Vernon Davis is a Whole New Kind of Fail (1 Viewer)

[the roflmobile]

Not a venting thread (though close). But seriously, the 49ers go out and score 64 combined points in Weeks 2 and 3 and Vernon Davis manages 1 catch for 17 yards? I thought this guy was supposed to be an offensive beast? I know he's a workout junkie who is a solid blocker, but he can't be helping block for Gore on EVERY play, can he? I thought the offense in SF was supposed to be built around Gore AND Davis?

Thanks, FBG for ranking him #7 TE in the pre-season.

I honestly don't know what to do with the guy. Waiver wires are bare in most of the leagues I have him in, and the man is untradeable, even in package deals. I tried trading Warner and Davis for Witten to a former Brady owner playing Cassel and Pennington and was laughed at.

On the other hand, I'm half inclined to ride out the horror in the hope he becomes a late season sleeper (thank God I have Brees, Gore and Turner). I mean, it has to happen sooner or later, right? He's like a younger, faster, more physical Tony Gonzalez, and Gonzalez ALWAYS gets his points regardless of whichever crap QB KC marches out each week.

With O'Sullivan playing the way he is, I just can't fathom dropping Vernon Davis because I know his breakout game is coming. Am I crazy, or is Davis really riding the failboat out of fantasyville?

 

[Blue-Kun]

Two things.

1. VD can't catch, Tony Gonzalez can.

2. VD can't run routes very well. Tends to vary game to game though.

Vernon Davis is this illusion of everything you could want in a fantasy / receiving TE. Unfortunately in reality he has never been used effectively as such, not sure why the other two seasons of him being disappointing didn't bare this out, but here you go.

 

[azcards33]

what you'll never know or learn from merely reading a boxscore:

Delanie Walker, Vernon Davis' backup caught a TD today

if i was a VD owner, which i thankfully am not, I would drop Davis and pickup Walker in a heartbeat

Delanie is a 'Nolan guy', reportedly the best hands on the team too, and is finally starting to become a part of the offense

take a look at this old thread of mine on Delanie and check out the videos, this kid is the real deal and clearly possesses the toughness and mental mindsight to excel in the NFL, two things VD apparently lacks

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...=Delanie+Walker

 

[tomarken]

what you'll never know or learn from merely reading a boxscoreelanie Walker, Vernon Davis' backup caught a TD today

You know, I'm pretty sure that will show up in the box score.

 

[Sabertooth]

What did people really expect? I've never seen a player get so hyped but with so little production to back it up. He's a BUST people. A BUST!

 

[LAUNCH]

what you'll never know or learn from merely reading a boxscoreelanie Walker, Vernon Davis' backup caught a TD today

You know, I'm pretty sure that will show up in the box score.

TD Delanie Walker, 24 yd pass from J.T. O'Sullivan (Joe Nedney kick is good), 5:48. Drive: 3 plays, 72 yards in 1:35Amazingly, you are correct!

 

[Otis]

Thanks, FBG for ranking him #7 TE in the pre-season.

Is this the worst shark pool ever, or is it just me?

 

[blackjack23]

Its a down year for TEs across the board so far. Sure Gates, Gonzo, & Witten will be great but after them who else will consistently put up points? Not only is it hard to grab a TE off waivers at this time, its also hard to trade for one.

 

[FantasyTrader]

Its a down year for TEs across the board so far. Sure Gates, Gonzo, & Witten will be great but after them who else will consistently put up points? Not only is it hard to grab a TE off waivers at this time, its also hard to trade for one.

Actually TE's are fine. The problem is, it's not the names anybody thought so it SEEMS like a down year so far, but in my league the top 10 are all averaging 3 catches a game or more and there's only 11 pts seperating #2 Fasano and #10 Rosario.

 

[ScoobyDoo]

What part of last year didn't you Vernon Davis folks get? Seriously. Some trend lines are ACTUALLY trend lines.

 

[Black]

Thanks, FBG for ranking him #7 TE in the pre-season.

Relax...how could you know when Davis was the only person who could catch on the team during PreSeason?How's the rest of your team based on FBG recommendations?

 

[Moe Green]

Thanks, FBG for ranking him #7 TE in the pre-season.

Is this the worst shark pool ever, or is it just me?

You're not helping.

 

[Thunderlips]

What did people really expect? I've never seen a player get so hyped but with so little production to back it up. He's a BUST people. A BUST!

I don't know.....Kevan Barlow was apparently better than sliced bread.

 

[Sweet Love]

Luckily I have him as my number 2 behind Cooley...I can start two TEs, so I have been playing him, but really, it is just a lesson learned. I did not buy into the equally hyped Michael Turner (many thought FBG was too high on him) and obviously missed the boat there...this is the part where both the luck and extra homework pay off. Many thought the Davis ranking was nuts because Martz has never featured his TE. Others argued that Martz never had access to a pass-catching TE. I guess the former has won.

 

[Otis]

Thanks, FBG for ranking him #7 TE in the pre-season.

Is this the worst shark pool ever, or is it just me?

You're not helping.

I'm not hurting either.

 

[analog_hiss]

Has a TE in Martz's offensive scheme every really dominate?

Daniel Campbell scored 4 touchdowns in 2006 and I believe that is the highest TD count for a TE in Martz's offense.

 

[JohnnyCat]

Thanks, FBG for ranking him #7 TE in the pre-season.

Relax...how could you know when Davis was the only person who could catch on the team during PreSeason?How's the rest of your team based on FBG recommendations?

I'm 0-3. Vernon Davis is just one of my problems.

 

[MAC_32]

Bad route runner, relatively unproductive first two seasons, alligator arms, Martz said preseason he'd be kept in to block more...the warning signs were all there

 

[JAA]

im dumping him in all redraft leagues

 

[JAA]

youre complaining about FBG ranking him too high and you drafted a RB and TE from the same team?

 

[kupcho1]

What's alarming is that even though SF called his number twice on long routes up the middle, Vernon didn't deliver. The first time he missed a catchable ball and it might have been a td. After that, he didn't see much.

It remains to be seen if Martz keeps him involved, and to what degree. But it doe not look good.

 

[NinerK]

Not a venting thread (though close). But seriously, the 49ers go out and score 64 combined points in Weeks 2 and 3 and Vernon Davis manages 1 catch for 17 yards? I thought this guy was supposed to be an offensive beast? I know he's a workout junkie who is a solid blocker, but he can't be helping block for Gore on EVERY play, can he? I thought the offense in SF was supposed to be built around Gore AND Davis?

Oh, but you shoulda seen the post catch celebration! Davis was gettin' down with his bad self. He's a legend in his own mind.

P.S.

"Thanks FBG's for ranking Davis #7...." Really? Please don't blame FBG rankings. Or as the famous Dread Pirate Roberts once said (edited where applicalbe): "We are men of action, #####ing and blaming someone else for our poor draft results does not become us."

 

[MaddHatter]

He's probably still waiting for Tyrone Calico to come around.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

what you'll never know or learn from merely reading a boxscore:

Delanie Walker, Vernon Davis' backup caught a TD today

if i was a VD owner, which i thankfully am not, I would drop Davis and pickup Walker in a heartbeat

Delanie is a 'Nolan guy', reportedly the best hands on the team too, and is finally starting to become a part of the offense

take a look at this old thread of mine on Delanie and check out the videos, this kid is the real deal and clearly possesses the toughness and mental mindsight to excel in the NFL, two things VD apparently lacks

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...=Delanie+Walker

Walker went to the same college I did....guy is a beast. It was all about his mental consistency in college and he seems to have grown up a lot under Nolan. Does not hurt that he has another guy from the same college program out there in Roderick Green.Glad to see Delanie doing well.

 

[djb916420]

Davis dropped 2 passes yesterday, one was a 15 yarder and another about a 35-40 yard bomb that slipped threw his fingertips. Dont know what is up with this guy but Delanie Walker made the most of his looks.

 

[azcards33]

does anyone know if Delanie replaced VD at some point in yesterday's game, or if both were on the field at the same time, with VD at TE and Delanie at 'F-Back"

this information would be greatly appreciated and provide some great insight on the situation

 

[Da Guru]

Not a venting thread (though close). But seriously, the 49ers go out and score 64 combined points in Weeks 2 and 3 and Vernon Davis manages 1 catch for 17 yards? I thought this guy was supposed to be an offensive beast? I know he's a workout junkie who is a solid blocker, but he can't be helping block for Gore on EVERY play, can he? I thought the offense in SF was supposed to be built around Gore AND Davis?

Thanks, FBG for ranking him #7 TE in the pre-season.

I honestly don't know what to do with the guy. Waiver wires are bare in most of the leagues I have him in, and the man is untradeable, even in package deals. I tried trading Warner and Davis for Witten to a former Brady owner playing Cassel and Pennington and was laughed at.

On the other hand, I'm half inclined to ride out the horror in the hope he becomes a late season sleeper (thank God I have Brees, Gore and Turner). I mean, it has to happen sooner or later, right? He's like a younger, faster, more physical Tony Gonzalez, and Gonzalez ALWAYS gets his points regardless of whichever crap QB KC marches out each week.

With O'Sullivan playing the way he is, I just can't fathom dropping Vernon Davis because I know his breakout game is coming. Am I crazy, or is Davis really riding the failboat out of fantasyville?

The rankings are very rarely correct.

 

[Twilight]

does anyone know if Delanie replaced VD at some point in yesterday's game, or if both were on the field at the same time, with VD at TE and Delanie at 'F-Back"this information would be greatly appreciated and provide some great insight on the situation

Listened to Matt Mayoco (local beat writer) on the radio today, and it cleared up some things for me. There are a lot of factors with Walker and Davis.Walker is basically a large WR, and mostly useless blocking. Which means he is too big a liability to be in on running plays. He's popular with the coaching staff (good hands and good attitude), but he needs to give them a reason to put him into more than just obvious passing plays. I'd expect him to stay only being utilized in obvious passing downs for a few weeks at least before anything is likely to change there.Davis is a good blocker, and he's the primary deep threat on the team, as his downfield speed is such that he has to be covered by at least a safety instead of a LB. So as annoying as his inability to make some catches or fully memorize the playbook, he will maintain his TE1 status. The only question is how many balls will actually be thrown to him, AKA if he will be an actual deep threat, or just used as a threat, opening up better receivers elsewhere. That probably depends on how many more of the deep balls he blows.

 

[Tecmo]

i've watched a few SF games. Vernon Davis is being used to block a lot because he's good at it and the 9ers want nothing more but to have Gore demolish their opponent. The 49ers do use him as a deep threat occationally, he keeps dropping them just like last year. His statline would be a lot better with a couple 40 yd bombs in there, but this guy just doesn't have the reliable hands. He's not getting the screens or anthing either, maybe his blocking is his downfall? But Martz hasn't turned around his inconsistent game, maybe no one will

 

[gregjcross]

Not a venting thread (though close). But seriously, the 49ers go out and score 64 combined points in Weeks 2 and 3 and Vernon Davis manages 1 catch for 17 yards? I thought this guy was supposed to be an offensive beast? I know he's a workout junkie who is a solid blocker, but he can't be helping block for Gore on EVERY play, can he? I thought the offense in SF was supposed to be built around Gore AND Davis? Thanks, FBG for ranking him #7 TE in the pre-season. I honestly don't know what to do with the guy. Waiver wires are bare in most of the leagues I have him in, and the man is untradeable, even in package deals. I tried trading Warner and Davis for Witten to a former Brady owner playing Cassel and Pennington and was laughed at. On the other hand, I'm half inclined to ride out the horror in the hope he becomes a late season sleeper (thank God I have Brees, Gore and Turner). I mean, it has to happen sooner or later, right? He's like a younger, faster, more physical Tony Gonzalez, and Gonzalez ALWAYS gets his points regardless of whichever crap QB KC marches out each week. With O'Sullivan playing the way he is, I just can't fathom dropping Vernon Davis because I know his breakout game is coming. Am I crazy, or is Davis really riding the failboat out of fantasyville?

I thought VD would be decent, i road him down the stretch last year and the 49ers receivers didnt look all too special. But to blame footballguys for ranking him 7 is pretty wack. Why not grab Fasano?

 

[azcards33]

does anyone know if Delanie replaced VD at some point in yesterday's game, or if both were on the field at the same time, with VD at TE and Delanie at 'F-Back"this information would be greatly appreciated and provide some great insight on the situation

Listened to Matt Mayoco (local beat writer) on the radio today, and it cleared up some things for me. There are a lot of factors with Walker and Davis.Walker is basically a large WR, and mostly useless blocking. Which means he is too big a liability to be in on running plays. He's popular with the coaching staff (good hands and good attitude), but he needs to give them a reason to put him into more than just obvious passing plays. I'd expect him to stay only being utilized in obvious passing downs for a few weeks at least before anything is likely to change there.Davis is a good blocker, and he's the primary deep threat on the team, as his downfield speed is such that he has to be covered by at least a safety instead of a LB. So as annoying as his inability to make some catches or fully memorize the playbook, he will maintain his TE1 status. The only question is how many balls will actually be thrown to him, AKA if he will be an actual deep threat, or just used as a threat, opening up better receivers elsewhere. That probably depends on how many more of the deep balls he blows.

thanks for the contributionthis is the type of quality insight you just can't get anywhere other than the Shark Pool

 

[GoBirds]

Do you guys see any upside left for this guy? LJ Smith just got dropped in my league but i need him to clear waivers.

 

[Abstract]

I'm gonna give Davis one more week, I'm trying to be patient. If he stinks it up this week against the Saints, I'm cutting him for Robert Royal.

 

[azcards33]

I would continue to hold onto him and be positive for the simple reason that the 49ers are still taking shots downfield with him and trying to get him the ball

when he gets eliminated from the offense playbook and gameplan, that's when you give up

 

[damageinc]

They are trying but he is sucking, one more week he gets.

http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?...ction=PR%20News

September 23, 2008

Following the 49ers win over the Lions, head coach Mike Nolan responded to questions from our fans. If your question wasn’t chosen this time, try again! Coach Nolan will be back on Thursday with more answers.

To ask a question, send it to xandowithnolan@niners.nfl.com

Q: Coach, I feel very strong about our passing attack. We can be a real deep threat when our offensive line protects JT. He's very smart and calm and makes the right plays. He reminds me of Steve Young. My question to you coach is, why hasn't Vernon Davis made any explosive plays this year? Don't you feel that he should get more chances down the field? -Thanks, Eric Albtown

A: This past week vs. Detroit we missed on three opportunities that would have gotten Vernon the ball downfield. Naturally, every game has successes and failures. Vernon is a hard worker and his opportunities will continue. We need to capitalize on those plays when called. Vernon has strengths other than receiving. He plays a key role in our running game and in our protection schemes. It takes a well rounded player to consider yourself elite, and Vernon is working to be the best he can.

 

[Katism]

Thanks, FBG for ranking him #7 TE in the pre-season.

 

[Tong Po]

From GREG BEACHAM - AP Sports Writer

Niners TE Davis seeks more passes, better throws.

Snippet from article:

In last week's 31-13 win over Detroit, the 49ers clearly intended to get the ball to Davis early and often, but two long passes from O'Sullivan didn't connect. Davis' lack of familiarity with O'Sullivan played a role, since the first pass was underthrown - and Davis then ran too slowly to catch up to the second pass, thinking it also would be underthrown.

`He's definitely a fast guy, you can't deny that,'' O'Sullivan said. `But I don't think of it differently when he's running a route than when somebody else is running a route. Everyone out here is pretty fast. Anybody we're going to throw the ball to down the field is going to be a fast guy. I just have got to put a perfect ball on him.''

That's only going to happen through practice, so O'Sullivan and Davis have been staying on the 49ers' fields after workouts this week to hone their timing. Davis described the importance of being mindful of his exact location on the field all the time, particularly against the disciplined defense he'll face in New Orleans.

Running precise routes and paying attention to receiving technique are just another part of Davis' evolution - and he hopes his growth is soon obvious to fans at Candlestick.

``We're going to get this offense together, and then nothing is going to stop us,'' Davis said. ``I'm looking forward to being a big part of that.''

........................................................

Still some hope yet?

 

[swampdog]

I pulled the plug last week and went with my other TE, Royal over Davis. Stayed with that this week as welll, even though SF has a good matchup. Feel like kicking Davis upside the butt, "come on dude, get your shirt together".

Swamp

 

[Da Guru]

Davis is a gifted athlete and can block well, not too sure he is a good pass catching TE though. Plus he has a young QB who may not look to the TE as much.

 

[Twilight]

Davis is a gifted athlete and can block well, not too sure he is a good pass catching TE though. Plus he has a young limited game-time experience QB who may not look to the TE as much.

It's hard to call a 6 year veteran young.

 

[dwashington]

From GREG BEACHAM - AP Sports Writer

Niners TE Davis seeks more passes, better throws.

Snippet from article:

In last week's 31-13 win over Detroit, the 49ers clearly intended to get the ball to Davis early and often, but two long passes from O'Sullivan didn't connect. Davis' lack of familiarity with O'Sullivan played a role, since the first pass was underthrown - and Davis then ran too slowly to catch up to the second pass, thinking it also would be underthrown.

`He's definitely a fast guy, you can't deny that,'' O'Sullivan said. `But I don't think of it differently when he's running a route than when somebody else is running a route. Everyone out here is pretty fast. Anybody we're going to throw the ball to down the field is going to be a fast guy. I just have got to put a perfect ball on him.''

That's only going to happen through practice, so O'Sullivan and Davis have been staying on the 49ers' fields after workouts this week to hone their timing. Davis described the importance of being mindful of his exact location on the field all the time, particularly against the disciplined defense he'll face in New Orleans.

Running precise routes and paying attention to receiving technique are just another part of Davis' evolution - and he hopes his growth is soon obvious to fans at Candlestick.

``We're going to get this offense together, and then nothing is going to stop us,'' Davis said. ``I'm looking forward to being a big part of that.''

........................................................

Still some hope yet?

Link?

 

[thayman]

does anyone know if Delanie replaced VD at some point in yesterday's game, or if both were on the field at the same time, with VD at TE and Delanie at 'F-Back"

this information would be greatly appreciated and provide some great insight on the situation

Listened to Matt Mayoco (local beat writer) on the radio today, and it cleared up some things for me. There are a lot of factors with Walker and Davis.Walker is basically a large WR, and mostly useless blocking. Which means he is too big a liability to be in on running plays. He's popular with the coaching staff (good hands and good attitude), but he needs to give them a reason to put him into more than just obvious passing plays. I'd expect him to stay only being utilized in obvious passing downs for a few weeks at least before anything is likely to change there.

Davis is a good blocker, and he's the primary deep threat on the team, as his downfield speed is such that he has to be covered by at least a safety instead of a LB. So as annoying as his inability to make some catches or fully memorize the playbook, he will maintain his TE1 status. The only question is how many balls will actually be thrown to him, AKA if he will be an actual deep threat, or just used as a threat, opening up better receivers elsewhere. That probably depends on how many more of the deep balls he blows.

NTTIAWWT

 

[Twilight]

does anyone know if Delanie replaced VD at some point in yesterday's game, or if both were on the field at the same time, with VD at TE and Delanie at 'F-Back"

this information would be greatly appreciated and provide some great insight on the situation

Listened to Matt Mayoco (local beat writer) on the radio today, and it cleared up some things for me. There are a lot of factors with Walker and Davis.Walker is basically a large WR, and mostly useless blocking. Which means he is too big a liability to be in on running plays. He's popular with the coaching staff (good hands and good attitude), but he needs to give them a reason to put him into more than just obvious passing plays. I'd expect him to stay only being utilized in obvious passing downs for a few weeks at least before anything is likely to change there.

Davis is a good blocker, and he's the primary deep threat on the team, as his downfield speed is such that he has to be covered by at least a safety instead of a LB. So as annoying as his inability to make some catches or fully memorize the playbook, he will maintain his TE1 status. The only question is how many balls will actually be thrown to him, AKA if he will be an actual deep threat, or just used as a threat, opening up better receivers elsewhere. That probably depends on how many more of the deep balls he blows.

NTTIAWWT

If it gets him on the same page as JT, I'm all for it

 

[acme]

youre complaining about FBG ranking him too high and you drafted a RB and TE from the same team?

Hey, be nice... I'm running with CJ3 and Scaife this week. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.other same-team RB/TE combos that wouldn't be so bad:Tomlnison and GatesLJ and GonzoMB3 and WittenShockey and Jacobs (now Shokey and Bush)Cooley and PortisAddai and DallasJamal and Soldjalets love on each other fellas...

 

[acme]

He's probably still waiting for Tyrone Calico to come around.

Blast from the past! Nice post. My buddy carried that dead-weight on his dynasty roster for over three years, swearing that he was going to be the second coming of Jerry Rice.

 

[Bizkiteer]

As FF'ers, anyone can clearly see there is plenty to be very disappointed in regarding V. Davis. Now just imagine the 49ers, they spent a HIGH first rounder on a player that is supposed to make an impact for years and years. So, take the disappointment or anger a V. Davis FF owner has multiply it by thousands and we might scratch the surface of what they feel in the 49er front office. Ouch!

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

As FF'ers, anyone can clearly see there is plenty to be very disappointed in regarding V. Davis. Now just imagine the 49ers, they spent a HIGH first rounder on a player that is supposed to make an impact for years and years. So, take the disappointment or anger a V. Davis FF owner has multiply it by thousands and we might scratch the surface of what they feel in the 49er front office. Ouch!

kinda why I am keeping him. to justify paying him (and keeping him happy) you have to think they keep throwing his way.

 

[the roflmobile]

youre complaining about FBG ranking him too high and you drafted a RB and TE from the same team?

Hey, be nice... I'm running with CJ3 and Scaife this week. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.other same-team RB/TE combos that wouldn't be so bad:Tomlnison and GatesLJ and GonzoMB3 and WittenShockey and Jacobs (now Shokey and Bush)Cooley and PortisAddai and DallasJamal and Soldjalets love on each other fellas...

Thanks, acme.I'm giving Davis one more week.

 

[PumpusX]

BUH BYE, VERNON!!!

 

[CalBear]

As FF'ers, anyone can clearly see there is plenty to be very disappointed in regarding V. Davis. Now just imagine the 49ers, they spent a HIGH first rounder on a player that is supposed to make an impact for years and years. So, take the disappointment or anger a V. Davis FF owner has multiply it by thousands and we might scratch the surface of what they feel in the 49er front office. Ouch!

Just a guess, but when you're coming off a year when you had the #32 defense and #32 offense, selecting a TE high in the first round might not be a wise move.