The Rams have been using empty sets 19% of the time. That's more than any other team in the NFL. The 49ers defense on the other hand is 31st in yards per attempt at 10.3 allowed versus empty, and 30th in opponent QBR at 88.6.
Some positive notes:
Rookie rushing leaders through Week 8
Najee Harris: 479 yards (128 carries)
Elijah Mitchell: 433 yards (81 carries)
The highest graded offensive player of the 2021 season thus far:
Trent Williams (95.6)
Chasing perfection: Trent Williams has a nearly perfect 99.5 zone run-blocking grade this season.
RUNNING ON EMPTY? YES INDEED!
ReplyDelete* 49ers nearing brutal mark for worst NFL record at home stadium! The 49ers' dismal record at Levi's Stadium has them nearing some unfortunate history as they rank 73rd out of 76 NFL teams at their home stadiums, w/ a 0.404 win percentage.
The 9ers can fall into 75th place w/a loss Monday night against the hated LA Rams.
The 49ers defensive line struggles highlight underlying roster construction issue. Jordan Elliott believes some of Shanahan’s quotes don’t account for the evolution of the sport.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.ninersnation.com/2021/11/12/22777859/the-49ers-defensive-line-struggles-highlight-underlying-roster-construction-issue
Don't know that I'M buying what Jordan Elliott is selling, but he does present an interest concept.
I believe in the ability to pressure the quarterback with 4 defensive lineman. That's exactly how the Titans defeated the Rams.
DeleteI understand what Elliot is saying, and maybe there is a little something to it, although I do agree that building from the inside out is still a viable strategy, but you still need your CB's to be in position to make a play, and you still need to be able to STOP THE RUN!
DeleteRight now the 49ers can't cover WR's for a lick, and their run defense ranks 26th, despite the fact that they haven't exactly faced off against a murderer's row of RB's!
No bueno!
@Razor
DeleteExactly. This importance of getting pressure with 4 linemen hasn't changed a bit since in 50 years. I watched a part of the Titans-Rams game and was surprised how well the Titans' front 4 played. Weren't aware how good they were. Cossell later confirmed from his all-22 study what you pointed out.
Niners may be able to do the same from time-to-time, but probably not consistently. But first, they would need to stop the run....
That said, ShanaLynch do have roster construction issues.
DeleteFor instance, spending $26.4M on a QB, after using 3 firsts and a 3rd on a different QB, when you have serious depth issues both on your OL, as well as your Secondary, probably isn't the best way to build out a roster, especially if you believe you are ready to contend for a Super Bowl RIGHT NOW.
Also, spending the entire top half of your draft picks on players who aren't expected to contribute, At ALL, during your upcoming season, probably isn't the best way to go about the draft if you truly believe you are ready to contend for a Super Bowl RIGHT NOW.
Just saying!
To the coaching staff. Do you have the ability to adjust? If so do it before the end of the game eh
ReplyDeleteTo the players. Do you think you can get you heads out of the place where the sun doesn't shine?
Razor
ReplyDeleteI would disagree with your statement; "That's "EXACTLY" how the Titans defeated the Rams." That's only part of the reason the Rams lost.
A) Stafford threw two interceptions in the span of 26 seconds. Both resulted in 14 Titans points and put the Rams in a hole they couldn’t climb out of.
B) Titans Had a Better Game plan and executed their game plan to near perfection.
* The Titans took away the crossing routes the Rams typically revolve their offense around. Because of that, Stafford took some coverage sacks and the Rams failed to adjust! that's on The Rams HC, as well as Stafford.
C) Rams Got Dominated in the Trenches; Stafford was hit 11 times, took five sacks and made too many mental mistakes!
* The Rams had 11 penalties for 115 yards. Tyler Higbee stepped out of bounds on his touchdown catch that would have put the Rams back in the game. M
Pressuring the QB is always a good strategy, but it is almost a guaranteed winning strategy when Goff is behind center. Stafford used to be the same way, but over the last few seasons, he's actually consistently been among the better QB's when facing pressure.
DeleteBTW, I didn't realize that ROBERT WOODS sustained a torn ACL during practice yesterday! That's a HUGE loss for the Rams and a big break for the 49ers, especially in regards to Monday Night!
Let me just say that the 49ers have NO EXCUSES come Monday Night! They are relatively healthy, they are playing at home in prime time on MNF, and the weather is supposed to be perfect!
The moment of TRUTH is less than 55 hours away! GO NINERS!
Razor
DeleteI would also point out that while the Rams 2021 record is 7W-2L, they're not that good. Who have they beat?
The Bear, the Colts (by 3 points), Seahawks, Giants, Lions and Texans! The only good team they beat was the Buccaneers. They were dominated by the Cardinals
and now the Titans.
How about Zach Wilson saying "I'm supposed to be a senior in college" when asked at yesterday's press conference, if he's concerned about no longer being the obligatory starter?
ReplyDeletelol, somebody's not ready for the NFL!
I was mildly surprised when Niners did not restructure Laken Tomlinson over the off-season. He has slowly but steadily improved over this playing career with the Niners while not missing a single game.
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of PFF grades, but they don't appear to disagree.
David Lombardi
@LombardiHimself
·
Laken Tomlinson’s PFF grades by season with the 49ers…
2017: 66.4
2018: 67.5
2019: 68.8
2020: 78.8
2021: 80.3
Tomlinson’s number of missed games over five seasons: 0
There's no way in hell they cannot resign him. His pass pro has improved.
DeleteMood, you crack me up!
Delete"(I'm) Not a fan of PFF grades" ...
and then you go on to post PFF grades to back up the basis of your argument.
lol, you made my morning, bro.
BTW, PFF grades or not, I agree with you about Tomlinson. I was posting about him midway through last season. He's quietly evolved into one of the most consistent, well rounded, and dependable LG's in the league, IMO. I sure hope ShanaLynch aren't be looking to replace him next year, especially considering the current mess at RG.
BTW, I don't have a problem with PFF, and I know for a fact that all 32 NFL teams work with PFF, as do about 90 FBS teams, and counting.
DeleteI do agree that PFF may not be the be-all and end-all, when it comes to evaluating football players, but in this day and age, they have become an invaluable tool for NFL personnel and scouting departments, and that's not even up for debate.
@49Reasons
DeleteGlad that you are so easily humored. I quoted the Lombardi's post with PFF grades for the benefit of those who swear by these PFF ratings. I don't. I find their play-by-play breakdown numbers useful, though.
I hear you Mood, and you're not the only person I've heard who find PFF's grades "questionable", at the very least. I just mostly got a kick out of your - "Not a fan of PFF, but here are Tomlinson's PFF grades, which reinforce my argument" - Sorry Mood, sometimes things just tickle my fancy for whatever reason.
DeleteMitchell is 1st in the league at 19% of his runs over 10 yards or more! Anyone still want to call him average?
ReplyDeleteMitchell is a beast. I am sure glad the 49ers waited until the latter rounds for a RB, rather than spending one of their early picks on a RB, considering their other needs.
DeleteWait ... they traded up in the THIRD round to draft who? Some kid named TREY SERMON?
What in tarnations were ShanaLynch thinking? (and what is a tarnation?, lol)
https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/152448-elijah-mitchell-appreciates-williams-winning-mindset-heading-49ers-rams/
Delete"Trent Williams believes the 49ers have something special in Mitchell, who leads the team with 469 rushing yards.
"Elijah didn't de-cleat me, but he definitely put one in my back and made me turn around like, 'Who the hell is that?' I was like, 'Damn, that's what they feel when they gotta tackle him? I can see why he breaks so many tackles.'
"He's compact. He has great vision. His pad level is always where it needs to be. Obviously, you see his balance. He's always showing it off by how many tackles he breaks. Great shiftiness and he can run. He has it all, really. Literally has the full toolbox. The more touches we give him, I think the more effective he'll be." "
Mood
ReplyDeleteTomlinson salary more than doubled in 2021....
https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/laken-tomlinson-16752/
GEEP, I think Mood is suggesting that the 49ers should have extended Tomlinson's contract during the offseason. The fact that his salary more than doubled in his last year of his contract, is exactly why they should have extended him before the season, if they had any plans to bring him back after this season.
DeleteThe 49ers generally backload their contracts, which is a good strategy, but it's only a good strategy if those players who you'd like to keep around, aren't playing out their full contracts. It becomes especially important to extend players due to salary cap carry-over. A reduced salary in 2021 would be beneficial going into 2022. Therefor, if Tomlinson stays healthy, not only is it going to end up costing them a lot more money to resign him (when you factor in his current 2021 salary), but perhaps even more importantly, that's less money to spend against the cap in 2022, if indeed they are planning on bringing him back beyond this season.
49Reason
DeleteIf indeed that is the case, then I agree with Mood! It's even more egregious if they keep Compton and not resign Tomlinson.
OH gosh, could you imagine if they replace Tomlinson with Compton? You're potentially giving me nightmares, GEEP!
DeleteTom Compton isn't qualified to carry Laken Tomlinson's jock strap! Tom Compton should have been out of the league 2 years ago! The fact that Compton was the first guy off the bench to replace McGlinchey, is Head Coaching malpractice!
PFF: "It was an abysmal day for San Francisco's pass-blocking unit. Mike McGlinchey suffered a knee injury that sidelined him, and replacement TOM COMPTON gave up FIVE pressures — TWO sacks, TWO hurries, and ONE QB hit ... on just 33 pass-blocking snaps."
Holy smokes, if this isn't a perfect example of Kyle Shanahan's universal, unadulterated failures as a Head Coach, I don't what is!
Lmao! That will never happen!
DeleteYeah, extending him last season would have freed up more cap space while locking in an improving player at a lower cost. But ShanaLynch+Paraag likely know better.
DeleteTo me, Paraag Marathe is just a bean counter. It's up to the GM and HC to make the decisions on when to extend players, but in the case of the 49ers, it's mostly Kyle, because it's his offense, and he's ultimately the decider. Make no mistake, Kyle ultimately makes these decisions, and then it's up to John to explain it to the fans, and answer questions, and it's up to Paraag to figure out the contract.
DeleteI wish JL had more power when it comes to the roster, but that's just the way it is.
DeleteHave to imagine they at least dsicussed extending him last offseason. Makes me wonder if the lack of extension was a Tomlinson led thing - i.e. wants to go get high tier pay which he won't get from the 49ers.
DeleteThat's a good guess, Scooter, you are probably right. Boy, this coming offseason is sure looking a lot like a rebuild, isn't it?
DeleteThe irony of ShanaLynch's strategy of trying to run the 2019 Super Bowl roster back over the last 2 years, in an attempt to keep their SB window open, they've managed to find themselves in a position where they are forced into a significant rebuild.
DeleteSure, they have a nucleus of some fine young, talented football players, but most teams have that.
Everything really is hinging on Trey Lance's development!
Rams out of the Woods:
ReplyDeleteJourdan Rodrigue
@JourdanRodrigue
· 29m
Rams receiver Robert Woods tore his ACL in practice yesterday, two sources confirm ESPN report. Awful news for the veteran leader and team captain.
Really bad news for Woods and the Rams. An underrated reliable stalwart on offense.
DeleteYep, team captain and I expect their running game to suffer a bit in that he's also a good blocker. OBJr.? Not so much.
DeleteNo excuses for the 49ers, especially after the Rams lost Woods yesterday.
DeleteKyle Shanahan's nationally televised MOMENT OF TRUTH - aka Judgement Day - is less than 54 hors away!
54 "hours" away
DeleteSucks for the Rams. Big loss. But that's part of the reason why you go get OBJ in the middle of the season - in case of injury.
DeleteYah, the timing is impeccable! The OBJ signing just might end up being a season saver, but I can't imagine he'll be heavily involved on MNF, right?
DeleteThe 49ers need to take advantage of the situation. It sure feels like any hope the 49ers still have is on the line Monday night.
Monday is Kyle, and Jimmy's day of reckoning!
Under, what do you think of the cb from Oregon, Mykael Wright?
ReplyDeleteHe probably the best CB coming out of Oregon in recent memory. Even better then Deommodore Lenoir his former teammate. He is fiery, has an on field attitude. He doesn't have much on his bones so injury would be a concern. Tracking the ball is not his best suit but that is a trainable trait.
DeletePersonally, I think his slight build is a concern but if he was there in the third grab em. He probably will go somewhere in the late second round. He is a good ballplayer.
"The Oregon secondary produced four NFL Draft picks in the 2021 cycle. Deommodore Lenoir, Thomas Graham Jr., and Brady Breeze all went on Day 3. Meanwhile, star safety Jevon Holland was selected by the Miami Dolphins in Round 2. All this talent, yet, Wright could be better than all of them."
DeleteThanks Under. I agree with you about his physique being a concern, and might very well be a reason he possibly could slide some.
DeleteGood news: this looks to be a deep cb class.
ReplyDeleteShould be all the reason the 49ers need to leave it day 3 then.
DeleteIf they do go the F/A route that's probably what they'll do.
DeleteLooking forward to Ward's return -- desperately need a competent back end safety for this scheme. Wilson and Huff are not it.
ReplyDeleteWard's getting long on the tooth. Think Niners need to draft a starter-level free safety more than they need to a draft CB.
Missed his tackling that's for sure.
DeleteDoubt the Buccaneers are able to resign Carlton Davis. He's someone I'd look at in F/A.
ReplyDeleteThe team definitely should be active in CB market. Let's see if they are though.
DeleteYah, free agency looks like the 49ers best bet to fix the CB situation for a number of reasons. The only problem with that is that outside CB is an expensive position to fill through free agency. Good outside CB's are at a premium in free agency. Still, that's the position the 49ers have put themselves in because we all know the blue chip CB's usually go in round one, and the best of those go in the top half of round one. That's not to say you can't find a good one on day 2 of the draft, it just gets a lot harder.
DeleteIt seems like Lenoir's best fit is in the slot, as K'Waun Williams replacement. I don't know what to think of Ambrey Thomas. I don't even know if he has a chance to be any good, but if even if he does, he's probably going to need a full seasons worth of playtime in order to develop into a reliable starter. Emanuel Mosely is a serviceable #2 CB, I guess, but he's inconsistent. Yah, ShanaLynch have their work cut out of them when it comes to boundary CB's.