better acting and football

I enjoy spending time reading articles and discussion boards about the 49ers, and not surprisingly there are many opinions about what they can do to improve their chances of winning. In recent entries of this blog, I've mentioned the need for more creativity; in fact, if I were a Chiefs fan, I would have absolutely loved watching not only their success against the Niners, but in how it was achieved, particularly the offensive game plan. There was so much variety and speed - it was a fun game... for them. As opposed to the stodginess and predictability of the 49ers offense. If a swing pass to Gore gains 30+ yards, why not run more plays like that?

One point I'd like to make is how a new weapon such as running back Brian Westbrook has been (under)utilized so far this season. Okay, I've listened to how he's new to the team and plays have to be designed and practiced with him in mind. But he's a veteran with a background of success, so it can't be that difficult to incorporate him into some more plays. And what really drives me crazy is putting him into the huddle only when he's going to be used. In other words, when he runs onto the field, the 49ers are practically telling the defense to key in on him because the play call is for him and him only. Not much to figure out there then; how conveeenient. Sometimes, why not set up the defense... put him out there for plays that don't involve him every now and then. Let him be a decoy. Like I've mentioned before, in order for an offense to be most effective, it has to keep defenses guessing and back on their heels. Force some uncertainty on them and for those times they guess and guess wrong... excellent!

Which brings me to another point: acting. It can be as simple as the quarterback looking safeties away with a turn of the head or the direction his eyes are pointing. Okay, I've never played the game and for the most part only watch it on TV, but I love good fakes... I love watching college games where I am so faked out that I'm looking the wrong way. Camera operators are fooled much more often during college games too. Why is that skill not as developed at the professional game? Play-action fakes are much better acted out at the college level. Effectively selling fakes doesn't appear to take any more time than those that are performed half-a$$ (pardon my language). Draw plays, screens, reverses, lots of plays would benefit by the subtleties of good acting, by the lineman and blockers as much as the players handling the ball.

Another point: It must be possible to be a so-called 'finesse-team' that is still capable of 'hitting people in the mouth.' It doesn't have to be one or the other. Use creative play-calling, keep the other team off balance but still play a physical brand of football.

And here's even more (again from a guy that's never played organized football) - I know that a style of play is to be a North and South running team, but it's frustrating in those instances when there aren't any holes opened up at all in between the tackles when there are wide open spaces off to the outside; it's all well and good if the best play is to hit a hole quickly with one cut, but it would also be good to have the flexibility to do something else if there is running room elsewhere on a given play. It's awful watching a running back trying to force his way into 'where they are' instead of 'where they aren't.' Offensive plays may have been designed a certain way, but defenses are unpredictable and if they flood one area, then by all means, go somewhere else! Maybe some dancing is appropriate. I think the best players know when to hit the hole and when to juke and jive, and the Niners have the players. Am I making it sound easier said than done?