[donkey687]

From Skov to Tarpley to Martinez, we have had a returning tackling machine at ILB for a long time.  Last year, Martinez had more than twice as many tackles as our second and third tacklers in Shittu and Lloyd.  In a lot of snaps last year, Palma did not have that many tackles.  My biggest concern for this team is that we don't have a proven tackling machine at ILB.  Who will be our leading tackler? Thomas and Lloyd will probably be in the top 3, but who is our ILB that will make all the stops and be the ball hawk?

I feel good about this team, but I have 4 concerns.

1) No proven tackling ball hawk at ILB.
2) No proven QB. I don't think it is, but I hope this isn't Nunes Nottingham redux choosing between 2 guys who can't effectively move the offense.
3) Banged up Tight Ends.  As of last week, it sounded like all 3 of our scholarship TEs were out with injuries "working through things" (Taboada, Schultz and Kaden Smith)
4) Depth and experience at OL.  It sounds like we have 6 guys who are ready to play even though a couple of them are inexperienced. That isn't a lot. We have had tremendous health on OL for the last few years. Let's hope that continues.  We can't afford to lose 2 guys.

I was concerned about DL, but based on reports, I am less concerned.  We seem to have good depth across the rest of the field.

[donkey687]

From Skov to Tarpley to Martinez, we have had a returning tackling machine at ILB for a long time.  Last year, Martinez had more than twice as many tackles as our second and third tacklers in Shittu and Lloyd.  In a lot of snaps last year, Palma did not have that many tackles.  My biggest concern for this team is that we don't have a proven tackling machine at ILB.  Who will be our leading tackler? Thomas and Lloyd will probably be in the top 3, but who is our ILB that will make all the stops and be the ball hawk?

I feel good about this team, but I have 4 concerns.

1) No proven tackling ball hawk at ILB.
2) No proven QB. I don't think it is, but I hope this isn't Nunes Nottingham redux choosing between 2 guys who can't effectively move the offense.
3) Banged up Tight Ends.  As of last week, it sounded like all 3 of our scholarship TEs were out with injuries "working through things" (Taboada, Schultz and Kaden Smith)
4) Depth and experience at OL.  It sounds like we have 6 guys who are ready to play even though a couple of them are inexperienced. That isn't a lot. We have had tremendous health on OL for the last few years. Let's hope that continues.  We can't afford to lose 2 guys.

I was concerned about DL, but based on reports, I am less concerned.  We seem to have good depth across the rest of the field.

[CompSci87]

My impression on (4) is that we have 6 guys vying for the 5 starting spots, not that we only have 6 guys who are playable. There are plenty of others who will play as extra linemen and backups.

[CompSci87]

My impression on (4) is that we have 6 guys vying for the 5 starting spots, not that we only have 6 guys who are playable. There are plenty of others who will play as extra linemen and backups.

[fullmetal]

I *think* part of our tackle production at ILB is schematic.  Set the edge, force the action inside away from space, and let the ILBs chew 'em up.  We've certainly had the talent at ILB, no question.  But our scheme plays to their talent, so it goes both ways--translation: don't worry about who, just know that it'll be one or both of the ILBs :)  Hope they're hungry...

[fullmetal]

I *think* part of our tackle production at ILB is schematic.  Set the edge, force the action inside away from space, and let the ILBs chew 'em up.  We've certainly had the talent at ILB, no question.  But our scheme plays to their talent, so it goes both ways--translation: don't worry about who, just know that it'll be one or both of the ILBs :)  Hope they're hungry...

[donkey687]

I *think* part of our tackle production at ILB is schematic.  Set the edge, force the action inside away from space, and let the ILBs chew 'em up.  We've certainly had the talent at ILB, no question.  But our scheme plays to their talent, so it goes both ways--translation: don't worry about who, just know that it'll be one or both of the ILBs :)  Hope they're hungry...

I don't think it is just schematic. Not all ILB are created equal in their ability to have a nose for the ball.  The production out of our second ILB spot last year was very weak putting more burden on Martinez.  Martinez is gone and the guys left are the ones who didn't pick up a lot of tackles in a position that normally does. Thus, my concern.

2015 tackles by top 2 ILB: 138 for Martinez, 43 for Palma (29 for Perez who sometimes split time with Palma)
2014 in one less game- 102 for Martinez, 82 for Tarpley (18 for Palma who was leading backup)

[donkey687]

I *think* part of our tackle production at ILB is schematic.  Set the edge, force the action inside away from space, and let the ILBs chew 'em up.  We've certainly had the talent at ILB, no question.  But our scheme plays to their talent, so it goes both ways--translation: don't worry about who, just know that it'll be one or both of the ILBs :)  Hope they're hungry...

I don't think it is just schematic. Not all ILB are created equal in their ability to have a nose for the ball.  The production out of our second ILB spot last year was very weak putting more burden on Martinez.  Martinez is gone and the guys left are the ones who didn't pick up a lot of tackles in a position that normally does. Thus, my concern.

2015 tackles by top 2 ILB: 138 for Martinez, 43 for Palma (29 for Perez who sometimes split time with Palma)
2014 in one less game- 102 for Martinez, 82 for Tarpley (18 for Palma who was leading backup)

[OutsiderFan]

Haven't heard much about him, but Scooter Harrington is a scholarship TE, and he's getting a lot of reps.  Maybe that means he plays as a True Frosh?  Shaw said he wouldn't hesitate to play Kaden Smith if he's healthy.

Based on reports of who is at the top of the pecking order at ILB, it seems to make some sense to assume Kevin Palma will be the leading tackler, but it could be a close race.

On the OL, the coaches said they feel really good about six guys.  That doesn't mean everyone else is garbage.  Tucker, Fanaika, Burkett, Caspers, Bright, Hall are the top six.  I don't think Wilson and Maihen are that far behind.  The most intriguing guy to me is Jack Dreyer.  Will he be able to develop and hold off the likes of Hamilton, Yarbrough, and potentially Sarrell and Walker should they choose Stanford.

[OutsiderFan]

Haven't heard much about him, but Scooter Harrington is a scholarship TE, and he's getting a lot of reps.  Maybe that means he plays as a True Frosh?  Shaw said he wouldn't hesitate to play Kaden Smith if he's healthy.

Based on reports of who is at the top of the pecking order at ILB, it seems to make some sense to assume Kevin Palma will be the leading tackler, but it could be a close race.

On the OL, the coaches said they feel really good about six guys.  That doesn't mean everyone else is garbage.  Tucker, Fanaika, Burkett, Caspers, Bright, Hall are the top six.  I don't think Wilson and Maihen are that far behind.  The most intriguing guy to me is Jack Dreyer.  Will he be able to develop and hold off the likes of Hamilton, Yarbrough, and potentially Sarrell and Walker should they choose Stanford.

[winflop]

I agree that it is in part schematic and I have regularly shared my concerns about ILB because the only guy with 100-tackle potential is Mike Palma but in order to get there he will have to improve his lateral speed.  Too often last season he was unable to get to the edge before an RB turned the corner.

The other names being discussed for the 2-deep seem to be undersized and will have to rely on speed & near-perfect positioning to be in the right place to make tackles.  But those guys usually don't get to triple digits.

[winflop]

I agree that it is in part schematic and I have regularly shared my concerns about ILB because the only guy with 100-tackle potential is Mike Palma but in order to get there he will have to improve his lateral speed.  Too often last season he was unable to get to the edge before an RB turned the corner.

The other names being discussed for the 2-deep seem to be undersized and will have to rely on speed & near-perfect positioning to be in the right place to make tackles.  But those guys usually don't get to triple digits.

[81alum]

I worry about ILB too.  Then again, I worry about everything, and have underestimated our team every single year since Harbaugh arrived.  I really worried about ILB when we lost Scov.  Obviously, most of my worries are forgotten by year's end.  It is almost always things I do not worry about the summer before that prove to be the real trouble--when we have any.

I long ago concluded that I am simply a natural pessimist.  Probably borne out of all those disappointing years--they trained me with the psychological defense-mechanism to always expect the worst.

[81alum]

I worry about ILB too.  Then again, I worry about everything, and have underestimated our team every single year since Harbaugh arrived.  I really worried about ILB when we lost Scov.  Obviously, most of my worries are forgotten by year's end.  It is almost always things I do not worry about the summer before that prove to be the real trouble--when we have any.

I long ago concluded that I am simply a natural pessimist.  Probably borne out of all those disappointing years--they trained me with the psychological defense-mechanism to always expect the worst.

[OutsiderFan]

I long ago concluded that I am simply a natural pessimist.  Probably borne out of all those disappointing years--they trained me with the psychological defense-mechanism to always expect the worst.

Good thing you aren't a Cal fan...

[OutsiderFan]

I long ago concluded that I am simply a natural pessimist.  Probably borne out of all those disappointing years--they trained me with the psychological defense-mechanism to always expect the worst.

Good thing you aren't a Cal fan...

[Treebound]

LOL to both of you!

My friends and brothers in arms used to utter the words: "snatching defeat from the jaws of victory!"  Sitting in the old stadium, or in the new one under No Fault Walts regime, was often times a painful march to defeat, with the occasional solid season thrown in.  Like my golf game, it was just enough to keep me coming back.  We are now enjoying such a wonderful run, so hat's off to Shaw and team for the gift they have bestowed upon us all!    I now believe that we will find a way to win in every game  we play.  It doesn't mean that we will be  perfect, but we will always have a solid shot to get the W.  Doing it the right way (with great Student athletes, makes it all the more sweet and all the more Stanford!

[Treebound]

LOL to both of you!

My friends and brothers in arms used to utter the words: "snatching defeat from the jaws of victory!"  Sitting in the old stadium, or in the new one under No Fault Walts regime, was often times a painful march to defeat, with the occasional solid season thrown in.  Like my golf game, it was just enough to keep me coming back.  We are now enjoying such a wonderful run, so hat's off to Shaw and team for the gift they have bestowed upon us all!    I now believe that we will find a way to win in every game  we play.  It doesn't mean that we will be  perfect, but we will always have a solid shot to get the W.  Doing it the right way (with great Student athletes, makes it all the more sweet and all the more Stanford!

[martyup]

May I suggest the the leading tackler might be an OLB.  I like Joey to fit the bill.

[martyup]

May I suggest the the leading tackler might be an OLB.  I like Joey to fit the bill.

[BostonCard]

As long as the leading tackler is not a safety.  That's usually a bad sign.

BC

[BostonCard]

As long as the leading tackler is not a safety.  That's usually a bad sign.

BC

[pcgoode]

I have been worried about the inside linebacker group for the 2016 season for awhile now as well.  I haven't been overwhelmed by the play of Palma to date, but his role may change now that Martinez is gone. 2016 will also be his fourth year in the program and presumably his second year starting, so he should show some improvement.

My dark horse candidate to emerge at ILB this year is Noor Davis. To the extent he received playing time last year, I was impressed by his game.

[pcgoode]

I have been worried about the inside linebacker group for the 2016 season for awhile now as well.  I haven't been overwhelmed by the play of Palma to date, but his role may change now that Martinez is gone. 2016 will also be his fourth year in the program and presumably his second year starting, so he should show some improvement.

My dark horse candidate to emerge at ILB this year is Noor Davis. To the extent he received playing time last year, I was impressed by his game.

[OutsiderFan]

Probably more than half the fan bases in the Pac-12 would trade their LBs for Stanford's group.  The only exceptions might be Southern Cal, UCLA, and UW, but I suspect Stanford is as deep or deeper than all of them.

[OutsiderFan]

Probably more than half the fan bases in the Pac-12 would trade their LBs for Stanford's group.  The only exceptions might be Southern Cal, UCLA, and UW, but I suspect Stanford is as deep or deeper than all of them.

[Mick]

As long as the leading tackler is not a safety.  That's usually a bad sign.

BC

I agree.  During the 49ers' five Super Bowl seasons, Lott was rarely the top tackler on the team.  He was considerably down the list during the 1984 season, but he led the team in tackles in the 1983 and 1985 non-Super Bowl seasons.  He had literally twice as many tackles those years (108 and 104) than he did in 1984 (51).

[Mick]

As long as the leading tackler is not a safety.  That's usually a bad sign.

BC

I agree.  During the 49ers' five Super Bowl seasons, Lott was rarely the top tackler on the team.  He was considerably down the list during the 1984 season, but he led the team in tackles in the 1983 and 1985 non-Super Bowl seasons.  He had literally twice as many tackles those years (108 and 104) than he did in 1984 (51).

[DC 86]

[quote author=Boston Card link=topic=15456.msg167920#msg167920 date=1471629385]
As long as the leading tackler is not a safety.  That's usually a bad sign.

BC

I agree.  During the 49ers' five Super Bowl seasons, Lott was rarely the top tackler on the team.  He was considerably down the list during the 1984 season, but he led the team in tackles in the 1983 and 1985 non-Super Bowl seasons.  He had literally twice as many tackles those years (108 and 104) than he did in 1984 (51).
[/quote]

The 49ers have won five Super Bowls but Ronnie Lott was only on the first four of those wins (his last season as a 49er was 1990, fifth championship was the 1994 season) and he was the leading tackler on two of those four teams (1981, 1988). The cited low number of tackles in 1984 is misleading. In 1984 he only started 11 games (and missed significant parts of others) due to ankle, toe and shoulder injuries, whereas in 1985 he started all 16 games. Moreover in 1984 he exclusively played left cornerback whereas in 1985 he moved to safety. Not a 49er fan but my favorite all-time non-Stanford player.

[DC 86]

[quote author=Boston Card link=topic=15456.msg167920#msg167920 date=1471629385]
As long as the leading tackler is not a safety.  That's usually a bad sign.

BC

I agree.  During the 49ers' five Super Bowl seasons, Lott was rarely the top tackler on the team.  He was considerably down the list during the 1984 season, but he led the team in tackles in the 1983 and 1985 non-Super Bowl seasons.  He had literally twice as many tackles those years (108 and 104) than he did in 1984 (51).
[/quote]

The 49ers have won five Super Bowls but Ronnie Lott was only on the first four of those wins (his last season as a 49er was 1990, fifth championship was the 1994 season) and he was the leading tackler on two of those four teams (1981, 1988). The cited low number of tackles in 1984 is misleading. In 1984 he only started 11 games (and missed significant parts of others) due to ankle, toe and shoulder injuries, whereas in 1985 he started all 16 games. Moreover in 1984 he exclusively played left cornerback whereas in 1985 he moved to safety. Not a 49er fan but my favorite all-time non-Stanford player.

[Stymie]

"What, me worry?"

Alfred E Neuman

[Stymie]

"What, me worry?"

Alfred E Neuman