SF Blog- midseason

We caught up with Coach Oko just after the midway point, following a hard fought victory over the Giants, the Niners have fought back to 5-4 after starting the season 1-3.

Explain the roster moves and what you are trying to do with this team?

We were looking for an identity on both sides of the ball. On offense we did not run or throw the ball well, so we made a commitment to run the ball well and let the passing game develop in time. So we dealt away Braylon Edwards and benched Alex Smith, turning the team over to Rookie Qb Colin Kaepernick, and making him a game manager and dual threat to move the chains. On defense, we were also in transition from a slower 3-4 zone based defense to a speed based 4-3 unit that will play man coverage all day and night. So we were fortunate enough to add some cbs that can play that style and we will continue to evolve the defense as we move forward.

Hows the offense doing and how is the run force?

The offense is doing ok since we transitioned to a run based style. We changed for several reasons, we didnt have a QB or the WRs to effectively throw the ball and score points. Also our offensive line is loaded with talented run blockers that just are not as effective in the passing game, we were having a hard time protecting our QBs and we knew it. The final reason is that we want to give our defense the chance to win games and not face short fields all day.

Hows the defense and what are the missing pieces?

The defense has been ok, really up and down. The LBs have been good, but we are always looking for more speed and better coverage and run support from that unit. Of course PWillie is a beast. Our secondary has been pretty solid, not a ton of big plays either way, but pretty consistent in pass coverage and run support. We like our secondary but will not hesitate to upgrade if we get the chance. The DLine has been horrid. We have been ok in run support, but just cant generate any pressure, which is a surprise considering the talent we have. John Abraham would have been retraded if we could, and we have advised him to not rent a house past this offseason, also Justin Smith, Williams and Sopiaga are all on notice.