RSS
Home
Starting Crabtree is a sign of a fight for this season
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Isaac Bruce's role should not diminish with Crabtree's presence, but it might lead to more opportunities for the veteran.
(AP Photo/Marcio Sanchez)
Most times when a team has a talented rookie from the draft following an abysmal season, they will let the rookie grow and make mistakes. The learning curve is a big one in the NFL and any rookie needs to get as much experience as possible before establishing a reputation. These teams usually aren't equipped for a playoff push, meaning their season is in part to groom their rookie for a future playoff push.
The 49ers have the exact same situation-- except they have playoff potential this year and have been making strides without their rookie.
Upon the announcement of rookie Michael Crabtree's promotion to the starting wide receiver spot, I had to wonder what affect this would have on second-year wide out Josh Morgan. And what about veteran Isaac Bruce?
The way the 49ers are preparing for this Sunday's game in Houston and for the rest of the season puts Crabtree and Bruce at the starting position. Morgan will be the third receiver, ready to play any wide receiver positions made available to him. Crabtree clearly has made an impression that warranted his promotion.
The worry for the team might be the development of Morgan as a receiver. Morgan has 13 catches for 202 yards so far in the season; one of three wide receivers with a reception.
By putting the more explosive and talented Crabtree in the starting lineup, the 49ers are putting their best talent for their five-game stretch against elite teams.
The beneficiary of this move will definitely be Crabtree and Bruce. Even though Texans head coach Gary Kubiak has said that the team had studied Crabtree for the draft, there is still a lot of uncertainty for the rookie making his NFL debut. The attention on Crabtree might open up a lot of opportunities for Bruce.
Crabtree is scheduled to be involved in about 12-15 package plays, meaning that Morgan could still get a lot of different opportunities to get the ball on Sunday.
But the move to promote Crabtree is a clear sign that the 49ers believe they can be a playoff team and they definitely believe that Crabtree gives them a better chance to win. Morgan's growth as a receiver could take a step back, but his maturity as a team player has definitely gone in the right direction.
===
This might be the best opportunity for the 49ers to try out their new receiver. The Texans rank at #19 in pass defense and with the 49ers and their 28th rank pass offense, any opportunity against a mediocre defense is a good sign.
The problem that comes with this is that the Texans have two young defensive stars in Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans. Pass protection will be key for the 49ers to have any success in the air.
===
The 49ers have signed RB Keon Lattimore to practice squad. He is Ray Lewis' younger brother.
Lattimore (5-11, 225) signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent following the 2008 NFL Draft and was released on August 30, 2008. He was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad on December 10, 2008, where he spent the remainder of the season. Lattimore re-signed with Dallas on May 1, 2009 and was released on September 5.
Lattimore, a 25-year-old native of Baltimore, MD, played collegiately at Maryland. He finished his Maryland career with 1,744 yards and 19 touchdowns rushing. As a senior, he led the Terps with 805 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
Follow me on Twitter for updates. Check me out here @SLam49ers
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
