Thursday, January 16, 2003
49ERS YEAR END REVIEW AND DRAFT PREVIEW
Overall: The team performed well considering it was riddled by injuries. The 49ers led the league in broken bones and sprained ankles it seemed. The team won the division (more due to the collapse of the Rams than team success) and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. However, it was proven throughout the year that the team couldn't compete with the NFL elite. Losses came at the hands of Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Diego, and Green Bay, all of whom made or narrowly missed the playoffs. The only playoff teams the Niners beat were the Giants (twice) and a struggling Raiders team which was in the midst of a severe losing streak.
Coaching: The firing of Mariucci says it all. Coaching could have been better, but the 49ers still don't have the necessary talent to compete. Playcalling on the offensive side especially was uninspired. I felt that offensive coordinatior Greg Knapp (or is that Nap) would definitely be fired regardless of what happend to Mooch. Defensive Coordinator Jim Mora Jr. has been getting a bad rap in the media. I judge him more with what he did last year than with the injury riddled defense of this year. That being said, I don't want to see him become the next head coach. Denny Green seems the best choice because he's been with the 49ers before, he's an offensive minded coach, and he's a known commodity. Of course, the 49ers traditionally haven't gone with known commodities when selecting their coach. That was true especially with Seifert and Mooch.
Offense: The unit was inconsistent and lacked intensity and creativity for most of the year. Changed playcalling and a few new pieces in the puzzle could make this unit a juggernaut. Pretty amazing considering the 49ers have negleted offense in the draft for several years.
Quarterback: Garcia is entrenced, Rattay appears solid, Cade McNown may return from injury. No help needed here.
Running Backs: Hearst's time may be almost up. The team needs to see what Barlow can do as a starter. Fred Beasley is as good a blocking fullback as they come, but I'd like to find a Rathman type of fullback who can be involved more in the passing game and carrying the ball. Backups appear solid although some are returning from injury.
Wide Receivers: Goodbye J.J. Stokes, and it's about time! The 49ers need to draft a prototype blue chip wide receiver. Someone who can actually get seperation from a defender. Tai Streets' contract is also up. I see him as a third receiver at best, and it's 50-50 as to whether he'll be back.
Tight End: Johnson is good when healthy, but sometimes he was poorly utilized, and he's no Brent Jones. Maybe a strong backup or even a starter can be secured in the draft.
Offensive Line: This unit rivals the secondary as the most injured unit, which may be why the running game disappeared at the end of the year. No matter who was in the lineup, the unit held up remarkably well, and the rookies showed a lot of promise. Deese's replacement must be found at tackle. He's not getting any younger.
Defense: A frightening pattern of fourth quarter collapses. Injuries, Injuries, Injuries. No pass rush and a porous secondary. These were the same problems as when the 49ers went 4-12. Is the real defense the one who nearly shutout Philadelphia last year or got blown out by Philadelphia this year? Only time will tell.
Defensive line: Played well against the run, but had no pass rush. Chike Okefore's contract is up, and the 49ers should let him go. Stubblefield isn't the same player he once was, and Bryant Young isn't getting any younger. The 49ers need to find a stud pass rusher to compliment Andre Carter and they need to find a young defensive tackle to provide a push up the middle as Young once did.
A defense can't be successful without a solid pass rush.
Linebacker: Injuries, I sound like a broken record. This is a unit that has tons of potential, but can it stay healthy? No draft help is needed here, yet.
Secondary: Mike Rumph may get better, but he wasn't the answer this year. The 49ers need to look for another corner in this year's draft and perhaps another safety as the players at this position can't seem to stay healthy.
Special Teams: HELP!!! Lafleur looked like Pepe Lepew out there. The 49ers need to find a punter. Chandler may work out at kicker, but needs another year of evaluation. It's time to resurrect this unit after years of neglect. They probably cost the team more than one game last year.
DRAFT/FREE AGENCY PRIORITY SUMMARY:
Low Priority:
Quarterback
Halfback
Center/Offensive Guard
Linebacker
Moderate Priority:
Offensive Tackle
Defensive Tackle
Safety
Fullback
Tight End
Kicker
Special Teams
High Priority:
Cornerback
Wide Receiver
Defensive End
Punter
Junior Bro 4:18:00 PM
|
|
