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- Jan 14, 2013
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Trust me, I'm as angry as anyone but there was one big positive from that game. We saw almost all our rookies in action and they did not disappoint.
Greg Robinson definitely is raw. He had some issues with the blitz and stunts but that'll come with experience. He absolutely man-handled Justin Smith on some plays and stone-walled him numerous times in pass pro. This kid faced a top 5 3-4 DE in the NFL and gave him next to nothing. As frustrated as we have all been with his development, the kid looks like a future star at OG AT WORST. But if the range and kick-slide are there on the edge, he can be a dominating LT.
Aaron Donald still is working on his pass rushing but the guy was an absolute force in the run game. He had to have blown up at least 4-5 plays in that game behind the LOS and made numerous tackles at or behind the LOS. He was giving the 49ers OL fits all game and would have sacked Kaepernick on the TD pass if not for a blatant hold after he whooped the 49ers OL off the ball. Donald is a future star.
LaMarcus Joyner just played his best game as a pro. I don't recall any major lapses in coverage and the guy was unbelievable on special teams. He was unstoppable as a gunner. I'm telling you, this kid needs to play FS. His pursuit angles, open-field tackling, and ability to fly to the ball are second to none.
Tre Mason might just be a keeper. I had been pining for Todd Gurley lately but after seeing Mason run today, I might just rethink that. The guy needs to learn how to pass block. That's huge. But anyone that saw him run today had to be impressed. Stacy was clearly hurt and had no burst at all. It was a really good contrast watching Mason and Stacy run. Mason just had so much more explosiveness and the guy runs with serious determination. He ran through two 49ers to get the first down on that catch early in the game and I saw him carry 3-4 49ers on his back on another run while driving his legs to pick up extra yardage. Once we get his pass protection issues out of the way, I really like Mason's potential. He's quick to the hole, he's decisive and he runs hard. Plus, he might have had a long TD run if not for him trying to truck Quick.
And last but not least, E.J. Gaines played another strong game. I know he gave up a TD to Crabtree but you gotta tip your hat to the route he ran on that play. Gaines really had no chance on an island. However, he nearly picked off an early pass, made a bunch of nice tackles in space, and he made a couple nice plays on the football. Gaines really looks like a steal. Janoris better get it together or else he might lose his starting job. I tend not to agree with some on Jenkins, he's been a stud for us this year...but today, he was atrocious. There was no excuse for him to gamble on that long TD to Lloyd. If he continues to make selfish plays like that, Gaines will take his job.
On a final note, I'll also say that I think Tavon Austin played really well today. Some of you might disagree but I thought he really came out and made the most of every chance he was given. I don't think he's far from that corner if the Rams give him a chance to turn it.
Greg Robinson definitely is raw. He had some issues with the blitz and stunts but that'll come with experience. He absolutely man-handled Justin Smith on some plays and stone-walled him numerous times in pass pro. This kid faced a top 5 3-4 DE in the NFL and gave him next to nothing. As frustrated as we have all been with his development, the kid looks like a future star at OG AT WORST. But if the range and kick-slide are there on the edge, he can be a dominating LT.
Aaron Donald still is working on his pass rushing but the guy was an absolute force in the run game. He had to have blown up at least 4-5 plays in that game behind the LOS and made numerous tackles at or behind the LOS. He was giving the 49ers OL fits all game and would have sacked Kaepernick on the TD pass if not for a blatant hold after he whooped the 49ers OL off the ball. Donald is a future star.
LaMarcus Joyner just played his best game as a pro. I don't recall any major lapses in coverage and the guy was unbelievable on special teams. He was unstoppable as a gunner. I'm telling you, this kid needs to play FS. His pursuit angles, open-field tackling, and ability to fly to the ball are second to none.
Tre Mason might just be a keeper. I had been pining for Todd Gurley lately but after seeing Mason run today, I might just rethink that. The guy needs to learn how to pass block. That's huge. But anyone that saw him run today had to be impressed. Stacy was clearly hurt and had no burst at all. It was a really good contrast watching Mason and Stacy run. Mason just had so much more explosiveness and the guy runs with serious determination. He ran through two 49ers to get the first down on that catch early in the game and I saw him carry 3-4 49ers on his back on another run while driving his legs to pick up extra yardage. Once we get his pass protection issues out of the way, I really like Mason's potential. He's quick to the hole, he's decisive and he runs hard. Plus, he might have had a long TD run if not for him trying to truck Quick.
And last but not least, E.J. Gaines played another strong game. I know he gave up a TD to Crabtree but you gotta tip your hat to the route he ran on that play. Gaines really had no chance on an island. However, he nearly picked off an early pass, made a bunch of nice tackles in space, and he made a couple nice plays on the football. Gaines really looks like a steal. Janoris better get it together or else he might lose his starting job. I tend not to agree with some on Jenkins, he's been a stud for us this year...but today, he was atrocious. There was no excuse for him to gamble on that long TD to Lloyd. If he continues to make selfish plays like that, Gaines will take his job.
On a final note, I'll also say that I think Tavon Austin played really well today. Some of you might disagree but I thought he really came out and made the most of every chance he was given. I don't think he's far from that corner if the Rams give him a chance to turn it.
