Rating The 49ers: Backs, Line and Receivers
Yesterday, I began my review of the State of the 49ers, with a look at the Coaches and Quarterback situation. Today, we will finish up the offense, with a look at the running backs, the offensive line and the receiving core.
Running Backs:
The strength of the team remains Frank Gore - despite the promise elsewhere, Gore is the sole proven commodity on the 49ers, and this season rushed for 1120 yards in just 14 games, which was the fourth straight season he's gone over 1000 yards. The "1000 yard season" is pretty useless of a statistic in 16 games, but given that Gore was banged up or absent from three to four of those games, it shows his effectiveness when he was on the field. What's more, those four straight 1000-yard seasons are the first time that's ever been done by a 49er. (It truly suprised me that neither Roger Craig or Ricky Watters had done it, but stats are stats.)
Gore remains one of the most consistent talents in the backfield in all of the NFL; where his problems lie are his durability (no major injuries, but he's played 16 games in a season just once) and, more importantly, that his coaches don't seem to know what to do with him. I'm going to assume (read: PRAY) that they crack this nut over the offseason, and run more plays that speak to Gore's powerful running from the I-formation.
In terms of backups, the team drafted Glen Coffee a year ago, presumably to be the heir apparent, rather than a back to spell Gore - this is the case because the two have largely the same kind of running style. Coffee showed little in the games where he started over Gore, and it's unclear whether he is, in fact, the long-term answer in a post-Gore team. (Thankfully, that should be several years away.) The team could really benefit by drafting a speed back who could both operate as the "Lightning" to Gore's "Thunder," as well as potentially return kicks and punts, another hole on the team. (This could also be a receiver's job, of course.)
Backups Moran Norris and Michael Robinson are actually pretty talented and spell Gore well in the occasional carry they receive.
Grade: B+
Receiving Core
A year ago, it was a pretty easy call that the 49ers had one of the worst set of receivers in the entire league. However, two main things make that a thing of the past - the drafting and first-year of Michael Crabtree, and the development and emergence of tight end Vernon Davis. Davis, of course, tied the league record for most TDs by a tight end with 13 scores this year. His critical drops decreased a lot this year, and he was even named a team captain by Coach Singletary, showing that he seems to be finally "getting it." He's a critical element of the passing game, and perhaps the receiver with the most chemistry with QB Alex Smith.
Crabtree started the season off by holding out, which soured him in many fans' eyes. Since receivers almost NEVER have good rookie seasons, there was little to expect from a guy who didn't play until Week 7. But once he did, he made waves and showed the kind of promise that has 49ers fans and management excited about the future. Certainly 625 yards (56.8 a game, 13.0 per catch) and two TD are not going to reserve him a spot in Canton, but it was the maturity, ease and confidence on the field that opened everyone's eyes. He has incredibly strong hands and simply finds ways to get open. I heard more than one person compare him to Texans WR Andre Johnson, one of the best in the business. He has as much upside as any young receiver in the entire league.
The problem is, there is no clear WR2 near him. Josh Morgan has talent, and more raw speed than Crabtree, but he's certainly not a threat. Before the 49ers realized that Al Davis was going to giftwrap Crabtree for them in the draft, they signed Brandon Jones to a large contract, then watched him get hurt and catch a single pass all year. If one of them emerge as a real threat, this team can do a lot on offense - but regardless, it seems more than likely the team will use a later round pick on a receiver as well. This is a part of the team that has potential and talent, but needs at least one more component to truly be a threat.
Grade: B-
Offensive Line:
This has been one of the weaknesses on the team, and one that the team rarely uses a top draft pick on. While there are few "names" on the line aside from perhaps Joe Staley, the line handled its own this year. Giving up 40 sacks is no great prize, but towards the end of the season they really did start protecting better. I would LOVE to see them grab an offensive linemen with one of their two first round picks, assuming the talent is there (and it seems to be). With Staley, David Baas, Chilo Rachal, Eric Heitmann and Adam Snyder and Barry Sims as a strong backup, one more tackle or guard could really seal this up and help provide Alex Smith and Frank Gore what they need to bring the 49ers offense back.
Grade: B-
Next up, a look at the defense.