Frisco Pass Rush: Will it finally arrive?

By Gelder186  |   Wednesday, July 22, 2009  |  Comments( 0 )

San Francisco 49ers
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Back in 2006, the 49ers worked a trade prior to the draft to acquire the lanky but long 6'6 Defensive End out of N.C. State, Manny Lawson. As expected, they instantly put him at the OLB position. Although, throughout further looks in Training camp they eventually realized he was lacking the strength to consistently reach the Quarterback.

Mike Nolan and the 49ers however, quickly realized they had no quality depth behind Manny Lawson, so were forced to get him right onto the field. Manny was primarily used as a "drop back" or coverage linebacker in Nolan's 3-4 scheme. By the end of the year, Manny showed signs of maturity in coverage, and especially against the run as the Niners D ranked in the upper half in that category.

2007 came along, and the 49ers got off to a 2-0 start beating Arizona and St. Louis in major regards to Manny Lawson's efforts. Unfortunately, his season was cut short after that when he tore his knee ligament in practice.

When he returned a year ago, the 49ers eased him back very slowly. He was used in situational packages, and still was not used as the pass rusher that most fans wanted him to be when he was drafted. Lawson made the most out of his time, and put effort in on special teams, blocking two field goals, which were both returned for touchdowns.

This year however, Manny will be used as one of the primary pass rushers, along with Parys Haralson who coaches are looking to improve upon his 8 sack effort in 2008. According to Coach Singletary who has praised Lawson, Manny will be used as a full down defender from here on out, even playing Defensive End when the 49ers line up with four down lineman.

An improved pass rush, going along with a practice field ballhawk Free Safety in Dashon Goldson, could earn the 49ers defense very high praise in the overall rankings in 2009.
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