Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
So, Michael Crabtree impressed the 49ers during their by week and could see more playing time than once expected in Week 7.
The 49ers' 45-10 defeat to the Falcons might have prepped them for Crabtree's assimilation.
San Francisco used three wide receivers five times in its first 10 plays and more than half the time overall, easily a season high. Falling behind dictated personnel choices as the game progressed.
One thing I didn't notice until now: The 49ers used their base personnel (two backs, on tight end) on only one snap against the Falcons, or 1.8 percent of the time. They have used base personnel 29.9 percent of the time overall this season.
Might Crabtree's arrival lead a shift toward more receiver-oriented personnel groups? Yes and no.
The next two opponents, Houston and Indianapolis, could force the 49ers to score more points. Strategy or game situations will likely compel the 49ers to become more proficient in their three-receiver offense. Crabtree isn't the only receiver to consider in this changing dynamic. Free-agent addition Brandon Jones is also working his way into the offense after an injury sidelined him earlier in the season. The 49ers envisioned getting Crabtree and Jones onto the field together this season. They have 10 games to let them develop.
At the same time, Frank Gore's return from injury could help fullback Moran Norris get onto the field more frequently. Gore likes running behind Norris. The two have had success playing off one another over the years. It's tough to envision the 49ers abandoning that aspect of their offense. Second tight end Delanie Walker's role is also a factor.
The 49ers have been quite boring in their personnel selection to this point in the season. They have never used four wide receivers at the same time. They have leaned on heavier personnel groupings. Crabtree, Jones and Gore give offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye more combinations to consider.
Gore and tight end Vernon Davis need to be on the field most of the time. The three other spots in the personnel group figure to change more frequently.
So, Michael Crabtree impressed the 49ers during their by week and could see more playing time than once expected in Week 7.
The 49ers' 45-10 defeat to the Falcons might have prepped them for Crabtree's assimilation.
San Francisco used three wide receivers five times in its first 10 plays and more than half the time overall, easily a season high. Falling behind dictated personnel choices as the game progressed.
One thing I didn't notice until now: The 49ers used their base personnel (two backs, on tight end) on only one snap against the Falcons, or 1.8 percent of the time. They have used base personnel 29.9 percent of the time overall this season.
Might Crabtree's arrival lead a shift toward more receiver-oriented personnel groups? Yes and no.
|
The next two opponents, Houston and Indianapolis, could force the 49ers to score more points. Strategy or game situations will likely compel the 49ers to become more proficient in their three-receiver offense. Crabtree isn't the only receiver to consider in this changing dynamic. Free-agent addition Brandon Jones is also working his way into the offense after an injury sidelined him earlier in the season. The 49ers envisioned getting Crabtree and Jones onto the field together this season. They have 10 games to let them develop.
At the same time, Frank Gore's return from injury could help fullback Moran Norris get onto the field more frequently. Gore likes running behind Norris. The two have had success playing off one another over the years. It's tough to envision the 49ers abandoning that aspect of their offense. Second tight end Delanie Walker's role is also a factor.
The 49ers have been quite boring in their personnel selection to this point in the season. They have never used four wide receivers at the same time. They have leaned on heavier personnel groupings. Crabtree, Jones and Gore give offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye more combinations to consider.
Gore and tight end Vernon Davis need to be on the field most of the time. The three other spots in the personnel group figure to change more frequently.
Sort comments by: Most Recent | First Posted
Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.