Bleacher Report - Articles by Rory Brown

NFL Power Rankings: Week 6....in Limericks!

Rory Brown — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:06:08 -0400

Ronnie Brown and the Wildcat. Peyton Manning and 300-yard games. Dick Jauron and pitiful coaching. Some things just go hand in hand in the NFL. For me, it's NFL power rankings and limericks. On that note, here's a look at where teams stand heading into Week 6. As always, comments, in limerick form, are encouraged.

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Happy Birthday, Michael Crabtree, but San Francisco Wants You to Party Elsewhere

Rory Brown — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:49:45 -0400

Sunday was a big day for the San Francisco 49ers.

The defense contained, frustrated, and even downright stopped one of the NFL's best offenses from a year ago.

The offense shook off three-plus quarters of third-and-longs and three-and-outs to put together a 15-play, 80-yard drive when it mattered most.

And these 49ers showed they don't need a bull-headed, self-obsessed, 22-year-old wideout to beat a tough opponent on the road.

Monday, Sept. 14, marks Crabtree's 22nd birthday, but it's the rest of the 49ers who have a coming of age, of sorts, to celebrate. The team's 20-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals shows that for the first time in a very long time, this is a San Francisco team worth cheering.

Amid new reports that Crabtree intends to sit out the 2009 season and re-enter the draft in 2010, the 49ers beat the reigning NFC champs on their home turf, and they did it as a team.

From coach Mike Singletary's on-the-field huddle to fire up his defense, to Shaun Hill's composure during the team's crucial go-ahead drive, to Justin Smith slamming Kurt Warner to the turf on the game's final snap, this team wanted it.

Sure, the game wasn't perfect (repeated two-yard runs up the gut aren't going to cut it next week against Seattle), and yes, the team could have used a freakishly talented 22-year-old receiver running fly routes and end-arounds, instead of 36-year-old Isaac Bruce.

But right now, Michael Crabtree is all about Michael Crabtree, and that mentality just doesn't fit with the 49er team that pulled out the win on Sunday.

If this group of players is going to keep moving forward as team, the last thing they need is a diva who wants recognition as a top wideout before even playing in an NFL game.

So keep sitting, Crabtree. Celebrate your birthday without an NFL paycheck, and listen to your agent reassert the same threats that only further alienate the 49ers franchise and fanbase.

Watch your value dip lower and lower, and be prepared to take less money from a different team next year.

Or, you can recognize that on Sunday, a bunch of guys in red and gold realized they can get something special accomplished if they act as a team. You can sign, get up to speed, and prove that this 49er team is better with you in the lineup.

Now that would be a birthday to remember.

The Definitive AFC Preseason Report...in Limericks!

Rory Brown — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:24:53 -0400

Sure, the NFC may be stealing the headlines these days (Michael Vick's "60 Minutes" appearance, Michael Crabtree continuing to avoid playing football, a summer full of Vikings/Favre rumors), but there's plenty going on in the AFC as well this preseason. And what's the best way to get a quick fix of happenings around the AFC? Goofy limericks -- that's what. That said, here's the official AFC preseason report...in limericks. Just to be clear, these aren't power rankings, or predictions of how the conference will shake out -- just storylines and trends to watch as the regular season nears. (As always, comments -- in limerick form -- are appreciated and encouraged.)

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Beyond Roger Federer's Record: Andy Roddick Also Wins Big at Wimbledon

Rory Brown — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:30:12 -0400

Full disclosure: I'm a huge tennis fan, but not the biggest Andy Roddick fan.

I'm not a fan of his bratty attitude. I'm not a fan of his hesitance to attack the net despite having one of the best serves in tennis. I'm not a fan of his inconsistent play and the fact that despite his shortcomings, he's the best thing American men's tennis has had to offer for the past seven years.

But something I didn't expect to happen surfaced during Sunday's men's Wimbledon singles final.

I became a full-fledged, fist-pumping, teeth-gritting, "Come on!"-chanting Andy Roddick fan.

I woke up Sunday morning and booted up the DVR not to root for Roddick, but to witness history. Similar to the tennis greats in attendance at Centre Court (Pete Sampras, Bjorn Borg!), the advertisers (Nike, NetJets!), and even Roger Federer himself (he packed a Nike sweater with an annoyingly embroidered "15" on the back!), I expected the five-time champ to win.

In a week which saw news agencies and news consumers alike scrambling for details behind the very sad and very unexpected deaths of Michael Jackson and Steve McNair, Federer vs. Roddick was a breath of fresh, predictable, seemingly inevitable air.

All the A-material was there—Federer's dominance over the tennis landscape (his inevitable 15th major), his dominance at Wimbledon (his sixth title in seven years), and his dominance over Roddick (a staggering 18-2 head-to-head record) all pointed to an easy win for the Swiss champ.

Reporters just needed to fill in the score, columnists needed to give Roddick a pat on the back for a great tournament before reigniting the Federer vs. Pete Sampras all-time great debate, and everyone needed to stick around long enough to see if Sampras would get a chance to shake Federer's hand in front of the cameras (three games into the match, John McEnroe suggested that Sampras could even present the trophy to Federer).

But then Roddick held off four break points at 5-5 in the first set and broke a stunned Federer to take the set 7-5.

Then he came within an awkward misplayed backhand volley of going up two sets to love.

Then he continued to slap forehand passing shots (or as McEnroe calls them, "squash shots") past Federer and pushed the four-time champion to a second straight tiebreak.

Then he refused to implode after facing a 2-1 set deficit despite not losing his serve once, as he broke Federer's serve, shook off an awkward baseline slip, and closed out the fourth set.

Then he worked for 30 more games, eventually losing his first service game all day and faltering to a guy that most people had winning in three, maybe four, sets.

Three points before losing the match, Roddick was a point away from 15-all in the fifth set. Fifteen games—not points—apiece, that is.

While many reporters, bloggers, columnists, and talking heads following the match gave immense credit to Roddick's efforts, the headlines (my favorite being ESPN's "Swiss Bliss") belonged to Federer. It was the story news outlets had been planning for weeks, if not longer, and Federer's personal accomplishment was the universal lede.

But while the history books and many a tennis fan will remember July 5, 2009, as the day Roger Federer put his name atop the list of all-time greats, I'll remember it as the day I started rooting for Andy Roddick.

I was impressed with his five-set win over Lleyton Hewitt; I was floored with his gutsy four-set win over Andy Murray (and equally admired his classy post-match praise for Murray); and I became a fan during one of the grittiest, most improbable tennis performances I've seen since Pete Sampras lost his dinner (twice!) during the quarterfinals of the 1996 US Open.

No one gave Roddick a shot, and from his opening serve to his congratulatory words to Federer after the match, he did it all with class.

Judging by the crowd at Centre Court, I'm not the only fan Roddick gained today, as spectators were quick to put aside the desire to see history and root for a guy who played the match of his life.

So take advantage of this, Roddick—get to the net, stay aggressive, and at Flushing Meadows this August, play to the crowd and get your fans (new and old) pulling for you.

I'll be watching, and I'll be rooting.

2009 NFL Mock Draft: The Friday Night Lights Edition

Rory Brown — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 02:43:43 -0400

Full disclosure: I'm a huge fan of the football television drama "Friday Night Lights," inspired by the movie, and Buzz Bissinger book, of the same name. Sure, the show features a bunch of twentysomething actors portraying high school students, and the Dillon Panthers (the fictional team the show is based on) tend to win pretty much every game on the last play, but the writing, acting, and football are compelling, and the show makes for great TV. With news that the show may get picked up for two more seasons, and with the NFL Draft approaching, I thought I'd create an "FNL" mock draft. The following is a breakdown of where "FNL" characters (from the television and the film versions) would be picked in the 2009 draft. On to the first pick...

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Lane Kiffin Accuses Oakland Raiders of Multiple Recruiting Violations

Rory Brown — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:29:43 -0500

Knoxville—Football's favorite whistleblower is at it again.

Tennessee Volunteers head football coach Lane Kiffin announced earlier this morning that the Oakland Raiders (who Kiffin coached in 2007 and part of 2008) are guilty of multiple recruiting violations, and intend to commit more infractions this week.

"I have it on good word that scouts within the Oakland Raiders franchise plan on meeting with several collegiate players in the coming days at something called 'The NFL Combine,'" said Kiffin, speaking at a school-sponsored breakfast. "It's inappropriate for the Raiders to try and steal players from the college ranks, and I hope the NCAA looks into these violations and acts accordingly."

Kiffin said Oakland scouts have specifically targeted wideouts Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin, as well as outside linebacker Aaron Curry. He said the Raiders plan on speaking with all of them over the next week, even asking them to run respective 40-yard dashes so scouts can collect data on their physical health and abilities.

"If the Raiders can talk to these players, what's to stop any NFL team from plucking players from the college ranks?" said Kiffin. "I'm very interested to see how the NCAA handles this news."

"Not a college team"

Shortly following Kiffin's accusations, the NCAA issued a statement, although it probably wasn't what Kiffin was looking for.

"The Oakland Raiders are not a college team, and it is impossible for an NFL team to commit recruiting violations," said NCAA spokesperson Steven Johnson in an email sent to all major media outlets. "What Mr. Kiffin is referring to is the NFL Combine, which is an opportunity for teams to look at former collegiate athletes in preparation for April's NFL Draft. The combine and draft happen every year, and the players involved no longer play for college football teams."

When asked if he was surprised by Kiffin's remarks—especially since Kiffin used to coach in the NFL—Johnson shrugged his shoulders.

"Well, a college coach claiming the NFL draft is illegal—that's definitely a first," Johnson said. "But this is Lane Kiffin we're talking about—the sky's the limit."

NCAA officials have grown all too familiar with Kiffin's "interpretation" of NCAA guidelines since he took over as Tennessee's head coach.

Kiffin made headlines last week when he mentioned highly coveted prospect Bryce Brown by name on a radio station—a direct violation of NCAA rules. Earlier in the month, Kiffin accused Florida head coach Urban Meyer of "cheating" when Meyer called prospect Nu'Keese Richardson while Richardson was on his official visit to Tennessee. It turns out calling a recruit during a visit to another campus isn't an infraction, and Kiffin later apologized.

Still pressing his case

But despite popular belief that the NFL Combine and NFL Draft are longstanding and legitimate events, Kiffin isn't dropping his accusations just yet.

"The bottom line is, I'm sure the Raiders would like to see any of these college stars in silver and black, but teams have to play fair," said Kiffin. "I'd love to see top recruit running back Bryce Brown commit to Tennessee, but I have to play by the rules. I know I can't call Bryce Brown when he's visiting another campus (editor's note: he can), and I know that I can't mention Bryce Brown by name on a radio program (editor's note: he can't, but did). Rules are rules."

Note: Portions of this article (including all the quotes, premise, and identity of the NCAA spokesperson) are fabricated. Some of it, believe it or not, is actually true.

Valentine's Day: When Spring Training and Chick Flicks Collide

Rory Brown — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:27:29 -0500

Thanks to the World Baseball Classic, this year's Spring Training has been bumped up a couple of weeks, and pitchers and catchers start to report on Feb. 14 -- Valentine's Day. And with Valentine's Day, comes the flood of "chick flicks" -- movies aimed at drawing a female audience through tales of romance (grimace), female companionship (double grimace), and Meg Ryan (well, no complaints there) -- to theaters and cable television. Coincidentally, some of this year's most compelling Spring Training storylines are shaping up a lot like some of the more well-known chick flicks, which got me thinking of some new movies that should be in production.....

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The Top 10 Video Game Sports Teams of All Time

Rory Brown — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:10:12 -0500

Next month marks the 20 year anniversary of the release of Tecmo Bowl on the Nintendo Entertainment System -- the game that showed there was a lot of money to be made off kids sitting too close to the TV, and controlling their favorite NFL teams. In honor of the game that started it all (and to avoid thinking about how long ago 1989 was... and how old I am now...and the fact I'm thinking about the impact a 20-year-old video game had on my life) here are the 10 most dominant video game sports teams of all time. My Top 10 includes....

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Renaming NFL Players After '80s Movie Characters

Rory Brown — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:47:39 -0500

By now, you’ve probably heard the news that Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Greg White is changing his name to Stylez G. White. Here's the really weird part of the story: White’s inspiration for the name change is Rupert “Stiles” Stilinski -- a character played by actor Jerry Levine in the 1985 Michael J. Fox film "Teen Wolf." Just to clarify, that’s a professional football player changing his name to resemble a fictional character from a 23-year-old film. Right. But maybe White's onto something here, and there are other NFL players that should look back on some of the more memorable roles of 1980s cinema, and change their respective names to reflect the characters they resemble in some way or form. Let’s take a look at a couple of new names that would fit some high-profile NFL personalities:

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And the Oscar Goes to....The Best of College Football

Rory Brown — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:13:01 -0500

The 2008 college football regular season has come to a close, which means the bowl schedule is set, and not a single player, coach or fan is the least bit upset with what turned out to be a crystal clear BCS picture. [Awkward silence] OK. So maybe clarity and happiness aren't exactly what college football does best this time of year, but it's not all bad -- the end of the year means it's time to celebrate the teams, players, and moments that defined the 2008 season. With awards being handed out left and right, and the Heisman Trophy presentation coming up, I thought I'd join in the fun and hand out some hardware of my own. The 2008 college football season had the dramatics, storybook endings, and sudden twists and turns of a good movie, so I figured why not honor the best of college football using some of the categories from the top awards in film -- the Oscars. On that note, the Oscars go to.......

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Breaking Down The NFL Playoff Picture...In Limericks!

Rory Brown — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:29:34 -0500

With Week 11 of the NFL in the books, there are just six weeks left for teams to jostle for playoff position. Here are some limericks breaking down my picks (six AFC teams and six NFC teams) of how the teams and seeds will shake out by season's end. All comments are appreciated, and comments in limerick form are encouraged. Here we go.....

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Texas Tech-Texas Rematch Should Be the National Championship Game

Rory Brown — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:40:37 -0500

I know that this isn't going to go over well with Alabama fans.

Or Penn State fans, Florida fans, or USC fans.

But I'm a college football fan, and as someone who loves to see the best teams and the best players duke it out for 60 minutes, this is what I want to see on Jan. 8 when the BCS National Championship game kicks off:

Texas Tech vs. Texas, Part Deux.

I'm not saying that an undefeated Alabama team or an undefeated Penn State team doesn't deserve to play on Jan. 8. But I hope that both of those teams lose between now and the end of the season so there's still a chance to see a rematch of the best college football game of the year.

The BCS is different things to different people. The system is supposed to be as objective as possible, but it brings out the most subjective of arguments.

To me, the system should be all about providing the best possible conclusion to a season of college football—a game that has the potential to encompass what the previous three-plus months of football were all about.

In a season best defined by the rivalries, gunslinging quarterbacks, and high-octane offenses of the Big 12, who better to cap off the season than Texas Tech and Texas?

In 2008, the traditional SEC rivalries have fizzled, the Big Ten and Pac-10 have lost some of their swagger, and the Big East has downright disappointed—but the Big 12 has been nothing but consistent.

Texas vs. Texas Tech on Nov. 1 delivered on all of the promises of greatness, turning into one of the most compelling games since the 2006 Rose Bowl and providing one of the most dazzling finishes in recent college prime time history outside of Boise State's improbable defeat of Oklahoma 22 months ago.

From Texas Tech's hot start to the inevitable Texas comeback; from Texas quarterback Colt McCoy's swagger to Texas Tech kicker Matt Williams' sudden celebrity; from the opening kickoff to Michael Crabtree's final sprint up the sideline, the matchup was a game that reminded people why they love football.

The Nov. 1 instant classic is just one example of the Big 12 at its best this year. The Oct. 11 matchup between Texas and Oklahoma lived up the hype, as did Texas-Oklahoma State after that.

Plus, if all goes according to plan, the remaining marquee matchups (four Big 12 teams are currently ranked in the BCS Top 10, and there are still three huge Big 12 games to go) should provide some pretty good football, too.

All of that said, I know a rematch of Texas Tech-Texas in the National Championship is unlikely.

I know this particular dream needs a Penn State collapse and an Alabama loss. It needs the voters to turn down explosive and exciting one-loss teams coached by Urban Meyer and Pete Carroll. It needs Texas Tech to win out with tough games against Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, and a Big 12 Championship opponent still to go.

But if the BCS is all about the debate, mystery, and intrigue of what matchups could happen come Jan. 8, then dreaming is what I'm supposed to do. I'm just hoping a little harder that this dream comes true.

NFL Week Eight Preview...in Limericks!

Rory Brown — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:18:26 -0400

A lot of big NFL games this weekend, so what better way to preview the exciting matchups than with a crop of limericks? And away we go...

NYG (5-1) at Pit (5-1)

Yes, this is the game of the week

A sixth win is what both teams seek,

You know Mike Tomlin's planning

To disrupt Eli Manning

Which may prompt Tom Coughlin to tweak.

AZ (4-2) at Car (5-2)

Steve Smith is back in full effect

All's forgiven for that teammate he decked

Boldin could be back,

Improving 'Zona's passing attack

But the Cardinals' defense is pretty suspect.

Atl (4-2) at Phi (3-3)

Brian Westbrook is set to return

With healing ribs, we'll see how fast he can burn

The Falcons have their own burner

His name's Michael Turner

A Philly loss would cause a lot of concern.

SD (3-4) at NO (3-4)

For both of these teams, London is calling

The Saints' defense has looked pretty appalling

The coaches hope Brees delivers

Because there's no stopping Rivers

In the standings, New Orleans may be falling.

TB (5-2) @ Dal (4-3)

Dallas needs to get an early lead

Without Romo it will be hard to succeed.

The Bucs' D is tough,

And their offense does enough

Hard Knock life in Dallas, indeed.

StL (2-4) @ NE (4-2)

The Rams are showing signs of life

Jackson looks good following the contract strife

The Pats impressed Monday night,

But this game could still be a fight

Too bad Brady's back under the knife.

Cle (2-4) @ Jax (3-3)

Thus far, the Browns have had a poor first half

The offense is struggling, committing gaffe after gaffe

And with MJD on a tear,

There's no room for error

And they fined Winslow for talking about staph.

Buf (5-1) @ Mia (2-4)

This is the first division game for the Bills

Thus far, Edwards has impressed with his skills

The Dolphins have beaten some teams

With their Wildcat schemes

But this game won't be big on thrills.

Was (5-2) @ Det (0-6)

Portis is running all over the place

Scoring touchdowns as defenders just chase

If there's a defense to exploit,

You can find it in Detroit

At least the Lions will have a top draft pick to embrace.

Oak (2-4) @ Bal (3-3)

Against the Jets, the Raiders suddenly looked able

Not sure how much credit should go to Tom Cable

The Ravens' D will flex their muscle

Putting pressure on Russell

And things in Oakland are always unstable.

Sea (1-5) @ SF (2-5)

You know it's an ugly NFC West

When the Cardinals are clearly the best

Seattle won't get on track

With a hurt Matt Hasselbeck.

As a 49er fan, I'm still depressed.

KC (1-5) @ NYJ (3-3)

The Chiefs' defense is bad, so Favre easily rolls

He'll throw three scores to Laveranues Coles

KC isn't going places

LJ is spitting in faces

Did I mention the defense is full of holes?

Cin (0-7) @ Hou (2-4)

Matt Schaub will get win number three

And I doubt Bengals fans disagree

Cincy has the same receiver corps,

But their offense is a bore

Is that an 0-8 record I see?

Ind (3-3) @ Ten (6-0)

These records still don't look right

But it's the Titans that are supposed to win this fight

Manning looks plain

And can't find Reggie Wayne

We could see 7-0 after Monday night.

Why Mike Nolan Failed in San Francisco

Rory Brown — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:40:19 -0400

Mike Nolan isn't to blame for all of the '49ers' woes of the past three-plus seasons.

He inherited a sinking ship, and there are plenty of players, coaches, scouts, and front office decision makers, past and present, that also deserve blame for San Francisco's struggles.

But for a team that desperately needed wins, Nolan never seemed desperate to win games.

With 7:30 left in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Giants, the '49ers were down by 10 points, with the ball, facing fourth and five near midfield. Rather than keeping the offense on the field to try to net five yards and get in position for a score, Nolan sent in the punting unit. The punt gave the Giants the ball, and the ability to run off enough time to make a two-score San Francisco comeback very, very unlikely.

Fittingly, that was the last major in-game decision Nolan made as the '49ers' head coach.

Whether it was decision to punt on Sunday against the Giants, ordering field goals on fourth and goal in preseason games, or giving the ball back to opposing teams in the waning minutes of close games, Nolan was never willing to turn over the reins to his offense and put the game in the players' hands.

Instead, he often handicapped the team by pulling the offense off the field.

If there's one game that defines the Mike Nolan era in San Francisco, it was a Week 12 game against the St. Louis Rams in 2006.

The 'Niners were riding a three-game winning streak, Alex Smith was showing promise as a young quarterback, Frank Gore was in the midst of his breakout season, and the team was one win away from upping its record to 6-5 and challenging for the NFC West lead.

San Francisco, up 14-13, had driven down the field, and faced fourth and one with about two minutes left.

The momentum was on the 49ers' side, the St. Louis defense was exhausted, but Nolan ordered his offense off the field and kicked the field goal. The Rams got the ball back, drove down the field with ease, scored a touchdown, and won.

Whoever takes over as the San Francisco coach for the long haul, whether it's Mike Singletary or someone else, needs to have faith in the players to make plays.

San Francisco fans are tired of seeing games punted or kicked away. The Niners need to use the clock to their advantage when they're ahead, and keep it in mind when they're behind.

The fans are desperate for wins, so let's see a coach that desperately wants victories, too.

Fantasy Football Owners: Step Away From The Panic Button

Rory Brown — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:07:43 -0400

Wall Street bounced back on Monday, but those weren't the only stocks that recovered after weeks of decline.

In a 2008 NFL season full of the improbable, the fantasy football stock of Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards and Jamal Lewis jumped dramatically as the Cleveland Browns thumped the visiting New York Giants 35-14 on Monday night.

All three players were key to the 7.5-point underdog Browns getting the win, with Lewis running for 82 yards and a touchdown, Anderson throwing for 310 yards and two scores, and Edwards hauling in one of those scores on his way to 154 receiving yards on five catches.

Fantasy owners who waited for the Browns to produce were finally rewarded. Those who traded any of the three players at lower values earlier in the season watched fellow owners reap the benefits.

Let the Browns victory, a host of surprising Week Six wins, and a vastly unpredictable NFL season serve as a warning to fantasy owners: Do not panic.

Fantasy football is a game built around predictions—predicting what teams will efficiently move the ball and score, and predicting which players will score more than others. Fantasy owners rely on statistics and trends from the season's previous games to make those predictions.

Here's the problem: 2008 has been a wild year, so it's also been a tough one to predict.

Underdogs went 8-7 against the spread in Week Six, with several underdogs outright beating favorites, including Arizona over Dallas, St. Louis over Washington, and Cleveland over New York.

Four of the week's games were decided by last-second field goals, and Arizona beat Dallas with a touchdown off a blocked punt in overtime.

And Week Six hasn't been the only week full of surprises.

The Dolphins' (1-15 a year ago) only two wins have come against last years AFC Championship teams (New England and San Diego); The Saints are among the top four scoring teams in the league, but are only 3-3; and the Tennessee Titans, playing with their backup quarterback, are the only undefeated team in football.

For lack of a better term, the 2008 season has been weird.

And maybe weird will become the norm in 2008, or maybe things will start to resemble previous years. Regardless, it's just too early to tell what teams and players will be the standouts of the year, and it's too early to give up on your big fantasy investments, no matter how far they've fallen since draft day.

The Browns hadn't done much heading into Monday night, but they showed they're a team that can score five touchdowns against a Giants team that was giving up just 12 points a game. If the Browns, on the brink of a quarterback switch and a 1-4 hole, can turn things around, so can other teams.

If you need something to worry about, there's a mortgage meltdown and a roller coaster of a stock market. When it comes to your fantasy investments, wait a couple of weeks and see what happens before hitting the panic button.

Roy Williams Shouldn't Be at the Top of the San Francisco 49ers' List

Rory Brown — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:48:38 -0400

The Roy Williams to San Francisco rumors, whether or not there's any truth to them, are really exciting to a lot of 49ers fans.

The organization partially built on the foundation of Jerry Rice's records and Dwight Clark's catch hasn't had a star receiver since Terrell Owens left town in 2003.

Since T.O. took off for Philadelphia, "top" San Francisco receivers have included the likes of Cedrick Wilson, Brandon Lloyd, Curtis Conway, Arnaz Battle, Johnnie Morton, Antonio Bryant, Darrell Jackson, and Bryant Johnson.

That's not exactly a group of first-ballot Hall of Famers, which explains why the signing of almost-36-year-old Isaac Bruce this summer was considered a major upgrade.

Only once over the past four seasons has a 49er wide receiver—Brandon Lloyd in 2005 —led the team in catches for the year. Instead, that honor has gone to tight ends (Eric Johnson in 2004, Vernon Davis in 2007) and running back Frank Gore (2006, and he currently leads the team in catches in 2008).

The 'Niners need a clear-cut No. 1 wideout, and Williams, if he actually wants to be traded, could be that guy. He's a pass catcher that hasn't always been consistent but has the size and speed to make big plays. He's also thrived under Mike Martz's offense in Detroit, peaking at 82 catches for 1,310 yards and seven touchdowns in 2006.

With Williams as the go-to receiver, Bruce as the No. 2 option, a host of younger guys to fill the third spot, and Frank Gore catching passes out of the backfield, quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan would have options when looking to move the ball down the field.

But O'Sullivan doesn't have any options when he's getting dragged to the ground by opposing defenders, and that's become a familiar happening.

No quarterback has been sacked more than O'Sullivan this year, as he's been tackled behind the line of scrimmage 20 times—12.5 percent of his pass attempts.

The sacks are partially due to O'Sullivan holding on to the ball too long, but poor pass protection can be blamed for the frequent pocket collapses.

Although a top receiving target is something the 49ers desperately need, protecting O'Sullivan needs to be the team's top priority. That means any kind of trade that would send draft picks—picks that should be spent on bulking up the offensive line in the offseason—to Detroit would likely be bad news for San Francisco in the long haul.

Blitzing is the easiest way to disrupt Mike Martz' offensive schemes, as opponents of the 2002 St. Louis Rams figured out. Throw in a promising, but very inexperienced O'Sullivan, and the forced throws, turnovers, and sacks rise dramatically.

Sure, O'Sullivan needs a target, but opposing defense are targeting him, and the 'Niners need to address that before making any big moves.

Minnesota Vikings Opt To Make Game Exciting and Punt to Reggie Bush

Rory Brown — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:37:23 -0400

I don't get it.

I don't get why the Minnesota Vikings, up by 10 points with about two minutes left in the third quarter, and seemingly in control of their Monday-night game against the New Orleans Saints, punted to Reggie Bush.

Bush returned the punt 71 yards, energizing a previously dormant home crowd and putting his team just three points back.

I don't get why the Vikings, having seen what Bush could do, punted the ball to him again in the waning seconds of the same quarter. Bush almost broke free for another score, tripping after a 29-yard return. It wasn't a touchdown, but the return put the Saints on the Minnesota 49-yard line, and a few quick plays from tying the game up with a long field goal.

And I don't get why the Vikings, three minutes into the fourth quarter, punted the ball back to Bush yet again. He took the punt 64 yards for another score, giving the Saints a seven-point lead.

Yes, the Vikings still pulled out the victory, but Brad Childress and the Minnesota coaching staff might want to abide by a new mantra: Punt the ball out of bounds.

The Minnesota coaches obviously spent a lot of time preparing the defense to contain Reggie Bush. Bush caught seven balls for 64 yards but struggled to find running lanes and managed just 29 yards on 12 carries.

But when it came to special teams, the Vikings didn't show any reservations in punting the ball to Bush, despite his reputation as a fast, agile playmaker that is tough to tackle in the open field.

If the goal is to maintain Bush, why not just keep the ball out of his hands entirely?

Football is a game of variables. Whether it's bad calls, bad weather, bad luck, etc., there are a lot of aspects of a single game that players and coaches can't control. The coaching staff's job is to reduce the impact of those variables by balancing risk with reward, and putting the players in the best position possible to execute a game plan and win.

Punting the ball out of bounds would have forced the Saints to piece together several successful scoring drives (something they hadn't done in the second half) over the last 17 minutes of playing time. But even with the New Orleans offense struggling, and the Minnesota defense clicking, the Vikings elected to punt to Bush.

The Vikings' players failed to tackle the former USC standout, and Childress repeatedly put the team in the high-risk, low-reward position of pitting his over-matched special teams unit against the Saints' return man.

And with two games against the Bears still to come, beware, Minnesota fans—Devin Hester's waiting to make some big plays.

If Monday night was any indicator, he'll get his chances.