Need more Rod Smith

[mattjames2010]

last night the catches Zeke got on screens, etc... were read. The defense was all over those. Zeke is more of a threat then Smith is, no matter how the ball gets in his hands. We need to design passing plays for Zeke, not get Smith in there for catching passes. 9 out of 10 times, Zeke will be able to do more with the ball in the open then Smith could.

LOL based on what as a receiver has Zeke shown "9 out of 10 times" he would do more than Smith.

 

[mattjames2010]

Its still a dumb idea.

Not an argument. Don't waste my time.

 

[lwehlers]

Is he banged up or something? I'm not entirely sure why he's not being used more. We can all sit around and talk about how good Zeke is as a runner and a blocker, but Zeke doesn't seem to be a great pass catcher. He's taken a couple screens to the house, but other than that, not much else.

Last year Rod Smith not only showed he can be an effective runner, but also a really good pass catcher. He was also showing this in the preseason as well.

I get Zeke is a 3 down back due to his blocking ability, but we have to find a way to get Smith in the game at some point - at the very least, so he can catch those dumpoffs that Dak loves. Getting 1 yard a catch from Zeke isn't going to cut it.

we need a third down back with speed not a tall slow running back. someone who can catch and make a big play on third down who can catch underneath throws. I am confusing myself I hope I am making sense.

 

[mattjames2010]

we need a third down back with speed not a tall slow running back. someone who can catch and make a big play on third down who can catch underneath throws. I am confusing myself I hope I am making sense.

Speed is always nice, this doesn't translate into good route running or catching. Plus, as of now, we play with what we got - we aren't bringing in a pass catching RB at this point.

I don't know if they will have someone like Austin in much on third down, I'm unsure about his blocking.

 

[Roadtrip635]

Do you think they have never done this with Zeke in practice? Ever stop to think they realize that's just not his game?

Which is fine, Peterson was never much of a pass catcher either - but Zeke isn't exactly a legendary runner like Peterson either. Great top 5 pick.

I think this coaching staff has it's limitations and doesn't always put players in better positions. Why didn't we try more RPOs for Dak, why do we stop going away from things that work, why has this staff abandoned the run in the past when it was working, why did it take a couple years to move Byron back to CB? Why did it take them so long to realize Chaz was just not any good? There's a lot of things that seems would be more apparent.

 

[gimmesix]

And why should Zeke be out there that much? Because he was our top 5 pick?

Because he's the better player and one of the focal points of this offense?

I'm sorry, but you are sounding a bit delusional about this. Rod Smith is a backup who is used in reserve to keep us from overworking Elliott. He's nothing more than that. He's not Elliott in any aspect of the game and shouldn't be expected to be.

If you want to replace Elliott on some downs just because (instead of because he needs a rest), I don't think you are going to find anyone willing to get on that boat with you.

 

[Future]

You can't give anymore to Zeke....

He's not getting it done as a receiver. 1.8 yards a catch? There is no reason to utilize him more here, he's just not a dynamic receiving threat. Maybe throw him a couple passes on a screen and hope he takes one to the house, because running a route tree, doesn't seem to be getting us anything.

Austin and Smith bring more to that area than Zeke.

What exactly do you think Rod Smith is going to bring as a receiver that Zeke can't.

He's not going to average a high YPC when he's catching the ball with absolutely 0 room to run.

 

[tico]

Is he banged up or something? I'm not entirely sure why he's not being used more. We can all sit around and talk about how good Zeke is as a runner and a blocker, but Zeke doesn't seem to be a great pass catcher. He's taken a couple screens to the house, but other than that, not much else.

Last year Rod Smith not only showed he can be an effective runner, but also a really good pass catcher. He was also showing this in the preseason as well.

I get Zeke is a 3 down back due to his blocking ability, but we have to find a way to get Smith in the game at some point - at the very least, so he can catch those dumpoffs that Dak loves. Getting 1 yard a catch from Zeke isn't going to cut it.

Remember we have a " can't walk while chewing gum" playcalling Coaching staff..
Case closed

 

[mattjames2010]

Because he's the better player and one of the focal points of this offense?

I'm sorry, but you are sounding a bit delusional about this. Rod Smith is a backup who is used in reserve to keep us from overworking Elliott. He's nothing more than that. He's not Elliott in any aspect of the game and shouldn't be expected to be.

If you want to replace Elliott on some downs just because (instead of because he needs a rest), I don't think you are going to find anyone willing to get on that boat with you.

This isn't an argument. Giving a guy the ball 27-30 times and him getting 100+ yards isn't impressive. You get nearly every week Morris ran the ball last year when Zeke was out, he was on pace to have similar numbers to Zeke, he just had less carries?

What is this thing that makes Zeke special? Ever stop to think that Zeke is just a good runner propped up by a great O-Line? Morris sure as hell doesn't look dynamic with the 49ers...

And you have yet to provide anything that shows Zeke is a dynamic pass catcher.

 

[TwoDeep3]

We really miss Bo Scarbourgh and Darius Jackson too.

Is Julius Jones a free agent.

 

[mattjames2010]

What exactly do you think Rod Smith is going to bring as a receiver that Zeke can't.

He's not going to average a high YPC when he's catching the ball with absolutely 0 room to run.

I think you can line Rod Smith up in different areas on the field, which we don't with Zeke. Again, why do you think that is? Why is Zeke on the field 95% of the time and not being utilized like other backs in the league?

Again, Zeke is a pure runner and a valuable blocker - I get this, but he leaves too much to be desired in the run game. Defend Zeke better, I'm a bit disappointed here.

 

[GenoT]

If Smith is a JAG, what the hell is Zeke? Zeke averaged 4 YPC, while Morris averaged more YPC. Zeke is also not someone running many routes nor have I ever seen him line up anywhere else outside of the RB position and make a play.

Maybe, just maybe, Zeke isn't as outstanding as we all think he is?

Zeke has started slow every season he’s been in the league, for various reasons. This year, it’s been fairly obvious that the early focus of the offense is getting Dak familiar with his new receivers.

Not to worry.

 

[Roadtrip635]

You're not answering my question.

WHERE and WHEN has Zeke ever shown he is an effective route runner and receiver? With Barkley, he was coming out of college showing he is a dynamic pass catcher.

This is all assuming because Zeke was a top 5 pick. You can't even point anywhere.

You can't show me that he isn't. Coaching matters. I'm not talking about splitting him out wide. Quick flares, misdirection clearouts, a shallow drag etc very simple but effective routes, but they don't try those. Do you know for sure that they have tried coaching these types of routes and plays with him? Instead of assuming he can't do it, how about trying it and work with him to develop it. He's shown he can catch screens, not much of a stretch to try other short routes with him. Rod Smith isn't out there running some complicated route tree.

 

[reddyuta]

Rod Smith sucks,he is a nobody.I am more worried Zeke is not getting enough touches and we are TERRIBLE at using him as a pass catcher.

 

[mattjames2010]

Zeke has started slow every season he’s been in the league, for various reasons. This year, it’s been fairly obvious that the early focus of the offense is getting Dak familiar with his new receivers.

Not to worry.

I'm not just talking about the beginning of the season...

I'm talking about when Zeke was getting 27 carries last year, once Morris took over, he was averaging nearly the same he just didn't get 27 carries.

Our top 5 pick is bringing the same value as a 6th round pick that is over the hill. He's a product of this system and line, which is still one of the better lines in terms of run blocking even without Fredbeard.

 

[mattjames2010]

You can't show me that he isn't. Coaching matters. I'm not talking about splitting him out wide. Quick flares, misdirection clearouts, a shallow drag etc very simple but effective routes, but they don't try those. Do you know for sure that they have tried coaching these types of routes and plays with him? Instead of assuming he can't do it, how about trying it and work with him to develop it. He's shown he can catch screens, not much of a stretch to try other short routes with him. Rod Smith isn't out there running some complicated route tree.

....we practice it with Zeke, someone already admitted this. Why isn't this translating into games?

I have 6-7 years I can show you that Zeke has been on the field a lot in both college and pros, and just doesn't do much as a weapon in the pass game. It's up to Zeke to prove he's something there, and thus far, he hasn't.

Taking screens to the house is nice, this isn't David Johnson, Sproles, and Kamara level receiving though.

 

[Maxmadden]

Rod Smith's greatest attribute is that he is not Ezekial Elliot.

Defenses will just ignore him so he is usually productive..

 

[mattjames2010]

Rod Smith sucks,he is a nobody.I am more worried Zeke is not getting enough touches and we are TERRIBLE at using him as a pass catcher.

And yet, someone like Joseph Randle and Demarco Murray were fine pass catchers under Linehan.

Actually, Linehan has always had good receiving backs throughout his career. Why can't Zeke do anything under him?

 

[reddyuta]

And yet, someone like Joseph Randle and Demarco Murray were fine pass catchers under Linehan.

Actually, Linehan has always had good receiving backs throughout his career. Why can't Zeke do anything under him?

Its all they talked about in the off season and the results have been worse than last season.

 

[TexasHillbilly]

That screen pass to Zeke on 3rd and 20 is as predictable as me getting out of bed at 7:30 AM on most days.

/Does that mean you get out of bed at 7:30 on most days, or you don't get out of bed at 7:30 most days?