Oh. Wow. Tuesday’s start to free agency was INSANE. I wanted to let the dust settle (and more breaking developments happen) before I rattled off my thoughts, and Friday night seems like a safe time to get cracking.
Frank Gore to the Colts
While initially it was being reported that Gore was going to Philly, he instead went to the Colts…and that may be the happiest that I’ve seen a fan base get over signing a 32yr old free agent RB. However, when you’ve had a running game like the Colts have had the past few years (which hasn’t been much of a running game), a productive RB – regardless of age – is probably welcomed.
I’m still kind of surprised that they signed Gore as opposed to going for a RB in the Draft; although, I suppose that they can certainly do both. While it’s a slight bummer that we weren’t able to resign Frankie, I’m not too surprised by this move. It’s the exact opposite of what happened to Lynch in Seattle: we gave our young guy (Hyde) some opportunities and he showed great potential. Once that happened (taking into account that Hunter was also returning), I think that certainly put a cap on what amount we were going to be willing to offer Frankie; whereas, in Seattle, neither of the back ups showed much promise, and so Beast Mode got his extension.
The biggest thing that we lose with Gore leaving for Indy is his pass protection. Holy wow – the guy was brilliant in pass protection. I do hope that is the primary focus of the coaching staff, Hyde, and Hunter — Frankie’s pass protection was never talked about as much as it should have been. While I do wish him well, I also would find it kind of humorous if his age suddenly caught up with him….and then seeing the fall out from Colts fans as they berate themselves for being excited about signing a 32yo running back. That would be humorous, to me.
The Expletive Rams
The Rams started collecting QBs today, trading Sam Bradford for Foles (Philly) and signing Case Keenum from Houston. The Houston one makes sense…. but I have NO IDEA why the Eagles traded for Sam Bradford. Especially, since Foles was (presumably) their QB of the Future. It further doesn’t make sense, to me, because all signs pointed to Bradford being released sooner rather than later. You probably could have traded for Bradford without giving up your starting QB.
What also made this really, really weird to me was when Chip Kelly was saying that he had been offered a first-round pick for Bradford, after trading for him. WHAT??? 1 – I don’t believe that…. at all. Simply because, if you look at the other 31 teams in the NFL, by and large the teams that have a QB vacancy (or no definite starter), are all very high in the Draft position — it’s certainly not any of the teams on the contender-side of the spectrum. Reportedly, Coach Fischer quasi-backed up Chip Kelly by saying he had received a “low first” offer prior to trading for Foles….but even that doesn’t make sense. And so, if it wasn’t a “low first” like Fischer reported, then it would have to be a “high first” pick, right? RIGHT?? So, 2 – this high Draft pick team allegedly requested to trade their first pick for Bradford……and you said “no”?!?!?!
I remember, prior to the Harbaugh era starting, when Bradford was the best QB in the NFC West, as a rookie. But that was when he played a full season. In his five seasons in the League, to this point, he has essentially missed 2 full seasons due to injury. Even when he was 100% healthy, he was a decent QB….but I wouldn’t have given up my starting QB for him. ESPECIALLY, when he has a difficult time staying healthy. Maybe the NFC East won’t be as physical to him this coming year (as the NFC West was) and he may prove to be more durable? I don’t know. But I think that this was a bad trade for Philly.
The part of this activity that worries me is that the Expletive Rams are the scariest team in the Division – some think it’s the Seahawks, but it’s not; it’s the Expletive Rams.
They have no cemented identity, which means that they are capable of anything. ANYTHING. They do trick plays, they play tough defense, and they are one of the few teams that are able to beat the best teams in the League, while also lose to the worst teams in the League. The one thing that always gave me quasi-confidence against the Expletive Rams was that Sam Bradford was either going to get hurt, or was already hurt, and so our reliable, strong defense was going to be playing an at-best 2nd string QB, maybe even some guy I’d never heard of, and that always gave us a reasonable edge; regardless of whatever crazy stuff they pulled in the game.
If Foles can stabilize the position, though, then that safety net is gone. The Expletive Rams scare me. They always have, and they continue to scare me now. Especially, today, with the signing of Nick Fairley from Detroit. The guy may be a dirty player (that’s what I’ve heard), but he’s also talented; and the Expletive Rams’ defense has been legitimate the past few years, and I think that they just got better. The NFC West is going to be a brawl once again.
Seahawks Making Moves
The Seahawks added some CBs, lost a CB & LB, but the move that was the most interesting was the trade for Jimmy Graham. This is a big spash trade that surprised me, simply because I didn’t know that Graham was on the trade block, haha. From what I recall, he just signed a big contract last year (or the year before) after a tumultuous contract negotiation, so it surprises me that they traded for him. It’s also surprising to me that the Seahawks made this trade.
For one, he’s expensive; sure, he’s a good player, but I don’t know if they really needed someone of his pay-grade, but, hey, if the Seahawks want to make big purchases, I support it. It’s especially weird, to me, that they’d sacrifice a key part of their O Line, which was a considerable area of vulnerability. Wilson has been able to avoid big hits thus far in his career, but you don’t want to take chances with your O Line if you have a finesse QB. Although, I still contend that TJ could step in for Wilson and not be that much of a drop off — so long as the officials continued to allow Offensive Holding when he starts dancing in the backfield.
The Saints raised my eye brows this week, as well. For one, trading Graham came out of nowhere. But now, trading away their other prime offensive target (Stills) and adding CJ Spiller from the Bills. It sounds like they are committing serious attention to their defense, but I don’t know what they’re going to do offensively, now. Maybe, with the signing of Spiller and getting Unger via trade with Seattle, they are trying to go run-heavy this coming year? Maybe they were thinking — the way that I was thinking — last season that Drew Brees doesn’t have “it” anymore; or that he is showing signs of being on the decline. That could make sense, I guess. Well, I’m hoping to go to New Orleans for Halloween this year – God willing, the Saints will be playing in town that weekend AND they’re commitment to defense and lack of an offense will make them not very good, thus, greater increasing the odds of getting some tickets to hang out with the Who Dat Nation. *fingers crossed*
My Beloved 49ers
Saving the most important reflection for last, of course. First and foremost, people need to relax. We are hosting the Super Bowl this year, so there is absolutely no way that we are going to be contenders this year. None. In the 49 Super Bowls that have occurred, the only thing that all of them have in common is that the host team has NEVER played in the game. EVER. Most of the time, the host team doesn’t even sniff the playoffs let alone the Super Bowl; so kudos to the Cardinals for at least making it to the playoffs. That said, we’re probably not going to make the playoffs and we’re definitely not going to the Super Bowl; let alone be able to win the Super Bowl. So, let’s keep our expectations realistic and also not freak out. A season is never won — or loss — 5 months before it starts. Calm down.
This off-season has been a mixed bag of news. First, let’s talk about the departures: Frank Gore left for Indy – which I was prepared for but still kind of a bummer; Chris Culliver left for the Redskins (to each their own, I suppose); Mike Iupati went to the Cardinals (bold move); and Dan Skuta went to Jacksonville.
Willis retired – which blind-sided everyone….but I think that we may be able to make it work; No one seems to be talking about it, but Bubba Ventrone’s retirement is surprising, too – he was a reliable special teams player for us. And maybe Justin Smith is retiring (…?) — I haven’t heard confirmation one way or the other.
Crabtree is likely gone – but I’ve made peace with this (unless he signs a very favorable contract – however, I recall how he held out for more money as a rookie, so I don’t think he’s the “favorable contract”-kind of guy); We released Stevie Johnson, which surprises me because – last I heard – both sides were open to restructuring his deal so that he’d be cheaper; and I’m pretty sure that we’re going to release Ahmad Brooks sooner than later – I think that Lynch outplayed him last season and certainly has a more favorable contract.
Lastly, while not a departure (or likely departure, I wouldn’t think) but is worth mentioning: Bruce Miller was arrested for pushing a woman and causing her to fall to the ground, and then destroying her phone….vaguely.
Side Note: I did see this article on a suggested ad through Facebook, where they referred to Miller as a “49ers STAR player” — please. I like Bruce Miller and he has played well for us, but the FB is not a “star” position for us; he is not a “star” player for us, either. Someone’s just trying to get attention to their crappy publication (or doesn’t know football). End Side Note.
This was initially brought to my attention from my Seahawk fan friends wanting to talk trash, and they made it sound like he beat up a woman — it sounds, though, that there weren’t any injuries and it that it’s more of an issue of destruction of property — citing the vaguely described “destroying her phone” part. Not sure what will come of this but it fits more appropriately in the “bad news” category.
Good news, though, Aldon Smith isn’t in trouble, AND, I’m reasonably confident that he isn’t going to be in trouble… which could be my Bold Statement of the Off Season. When reading about him restructuring his contract in order to free up more cap space for this season, I just get this feeling that he’s focused and he’s ready to play and compete — and I really, really, really like that. The man is a beast — before all of these distractions in his personal life happened, he was averaging almost 1 sack per game….. 1 SACK PER GAME…. which is ridiculous. But after the house party where he got stabbed, and then arrested for gun possession; then you had the whole DUI incident and the LAX detainment fiasco, with a stint in rehab and NFL-mandated suspension, those distractions took away from his focus. But, now, with all of that behind him, I think that we are going to get a focused and dialed-in Aldon Smith rushing off the edge.
While we certainly lost some high-caliber talent as well as both of our Field Generals (Gore & Willis), we are still a talented team. While you don’t just replace Frank Gore and Patrick Willis, I do think that the tandem of Hyde/Hunter and Borland/Wilhoite can fill in. *IF* Bowman returns this season at 100%, that certainly makes life easier on that side of the ball.
I have read ample skeptics to the signing of Torrie Smith (from Baltimore) because he has an “off year” last season, but the guy is a consistent producer, wanted to play here, and hasn’t missed a game in his NFL season. His ability to stretch the field is also something that I think will benefit our whole offense — not just the passing game, but also alleviates pressure on the running game. Our “deep threat” receivers as of late have been mostly unproven and hampered rookies. The elite secondaries in the League, rightfully so, probably weren’t respecting them too much. But Torrie Smith has a resume and so you have to respect him. If he is able to keep a Seahawk CB and Safety deep — out of respect — then that is HUGE for our underneath game. Up until now, though, most of our offense has been largely based on YAC-style receiving, and getting our guys lit up by Chancellor/Thomas crashing down from the safety-position. If Torrie Smith is able to keep at least one of those guys back, that could open up a lot of opportunities for Boldin or Davis in the intermediate range.
We also added Dockett from the Cardinals – and, even though he’s coming off an injury, he should be an adequate replacement for McDonald – who we released at the end of last season. *IF* Justin Smith retires, it will be a blow to our line BUT I don’t think it’ll be devastating. Why? Because with Tomsula ascending to the starting job, and having worked with our mystery product — Lawrence Okoye — the past two seasons, I think that Okoye sees playing time this year. I think that he’s ready. *IF* he is ready, he could be a HUGE bull-rush type lineman that could cause problems. He has great speed for his size and is a beast! If he could be taught to execute Justin Smith’s role in that cross-rush that he and Aldon Smith perfected a couple of years back, then that could be a formidable tandem, as well. I see a lot of promise there — *IF* he is progressing as I imagine/hope.
The addition of Jerome Simpson I think is more of just a leverage-signing or a competition factor — I’d be surprised if he is on the team this season. For one, he comes with a lot of baggage and not a lot of productivity to show for it; which does counter York’s oft-mockingly-reported “winning with class” statement. HOWEVER, if the plan is to try and sign Crabtree for a cheaper contract, being able to say: “Hey, we have Boldin, we have Torrie Smith, and we have Jerome Simpson, in addition to our young guys” — could put us in a favorable bargaining position (especially, if Crabtree’s open-market demand/price isn’t very high). I think that if we re-sign Crabtree or if we draft a WR in the early rounds, then we’ll let Simpson compete for a spot over the summer to raise competition from our young guys (but then release him in August). That is, unless, he just blows us all away during the off-season — and stays out of trouble. But the only time that I have ever heard his name or seen him play was that *ONE* time that he did the front-flip over the defender and stuck the landing for a TD. That’s it. And that was when he played for the Bengals a couple of years ago. So, we’ll see what happens there, but I think that this was more of a leverage-signing.
The signing of Jarryd Hayne is another one that I like. I doubt that he’s going to actually be a RB for us — simply because I doubt that he has the nuances of the position grasped to the point of being able to play the position in this League — however, I think that he can quickly translate his rugby skills into special teams play in a returner role. I’m excited to see what he can do, for sure.
Onto the Rumor Mill-
I’m pleased to have read, today, that the rumor of Percy Harvin coming to us is dead — he reportedly signed with the Bills (1yr for, I believe, $6M…. good signing, Buffalo). I can’t stand Percy Harvin — one of the most overrated players in the past decade. It really irritates me that he has a Super Bowl ring when he only played in about 2.5 games the whole season. He gets hailed as this great athlete but he’s really just a speed guy…..who has joint health issues. I am so happy that he’s not going to be a 49er. The best move that the York/Baalke union has made all off-season.
Reportedly, Reggie Bush stopped by to visit, but I’d pass on him, too. I hope that we pass on him, at least. I don’t know what price Reggie Bush is garnering these days, but I can almost guarantee that it’s more than Hyde is making — and if it comes down to it: I’m taking Hyde over Bush every….single…day. I’m taking Hunter over him, too. We probably do need a 3rd RB – especially with Hunter’s injury history – but I say let’s pick one up in the draft or wait for one that we like to get released from another team during the preseason (or an undrafted rookie).
We are also apparently meeting with Shareece Wright, formerly of the Chargers, and while I don’t know much about the guy, he’s reportedly not an impressive CB. It sounds like our interest in him is solely because he’s cheap and a veteran guy. His stats don’t seem that impressive, and, the word from the Chargers expert that they talked to in the story, the only plus about him is his size — he’s apparently not a good tackler and not good in coverage, either.
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All in all, that’s how the first week has gone, thus far. The NFC West is certainly getting strong once again, and I think that the Expletive Rams may end up being the team to beat. If they can put it together this season….watch out. That said, as we’re certainly out of contention this season — due to hosting the Super Bowl — I think that we have a lot of upside awaiting us in 2016. Hopefully, we can use this season to further develop some of our youth and strengthen the connections on the offense. We’ll have some new pieces this year, not to mention a new system, so it may be a learning curve for everyone. I’m still optimistic and faithful. #GoNiners.