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Mike Sando
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/ ... ected-west
The San Francisco 49ers have become the hunted in the NFC West.
Having already take aim at their 2011 turnover differential, let us consider another reason for a potential 2012 regression from 13-3.
"Repeating the 2011 relative lack of injuries on the 49ers may be as hard as replicating the turnover ratio," Michael Rally contended via Twitter.
Injuries did slow and/or sideline some of the 49ers' most important players, including running back Frank Gore and linebacker Patrick Willis. Starting receiver Josh Morgan missed most of the season. A freak jaw injury sidelined tight end Delanie Walker late in the season. A hamstring injury slowed defensive end Ray McDonald.
But in looking at injured-reserve lists, the 49ers definitely fared better than their division rivals. They finished the regular season with five players on IR. The other three NFC West teams had a combined 39.
I've broken out the IR lists by team and position, based on where teams stood after Week 17. In some cases, teams released and/or reached injury settlements with players placed on IR previously. Teams usually keep on IR the players they value the most, however. The players listed below are the most relevant ones.
St. Louis Rams (16)
Fullback: Brit Miller
Receiver: Danny Amendola, Mark Clayton, Greg Salas
Tight end: Mike Hoomanawanui
Offensive line: guard Jacob Bell, Rodger Saffold, Jason Smith
Defensive line: Jermelle Cudjo
Linebacker: Josh Hull
Cornerback: Ron Bartell, Bradley Fletcher, Al Harris, Brian Jackson, Marquis Johnson, Jerome Murphy
Comment: Quarterback Sam Bradford was injured much of the year without landing on IR. The Rams ran through several unlisted cornerbacks as well. That position was hit hard. Losing both starting offensive tackles is never good, but Smith wasn't a huge positive factor on the right side. The team was arguably better off without him in the lineup.
Seattle Seahawks (15)
Receiver: Kris Durham, Mike Williams, Sidney Rice
Tight end: John Carlson
Offensive line: John Moffitt, James Carpenter, Russell Okung
Defensive line: Jimmy Wilkerson
Linebacker: Jameson Konz, Matt McCoy, David Vobora, Dexter Davis
Cornerback: Marcus Trufant, Walter Thurmond, Ron Parker
Comment: The Seahawks remained strong against the run largely because their line was healthier this season. Losing three-fifths of the starting offensive line could not stop Marshawn Lynch from producing at a high level. Rookie Richard Sherman capitalized on injuries at cornerback. Good, young depth helped Seattle weather injuries well.
Arizona Cardinals (8)
Quarterback: Max Hall
Running back: Ryan Williams
Offensive line: Brandon Keith, Floyd Womack
Defensive line: Dan Williams
Linebacker: Joey Porter
Cornerback: Crezdon Butler, Greg Toler
Comment: Ryan Williams' knee injury affected the team significantly. The injury situation was worse overall than the list would indicate. Quarterback Kevin Kolb missed seven starts with foot and concussion problems. Running back Beanie Wells played hurt much of the year and had a hard time producing late in the season. Adrian Wilson played through a torn biceps and got better as the season progressed.
San Francisco 49ers (5)
Receiver: Dontavia Bogan, Josh Morgan
Tight end: Nate Byham
Defensive line: Will Tukuafu
Cornerback: Curtis Holcomb
Comment: Byham was a solid blocking tight end. The team missed Morgan, especially late in the year. Gore's production diminished after he suffered an apparent knee injury in Week 10. Overall, though, the 49ers were healthy. They inflicted more injuries than they suffered, knocking out several opposing runners, including Felix Jones, LeGarrette Blount, Jahvid Best, Steven Jackson and Pierre Thomas.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/ ... ected-west
The San Francisco 49ers have become the hunted in the NFC West.
Having already take aim at their 2011 turnover differential, let us consider another reason for a potential 2012 regression from 13-3.
"Repeating the 2011 relative lack of injuries on the 49ers may be as hard as replicating the turnover ratio," Michael Rally contended via Twitter.
Injuries did slow and/or sideline some of the 49ers' most important players, including running back Frank Gore and linebacker Patrick Willis. Starting receiver Josh Morgan missed most of the season. A freak jaw injury sidelined tight end Delanie Walker late in the season. A hamstring injury slowed defensive end Ray McDonald.
But in looking at injured-reserve lists, the 49ers definitely fared better than their division rivals. They finished the regular season with five players on IR. The other three NFC West teams had a combined 39.
I've broken out the IR lists by team and position, based on where teams stood after Week 17. In some cases, teams released and/or reached injury settlements with players placed on IR previously. Teams usually keep on IR the players they value the most, however. The players listed below are the most relevant ones.
St. Louis Rams (16)
Fullback: Brit Miller
Receiver: Danny Amendola, Mark Clayton, Greg Salas
Tight end: Mike Hoomanawanui
Offensive line: guard Jacob Bell, Rodger Saffold, Jason Smith
Defensive line: Jermelle Cudjo
Linebacker: Josh Hull
Cornerback: Ron Bartell, Bradley Fletcher, Al Harris, Brian Jackson, Marquis Johnson, Jerome Murphy
Comment: Quarterback Sam Bradford was injured much of the year without landing on IR. The Rams ran through several unlisted cornerbacks as well. That position was hit hard. Losing both starting offensive tackles is never good, but Smith wasn't a huge positive factor on the right side. The team was arguably better off without him in the lineup.
Seattle Seahawks (15)
Receiver: Kris Durham, Mike Williams, Sidney Rice
Tight end: John Carlson
Offensive line: John Moffitt, James Carpenter, Russell Okung
Defensive line: Jimmy Wilkerson
Linebacker: Jameson Konz, Matt McCoy, David Vobora, Dexter Davis
Cornerback: Marcus Trufant, Walter Thurmond, Ron Parker
Comment: The Seahawks remained strong against the run largely because their line was healthier this season. Losing three-fifths of the starting offensive line could not stop Marshawn Lynch from producing at a high level. Rookie Richard Sherman capitalized on injuries at cornerback. Good, young depth helped Seattle weather injuries well.
Arizona Cardinals (8)
Quarterback: Max Hall
Running back: Ryan Williams
Offensive line: Brandon Keith, Floyd Womack
Defensive line: Dan Williams
Linebacker: Joey Porter
Cornerback: Crezdon Butler, Greg Toler
Comment: Ryan Williams' knee injury affected the team significantly. The injury situation was worse overall than the list would indicate. Quarterback Kevin Kolb missed seven starts with foot and concussion problems. Running back Beanie Wells played hurt much of the year and had a hard time producing late in the season. Adrian Wilson played through a torn biceps and got better as the season progressed.
San Francisco 49ers (5)
Receiver: Dontavia Bogan, Josh Morgan
Tight end: Nate Byham
Defensive line: Will Tukuafu
Cornerback: Curtis Holcomb
Comment: Byham was a solid blocking tight end. The team missed Morgan, especially late in the year. Gore's production diminished after he suffered an apparent knee injury in Week 10. Overall, though, the 49ers were healthy. They inflicted more injuries than they suffered, knocking out several opposing runners, including Felix Jones, LeGarrette Blount, Jahvid Best, Steven Jackson and Pierre Thomas.