I can’t say I was overly surprised that the 49ers lost to the Saints. The Niners have two wins — both over teams that aren’t that good, while the Saints came into this game as arguably the greatest 1-2 team of all time. The Saints didn’t dominate this game. The Saints won because the Niners couldn’t finish their drives and J.T. O’Sullivan turned the ball over three times. Bottom line: the Niner offense shouldn’t stop doing what it’s doing, but it needs to be more efficient in the red zone and prevent losing the ball in key situations.

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There is one particular 49er who I think needs to be called out for once again, being completely missing in action. That 49er is Tight End Vernon Davis. You might remember him from the 2006 draft, where he was selected sixth overall after a brilliant college career in Maryland. He was supposed to be the versatile tight end the Niners needed — more than just a safety option, but that playmaking tight end this team hasn’t had since the legendary Brent Jones.

So what exactly did the Niners get in Davis?  So far, they have a player who has been incapable of establishing himself. He’s afraid of playing to his potential. He’s a coward..a chicken — exactly the opposite of what the Niners wanted to spend that pick on.

His lone catch for 19 yards yesterday is a classic example of what Davis has brought to his team since being drafted. Through four games this year, he’s caught five balls for a measly 87 yards — not impressive. This “versatile” tight end has been anything but versatile and it’s reached the point where I don’t think he’s going to break out.

So what does this mean? It means barring a Kellen Winslow-esque revival this season, the Niners have officially drafted a dud. When you couple that with the selection of Alex Smith the year before, you can understand why they feel more comfortable building their team through free agency, rather than the dreaded draft.

I don’t expect everyone to agree with me on Vernon Davis, but I am curious to know when a team should cut its losses with a player who isn’t a quarterback. I think Vernon Davis’ proverbial window has ended because he hasn’t exactly shown himself against some pretty lousy defences over the past few weeks.

But I could be wrong….no I can’t!!

DC

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For all Jewish readers and contributors to STB, I would like to wish you and your family a healthy happy new year. Shana Tovah!

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