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Kevin Barlow Prediction (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter jaredsmarks
- Start date
ShadowMaster
Footballguy
Barlow is a MUST START150+ total yards and 2-3 scores against a sad cardinal team. Bench whoever you have to to get this guy in your lineup.
Markuss Royal
Footballguy
I'm going with Barlow over R.Williams and Bennett--if I don't get 100yds and a score from Kevan then you can count one less on his bandwagon
Dude, look at the number of times I have posted and then re-count the number of posts re: the Blogger you were able to pull (dated back pretty far as some of those posts you grabbed were from September).Every single post, not exactly. A dozen times or more out of all the times I DO post is not a tremendous number. The reason I say something is when people post a "I haven't heard about that" post when a quick, two-minute search on the Blogger will confirm the info posted.Edit to add: I pimp the Blogger most about once every two weeks, after I get off my Tuesday night shift, when there is relevant info there. I finish my shift and then I troll the shark pool and look for threads about stories I just posted so that y'all can have the most updated info - thus all the "I just posted to the Blogger . . ." posts from me. Yeah, I really feel horrible trying to get the most up to date info to the board while getting people used to checking in with the Blogger. It's called being a *contributing* participant in the community.
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On limited carries, when he was not the focus of the offense. I am not impressed. And, as someone else posted, he did not do well v. AZ in their last game.Plus, AZ is giving up, on the YEAR, 1306 yards at 3.65 YPC, and 11 TDs. The pass D for AZ is really poor, but the run D is respectable. Much of the run D numbers are obtained after big leads, when the opposing team can afford to run the ball to run out the clock - AZ ranks 26th in the league in rush attempts against.
In short, unless Barlow gets in the 30 carries range, and is given the ball a lot to protect a lead, I do not believe he will have a big day.
BTW, I am not mush-headed, but I may be mush-mouthed.
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
I may be benching Edge to start Barlow. 
That's how good of a matchup I think he has this week.
That's how good of a matchup I think he has this week.
Hope whatever it is I get over it by the time I submit my roster.Cheers
Brintey Spears
Footballguy
I might plug in Barlow for a must win game. Other option is Tiki Vs WAS. Those Giants haven't really been getting it done for me.
chinawildman
Footballguy
That's a terrible argument. 1st of all, the concept of "throwing out" long runs is weak. Fantasy football is a game of numbers, it doesn't matter how the #s are achieved. If he gets stuffed for no gain 19 out of 20 times and breaks one the length of the field for a TD, that's just as good as another RB running the ball 20 times and averaging 5 YPC.Yes it does.
Do you know why he has a higher YPC than Hearst? Because of one game where he had a 78 yard carry and ended up with a 12.3 YPC average. Know what his average would be without that one carry? 4.3
Pretty sad when 1/120th of your carries boosts your average .6 for the season.
In other words, it's not likely that Barlow will get 120 carries this game, nor that he will break another 78 yard run.
Fuamatu-Ma'afala has a higher YPC than Taylor - think he should start?
secondly, your Fu vs. Taylor example is pathetic as well... Taylor has almost 10 times as many carries as Fu.... The keyword here is "sample size" and in hearst and barlow's case, it's relatively the same.
matrix9280
Footballguy
this could be a very interesting game to watch this sunday. finally kevan doesn't have gerald in his way. he gets pretty much all the carries. when you think about it he's pretty much playing for 10 million dollars with 5 million up front. i wonder how he handles that pressure.
Irish
Footballguy
I have the same decision to make and I am benching a questionable DD playin against a tough run matchup vs Jax D and am starting Barlow. I think this will be Barlow's statement game. He has said he wants to be a starter and he is playing for a good contract.Switz poor attempt at bashing Barlow cause he breaks long runs is the same as bashing Shaun Alexander for his huge games. I don't care if my running back takes 2 carries or 25 carries to get me 100 yds. He scores the same amount of points for my team.
pettifogger
Footballguy
I'm with Blue Onion, starting Barlow this week over DD in a playoff game (beside Holmes against Denver).2001, 125 carries, 4.1 YPC2002, 145 carries, 4.7 YPC2003, 121 carries, 4.9 YPCI think it's a big enough sample size by now. And since Garcia's job is on the line too I don't think they are going to let up on Arizona.FantasyDog
Footballguy
As a Barlow owner who's going to be starting him this week (no other option in any case), I was initially very optimistic about this week's matchup. Now, I'm starting to have second thoughts.
Most of my doubts center around Jeff Garcia. He's not good right now, he's not going to get pulled if the offense struggles (the defense will keep things competitive), and he probably lost the team with his interview this week, if he hadn't already lost them in Baltimore.
If you didn't catch it, Garcia blamed everybody but himself for his poor performance last week, including O-linemen that are playing through injuries (for not being available in practice to work on timing) and the coaching staff, for changing the team's game plan and calling too many deep passes throughout the season. (I don't know which is worse about that, the part where he implies that the coaches are idiots or the part where he publicly admits he can't throw the deep ball.)
Even if the 49ers' offensive players are actually trying, I don't think Garcia is good for Barlow's production. Arizona is planning to crowd the box anyway (that's what worked for them in their win in AZ), and Garcia is more likely to throw into the teeth of the drawn-in defenders than go over the top. I think Garcia is perfectly capable of having one of those days where he's the only player on the team who has decent fantasy numbers--something like 140/1 passing, 40/2 rushing, with Beasley as the TD receiver. Again, I don't think the Cards can score enough points to force the issue here.
The other thing that bothers me is Erickson's statement. Maybe I've been listening to too much Mike Tice, but I don't like the fact that Erickson mentioned Jamal Robertson and Terry Kirby by name when he was talking about Barlow's 'big chance'. Erickson has given Barlow the quick hook as recently as two weeks ago in Green Bay, and if the Niners struggle out of the gate, I can easily see Erickson looking somewhere besides the obvious for a solution to the team's problems.
One good thing is that Arizona doesn't blitz, and steady blitzing seems to be the trigger for Erickson to pull Barlow. Of course, it's possible that the Cardinals' coaches know this too, but it's not likely.
The one thing that keeps me relatively optimistic is that Arizona is the worst NFL road team in recent memory. Honestly, I think the Sooners would have a chance against AZ if the game was in Norman.
Still, I'm holding off on predicting two touchdowns for Barlow this week, at least for now...
Most of my doubts center around Jeff Garcia. He's not good right now, he's not going to get pulled if the offense struggles (the defense will keep things competitive), and he probably lost the team with his interview this week, if he hadn't already lost them in Baltimore.
If you didn't catch it, Garcia blamed everybody but himself for his poor performance last week, including O-linemen that are playing through injuries (for not being available in practice to work on timing) and the coaching staff, for changing the team's game plan and calling too many deep passes throughout the season. (I don't know which is worse about that, the part where he implies that the coaches are idiots or the part where he publicly admits he can't throw the deep ball.)
Even if the 49ers' offensive players are actually trying, I don't think Garcia is good for Barlow's production. Arizona is planning to crowd the box anyway (that's what worked for them in their win in AZ), and Garcia is more likely to throw into the teeth of the drawn-in defenders than go over the top. I think Garcia is perfectly capable of having one of those days where he's the only player on the team who has decent fantasy numbers--something like 140/1 passing, 40/2 rushing, with Beasley as the TD receiver. Again, I don't think the Cards can score enough points to force the issue here.
The other thing that bothers me is Erickson's statement. Maybe I've been listening to too much Mike Tice, but I don't like the fact that Erickson mentioned Jamal Robertson and Terry Kirby by name when he was talking about Barlow's 'big chance'. Erickson has given Barlow the quick hook as recently as two weeks ago in Green Bay, and if the Niners struggle out of the gate, I can easily see Erickson looking somewhere besides the obvious for a solution to the team's problems.
One good thing is that Arizona doesn't blitz, and steady blitzing seems to be the trigger for Erickson to pull Barlow. Of course, it's possible that the Cardinals' coaches know this too, but it's not likely.
The one thing that keeps me relatively optimistic is that Arizona is the worst NFL road team in recent memory. Honestly, I think the Sooners would have a chance against AZ if the game was in Norman.
Still, I'm holding off on predicting two touchdowns for Barlow this week, at least for now...
switz
Footballguy
LOFL! Hearst has more 10+ yard runs this year than Barlow, in fact in nearly every game Hearst has a 15 or longer yard run. And MOST of Hearst's carries are up the middle.Barlow has speed - but he's NOT a playmaker. Give him ##### a Mack truck can fit through, or give him a off tackle play with a lead blocker and a pulling guard, he can get alot of yards, but he's not a playmaker.
I am constantly amazed at how many people become enamored with a guy over one play, or one game.
Last time Barlow played AZ in SF - he put up 18 carries for 51 yards at 2.8 YPC
I agree that taking away long carries is a weak argument IF the player has regularly put up relatively long carries. But aside from that 78 yarder Barlow only has 2 other carries over 20 yards, and only one more over 15. That shows how rare his 78 yard run was for him. In fact in 5 games he failed to break a 10 yard gain.
Additionally in 2002 he had 3 carries over 20 yards, and 3 more over 15.
In other words, his 78 yarder was a fluke, and while it does boost his YPC, it is not in any way evidence that he's "better" than Hearst. On 1st & 10, Barlow is averagin 3.3, Hearst 4.2 - most of Barlows yardage came on that 78 yard run and third down. Hearst averages over 4 YPC no matter where he runs, except for left off tackle he's 3.7, Barlow ONLY gets over 4YPC off-tackle.
He's a limited runner with speed, but who lacks vision, pateince, and discipline. He's been hyped now for three years and can't win the starting job. People make excuses, before it was Mooch loved Hearst, now Erickson does... can't anyone get a clue and see that Hearst is simply the better player.
Sheesh!
switz
Footballguy
You are missing the point completely.You can't use that run to predict success. Great he had a long run, but will it happen again, that's what you should be asking. Not did it happen, that won't help you at all.You have a 1/120th shot it'll happen again.The most worthless statistic in FF is year end YPC.
FantasyDog
Footballguy
Overanalysis.You're starting to remind me of the DeShaun Foster business, where you were so quick to praise Foster (and deservedly so) that you turned around and started slamming Stephen Davis. The fact is, Hearst is a very good back, but that doesn't mean that Barlow is trash. If Barlow is only equally effective with Hearst running the football, then he's still a pretty good back, wouldn't you say?
It's still too early to say about Barlow, IMO. He might turn out to be like Troy Hambrick, or he might turn out to be like Ahman Green, or (probably) he'll turn out to be somewhere in between.
Even if you had watched every single carry of Barlow's pro career, I still don't see how you could come to such sweeping conclusions about him and his talent. Honestly, you sound more like a frustrated Niners fan than a serious FF player on this thread.
switz
Footballguy
You're right. My fault was in not seeing Davis run much. I'm thrilled with Foster, still think he can be the better back in the long run, but I was wrong about Davis who is an extremely good RB. Not my style of runner, but still good, very very good.
If Barlow was as effective as Hearst I would say yes. But Barlow isn't as effective as Hearst. He limits what the offense can do quitea bit.The fact is, Hearst is a very good back, but that doesn't mean that Barlow is trash. If Barlow is only equally effective with Hearst running the football, then he's still a pretty good back, wouldn't you say?
He may turn out to be slightly better than Hambrick, but I can't see him getting anywhere near Green's level.
I feel very strongly about Barlow. For three year's I've been right. I don't see him, nor my opinion changing. I'm not a 9ers fan either. I am a serious FF player. Even if I don't come across as one.Thanks for not biting my head off... I really don't intend to come across as condescending, belligerent, or anything else. I just feel very strongly that Barlow is not a top-level calibre RB, and it frustrates me that people after three years still think he has something spectacular hiding in there.
FantasyDog
Footballguy
The reason I mentioned Green is that his profile was similar to Barlow's when he was in Seattle--he was a third-round pick (but more heavily-touted than the usual third-rounder) who got caught behind an excellent all-around back (Ricky Watters) and never really got the opportunity to establish himself. IIRC, Green was more flashy than useful in a Seahawk uniform; certainly, most Seahawks fans weren't crying foul immediately after the team traded him.And, of course, Hambrick was in nearly the same position--certainly close enough to be a useful comparison. I wouldn't be comfortable predicting Barlow's future, even if he's the clear #1 back for some team next year.
Anyway, I respect your analysis, switz, even though I think you usually play your hand a little too strong.
For my team's sake, though, I hope you're wrong this time...
Excellent, objective analysis - I have edited it down for size, but wanted to highlight some of the points madeSome great points about the SF gameplan heading into the week. Where I disagree is the schitzophrenic nature of the 9ers on the road versus at home, combined with the Cards inability to defend the pass, makes me think that the Garcia-TO show will be developing.I also believe this creates a 50-50 chance of Erickson pounding mostly Barlow all day to protect a lead, or pounding an equal amount of all three of the runners named (Barlow, Robertson, and Kirby).I am reminded of Ladell Betts and Trung Canidate splitting time with Betts looking like the better play - Betts got injured, Trung had the clear path to succeed, and he still ended up splitting time with other runners. I do not think the 9ers gameplan changes - they have always mixed it up with their runners, and I think they will continue to do so.I also think it is an extremely large question mark whether Barlow is ABLE to carry over 25 times a game without getting run down and/or injured. He'll get his chance, and we'll see what happens - if he puts up in this game, I will shut up - and admit I was wrong in my prediciton. But, if he blows this golden opp., I'd like some of y'all to come back here and publicly admit you were wrong and that Switz and I were right.I know, it's a pipe dream to have Barlow backers admit he is not a good fit for the NFL.
chinawildman
Footballguy
So in summary, according to the barlow-haters, he's always getting caught behind the line of scrimmage looking to break the big gain that apparently he's incapable of.Yet somehow this "inept" RB is averaging 4.9 YPC... (oh excuse me, switz, 4.3 YPC without his "fluke run")Mad Dog called it right.... OVERANALYSIS.
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I object to this - I did not say he has "always" been caught behind the line.Simply that THIS WEEK he will be caught behind the line while he looks for the hole, or while he tries too hard to make a big play rather than take the 3-yard hole in front of him.I also think Switz is a bit off base with his criticism - one thing Barlow seems to have is the ability to hit the home run at least twice a year.
chinawildman
Footballguy
You just seem to infer that the reason he gets caught behind the LOS is because he's too slow to the hole or too greedy, and I agree with that to a degree. But you also have to admit that part of that is because he's just a different style of runner than Garrison Hearst (at this stage in his career). IMO the reason ppl hate on barlow for this (and there are some on the SF msg boards as well) is because he's a big back at around 230 lbs, and should put that weight into his runs. I partially agree with that as well, but this thread is about Barlow's #s at the end of the day, we're not here to give style points.BTW, while you seem to be skeptical as to whether barlow can even handle a full load, you seem to ignore that he may actually improve with increased carries (as is the case with most RBs).
packersfan
Footballguy
I've always thought when people broke this situation down they were too quick to bash Barlow and not realize that Hearst wasn't some washed-up loser who couldn't play anymore. Perhaps the reason why Barlow couldn't take the job had more to do with the fact Hearst could still play rather than the over-riding implication that Barlow couldn't. I haven't seen every one of Barlow's carries, but virtually every time I've seen him he's left me wondering why the Niners aren't using him more. When they played the Packers, he busted off about 3 or 4 runs for about 4 yards a clip and then got buried on the bench for the entire game. Meanwhile, Hearst was getting stuffed virtually every game with the exception of a couple. As a Packer fan, I was thrilled to see the Niners go with Hearst all day since Barlow would have tore Green Bay's lousy run defense apart with his speed and power. People can sit here and blast Barlow all day long if they want, but the facts show that when he is given a chance to produce (say 14 or more carries) he produces. This season, he's had three such games and every time he's gotten at least 60 yards and averaged at least 4 yards a carry. Last year he also had three such games and only once was he held under 60 yards and average less than 4 yards a carry. The one game, coincidentally, came against Arizona, but it should be noted he scored 2 TDs in that game. Since it's highly unlikely the Cardinals will blow out the 49ers in S.F. and take a commanding lead and force the Niners to abandon the run, it's logical to assume S.F. will run the ball 25-30 times at least on Sunday. With Hearst gone, it's logical to assume Barlow will get 20-25 of those carries and since he averages more than 4 yards a carry virtually every time he's given an increased workload it's logical to assume he'll get at least 80 yards with 100 or more a very strong possibility. None of this, meanwhile, takes into account the fact that in their six road games, the Cardinals have allowed 6 rushing TDs and just last week were gashed by somebody named Brock Forsey. The one thing the Niners do well offensively is run the ball. We've seen it against tough run defenses such as Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh and we've definitely seen them do it more often at home than on the road. Put all of this together and you don't have to be a huge Barlow fan to realize he's looking very very good this week with Hearst out. Project what he normally does into an expanded role against a defense that has been vulnerable to the run at home (and often against less than sensational RBs such as Forsey and James Jackson) and toss in how good the Niners have been running the ball most of the year and the worst-case scenario for Barlow is about 90 yards and a TD on Sunday. And if that's the worst he does, I'd say he'll have done pretty damn well.
Point one - that is NOT and has never been my inference. I am saying it will happen in THIS GAME. That's an opinion, not an analysis of Barlow as a runner.I made the statement b/c I believe Barlow, never having been given the full time load as the starter, will be hesitant about where he's supposed to go, may put too much pressure on himself to make the big play when the short play will do simply b/c this is now his "shot", and he may simply not know what he's supposed to do with the ball on certain plays b/c he's never run them in the games before as those plays were reserved for Hearst. I think I conservatively stated that this will result in behind the LOS tackles on three occassions - twice, the defense will simply blow up the play, or Barlow won't be able to get to the outside and will get caught behind the line. 5 times caught behind the LOS in the Cards game - that's my prediction - and these five carries will bring down his YPC significantly.Point two - considering his injury history when given limited carries, I have little confidence in him as a full time guy. You may be right that he'll get stronger over the course of the game. But, consider that he is now three years trained to take 15-18 carries a game, and he just learned how to pass block this past offseason. People project that he;ll be bumped to 20-25 carries in this game, plus additional catches, plus additional time on the field as a blocker. I didn't consider that he'd get stronger b/c *I* believe he'll get tuckered out and need a lot of breaks.Edit for spelling.
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StarboardTacker
Footballguy
Fanball Link
That would be 20 fantasy points in standard scoring.By BOB BAUM, AP Sports Writer Link
I dream every week about my fantasy players meeting AZ's Defense.Stats:Over last 3 away games, AZ has give up 302 rushing yards to backs, 3 rushing td's to backs, and 48 rec yards to backs. (17.5 fantasy pts per week in standard scoring)Over the last 3 home games, SF has put up 527 rushing yards by backs, 2 rushing td's by backs, 167 rec yards by backs, and 1 rec td by backs. (29 fantasy pts per week in standard scoring)
Me either. Pardon me if I don't take your advice. I will be starting Barlow and sleeping easy.
Faust
MVP
Some nice gloss for Barlow owners:
Associated Press sports writer Greg Beacham noted that for at least a week, Kevan Barlow can be selfish again.
During every game of his three pro seasons, Barlow has shared playing time with Garrison Hearst in the team's successful tailback tandem. But Hearst will miss Sunday's game against Arizona while recovering from minor knee surgery -- clearing the way for Barlow's first NFL start.
Barlow doesn't think he'll have any problem fulfilling his extra responsibilities while playing nearly every down for the first time in his career.
"I've been waiting for this chance all my life," Barlow said. "I'm going to carry an extra load on my back, but mentally, nothing is going to change. I'm just going to go out there and do my job and show what I've learned from watching Garrison in the last three years."
Both running backs have been publicly supportive of the tandem arrangement, which two San Francisco coaching staffs have deemed necessary to keep both backs healthy for an entire season.
Of course, Hearst has already has bounced back from two career-threatening injuries, and hadn't missed a game in the three seasons since returning from the serious ankle injury that kept him out of the NFL for two years.
Hearst has 768 yards rushing on 178 attempts this season, while Barlow has 591 with 57 fewer carries. San Francisco's perennially sound running game has been solid again -- but Barlow, considered by many to be a burgeoning star, has craved the opportunity to take a starring role in the 49ers' offense.
"He's very excited about this," running backs coach Tim Lappano said. "It's a big day for him, and he knows it. This is his chance to show everybody that this is the type of guy that can put this team on his back and carry the load.
"He can't say he isn't getting the feel of the game, because he's going to be in there 85 to 90 percent of the time."
Beacham went on to point out the two men present an intriguing contrast of styles for opposing defenses, with Hearst's shiftiness and Barlow's power requiring different methods of containment.
But a rotation has drawbacks. As Beacham put it: "Football's best running backs establish a rhythm with their blockers during consistent playing time, but neither Barlow nor Hearst has received that amount of time in the last three seasons."
Both backs acknowledge the difficulties of finding a groove while playing only in alternating series. Barlow has attributed some of his inconsistent play to those obstacles.
"It's hard to stay stretched out and to keep your muscles and joints loose," Barlow said. "When you're going in, going out, going in again, it's tough."
Barlow's role shouldn't change anything in the 49ers' game plan, but his teammates are hoping the extra responsibility provides a jump to the offense, which couldn't get in the end zone in last week's humiliating 44-6 loss at Baltimore.
"This is what both of those guys have been looking for," Jeff Garcia said. "It could be good for this offense having one guy back there who can get into a rhythm and hopefully get a chance to break some big runs."
Barlow has earned the 49ers' trust with his heady play this season, which was highlighted by his 78-yard touchdown run last month against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Hearst is dropped after the season -- a possibility, given the team's probable youth movement -- Barlow could be the starter next year.
"It's going to take offseason work," Lappano said. "He's going to have to get in the weight room and get stronger. He's got the size to do that, but he's going to have to work harder than he's ever worked -- but this game is where it starts. This is his big day. ..."
Associated Press sports writer Greg Beacham noted that for at least a week, Kevan Barlow can be selfish again.
During every game of his three pro seasons, Barlow has shared playing time with Garrison Hearst in the team's successful tailback tandem. But Hearst will miss Sunday's game against Arizona while recovering from minor knee surgery -- clearing the way for Barlow's first NFL start.
Barlow doesn't think he'll have any problem fulfilling his extra responsibilities while playing nearly every down for the first time in his career.
"I've been waiting for this chance all my life," Barlow said. "I'm going to carry an extra load on my back, but mentally, nothing is going to change. I'm just going to go out there and do my job and show what I've learned from watching Garrison in the last three years."
Both running backs have been publicly supportive of the tandem arrangement, which two San Francisco coaching staffs have deemed necessary to keep both backs healthy for an entire season.
Of course, Hearst has already has bounced back from two career-threatening injuries, and hadn't missed a game in the three seasons since returning from the serious ankle injury that kept him out of the NFL for two years.
Hearst has 768 yards rushing on 178 attempts this season, while Barlow has 591 with 57 fewer carries. San Francisco's perennially sound running game has been solid again -- but Barlow, considered by many to be a burgeoning star, has craved the opportunity to take a starring role in the 49ers' offense.
"He's very excited about this," running backs coach Tim Lappano said. "It's a big day for him, and he knows it. This is his chance to show everybody that this is the type of guy that can put this team on his back and carry the load.
"He can't say he isn't getting the feel of the game, because he's going to be in there 85 to 90 percent of the time."
Beacham went on to point out the two men present an intriguing contrast of styles for opposing defenses, with Hearst's shiftiness and Barlow's power requiring different methods of containment.
But a rotation has drawbacks. As Beacham put it: "Football's best running backs establish a rhythm with their blockers during consistent playing time, but neither Barlow nor Hearst has received that amount of time in the last three seasons."
Both backs acknowledge the difficulties of finding a groove while playing only in alternating series. Barlow has attributed some of his inconsistent play to those obstacles.
"It's hard to stay stretched out and to keep your muscles and joints loose," Barlow said. "When you're going in, going out, going in again, it's tough."
Barlow's role shouldn't change anything in the 49ers' game plan, but his teammates are hoping the extra responsibility provides a jump to the offense, which couldn't get in the end zone in last week's humiliating 44-6 loss at Baltimore.
"This is what both of those guys have been looking for," Jeff Garcia said. "It could be good for this offense having one guy back there who can get into a rhythm and hopefully get a chance to break some big runs."
Barlow has earned the 49ers' trust with his heady play this season, which was highlighted by his 78-yard touchdown run last month against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Hearst is dropped after the season -- a possibility, given the team's probable youth movement -- Barlow could be the starter next year.
"It's going to take offseason work," Lappano said. "He's going to have to get in the weight room and get stronger. He's got the size to do that, but he's going to have to work harder than he's ever worked -- but this game is where it starts. This is his big day. ..."
Big Daddy Kane
Footballguy
Switz, please don't dissapear this coming Monday if Barlow does indeed have a good game. You touted Onterrio Smith hard and heavy, then pulled a dissapearing act when it became apparent he wasn't going to emerge this year. Be a man this time and show up on the board thiscoming Monday. 
I find this thread very interesting, even though I kept telling myself to stay out of it. Combining my team loyalty with the glipses of great play that Barlow has shown has given me enough faith to keep him in my Keep 7 league. But honestly my patience is running thin. However, that said, the biggest slam Barlow gets here on the message board is that he couldn't beat out old man Hearst. That is just a crock, and really quite insulting to what Hearst has accomplished.
Regardless, I think the real Barlow lies somewhere between what the detractors say and what the hype addicts say. (Even though I want to see him be a huge RB stud) ... So, with that, here's a few snipets from a local article where the RB coach talks about Barlow. However, keep in mind that as a 49er fan, I'm pretty down on all the coaches here ... and this guy Lappano is an Erickson *Shudder* protégé ... so I'm not sure his comments are really very accurate.
Link
Regardless, I think the real Barlow lies somewhere between what the detractors say and what the hype addicts say. (Even though I want to see him be a huge RB stud) ... So, with that, here's a few snipets from a local article where the RB coach talks about Barlow. However, keep in mind that as a 49er fan, I'm pretty down on all the coaches here ... and this guy Lappano is an Erickson *Shudder* protégé ... so I'm not sure his comments are really very accurate.
Link
lombardi
Footballguy
I just bit the bullet and sent my roster in.Barlow is my RB2 over Tiki and Westbrook (Faulk is my RB1).If barlow gets 80-100 yards and a TD I will be happy. I think it is very likely he hits that and his upside to do much more is HUGE. If her really gets into a groove, SF sticks with the running game, and he plays like the flashes he has shown then i could end up being VERY happy. You never know, it's always scarey taking a risk but this one seems to have very good odds.Getting 20-25 carries against AZ, given his shown talent, I don't see much outside of injury or another back getting heavy carries that should prevent him from, at the very least, hitting those numbers. That's my hope anyway.
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switz
Footballguy
LOL! Show me where I disappearedSwitz, please don't dissapear this coming Monday if Barlow does indeed have a good game. You touted Onterrio Smith hard and heavy, then pulled a dissapearing act when it became apparent he wasn't going to emerge this year. Be a man this time and show up on the board thiscoming Monday.
YOu have no clue what you are talking about. I've stated a number of times I was wrong about Smith winning the starting job.
BlueOnion
Footballguy
Switz -I feel for you, its one of those things where no matter how many times you admit you were wrong there is going to be somebody who has not heard as of yet. Unfortunately you will probably have to endure a lot of sling-the-mud campaigning by others.BTW Switz, you did make a good call on Anquan Boldin way back in mid-August.The BlueOnionLOL! Show me where I disappeared
Consensus seems to be that,except for me and Switz, all believe Barlow has such a golden opp in front of him that he really can't fail - that 100 and a TD are virtually guaranteed.I am in full agreement that the table is set, all Barlow has to do is eat. I will acknowledge that this is as good an opp as there ever was for Barlow and anyone who owns Barlow MUST play him this weekend. You've invested way too much in time and roster spot not to play him.However, all of you MUST be in agreement that IF Barlow does not take advantage of this situation, if he ends up injured, or has a poor YPC/overall numbers, or is pulled for other runners, that Switz and I have been correct about him all along and that this guy will never make it in the NFL.No excuses are acceptable at this point. This game, IMO, is Barlow's best, and probably last, opportunity to outright win a starting role for the 9ers.
BlueOnion
Footballguy
Smelvin -I am certainly not involving myself in this "head-to-head" of opinions, I am already vested in the "Anquan Boldin from Week 2 and on debate." But I just want to help clarify some things; are you saying if Kevan Barlow goes for over 100 yards (combined or just rushing???) and scores a touchdown than you were wrong? I would recommend posting some benchmark numbers, that way there is no 'misinterpretation' of the results of this Sunday.The BlueOnion
FantasyDog
Footballguy
On the contrary--I don't think that Barlow's talent (or lack thereof) will have much bearing on his performance Sunday.I think everybody will admit that Barlow is good enough that he's not a significant downgrade from Brock Forsey. Therefore, if Barlow doesn't put up monster numbers this week, "Barlow sucks" is going to be a long way down my list of possible explanations.On the other hand, if Barlow has a huge game, you could justifiably argue that he was just doing what any number of backs would have done in the same situation. Even if he looks like a completely different player than his previous form, I would be wary of making any conclusions about Barlow based on one home game against the Arizona Cardinals.Also, I think the way Erickson has handled Hearst and Barlow so far (and also the Garcia/Rattay situation) would indicate that Barlow doesn't have any chance to win the starting job in SF this season, and of course his future prospects will be based on what the 49ers and other teams do during the summer.I'm sure that none of this will prevent the usual told-you-so's after the game, of course.
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
Very nicely said.
However, to carry the metaphor on, I am in disagreement that if Barlow does not devour the Arizona D this weekend, that makes him inedible as far as making it in the NFL. The guy has lasted three years in an RBBC and though he has not risen to the top with the cream, he has also not sunk to the bottom of the pickle barrell. This is a guy who can be a serviceable, if not spectacular, back on most teams. Heck, if Lamar Smith was able to sit at the big kid's table, then Barlow sure can make reservations as well.That said, I am in total agreement with you about this being his one and only opportunity to silence the critics and "steak" his claim. It's put up or shut up, and there is no team in the NFL that is ripe for the picking than Arizona. While I will not call him a complete rotten tomato if he fails to belly up to the bar, he certainly cannot be called Grade A, either.Maybe I should have just answered this normally - it would have made more sense. 
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Good analysis, but my position on Barlow, is, and always has been, that he has all the talent in the world, but he is simply not a football player the way Hearst is. Talent running with the ball and catching it does not automatically make you a good football player. I truly believe that Barlow lacks a lot of the things that make for a successful NFL player - talent is NOT one of those things he lacks.And, Onion - yeah, go ahead and mark it down, 100 yards and a TD as a benchmark. I think Barlow is VERY likely to get 100 yards combined (and not score), so it must be clarified as 100 yards rushing and a TD (regardless of how scored) for me to consider his day a success.95 yards rushing is good enough for me, provided his YPC indicates a successful day running the ball. If he carries the ball 30 times at 3.3 YPC, I will not consider his performance an indicator that I was wrong about him. Similarly, a Marshal Faulk v. Baltimore 3 TDs on 40 yards rushing won't tell me anything either.
Switz, you are so lame and your act is so tired already. You pimped Onterrio Smith so much and for so long, and now that Onterrio Smith didn't beat out Bennett you state "I was wrong about Onterrio Smith winning the starting job" and expect all to be forgotten? How many months did you argue Onterrio's case on these boards? And now you try to look good about admitting that you were wrong? Lame. Your credibility should be nonexistent by this point.So if Barlow has a good game this Sunday will you again simply admit you were wrong about Barlow and expect all to be forgotten, as is the case with Onterrio Smith? You've been blasting Barlow for years now, an admittance of being wrong further diminishes any credibility you might have had left after your Onterrio Smith fiasco. And for the guy who gave you props for being right about Anquan Boldin, get real! If Switz was any kind of visionary wouldn't he have been all over Domanick Davis since last April? Sure, it's easy to hang your hat on a couple of rookies (Anquan Boldin and Onterrio Smith) and tout them confidently on messageboards. If they play well you can pat yourself on the back and tell everybody how smart you are and inflate your little ego. If they bust, you can simply do what Switz has chosen to do regarding Onterrio Smith and admit you were wrong and hope everyone quickly forgets about it. Seems like a pointless endeavour to undertake. You will either be right or you will either be wrong, but regardless you don't know what the heck will happen and you have absolutley zero control over what will happen, yet you choose to spend your time pimping these players on messageboards like you know. If they bust, like Switz, just admit you were wrong, point out the few players that you randomly were right about, and expect everyone to forget how you made yourself look like such a fool pimping the players that did bust. Then you can get ready for the next year and find the couple of players you will pimp and hope that this year you are actually right so you can restore your credibility. Might as well flip a coin. Switz, you pimping or dissing these players does nothing. You have no affect on the outcome of their careers; the sooner you realize that the better you will sleep. But keep playing your pointless game if you want, it's your life to waste.If Kevan Barlow goes for 100+ yards and a score this weekend I want Switz to come on this board and admit he was wrong about Barlow and admit he knows nothing about evaluating RB talent. No excuses. However, I expect Switz will be on this board first thing Monday morning pointing out that Kevan Barlow did well only because he was playing Arizona and that his performance proved very little, probably he'll even point out that even Brock Forsey ran for 100+ yards and a score against Arizona so Barlow's performance proves nothing except that he can play well against a team in shambles. Absolutely no excuses. This is Barlow's first career start and and first opportunity to show us what he can truly do. If Barlow is indeed what Switz makes him out to be then Barlow should have a very subpar ypc average, no TD's, will miss blitz pickup after blitz pickup (Garcia will be taken away in a stretcher), and Barlow himself will probably exit in the 3rd quarter with a strained hamstring, right Switz? But if Barlow impresses I don't want to hear no crying and whining from Switz--admit you were wrong about Barlow so that we all know to disregard your flawed opinions from here on out. The line has been drawn Switz, step up or step out.LOL! Show me where I disappeared
Horrible. Simply horrible.Slash, some advice:"Better to say nothing and be thought the fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt."Exactly HOW would one game, in which Barlow became the starting RB by default, at home, versus an allegedly porous defense, and a very poor road defense, be cause to annoint Barlow a good NFL running back?I will be here Monday a.m. (probably even Sunday night) and admit I was wrong about Barlow not taking advantage of a golden opp if he gets 100 rushing and a TD, but I will not concede he's a good NFL running back. He's got a LONG way to go to show me that - and he could run for 400 yards in the next four games and it still wouldn't convince me because his ability to run with the ball is not what is at issue. He needs to be the starter somewhere next year for me to believe he's got NFL skills rather than pure athletic skills. He needs to show me he knows what to do to help his team win before he is a football player rather than some guy who can run and catch the ball.Standing all on its own, for a coach to say that a third year, 6'1" 230 pound RB needs to add strength and needs to have better off-season conditioning before he can be a starter should automatically scare you away from this guy, but whatever. Now keep in mind, Slash - you brought up the concept of an "NFL back" - if Barlow rushes for 100 and a TD and he continues to play well the rest of this year without getting injured, I will say I was wrong about him FANTASY-wise, but I will still not be ready to acknowledge him as a decent NFL back.Finally, throwing OSmith at Switz is unfair when you consider the kid is in his first year - if OSmith is in his third year with as little to show for it as Barlow has in his first three years, then fine. Otherwise, all Switz was wrong about was that OSmith would take over this year. He was not wrong (yet) about OSmith's NFL skills, or lack thereof.
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
You know, I'm on switz a lot about his Onterrio pimping because it was incessant, unabashed, and unrelenting, apparently even to this day. It's my feeling that if you make the bed, you lie in it. But I'll tell you one thing: if switz called Boldin back in August, I'd say he has a lot of cred left in the bank.Switz, you are so lame and your act is so tired already. You pimped Onterrio Smith so much and for so long, and now that Onterrio Smith didn't beat out Bennett you state "I was wrong about Onterrio Smith winning the starting job" and expect all to be forgotten? How many months did you argue Onterrio's case on these boards? And now you try to look good about admitting that you were wrong? Lame. Your credibility should be nonexistent by this point.LOL! Show me where I disappeared
Not to mention all the other instances where he was right - to remove one bad call, simply because he was vocal about it - and base his cred on that is horrible.Switz and I were as vocal about folks drafting Hearst over Barlow before the season started as we were during the season about OSmith - and we were 100% on the Hearst call. You may recall that Barlow projected out to the third/early fourth round of most drafts while Hearst was available in the late fifth/early sixth. I guess the vast majority of FF players' cred is shot since they missed the boat on that one.
Barlow this week, for sure (if he were lounging on my bench, he'd probably be getting the start this weekend).Watch the news wire - Hearst will screw up any of Barlow's FF value if he is able to return next weekend.That's nice and all, but who can I start now that the playoffs are here?
So if Barlow stinks it up in the "one game,...at home, versus an allegedly porous defense, and a very poor road defense", are you going to run to this board and proclaim Barlow a bad NFL running back then? If you're not willing to give Barlow his proper credit if he has a good game, you can't bash him if he has a bad game now can you? I swear, I keep asking myself why I bother reading the garbage you inbreds spew out.
Listen - it is Barlow's three years of ineffectiveness, injury, and inability to win the starting job, combined with a golden opportunity like this blown, along with the fact that he has been a disappointment to his coaches, and has not shown me anything that indicates he is a complete NFL running back that would prompt me to say he is not a good NFL back.And if you really think this board is full of "inbreeds," or that people with contrary FF opinions are worth insults, then all I can say is that the board's language filters prevent me from telling you where you can go instead.
Twist the past to fit your argument about Barlow's health or opportunity to beat out Hearst, but I hardly think Barlow has been ineffective.You might want to think before you continue opening your mouth and making yourself look like a fool.
Kevan Barlow Stats History
2001
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Games played: 15
Rush stats: 125 attempts/512 yards/4.1 ypc/4 TD's
Receiving stats: 22 receptions/247 yards/1 TD
2002
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Games played: 14
Rush stats: 145 attempts/675 yards/4.7 ypc/4 TD's
Receiving stats: 14 receptions/136 yards/1 TD
2003
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Games played: 12
Rush stats: 121 attempts/591 yards/4.9 ypc/2 TD's
Receiving stats: 17 receptions/147 yards/0 TD
HARDLY THE DEFINITION OF INEFFECTIVENESS
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