NFL Nation: Kendall Hunter
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Examining who faces the most challenging season for the San Francisco 49ers and why.
Frank Gore ranked sixth among NFL rushers with 1,211 yards last season, at one point rushing for at least 100 yards in five consecutive games. He earned Pro Bowl honors for his work in the regular season before adding 29 carries for 163 yards (5.6 per attempt) over two playoff games. Gore, with 7,625 yards for his career, passed Hall of Famer Joe Perry for the most in franchise history. He's been the 49ers' best and most consistent offensive player for years.
The challenge will be to remain productive and fend off challengers in an increasingly competitive backfield.
Gore's 29th birthday was Tuesday. Running backs generally slow considerably by that age. Injuries have slowed Gore at various points in recent seasons, including when he missed the final five games of the 2010 season. The good news for Gore is that his average for yards per attempt has remained strong, never dipping below 4.2 during any of his seven seasons. He's an exceedingly tough player. And although Gore is plenty physical, he runs low to the ground, making it tougher for opponents to deliver the most damaging blows.
It's possible Gore will defy the odds for older backs, putting together another robust season. He'll continue to benefit from playing within one of the NFL's best running schemes. The 49ers have bought insurance. They used a 2011 fourth-round pick for Kendall Hunter and a 2012 second-rounder for LaMichael James. They signed Brandon Jacobs in free agency. Gore remains the clear favorite to start and lead the team in rushing, but an already difficult job will become even more challenging at this stage of his career.
» AFC pressure points: West | North | South | East
Examining who faces the most challenging season for the San Francisco 49ers and why.
Frank Gore ranked sixth among NFL rushers with 1,211 yards last season, at one point rushing for at least 100 yards in five consecutive games. He earned Pro Bowl honors for his work in the regular season before adding 29 carries for 163 yards (5.6 per attempt) over two playoff games. Gore, with 7,625 yards for his career, passed Hall of Famer Joe Perry for the most in franchise history. He's been the 49ers' best and most consistent offensive player for years.
The challenge will be to remain productive and fend off challengers in an increasingly competitive backfield.
Gore's 29th birthday was Tuesday. Running backs generally slow considerably by that age. Injuries have slowed Gore at various points in recent seasons, including when he missed the final five games of the 2010 season. The good news for Gore is that his average for yards per attempt has remained strong, never dipping below 4.2 during any of his seven seasons. He's an exceedingly tough player. And although Gore is plenty physical, he runs low to the ground, making it tougher for opponents to deliver the most damaging blows.
It's possible Gore will defy the odds for older backs, putting together another robust season. He'll continue to benefit from playing within one of the NFL's best running schemes. The 49ers have bought insurance. They used a 2011 fourth-round pick for Kendall Hunter and a 2012 second-rounder for LaMichael James. They signed Brandon Jacobs in free agency. Gore remains the clear favorite to start and lead the team in rushing, but an already difficult job will become even more challenging at this stage of his career.
First impressions on the San Francisco 49ers' performance in the 2012 NFL draft:
What I liked: The 49ers, having already kept together one of the NFL's most dominant defenses in free agency, made a concerted effort to improve on offense. Their first three picks went for a receiver (A.J. Jenkins), a running back (LaMichael James) and a guard (Joe Looney). The team is now in better position to succeed with quarterback Alex Smith and running back Frank Gore. Likewise, if Smith struggles and age catches up to Gore, the 49ers are in better position to succeed offensively with younger players at their positions. The team also fared well in trading back to acquire additional picks, including for next year.
Question marks: It's quite possible none of the 49ers' draft choices will win a starting job this year. A roster without many holes is partly responsible. The 49ers' low standing in the draft order was another factor. Whether Looney bounces back from a foot injury well enough to challenge for the starting job at right guard could be a key variable. Mostly, I'm interested in seeing what the 49ers saw in Jenkins, a relatively low-profile player who has nonetheless received high marks from personnel evaluators I've polled on other teams.
Trending: The 49ers have drafted only one defensive lineman over the past three years if we count 2011 first-rounder Aldon Smith as an outside linebacker. That is understandable given how well Justin Smith and Ray McDonald are playing. But with Smith turning 33 this season, McDonald having overcome serious knee injuries and 2008 first-rounder Kentwan Balmer long gone, the time is coming for San Francisco to address the position. The 49ers did find promising prospects in 2011 undrafted free agents Ian Williams and Demarcus Dobbs, taking off some of the pressure.
Veteran put on alert: Gore would be the logical choice here. He turns 29 in May, past the age when teams start looking for replacements. The 49ers have now drafted four running backs over the past three seasons, including 2012 second-rounder LaMichael James and 2011 fourth-rounder Kendall Hunter. San Francisco also signed veteran Brandon Jacobs in free agency. Gore started 15 games last season and topped 1,200 yards, but he peaked in November. This position has gotten more competitive.
What I liked: The 49ers, having already kept together one of the NFL's most dominant defenses in free agency, made a concerted effort to improve on offense. Their first three picks went for a receiver (A.J. Jenkins), a running back (LaMichael James) and a guard (Joe Looney). The team is now in better position to succeed with quarterback Alex Smith and running back Frank Gore. Likewise, if Smith struggles and age catches up to Gore, the 49ers are in better position to succeed offensively with younger players at their positions. The team also fared well in trading back to acquire additional picks, including for next year.
Question marks: It's quite possible none of the 49ers' draft choices will win a starting job this year. A roster without many holes is partly responsible. The 49ers' low standing in the draft order was another factor. Whether Looney bounces back from a foot injury well enough to challenge for the starting job at right guard could be a key variable. Mostly, I'm interested in seeing what the 49ers saw in Jenkins, a relatively low-profile player who has nonetheless received high marks from personnel evaluators I've polled on other teams.
Trending: The 49ers have drafted only one defensive lineman over the past three years if we count 2011 first-rounder Aldon Smith as an outside linebacker. That is understandable given how well Justin Smith and Ray McDonald are playing. But with Smith turning 33 this season, McDonald having overcome serious knee injuries and 2008 first-rounder Kentwan Balmer long gone, the time is coming for San Francisco to address the position. The 49ers did find promising prospects in 2011 undrafted free agents Ian Williams and Demarcus Dobbs, taking off some of the pressure.
Veteran put on alert: Gore would be the logical choice here. He turns 29 in May, past the age when teams start looking for replacements. The 49ers have now drafted four running backs over the past three seasons, including 2012 second-rounder LaMichael James and 2011 fourth-rounder Kendall Hunter. San Francisco also signed veteran Brandon Jacobs in free agency. Gore started 15 games last season and topped 1,200 yards, but he peaked in November. This position has gotten more competitive.
Peter from Rutland, Vt., points to Anthony Dixon's failed third-and-1 rushing attempt in the NFC Championship Game as one reason the San Francisco 49ers might have signed former New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs.
This play escaped my attention in the Jacobs item Tuesday. I suspect the play-by-play file I consulted did not encompass the NFC Championship Game.
"Dixon got stuffed by the Giants on a key third-and-1 attempt," Peter recalled. "He danced instead of smashing. That's why they took a chance on Jacobs. Dixon is not a reliable power back."
Perhaps, but Jacobs failed to convert a fourth-and-1 rushing attempt in the same game, and he has never been known for his hard-nosed running.
Dixon converted both of his rushing tries during the regular season when needing a single yard on third or fourth down. He missed that one attempt during the postseason, but Jacobs converted only 4 of 8 regular-season tries and 5-of-11 overall when counting the postseason.
I went back and watched Dixon's failed play just to be sure what happened. Dixon did not set a new standard for powerful running on the play, but neither did he have much room to run.
The 49ers shuffled their offensive line and brought onto the field two defenders, Justin Smith and Isaac Sopoaga, for additional blocking. The line, left to right, featured Vernon Davis, Alex Boone, Adam Snyder, Jonathan Goodwin (center), Mike Iupati, Anthony Davis, Joe Staley and Smith. Sopoaga lined up to the right in an offset-I formation.
The blocking was not very good. Mathias Kiwanuka shed Smith immediately and blocked Dixon's path off tackle. Chris Canty got between Anthony Davis and Staley in time to affect Dixon. Dixon did hesitate and step to the side as he sought an opening. Again, though, the blocking was not great.
While an NFL offense should be able to pick up a third-and-1 on the ground, I've thought the 49ers needed to occasionally break from tendency in these situations, not just with a pass but with a deeper strike to Vernon Davis. Previous 49ers coaching staffs succeeded with this tactic.
The 49ers had beaten the Giants for an 18-yard pass to Delanie Walker on a third-and-1 play when the teams met back in Week 10. Perhaps the 49ers' staff knew the Giants would be ready if they tried another pass. And, as noted, the team should be able to pick up a third-and-1 rushing play.
But with such a heavy formation to the right side, the Giants were ready for Dixon. They also took advantage of the fact that Smith, though a great player, plays defense and isn't a polished blocker.
The chart shows 2011 regular-season conversion stats for NFC West running backs on third and fourth downs with 1 yard needed for a first down. There's a reason teams use quarterback sneaks.
This play escaped my attention in the Jacobs item Tuesday. I suspect the play-by-play file I consulted did not encompass the NFC Championship Game.
"Dixon got stuffed by the Giants on a key third-and-1 attempt," Peter recalled. "He danced instead of smashing. That's why they took a chance on Jacobs. Dixon is not a reliable power back."
Perhaps, but Jacobs failed to convert a fourth-and-1 rushing attempt in the same game, and he has never been known for his hard-nosed running.
Dixon converted both of his rushing tries during the regular season when needing a single yard on third or fourth down. He missed that one attempt during the postseason, but Jacobs converted only 4 of 8 regular-season tries and 5-of-11 overall when counting the postseason.
I went back and watched Dixon's failed play just to be sure what happened. Dixon did not set a new standard for powerful running on the play, but neither did he have much room to run.
The 49ers shuffled their offensive line and brought onto the field two defenders, Justin Smith and Isaac Sopoaga, for additional blocking. The line, left to right, featured Vernon Davis, Alex Boone, Adam Snyder, Jonathan Goodwin (center), Mike Iupati, Anthony Davis, Joe Staley and Smith. Sopoaga lined up to the right in an offset-I formation.
The blocking was not very good. Mathias Kiwanuka shed Smith immediately and blocked Dixon's path off tackle. Chris Canty got between Anthony Davis and Staley in time to affect Dixon. Dixon did hesitate and step to the side as he sought an opening. Again, though, the blocking was not great.
While an NFL offense should be able to pick up a third-and-1 on the ground, I've thought the 49ers needed to occasionally break from tendency in these situations, not just with a pass but with a deeper strike to Vernon Davis. Previous 49ers coaching staffs succeeded with this tactic.
The 49ers had beaten the Giants for an 18-yard pass to Delanie Walker on a third-and-1 play when the teams met back in Week 10. Perhaps the 49ers' staff knew the Giants would be ready if they tried another pass. And, as noted, the team should be able to pick up a third-and-1 rushing play.
But with such a heavy formation to the right side, the Giants were ready for Dixon. They also took advantage of the fact that Smith, though a great player, plays defense and isn't a polished blocker.
The chart shows 2011 regular-season conversion stats for NFC West running backs on third and fourth downs with 1 yard needed for a first down. There's a reason teams use quarterback sneaks.
Frank Gore, 28, is no longer the oldest halfback on the San Francisco 49ers.
That distinction belongs to Brandon Jacobs, whose contract agreement with San Francisco gives the 49ers veteran insurance at a key position.
Jacobs' three longest runs last season -- covering 34, 28 and 19 yards -- came from Week 14 or later, including one against the Atlanta Falcons in the wild-card playoff round. He played on early downs and in short-yardage situations, gaining six first downs on 11 third- or fourth-down rushes when the Giants needed 2 or fewer yards for a first down.
Jacobs is 6-foot-4 and 264 pounds, but less physical as a runner than Gore or any of the leading NFC West backs. His addition would not seem to threaten Kendall Hunter, the 49ers' primary backup and a promising young player, but rather power back Anthony Dixon.
Dixon gained first downs on all three of his short-yardage rushing attempts (defined the same way I defined them for Jacobs earlier in this item). Hunter converted once on five of these rushes. Gore converted eight times in 16 chances, including on the 49ers' only attempt during postseason.
On Frank Gore's withdrawal from Pro Bowl
January, 24, 2012
Jan 24
8:21
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Frank Gore's injury withdrawal from the Pro Bowl clears the way for Marshawn Lynch to participate as an alternate. It also amplifies questions about Gore's health late in the season.
Gore carried the ball 311 times in 18 games this season, counting playoffs. That was within one carry of his career high previously. But his 17 receptions were well less than half his previous single-season low since becoming a full-time starter in 2006.
Gore put together a string of five consecutive 100-yard rushing performances ending in Week 9. He finished with zero yards the next week after a hard tackle from the New York Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul left Gore with an apparent right knee injury. He suffered an ankle injury earlier in the season.
Gore never exceeded 89 yards in a game from that point forward. His yards per attempt exceeded 3.7 just once over the final eight regular-season games after five consecutive games between 4.3 and 9.4.
The chart, from Doug Clawson of ESPN Stats & Information, shows Gore's playing time over the course of the season.
I noticed Gore asking out of games following contact a few times, including early in a game at Arizona. Running backs come out on occasion; I have no way to know whether Gore did this more than usual in 2011. The 49ers like to mix up their personnel groups, anyway. Kendall Hunter is a big part of their ground game.
Someone suggested to me via Twitter -- I couldn't immediately find that tweet, unfortunately -- that Gore did not seem to be carrying the ball on back-to-back plays as frequently. I had the same feeling.
Clawson investigated. The results weren't conclusive. Gore had a season-high 11 back-to-back rushes in Week 8. He had seven in Weeks 1 and 11, six in Week 16, five in Week 5 and four in three games (two of them in Week 13 or later).
Gore still managed to rush for 1,211 yards, his highest regular-season total since 2006. His per-carry average spiked during the playoffs. Lots of players withdraw from the Pro Bowl. There should be no panic. But as Gore approaches his 29th birthday in May, about the age when running backs tend to slow, durability questions aren't likely to go away.
Gore carried the ball 311 times in 18 games this season, counting playoffs. That was within one carry of his career high previously. But his 17 receptions were well less than half his previous single-season low since becoming a full-time starter in 2006.
Gore put together a string of five consecutive 100-yard rushing performances ending in Week 9. He finished with zero yards the next week after a hard tackle from the New York Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul left Gore with an apparent right knee injury. He suffered an ankle injury earlier in the season.
Gore never exceeded 89 yards in a game from that point forward. His yards per attempt exceeded 3.7 just once over the final eight regular-season games after five consecutive games between 4.3 and 9.4.
The chart, from Doug Clawson of ESPN Stats & Information, shows Gore's playing time over the course of the season.
I noticed Gore asking out of games following contact a few times, including early in a game at Arizona. Running backs come out on occasion; I have no way to know whether Gore did this more than usual in 2011. The 49ers like to mix up their personnel groups, anyway. Kendall Hunter is a big part of their ground game.
Someone suggested to me via Twitter -- I couldn't immediately find that tweet, unfortunately -- that Gore did not seem to be carrying the ball on back-to-back plays as frequently. I had the same feeling.
Clawson investigated. The results weren't conclusive. Gore had a season-high 11 back-to-back rushes in Week 8. He had seven in Weeks 1 and 11, six in Week 16, five in Week 5 and four in three games (two of them in Week 13 or later).
Gore still managed to rush for 1,211 yards, his highest regular-season total since 2006. His per-carry average spiked during the playoffs. Lots of players withdraw from the Pro Bowl. There should be no panic. But as Gore approaches his 29th birthday in May, about the age when running backs tend to slow, durability questions aren't likely to go away.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Kendall Hunter's 18-yard run moved the San Francisco 49ers into easy range for the tying fourth-quarter field goal Sunday.
The running game seemed to be there for the 49ers during their 20-17 defeat to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game. I did wonder, however, whether they got away from their conventional ground game too much in the clutch.
That was my impression following the game.
The idea seemed to catch 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh by surprise during his postgame news conference. Harbaugh, appearing a bit dazed following the abrupt end to a promising season, said the question did not "resonate" with him.
Indeed, the 49ers rushed 28 times for 150 yards against the Giants. Those numbers suggest San Francisco ran the ball plenty. But as the chart from ESPN Stats & Information indicates, the 49ers did get away from designed run calls as a percentage of total plays (designed runs exclude quarterback scrambles).
The 49ers' handling of two-minute situations played some role in the disparity. The team ran the ball shortly before halftime in an unsuccessful effort to run time off the clock. Passes were obviously more appropriate during the final minutes of regulation, when the score was tied.
I still thought we would see more conventional runs -- Alex Smith taking the ball from under center and handing off or tossing to a back -- than the 49ers showed in the second half.
"I'm sure it's something we'll consider and look at," Harbaugh said. "One thing doesn't work, you wish you would have done the other. It's one of the probably four or five of the things that you look at when you don't pull the game out. What could you have done differently?"
The 49ers are now 4-4 when passing more than 55 percent of the time this season. They are 10-0 in their other games. I wouldn't read too much into those numbers because run-pass ratios often reflect game situations more than they influence them.
The 49ers also deserve credit for freeing Smith on designed runs -- plays too risky for the regular season, in my view, but perfectly suited for an elimination game.
Frank Gore finished with 16 carries for 76 yards. Hunter added four carries for 31 yards.
Gore did not appear healthy over the second half of the season. He ran hard and played tough, as usual, but he also seemed quicker to come off the field voluntarily following hits.
I'll be interested in seeing whether there are any injury revelations regarding Gore now that the season is finished. Whether he plays in the Pro Bowl could provide clues.
This game felt like one where a fully healthy Gore would have rushed for 150 yards, keeping the 49ers' defense off the field a little more. Perhaps that would have happened if the 49ers' passing game converted a few times on third down.
Whatever the reason, the 49ers' ground game wasn't as big of a factor as I had anticipated.
The running game seemed to be there for the 49ers during their 20-17 defeat to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game. I did wonder, however, whether they got away from their conventional ground game too much in the clutch.
That was my impression following the game.
The idea seemed to catch 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh by surprise during his postgame news conference. Harbaugh, appearing a bit dazed following the abrupt end to a promising season, said the question did not "resonate" with him.
Indeed, the 49ers rushed 28 times for 150 yards against the Giants. Those numbers suggest San Francisco ran the ball plenty. But as the chart from ESPN Stats & Information indicates, the 49ers did get away from designed run calls as a percentage of total plays (designed runs exclude quarterback scrambles).
The 49ers' handling of two-minute situations played some role in the disparity. The team ran the ball shortly before halftime in an unsuccessful effort to run time off the clock. Passes were obviously more appropriate during the final minutes of regulation, when the score was tied.
I still thought we would see more conventional runs -- Alex Smith taking the ball from under center and handing off or tossing to a back -- than the 49ers showed in the second half.
"I'm sure it's something we'll consider and look at," Harbaugh said. "One thing doesn't work, you wish you would have done the other. It's one of the probably four or five of the things that you look at when you don't pull the game out. What could you have done differently?"
The 49ers are now 4-4 when passing more than 55 percent of the time this season. They are 10-0 in their other games. I wouldn't read too much into those numbers because run-pass ratios often reflect game situations more than they influence them.
The 49ers also deserve credit for freeing Smith on designed runs -- plays too risky for the regular season, in my view, but perfectly suited for an elimination game.
Frank Gore finished with 16 carries for 76 yards. Hunter added four carries for 31 yards.
Gore did not appear healthy over the second half of the season. He ran hard and played tough, as usual, but he also seemed quicker to come off the field voluntarily following hits.
I'll be interested in seeing whether there are any injury revelations regarding Gore now that the season is finished. Whether he plays in the Pro Bowl could provide clues.
This game felt like one where a fully healthy Gore would have rushed for 150 yards, keeping the 49ers' defense off the field a little more. Perhaps that would have happened if the 49ers' passing game converted a few times on third down.
Whatever the reason, the 49ers' ground game wasn't as big of a factor as I had anticipated.
Rapid Reaction: Giants 20, 49ers 17 OT
January, 22, 2012
Jan 22
10:42
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Thoughts on the San Francisco 49ers' 20-17 defeat to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game at Candlestick Park:
What it means: The 49ers missed a chance to represent the NFC in Super Bowl XLVI thanks largely to two critical miscues in the return game, both by second-year backup punt returner Kyle Williams. Their defense played heroically at times but was unable to capitalize on several opportunities to force turnovers. With the offense struggling on third down, the 49ers simply couldn't persevere. This game will haunt the 49ers for years. How many times will San Francisco get to play a 9-7 team at home for a berth in the Super Bowl?
What I liked: Vernon Davis got open early for a 73-yard touchdown reception even though the Giants knew he was the one player most likely to beat them deep. Davis came through again in the third quarter with a go-ahead 28-yard scoring reception after a slick outside-in move to find a hole in the coverage. …
Frank Gore found running room. The 49ers’ coaching staff supplemented the ground game effectively with designed runs for Alex Smith. And the misdirection run to spring Kendall Hunter for a 14-yard gain was beautifully conceived. …
San Francisco’s pass rush improved in the second half, playing a big role in the team’s ability to take the lead and hold it heading into the fourth quarter. Aldon Smith and Justin Smith started getting to Eli Manning, allowing the 49ers to stay in the game even though their offense wasn’t sustaining drives. …
Williams’ 40-yard kickoff return midway through the fourth quarter gave the 49ers good field position and gave the 49ers a needed jolt. Smith followed with a 17-yard scramble. Delanie Walker's block on Kenny Phillips to help spring Hunter to the 5-yard line was reminiscent of the block Joe Staley threw for Smith last week. ...
The 49ers' defense stepped up repeatedly late in the game, especially when Smith sacked Manning.
What I didn’t like: The 49ers were miserable on third down, asking too many favors from their defense. They did not succeed on a third-down conversion until the final play of regulation. ...
Williams’ indecision on a punt return cost the 49ers when the ball bounced off his knee with San Francisco holding a 14-10 lead and 11:06 remaining in the fourth quarter. Williams, subbing for injured veteran Ted Ginn Jr., couldn’t get out of the way after deciding at the last moment to bail on the return. The Giants took over at the San Francisco 28-yard line, then scored the go-ahead touchdown on third-and-15 from the 17. …
Then, after the 49ers' defense held in overtime, Williams fumbled during a punt return. The Giants recovered and kicked the winning 31-yard field goal.
Early in the game, the 49ers couldn’t get pressure on third down, giving Manning ample time to find open receivers and sustain drives. Manning completed eight passes for 125 yards to Victor Cruz in the first half. …
San Francisco played conservatively on offense shortly before halftime, letting the clock run down and settling for predictable runs. The Giants got the ball back and scored a field goal to take a 10-7 lead heading into halftime. …
The 49ers had no third-down conversions in the first three quarters. Their wide receivers were generally poor to invisible. …
The 49ers’ usually hard-hitting secondary struggled to get clear shots on the Giants’ receivers. That made it tougher for San Francisco to force turnovers. When the pass-rush improved in the second half, the 49ers missed an opportunity to pick off a pass when defenders collided, injuring cornerback Tarell Brown.
“X” factor a no-show: Those figuring the 49ers might need receiver Michael Crabtree to step up kept waiting and waiting, without results. Giants cornerback Corey Webster shut down Crabtree. The 49ers have been thin at wide receiver without Josh Morgan (injured reserve), Braylon Edwards (released) or Ginn (inactive due to injury). Crabtree, an occasional force for the 49ers late in the regular season, did not make an impact in the passing game.
Controversial call: Referee Ed Hochuli and crew ruled that Ahmad Bradshaw's forward progress was stopped before the 49ers forced him to fumble and recovered deep in Giants territory. That play could not be reviewed. A 49ers recovery in that situation -- tie game, a little more than two minutes remaining -- would have been huge. The head linesman threw his bean bag and made the ruling decisively. The question was whether the ruling was made hastily.
Interesting decision: The 49ers opted to punt on fourth-and-inches from the Giants’ 47-yard line while holding a 14-10 lead early in the fourth quarter. They were running the ball well, but their defense was also gaining the upper hand at that point in the game. Punting and playing for field position showed the 49ers thought their punting and defense could hold. The decision paid off for the 49ers when Aldon Smith’s sack helped limit the Giants to a three-and-out. But the defensive stop also precipitated Williams’ muffed punt.
Injuries of note: The 49ers lost left guard Mike Iupati to an ankle injury early in the game. Iupati returned, but was limping around at times. A knee injury kept Ginn from playing. Brown was down on the field for an extended period after colliding with safety Dashon Goldson. Medical personnel brought out a stretcher board, but Brown walked off slowly, with assistance. Brown suffered thigh and head injuries, according to the 49ers. Walker played for the first time since suffering a broken jaw at Seattle in Week 16.
What’s next: The 49ers head toward the draft needing help at wide receiver in particular.
Which receivers 49ers, Giants can trust
January, 21, 2012
Jan 21
1:00
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
The leaping grab Hakeem Nicks made in the end zone for the New York Giants stood as a pivotal moment in their postseason victory over the 15-1 Green Bay Packers last week.
Vernon Davis was the one making impressive catches for the San Francisco 49ers during their playoff victory over the 14-3 New Orleans Saints.
Rain could make holding onto the football tougher for both teams in the NFC Championship Game at Candlestick Park on Sunday.
With that in mind, I've put together a chart showing regular-season catch-to-drop ratios for 49ers and Giants players with at least 10 receptions. The numbers come courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information, which defines drops as "incomplete passes where the offending player should have caught the pass with ordinary effort, and only when the receiver is 100 percent at fault."
According to this standard, "Passes thrown just outside the receiver's reach or those falling incomplete when pass interference should have been called do not meet the standard."
These are blatant drops, in other words.
Wide receiver is one position where the Giants have an obvious talent advantage over the 49ers. San Francisco needs improved play from Michael Crabtree in particular. He failed to catch contested balls against New Orleans. Kyle Williams is another 49ers receiver to watch.
49ers running back Frank Gore tops the list of Giants and 49ers players with the fewest receptions per drop. He caught the ball well against the Saints, however.
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Vernon Davis was the one making impressive catches for the San Francisco 49ers during their playoff victory over the 14-3 New Orleans Saints.
Rain could make holding onto the football tougher for both teams in the NFC Championship Game at Candlestick Park on Sunday.
With that in mind, I've put together a chart showing regular-season catch-to-drop ratios for 49ers and Giants players with at least 10 receptions. The numbers come courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information, which defines drops as "incomplete passes where the offending player should have caught the pass with ordinary effort, and only when the receiver is 100 percent at fault."
According to this standard, "Passes thrown just outside the receiver's reach or those falling incomplete when pass interference should have been called do not meet the standard."
These are blatant drops, in other words.
Wide receiver is one position where the Giants have an obvious talent advantage over the 49ers. San Francisco needs improved play from Michael Crabtree in particular. He failed to catch contested balls against New Orleans. Kyle Williams is another 49ers receiver to watch.
49ers running back Frank Gore tops the list of Giants and 49ers players with the fewest receptions per drop. He caught the ball well against the Saints, however.
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The OT crew discusses which running backs and offensive lines will dominate during bonus Catch 32, and in Did You Hear That?, Patriots fan Maria Menounos gives her AFC title-game prediction.
Slowing San Francisco 49ers running backs Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter might not be enough for the New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game.
The Giants must worry about another rushing threat: quarterback Alex Smith.
Smith's 28-yard touchdown run against New Orleans in the divisional round will stand as one of the 49ers' more memorable plays this season. Smith ran left, picking up an early crack-back block from receiver Kyle Williams. He found the end zone untouched after Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley chopped down Saints safety Isa Abdul-Quddus with a downfield block for the ages.
This was no fluke play, either.
Smith has netted 207 yards rushing during the regular season and playoffs. He has gained 159 of those yards at home and 27 of those against the Giants in Week 10, Smith's highest single-game total for the regular season.
The yardage totals tell only part of the story. Smith has repeatedly made timely runs to sustain scoring drives.
A few highlights from the regular season:
The Giants gave up 91 yards on scrambles in two games against Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers, including 59 last week. Miami (31) and San Francisco (30) also gained at least 30 yards on scrambles against the Giants.
New England gave up the most yardage on scrambles (255) during the regular season. Seattle (242), San Diego (240), St. Louis (240) and Oakland (224) rounded out the top five. San Francisco (203) and the Giants (186) were in the top 10. Those figures excluded designed runs by quarterbacks.
Smith was one of nine quarterbacks to finish the regular season on the positive side in expected points added through rushes.
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Cary Edmondson/US PresswireDespite his breakthrough 2011 season, the 49ers must decide if Alex Smith can lead the franchise to a Super Bowl.
Cary Edmondson/US PresswireDespite his breakthrough 2011 season, the 49ers must decide if Alex Smith can lead the franchise to a Super Bowl.Smith's 28-yard touchdown run against New Orleans in the divisional round will stand as one of the 49ers' more memorable plays this season. Smith ran left, picking up an early crack-back block from receiver Kyle Williams. He found the end zone untouched after Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley chopped down Saints safety Isa Abdul-Quddus with a downfield block for the ages.
This was no fluke play, either.
Smith has netted 207 yards rushing during the regular season and playoffs. He has gained 159 of those yards at home and 27 of those against the Giants in Week 10, Smith's highest single-game total for the regular season.
The yardage totals tell only part of the story. Smith has repeatedly made timely runs to sustain scoring drives.
A few highlights from the regular season:
- Seahawks: Smith gained 11 yards on a second-and-5 play. This drive ended with Smith scoring on a keeper from the Seattle 1-yard line.
- Dallas: Smith's 12-yard scramble on third-and-13 set up a field goal.
- Cleveland: A 9-yard run on third-and-1 sustained a touchdown drive. A 3-yarder on third-and-2 led to a field goal attempt, which the Browns blocked. Smith also had a 9-yard run on second-and-11. The 49ers punted after that drive.
- At Washington: Smiths' 8-yard run across midfield sustained a field goal drive when the 49ers led by three points. He added a 3-yard run on second-and-6 during another drive to a field goal.
- Giants: A 12-yard scramble on third-and-17 set up a field goal. A 14-yarder on second-and-5 also appeared key, but this drive ended when Ted Ginn Jr. dropped a pass and the Giants intercepted.
- Arizona: Smith's 11-yard run on third-and-6 sustained a touchdown drive. He also gained two yards on third-and-1, leading to a field goal try, which the Cardinals blocked.
- At Baltimore: Smith scrambled eight yards on a second-and-7 play, sustaining a drive to the tying field goal.
- Rams: An 8-yard run on first down helped a field goal drive. Smith also gained two yards on a second-and-2 play, although the 49ers punted following this drive.
- Steelers: Smith gained 14 yards on a second-and-10 play from his own 24-yard line. This drive ended with a punt.
- At Seattle: A 12-yard scramble on third-and-8 moved the 49ers into range for a g0-ahead field goal. There was also a 1-yard gain on fourth-and-1 and a 7-yarder on first down, although those drives ended with punts.
- At St. Louis: The 49ers trailed by seven when Smith scrambled to his right for a touchdown on third-and-goal from the 8.
The Giants gave up 91 yards on scrambles in two games against Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers, including 59 last week. Miami (31) and San Francisco (30) also gained at least 30 yards on scrambles against the Giants.
New England gave up the most yardage on scrambles (255) during the regular season. Seattle (242), San Diego (240), St. Louis (240) and Oakland (224) rounded out the top five. San Francisco (203) and the Giants (186) were in the top 10. Those figures excluded designed runs by quarterbacks.
Smith was one of nine quarterbacks to finish the regular season on the positive side in expected points added through rushes.
Three things to know about next week's NFC Championship Game between the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park:
1. Another rematch. The 49ers beat the Giants 27-20 on Nov. 13 in San Francisco. The Giants were 6-2 heading into that game, and the loss began a four-game losing streak from which they nearly didn't recover. The Giants gained 395 against that tough San Francisco defense that day, including an impressive 93 on the ground without an injured Ahmad Bradshaw. But Eli Manning threw two interceptions to go with his 311 passing yards, and that was the difference in the game. As was the case in Green Bay on Sunday, Manning must make sure to limit turnovers against a 49ers defense that likes to take advantage of them.
2. Stop the run. The Giants didn't have Bradshaw for that game, but the 49ers also didn't really have top running back Frank Gore, who rushed the ball six times for zero yards and missed most of the game with an ankle injury. He's back and healthy now, and a great threat in the run game to go along with Kendall Hunter. The 49ers are different from the teams the Giants have been playing lately, in that they're not a high-powered passing offense with tons of downfield weapons. The Giants will have to stay tough and disciplined up front. They need to lean on their pass rush to rattle Alex Smith, sure, but they may have to dial down their usual aggressiveness in this one.
3. Playoff history: The Giants are 3-4 all-time against the 49ers in the postseason, including some memorable and classic games. The most recent playoff matchup was nine years ago -- the game in which the Giants had a 38-14 lead in the third quarter but gave up 25 straight points and lost to Jeff Garcia. The last time the Giants won a playoff game in San Francisco was the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 20, 1991 to advance to the Super Bowl in which they would defeat the Buffalo Bills.
1. Another rematch. The 49ers beat the Giants 27-20 on Nov. 13 in San Francisco. The Giants were 6-2 heading into that game, and the loss began a four-game losing streak from which they nearly didn't recover. The Giants gained 395 against that tough San Francisco defense that day, including an impressive 93 on the ground without an injured Ahmad Bradshaw. But Eli Manning threw two interceptions to go with his 311 passing yards, and that was the difference in the game. As was the case in Green Bay on Sunday, Manning must make sure to limit turnovers against a 49ers defense that likes to take advantage of them.
2. Stop the run. The Giants didn't have Bradshaw for that game, but the 49ers also didn't really have top running back Frank Gore, who rushed the ball six times for zero yards and missed most of the game with an ankle injury. He's back and healthy now, and a great threat in the run game to go along with Kendall Hunter. The 49ers are different from the teams the Giants have been playing lately, in that they're not a high-powered passing offense with tons of downfield weapons. The Giants will have to stay tough and disciplined up front. They need to lean on their pass rush to rattle Alex Smith, sure, but they may have to dial down their usual aggressiveness in this one.
3. Playoff history: The Giants are 3-4 all-time against the 49ers in the postseason, including some memorable and classic games. The most recent playoff matchup was nine years ago -- the game in which the Giants had a 38-14 lead in the third quarter but gave up 25 straight points and lost to Jeff Garcia. The last time the Giants won a playoff game in San Francisco was the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 20, 1991 to advance to the Super Bowl in which they would defeat the Buffalo Bills.
Willis active, but 49ers WRs get extra time
January, 1, 2012
Jan 1
11:57
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Naming Ted Ginn Jr. and Kyle Williams inactive Sunday gives both San Francisco 49ers wide receivers extra time to heal for the playoffs.
The 49ers seemingly could have bought additional time for Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis, but they made him active for the first time since Willis suffered a hamstring injury Dec. 4. That presumably means the team feels confident Willis is at no additional risk for further injury.
With Ginn and Williams out, the 49ers will rely upon less proven players, not just on offense but in the return game.
Brett Swain starts opposite Michael Crabtree at receiver, where the 49ers have only three players active -- an unusually low number that includes undrafted rookie Joe Hastings, signed Saturday from the practice squad. Ginn and Williams were the top two returns specialists. With Delanie Walker also inactive, the 49ers are very thin on pass-catchers. With two fullbacks active, we can expect plenty of "22" personnel with two backs and two tight ends, it appears.
This means we could see safety Reggie Smith returning punts, with rookie running back Kendall Hunter serving as the primary kickoff returner. The 49ers did not make a formal announcement on a change at punt returner, but coach Jim Harbaugh indicated Friday that Smith could get the call.
With a victory at St. Louis or a New Orleans defeat against Carolina, the 49ers' injured players will gain another week to heal by virtue of a first-round playoff bye. There were no surprises among the Rams' inactives Sunday. Quarterbacks Sam Bradford and A.J. Feeley remain out, leaving Kellen Clemens as the starter.
The 49ers seemingly could have bought additional time for Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis, but they made him active for the first time since Willis suffered a hamstring injury Dec. 4. That presumably means the team feels confident Willis is at no additional risk for further injury.
With Ginn and Williams out, the 49ers will rely upon less proven players, not just on offense but in the return game.
Brett Swain starts opposite Michael Crabtree at receiver, where the 49ers have only three players active -- an unusually low number that includes undrafted rookie Joe Hastings, signed Saturday from the practice squad. Ginn and Williams were the top two returns specialists. With Delanie Walker also inactive, the 49ers are very thin on pass-catchers. With two fullbacks active, we can expect plenty of "22" personnel with two backs and two tight ends, it appears.
This means we could see safety Reggie Smith returning punts, with rookie running back Kendall Hunter serving as the primary kickoff returner. The 49ers did not make a formal announcement on a change at punt returner, but coach Jim Harbaugh indicated Friday that Smith could get the call.
With a victory at St. Louis or a New Orleans defeat against Carolina, the 49ers' injured players will gain another week to heal by virtue of a first-round playoff bye. There were no surprises among the Rams' inactives Sunday. Quarterbacks Sam Bradford and A.J. Feeley remain out, leaving Kellen Clemens as the starter.
Scout's take: 49ers vs. Steelers on MNF
December, 15, 2011
12/15/11
7:30
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. offered thoughts Thursday heading toward the San Francisco 49ers' game Monday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Candlestick Park.
Mike Sando: This game against the Steelers provides the 49ers with an opportunity to defeat a quality opponent on a national stage, while keeping control of the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff race. My sense is that the 49ers, though still a good team, have plateaued a little bit lately.
Matt Williamson: I think that is a good word. They might have hit their head on the ceiling. The talent has taken them as far as it will. That does not mean they cannot win playoff games. But this is a bad matchup for them against the Steelers. The 49ers lost to Arizona and the Cardinals are running the Steelers' defense. They've gotten better at it, but that defense has been clicking for the Steelers for years. They know what they are doing and they are going to give San Francisco's offense a hard time.
Mike Sando: The 49ers have taken 18 sacks over their past three games after allowing seven in their previous six. They aren't getting Frank Gore going as well on the ground, and Gore is banged up.
Matt Williamson: Their young offensive line does not pick up blitzes very well. They get beat one-on-one, especially on the right side. Ike Taylor can do a good job against Michael Crabtree. Troy Polamalu and the Steelers do well against tight ends. I just do not know where the 49ers' offense is going to come from. Alex Smith is not a guy who, when everything is going wrong, puts the team on his back.
Mike Sando: Several key players could miss this game for both teams -- Joe Staley and Patrick Willis for the 49ers, James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley for the Steelers. And then Ben Roethlisberger's ankle is an issue.
Matt Williamson: Roethlisberger will have had 10 days to rest. Everyone in the world knows he is going to play. Charlie Batch is not good.
If Harrison doesn't play and Ben doesn't play, I'll take the 49ers. But if Ben is out there at even 50 percent, I am taking Pittsburgh. The matchup is not good for the 49ers.
Mike Sando: The 49ers are strong on defense. What makes you think the Steelers' offense would be OK without Roethlisberger near full strength?
Matt Williamson: If you are the Steelers and Ben is not moving well, put him in the shotgun, go three wide receivers all day with a back in the backfield and get it out quick. Don't even have him dropping back. Get the ball out quick to Antonio Brown especially, and Hines Ward. Do the quick three-step passing game out of the shotgun.
Mike Sando: Back to the 49ers' offense. One thing they've struggled with some is yards after the catch. They led the NFL at 6.8 yards after the catch per reception last season. That has fallen to 5.2 this season. And the Steelers' defense leads the NFL in fewest yards allowed after the catch on average at 4.3, an astounding 1.7 yards better than the next-best team, Houston.
Matt Williamson: I don't see a real good after-the-catch wide receiver in the group for San Francisco. Ted Ginn Jr. would catch only bombs. Michael Crabtree is not nifty. He is a slower, power guy. Vernon Davis can be, but his role has been diminished heavily and I'm not sure how well he grasps the offense, and they need him to help the tackles. I'm not sure who would be the guy, unless they dropped more passes off to Gore and Kendall Hunter.
Mike Sando: The 49ers have dramatically cut Gore's role as a receiver. That's one reason their team yards after reception has fallen. Then there is the red zone. San Francisco ranks last in touchdown percentage there.
Matt Williamson: Every weakness is exaggerated in the red zone for a quarterback. There are a lot more bodies in a smaller space, a lot more molecules bouncing off the walls. You have to be a little more accurate, a little better anticipation. Donovan McNabb was not that great in the red zone. He was not an anticipatory thrower or very accurate. Smith has some of those qualities, too, but less. He is not as talented. But I know he's done well in the red zone before. One thing that comes to mind is a lack of involvement from Vernon Davis.
Mike Sando: Davis finished last season with eight catches for 50 yards and four touchdowns in the red zone. He has four catches for 48 yards and three scores there this season. Delanie Walker had five catches for 22 yards and no scores in the red zone in 2010. He has one catch for a 6-yard touchdown against Detroit in the red zone this season. But Smith's completion percentage has fallen from above 70 to around 40 in the red zone since last season. Sacks are up. Gore's carries in the red zone are up. His receptions are down. I'm not sure what is wrong down there, but improved efficiency in that area would certainly help Monday night.
Williamson and I will be among those participating in an in-game chat Monday night. I'll be at the game. Williamson will monitor remotely. Jamison Hensley from the AFC North blog will join us on the chat from Candlestick Park.
Mike Sando: This game against the Steelers provides the 49ers with an opportunity to defeat a quality opponent on a national stage, while keeping control of the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff race. My sense is that the 49ers, though still a good team, have plateaued a little bit lately.
Matt Williamson: I think that is a good word. They might have hit their head on the ceiling. The talent has taken them as far as it will. That does not mean they cannot win playoff games. But this is a bad matchup for them against the Steelers. The 49ers lost to Arizona and the Cardinals are running the Steelers' defense. They've gotten better at it, but that defense has been clicking for the Steelers for years. They know what they are doing and they are going to give San Francisco's offense a hard time.
Mike Sando: The 49ers have taken 18 sacks over their past three games after allowing seven in their previous six. They aren't getting Frank Gore going as well on the ground, and Gore is banged up.
Matt Williamson: Their young offensive line does not pick up blitzes very well. They get beat one-on-one, especially on the right side. Ike Taylor can do a good job against Michael Crabtree. Troy Polamalu and the Steelers do well against tight ends. I just do not know where the 49ers' offense is going to come from. Alex Smith is not a guy who, when everything is going wrong, puts the team on his back.
Mike Sando: Several key players could miss this game for both teams -- Joe Staley and Patrick Willis for the 49ers, James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley for the Steelers. And then Ben Roethlisberger's ankle is an issue.
Matt Williamson: Roethlisberger will have had 10 days to rest. Everyone in the world knows he is going to play. Charlie Batch is not good.
If Harrison doesn't play and Ben doesn't play, I'll take the 49ers. But if Ben is out there at even 50 percent, I am taking Pittsburgh. The matchup is not good for the 49ers.
Mike Sando: The 49ers are strong on defense. What makes you think the Steelers' offense would be OK without Roethlisberger near full strength?
Matt Williamson: If you are the Steelers and Ben is not moving well, put him in the shotgun, go three wide receivers all day with a back in the backfield and get it out quick. Don't even have him dropping back. Get the ball out quick to Antonio Brown especially, and Hines Ward. Do the quick three-step passing game out of the shotgun.
Mike Sando: Back to the 49ers' offense. One thing they've struggled with some is yards after the catch. They led the NFL at 6.8 yards after the catch per reception last season. That has fallen to 5.2 this season. And the Steelers' defense leads the NFL in fewest yards allowed after the catch on average at 4.3, an astounding 1.7 yards better than the next-best team, Houston.
Matt Williamson: I don't see a real good after-the-catch wide receiver in the group for San Francisco. Ted Ginn Jr. would catch only bombs. Michael Crabtree is not nifty. He is a slower, power guy. Vernon Davis can be, but his role has been diminished heavily and I'm not sure how well he grasps the offense, and they need him to help the tackles. I'm not sure who would be the guy, unless they dropped more passes off to Gore and Kendall Hunter.
Mike Sando: The 49ers have dramatically cut Gore's role as a receiver. That's one reason their team yards after reception has fallen. Then there is the red zone. San Francisco ranks last in touchdown percentage there.
Matt Williamson: Every weakness is exaggerated in the red zone for a quarterback. There are a lot more bodies in a smaller space, a lot more molecules bouncing off the walls. You have to be a little more accurate, a little better anticipation. Donovan McNabb was not that great in the red zone. He was not an anticipatory thrower or very accurate. Smith has some of those qualities, too, but less. He is not as talented. But I know he's done well in the red zone before. One thing that comes to mind is a lack of involvement from Vernon Davis.
Mike Sando: Davis finished last season with eight catches for 50 yards and four touchdowns in the red zone. He has four catches for 48 yards and three scores there this season. Delanie Walker had five catches for 22 yards and no scores in the red zone in 2010. He has one catch for a 6-yard touchdown against Detroit in the red zone this season. But Smith's completion percentage has fallen from above 70 to around 40 in the red zone since last season. Sacks are up. Gore's carries in the red zone are up. His receptions are down. I'm not sure what is wrong down there, but improved efficiency in that area would certainly help Monday night.
Williamson and I will be among those participating in an in-game chat Monday night. I'll be at the game. Williamson will monitor remotely. Jamison Hensley from the AFC North blog will join us on the chat from Candlestick Park.
About the 49ers' weak red zone production
December, 9, 2011
12/09/11
10:45
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Greg Roman, offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, spent a good portion of his weekly media session answering questions about performance in the red zone.
The 49ers have scored touchdowns three times in 15 red zone possessions (.200) over their past five games, down from 12 in 22 chances (.545) over their previous six. The drop has raised questions about the team's approach inside opponents' 20-yard lines. Only St. Louis ranks lower in red zone touchdown percentage, one reason 49ers kicker David Akers has already set a franchise single-season record for made field goals (32).
Roman addressed questions about Braylon Edwards and Vernon Davis serving as big targets near the end zone. Roman said one "very recent" opponent, presumably the Rams, broke from well-established tendencies when it double-teamed Davis inside the 20.
Without prompting, Roman pointed to the 49ers' running game as a leading culprit. Roman said red zone passing takes longer to develop because margins are smaller; defenses have less area to defend.
The 49ers like to load up with tight ends in the red zone, inviting heavier personnel from opposing defenses. They have used three tight ends on 31 of 66 rushing plays in the red zone, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The other NFC West teams have done so only nine times in 99 red zone rushes. But with the exceedingly athletic Davis and Delanie Walker at tight end, the 49ers aren't sacrificing speed when they use multiple tight ends.
The 49ers' problems in the red zone might not have much to do with field position.
Football Outsiders and others have questioned whether it's worth breaking out red zone performance. Good offenses perform well no matter where they are on the field, this thinking goes, and bad ones struggle regardless of field position. The 49ers rank among the NFL's bottom three in third-down conversion rate and sacks allowed per pass play. But their 2007 team, featuring one of the worst offenses in franchise history, converted better than half its red zone possessions into touchdowns.
With a strong defense, a somewhat limited offense and an accurate kicker, the 49ers can often afford to settle for field goals. They can take a conservative approach. They rank among the NFL's top three teams in fewest turnovers and time of possession.
The chart below compares rushing success rates inside and outside the red zone for NFC West running backs this season. There's nothing too fancy about the success rates. They're defined the way Aaron Schatz explained them years ago. A first-down run succeeds when the runner gains at least 40 percent of the distance needed for a first down. The bar rises to 60 percent on second down and 100 percent on the remaining downs.
Arizona's Beanie Wells has been most successful in the red zone, both relative to his success elsewhere on the field and compared to the other runners. There aren't many red zone plays from which to choose, but Gore's success rate in the red zone is lower than those for the others. He might need to pack an ax.
"We're going to keep chopping wood," Roman told reporters.
.
The 49ers have scored touchdowns three times in 15 red zone possessions (.200) over their past five games, down from 12 in 22 chances (.545) over their previous six. The drop has raised questions about the team's approach inside opponents' 20-yard lines. Only St. Louis ranks lower in red zone touchdown percentage, one reason 49ers kicker David Akers has already set a franchise single-season record for made field goals (32).
Roman addressed questions about Braylon Edwards and Vernon Davis serving as big targets near the end zone. Roman said one "very recent" opponent, presumably the Rams, broke from well-established tendencies when it double-teamed Davis inside the 20.
Without prompting, Roman pointed to the 49ers' running game as a leading culprit. Roman said red zone passing takes longer to develop because margins are smaller; defenses have less area to defend.
The 49ers like to load up with tight ends in the red zone, inviting heavier personnel from opposing defenses. They have used three tight ends on 31 of 66 rushing plays in the red zone, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The other NFC West teams have done so only nine times in 99 red zone rushes. But with the exceedingly athletic Davis and Delanie Walker at tight end, the 49ers aren't sacrificing speed when they use multiple tight ends.
The 49ers' problems in the red zone might not have much to do with field position.
Football Outsiders and others have questioned whether it's worth breaking out red zone performance. Good offenses perform well no matter where they are on the field, this thinking goes, and bad ones struggle regardless of field position. The 49ers rank among the NFL's bottom three in third-down conversion rate and sacks allowed per pass play. But their 2007 team, featuring one of the worst offenses in franchise history, converted better than half its red zone possessions into touchdowns.
With a strong defense, a somewhat limited offense and an accurate kicker, the 49ers can often afford to settle for field goals. They can take a conservative approach. They rank among the NFL's top three teams in fewest turnovers and time of possession.
The chart below compares rushing success rates inside and outside the red zone for NFC West running backs this season. There's nothing too fancy about the success rates. They're defined the way Aaron Schatz explained them years ago. A first-down run succeeds when the runner gains at least 40 percent of the distance needed for a first down. The bar rises to 60 percent on second down and 100 percent on the remaining downs.
Arizona's Beanie Wells has been most successful in the red zone, both relative to his success elsewhere on the field and compared to the other runners. There aren't many red zone plays from which to choose, but Gore's success rate in the red zone is lower than those for the others. He might need to pack an ax.
"We're going to keep chopping wood," Roman told reporters.
.
» Midseason MVPs: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
My picks for midseason most valuable player for each team in the division:
San Francisco 49ers: Frank Gore
The season started poorly for him and there were whispers about whether or not he had lost a step. Gore has put to rest those concerns emphatically. His five consecutive games with at least 100 yards rushing are a franchise record and the NFL's longest streak since Maurice Jones-Drew had six last season. The 49ers have cut back Gore's role as a receiver. They have also worked rookie Kendall Hunter into the rotation. Still, Gore is averaging a career-high 19.9 rushing attempts per game. Ankle injuries have threatened Gore more than opposing defenses have threatened him.
Seattle Seahawks: Chris Clemons
This was a tough call because free safety Earl Thomas carries quite a bit of value, too. Clemons stands as the best pass-rusher on a team that needs more of them. His toughness in playing well through injuries has commanded respect from teammates. Clemons remains on pace for his second consecutive season with double-digit sacks. Michael Sinclair was the last Seahawks player with at least 10 sacks in consecutive seasons. He accomplished the feat back in 1997-98. Jacob Green did it twice in the 1980s.
Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson
Peterson is the first player in NFL history with three punt returns for touchdowns in the first eight games of his career. His fourth-quarter return touchdown against Carolina and overtime return touchdown against St. Louis were directly responsible for the Cardinals only victories of the season. On defense, Peterson is still getting acclimated to Arizona's scheme and those pesky NFL rules. Penalties have dogged him. He does have two interceptions, however, and continues to develop.
St. Louis Rams: Steven Jackson
The Rams have been competitive in their past two games. Jackson's return to health has been the leading reason why. With 289 yards spread across games against New Orleans and Arizona, Jackson has put himself back on pace for a seventh consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. The Rams will be Sam Bradford's team at some point in the future, but Jackson's profile in the locker room is unrivaled at Rams Park. He's the emotional leader of the team and the one player everyone on the roster can rally around.
My picks for midseason most valuable player for each team in the division:
San Francisco 49ers: Frank Gore
The season started poorly for him and there were whispers about whether or not he had lost a step. Gore has put to rest those concerns emphatically. His five consecutive games with at least 100 yards rushing are a franchise record and the NFL's longest streak since Maurice Jones-Drew had six last season. The 49ers have cut back Gore's role as a receiver. They have also worked rookie Kendall Hunter into the rotation. Still, Gore is averaging a career-high 19.9 rushing attempts per game. Ankle injuries have threatened Gore more than opposing defenses have threatened him.
[+] Enlarge
James Lang/US PRESSWIREFrank Gore has rushed for 782 yards and has surpassed 100 yards in five consecutive games.
James Lang/US PRESSWIREFrank Gore has rushed for 782 yards and has surpassed 100 yards in five consecutive games.This was a tough call because free safety Earl Thomas carries quite a bit of value, too. Clemons stands as the best pass-rusher on a team that needs more of them. His toughness in playing well through injuries has commanded respect from teammates. Clemons remains on pace for his second consecutive season with double-digit sacks. Michael Sinclair was the last Seahawks player with at least 10 sacks in consecutive seasons. He accomplished the feat back in 1997-98. Jacob Green did it twice in the 1980s.
Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson
Peterson is the first player in NFL history with three punt returns for touchdowns in the first eight games of his career. His fourth-quarter return touchdown against Carolina and overtime return touchdown against St. Louis were directly responsible for the Cardinals only victories of the season. On defense, Peterson is still getting acclimated to Arizona's scheme and those pesky NFL rules. Penalties have dogged him. He does have two interceptions, however, and continues to develop.
St. Louis Rams: Steven Jackson
The Rams have been competitive in their past two games. Jackson's return to health has been the leading reason why. With 289 yards spread across games against New Orleans and Arizona, Jackson has put himself back on pace for a seventh consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. The Rams will be Sam Bradford's team at some point in the future, but Jackson's profile in the locker room is unrivaled at Rams Park. He's the emotional leader of the team and the one player everyone on the roster can rally around.
