Vernon Davis and Mike Martz developing productive relationship (1 Viewer)

Martz and Davis developing productive relationship

Thursday, July 31, 2008 | Posted by Jeff Dickinson

Any fantasy football football players who already own 49ers tight end Vernon Davis have to be smiling after hearing his comments from training camp earlier this week. Davis, who is working closely with new offensive coordinator Mike Martz, told the San Francisco Chronicle that he has learned more from Martz during this summer than he had in the two previous years of his career.

Davis said that Martz has helped him realize that he was slowing down as he caught the ball instead of utilizing his 4.4 speed last season. Martz told Davis that he was running a 4.4-second route until he prepared to catch the ball. After that, Davis was displaying 4.6 speed as he prepared to bring the ball in.

To help break away from the linebackers who primarily cover Davis, Martz stressed to him that he needed to continue using his foot speed throughout his routes. All of the blame for Davis' running transgressions last season can’t be placed on the tight end, though, because anyone who saw the unstable play of San Francisco’s quarterbacks knows that the 2006 first-round pick had to catch more than a few balls that were thrown behind him.

As for this year, whether it's Shaun Hill or Alex Smith under center probably won't matter to Martz: He's going to use Davis no matter what. After all, Martz told the Chronicle that Davis is easily the most talented tight end he has ever coached, also saying that he has big plans for the ex-Maryland standout this season.

With Martz realizing how the talented Davis can help the 49ers move the ball, coupled with the fact that Davis seems to have a better grasp of his role, expect big things from the San Francisco tight end in 2008.

Martz had big plans for Roy and Calvin last year ---- check the stats. They are both much more talented than VD. I would temper my enthusiasm.

Did Martz really say he had big plans for Roy and Calvin last year? I don't recall that.

Joe B is going to love reading this article. Come on Joe, show your manlove for this guy just one more time!

Lordy.... what another snoozer with drivel on positive outlook. Give me an extra fantasy point for every time a coach blathers about someone looking impressive or plans to use them more in _____ ... that FAIL to materialize.... I'd win every league before the season started.

Another year when Vernon Davis is a highly touted sleeper pick? With all the talent at TE this year, I don't see it as a position where you need to roll the dice. I'm guessing in most leagues there will be somebody who buys into the press coverage enough to snag him early relative to his current ADP and thus kill any potential value he may have.

KCC said:

Another year when Vernon Davis is a highly touted sleeper pick? With all the talent at TE this year, I don't see it as a position where you need to roll the dice. I'm guessing in most leagues there will be somebody who buys into the press coverage enough to snag him early relative to his current ADP and thus kill any potential value he may have.

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Kinda where I am at. I don't see him slipping very far, and it seems like a lot of things need to break right for Davis to really pay off.I think he could, and could be a monster this year, but I'll let someone else take that risk.

massraider said:

KCC said:

Another year when Vernon Davis is a highly touted sleeper pick? With all the talent at TE this year, I don't see it as a position where you need to roll the dice. I'm guessing in most leagues there will be somebody who buys into the press coverage enough to snag him early relative to his current ADP and thus kill any potential value he may have.

Click to expand...

Kinda where I am at. I don't see him slipping very far, and it seems like a lot of things need to break right for Davis to really pay off.I think he could, and could be a monster this year, but I'll let someone else take that risk.

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Rarely are "monster" years occurring from very low octane offenses. Thinking... Tony Gonzalez' last "monster" year was when the Chiefs lead the NFL in scoring in 2003. Chargers have been Top 5 or 10 during Gate's greatest. Witten... Dallas was #3 last year.Todd Heap's 850/7 year.. the Ravens at least finished 12th in scoring.Granted these TEs are contributing to the overall success. and Gonzalez put up 1100/5 with the Chiefs second to last in scoring last year. But Gonzo , and has 10 years experience he's the greatest statistical TE of all time (more TDs, receps than Sharpe, and now only 200+ yards from catching that TV buffoon).TE's more than anyone need redzone opportunities, at least a serviceable running game (check for Vernon), and solid WR or two to draw coverage/safeties (ehhhhh, nope Ike Bruce and Arnaz Battle ain't gonna be burning anyone). However, the Niners offensive line is mediocre at best, with a running game their best hope (via stingy improved defense)... granted Walker is a solid blocking TE, but SF may need VD to stay in a bit more than they'd like.Footballguys have him at 52/619/5. To me a breakthrough year for VD would look like KW2's second (first) year of 89/875/3."Monster" TE year is :8 or more TDs800 yards +80 receptions +

shakeybarn said:

massraider said:

KCC said:

Another year when Vernon Davis is a highly touted sleeper pick? With all the talent at TE this year, I don't see it as a position where you need to roll the dice. I'm guessing in most leagues there will be somebody who buys into the press coverage enough to snag him early relative to his current ADP and thus kill any potential value he may have.

Click to expand...

Kinda where I am at. I don't see him slipping very far, and it seems like a lot of things need to break right for Davis to really pay off.I think he could, and could be a monster this year, but I'll let someone else take that risk.

Click to expand...

Rarely are "monster" years occurring from very low octane offenses. Thinking...

Click to expand...

Well, one of the things that would have to break right is for Martz to dramatically improve the offense, which seems reasonable.

I'm not really buying the Vernon breakout yet, BUT his ADP is still pretty low and there are some other TE you can get even later that make great insurance policies if you have the roster space to carry 2.

I'd definitely feel pretty nervous about this turning out to be the usual preseason hype if he was the only TE on my roster.

I would be a lot more interested if SF had a clear starter @ QB that Davis was developing a relationship.