One Dimensional Is Still One Dimensional
by: Bryan Hersh
OK, a very strong, hearty, and relieved sense of congratulations is owed to Jimmy Raye and Mike Singletary. The two finally got the message: "Throw the ball". It took far too long to get that message across, far longer than it should have considering that every fan and media type had long since come to this conclusion... but here we are, still with an outside shot at the playoffs, and finally these men who are paid big dollars for knowing the game and understanding how to win, have finally come to the conclusion that you and I made what seems like eons ago.
The 49ers win this week was monumental. The game was so well played it was a true relief to see such an all around good performance. The team scored points, held its opponent to what was essentially 3 field goals, had just 1 penalty, and no sacks. More importantly, there was a definitive shift in philosophy. The offense went from reactionary, to pro-active. It attacked, and put the game in the hands of the team's play makers. Behold, the talent executed. Alex Smith threw like he was Joe Montana, Michael Crabtree caught the ball like he was Terrell Owens (note that I chose Owens for the simile due to the two dropped passes), Vernon Davis impressed like Brent Jones once did, and Frank Gore did his best impression of Roger Craig. What a sense of relief.
Sure there may be a bit of hyperbole in the previous paragraph, but I think the philosophy shift warrants the exaggeration to help demonstrate how big a change this has been for this 3 yards and a cloud of dust team. I have argued for some time that this team is loaded with talent - even on the offensive side of the ball. On Sunday we saw more than just a small glimpse of that talent. Though I understand that the jury is still out on Alex Smith, I think that there is no debate that if he can maintain this high level of play, he is the future at quarterback.
Smith has actually played well when given the opportunity this season, though this was by far his most complete game. I find it interesting that this was something that Jimmy Raye and I agreed on before this week's bout, and yet, Smith was very under-utilized. The coaching this season has prevented a fair evaluation of Alex Smith. I hope that the reigns are now officially off, as the most important thing this team can learn this year is whether or not Smith is the future at quarterback. Until now, that evaluation has been nearly impossible to make.
The collective sigh of relief by 49ers fans this Sunday is certainly welcomed... but I do want to throw out a word of caution. A one dimensional team is just that, one dimensional. Whether it is the pass, or the run, teams do not have long term success in the NFL with only one of these criteria filled on offense. As much as I believe the reigns have to come off of Alex Smith and this offense, I also do not want to see the quarterback passing the ball all day with no semblance of a running game. Frank Gore needs to pick up rushing yards to compliment this type of attack. Otherwise, the no sack games will not last long.
Alex Smith had the protection he needed this week. He also got the ball out to his receivers very quickly. The offensive line though needs to play at a higher level. A level capable of run and pass blocking. Only once that happens will this offense really have made the monumental shift many want to believe has already occurred. Until then, opponents will still be able to predict the play calling, and shut the Niners down. I am happy to see that Jimmy Raye does have the ability to change and adapt his play calling, but I am yet to have the confidence that he can call the type of game the 49ers need to have long term success.
The 49ers are fortunate to still be in the playoff hunt. Coaching has started to catch up to the talent on the roster. It now has to take the next step and help make the talent look even better than it actually is. Meanwhile the offense needs the offensive line to produce in both the run and the pass in the same game. That is how this team will improve and be able to compete in the long run. Otherwise it won't be long before opponents will shut down the pass just as they did the run.
Bryan Hersh is the Founder and President of 49ers Paradise, www.49ersparadise.com He is a good friend and supporter of Hooked on the Niners. Please contact Bryan with any questions or comments at bryan_hotn@49ersparadise.com