The 49ers Raye Of Hope

The biggest changes for the 2009 49ers are going to be made on the offensive side of the ball. First year 49ers offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye has maintained that he would like to have a balanced offense, and call plays that will focus on his player’s strengths. A far cry from last year's offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who attempted to fit players around his system rather then fitting a system around his players. 

The 49ers know what they have between the 20s but it’s those short yardage deficiencies that killed the 49ers the most in 2008. Singletary hired Raye because he said they shared the same vision. Apparently that vision is being Physical with an “F” and playing to their strengths. 

Immediately after being hired as OC, Raye was adamant about wanting a fullback that could cause some nose bleeds.  With the return of Moran Norris at fullback, running backs coach, Tom Rathman looks to install some of that nose bloodying know how. 

Hopefully, 3^rd rounder Glen Coffee can get into the act and be the thumper they’ve been missing.  The combination of Coffee and undrafted rookie free agent, Kory Sheets should spell some relief for Frank Gore.  Michael Robinson and Zack Keasey will also benefit from Rathman’s tutelage.  Things don’t look so good for Thomas Clayton, with all the added depth at running back, he will have to fight hard to keep his roster spot.

If Jimmy Raye wants to use his players strengths, I would expect to see more of Vernon Davis on passing downs.  I still believe Vernon Davis can be a force in this league, he looks great in open space, but his receiving skills leave a lot to be desired.

Davis is a tough blocker but he needs to use that same toughness against defensive backs too, and learn to fight for the under thrown ball. Back-up Delanie Walker and rookie TE Bear Pascoe will also be utilized by Jimmy Raye, and will push Davis for playing time. Hopefully the added competition will light a fire under Davis, and he can finally have that break out year he’s always talking about.

I have a feeling Shaun Hill will start the season, but at some point, Alex Smith will get his chance.  It’s up to quarterbacks’ coach, Mike Johnson to have them prepared.  Recently signed Veteran, Marvel Smith and rookie free agent, Alex Boone, help strengthen the right side for either quarterback. 

The crystal ball is foggy with this one.  If Shaun Hill is the quarterback, we should see Raye calling short to intermediate pass plays, with a lot of dump offs to the running backs and tight ends. 

With Alex Smith, I see more bootlegs, and quarterback options.  Alex Smith’s running and scrambling ability should not be over looked.  I don’t think rookie quarterback, Nate Davis will be a factor this season, but who knows, stranger things have happened, see J.T. O’Sullivan.

There has been no deep threat to scare defenses as of late.  With any luck, 1^st rounder, Michael Crabtree can generate attention from defensive coordinators and take some pressure off the running game. Though Michael Crabtree is slotted to play the X position, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him moved around to see what he can do.  I’m sure Raye would like to see his two best receivers on the field at the same time. 

Crabtree and 2^nd year wide out, Josh Morgan look to be the top two guys, but don’t count out Isaac Bruce and Jason Hill.  Hopefully new comer, Brandon Jones can help stretch the field or he’s going to have a tough time getting on the field.  With all the new found depth at receiver, Arnaz Battle and Dominique Zeigler may find themselves competing for a roster spot.

Even more so than the coaches, this season is going to rest on the shoulders of its players.  Head coach, Michael Singletary wants winners, players who will punch you in the mouth.  No more charity, only strong sound football, whether that means running the ball or passing it deep. 

Jimmy Raye’s familiarity with NFL offenses is extensive.  He brings 29 years of NFL coaching experience and has coached such probowlers as, Eric Dickerson, Tony Gonzalez, and Tony Richardson.  Raye’s playbook should open things up for Gore and Davis, the same way it did for Dickerson and Gonzalez, but don’t think the passing game will suffer. 

I think the 49ers will pass the ball a lot more than people think.  If the players they have can live up to their potential, and keep healthy, there’s no reason to believe that the 49ers offense can’t be effective both running and passing the ball.