Yesterdays report came in that the 49ers wide-receiver Michael Crabtree has torn his Achilles and will be out six months. However, head coach Jim Harbaugh has been telling reporters that Crabtree will not be out the whole season.
Micheal Crabtree played a vital role in the success not only in the 49ers run in the playoffs but in the growth of the young Colin Kaepernick. Crabtree is a wide receiver that broke out in the second half of last year’s season. A big reason for Crabtree’s success was the switch at quarterback from Alex Smith to Colin Kaepernick. While Alex Smith is a decent starting quarterback that gets the job done, Kaepernick is a dynamic player who can hurt you with his legs and strong arm. The 49ers run the read option which tears apart defenses, and Crabtree has played a vital part in making it successful. Crabtree stretches the field and prevents them from loading up defenders in front of the line.
Without Crabtree, it will be very challenging to be as dangerous on offense. Of course Kaepernick, Gore, James, and Hunter can keep the ground game steady, but the question is in the passing game. Who will step up with the losses of Crabtree and Randy Moss? With two of their starting wide-outs gone, and Vernon Davis not living up to his previous standards, the 49ers pass attack should struggle. The 49ers did manage to get a great pick up in Anquan Boldin this off-season. Boldin is a great possession receiver which will help Kaepernick. Beyond Boldin, A.J. Jenkins and Quinton Patton are two young wide-receivers who could make a difference and have a big opportunity to play a lot. Until Crabtree comes back, the 49ers offense might not be the same monster it was in 2012.
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