Niners’ offense needs Davis to step up

By Danny Dabiri  |   Tuesday, May 22, 2007  |  Comments( 27 )

San Francisco 49ers
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Tight end Vernon Davis' inaugural campaign for the San Francisco 49ers offered flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency on a weekly basis last season. As Niner fans may recall, Davis scored a touchdown on his very first reception, a 31-yarder against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. Unfortunately, last year's sixth overall pick had his season derailed when he suffered a hairline fracture of his left fibula in a game against the Eagles, an injury that sidelined Davis for the next six games.

As the season was concluding, a healthy Davis demonstrated his unique ability and limitless potential. He scored two touchdowns in a five-day span. The first score was an explosive 52-yard catch and run against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 10. Four days later, Davis found the endzone again, in Seattle.

In an abbreviated rookie campaign, the former University of Maryland star contributed 20 catches for 265 yards and three scores.

Standing 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds with 4.4. speed, Davis certainly possesses the physical tools to rival the stellar production put forth by perennial All-Pro tight ends like Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez, both of whom had more than 70 catches and 900 receiving yards last season. The fact that Davis was such a high pick in the 2006 draft places additional pressure on him to live up to lofty expectations.

In the upcoming season, the lack of a top-notch playmaker on the outside provides Davis with an opportunity to be quarterback Alex Smith's No. 1 receiving option. While the additions of veteran wideouts Darrell Jackson and Ashley Lelie improve an unremarkable receiving corps, it can be argued that Davis is the best candidate to be the Niners' most dangerous aerial threat. Granted, when Jackson can stay on the field, he has proven to be productive (63 catches, 956 yards and eight touchdowns for the Seahawks last year in 13 games). Despite his historic production, it's hard to say whether Jackson can be Smith's go-to guy in the clutch.

As for Davis, there is no reason he can't put up the kind of numbers Gates and Gonzalez have for their respective clubs. The 23-year-old has great hands and incredible explosiveness, both of which make him a nightmare for defenders. The onus is on the coaches and Smith to allow Davis to flourish.

If the 49ers are serious about taking the next step as a franchise, they need Davis to have a breakout campaign and solidify himself as Smith's primary target. Combine that with Frank Gore's running ability, and the 49ers' offense should be much more dynamic and efficient in 2007.

Original San Francisco 49ers insight, courtesy of RealFootball365.com
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