Biggest disappointments iin training camp

[wist43]

The players that have been mentioned here frequently fit into my sense of disappointment - Quarless, McMillan (though I'm willing to see how he looks next season), Green, Datko, and so on. Nick Perry I'm taking a wait and see approach on, though I respect KY's opinion.

I am also deeply disappointed this training camp in Drew Barrymore. She has not responded to my repeated invitations. I have used this camp to tell here about the moves I'm working on. I have explained how game days would work - the little (very little) Green Bay Packer apron she'd wear. I have coached her in my emails as to how to respond to me when the Packers are playing badly (oral sex) and when they are playing well (oral sex). This seems to me a simple game plan.

Yes, I'm an aging vet, but I can still perform. Yet Drew does not respond, at all. Biggest disappointment of camp so far.

You do realize these posts will be used against you in a court of law, yes??

[wist43]

Jolly has a lot of wins but against backup personnel in many cases. He is getting write ups and Twitter mentions even when he was buried at the depth chart. I would wait until they publish the month end numbers to say something definitely on this.

The guy can flat out play - always could.

His first year he had that ankle problem, but thereafter he has always been a stud. No one is happier to have him back than me...

Doesn't mean Capers will use him at all, or use him properly - but that's another argument. Jolly is a big, talented DL, and we certainly need as many of those as we can get.

Assuming he makes the team - how can he not?? - I will now say we have two 2-gap players, Pickett and Jolly. As I said though, and as everyone should know, Capers will use these guys as little as possible so he can play as small as possible... can lead a horse to water.

[Fritz]

The guy can flat out play - always could.

His first year he had that ankle problem, but thereafter he has always been a stud. No one is happier to have him back than me...

Doesn't mean Capers will use him at all, or use him properly - but that's another argument. Jolly is a big, talented DL, and we certainly need as many of those as we can get.

Assuming he makes the team - how can he not?? - I will now say we have two 2-gap players, Pickett and Jolly. As I said though, and as everyone should know, Capers will use these guys as little as possible so he can play as small as possible... can lead a horse to water.

Yes, Capers is not trying to put an effective defense on the field. He simply wants small players on the field.

[pbmax]

The guy can flat out play - always could.

His first year he had that ankle problem, but thereafter he has always been a stud. No one is happier to have him back than me...

Doesn't mean Capers will use him at all, or use him properly - but that's another argument. Jolly is a big, talented DL, and we certainly need as many of those as we can get.

Assuming he makes the team - how can he not?? - I will now say we have two 2-gap players, Pickett and Jolly. As I said though, and as everyone should know, Capers will use these guys as little as possible so he can play as small as possible... can lead a horse to water.

It will be interesting to see the rotation if he makes the roster as I suspect he will. He is not exactly a liability on a passing down, but he is no pass rusher. However, if you get outside pressure on a QB, he would be perfect to close out the play in the middle. He is quick in short spaces.

[pbmax]

Yes, Capers is not trying to put an effective defense on the field. He simply wants small players on the field.

It will be interesting to see what direction he goes versus San Fran. Theoretically I agree with bobble that speed and execution hurt the Packers more than size in the playoffs. But when you see video of Raji getting crunched by a double team, the urge to go large has to be there.

I think Hawk or Jones leaves the field for Neal and Matthews works all around the LOS playside. But Neal could pull a safety out as well.

[mraynrand]

It will be interesting to see what direction he goes versus San Fran. Theoretically I agree with bobble that speed and execution hurt the Packers more than size in the playoffs. But when you see video of Raji getting crunched by a double team, the urge to go large has to be there.

I think Hawk or Jones leaves the field for Neal and Matthews works all around the LOS playside. But Neal could pull a safety out as well.

SF will be ready for that adjustment. The simple reality is that the 49ers had a superior OL last year. It wasn't just the Packers that they tossed around. You get beefy on them and they will exploit your lack of speed over the middle. The key to beating the Niners will be to allow the slow drip of their running game to prevent the huge plays, but then you have to score points/possess the ball. The Niners will be able to run effectively on the Packers. It's just going to happen because of their talent level.

I suspect the Packers might think they desperately need to stop the run, will 'sell out' against the run, and get absolutely scorched in the passing game. They adjust at halftime, but it's too late, and SF runs the ball down their throat the whole second half.

[pbmax]

SF will be ready for that adjustment. The simple reality is that the 49ers had a superior OL last year. It wasn't just the Packers that they tossed around. You get beefy on them and they will exploit your lack of speed over the middle. The key to beating the Niners will be to allow the slow drip of their running game to prevent the huge plays, but then you have to score points/possess the ball. The Niners will be able to run effectively on the Packers. It's just going to happen because of their talent level.

I suspect the Packers might think they desperately need to stop the run, will 'sell out' against the run, and get absolutely scorched in the passing game. They adjust at halftime, but it's too late, and SF runs the ball down their throat the whole second half.

That is why Neal is a potentially big deal. Unless McCarthy has been blowing smoke about his role, he allows you to get bigger and still play pass D. It will be interesting.

A lot depends on how predictable the 49ers are. They ran through the playoffs using the read option and you had that to worry about plus whatever CK could do in the air. If they use packages where they can run read option and still throw on the same play, then it will be a nightmare.

As of now, I think you can matchup on down and distance.

[Harlan Huckleby]

That is why Neal is a potentially big deal. Unless McCarthy has been blowing smoke about his role, he allows you to get bigger and still play pass D. It will be interesting.

McGinn urges patience as Neal has struggled on a few plays. I urge skeptism. I doubt Neal will be any more suited to playing in space than Aaron Kampman. Maybe there are ways to scheme around his deficiencies. I'm not saying that Neal won't be a big contributor somehow.

It's interesting to see Ryan Kerrigan adapt very well to the linebacker position for Redskins, he's a big guy. But he's also a super athlete, I think he's the exception. I know Neal is a good athlete in measurables.

[Pugger]

We're doomed!

[pbmax]

McGinn urges patience as Neal has struggled on a few plays. I urge skeptism. I doubt Neal will be any more suited to playing in space than Aaron Kampman. Maybe there are ways to scheme around his deficiencies. I'm not saying that Neal won't be a big contributor somehow.

It's interesting to see Ryan Kerrigan adapt very well to the linebacker position for Redskins, he's a big guy. But he's also a super athlete, I think he's the exception. I know Neal is a good athlete in measurables.

I don't see him starting. I see him in a specific role where coverage would be unlikely. Barring injury, he won't be starting OLB in the base 3-4.

[mraynrand]

I urge skeptism. I doubt Neal will be any more suited to playing in space than Aaron Kampman.

If Neal had just learned the Merengue on Dancing with the Stars, he probably could play in space. Now, he's just going to look like an Andy Dick out there.

[MadScientist]

I don't see him starting. I see him in a specific role where coverage would be unlikely. Barring injury, he won't be starting OLB in the base 3-4.

So that accounts for what 10-20 snaps this season? I do agree that, if he makes it, he will be in for pass rush with some run contain duties. Every once in a while they will drop him back into zone, just to confuse the offense.

[mraynrand]

It's interesting to see Ryan Kerrigan adapt very well to the linebacker position for Redskins, he's a big guy. But he's also a super athlete, I think he's the exception. I know Neal is a good athlete in measurables.

Good example for comparison. I saw a bit of that Redskins/Steelers preseason game. Kerrigan has talent, but I'm not sure how often they are asking him to drop into coverage. But that may just be because he's been their designated pass rusher since Orakpoo went down. Can't see Neal spending a lot of time in coverage either, but if he's out there, teams will almost be compelled to exploit him.

[Teamcheez1]

I'm going to go with Datone Jones. Another 1st round pick who has now been injured twice in training camp. At this rate, he could be a future candidate for the Justin Harrell award.

[wist43]

I don't want to see Neal backpeddling... if he's going to be on the field as an OLB, I want him to be roving and feigning into the gaps. Drop him once in a while, but rove him in conjuction with a zone-blitz and bringing other LB's and the corner out of the slot.

As effective as Kapnerfucker was against us last year, that was more a function of Capers being an idiot than Kapnershithead being destined for the HOF. He's still a young guy, and you throw a lot of shit at him, and don't allow him out of the pocket (easier said than done I admit), then you're on your way to containing their offense.

Playing small against the Niners will get you killed... heat up the pass rush with multiple fronts, and match their toughness on run downs by playing big and you'll be much more effective at slowing the stampede.