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The defense cannot carry this team. It’s good but not dominant especially with Smiths which is likely
Post game: Niners beat Packers 13-10
- Thread starter Mark87
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Defense depends on who stays and who goes.
Could lose Campbell and Douglas both to UFA.
Both Smith’s could be cap casualties, as well as Lowry and Amos.
What parts of the defensive nucleus they can keep will say a lot about what to expect from that group next year.
Could lose Campbell and Douglas both to UFA.
Both Smith’s could be cap casualties, as well as Lowry and Amos.
What parts of the defensive nucleus they can keep will say a lot about what to expect from that group next year.
Heard a couple of interesting takes the past few days regarding special teams from various sources. Nothing real new.
A big take is that the TT/Gute philosophy doesn't emphasize keeping and acquiring players for their special teams ability. Yes, young guys can make the team by doing well on special teams, but they weren't acquired for their ability and good special teams players are rarely kept if they aren't better elsewhere. So, you keep the 4th best ILB even though the 5th best ILB is a better special teamer. That philosophy played out when it came time to hire a coach for special teams a few time - let's do it the cheap/lazy way because "teams" don't matter that much.
This seems to have partly spilled over to ML. During the week before the game he basically said he hoped specials teams wouldn't screw up. Bad message and bad culture. You should expect your special teams to execute to perfection and help you win a game. It seems like the blocked field goal came because Lowry and Lancaster messed up. While those aren't the most talented guys on the field, they aren't total scrubs, and are generally guys who play hard. Maybe it's the low expectations "attitude" that accounts for some of the screw-ups and poor play.
ML and Gute better sit down this off-season and figure this out. Special teams ARE a major reason for two NFC playoff losses in the past 5 years or so. That crap can't keep happening.
A big take is that the TT/Gute philosophy doesn't emphasize keeping and acquiring players for their special teams ability. Yes, young guys can make the team by doing well on special teams, but they weren't acquired for their ability and good special teams players are rarely kept if they aren't better elsewhere. So, you keep the 4th best ILB even though the 5th best ILB is a better special teamer. That philosophy played out when it came time to hire a coach for special teams a few time - let's do it the cheap/lazy way because "teams" don't matter that much.
This seems to have partly spilled over to ML. During the week before the game he basically said he hoped specials teams wouldn't screw up. Bad message and bad culture. You should expect your special teams to execute to perfection and help you win a game. It seems like the blocked field goal came because Lowry and Lancaster messed up. While those aren't the most talented guys on the field, they aren't total scrubs, and are generally guys who play hard. Maybe it's the low expectations "attitude" that accounts for some of the screw-ups and poor play.
ML and Gute better sit down this off-season and figure this out. Special teams ARE a major reason for two NFC playoff losses in the past 5 years or so. That crap can't keep happening.
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Matt wanted to hire that one really good ST, was it Menninga? Front office wouldn't pay him, so they went with Drayton instead.
Matt has to learn a bitter lesson here.
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Darren Rizzi was the guy they wouldn't pay top dollar to so they settled for Sean Mennenga and then went with Mo Drayton.
I think that Murph and/or Gute balked at ML wanting to hire Rizzi (it was ML's first season) and pay top dollar. So they settled for Mennenga (2019-2020) and then Drayton took over.
I don't blame the Mennenga fiasco on ML, but his hands are dirty on Drayton and he should have enough clout/say-so now after three 13 win seasons that he's earned the right to hire someone even if they aren't cheap.
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I remember when they got rid of Tracy White for that very reason. He was thier best STer but wasn't one of the tops at his position. ST noticeably tanked after that.....
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Dang Cd!! I had to go look him up!! Are you an elephant and never forget?!
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Ha... not according to my wife.Dang Cd!! I had to go look him up!! Are you an elephant and never forget?!