Sunday, December 22, 2024

Gameday Week 15: 49ers vs Dolphins


 





















The postseason is a year away. Win or lose the only thing they're playing for today is pride. Another opportunity to advertise your worth for the rest of the NFL to see. Miami isn't sunk but their ship is taking on water and a loss today will certainly sink their last chance at a wild card spot. The Dolphins are averaging just over 33 points in their last 3 wins while only 14.5 in their last two losses. They struggle to win low scoring games and will need their offense to come out guns blazing. Tua does lead the NFL in completion percentage but he threw 3 Int's in last Sundays defeat to the Texans (RIP Tank Dell), while also suffering a hip injury. San Francisco has elevated Graham, Barrett, Vaughn and recently signed OG Austen Pleansants. If it were up to me I wouldn't play Greenlaw or Bosa who are both players that you don't need to see but I understand the mechanics behind why they'll probably both play. The 49ers are the more physical team and will probably win the game, but in the greater scheme of things the debate comes down to whether or not they should win the game. Afterall, it's all about draft position and strength of schedule looking ahead to next years hope of another Super Bowl appearance where San Francisco is the host stadium. Go Niners?  

49ers Inactives: QB Josh Dobbs (3rd QB) OT Trent Williams (ankle) RB Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) DE Robert Beal Jr. (ankle) CB Rock Ya-Sin TE Jake Tonges DT Khalil Davis

74 comments:

  1. "If it were up to me I wouldn't play Greenlaw or Bosa who are both players that you don't need to see but I understand the mechanics behind why they'll probably both play."
    * I would agree. IMO, it's better to let both Greenlaw and Bosa sit and get 100% healthy for next season, rather than play them and risk an injury that would set back their recovery for next season.
    * Use the games left in the 2024 season to evaluate 9er players who
    will be UFA's in 2024, and determine who to resign and who not to. .

    ReplyDelete
  2. My brain says sit the injured get the better picks and schedule. My heart says beat the crap out of the Dolphins and BP look like you did last year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd much rather see the team finish the season well, have some young guys continue their development, than play poorly to get a higher draft pick!

      Delete
  3. Unfamiliar player numbers today:
    20 RB Israel Abanikanda
    32 RB Patrick Taylor Jr.
    41 LB Jalen Graham
    49 RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn
    58 DE Alex Barrett
    62 OL Austen Pleasants

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very unlikely these players will be back next year.

      Delete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  5. Teams playing hard despite their circumstance. Let's see if they can clean up the mistakes and skin the Dolphins in the second half.

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  6. First half pretty much looked like a microcosm of the season. Pretty Mediocre, too many penalties and another injury (Greenlaw)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh and no pass rush

      Delete
    2. 49ers are now mathematically eliminated from playoffs. Honestly, that's something I never expected to hear back in September. At this point it's time to be strategic on resting players who will be back next season and let young guys play.
      Also, will Moody be back? Sheesh...

      Delete
    3. 3rd round pick Moody. 3d round pick Thomas. 1st round pick Pearsall. 1st round pick Lance, And on and on. 49ers problems are systemic.

      Delete
    4. OldCoach
      Greenlaw injury.... precisely the reason I wanted KS to not play him.

      Delete
  7. All I want for Christmas is both Deebo and Jake Moody to be locked in.... in the same game.

    Is that too much to ask!?? SMH

    ReplyDelete
  8. A twist on Murphy’s law should be called Niners law. Whom ever can get injured, will get injured.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Correct. Only team to have DB coach tear an Achilles during a game... Hence proved. :p

      Honestly I think its bad Karma for the way Wilks was handled.

      Delete
    2. Hard to win a game when you have no running game, commit 11 penslities and half of your O line is injured.

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    3. True, but don't let Brock or the coaches off the hook so easily.

      Brock has single handedly ended two consecutive games with ill-timed interceptions. The more I see him in the 4thQ, the more he resembles Geno Smith.

      Penalties are on the coaches. And accountability is on the head coach. No sugar coating this anymore. This is a poorly coached team with a lot of entitled players and coaches.

      Delete
    4. Purdy had no chance on that play. The O line didn’t give him a chance. He was hit as he tried to release. That was on Nick Z.
      As for the penalties, how in the world can you blame that on the coaches? These players have played for years. They know the rules. It’s on the players 100%.
      Your assessment is way off base. Ridiculous comment about coaches and players.

      Delete
    5. In Training camp, there were reports that the team did not practice ST reps. Schneider was instead talking to folks rather than setting up reps.

      This is on ST coaches and Head coach. You are either coaching it up or letting it happen.

      Delete
  9. They played hard and lost which was the best outcome to inch towards that top 10 pick. This draft has the least amount of 1st round grades in recent memory with 10, maybe 12 maximum.

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  10. Deebo had a great game. Kittle had a great game. The D was okay. The O line was terrible before the injuries. Purdy was decent at best. The best thing that happened today was Greenlaw getting banged up. He may not play again this season and teams might be scared off of signing him to a big contract. A motivated Greenlaw on a 1 year prove yourself contract might make him unstoppable.

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  11. And the 49ers season is officially (playoffs) over today with a sigh and a whimper. 🤙

    ReplyDelete
  12. There's obviously a few holes on this team and therefore a few areas they need to upgrade this offseason, but I still think DT is the biggest need.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think 1st round pick would be a DE or playmaking DB.

      But IMO, Oline and TE are the biggest needs. We have to take a page out of the Lions/Eagles play book and get stouter upfront on offense.

      T.Williams is dependable for 10-12 games per season.
      Brendal always watches our RBs/QB get tackled. Puni is good but needs to be developed. Burford is on contract and can play LG, and McKivitiz is not going anywhere.

      Feliciano won't be signed back...even if he is, not sure if his body can take 17 games.
      Banks, Moore and Bartch are all Free Agents.

      So I think we have to address OL somewhere in the 1-3 rounds and also invest in TE to complement Kittle. Those on the roster are not it. Tonges is not getting developed fast enough. IIRC he has not been activated all offseason, even though he takes up a 53 spot. Same with Brayden Willis.

      Delete
    2. Scooter
      A DT you'd draft Rd #1? How about Rd #2? An OT or EDGE, with Rd #3 being position you didn't draft in Rd #2?

      Delete
    3. GEEP, I don't think they should force a pick in round 1. If a great looking DT is available when they pick then awesome, but if there's better players at other positions then go another direction.

      But I do think that DT is their biggest weakness right now. Far more so than DE, though never a bad thing to add talent there either. OL is their second biggest weakness imo.

      Delete
  13. We'd be drafting 11th overall if the draft was this week.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I can't see the Niners beating the Lions or the Cards for that matter. 6-11 is a far cry from what I thought they would be.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Catostrophic year that began with Aiyuk's holdout, 1st round pick shot in the chest, 2 deaths of player's children and 1 staff's spouse, ending with a hornets nest of injuries.

      Delete
    2. Somehow they need to get through these next 2 games without further damage if that’s possible.

      Delete
  15. Great game by Deebo trying to makeup for his embarrassment last week and more importantly auditioning for a possible move to Miami. He knows what might be coming in the offseason.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'd be shocked if Deebo isn't playing for this team in 2025.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Given it would be $30M dead cap hit to release/ trade him before June 1, agree, hard to see them parting ways this offseason. But I don't think he's worth what they are paying him. Better hope he can find his form again next year.

      Delete
    2. We now know that Deebo can still do it. So now the question has to be why he didn’t until this game. Maybe we’ll find out more after the season.

      Delete
    3. Deebo hasn't had a consistent season since he showed up for training camp out of shape after inking a big deal. Don't expect anything different in the future. If we can move him to Miami for minimal cost and maybe even a late round pick (5th) then do it.

      Delete
    4. In 2024, the 49ers had right around 30 million in dead money. By my calculations if Deebo and Hargrave are post June 1st cuts, the dead money for 2025 will be right around 33 to 35 million. It might be worth it although I admit I haven't looked beyond 2025.

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    5. Here’s what we do know. 1. He showed up to training camp in Great shape. 2. He had an oblique injury early in the season. 3. He contracted pneumonia and was hospitalized. It’s just possible that he was not at full strength for much of the season.

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    6. I can't remember who the player was that was interviewed after the game, but his answer to a question about the Pearsall penalties suggested strongly that the complexity of the language of the play calls was largely to blame.

      Delete
    7. I think it is possible that Pearsall is not the sharpest tool in the shed. This is not the first game he has lined up wrong and was penalized and there were few times earlier in the year that BP had to take TOs because Pearsall was in the wrong place. I wish that KS would give him a look at punt returner the last 2 games while giving Cowing some time at WR.

      Delete
    8. Yeah, I think not getting much time in TC and missing first part of the season hurt him in getting up to speed too.

      Not the first WR to struggle getting across Shanahan's scheme.

      Delete
    9. Shanahan wouldn't part ways with Jimmy G, a quarterback he didn't really like, for anything less than a 2nd round pick and you think he'd trade Deebo to Miami, his favorite player, for a 5th round pick? No chance!

      Delete
  17. "
    The 49ers certainly did not look like a playoff caliber team. More injuries, penalties up the ying-yang."
    Matt Maiocco

    Couldn't have said it better, lol.

    ReplyDelete
  18. If Niners are going to pay Purdy, they better rebuild the O-line. LT, RT and a smart aggressive center would go a long ways to keeping Purdy somewhat safe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Here's some stats from yesterday's game to prove the point you are making:

      "Purdy dealt with several different offensive line combinations and was under pressure throughout the game. The Dolphins' defense racked up pressure on 17 of the quarterback’s dropbacks, or 37 percent, which led to Purdy only completing four of his 11 attempts for 42 yards, one interception and a 10.4 passer rating.
      When the offensive line kept Purdy clean, his production improved significantly, completing 22 of his 29 pass attempts for 271 yards, two touchdowns and a 127.2 passer rating. The 49ers' offense also was more productive when using play-action, helping Purdy complete 12 of his 15 attempts for 144 yards, one touchdown and a 128.9 passer rating.

      Purdy did not attempt any deep passes of 20 yards or more, instead, completing a season-high eight screen passes for 103 yards. The play-caller’s five-yard average depth of target is the lowest of his career in a regular-season game."

      https://sports.yahoo.com/pff-graded-purdy-49ers-frustrating-181613895.html

      Delete
  19. undercenter
    The 9ers need to address not only the O-line, but the D-line as well. The 2025 draft will need to be as good as the 2024 draft, to remain a SB contender. IMO, that will be problematic If they pay BP $60 - $65 Mil P/Y.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I think tackles are a future need. They absolutely need a center and also a left guard this off season.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I agree UC. The 49ers need to strengthen the Oline be it through FA or the draft, or the 49ers will sink into oblivion. Purdy is not the type of QB (right now) that can put the team on his back and carry them to a victory as has been evident this season. Draft needs: DT, the interior front got bullied all season. Edge, if the 49ers want to keep up with the Rams, they need to draft along the Dline like they have. S, Hufanga and Mustapha are prone to injury due to their playing styles. LB, Greenlaw post injury is still a question going forward. Warner slowed down after the 1st 5 games this year.
    The 49ers need to draft with the mindset that they are a 6-9 record and not use the mindset that they will be better next year when injured players return, even if that will happen.

    ReplyDelete
  22. My early draft crush is DT TJ Sanders, but only if you can get him in the 2nd round.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He'll go in the 1st round. If the Niners can't get Graham I bet they take Nolen. Harmon will probably come off the board next followed by Sanders. Great draft to need a DT.

      Delete
    2. Yeah, good DT class. But not great. I think some of these guys that are being touted as first rounders aren't quite that. Oh well, the problem of not being a particularly strong draft overall.

      OT is kinda similar.

      Delete
    3. Scooter
      * A lot to like about Sanders. He may be the best penetrating DT in the 2025 draft.
      * My concern is he's undersized for a DT and may struggle against double teams and power run teams. Also, he has limited starting experience (only 7 starts). He may need time to adjust to NFL O-Lineman?
      * We'll get a look at how well he handles NFL draft prospects in the Sr Bowl.

      Delete
    4. All good points GEEP. He6not without risk. That's why he's a 2nd rounder for me.

      Delete
  23. AES / Anyone willing to share their opinion
    What order should the 9ers draft BPA positions in the 2025 draft, knowing it may change after Bowl games, Combine and pro day?
    I have first Rd: DT..... Second RD: OT..... Third RD: EDGE and C..... fourth RD: OLB...... Fifth RD: SS..... Sixth Rd: OG..... Seventh RD: RB
    Free Agent(s): CB, TE and IOL
    NOTE: Rd #1 and Rd #2 picks could flip, depending on BPA available.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not quite sure I follow - BPA should be position neutral...?

      Imo the 49ers top needs in order are DT, C, OT. After that they have plenty of spots that could do with better depth.

      But in terms of draft (or FA), aim should be to fill those three spots but still shouldn't over reach for a position if a guy isn't there. E.g., if the top player available when they pick in round 1 is a DE, take him.

      Delete
    2. Scooter
      * It should read BPA positions AVAILABLE (IE, in that Rd).
      * I haven't seen a draft board with C listed as high as 2nd Rd?
      But I'd be ok if one was available and 9ers drafted one.

      Delete
    3. Yeah ok. From my perspective we have no idea at this stage what may be available when the 49ers pick, so saying DT round 1 based on BPA feels "off".

      Delete
  24. Scooter,
    Sanders is a good 2nd rd pick if he's still there at the 49ers pick. Some mocks have him in the late 1st rd because of his quick athletic ability. But some say he's to light and not strong enough to fight off double team. Do you think he's stout enough to be successful at the next level? How about moving him to Edge where his quick athleticism could be effective?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think Sanders would be a nice replacement for Hargrave. You'd ideally have a bigger DT you can put next to him, but Sanders has been surprisingly effective as a run defender in college. Lots of run stops. Very disciplined. Good at finding gaps.

      I've also heard he's very intelligent and coachable, and a good leader by example.

      Delete
  25. Another guy I really like, but will depend on his medicals, is OT Josh Simmons. If he's available at the 49ers 1st round pick and his medicals look good, he's probably the guy I'd take.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Scooter
      Simmons is from San Diego and played for San Diego St. before transferring to Ohio St.
      * Friends in San Diego, that followed him at SD St.and Ohio St. say he commits too many penalties (25 the past 2 seasons).
      * That he's best suited for a power-based offensive scheme but his physical traits and with NFL coaching he can become a solid contributor in an offense that emphasizes inside zone running concepts.

      Delete
  26. Sanders has Solomon Thomas measurebles. Thomas relied on his quickness as well but was often swallowed up by big Olinemen. Shanahan tried him on the Edge but eventually came back to the interior.

    TJ looks good on tape but the NFL is a different animal. I believe that the 49ers need to hit on the 1st three rds. These 3 players must be able to contribute as rookies if needed. The later rds where the 49ers have found success is a bonus.

    Going into the 2025 draft the 49ers need to pick players they can begin to build the immediate future on. Are current stars should not shape the upcoming draft.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He's a very different player to Thomas. Thomas was rigid and hulked up, Sanders is really fluid and flexible with room to add mass. No comparison imo.

      Delete
    2. AES,
      The 9ers have 2 picks in round 3. So they better hit on all 4 picks

      Delete
    3. Hitting on just 2 of their 4 day 1 and 2 picks would be a good outcome based on how unreliable the draft is. Getting a good player or two from Day 3 would be a real boon.

      Also need some of their 2024 draft picks to develop into good starters, not just capable starters/ role players (have seen some promising signs as rookies).

      Delete
  27. After the disasterous trade for Lance, the team needed to hit on all subsequent drafts. Of course there will always be a player or two, but after reading this article, it certainly looks like the 2023 draft was a bust (maybe Dee Winters has shown something). But a 3rd rounder on a kicker when an adequate one can be taken in the later rounds or signed off the street.......

    https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/12/23/24328351/san-francisco-49ers-2023-nfl-draft-class-is-slowly-fizzling-out-after-two-seasons-jake-moody

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, whiffing for the most part on the 2022 and 2023 drafts has put the team in a bit of a hole in terms of replacing players coming off contract and building a roster around Purdy.

      Delete
    2. @Scooter: I haven't seen you comment on what you think a Purdy contract should be. Nick Wright is suggesting a cursory offer of $100 million for 3 years. If he doesn't accept, he still has a year on his rookie contract and can be franchised tagged afterwards. That does seem low in today's market, but I wouldn't go above $40-45 million average. I think there is a chance that he'll take it, because frankly I don't know if anyone will pay him more. There's always been this take outside of the 49ers fan base that Brock is a system QB who needs near perfect conditions around him. I don't agree fully with that, but some of it is true. And he hasn't done anything this year to dissuade evaluators from that mindset.

      Delete
    3. Cubus, I am probably in the minority at this stage, but I still feel very optimistic about Purdy as a long term QB. The narrative this year has focused on what he isn't and how he's regressed, but I think that so long as he doesn't allow it to subvert his confidence, this was the type of year he needed at some point to grow.

      He's a cerebral QB and those types of QBs usually need some time to develop. What we've seen from him to date imo should be cause for more optimism than concern, albeit there are obviously some areas for concern.

      So, imo I don't mind paying him market rate. Making him the richest QB feels too much, but Tua/ Lawrence money seems fair for what the market is currently saying. I would just make sure there are some rip cords in the deal so if he doesn't improve they can get out of it in a couple of years without too much pain.

      Delete
  28. Good point re Moody. John Lynch needs to bring in other kickers to compete with the Moody Blues.

    ReplyDelete

Gameday Week 15: 49ers vs Dolphins

  The postseason is a year away. Win or lose the only thing they're playing for today is pride. Another opportunity to advertise your wo...