For a 22-year-old experiencing his first NFL training camp, Michael Crabtree sure is comfortable with his place in the San Francisco 49ers' pantheon. Having dispensed with the contentious contract dispute that cost him a third of his rookie campaign like Jay-Z flicking a speck of dirt off his shoulder, Crabtree has his sights set on becoming the best wideout in his profession. "This is the year I'm aiming for everybody that's in front of me," he said Monday after a charged Niners practice at the team's training facility. "I'm working hard every day, just trying to make my team and myself better and to get to the top of the list." Crabtree is already held in high esteem by his teammates and 49ers coach Mike Singletary, a somewhat shocking development given the drama that preceded his belated 2009 debut. Now, as the presumptive No. 1 wideout on a potential breakthrough team – the Niners have emerged as a trendy pick to win the NFC West and return to the playoffs for the first time in eight years – Crabtree is experiencing the summer of love that eluded him as a rookie. "I still don't think the league fully understands what he did last year and how incredible that was," Singletary said Monday. "And the exciting thing is, he's going to continue to progress." Source: Yahoo Sports
does anyone feel that a WR can become elite in the current 49er system? they are not and will not be a vertical passing team under singletary and ray .............. they will run first, dump off to TE's and RB's in a short, conservative passing game, and then, 2 or 3 times a game go vertical to keep defenses honest ................. how can Crab put up the numbers needed to be considered elite in that kind of system? about the only way i can think of is if he can turn into a phenomenal runner at getting yards after the catch. I think he 'may' have the potential to do that but it will become tougher for him as defenses key on him more and more (ask Larry Fitz about that). Teams get smarter when receivers run wild on defenders after catching the ball. The defenses begin to zone, spy, and/or bracket that receiver to contain them better after the catch. He may be able to put up some impressive numbers for a while with his YAC but, in reality, the WR's that put up huge numbers consistently not only have complete abilities in their personal game, but need a passing system that gets the ball to them all around the field and on a consistent basis. Add in the fact that he has Alex Smith throwing him the ball and they only connected on 55% of their attempts together last year (good QB/WR combinations are usually around 70%) and it just seems like there are too many obstacles for Crab to hurdle to become Elite.
Great points, Cap'n I think where he'll end up with that 'rep' will be how he fights thru it in SF for those same reasons you stated. A lot like Calvin Johnson, who has risen in the eyes of many, mine included, for fighting thru the same obstacles in Detroit. Definitely a harder road to hoe than if Crabtree was in a top flight air attack system. Big + is seeing how Mike Singletary is viewing him after that contentious start Crabtree had in his NFL career. That speaks volumes cuz Mike definitely knows the dedication needed to excel. Should be a breath of fresh air to follow the development of a WR in the land of WR Divas actually putting in the field work to get better instead of just media lip service.
great points also. Personally, I think the kid is for real. I'm just not sure if he will be able to put up the stats in S.F. necessary to convince some that he is for real. We'll see.
i think they could have a pretty sick offense in SF...the run game should take the next step to dominance with davis and iupati, considering they are alreayd a great running team under singletary and have one of the best TEs in both the run game and pass game. things should really open up for crabtree and morgan with teams focusing on the run and davis stretching the field over the middle. crabtree had a great rookie year despite lengthy holdout and pretty much improvising the whole time
Us 49er fans are hoping for a good offense. Actually despite what most people think the run game in SF actaully isnt that good. The oline was so bad last year I think it was 1/4 of our running plays was ended in the back field. I think Iupati alone is going to fix that problem. As for Crabtree, im wondering if Raye will go back to the spread at all. Smith looked really good from the gun, and for the first time in years we have very good depth at that posistion. We could put Crabs, Morgan, Hill, Ginn, Davis, Walker, all pretty good receviers. So we have our fingers crossed that for once in a decade we can produce first downs on a consistant basis.
well gore is a top 5 RB with or without a good line...being as productive as he has been with a mediocre to bad line thats weak on the inside and the right speaks for his talent....now they have a stud LT playing RT and a mauling run blocking guard.....gore should blow up which will make everything much easier for even mediocre QBs
Smiths lack of an arm isnt going to hurt Crabtree, its going to hurt Morgan. In fact it might even help Crabtree
Ya know i never really thought smiths are strenth was the problem its his accuracy. Some of the balls he throws...you see them and your like wtf are you throwing at???
