Friday, November 4, 2022

Godfather IV


 Donte Whitner on

and ’s show was asked about Fangio/49ers in 2023: “I think he is, I think he should, I think he could. I know he lives in the Bay Area. I think he’s just waiting on his opportunity.” VF told DW he was going to coach “somewhere.”

87 comments:

  1. Well, for that to happen Ryans needs to be hired as a HC. And for Ryans to be hired as a HC the defense will need to play a bit more like it did the first five games, not the last three.

    But I think they will and Ryans will be a HC in 2023.

    As for Fangio, as I have said previously I think he is the safe choice. And depending on who is available, quite possibly the best choice.

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  2. I am not a huge Fangio fan. Like Scooter said he may be the best available. I am not convinced that Ryan is going anywhere.

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  3. Scooter
    "IF" it's Fangio, will the 9ers switch to a 3-4?
    Will Bosa switch from DE to OLB?

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    Replies
    1. That's one of the questions I raised when Fangio was discussed as a DC next season previously. Is Fangio best suited to maximise the talents of the roster? How will he mesh with Kocurek?

      Any scheme that results in Bosa not being a full time down lineman is not maximising his talent. Any scheme that pigeon-holes Hufanga to a traditional safety role rather than a moveable chess piece won't maximise his talent. Any coverage scheme that requires Charvarius Ward to primarily play zone won't maximise his talent. If Fangio comes on board I would hope he is willing to modify his typical scheme a bit to cater to the roster.

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    2. They need a Dick LeBeau DC, a guy who can use those unique talents to their fullest and not force them into a position.

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    3. 3-4 or 4-3 it really doesn't matter. Teams are seldom in their base Defense. Its a subpackage league for the most part now so teams are in nickel more often than in base personnel.

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  4. Fangio runs a 4-3 Under scheme, but I have no doubt he's capable of modifying his schematics.

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    1. Razor
      While I won't disagree with you, I'd describe it this way:
      "Vic Fangio runs a traditional 3-4 scheme which is due to the fact that he uses 3-4 personnel, but he deploys them in a 4-3 under scheme."
      Thus my question to Scooter.

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    2. I think Fangio has already created a defensive scheme to maximize the talent on this team. What the hell do we think he's been doing all this time since his last visit to see the guys up and personal?

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    3. Razor: "What the hell do we think he's (Fangio), been doing all this time?"
      * Fangio has been consulting with the Philadelphia Eagles!
      Perhaps he's the reason they're undefeated this season?

      If you've watched the Eagles D, you’ll see them line up in a 3 - 4 front and you’ll also see them working in a traditional 4 - 3......Thus my question to Scooter.

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    4. Yep, Fangio has been out there helping school up a few guys that run his philosophies, primarily Gannon at the Eagles. He's a 3-4 under guy at heart and the guys he's been helping are using that same scheme. It's his baby.

      If he takes over as a DC somewhere next year, have to expect he will bring that scheme with him.

      And my concerns are the same as GEEP and Under. I'm not convinced the 49ers personnel on D are well suited to the scheme, nor Kocurek. The DL in particular are a concern as the 49ers are built with a bunch of lighter, gap penetrating players. But the secondary also is a concern as they have now invested in CBs that are good in press man coverage, and safeties that can move around.

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    5. Had no idea the Eagles hired him as a consultant. The 49ers must have agreed with you guys.

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  5. Look at the feet:
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1588628066917814272

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  6. "Brendel hasn't allowed a single sack or hit on 293 pass-blocking snaps thus far this season, and he's relinquished only five total pressures, which are incredibly impressive given the interior defensive line talent in the NFC West."

    Wonder how good his run blocking is? No reason to draft a center if the run blocking is up to snuff.

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    1. I think Zakelj will compete for that center job next year, Under.

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    3. I keep forgetting about Zakelj, he will have to do very well to unseat Brendel. I wasn't a fan of Brendel but he is growing on me.

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    4. I put my trust in Foerster in regards to Brendel. Anytime you have a coach willing to put his reputation on the line for a player, you have to believe. Shanny trusted him, along with seeing Brendel since he's been here and it's paid off. Zakelj is an interesting prospect because he has some of that nasty disposition we've lacked at the position since Jeremy Newberry.

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  7. What do you guys think the 49ers should do against the Chargers, Armstead is 80% play him or hold him out until the MNF divisional matchup against the Cardinals?

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    1. If he isn't 100 percent - I don't think you need him to beat the Chargers. I don't think you need him to beat the Cards. Get him some reps in the Saints game and hopefully he is ready for the Dolphins and their RB's.

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  8. I agree with undercenter, let him get healthy.

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  9. The Niners have not achieved any kind of an identity. Their four and four record with losses against the Bears, Broncos and Falcons are not what I expected at the beginning of the season. At the start of the season the team was oozing with talent and at the midway point they still have lots and lots of talent. They should never lose a game, but they do by beating themselves.

    At this point the team is fickle at best in dire need of an identity. Hopefully with the addition of McCaffrey the team will find its identity whether it's an offensive juggernaut or a defensive stalwart or even they became known for both. Right now, fickle is the best I can come up with. There is no question that this team has the talent to get to the Super Bowl, whether they do depends on penalties, dropped passes, turnovers, acute knowledge of the playbook, and coaching.

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  10. George:

    Donte Whitner interview starts at 5:45:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weIGB1y6sxc

    He thinks the Niners would be able to go 3-4 with its current personel except for possibly nose tackle.

    Is there anyone who'd venture a guess about why he's not coaching in the NFL? Maybe too abrasive?

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    Replies
    1. He took the year off but he's the Eagles consultant atm.

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    2. The reason he isn't coaching this year is that he is being paid out by the Broncos this year after they fired him. Any job he took this year he would thereby be doing basically pro bono (as the salary would not be additive to his payout, it would just partially offset how much the Broncos need to pay him).

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  11. NFL UPSET OF THE WEEK:

    Bills 17 Jets 20
    Saleh earned his money today....

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    Replies
    1. Nice win for Saleh And The Jets. Saleh, Saleh, Saleh and the Jets.

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  12. I think the funniest thing I've seen this week so far is Justin Fields stans claiming victory that he would have been the 49ers best choice based on how he played this week. I've never seen people so impressed by a QB averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. In his 18th career start.

    He sure did run well though, I'll give him that.

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    Replies
    1. He wasn't good until they changed the offense after week 4.

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    2. He's definitely improving. But I mean... he still hasn't thrown for more than 208 yards in a game this season. Today he was good, it mostly was because of his ability to run the ball.

      I'm not meaning to knock him or suggest he won't be a good player. But I did find it hilarious that there are some 49ers fans that wanted Fields over Lance and are using this game as the evidence why (and ironically largely the same people that criticised Shanahan using Lance in the run game so much).

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    3. He's a project in the pocket, timing routes, etc.

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  13. KS Niner coaching tree doing good so far this year. Really impressed with McDaniel as 1st year HC. And Saleh seems to have already have the Jets out of the bottom of their division.

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  14. Got to feel bad for the Tennesee Def. That offense was painful to watch.

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  15. George:
    My question about why he’s not coaching somewhere was about Whitner. Would anyone look like to venture a guess?

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    Replies
    1. Probably a personal decision. Money and hours probably more attractive in media.

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  16. "Biggest weakness: Special teams. San Francisco’s 49.0 special teams grade ranks dead last in the NFL, with their average starting field position of the 21.5-yard line placing 31st."

    So much for the improvement.

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  17. "Garoppolo began the weekend ranked fifth in the NFL in yards per attempt (8.1), seventh in passer rating (100.7) and ninth in completion percentage (66.7). The other quarterbacks who ranked among the top 10 in all three categories: Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts, Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa and Seattle’s Geno Smith."

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  18. "Offensive line coach Chris Foerster has said young offensive linemen tend to struggle with pass-blocking early in their careers. Banks hasn’t been flawless in that area, but he remains the 49ers’ only starter who has yet to allow a sack this season."

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  19. Mike Garafolo
    @MikeGarafolo
    #49ers are signing WR Tajae Sharpe to their practice squad, source says. The sixth-year veteran, who had 25 catches for the #Falcons last season, worked out for the Niners last week.
    10:55 AM · Nov 7, 2022

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  20. OPEN QUESTION TO THE BLOG:
    * Colts fire HC Frank Reich….
    * IMO, names of 3 other 2022 NFL coaches who could be fired….
    (1) Matt Rhule, Carolina Panthers, (2) Ron Rivera, Washington Commanders, (3)Kliff Kingsbury, Arizona Cardinals!
    * Do you agree?
    * Names(s) of HC you would add to the list.

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  21. The club opened the practice windows for running back Elijah Mitchell, offensive lineman Colton McKivitz and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair off injured reserve. FB Kyle Juszczyk, WR Deebo Samuel,CB Jason Verrett, WR Jauan Jennings were back at practice.

    Absent Armstead and Greenlaw

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    Replies
    1. Looks like Armstead/Greenlaw wait until the Cardinals game.

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    2. If they aren't ready to play, then yes, a good idea.

      But at the same time I wouldn't just hold them out due to an over-abundance of caution. Which I'm sure they are not.

      This isn't a "must win" game, but it is important to win to build momentum from the Rams game, keep the pressure on the Seahawks for the division, and stay ahead of the rest of the conference in the race for a playoff spot.

      I'm not a big fan of saying things like the team "doesn't need" a player to win a game, especially against a team that has a better record than the 49ers. If everything goes right, then sure, probably don't need Armstead or Greenlaw. But if they were healthy they sure would help.

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  22. The Chargers lost their NT Austin Johnson for the year. The 49ers should have a day rushing the football.

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  23. Isn't Armstead recuperating from ankle injury and plantar fasciitis?

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    Replies
    1. Yep, I'm actually getting the sense he won't be back for another 2-4 weeks. Might target the Seahawks game for him and Kinlaw to return.

      Budda Baker won't be playing in Mexico, which means it got a lot easier for George Kittle.

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    2. That plantar fasciitis is quite painful, in some cases, it can take months to heal. Is why I am concerned with him coming back to soon.

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    3. Kinlaw - I am beginning to wonder if his career is in jeopardy.

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    4. Under, re: Kinlaw, same. Hate to say it, but three straight years with knee injuries cutting his season short, following being flagged for susceptibility to knee arthritis during the draft medicals, makes me think he has a big uphill battle to ever be someone you can rely on to play the majority of games in a season.

      And unfortunately he hasn't done enough on the field when he has been healthy to be the sort of guy that will keep getting chances from teams to prove he can stay healthy, like Verrett.

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    5. Ah he suffered a hairline ankle fracture. That explains a lot.

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    6. If they can get Kinlaw to contribute even 25% of his normal snaps, that'd be a win for me this year.

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  24. The playoffs are in Niners hand, win out and their in. Lot to ask for.

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  26. Scooter / Razor
    The 9er player who's my biggest Disappointment this year is DT Kinlaw. IMO, his history of injuries make the DT position the 9ers
    number one priority in the 2023 draft.
    Since the 9ers do not have a draft pick until the 3rd Rd. Mazi Smith, Michigan is my first choice. He is list as a NT in rounds 3 - 4, but his
    scouting report lists him as an athletic freak.
    Scouting report: https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Mazi-Smith-DL-Michigan

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    Replies
    1. I'm all for reinforcing DT position, but they have a guy that's ready to compete for one of the starting positions. Kalia Davis who reminded me a lot of DJ Jones.
      I haven't scouted any players yet, but here's two more I find interesting:
      Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina-Round 3
      Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor-Round 2 (would need to move up)

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    2. I expect they will look to add a DT next year. Haven't looked at the draft prospects, but will be interesting to see if they look for a bigger, stouter player to give them what they hoped Kinlaw could, or more of a penetrating DT that still defends the run well like DJ Jones.

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  27. Razor
    I like Baylor's Siaki lka as a T3, but his 40 time is a concern.
    Scouting Report for Zacch Pickens: https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/zacchpickens

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    1. I just looked him up and Bruglar has him going in the 1st round as the 3rd best DT in the draft, and Easterling has him going to the Saints at 44.

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  28. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote of Pickens in his own 2023 mock draft, which saw the South Carolina prospect land inside the first round:

    “An athletic big man, Pickens isn’t yet a finished product, but you don’t need to squint to see why NFL scouts are intrigued by his talent. South Carolina has a solid track record of producing defensive linemen, and Pickens is next up in the hopper.”

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  29. Doesn't sound like we'd have a shot at either one of those two. We'll scout 'em up hopefully after the 49ers win the SB.

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  30. Per Austin, Drake Jackson’s Pass Rush Win Rate in these situations is 10.5%.

    Ahead of Travon Walker, Arnold Ebiketie and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

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  31. "The great Bill Walsh said he couldn't fully use his offense until he had Craig. I see McCaffrey as Kyle Shanahan's version of Roger Craig. And if he is, it will open up this offense in ways we haven't seen before."

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    1. I just hope Shanny doesn't overuse CMC or Samuel until the playoffs. Plenty of mouths to feed and I want him to feed them all.

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    2. I was wondering who was going on a diet. It's the biggest reason I don't want Odell Beckham Jr. to have a place at the table. Not sure if there is enough food to go around as it is.

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    3. I doubt the 49ers will be big players in the OBJ market for that reason, under.

      But at the same time, it isn't a case of not wanting him for me. If he is healthy (big if) he would make the team better and provide greater redundancy in case of injury. But I suspect other teams will want him more.

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  32. "According to the official Twitter account for the NFL on CBS, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo owns the longest active streak of consecutive games with a passer rating over 80.0. His 17 games lead the pack, with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith coming in second with 12 and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow coming in third with eight."

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    1. It'll be interesting to see who he plays for next year.

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    2. It's hard to say, one might think the Jets...Steelers...Commanders...Panthers...Texans...Giants...Saints...Bucs...maybe, on an outside chance even the Packers or Broncos. Rodgers might want out.

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  33. Looks like Armstead should be back by December 4th, at home against Miami. That would put him at 8 weeks recovery from the fracture.

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    1. I was hoping he would be back for the Dolphin game. IMO on paper the Dolphins are the toughest game left on the schedule.

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  34. Good grief. Verrett. Unluckiest player in the NFL. Feel so bad for him.

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    1. My goodness, almost unbelievable.

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    2. Dang! Devastating news to hear as a fan! :(

      Imagine how difficult it must be for the player and his family. Verrett must feel crushed...I'm afraid dude will retire after this one. Feel devastated man!

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  35. This bye week seems as long as the entire offseason.

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  36. Have to admit, hearing how Verrett's injury impacted the team has me worried for this week. I mean, I fully understand why it would deflate the team, but also the last thing they need. Hopefully they are able to re-energise and refocus in time for the game, and do it for Verrett.

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    Replies
    1. Things like that are character builders, on or off the field. Any competitor in any team sport would not want their injury to cause a letdown. And as cold as it seems the same old true story reads the same, "Next man up".

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  37. Scooter / Razor
    With Verrett tearing his achilles tendon, the 9ers will likely need
    another CB. Any opinion who they should try to trade for?
    * Your opinion of Browns CB Greedy Williams? He's young (23 Y/O) and should benefit from a fresh start. He fits the profile for what the 9ers like at cornerback with good size (6’2) and is comfortable playing off coverage. Could Williams be another low-risk, medium-reward cornerback who could potentially develop into a promising starter?
    Note: Per Spotrac, his total 2022 compensation with workout and signing bonuses is $2,055,033 and he will be a 2023 F/A

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    1. Hasn't the trade deadline passed?

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    2. Trade deadline is indeed long gone, and Verrett was always house money. Great if able to return but never really part of the calculus.

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    3. Yep. It's now up to the young CBs to step up. And the Boomerang is always waiting in the wings.

      On the plus side, at least for this week they won't be facing any top WRs. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams ruled out.

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    4. If they were to bring a CB at this stage, I suspect it would be Dennard to provide depth at slot, and move Lenoir outside full time.

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