By Scooter_McG
While the 49ers bye week came early this year, it seemed to come at just the right time for the team to regroup and refocus following three narrow defeats to good opponents in games which the team largely beat themselves. This was meant to be the game the 49ers righted the ship, and showed the NFL world the three straight close losses were just a blip.
If this game showed anything its that if there was a blip, it was the fact they managed to keep those three previous games close. Rather than fixing the various issues that have plagued the team through the first five games, the team leant into them and came out after the bye week with an increased vigour to make those same mistakes. Repeatedly. And over again.
It all started out so promising, with the team scoring a TD marching up the field easily in its opening drive despite the conditions. It was a masterclass in scripted playcalling, using the Colts aggressiveness and the wet conditions against them with misdirection, rollouts and play action. On the Colts ensuing drive they fumbled the ball, and while the 49ers weren't able to capitalise the fumble was recovered in FG range to make it an early two score lead.
But as has so often happened this season, the 49ers couldn't put their opponent to the sword when they had them down. They gifted the Colts their first scoring opportunity when Josh Norman let Pittman get by him all too easily on 3rd and 11 and then played the man rather than the ball (it would have been DPI if Pittman hadn't caught it anyway). A couple of plays later Norman let his man run free again for a walk-in TD.
Another big DPI put the Colts in scoring position again at the start of the 2nd quarter, but Wentz did Wentz things and handed the ball to Al-Shaair deep in 49ers territory. Wentz continued to try and give the 49ers opportunities to build a commanding lead with a number of throws that hit 49ers players, but the defense refused to accept these gifts. The 49ers also got a bit of luck with Nyheim Hines dropping a ball on a 3rd down while wide open. On the next play, Aiyuk let the punt bounce, then tried to pick it up only to kick the ball into the end zone. Instead of getting punished for this awful gaffe, he was rewarded with a touchback.
But while the Colts tried so hard to give the 49ers the game, the 49ers offense put on a masterclass of three and outs, to ensure the Colts stayed right in the contest.
It seemed almost inevitable then that the Colts would score off the first turnover opportunity the 49ers gave them. Deebo fumbled a ball in 49ers territory trying to pick up extra yards, and after a Moseley DPI in the end zone the Colts took a half time lead on a Wentz run for a TD. It was a real gut punch for the 49ers in a half in which the only opportunities the Colts had to score came from 49ers mistakes.
After the half it just went from bad to worse for the 49ers. Instead of the Colts trying to give the 49ers the game it was the 49ers trying to give the Colts the game, with fumbles, INTs and penalties. A foolish Shanahan challenge on a clearly correct ruling typified the 49ers ineptitude in the second stanza.
There was a small glimmer of hope in the fourth quarter with a quick, 3 play TD drive where Shanahan briefly went back to his rollout, play action game from the first drive. But it was too little too late to overcome the multitude of errors the team committed throughout the game.
In the end the result was a fitting one. The 49ers didn't deserve to win this game with the way they played. And the frustrating part is that it wasn't a case that they weren't capable of winning it, or that the opposition was simply too good. They lost because they played bad, error-prone football that was beneath their talent level. That is a damning thing to say about a team coming off its bye week, with two full weeks to prepare for its opponent, for a homefield Sunday Night Football game, in a game the team needed to win to get their season back on track.
Right now this is a poorly coached team. There is simply no way around that. Players are repeatedly making mistakes and doing so with no real ramification. I am one that feels the players need to be held accountable for mistakes, but when it keeps on happening the buck stops with the coaching staff. Whatever they are currently doing is not working and the players are not responding. Yes, the effort is still there, so it is good to see the players are still playing hard for their coaches. But you need both effort and execution to win in the NFL, and the execution has been woeful far too often, on far too many plays, to consistently win football games.
Making things worse, the Colts had their fair share of mistakes in this one too. The opportunities were there for the 49ers to build a big lead early. Good teams punish opponent mistakes; bad teams let them get away with it. The 49ers have repeatedly shown they are a bad team this season. At 2-4 the season isn't over. But not many bad teams make the playoffs.
This was a winnable game.
ReplyDeletePass D needs a quality injection fast or a overhaal after the season.
Need more TE help also and why the hell Aiyuk is still isnt more involved?! You cant put all your eggs in Deebo's basket!
Still not impressed by Jimmy G.
Why doesn't Shanny put Sudfeld in for the final play cuz the game was over and would be a signal for Jimmy that its not enough his performance.
You could say "THE BLOOM IS OFF THE ROSE?" Or you could say this 9er team should be called the 49 clowns, with KS the ring master of disaster!
ReplyDeleteThis level of incompetence rivals the Tomsula era, except he
flatulated quietly so no one was sure. KS and this 9er team of bumbling clowns filled their pants on national TV and everyone know it.
Two things should happen Monday.
1) Jed York, John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan should go on national TV and apologize for the putrid display of utter incompetence they foisted on all 9er fans.
2) Any 9er fan that paid for a ticket to watch this game (if I dare call it that), should receive a refund.
You can't underestimate these 49ers.
ReplyDeleteAt this point I think we all need to recognize that this is not a good football team or even an average one. I'm not sure I would trust them to beat Detroit again... or dare I say it... the Jets.
Gonna have to agree.
DeleteYeah this one was rough. I always thought this was a talented but ultimately flawed team. Now I am starting to question even that.
DeleteMy biggest issue with this year so far is that it's starting to feel like a lost season. If they were losing but Trey Lance and some of the younger players were contributing you would at least feel like the team has a future.
Worse, as Razor correctly pointed out, you have to question if this staff can develop them if they do have the talent?
If they had their draft pick you would feel like at least we could get a real difference maker. The way it stands it feels like this team is stuck in the doldrums.
Additionally, their better players are about to get a lot more expensive so you don't even get the feeling that they can capitalize in free agency.
Piss poor coaching is the only explanation because this team has the talent.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm starting to question whether or not Lance will get the proper coaching.
I've been on the coaches for several weeks now, but one has to wonder about players holding themselves accountable. Those that have a high expectation of themselves (Bosa, Warner) have played fairly well this year. But I wonder if many of the players have that NFL high expectation. Sure they might have the high expectations from college, but suddenly things are much harder. I guess this points back to coaching as well. But sometimes I just get the feeling that KS is the type of HC that expects the players to have that expectation themselves and that he doesn't need to or maybe even should encourage or foster it. I don't know. The frustration level is high.
DeletePiss poor is being nice. I am as pissed as I have ever been with the Niners organization. Its not the loss its how they lost, a total team effort. This was not a JG loss, this loss is directly on Shanny's shoulders. It is noted how badly the players played, that's on Shanny too.
DeleteCubus, I completely agree regarding the players also need to hold themselves accountable. Yes, ultimately the buck stops with Shanahan, but what is the player leadership group doing?
DeleteI think part of the issue the 49ers have is they have lost some of their key leaders the past couple of years. When your head coach isn't a great disciplinarian, you need to have a group of strong minded professionals leading the playing group. Let's just say there is no way Tom Brady would let what is happening stand.
DOES ANYONE STILL BELIEVE JG IS THE QB CAPABLE OF LEADING THE 9ER TEAM TO THE PLAYOFFS? Personally, I question if he is capable of leading the 9ers to a winning record.
ReplyDeleteWhen the 9ers drafted Lance they knew he'd need coaching and playing time, to develop into a QB capable of starting. So why is JG starting and Lance the backup? How does he gain the needed experience sitting on the bench as a backup? The question in my mind is this! Is this another KS mistake? With a 2W-4L record, where's the proof JG's the QB that gives the team the best chance of winning? And even
if he is the better QB, is it not time to start preparing Lance for the 2022 season? Or will KS wait until next year, and another losing season, because Lance is not ready to be the 9ers starting QB?
Yes I do think Garoppolo is capable of leading the 9ers to the playoffs but it's going to take a lot of improvement not just from him but the entire team to achieve it. If you are looking at things honestly, Garoppolo while inconsistent, could conceivably be 4-1 right now in the games he started. He led a drive to take the lead on the Packers with 37 seconds left. A week later he left the game with injury at halftime and should have been up 10-7 at minimum and the game was tied. That's not to say he was great in those games because he wasn't, but if you look at the games on an individual basis, he really wasn't the reason they lost those games. Last night he didn't play well and the entire team melted down with all the TO's and penalties but he still in my mind gives us the best chance to win and the only way you start Lance is if you are giving up on this year and focusing on the future which it's way too soon to be thinking about.
Delete
DeleteNotanexpert
"Yes I do think Garoppolo is capable of leading the 9ers to the playoffs but it's going to take a lot of improvement" MORE LIKE A MIRACLE!
So when do you stop making excuses for what's at best, an average, to below average QB? And please don't tell me about the games he's won...THAT WAS TWO YEARS AGO. And then there's the injuries and more time he's spent on IR, than being available to play.
It's time to face facts. The 9ers are a 2W-4L team with the Bears next and maybe a win? But based on what we've seen the past 4 games, not very likely.
The 9ers then play Arizona and the Rams. Both games could result in the 9ers getting blown out. How many games does JG have to lose, before admitting he's not going to lead the 9ers to the playoffs? If you were a betting man, would you bet your house JG could / would
lead the 9ers to a winning season?
What are the excuses I'm making? I've said nothing about Garoppolo that isn't backed up by the facts. When has he lost the game for them this season? He had them up by 2 points with 37 seconds to go against GB and left the Seattle game tied and should have had a lead. What did he do to lose those games in your mind?
DeleteAs I said above, I believe he can lead them to the playoffs and it's because he's done it before and they tend to win a lot more than the lose when he's in there, but he's certainly not good enough to do it on his own. Maybe that's no longer the case I don't know but I haven't seen him play terrible football that is keeping us from winning games although last night was close. What I see keeping this team back is different areas of the team making key mistakes at in opportune times. Against GB the defense couldn't defend a lead with 37 seconds left. Against Seattle we had terrible ST's mistakes that directly led to points. Against the Cardinals the offense couldn't generate any offense for most of the afternoon. Last night they all took turns. You guys always make it about the QB and it's low hanging fruit to gnaw on. The entire team is responsible for where they are and the good part is even with the mistakes they've been in every game. If they can stop killing themselves then maybe we see them go on a run. If not, then you'll get your wish and Lance will start at some point in a lost season. For me it's not at that point yet.
They haven't won a lot more than they've lost with JG the past two seasons. Maybe a dominant defense and dominant running game are fairly key to the team's success with JG at QB.
DeleteScooter
DeleteThank you for pointing out the OBVIOUS.
Of course, Niners have a chance to go to the play-offs with Jimmy if they play better as a team. he is currently the better QB of the two. If ShanaLynch want to throw in the towel for the season (which I doubt they will) then it makes sense to play Lance as a starter.
DeleteSome of Jimmy's TO-worthy throws have been due to mistakes by receivers (see the link on Aiyuk I posted below). I get a feeling that the same folks calling for Jimmy's head will do the same with Lance if he plays poorly (like Fields and Wilson), or perhaps firing ShanaLynch and trading Lance. With the current injuries, the supporting cast won't suddenly improve for Lance.
Problem is, based on what we've seen this season, the supporting cast is unlikely to suddenly improve for JG either.
DeleteWhile I am not advocating throwing in the towel on this season just yet, if JG needs a dominant running game and dominant defense to win consistently, then the chances of the 49ers winning a lot of games with JG at QB this season are looking grim.
Lance may not be as good a QB as JG right now. That's most likely true. But the questions that needs to be asked and answered are whether the team has a realistic shot at making the playoffs from here with JG at QB (imo without a drastic turnaround from the play of those around JG that is highly unlikely, but at the same time can not be ruled out entirely), whether Lance could become the better QB THIS season by playing, and thereby give the 49ers a better chance than JG at some point THIS season (I think that while that is a possibility, it will still take some time and with the 49ers record as it is they can't afford that time for him to develop and still have a shot at making the playoffs).
If you believe the 49ers playoff chances can't be ruled out entirely (as I do, though very very unlikely to happen), and you think there is potential for Lance to be the better player by season end, then an additional question is whether the risk of ruining Lance by playing him while not ready is worth the potential short term gain by season end (imo, probably not at this stage, as I don't really see any short term gain to be had).
The equation changes once the chances of making the playoffs are zero. Until then, the team is probably right to stick with JG given the situation.
I won't be surprised if Kyle takes a more aggressive approach to two-QB play once Lance is cleared.
Delete-They haven't won a lot more than they've lost with JG the past two seasons. Maybe a dominant defense and dominant running game are fairly key to the team's success with JG at QB.-
DeleteOf course they are but the fact remains that this team wins more than it loses with JG playing as opposed to another QB. Each game is a separate entity and there are many reasons for wins and losses but even in the losses the past two years they are usually in a position to win when Garoppolo starts no matter how the other elements are playing.
IMO Trey should start but to his strengths and not this BS from almost every play in the Shotgun but like IT should be a lot of playaction combined with a strong running game to help him out,like we have seen the Colts with Wentz in the 2nd half.
ReplyDeleteRobber
DeleteAgree with you. Lance played under center at SDSU.
If KS wanted a QB that played pistol or shotgun in college, he should have drafted Fields.
Canning Shanny would be a mistake imo
ReplyDeletebut he needs to alter his offense towards Trey cuz with Jimmy G we are not getting there.
Robber
Delete"Canning Shanny would be a mistake imo"
OK, but shouldn't he (and everyone), be held accountable for their mistakes? But rather than admitting his mistakes, he blames "execution" (IE the player). It appears to me, there's no "BUCK STOPS HERE!" Maybe because there's a DOE, not a BUCK, making the decisions?
As CEO of the 49er Franchise, Jed York has the ultimate authority and responsibility for the success and failure of his team. As such, he is where the "BUCK STOPS!"
ReplyDeleteAs CEO, Jed York needs to call a 49er organization "come to jesus" meeting and inform everyone, including the GM, HC, players and every member of the FO, that his expectations for his team ARE NOT BEING MET! He needs to remind everyone there are 11 more games left in the season and they will all be evaluated based on the outcome of the remaining 11 games and on their performance! If the performance of the team does not improve, those responsible will not be back for the 2022 season. That includes the GM, HC and coaching staff, and players.
IMO, Jed York also needs to find and hire someone he and his family trusts (including uncle Eddie) to hire a team of NFL experts to evaluate every aspect of the 49er football organization. They will be responsible for writing a report to Jed, at the end of the season, outlining what needs to be improved, how to accomplish it, who should be retained (based on their performance), and who should be replaced. This should include the FO, scouts, all coaches and players.
It took Jed awhile but finally figured out what the problem was in his rein as CEO: Himself. He needs to stay out of it and let the football people do their jobs. If it gets to a point where the team looks like complete garbage and aren't competitive, you think about making a change somewhere, but this team has lost 3 games by one score and didn't look terrible until last night. If that continues the rest of the season they'll have some things to discuss, but you don't overreact as an owner to some close losses.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThere are some very fundamental organizational issues that are the cause of this brand of mistake-prone football. We are seeing the final result on the field and rightfully criticizing it. But things will only improve when the underlying issues are addressed. The dominant defense in 2019 may have served as a band aid to cover up these issues.
ReplyDeleteWhile the Defense was excellent in 2019, the offense was too, especially in the second half when they got Sanders and Deebo started to have a bigger role. They were second in scoring that year and were able to win any type of game. Every season is different, just look at the Chiefs as a great example. You have to continue to build on what you have done previously and for some reason this team on both sides of the ball just don't play consistently. That has to be fixed and certainly isn't impossible but has to happen soon.
Delete"While the Defense was excellent in 2019, the offense was too,"
DeleteIn the NFL, two years ago is considered ancient history....REMBER?
NFL = NOT FOR LONG...
And what have you done for me lately? How's 3 losing season (possibly 4) out of 5 years! Is that the 49ers STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE now?
I responded to Mood Indigos statement that maybe the defense in 2019 may have covered up other issues. That certainly wasn't the case in 2019 where both sides of the ball played equally well. Neither side is as good as they were then and I'm not arguing they are.
DeleteNotanexpert
DeleteTwo reasons I would disagree with you.
1) The 9er running game, not JG, dominated the offense
and kept the pressure off JG. (helped cover up his shortcomings as a QB). A prime example, was in the playoffs. You could argue the KS went to the running game because he didn't trust JG! If that's true, or not, it does prove my point.
2) In 2019, as in every year JG has been the 9er QB,
the defense has kept the them in the game and carried the offense. The only game I can recall JG carrying the offense, was against NO.
Mood can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that's what he meant when he posted "the defense in 2019 may have covered up other issues?"
I am not trying to make any argument regarding the 2019 offense vs defense. I probably should have stated that "The dominant defense and dominant run game in 2019 may have served as a band aid to cover up these issues."
DeleteThat wasn't meant as a criticism of your original point Mood Indigo. It was more of an addition to it but your point is obviously valid.
DeleteHonestly … this was inevitable thanks to Kyle’s epic mismanagement of of this football team, starting with the QB position.
ReplyDeleteWhat really kills me is that he knew he needed a change at QB, and then he had a golden opportunity to make a clean break from Garoppolo after the 2021 draft, but he just wasn’t man enough to do it!
Jimmy Garoppolo is merely a perfect microcosm of everything that is wrong with Kyle as a Head Coach!
I know this will fall on deaf ears but Lance was not drafted to play this year and if he was you both would be screaming for them to go out and get somebody else, calling for everybody to be fired etc. They drafted Lance with the belief that he needed to sit behind Garoppolo this year, learn the system and be eased in when he was ready. He is not ready, not even close and throwing him in there to get his confidence destroyed makes no sense. The only way they are going to Lance is if Garoppolo completely falls apart and they have no choice or the season gets out of hand and the playoffs aren't likely. Lance has to be given time to adjust to the speed of the game and learn the offense. That's why the plan was to give him some plays here and there to get his feet wet while not forcing him to be the guy.
Delete@NAE
DeleteWhen things are going wrong, it's natural for each fan to think the cure lies in attending to his or her main complaint....
He should have treated Trey as a QB who has the smarts of Brees the running of Jackson and the preparation of Manning instead of thinking that Jimmy G is the same QB as Tom Brady.
ReplyDeleteIf you give up that much draftcapital for a player than you should have give him more reps./
The difference between Lance and the guys you mentioned is they all played multiple years and College and were far more prepared coming into the NFL. Even then they struggled their first year. The draft capital means nothing in regards to when he plays. They went and got a guy they think can turn into a great QB but there was no immediate timeline for it to happen. That is a fan/media made argument.
DeleteIn 35 starts with the 49ers, Garoppolo has thrown 30 interceptions and fumbled 22 times (losing eight of them).
DeleteMore prepared in a spread offense that's true and multiple years also, but Trey played in a more Pro style offense, its just that he needs live reps,what Jimmy G gives is that can Trey give also plus the fact that it accelerates his development whats not to like?!
DeleteOr are you like Kyle stubborn?!
Notanexpert
Delete"The difference between Lance and the guys you mentioned is they all played multiple years and College and were far more prepared coming into the NFL."
You sir, have just explained WHY Lance should now be the starting QB, to being preparing him to start in 2022.
BTW: Both JL and KS knew Lance was the least prepared
coming into the NFL. Even more reason he should have played more reps.
"there was no immediate timeline for it to happen. That is a fan/media made argument."
So Notanexpert, remind me again how many games JG has missed, due to injury? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the lasted game JG missed was due to a LEG cramp? Not to worry, he's the epitome of an "iron man". Yes,
I jest. But seriously, as the back up to JG, do you really believe Lance was properly prepared to step in if, or when, JG went down?
-In 35 starts with the 49ers, Garoppolo has thrown 30 interceptions and fumbled 22 times (losing eight of them).-
DeleteYep and yet he has a great winning percentage so while it's never good to turn the ball over, more often than not he's been able to make plays to overcome them.
-More prepared in a spread offense that's true and multiple years also, but Trey played in a more Pro style offense, its just that he needs live reps,what Jimmy G gives is that can Trey give also plus the fact that it accelerates his development whats not to like?!
Or are you like Kyle stubborn?!-
I guess we just see what Lance has put out there differently. Lance had one big throw in preseason that got everybody excited and then proceeded to look like a kid who is not ready for the speed the NFL plays at. I saw the same thing against AZ. He looks lost a lot of the time, throws inaccurately way too often along with some passes looking like ducks that have been shot and he doesn't see the field well. What's not to like? Pretty much his entire passing game at this point. He needs to learn the offense inside and out and reach a comfort level before stepping into the starting role. If they play him now he's going to struggle big time and it's unnecessary to put him through that unless they reach a point where the season is lost. There is no faster way to lose a team than playing a guy who isn't ready and the team knows you are throwing in the towel.
You mean prepared in game reps vs the other rookie qb's Geep?
DeleteCuz he was a lot under center with pro style sets at NDSU.
Shanny should had shifted his offense from the start to Trey instead of staying with his cocky stubborness that he would get results with Average Jimmy.
-You sir, have just explained WHY Lance should now be the starting QB, to being preparing him to start in 2022.
DeleteBTW: Both JL and KS knew Lance was the least prepared
coming into the NFL. Even more reason he should have played more reps.-
He played pretty much all the reps in preseason and you are thinking of this as if they are the Jaguars. They were a team that rightly or wrongly believed they could contend coming into the season. If you feel that way you don't play a green rookie who is going to struggle. You play the vet and let the kid learn the system, run the scout team in practice and give him some plays to run at times during games. Shanahan has said a number of times that you play for this season and he's right. Lance will come into 2022 with a season in the pros under his belt a better understanding of the offense and will again get all the offseason and preseason reps. Not playing games this year is not going to set him back. The only thing that will is if he can't fix some of the throwing problems he has.
-So Notanexpert, remind me again how many games JG has missed, due to injury? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the lasted game JG missed was due to a LEG cramp? Not to worry, he's the epitome of an "iron man".
He came back in 3 weeks from a high ankle sprain which usually puts players on the shelf for 4-6 weeks minimum. With all the players on this team missing games due to calf injuries I'm not sure why you are singling JG out for missing a game but hey you are just joking right?
Yes,
I jest. But seriously, as the back up to JG, do you really believe Lance was properly prepared to step in if, or when, JG went down?-
No and there was no way he could be. The problem is there was no money to bring in a competent vet backup and if JG were to go down they know their season is likely over anyway judging from prior history. You hope he can stay healthy for most of the season but if not then the move to the next chapter happens early. Right now there is no reason to start the next chapter which is the point.
-
With his athetic ability and experience with playaction he would fared beter than Jimmy G that's my opinion.
DeleteNotanexpert
Delete"He played pretty much all the reps in preseason and you are thinking of this as if they are the Jaguars."
As a reminder, preseason was 3 (THREE GAMES) and for the most part, against backup player. That, in your opinion, is adequate training for Lance to be a starting QB in the NFL?
If you want to insult your own intelligence, thats up to you. But please don't insult mine.
" They were a team that rightly or wrongly believed they could contend coming into the season."
What "they" believed coming into the season, is irrelevant, only FACTS matter. The FACTS say they have a losing record and whether you want to accept it or not, you need to stop making excuses for JG.
You have the right to your own opinion(s), but not the right to make up your own facts.
Robber I understand that's your opinion and you are entitled to it but I disagree and if you watch Lance play and think he's ready to be a better option then we are watching two different players.
DeleteGeep,
The only reps he can be given are in the preseason. Once the season starts it's about preparing the starters. I get you are on the side of playing Lance but that isn't going to happen because he's clearly not ready to play and Shanahan said exactly that yesterday.
Your second point I don't really understand. What facts am I making up according to you? They believed and still do believe they can make the playoffs. If you are competing to make the playoffs you play the QB who gives you the best chance to win. Shanahan clearly feels that is Garoppolo. Where are the made up facts?
Mitchel
ReplyDelete"Then, he ripped off a 12-yard carry before coach Kyle Shanahan decided to abandon the run -- a decision that resulted in three pass plays that gained no yards and brought a quick end to the team’s offensive momentum." (MM)
Shanny is in a play calling funk. Last nights game points it out blatantly. The last interception, why in the world do you even call that play. The misdirection, bootlegs they were working. JG did not lose this game...it was defiantly a team effort.
Totally agree with you. Shanahan is struggling with his game plans and play calling and has since the start of the season. I don't know why he abandoned the run when it was working. Same thing happened against the Cards and they have been slow starters for most of the season. Not sure what the issue is but he needs to figure it out in a hurry.
DeleteYour right he needs to figure it out now, and he needs to start holding players accountable for their stupid mistakes, WR covering up a tight end...is a prime example of the Niners problem.
ReplyDeleteI am really starting to think that some of the problems are due to Shanahan believing that fundamentals (including knowledge such as covering up a tight end) is something he shouldn't be teaching or emphasizing. As a so-called genius (which I strongly dispute), he wants to focus more on the Xs and Os. The "fundamentals" are something players (any player) should know and teaching or reinforcing them should not be done or severely limited because it takes away from time for Xs and Os.
ReplyDeleteThat could well be part of it. Another I think is that Shanahan is inconsistent with how he punishes players, and what is punishable.
DeleteNot running routes exactly right in training is punishable, but consistently whiffing on blocks, dropping passes, and giving away silly penalties during a game is a learning experience.
Scooter,
DeleteAre you sure these so called punishments are something Shanahan is doling out, and not the position coaches? I suppose that by punishment you mean a player getting fewer snaps or not being inactive.
Mood:
DeleteI assume you meant to say "not being active".
Do you think the position coaches have that kind of power to dole out punishment in terms of whether a player is active or receives fewer snaps. I've never thought about that but find it surprising. I suppose they could whisper in KS' ear and then he doles out the game punishment, but the position coaches??
Mood, I am sure of nothing. You could well be right and it is more a position coach thing. In fact, I suspect that long time respected position coaches like Bobby Turner and Kris Kocurek get whatever they ask for. So Trey Sermon's lack of action is probably more a Bobby Turner thing than Shanahan thing.
DeleteBut I wouldn't be surprised if Aiyuk being in the proverbial dog house is more a Shanahan-led thing.
Yes, I meant to write "not being active".
DeleteFirst, I don't buy this punishment stuff at all. The entire team is trying two win -- not punish or reward individual players. I listen carefully to Tim Ryan who watches many of Niners' in-season practices. He has said that Aiyuk's practices this season have not been that good. Aiyuk got the second most snaps among receivers last evening (after Deebo). For whatever reason Aiyuk is not running his routes well (either the routes are predictable, or they are wrong, or he is not doing the little tings on the route run that helps him win). Just watch this video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEgJgsG2mPo
Not sure what his problem is. Maybe he needs a therapist or something but there's only that much coaches can do.
Second, my consistent observation, based on Kyle's interviews, has been the position coaches generally make in-game decisions on the players on the field for specific plays. I knew that Bobby Turner made the decision on the RBs. This season I learned that Welker does the same for the receivers. See interview transcript at the below:
https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/150780-transcript-what-kyle-shanahan-said-49ers-loss-packers/
"I tell guys what to do before the game, but I don't keep up with the rotation. I wanted to make sure to keep Aiyuk fresh. And [wide receivers coach] Wes [Welker] thought Aiyuk was fresh enough without being out there on too many long drives so he didn't put Trent in as much."
Mood: Thanks for the links.
DeleteMood Indigo,
DeleteIt's easier to blame the HC and QB for everything.
With what little there is to enjoy this season, I've been having some fun reading the anguish over at fieldgulls.com. They have several articles now about how it is time to move on from Carroll.
DeleteIn one article, Carroll was called out about not playing one of his better pass rushers, Alton Robinson, enough (he only had one snap against the Steelers). Carroll said his health was not an issue saying Robinson "got out of the rotation just because it happened. He should have played more last week.''
I am surprised how HCs rely on lower coaches to decide whether the best players at certain positions play or not. Not QB of course, but Carroll relying on someone else to make the call on one of their teams best DEs or KS relying on Welker to make the call on Aiyuk or Trent Sherman.
Mood
ReplyDeleteAiyuk had a hamstring injury in the preseason and may be healthy physically, but not mentally. He may not plant his foot and cut, because subconsciously he doesn't trust the leg yet? While I could be wrong, I find it hard to believe he went to the player he was last year, to a player slacking off and lacks the motivation, or desire, to excel?
ShanaLynch have clearly stated that Aiyuk is a hard worker. I don't think he's slacking off during the practice or during the games. Deebo said that Aiyuk had a very good week of practice. The all-22 film may show how much of it he was able to transfer to the game.
DeleteThis is not Pettis. Aiyuk has the physical tools and the skill set. It's likely a mental issue at this stage. He might just need more time -- and it may not all come together this season. Hopefully, it will.
Interesting bit of news -- apparently Kyle told someone in the SNF pre-game interview that he loves Aiyuk, but that the latter needs to grind it out more.....
DeleteKyle is an unmitigated embarrassment of a Head Coach!
ReplyDeleteI can’t even listen to his senseless postgame rambling any more. The least he could do is fake like he cares about getting to the bottom of the issues in order to make these much needed changes. Things are obviously needing to get much worse before Kyle is willing to even acknowledge his team’s shortcomings, let alone being willing to make those necessary changes!
Shanahan is absolutely WHISTLING PAST THE GRAVEYARD!
IN OTHER NFL NEWS:
ReplyDeleteJets trade for Eagles QB Joe Flacco with Zach Wilson injured.
A day after rookie quarterback Zach Wilson suffered a knee injury, the New York Jets have traded for Philadelphia Eagles backup Joe Flacco.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed the deal to beat reporters Monday afternoon.
Per NFL Network, the Jets are sending a sixth-round draft pick to the Eagles in return that could escalate to a fifth-round pick based on how much Flacco plays.
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/report-jets-trade-for-eagles-qb-joe-flacco-with-zach-wilson-injured-220330803.html
SHANAHAN EXPLAINS WHY HE THREW THE FLAG:
ReplyDeleteNFL Power Rankings: The 49ers are a mess, and it's time for Kyle Shanahan to fix it....
There was a weird moment on Sunday night when San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan challenged a play that had no chance of being overturned.
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor fumbled in the rain on a fourth down, but Indianapolis jumped on the recovery. Taylor clearly had the first down. The 49ers wasted a timeout for nothing. Shanahan explained he "didn’t see it at all" and that the sideline was yelling there was a fumble and the headsets went out at that moment. Since Shanahan heard there was a fumble he threw the flag when he couldn't "get ahold of anybody."
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-the-49-ers-are-a-mess-and-its-time-for-kyle-shanahan-to-fix-it-120028459.html
9ERS FANS WHO STILL HOPE TO MAKE PLAYOFFS, GET CONSOLATION PRIZE, 13 TEAMS ARE WORSE: THE 9ERS ARE 19TH IN LATEST NFL POWER RANKINGS, NOT LAST!
ReplyDeleteThere is good news, the bears who the 9ers play next, are ranked #25 and Seattle (2W-5L)is last in the division.
*Jimmy Garoppolo will keep his starting job. But following a loss to the Colts, he’s now on the hot seat.
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-week-8-125923018.html
Let's mention one positive point from the Colts game. Niners' $3M left guard effectively neutralized Colts' $22M D tackle.
ReplyDeleteMM speaking about KS.
ReplyDelete"I, for one, can tell you that I think he is one of the better coaches I have covered during my time around the organization.
I can also tell you that I don’t think he is having a good season.
Shanahan pushes the buttons, and the buttons have simply not been working during this four-game losing streak."
Yup.! Finally some reporters are coming around. I for one love KS I still want him and JL running this team till...
People in all walks in life and regardless what they are doing have hot streaks and cold streaks, in athletic events its more apparent then most other endeavors of life. KS is in a funk, a slump, downward spiral, it happens and it will end, when who knows. The problem is his funk has big time ramifications and he needs to straighten it out now not later. The players themselves need to take a gut check and fix the concentration problems, in other words get your heads out of your ass.
I wonder if the problems are more "systemic" and not just a temporary "funk".
DeleteIf its systemic then he probably needs to go because it isn't working. If this team is truly talented then there really isn't any place else to look eh. This whole thing lies with KS, its his team, he picked the players and the coaches. If he doesn't right the ship and get into the playoffs his seat should be on fire. IMO
Delete@UC: Agree.
DeleteAnd normally MM is sweet towards the franchise but still he said it with respect.
ReplyDeleteAnd he is right that KS is one of the best he covered during his time with the org.
Its to early imo to put him on the hot seat,but clearly he needs to makes the change at QB as fast as possible and develop Trey, and altering and evolving his offense towards Treys potential.
Here's a stat that kind of dulls the "injuries" excuse:
ReplyDelete"The 49ers are just 6 for their last 36 on third downs in their last three games. They are 30th in third-down conversion rate on the season, with only the Jaguars and the Bears being worse. So far this year, the team has converted just 31.4% of all their third-down opportunities. For context, in 2019, the 49ers were 5th best in the league at 45%. Just to twist the knife a little bit more, in 2020 (even with all those injuries), the 49ers converted 39.1% of their third downs, which was 23rd in the league. In case you aren’t following- the team did better on the most important down of the possession last year with Nick Mullens and a bag of cats than they are in 2021 with the starting quarterback, starting offensive line (save for one game), and starting wide receivers all healthy and playing."
https://www.ninersnation.com/2021/10/26/22747382/49ers-news-one-stat-that-explains-why-kyle-shanahans-offense-has-stalled-in-2021