Brian Westbrook was now a 49er, I was a little surprised at first. To begin with, San Francisco already had a rather stocky running back, and secondly, why would such a young offense run by Mike Singletary choose to take on an older runner, who went down with a near season ending injury last year?
Well, that was of course my first opinion. However, when I went on to ponder a little, I instantly came to the same conclusion I reached when the Buffalo Bills drafted C.J Spiller earlier in April.
Yes, San Francisco has pulled the old motivational push trick. They’ve decided to draft a runner that will poke Frank Gore in the right direction, and keep him on the straight and narrow. More importantly, they have also stabilized their offense in case Frank Gore goes down with an injury this season, and leaves the 49ers in a similar position that faced the Atlanta Falcons in 2009.
What stands out to me, and most likely all of you, is why does Frank Gore need a push in the first place?
Last season we saw Frank Gore continue to post great numbers, and once again he reached the 10 touchdown mark on his way to a 1,120 yard season.
The only logical explanation for all of this, is that the 49ers coaching staff want to keep Frank Gore moving at a steady pace. Gore hasn’t been the type of rusher that has slipped off the pace at all, but perhaps now that the 49ers have the best offense they have seen in years, the thinking may be “it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Still, Brian Westbrook? The injured Philadelphia Eagles star that seemed to be a sure pick for retirement, or worse, a career left in the free agency list.
I know it does seem quite out of the blue, but the old timer may still have some talent in him.
For those that don’t appreciate Brian Westbrook, you do have to applaud him for his efforts. He’s come back from quite a bad looking injury, and although he is no Wes Welker, he has shown signs that he still wants to be in this league.
As for Frank Gore though, well this may not all be good news. Given that his stats have been consistent, stable and well balanced over the years, if the 49ers choose to take on a New Orleans Saints two headed running style of old, there may be a race for whose best unfolding before our very eyes.
When it’s all said and done it is important to remember that Brian Westbrook was a darn good running back for the Eagles. And heck, if Brett Favre can perform at his ripe old age, surely Brian Westbrook can too, right?
It would be hopeful to think so.
The most important thing to realize in this situation, is that by no means should the running back position take focus away from Alex Smith. Now that Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati are part of the team, protection will be the key, and it’s a definite certainty that both of these running backs can also provide that for Smith this season.
Aside from that, it is also vital that an all out war doesn’t erupt between the two. The 49ers have walked the fine line between winning and losing, and right now they haven’t proven anything in the NFL. A small off field issue such as this could disturb the balance, and place the 49ers in a tough position.
Like I said, when the news first broke, it was questionable, but now it all makes sense. Frank Gore is such a trustworthy running back that it has become almost unimaginable to think of San Francisco with out him.
At the same time though don’t count out Brian Westbrook. He may look like a joke to some fans, but he has the ability to become underrated, and then perform exceptionally well.
The biggest positive to come out of this situation is that Frank Gore has embraced having Brian Westbrook on board. Some running backs would question this signing, but like the nice guy he is, Frank Gore has taken it lightly.
“I know that we needed another back and he was the best one out there, and we feel that he can help our team,” said Gore. “I watched him a whole lot, especially when he was in Philly because he was a guy I had to compete against for yards and receiving yards. He watched me in practice, and I asked him to help me with the things he sees that I can carry over on the field.”
For the most part this is a very solid relationship. The two haven’t given each other cute nicknames like Batman and Robin, but there is still time left.
Realistically Brian Westbrook is still behind Anthony Dixon in the roster. I, like many, question this move, as Anthony Dixon is only a rookie. However, perhaps the 49ers want to ease Westbrook into the team.
Fortunately for the 49ers they have acquired a running back that has immense knowledge and experience. This not only does wonders for a team that is looking bound for the playoffs, it is also nice to realize that Frank Gore could actually learn a thing or two, even though it would seem he already knows everything there is.
This duo is by far not the most exciting in the league, but that isn’t to say it shouldn’t be fun to watch. Many people loved Brian Westbrook back in his hay day, and there is no reason to stop sharing the admiration.
Hopefully we get to see him play, and if not, at least he has found a team.
As for Frank Gore, he does have some competition, but at least it is friendly. Going forward this duo should work nicely, and if it doesn’t, well Frank Gore should always be the favored starter so there is no need to worry.
Ryan Cook is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also an NFL columnist for Real Sports Net and a Green Bay Packers writer for Fan Huddle and PackerChatters. Ryan is also a contributing writer for Detroit Lions Talk, Gack Sports and Generation Y Sports. Don’t forget to follow him on Twitter.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
This article was originally published by the author on his NFL website: NFLTouchdown.com
About six weeks ago, I wrote a column that posed the question of whether or not the San Francisco 49ers actually deserved to be the favorites to win the NFC West.
Undoubtedly, the 49ers are the clear favorite.
I mean even the NFL scheduling people decided to put San Francisco (an 8-8 team from last year) on Monday Night Football twice for the first time in years. Not only does San Francisco get division rival Arizona again on Monday night this season, but they also face off against the defending Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints for Week Two’s Monday Night Game.
And as most football fans know, one Monday night appearance means a team is at the very least exciting to watch. But TWO Monday night games is playoff worthy praise from the NFL schedulers.
Now with the way the NFL has been working in recent seasons, only one team coming out of the NFC West will qualify for the postseason.
Considering this trend is bound to continue in 2010, the 49ers are going to have to win the division to live up to this year’s “playoffs or bust” expectations.
These expectations shouldn’t be difficult to reach when we consider the mediocrity of the fellow teams that call the NFC West home, but after seven straight years without a single playoff appearance, do the 49ers want to back into the playoffs be default?
With the seemingly quiet offseason the 49ers have had, it seems San Francisco is comfortable returning the core squad that reached 8-8 last season.
After all, other than their 2010 rookie class, the 49ers only acquired only two semi-note worthy veteran players this offseason.
First and foremost is veteran defensive end/outside linebacker Travis Laboy.
After missing all of last season for the Cardinals with a foot injury, the former Tennessee Titan signed on with the 49ers in mid-April. By coming to San Francisco, Laboy now joins a group of inconsistent pass rushing talent on the 49er defense. Outside of the premier defensive end in Justin Smith, the 49ers have a group of pass rushers in Parys Haralson, Manny Lawson, Ahmad Brooks and Isaac Sopoaga who bring raw talent to the table, but for whatever reason none of them make half the impact on the field that teammate and defensive captain Patrick Willis makes at middle linebacker.
Secondly, the 49ers also acquire a deep threat in the speedy Ted Ginn Jr. as a return specialist/wideout but Ginn has been nothing but a disappointment since being drafted ninth overall by Miami back in 2007.
When it comes to veteran pickups this offseason, that is essentially all she wrote for San Francisco.
The 49ers have signed a couple of other non-noteworthy veterans to compete for roster spots but Laboy and Ginn are the only “significant” veteran acquisitions.
But to be fair, the 49ers did have two first round draft choices to which they used to “bolster” the offensive line. Unfortunately, rookies are rookies and both tackle Anthony Davis and guard Mike Iupati have a huge learning curve as transitioning from college to the NFL as an offensive lineman is one of the hardest transitions to make.
Whether or not these two can fix the 49ers offensive line problems in their first seasons is a big question mark.
Now not only are there big expectations for the two first round picks but the 49ers are also high on safety Taylor Mays who they took in round two. With incumbent starting safety Michael Lewis clearly in the twilight of his career, the 49ers were in definite need of adding depth at the safety position and Mays is a physical specimen.
But if Lewis falls apart, will Mays be ready to step in as a starter in his rookie season? Possibly, but all reports indicate he still has a lot to learn about the NFL game. He has the raw skills but lacks the foundation that still needs to be developed.
All this said, the point to my last article was whether or not the 49ers had done enough to truly deserve to be considered favorites this year. And looking back on the article, the word “earn” probably serves better than “deserve” in the argument I was attempting to form.
Ergo, have the 49ers really earned the title of favorites?
Between the way the key players played last season for San Francisco and the combined talent of the new acquisitions, the 49ers clearly haven’t earned the right to be favorites.
They were a .500 team last year and with only questionable veterans and rookies added to the squad, the 49ers won’t make the playoffs if the same level of performance is put forth by the returning players.
Fortunately for 49er fans, there is plenty of reason to believe that the key returning players will perform at new levels in 2010.
First and foremost is that quarterback Alex Smith will be able to go through training camp without looking over his shoulder and will be playing under the same offense for a second year in a row which should do wonders for his on-field confidence and awareness.
Combine a new found familiarity with the offense, and the knowledge that it is his make or break season, Smith’s accuracy throwing the ball should increase tremendously.
And while quarterback is the most important position on the field, the offensive line play from returning starters in Joe Staley, Eric Heitmann, and Chilo Rachal has to be better. There are no ifs ands or buts about it, even the more highly thought of 49er lineman didn’t play up to their capabilities last season.
Furthermore, star receiver Michael Crabtree will now have a training camp under his belt and his production as the top wideout must increase. Especially when it comes to putting points on the board, Crabtree needs to find the endzone at a much more frequent pace than his two in 11 games last season.
Defensively, Lawson and Haralson need to find consistency rushing the passer because last season the 49ers gave opposing quarterbacks way too much time to scan the field.
These players in particular didn’t live up to the expectations last year for various reasons, but with their spurts of impressive play from last season, combined with a weaker division, expectations for the team have sky rocketed.
Now had the 49ers spent more money on bigger names in free agency to fix some of the immediate needs, then yes, making the playoffs this year would seem much closer to a certainty.
However, even if the 49ers had spent more money in free agency over the offseason, it is the play of the returning starters that is going dictate whether or not they bring this once proud franchise back to the postseason.
It is up to the Lawson’s, the Haralson’s, the Staley’s, the Crabtree’s and the Alex Smith’s of this team to reach new levels of performance. Because if they don’t, this team won’t make the playoffs.
Even had they added, for example, a Julius Peppers defensive standout and a Logan Mankins type offensive lineman, it would still come down to the returning players to get the job done.
The NFC West is a division available for the taking and if the 49ers’ young talent comes of age in 2010, San Francisco will return to the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
Pigskin prognosticators and numerous media outlets have picked the San Francisco 49ers to win the NFC West this season.
I, myself, think they have a good chance to accomplish this, however, there are some ominous storm clouds brewing.
Injuries and weirdness have created concern, as the Niners get set for their first exhibition game of the year.
Pro football, by its very aggressive and violent nature, leads to injuries, so quality depth is essential to being a successful team. The 49ers have already been depleted, as several players that had roles on the 2009 squad have issues that have jeopardized their status.
Scott McKillop, a reserve LB, saw spot action in 09′, but was a very good special teams player. Now that he is lost for the season, the Niners must find a solid backup inside LB, but more importantly, another special teams demon.
The departure of Glen Coffey, who apparently lost the desire to play football, also leaves a glaring hole backing up Frank Gore. Rookie Anthony Dixon will now be counted on to give Gore a breather.
Gore, with his hard running style, can also be expected to miss a few games here and there. Michael Robinson, another excellent special teams player, and Dixon cannot be expected to carry the load when Gore is out.
Remember, if Dixon was that good, he would not have been a sixth-round draft pick. He may develop into a decent back, but that is down the road.
The 49ers should make every effort to make a deal for an established RB, or I can almost certainly guarantee, this will be an issue and a weakness that haunts them at some point.
The Kentwan Balmer situation is also a concern. Balmer was not a top flight defensive lineman, but again, provided NFL caliber depth. It now looks more and more likely that Balmer will not be on the roster come opening day.
Although I believe Aubrayo Franklin will ultimately sign his one-year deal and report to camp in a week or two, this is not a certainty. If Franklin chooses to sit out, the D-Line suddenly goes from a solid unit to one with question marks, especially at the all important NT spot.
Adding to these issues is the injury to starting Center Eric Heitman. The center position is charged with calling the line blocking schemes and this is one of Heitman’s strong suits. With Heitman out a few weeks, this task becomes the job of David Baas, who has mostly played guard in the past.
Baas will be learning at center, while the Niners also plan to start rookies Anthony Davis & Mike Iupati. Two rookies on the O-Line, plus a player who is learning the center position, will undoubtedly require some time before consistency and continuity are established.
It often takes a year or more for an offensive line to become a cohesive unit. Mike Singletary does not have that long to wait.
The Niner Faithful must be crossing their fingers that this group can jell quickly and attain the level of consistency necessary to generate a productive offense. If this O-Line does not play well, the playoffs will be an unreachable dream.
As we move towards the regular season, there will be several battles for roster spots. I believe the starting group does have playoff potential, however, quality depth will be vital for this team.
As training camp progresses and you watch the preseason games, something to focus on will be the injury report.
The 49ers can ill afford any additional injuries to key players.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
