Here's a column I wrote today about Vernon Davis. The bottom line is that I think his Maryland coaches had a better plan for him than his 49ers' coaches have had in recent seasons. Does Davis run pass routes as precisely as Tony Gonzalez? Is he as acrobatic as Antonio Gates? Does he have Chris Cooley's mitts? The answer is, no, on all counts. But you can't tell me he isn't as talented as those guys. The trick is capturing that talent, which really hasn't been done yet in San Francisco and which is Jimmy Raye's mission this year.
I hope you're sitting for this next part. I have been told to take the next week off. By my boss. It wasn't a "work-a-holic" intervention, but it was close. His exact words, and I quote, were, "But seriously, shut it down. No blogging, just get away from it. Tell your readers you're taking Arnold's advance... 'I'll be back...'" So I'll resume the magnifying-glass look at the 49ers' roster - outside linebackers are next - in seven days. Try to be strong. I find nature photography and crossword puzzles to be effective distractions. Maybe take up knitting.
-- Matt Barrows
