this guy would help our defense alot imo

[Mr. Laz]

Posted on Wed, Dec. 01, 2004

Peterson claims lack of leadership hurting 49ers

By Cam Inman

CONTRA COSTA TIMES


Injured linebacker Julian Peterson isn't all that's missing during this lost 49ers season. A lack of overall veteran leadership, Peterson believes, is the root of the 49ers' evils.

"You don't have too many people like (11th-year veteran) Bryant Young, and I think that's the problem," Peterson said Monday in one of his few visits to the team's Santa Clara facility since tearing his left Achilles tendon Oct. 10. "We don't have a lot of veterans. You need some veterans.

"The vast perception in this league is that when you turn 30, you're done and over the hill. But those are the guys that teach the younger guys with potential how to get better. They help them develop to be great players, see how guys handle being professional and come to work that way."

Peterson's leadership reached a new level last season when he won the 49ers' prestigious Len Eshmont Award, given annually to the most inspirational and courageous player.

The 49ers (1-10) have lost all six games since his season-ending injury. He said being relegated to the sidelines has curtailed his ability to lead.

"Being on the field is a big difference, because they can see you performing and how you react," Peterson said. "Being on the sidelines is kind of rough."

Peterson said such veteran presence helped the 49ers rebound from a 6-10 season when he was a rookie in 2000. Among the key veterans on that team were Young, wide receiver Jerry Rice, defensive lineman Junior Bryant, guard Ray Brown and linebacker Ken Norton Jr.

The 49ers, who reached the playoffs in 2001 and 2002, are playing this year without the same veteran presence of those seasons, having lost 10 one-time starters during the offseason.

"Some people take it for granted and say, 'I'm being paid, regardless of every week, a nice paycheck,'" Peterson said. "Some people come to work and take it as a pride thing, saying, 'I'm coming to work, I'm coming to be the best, to get better and to try to help the franchise win the Super Bowl.' That's why you need veterans, to show younger guys the real idea of the NFL and how to become a real professional."

Said quarterback Tim Rattay: "Obviously there are leaders on this team, guys like (right tackle) Scott Gragg and guys that have been here, older guys. We lost some of our leaders to injuries, like (center) Jeremy (Newberry) and Julian. Ultimately, everybody's got to look at themselves and motivate themselves."

First-year defensive coordinator Willy Robinson praised linebackers Derek Smith and Jeff Ulbrich for their leadership, as well as Young, the team's longest-tenured player.

"He's shown stability, consistency, a tenacious love of the game," Robinson said of Young.

Peterson will turn in his crutches and his cast Thursday. His rehabilitation likely will stretch into June, and he'll split time in Santa Clara and back home near Washington, D.C.

"I'm not going to try to rush anything," Peterson said. "I don't need to. Once it heals completely, you can come back as your normal self."

It's uncertain whether he comes back in 2005 with the 49ers. He's unsigned for next season, but the 49ers could retain his rights by naming him their franchise player for the second straight year.

"We haven't talked about that," Peterson said. "Right now we're just trying to scratch more than one win out. We've got bigger issues to deal with other than that."

Note: The 49ers said they've released backup tight end Kevin Ware and worked out fourth-year defensive tackle Willie Blade.

[BigChiefFan]

I can't see the niners letting their best player go, but it could happen. I prefer DJ in the draft, but if we could land Peterson in FA and Rolle in the draft, I'd be pleased as punch.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by BigChiefFan

if we could land Peterson in FA and Rolle in the draft

this is EXACTLY the kind of moves we need at this point



we have to look at improving for this year AND make up for very little movement last year at the same time.


Rolle (included in a good draft)

Peterson (and another couple solid players) in FA


not going to be easy... but it's the price you pay for standing pat

[BigChiefFan]

Originally Posted by lazarus

this is EXACTLY the kind of moves we need at this point



we have to look at improving for this year AND make up for very little movement last year at the same time.


Rolle (included in a good draft)

Peterson (and another couple solid players) in FA


not going to be easy... but it's the price you pay for standing pat

I like it, his injury concerns me, but standing pat isn't going to help.

[Dr. Johnny Fever]

I'd take him. Even though I wondered why in hell Carl Peterson was talking about the 49ers at first.

[ChiefsCountry]

I would cut Barber for sure if we could get Peterson. Plus draft Derrick Johnson and our LB crew would be awesome.

[vckcchiefs04]

We could go get a wax figure of Julian Peterson and it would be an improvment!! Go get him if he's there!!! I would be happy with him there and then place the best LB's we have around him! The draft will always scare me until they land another winner like they did with D.T. and Tony G.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

I would cut Barber for sure if we could get Peterson. Plus draft Derrick Johnson and our LB crew would be awesome.

our linebackers are terrible in coverage... tightends just kill us. peterson would help us tremendously. read his history...

==============================
#98 Julian Peterson LB
Born: 7/28/1978
Birthplace: Temple Hills, MD
Height: 6-3
Weight: 235
College: Michigan State
Drafted: Drafted by 49ers in first round (No. 16 overall) of 2000 NFL Draft.

Pro History
Became first NFL player to lineup at four different positions in one game (at Dallas 12-8-02): linebacker, defensive end, strong safety and cornerback …Made first career PRO BOWL appearance in 2002…Excelled at shutting down athletic tight ends …Strong, athletic linebacker with great speed and big-play ability...Combines great balance and speed as pass rusher...Emerged as leader on young, talented defense with his explosive play.

[ptlyon]

nah, if he played for the Chiefs, he would get caught holding like he should be now.

[Coach]

IIRC, the game aganist SF, which I think it was the pre-season game a few years ago, I thought Peterson did a good job covering aganist Gonzo.

[ptlyon]

Yeah, if you like holding.

And it wasn't pre-season.

[ChiefsCountry]

Originally Posted by lazarus

our linebackers are terrible in coverage... tightends just kill us. peterson would help us tremendously. read his history...

I was saying a Linebacking core of Peterson, Derrick Johnson, and Scott Fujitia would be very good.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by ptlyon

Yeah, if you like holding.

And it wasn't pre-season.

He shut Gonzo down. If they aren't going to call it I don't blame him for doing it.

Gonzo needs to find ways to get open after getting bumped/jammed at the line...

[morphius]

Originally Posted by ptlyon

Yeah, if you like holding.

And it wasn't pre-season.

Exactly, Gonzo would have had a strong sexual misconduct charge against Peterson the way he kept trying to rip his clothes off in the work place.

[Rausch]

Peterson would give us immediate help at LB (IF he's healthy by next year.)

He's a stud, and I'd trade a 1st for him...