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Things have quieted down quite a bit in Hawk country with the conclusion of last
week's passing camp. Early indications are that the winners of this camp are the
guys who actually showed up! Head coach Mike Holmgren was practically beaming
with delight at the turn out for this “voluntary” camp, “We
had a great turnout and there are more guys in the off-season program then we’ve
ever had", Holmgren said. "I think you get a certain momentum and it
just kind of builds.”
Coach Holmgren also said
that the pre-draft camp really gives team management a chance to see where everyone
is in theirindividual off-season workout programs. Strength up the middle of
the defense appears to be Seattle’s weakness heading into the draft, but
don’t expect the Seahawksto do much wheeling and dealing on draft day,
Holmgren has said repeatedly that the best philosophy that has worked well for
the Seahawks has been just to take “the best player available.”
This philosophy could mean Seattle passes on a MLB at 23 should another player
rated higher at a non-need position be available.
Management for the San
Francisco 49ers must be in awe of Seattle’s position. The 49ers, once
the golden boy franchise of the NFL, has become less than a shell of its former
self. This off-season, San Francisco cut ties with just about every offensive
skill player to start for them under former coach Steve Mariucci. Dennis Erickson
is purging the team he inherited in hopes of building a team that is closer
to those models he established with the Miami Hurricanes, Oregon State Beavers, and
even his early Seattle teams. The Erickson model is more about being faster
with more flash than crash type players. Gone are starting quarterback Jeff
Garcia, wide receivers Terrell Owens and Tai Streets, and fan favorite halfback
Garrison Hearst. Hearst’s dismissal means that for the first time, 4th
year back Kevan Barlow will step in and carry the full load out of the backfield.
However, Barlow will have a tough time matching his past production with the
absence of starting tight end Jed Weaver and offensive lineman Derrick Deese
and Ron Stone.
Surprisingly, the 49ers
have given up 7 offensive starters during free agency, but have brought in just
a couple of free agents without signing any. None of those brought in are considered
to be much of an upgrade to what is left on the 49ers roster. The closest deal
could come through free agent guard Scott Rehberg. Rehberg, who visited the
49ers last Friday, has spent the majority of his eight-year career as a back
up for the Browns and Bengals. Though backing up on those teams doesn’t
say much for the value of Rehberg, by adding him the 49ers would have the big
body (6-8 315 pounds) to fill in after the departure of Ron Stone. Currently
the 49ers are relying on career back up and tweener Kyle Kosier to fill that
role. David Loverne, Greg Randall and Brenden Stai have also visited the team.
Aside from the potential
running woes, the 49ers have serious questions at QB. Tim Rattay played well
while subbing for the often-injured Jeff Garcia in 2003, completing nearly 62
percent of his passes with 7 touchdowns and 2 interceptions while acquiring
a 96.6 quarterback rating. But those numbers come with only 3 starts and a handful
of appearances off the bench. Those numbers are reminiscent of what happened
in the Cleveland quarterback controversy. Kelly Holcomb’s 2002 numbers
were outstanding while subbing for starter Tim Couch. Those numbers, which included
two 400+ yard games, would lead to Holcomb being named the starter for 2003
with disastrous results. If history teaches us anything than it’s safe
to assume that Rattay, like Holcomb will struggle out of the gates in 2004 as
teams will have had enough time to analyze film and game plan to take advantage
of Rattay’s weakness and confuse him with disguised coverages.
Also problematic for the
young QB is the lack of any true number 1 or 2 receiver. Rattay faces a long
season if the 49ers fail to land a legitimate receiver early in the draft and
add a veteran after the June 1st cuts. It’s almost unfair for Rattay to
come out with fans or coaches expecting anything close to what the Louisiana
Tech standout has accomplished in 2003.
Offense isn’t the
only hurdle this young team faces in 2004. Bryant Young is no spring chicken
and has begun showing his age at defensive tackle. The 49ers are rumored to
be implementing a more aggressive 3-4 scheme into the game plan for 2004. For
this reason the team is expected to draft a bulky 300 pounder early on day 1
of the draft. Though one has to question if the team has enough talent and depth
at linebacker to make this transition a success even if they secure the heavy
stud.
Cornerback is another highly
touted concern. The team is in search of a nickelback after the departure of
Jason Webster. The team could have the answer to nickel already on the bench
in Jimmy Williams. Williams played very well during the 2003 exhibition season
and management would like to see him get a shot during the regular season.
With all the holes to fill
the 49ers certainly have their work cut out for them, but it appears unlikely
that the team will even match last years win total of7-9. Until issues are resolved
at WR and along the D-line, it’s a safe bet to expect the 49ers to hold
a top 5 pick in the 2005 draft.
Cardinals News:
Coach Green Pleased
According to the Arizona
Cardinals team site, www.azcardinals.com,
new Head Coach Dennis Green is pleased with the early progress of his team.
The Cardinals are one of several teams allowed under league rules to have two
voluntary camps as new coaching staffs implement their playbooks. The only notable
absences from the second camp: guard Leonard Davis for family reasons, defensive
tackle Wendell Bryant had school commitments and linebacker Levar Fisher is
nursing an ailing knee.
Players are getting accustomed
to the new practice tempo, and many have already commented on how rigorous the
new routine is. One thing Green and his staff are communicating early is the
commitment to the run. Tailback Emmitt Smith likens the philosophy to returning
to the roots of football. Coach Green says that running the ball wins games
and believes that the offensive line in place is more suited to run-blocking
than pass-blocking. So, you fantasy leaguers out there may want to start thinking
about Marcel Shipp on draft day.
Next week: Scouting
the Rams.