By Scooter_McG
The 49ers final preseason game is in the books, with the 49ers going down to the Texans 17-0. The offense struggled mightily throughout this one, as evidenced by being shut out (albeit 7 points were taken off the board by Snead dropping an easy TD in the dying minutes).
With this being the final televised tune-up for Lance before the regular season the focus of attention (at least for 49er fans) was on him. Unfortunately it was far from a polished performance. It is easy to blame all the woes on the OL as they were routinely allowing pressure, but the contribution of Lance's decision making shouldn't be overlooked in this one. Despite the poor OL play, Lance had opportunities for big plays but missed them primarily through poor reads.
At the same time this shouldn't be blown out of proportion either. He is a young, inexperienced QB that needs game time to learn. This is just part of the learning process for him.
Regarding the OL, it was an area of concern heading into the offseason and one the 49ers chose to address through a combination of guys already on the roster and through day 3 draft picks. By not bringing in high profile acquisitions (either in free agency or the draft) it places the 49ers front office under more scrutiny if the OL struggles. And what we have witnessed in preseason has done nothing to alleviate that scrutiny.
If there was a bright side to the OL struggles it would be that many of the issues continue to be at OT, which throughout preseason has been manned by players the team expect to be backups, not starters. Brendel has also performed pretty well at center.
However, the presumptive starters at OG, Banks and Burford, have been up and down, to the point that Banks has been rotating reps with the 1s with Jason Poe in recent practices. But anyone hoping to see Poe make a strong push for the starting job in this preseason game will have been sorely disappointed. Despite playing against 3rd and 4th stringers, he had a number of bad reps that resulted in running plays being blown up in the backfield and QBs being forced off their spot. Brunskill also remains a potential option at one of the OG spots when he returns from injury.
Needless to say, OL will no doubt be an area of concern for the 49ers heading into the regular season.
Other areas of note from this game included:
- Like in preseason game 2, the 49ers rotated the backup QBs. Unlike preseason game 2, where I would say Nate Sudfeld slightly edged Brock Purdy, this time it was Purdy who was clearly the better of the two on the night. Yes, he had a bad INT where he did his best impression of JG and didn't see the underneath defender, but he also played decisively and aggressively, hitting a number of tight window throws over the middle down the field. Apparently the 49ers have been rotating the two in practices for a while now, and there appears to be a very real chance that Purdy could beat out Sudfeld for the backup QB job.
- The running game continues to be pretty underwhelming. A lot of that can be tied to the woes of the OL, but given the importance of the running game in Shanahan's offense, the general lack of production from the "starting" units through preseason is becoming an area of concern heading into the season.
- Sam Womack could possibly be the best rookie CB I've seen on the 49ers roster. He once again excelled in this game, providing sticky coverage, good eye discipline and fighting through the receivers hands at the catch point every time the ball came his way. This led to one INT, as well as a bogus PI penalty where he clearly got his head turned around. The interesting aspect about this game was that he played on the outside rather than in the slot, showcasing the kind of diversity in skillset that will make Womack a valuable contributor throughout the season.
- Charles Omenihu and Samson Ebukam were the pick of the DL. Omenihu made a number of plays in the backfield, and while Ebukam played sparingly, when on the field he put his OL on skates almost every time and was disruptive.
- George Odum at FS worries me. With Jimmie Ward going on short term IR, the prospect of Odum starting next to Hufanga has me concerned. For mine Tarvarius Moore needs to be the player that comes in at FS, unless Gipson can pick up the defense quickly (he looked pretty slow out there in this one though).
I think scheme will do a lot of good for the O-line. Their confidence is probably a little shook up, good thing it's the Bears and the Hawks for the first two games. Yup Poe had some issues he sure did. I am for taking a wait and see attitude for first few games. One thing that did bother me was the penalties - beating themselves with penalties which translates to discipline.
ReplyDeleteI'd like a decision quickly so we can get all 5 working together exclusively for the next 2 weeks. They need to be so familiar with the man next to them that it becomes a choreography.
DeleteWomack is the best catch point contestor I've seen on this roster. His ability to locate the ball is elite.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on Odum. If you can't tackle I can't have you on the field.
I think Skule makes the roster as the swing LT, and they release Jaylon Moore, who will make it to the practice squad. Poe makes the team over Zakelj, who gave up zero pressures, and will get picked up by another team.
Turner and Johnson are two vets they'll probably have an under the table deal to bring them back since they'll be F/A's.
Robinson is a canidate to be put on IR so they can have him next year when they'll end up losing Greenlaw and Al-Shaair.
Womack seems to be the real deal.
DeleteReally impressed by Womack.
DeleteNot sure what's going on with Jaylon Moore. He looked like he had something last year. Maybe the injury is still bothering him a bit. I also think the team did him a disservice not letting him compete for one of the OG spots.
Drew Lock is really, really bad. Lombardi's report that they want Jimmy G could be legit.
ReplyDeletePFF IOL Pre-season grades:
ReplyDeleteBanks: 28.9
Brendel: 82.9
Burford: 32.3
I get that Banks and Burford had their struggles, but those grades also feel pretty harsh. The biggest issues were all from the backups.
DeleteHey Scooter, another fantastic review.
DeleteAs for these PFF grades, I sure don't have a gripe with them. Obviously there's always going to be a certain level of subjectivity when grading the performance of any athlete, but what I saw on Friday was so bad, it was almost beyond words. PFF's grading system has been heavily influenced by the NFL and the NFL scouting community, and in fact, PFF has become the Gold-Standard when it comes to evaluating NFL players, which is why all 32 NFL teams are directly contracted with PFF for their services. But frankly, the 49ers offensive line has been so bad this preseason, they are probably breaking PFF's grading system, lol.
All joking aside, I'm extremely concerned about what I've seen from this OL, and probably more concerned than any human being probably should be considering that it's just a game. My wife consistently reminds of the fact that it's a game, played by grown men who are making tons of money, for the entertainment of mostly other grown men, and nothing more.
But what I saw during the 31 minutes and 50 seconds that the 49ers held the ball on offense VS the Texans on Friday night, was honestly the worst 31:50 of 49ers OL play that I can ever remember watching in 40 plus years. I'm sure I've probably seen worse, and back in the day I didn't analyze football games frame-by-frame like I do these days, but preseason or not, there is no question in my mind that this OL, as it is currently constructed, is a MAJOR problem right now, and I mean DEFCON 1 level!
And I also have to say that I feel really bad for Trey Lance, who has the weight of the world on his shoulders right now, and is being treated very unfairly IMO, by a lot of 49ers fans who apparently don't understand just how detrimental poor OL play can be for ANY QB who has ever played the position, even the most experienced.
It is coming close to push and shove time regarding JG. There are no trade options available at this moment. So, the choice is to release him on the 30th or do they wait till the 10th risking cutting someone they may want. Apparently, JG doesn't know the current playbook and is practicing by himself. There is 24 + million at stake here which becomes fully guaranteed on the 11th. Lots of uses for that money like extending Bosa. It's crazy to think that the Niners keep him in hopes of trading him by the trade deadline. That could happen with injury to another starting QB and the Niners get compensation. Of course, they could keep him if they feel Lance was not going to be the QB they thought he was and keep JG for assurance.
ReplyDeleteWhy isn't JG being release today or tomorrow? Is it for fear of JG going up to the Hawks? Otherwise, there isn't any other reason to hang on to him this long. Obviously, there are not any suiters or else that would have happened by now. So, if he isn't released on the 30th it would not surprise me at all that JG makes the 53 or JG is on his way to the Hawks.
If he is released besides the Hawks I can see the Dolphins, Jets, Bucs, Wash, Bears having their eyes on the situation.
I just don't see how they can justify keeping JG if it means they have to release another player they otherwise would want to keep, just in the hope of trading him before week 1. If a trade doesn't materialise before Tuesday's cut downs, he has to be one of the cuts.
DeleteOne way around it is cutting vets with the agreement not to sign with another team. Another is short term IR. Keeping Jimmy wouldn't seem to be that big of a deal in that regard.
DeleteI think they're allowed 8 short term IR designations, and a player can return twice, with each time counting towards the 8.
DeleteSpeaking of QB's, I don't know if you guys caught Rohan Chakravarthi's article today on the 49ERS WEBZONE? Did you catch it by any chance, Scooter_McG? Here's the link:
Deletehttps://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/160448-how-49ers-can-roster-all-qbs-53-man-certainty/
Rohan discusses how the 49ers can keep all 3 QB's without exposing Brock Purdy to waivers, as I discussed last week. Admittedly, I was only partly correct about the $2M in guarantees acting as a kind of Waiver Wire shield, essentially protecting him if he were to end up being waived, because apparently Nate Sudfeld is actually a "vested" veteran. Same general principle, only Sudfeld would immediately become a FA upon release, and so he would then presumably immediately return to the 49ers PS with $2M guaranteed, rather than passing through waivers, which is really the main point, right? Nobody is going to match or exceed $2M in guaranteed money for Nate Sudfeld, I can say that with confidence. And remember, the 49ers under Kyle and John have traditionally only carried 2 QB's on the initial 53 man roster.
But it is only a short term solution, because the 49ers are limited on the amount of times they can activate him on game days, but that's fine and dandy as far as I am concerned because as I wrote last week, it would be a way to protect Brock Purdy during the initial 53 man cut down, while only initially occupying 2 spots on the 53 man roster, allowing the 49ers to use an extra roster spot to protect another player. And eventually someone's going to get hurt, right, at which time it would open up an extra roster spot on the 53.
Done deal if the 49ers are smart about this.
And yes Razoreater, it would be a big deal to keep Jimmy IR or no IR because I am pretty sure his salary would become fully guaranteed if you put him on short term IR!
DeleteI would say that there is a 99% chance he's released on the 30th, and 100% chance he's released before opening day!
But we all saw this coming, didn't we?
You are still missing the point that as soon as he is cut, that $2M is due and payable by the 49ers. Any team that signs him after he is cut does not owe him $2M - they aren't picking up his contract as it will already have been torn up. There may be offset language which means the 49ers don't need to pay a portion of the $2M based on what Sudfeld signs for elsewhere, but that would likely be the vet minimum.
DeleteThe team has to hope that Sudfeld has good will towards the 49ers and rejects other team's offers.
I get that, but why would he take less to leave, when he's making $2M guaranteed if he stays? The 49ers will pay him the $2M to go to the PS, and then they can match or exceed whatever another team offers him to lure him away from the PS, which nobody likely will. The 49ers have obviously already decided to commit $2M to Sudfeld, which is why they gave him so much. They aren't going to let him go, unless another team wants to pay him more, which cancels out the $2M. His contract doesn't allow him to double dip.
DeleteThe point is, the 49ers want Sudfeld on the roster this season, but they probably don't want to use an initial roster spot on him if they find another QB who is a better long term prospect. Sudfeld is here for 2022, as support for Trey Lance, and that's probably it. He was never considered a long term backup. It would be a moot point if Purdy wasn't worth protecting, but he clearly is.
DeleteWe'll see what happens, we're only a couple days away.
DeleteIf they leave Brock Purdy unprotected, I'm willing to bet that he get's claimed. But Sudfeld to the PS at $2M guaranteed? Sounds like a safe proposition to me. We'll see.
Sorry Scooter_McG, I'm willing to concede that you were at least 50% correct in our Sudfeld contract debate. Obviously my original theory crapped out since he's a vested player, but I still think he would end up on the PS if he gets released, and I think that $2M still comes into play, but let's just see how it plays out because I may be way off and conceding to you that I was wrong 100%, which will probably require me to drink some booze before I post my concession.
DeleteAnyways, we're less than 44 hours till the roster cut deadline, and I'm going to post my roster projections, and explain why I believe Brock Purdy needs to be protected, and why he's a better fit to back up Trey, and will earn the backup spot by week 5 or sooner.
I don't think the 49ers are planning on keeping Jimmy past cut down day. 2 weeks isn't enough time for Garoppolo. If the Seahawks go that route it would only benefit the 49ers because there's no way in hell Jimmy would have the protection schemes down. It would be nightmare against Ryans' defense.
ReplyDeleteHe doesn't have to play in that particular game. I think it would be a long-term marriage.
DeleteIn sickness and in health? 😎
DeleteConfirming the concerns at OL extend to the coaching staff - team bringing in veteran FA OG John Miller for a visit. Very late in the day to be bringing in a player with extensive starting experience.
ReplyDeleteSaw that, it seems as though the concern real. Also, the Niners been looking into a trade for an IL and no takers. Going to have to wait till the 30th before anything is going to happen.
DeletePart of the cleanup crew.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGeorge:
ReplyDeleteDavid Lombardi
@LombardiHimself
·
1h
CB Ka'Dar Hollman is the 49ers' first reported cut to get to 53. Hollman was college teammates with Samuel Womack III at Toledo
Quote Tweet
Aaron Wilson
@AaronWilson_NFL
· 1h
49ers cut defensive back Ka'Dar Hollman, who was in training camp with the Texans, per league source. Former Green Bay Packers sixth-round draft pick
Wouldn't be surprised if he is a guy that they look to bring back on the PS.
DeleteHow keen is everyone one on Dalton Keene? According to Field Yates, the 49ers worked him out.
ReplyDeleteRazor
DeleteNFL Rumors: 49ers Bring In Former Patriots Tight End For Workout. The 49ers reportedly had interest in Dalton Keene in the 2020 NFL Draft.
https://sports.yahoo.com/m/120548ca-da91-35ae-bd48-dc4ceed08a2e/nfl-rumors%3A-49ers-bring-in.html
George:
DeleteA better Josh Hokit? Maybe considering him for the PS?
Lance Zierlein:
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/dalton-keene/32004b45-4565-8464-1166-98afe41da3cd
The 49ers work out 6 players, including 2 OL…(OL John Miller and OL Tyrese Robinson).
ReplyDeletehttps://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-6-players-including-2-233649783.html
A couple of Questions:
A) Are either Miller or Robinson possible upgrades over KS's current options?
B) Why has it taken so long for JL and KS to figure out they’ve got problems with the O-Line and addressed it in the draft?
Not only the IOL, but if either TW or McGlinchey get hurt and miss time, they have no competent replacements!
Tartt's available.
DeleteGeorge:
ReplyDeleteDavid Lombardi
@LombardiHimself
·
11h
I can say that the QB drills this year under Griese are way more hands-on than in the past. And Griese himself loves to run around and be a part of them, either as a pass rusher or receiver. Very active coaching
I just want to say one thing before I post my 53 man roster projection. This whole thing now where the 49ers are looking SCARED to face Jimmy as a Seahawk, is a really starting to be a very bad look.
ReplyDeleteJL and Kyle are doing their best to plant a subconscious seed in the minds of their team, that they are scared to death to face their former QB even though he hasn't played organized football since his ugly championship game performance on JAN 30th. That means it's been 7 months since Jimmy has been in an NFL huddle, and John and Kyle are afraid to face him with a lousy team like the Seahawks, with less than 18 days to acclimate to the their offense? Are you kidding me? The 49ers should be projecting the opposite. They should be doing everything they can to project their confidence VS the Seahawks REGARDLESS of who's playing QB, and frankly, considering where Jimmy is at in his return from injury, the inevitable rust, and the unfamiliarity with Seattle's offense, the 49ers should actually be LIVKING THEIR CHOPS, and hoping that the Seahawks would be dumb enough to start Jimmy Garoppolo against the 49ers vaunted defense on September 18th.
I'm so sick and tired of this cowardice look that is being projected by the 49ers! It's way past time John and Kyle stop giving off the impression that they have absolutely no confidence in Trey Lance, and no confidence in their decision to move on from Jimmy! They made their decision to give up the farm in order to draft Trey Lance back in April of 2021. That's a done deal now! And with the way the salary cap works, when you spend and absolute fortune in order to draft a QB, and there is no going back!
It's frustrating enough that they didn't make their OL a priority for protecting Trey Lance in his inaugural season, but this wishy-washy support of Trey Lance who is now THE FRANCHISE, and this projected fear of facing Jimmy, with everything Trey brings to the table, it needs to stop! It needed to stop months ago, but now it absolutely has to stop, or there will be major huge ramifications and negative consequences!
Besides, Jimmy's been planning on taking his time to get healthy, and pick the right destination for his comeback. He's in no hurry to sign on with Seattle, for crying out loud, so why are the 49ers giving off the impression that they are worried about it, when Seattle is such an undesirable destination right now, and on top of that, Jimmy's probably rusty as all heck?
ReplyDeleteGeorge:
ReplyDeleteQuite a few olinemen have been waived today:
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2022/08/minor-nfl-transactions-8-29-22
All pretty much IOL. No viable RT and that's where my real concern lies.
DeleteMcGlinchey is back at practice
DeleteGood news, Under. Let's see if he can stay in the lineup.
DeleteOL Dohnovan West released.
ReplyDelete