this guy would help our defense alot imo - Page 2

Mr. Laz · 12-01-2004, 11:26 AM

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.

**ptlyon** · 12-01-2004, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rausch

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...

Wrong.

**ptlyon** · 12-01-2004, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morphius

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.

Correct.

**Mr. Kotter** · 12-01-2004, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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...

I wanted to draft him....but of course, we chose someone like Eddie Freeman or something in that draft.

**Rausch** · 12-01-2004, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptlyon

Wrong.

There wasn't anything "wrong" about that post. He held Gonzo, they didn't call it, Gonzo got shut down.

If the refs don't call it the player isn't going to stop doing it.

2nd, Gonzo needs to get better at fighting through bumps/jams at the line. He's admitted himself that his biggest asset getting open is the first 5 yards off the line after the snap. A quick first few steps that helps him get open. If he doesn't get that quick jump on a LB/S he doesn't get open. See the Denver game or San Fran game mentioned...

Son of Logical · 12-01-2004, 01:08 PM

NOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Sorry, he is a damn fine linebacker, but we need a lot of help and trading a high draft pick away right now is a terrible idea. If we can get him in free agency that is outstanding, but no way do we trade a first for him. If the Niners are worried about his injury we might be able to get him cheap like we did Roaf. So I say go get him, but not for first round pick.

**Rausch** · 12-01-2004, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDChiefsfan

I wanted to draft him....but of course, we chose someone like Eddie Freeman or something in that draft.

I thought he was drafted way ahead of us, but I could be wrong...

**Mr. Kotter** · 12-01-2004, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rausch

I thought he was drafted way ahead of us, but I could be wrong...

I'd have to check...

**ptlyon** · 12-01-2004, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rausch

There wasn't anything "wrong" about that post. He held Gonzo, they didn't call it, Gonzo got shut down.

If the refs don't call it the player isn't going to stop doing it.

You're right. I skipped past the "If they aren't going to call it I don't blame him for doing it." part. My bad.

Homage rep.

BigChiefFan · 12-01-2004, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

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

Scott Fujita can take a flyin' leap as far as I'm concerned. We need hard-hitting LBers and Fujita isn't it. Plus isn't he a FA? If so, bye bye in my eyes.

Demonpenz · 12-01-2004, 03:56 PM

all this draft talk and i KNOW...KNOW it's going to turn out shitty

12-01-2004, 11:26 AM
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	this guy would help our defense alot imo 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.
Posts: 95,626

12-01-2004, 01:08 PM	#20
Son of Logical Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: California Casino cash: $9959900	NOOOOOOOO!!!!! Sorry, he is a damn fine linebacker, but we need a lot of help and trading a high draft pick away right now is a terrible idea. If we can get him in free agency that is outstanding, but no way do we trade a first for him. If the Niners are worried about his injury we might be able to get him cheap like we did Roaf. So I say go get him, but not for first round pick.
Posts: 485

12-01-2004, 03:56 PM	#25
Demonpenz Woman should only make babies Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $-283864	all this draft talk and i KNOW...KNOW it's going to turn out shitty __________________
Posts: 54,947