Newton: Center of Affliction
by Nick Newton
May 23rd, 2005 -- Jeremy Newberry was supposed to be a much needed stability in this upcoming season’s offensive line. In fact, Coach Nolan has been saying how much he is looking forward to the return of the veteran Center (Though I’m sure not as much as our QB’s were looking forward to it.)
Don’t take this the wrong way Jeremy. You have been nothing but upstanding and productive for the franchise in the past, delivering week after week of body punishing performance for our backs, both quarter, and running.
But for the second consecutive season, J-New has become more of a liability than stability, announcing last week that he will have knee surgery, which will put him out for 8-10 weeks. While he is expected to be available for the 2005 season, let’s take a look at his injury history.
While most of his injuries are par for the position of Center, and while its probably not time to give up on this key piece of the O-line rebuild, (which was the 49ers weakest aspect last year), Nolan and staff probably should recognize that time is taking its toll, and begin plans for backup measures. You know….Just in case.
In all probability, (mostly because he is not Dennis Erickson), Nolan has begun the search for a new-Newberry. There has been talk of moving rookie David Baas to the starting position to lighten the load on J-New this upcoming season. However, if the team acquires a new Center, it will most likely be after the NFL mandated June 1st cap-cut. After all, Nolan prides himself on treasure hunt talent finds.
My Take: As outlined in the main body of this article, I believe that Newberry’s contributions to this team over the years far outweigh his deductions from it. However, any way you look at it, the clock is ticking for this pro bowl Center. While I strongly believe that tossing a rookie (Baas) in to plug Center is a huge mistake, I highly doubt Nolan would consider it outside of an emergency situation. (Are you taking Nolan notes, Erickson?) I’d like to see Nolan grab another diamond in the rough from the ranks of the vanquished come June 1st, or maybe a cheap Free Agent to slap on standby
May 23rd, 2005 -- Jeremy Newberry was supposed to be a much needed stability in this upcoming season’s offensive line. In fact, Coach Nolan has been saying how much he is looking forward to the return of the veteran Center (Though I’m sure not as much as our QB’s were looking forward to it.)
Don’t take this the wrong way Jeremy. You have been nothing but upstanding and productive for the franchise in the past, delivering week after week of body punishing performance for our backs, both quarter, and running.
But for the second consecutive season, J-New has become more of a liability than stability, announcing last week that he will have knee surgery, which will put him out for 8-10 weeks. While he is expected to be available for the 2005 season, let’s take a look at his injury history.
Last season, he missed weeks 2-10 with the knee injury, causing the 49ers to bring Brock Gu….Excuse Me, I had to swallow some vomit….Causing the 49ers to bring Brock Gutierrez in to plug the leaky line at Center. When Newberry returned in week 11, he immediately injured his back and was out weeks 11-13.
In 2001 Jeremy suffered an ankle injury in a game against the New York Jets, causing him to miss the next week’s game. He started the next game against the Falcons, but was forced to the sideline by a re-aggravation of the ankle injury.
In 1998 He missed the entire season due to a torn ACL suffered in camp.
In college, suffered a broken bone in his foot 6 games into his college starting career.
While most of his injuries are par for the position of Center, and while its probably not time to give up on this key piece of the O-line rebuild, (which was the 49ers weakest aspect last year), Nolan and staff probably should recognize that time is taking its toll, and begin plans for backup measures. You know….Just in case.
In all probability, (mostly because he is not Dennis Erickson), Nolan has begun the search for a new-Newberry. There has been talk of moving rookie David Baas to the starting position to lighten the load on J-New this upcoming season. However, if the team acquires a new Center, it will most likely be after the NFL mandated June 1st cap-cut. After all, Nolan prides himself on treasure hunt talent finds.
My Take: As outlined in the main body of this article, I believe that Newberry’s contributions to this team over the years far outweigh his deductions from it. However, any way you look at it, the clock is ticking for this pro bowl Center. While I strongly believe that tossing a rookie (Baas) in to plug Center is a huge mistake, I highly doubt Nolan would consider it outside of an emergency situation. (Are you taking Nolan notes, Erickson?) I’d like to see Nolan grab another diamond in the rough from the ranks of the vanquished come June 1st, or maybe a cheap Free Agent to slap on standby
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