SF signs Westbrook (1 Viewer)

[identikit]

August 16, 2010

Niners strike deal with RB WestbrookThe 49ers have struck a one-year deal with free-agent running back Brian Westbrook, according to a source. Westbrook, 30, was released by the Eagles in March after an eight-year career. The last two years have been marred by an array of injuries, including two concussions in 2009. The 49ers, meanwhile, began searching for a veteran running back on Friday after running back Glen Coffee unexpectedly told the team he was retiring. The paperwork for Coffee's retirement was filed this morning, meaning Coffee is officially no longer with the team and there is an open roster spot.

The 49ers' interest in Westbrook, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, comes a day after rookie running back Anthony Dixon's impressive debut in Indianapolis. Dixon rushed for 100 yards on 21 carries, including a five-yard touchdown run. His outing seemed to assuage fears that he could step into Coffee's role as the No. 2 runner behind Frank Gore. After the game, however, Mike Singletary gave Dixon a measured review. "He did OK,'' Singletary said, according to The Mercury News. "We tried to make sure we didn't overload him with anything. We kept it pretty simple. He's going to have to continue to grow and expand."

Westbrook has rushed for nearly 6,000 yards and has scored 71 touchdowns. However, he's started only 11 games in the last two seasons. It is not yet known what Westbrook's role will be in the 49ers offense. Singletary is scheduled to have a conference call with the local media at 2:30 p.m.

-- Matt Barrows

http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/201...s-close-to.html

 

[THE UNDERCOVER BROTHA]

Ok wait......i thought he was signing with the Rams?!?!

 

[identikit]

Brian Westbrook is headed to San Francisco

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on August 16, 2010 6:17 PM ET

When ESPN's John Clayton said Brian Westbrook was likely headed to the Rams, we pointed out that Westbrook may see if anything develops in the final set of preseason games before making a decision.

We were thinking that a player might get injured, opening a new door for Westbrook. A surprise retirement did the trick instead.

Westbrook agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the 49ers, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. Westbrook will help fill the backup role vacated by Glen Coffee, the second-year player who officially filed his retirement papers on Monday.

Rookie Anthony Dixon looked good in San Francisco's preseason opener, but he's a novice on passing downs. If Westbrook can avoid further concussions --- a gigantic if -- he can handle third down duties in his sleep.

UPDATE: The team confirmed the news. Westbrook has signed.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/...-san-francisco/

 

[Jeff Haseley]

I was wondering if SF would entertain a RB signing after Glen Coffee's sudden retirement. This is an interesting development, but I don't see Westbrook playing that big of a role. This is more insurance, if you ask me. And even then, there's no guarantee that Westbrook can still bring it.

 

[Fullback Fro]

Love the signing. I was really hoping that we would make the move.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Dixon was 21/100 and a TD the other night...Michael Robinson would be likely the odd man out, no great loss there.

Westbrook can bring a lot to the passing game although Gore is no slouch as a receiver either. SF is pretty short after Crabtree with guys still trying to develop such as Morgan and Ginn, Westbrook could easily line up in the slot position for 3 wide sets, that would keep Davis in at TE, and Gore still in the back field...could cause a lot of match up problems. I don't think Westbrook will be asked to run the ball a ton, maybe 5-6 carries a game and mostly sweeps, Gore would handle 2/3 of the carries and everything between the Tackles.

My .02

 

[Joe Bryant]

I like it.

J

 

[jude]

this is bad news as a gore owner.

 

[countingcrow]

It remains to be seen how this will affect Gore on third downs. While Gore has above average catching ability out of the backfield, Westbrook is/was one of the best in the game. For those of us with the 5th pick in PPR leagues our decision just became a little tougher.

 

[jude]

It remains to be seen how this will affect Gore on third downs. While Gore has above average catching ability out of the backfield, Westbrook is/was one of the best in the game. For those of us with the 5th pick in PPR leagues our decision just became a little tougher.

while i agree this is bad news, at this point in their respective careers, Gore is a better receiver than Westy.

 

[Carolina Hustler]

Nice signing for SanFran... And short work made on the heels of Coffee's abrupt departure. I think this is a nice upgrade, Glen did the team a favor..

 

[Carolina Hustler]

It remains to be seen how this will affect Gore on third downs. While Gore has above average catching ability out of the backfield, Westbrook is/was one of the best in the game. For those of us with the 5th pick in PPR leagues our decision just became a little tougher.

while i agree this is bad news, at this point in their respective careers, Gore is a better receiver than Westy.

Huh?

 

[jude]

It remains to be seen how this will affect Gore on third downs. While Gore has above average catching ability out of the backfield, Westbrook is/was one of the best in the game. For those of us with the 5th pick in PPR leagues our decision just became a little tougher.

while i agree this is bad news, at this point in their respective careers, Gore is a better receiver than Westy.

Huh?

what? he has much better feet and vision at this stage of his career. being a great receiving back is more than just having great hands. i consider him a better receving back than westy right now.

 

[shredhead]

It remains to be seen how this will affect Gore on third downs. While Gore has above average catching ability out of the backfield, Westbrook is/was one of the best in the game. For those of us with the 5th pick in PPR leagues our decision just became a little tougher.

I was having trouble deciding between Gore and Turner in my non PPR TD heavy league at the 5th pick, now it'll be easier to pick Turner!

 

[shader]

I'm not sure that this is good news for Westbrook owners. I'm also not sure that this is good news for Gore owners either.

For the 49ers, this is a GREAT signing. I never thought Westbrook's speed or physical skills eroded, it was the concussions that scared me.

If he's past the concussions, this is a bigtime signing. It's obvious teams were skeptical, but the 49ers are a dream scenario. Dixon is there if Westbrook does get hurt again, Gore is the workhorse, and Westy can get 8-10 carries and catch 4-5 balls a game.

 

[jude]

I'm not sure that this is good news for Westbrook owners. I'm also not sure that this is good news for Gore owners either.For the 49ers, this is a GREAT signing. I never thought Westbrook's speed or physical skills eroded, it was the concussions that scared me.If he's past the concussions, this is a bigtime signing. It's obvious teams were skeptical, but the 49ers are a dream scenario. Dixon is there if Westbrook does get hurt again, Gore is the workhorse, and Westy can get 8-10 carries and catch 4-5 balls a game.

Westy wont be getting 15 touches per game. Not even close. try about 8 total on average per game for the year, maximum.

 

[shader]

It remains to be seen how this will affect Gore on third downs. While Gore has above average catching ability out of the backfield, Westbrook is/was one of the best in the game. For those of us with the 5th pick in PPR leagues our decision just became a little tougher.

while i agree this is bad news, at this point in their respective careers, Gore is a better receiver than Westy.

Huh?

what? he has much better feet and vision at this stage of his career. being a great receiving back is more than just having great hands. i consider him a better receving back than westy right now.

If Westbrook's concussion problems are behind him, he is leagues ahead of Gore in the receiving dept. Westbrook is one of the best receiving RB's in the last decade.

 

[Fullback Fro]

For those that say this clouds Gore's status I will disagree. My interpretation of the situation is as follows. With the retirement of Coffee, the 9ers lacked a veteran presence with the backups for Gore. Michael Robinson has been a do-it-all kind of back for the 9ers and filled in admirable as a FB in his career but his skill set is limited. He gets by on knowing the system and being able to play several positions.

And after that all you have is Dixon. A young back but who doesn't know the system. Still is learning what it takes to remain or succeed at the NFL Level. He probably doesn't fully grasp the offense or the playbook. He probably can't be expected to identify and make the right reads in 3rd down situations, but he can be a guy that can run the ball. He has the power, speed, an athleticism to be a successful ball carrier at this point. So until his mind can catch up to his talents the 9ers felt exposed at the backup position.

In comes Westbrook. He is everything that Dixon is not. He can come in on third downs, make the right reads, be in the right spots, leak to flat when expected, or stick his hat on a blitzing LB. If you combine the two to make one guy then you got one heck of a backup.

Gore will play as expected before the signing. Gore plays all three downs until he takes himself out when he's winded. The difference now is that it will give Singletary the ability to mix and match his backups depending on down and situation. The last thing you want is to limit your play-calling because of the personnel. This signing eliminate that problem.

 

[jude]

It remains to be seen how this will affect Gore on third downs. While Gore has above average catching ability out of the backfield, Westbrook is/was one of the best in the game. For those of us with the 5th pick in PPR leagues our decision just became a little tougher.

while i agree this is bad news, at this point in their respective careers, Gore is a better receiver than Westy.

Huh?

what? he has much better feet and vision at this stage of his career. being a great receiving back is more than just having great hands. i consider him a better receving back than westy right now.

If Westbrook's concussion problems are behind him, he is leagues ahead of Gore in the receiving dept. Westbrook is one of the best receiving RB's in the last decade.

was and i agree

 

[shader]

I'm not sure that this is good news for Westbrook owners. I'm also not sure that this is good news for Gore owners either.For the 49ers, this is a GREAT signing. I never thought Westbrook's speed or physical skills eroded, it was the concussions that scared me.If he's past the concussions, this is a bigtime signing. It's obvious teams were skeptical, but the 49ers are a dream scenario. Dixon is there if Westbrook does get hurt again, Gore is the workhorse, and Westy can get 8-10 carries and catch 4-5 balls a game.

Westy wont be getting 15 touches per game. Not even close. try about 8 total on average per game for the year.

I can't predict his concussion future and won't pretend to.But assuming he stays healthy, I'd take that bet all day. 150 carries and 60 receptions seems like very realistic numbers.

 

[Hoart Petterson]

I don't think it affects Gore at all except maybe you get lucky picking at the back end of round 1 and the news spooks someone picking ahead of you.

 

[jude]

I'm not sure that this is good news for Westbrook owners. I'm also not sure that this is good news for Gore owners either.For the 49ers, this is a GREAT signing. I never thought Westbrook's speed or physical skills eroded, it was the concussions that scared me.If he's past the concussions, this is a bigtime signing. It's obvious teams were skeptical, but the 49ers are a dream scenario. Dixon is there if Westbrook does get hurt again, Gore is the workhorse, and Westy can get 8-10 carries and catch 4-5 balls a game.

Westy wont be getting 15 touches per game. Not even close. try about 8 total on average per game for the year.

I can't predict his concussion future and won't pretend to.But assuming he stays healthy, I'd take that bet all day. 150 carries and 60 receptions seems like very realistic numbers.

you are nuts. gore isnt even gonna get 60 receptions but you expect a backup to get that?

 

[shader]

For those that say this clouds Gore's status I will disagree. My interpretation of the situation is as follows. With the retirement of Coffee, the 9ers lacked a veteran presence with the backups for Gore. Michael Robinson has been a do-it-all kind of back for the 9ers and filled in admirable as a FB in his career but his skill set is limited. He gets by on knowing the system and being able to play several positions. And after that all you have is Dixon. A young back but who doesn't know the system. Still is learning what it takes to remain or succeed at the NFL Level. He probably doesn't fully grasp the offense or the playbook. He probably can't be expected to identify and make the right reads in 3rd down situations, but he can be a guy that can run the ball. He has the power, speed, an athleticism to be a successful ball carrier at this point. So until his mind can catch up to his talents the 9ers felt exposed at the backup position. In comes Westbrook. He is everything that Dixon is not. He can come in on third downs, make the right reads, be in the right spots, leak to flat when expected, or stick his hat on a blitzing LB. If you combine the two to make one guy then you got one heck of a backup. Gore will play as expected before the signing. Gore plays all three downs until he takes himself out when he's winded. The difference now is that it will give Singletary the ability to mix and match his backups depending on down and situation. The last thing you want is to limit your play-calling because of the personnel. This signing eliminate that problem.

I don't think the 49ers will pound Gore into the ground un-necessarily. I think Gore will sit down on many 3rd downs, and I think in PPR his receptions will clearly take a hit. To think otherwise is "pie-in-the-sky" thinking, imo. Singletary isn't trying to get Gore rushing records. He's trying to win games and keep him healthy.

 

[jude]

For those that say this clouds Gore's status I will disagree. My interpretation of the situation is as follows. With the retirement of Coffee, the 9ers lacked a veteran presence with the backups for Gore. Michael Robinson has been a do-it-all kind of back for the 9ers and filled in admirable as a FB in his career but his skill set is limited. He gets by on knowing the system and being able to play several positions. And after that all you have is Dixon. A young back but who doesn't know the system. Still is learning what it takes to remain or succeed at the NFL Level. He probably doesn't fully grasp the offense or the playbook. He probably can't be expected to identify and make the right reads in 3rd down situations, but he can be a guy that can run the ball. He has the power, speed, an athleticism to be a successful ball carrier at this point. So until his mind can catch up to his talents the 9ers felt exposed at the backup position. In comes Westbrook. He is everything that Dixon is not. He can come in on third downs, make the right reads, be in the right spots, leak to flat when expected, or stick his hat on a blitzing LB. If you combine the two to make one guy then you got one heck of a backup. Gore will play as expected before the signing. Gore plays all three downs until he takes himself out when he's winded. The difference now is that it will give Singletary the ability to mix and match his backups depending on down and situation. The last thing you want is to limit your play-calling because of the personnel. This signing eliminate that problem.

I don't think the 49ers will pound Gore into the ground un-necessarily. I think Gore will sit down on many 3rd downs, and I think in PPR his receptions will clearly take a hit. To think otherwise is "pie-in-the-sky" thinking, imo. Singletary isn't trying to get Gore rushing records. He's trying to win games and keep him healthy.

he was signed for depth, not to instantly take upwards of 25% of the Niners offensive production for himself.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

No real impact on Gore IMO (Westy should see 6-10 touches a game).

Nice insurance for SF if Gore were to go down with a Dixon/Westbrook combo. Unrealistic to expect Dixon to be ready for pass pro in his rookie year.

 

[Fullback Fro]

For those that say this clouds Gore's status I will disagree. My interpretation of the situation is as follows. With the retirement of Coffee, the 9ers lacked a veteran presence with the backups for Gore. Michael Robinson has been a do-it-all kind of back for the 9ers and filled in admirable as a FB in his career but his skill set is limited. He gets by on knowing the system and being able to play several positions. And after that all you have is Dixon. A young back but who doesn't know the system. Still is learning what it takes to remain or succeed at the NFL Level. He probably doesn't fully grasp the offense or the playbook. He probably can't be expected to identify and make the right reads in 3rd down situations, but he can be a guy that can run the ball. He has the power, speed, an athleticism to be a successful ball carrier at this point. So until his mind can catch up to his talents the 9ers felt exposed at the backup position. In comes Westbrook. He is everything that Dixon is not. He can come in on third downs, make the right reads, be in the right spots, leak to flat when expected, or stick his hat on a blitzing LB. If you combine the two to make one guy then you got one heck of a backup. Gore will play as expected before the signing. Gore plays all three downs until he takes himself out when he's winded. The difference now is that it will give Singletary the ability to mix and match his backups depending on down and situation. The last thing you want is to limit your play-calling because of the personnel. This signing eliminate that problem.

I don't think the 49ers will pound Gore into the ground un-necessarily. I think Gore will sit down on many 3rd downs, and I think in PPR his receptions will clearly take a hit. To think otherwise is "pie-in-the-sky" thinking, imo. Singletary isn't trying to get Gore rushing records. He's trying to win games and keep him healthy.

he was signed for depth, not to instantly take upwards of 25% of the Niners offensive production for himself.

Agreed. Westbrook wasn't on the 9ers radar until Coffee retires. I somewhat agree that Gore may take a hit on his 3rd down receptions but I don't think that hit will be significant enough to knock him from the 5 spot right now.

 

[Gopher State]

Great move by S.F.

Westy is one of the best receivers out of the backfield, a perfect 3rd down back for the 49"s, he can pass block and still run the ball when needed. I see Westy getting 12-14 touches a game, if healthy, he's too good of a weapon to not use him.

On the plus side for Gore: Less wear and tear, I mean Gore missed what 3 games last year, this will help to keep him fresh. Gore will be the banger and goal line back.

On the negative side for Gore: Move him down in PPR leagues, because the rec's will fall for Gore. But over all I like Gore in non-PPR leagues, I think he will rush for more yards. In PPR leagues he's falling to the Turner, Jackson class.

People forget the 49's are not playing FF, their playing to win, and the will use every weapon including Westy to win.

Again from a football stand point great move by the 49"s.

 

[Masked Vigilante]

Solid move by the Niners. I wouldn't be surprised if they lead the league in rushing attempts this year..

 

[shadyridr]

60 receptions

 

[captbly]

I think this is a huge blow to Gore. I was shying away from Steven Jackson because I thought Westy would be going there. Now I will take Jackson over Gore.

 

[footballnerd]

Love the move for the Niners!! Dixon would of been a hole at pass blocking filling in for Gore.

Fantasy wise this is great for Gore, keeps him fresh and alleviates some injury concerns. And with Singletary's emphasis on the run, plenty of touches for everyone.

Westy could earn 15 touches a game by the end of the season if he's healthy, won't effect Gore much but Dixon could lose out.

(Now crossing fingers for Westy's health)

 

[footballnerd]

I think this is a huge blow to Gore. I was shying away from Steven Jackson because I thought Westy would be going there. Now I will take Jackson over Gore.

Rookie QB or Alex Smith?......sorry can't find any decision help there either

 

[Bayhawks]

It remains to be seen how this will affect Gore on third downs. While Gore has above average catching ability out of the backfield, Westbrook is/was one of the best in the game. For those of us with the 5th pick in PPR leagues our decision just became a little tougher.

while i agree this is bad news, at this point in their respective careers, Gore is a better receiver than Westy.

Yes, he is, but that's not really the point. Westbrook is, IMO, a bigger receiving threat than Coffee was, and it stands to reason that Westbrook will get more receptions than Coffee would have, thereby cutting into Gore's receptions (not a lot, I would think, but some).

 

[Carolina Hustler]

It remains to be seen how this will affect Gore on third downs. While Gore has above average catching ability out of the backfield, Westbrook is/was one of the best in the game. For those of us with the 5th pick in PPR leagues our decision just became a little tougher.

while i agree this is bad news, at this point in their respective careers, Gore is a better receiver than Westy.

Huh?

what? he has much better feet and vision at this stage of his career. being a great receiving back is more than just having great hands. i consider him a better receving back than westy right now.

If you said Westy lost speed or strength I'd agree with you, that as a player gets older he will slow, lose strength, and probably be less durable as well. But you're saying he's lost vision?.. lol.. And by feet, do you mean balance? I wouldn't see a player losing balance with age...

I'm positive that Gore is going to be better running the ball. But receivers typically last quite a bit longer than RB's, so when you say Gore's going to be a better receiver based on age, I have to disagree..

 

[Carolina Hustler]

I'm not sure that this is good news for Westbrook owners. I'm also not sure that this is good news for Gore owners either.For the 49ers, this is a GREAT signing. I never thought Westbrook's speed or physical skills eroded, it was the concussions that scared me.If he's past the concussions, this is a bigtime signing. It's obvious teams were skeptical, but the 49ers are a dream scenario. Dixon is there if Westbrook does get hurt again, Gore is the workhorse, and Westy can get 8-10 carries and catch 4-5 balls a game.

Westy wont be getting 15 touches per game. Not even close. try about 8 total on average per game for the year, maximum.

Based on...?

 

[footballnerd]

Maybe we do a little Miami backfield too, Westy has been known to throw a few TDs

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

For those that say this clouds Gore's status I will disagree. My interpretation of the situation is as follows. With the retirement of Coffee, the 9ers lacked a veteran presence with the backups for Gore. Michael Robinson has been a do-it-all kind of back for the 9ers and filled in admirable as a FB in his career but his skill set is limited. He gets by on knowing the system and being able to play several positions. And after that all you have is Dixon. A young back but who doesn't know the system. Still is learning what it takes to remain or succeed at the NFL Level. He probably doesn't fully grasp the offense or the playbook. He probably can't be expected to identify and make the right reads in 3rd down situations, but he can be a guy that can run the ball. He has the power, speed, an athleticism to be a successful ball carrier at this point. So until his mind can catch up to his talents the 9ers felt exposed at the backup position. In comes Westbrook. He is everything that Dixon is not. He can come in on third downs, make the right reads, be in the right spots, leak to flat when expected, or stick his hat on a blitzing LB. If you combine the two to make one guy then you got one heck of a backup. Gore will play as expected before the signing. Gore plays all three downs until he takes himself out when he's winded. The difference now is that it will give Singletary the ability to mix and match his backups depending on down and situation. The last thing you want is to limit your play-calling because of the personnel. This signing eliminate that problem.

common sense says westbrook/dixon takes more carries/recps from Gore than dixon/robinson does though.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

he was signed for depth, not to instantly take upwards of 25% of the Niners offensive production for himself.

swho said that? But taking 8-10 carries and 2-3 recpt is a good bit of Gore's production (and likely more than dixon/robinson would've got)

 

[redBourne]

60 receptions

I know, I'd be finished reading the thread right now if I didn't have to pick myself up off the floor.

 

[((Morpheus))]

Drafted Gore last night...

 

[Carolina Hustler]

I'm not sure that this is good news for Westbrook owners. I'm also not sure that this is good news for Gore owners either.For the 49ers, this is a GREAT signing. I never thought Westbrook's speed or physical skills eroded, it was the concussions that scared me.If he's past the concussions, this is a bigtime signing. It's obvious teams were skeptical, but the 49ers are a dream scenario. Dixon is there if Westbrook does get hurt again, Gore is the workhorse, and Westy can get 8-10 carries and catch 4-5 balls a game.

Westy wont be getting 15 touches per game. Not even close. try about 8 total on average per game for the year.

I can't predict his concussion future and won't pretend to.But assuming he stays healthy, I'd take that bet all day. 150 carries and 60 receptions seems like very realistic numbers.

you are nuts. gore isnt even gonna get 60 receptions but you expect a backup to get that?

Westbrook doesn't have to be limited to backup RB duty, that would be foolish. He's a talented player and I expect he'll be used creatively. It would be smart to get him touches not only on 3rd downs out of the backfield but to line up at WR from time to time.Over Westbrooks career he averaged 4.6 catches per game, that includes averaging in 2002-2004 where he only caught 46 passes in 30 games (1.5 per game). (Gore averaged 3 per game over his career without the slow start Westbrook had)Over a 16 games season that projects out to 73.6 rec's.. In his best season he caught an average of 6 balls a game projecting 96rec's over 16 gameslast season, his worst season in recent history he averaged 3.125 catches per game projected over 16 games would be 50 rec'sThe fact that he could be also used as a receiver for lack of stronger options in this offense at the WR2 and WR3 would suggest he can most likely land that 60 rec's this season if he stays healthy.I think the problem you're having is that you owner Gore and you want to defend your investment to the point that you only see Westy competing with Gore for touches. #1 the offense should be better this year, which would suggest a few more touches to go around. #2 Westy's talents could put him in completion with all the receivers on the team for touches, not just Gore.Westy in the slot would do great things for this team. He has amassing hands and he has a knack for getting open underneath. And he's quick..Davis, Gore, Crabtree, and Westbrook all on the field at once, sounds like major headaches for opposing defenses.Edit for spelling error

 

[Carolina Hustler]

For those that say this clouds Gore's status I will disagree. My interpretation of the situation is as follows. With the retirement of Coffee, the 9ers lacked a veteran presence with the backups for Gore. Michael Robinson has been a do-it-all kind of back for the 9ers and filled in admirable as a FB in his career but his skill set is limited. He gets by on knowing the system and being able to play several positions. And after that all you have is Dixon. A young back but who doesn't know the system. Still is learning what it takes to remain or succeed at the NFL Level. He probably doesn't fully grasp the offense or the playbook. He probably can't be expected to identify and make the right reads in 3rd down situations, but he can be a guy that can run the ball. He has the power, speed, an athleticism to be a successful ball carrier at this point. So until his mind can catch up to his talents the 9ers felt exposed at the backup position. In comes Westbrook. He is everything that Dixon is not. He can come in on third downs, make the right reads, be in the right spots, leak to flat when expected, or stick his hat on a blitzing LB. If you combine the two to make one guy then you got one heck of a backup. Gore will play as expected before the signing. Gore plays all three downs until he takes himself out when he's winded. The difference now is that it will give Singletary the ability to mix and match his backups depending on down and situation. The last thing you want is to limit your play-calling because of the personnel. This signing eliminate that problem.

I don't think the 49ers will pound Gore into the ground un-necessarily. I think Gore will sit down on many 3rd downs, and I think in PPR his receptions will clearly take a hit. To think otherwise is "pie-in-the-sky" thinking, imo. Singletary isn't trying to get Gore rushing records. He's trying to win games and keep him healthy.

he was signed for depth, not to instantly take upwards of 25% of the Niners offensive production for himself.

Please link to details suggesting he'll be limited to RB depth...

 

[fsufan]

60 receptions

I know, I'd be finished reading the thread right now if I didn't have to pick myself up off the floor.

some just do not get this is a depth signing

 

[Carolina Hustler]

60 receptions

I know, I'd be finished reading the thread right now if I didn't have to pick myself up off the floor.

some just do not get this is a depth signing

I would agree that Coffee's departure was the reason for this signing, and I'd agree that Coffee filled a depth position, but to suggest Westbrook can only be used as depth would be a bit short sighted... If he's even a shadow of his former greatness it would be foolish not to get him involved. Especially with the lack of a strong WR2-3 on this team... Coffee didn't have the talent or abilities Westbrook brings to the table. It would make sense for Westbrook to be used differently. Not saying he won't fill the RB2 role, but with Dixon in the fold, I'm not sure that would be his primary role anyways. Can he be a RB2? Sure.. Should he be limited to that? Not in my opinion...

 

[shadyridr]

If Westbrook was such a big plan in their offense why did they wait for their backup RB to become a priest before signing him?

 

[Fly]

If Westbrook was such a big plan in their offense why did they wait for their backup RB to become a priest before signing him?

Because they wanted to give their two young backs the chance to see NFL action so they would hopefully be ready by the time Gore wouldn't be a big plan in their offense.But that was shot out the window because after Coffee went down they had a HUGE hole at a backup RB who could pass protect.

 

[Carolina Hustler]

If Westbrook was such a big plan in their offense why did they wait for their backup RB to become a priest before signing him?

It's ridiculous that I have to explain this. I feel like I've already done that but maybe I should try to make it a little clearer for those who might be intentionally daft.Westbrook can fill the hole Coffee left, but also has other abilities that Coffee didn't have. While it makes sense to have Westbrook fill the void left by Coffee, it doesn't make sense to not then explore these other benefits Westbrook brings to the table. He was needed as a replacement for Coffee and the extras he brings to the table are gravy..I'm a General Contractor. I hire and fire/lose employees and/or sub contractors from time to time. When I lose a guy and have to replace him, if the guy I find as his replacement has other traits or abilities that the previous guy didn't have, better bet I'm going to take advantage of them. If he's better with clients, I then can spend less time dealing with the clients in site, if he's better with scheduling, I'll let him help with scheduling. I'm not limited to using him only for the strengths the previous guy had. And most likely there were things the previous guy did that the new guy doesn't do as well. But I play these guys to their strengths...Why wouldn't they use Westbrooks greatest strength? I understand that wasn't the main reason for hiring him, but they certainly aren't limited to only using him for what Coffee was able to do.You said "If Westbrook was such a big plan in their offense" which was mainly sarcasm but I'll respond anyways. He doesn't have to be a big plan in order for him to be used in an existing role (3rd down and/or slot) and it certainly isn't a big deal to add a couple plays to the play book that allow the Niners to take advantage of what Westbrook brings to the table.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

guys this is a depth signing

Quite frankly Westy will be lucky to make it through a season even with limited touches

doesnt affect gore one bit

 

[jude]

For those that say this clouds Gore's status I will disagree. My interpretation of the situation is as follows. With the retirement of Coffee, the 9ers lacked a veteran presence with the backups for Gore. Michael Robinson has been a do-it-all kind of back for the 9ers and filled in admirable as a FB in his career but his skill set is limited. He gets by on knowing the system and being able to play several positions. And after that all you have is Dixon. A young back but who doesn't know the system. Still is learning what it takes to remain or succeed at the NFL Level. He probably doesn't fully grasp the offense or the playbook. He probably can't be expected to identify and make the right reads in 3rd down situations, but he can be a guy that can run the ball. He has the power, speed, an athleticism to be a successful ball carrier at this point. So until his mind can catch up to his talents the 9ers felt exposed at the backup position. In comes Westbrook. He is everything that Dixon is not. He can come in on third downs, make the right reads, be in the right spots, leak to flat when expected, or stick his hat on a blitzing LB. If you combine the two to make one guy then you got one heck of a backup. Gore will play as expected before the signing. Gore plays all three downs until he takes himself out when he's winded. The difference now is that it will give Singletary the ability to mix and match his backups depending on down and situation. The last thing you want is to limit your play-calling because of the personnel. This signing eliminate that problem.

I don't think the 49ers will pound Gore into the ground un-necessarily. I think Gore will sit down on many 3rd downs, and I think in PPR his receptions will clearly take a hit. To think otherwise is "pie-in-the-sky" thinking, imo. Singletary isn't trying to get Gore rushing records. He's trying to win games and keep him healthy.

he was signed for depth, not to instantly take upwards of 25% of the Niners offensive production for himself.

Please link to details suggesting he'll be limited to RB depth...

lol.you seriously need a link for this to be validated? so if some beat writer says it, you'll believe it?

 

[shader]

You guys really think 4 catches a game is unrealistic IF he stays healthy?

None of us really know how much he has left. If he sucks, he could get cut before the season. If he plays really well (which I think he will), than he'll easily get 50-60 receptions.

LOL at the Gore fans consoling each other by trying to convince themselves that the signing is meaningless.

Gore's still a great back and this is actually a very good thing for him. Makes no sense in today's NFL to pound your RB all game long. Those days are ending.