AJ Klein or Chase Blackburn

[KendrickPanther]

This is something I have been mulling over all season. Chase is a veteran guy with playoff experience. Talent wise he is just a little better than a JAG. When he makes a false step it's pretty much over for him. I think Rivera likes him because he is consistent. Coaches like that because they can game plan with that in mind.

 

AJ Klein is a rookie. He has shown flashes of brilliance. The last time we played the 49ers he had 5 tackles and a sack. He is more athletic and in my opinion better suited to contain Colin Kaepernick. He does make rookie mistakes. The soundFX recording of Ron coaching him up has made the rounds.

 

So what do you guys think? Go with the wily veteran or the energetic young guy?

[usmcpanthers]

rotate them...you need a playoff vet...and getting a rookie playoff exp is priceless

[unicar15]

Both will get time. Klein will be in for 3rd and medium situations for exactly the reason you cited. Blackburn will be in for short situations. The rest of the time I see us going more nickel to matchup with Crabtree who we didn't have to matchup with last time. 

[NewYork fan89]

Klein had that sack on Colin last time we played that also involved kap grabbing his facemask. I think he should start for better containment just in case for some reason or DEs don't keep him in the pocket. Rotate chase In on a couple plays. Idk if it's just me but I feel like we play a 4-2-5 a lot of the time anyway.

[Mr. Scot]

Experience vs Athleticism...

Tough call.

[CarolinaCoolin]

I'd go for Klein. When he's played he's had a huge impact. But we play mostly nickel and we will definitely need nickel more this game due to the fact they have more weapons with Crabtree back so it's kinda moot. Klein given time to develop can be a nice compliment to Luke going forward.

[csx]

Since Chase has been back Klein has not had many snaps a game and didn't get any against Atlanta. I'd like to see him get more but I'm just a fan.

[TN05]

I'm fine with either, really. Both have shown they can contribute to the team and I think both will get time as the playoffs go on. Obviously Blackburn has more experience and is another veteran presence on a defensive unit that has quite a few younger guys, but Klein is a bit more explosive.

[Oldmanrivera]

Im going with The A.Jrain

[KendrickPanther]

It depends on how the game plays out but I would expect a ton of base D. The 49ers employ the Fullback and 2 WR sets. You have to defend Crabtree but going to nickle will invite the run.

[Udogg]

Seemed the defense played faster with Klein.  I didn't see many glaring mistakes as well.  The one thing you can say about AJ is that he makes mistakes at full speed.  I don't think we could go wrong either way but this time next year Klein will be starting regardless of Blackburn.

 

[PantherBrew]

I'd start the game with blackburn.  If the game is close and the running games are predominant, then I would stick with Blackburn.  

 

However, I would work Klein in some, especially on passing downs, or if the 49ers get down by a couple scores and they begin to air it out. 

 

Experience is hard to quantify, but there isn't a HUGE difference in talent. Even, though I'd give a slight edge to Klein.  

 

Good questions to debate though.

[Jackofalltrades]

For me it's similar to a James Anderson vs Thomas Davis situation. One's a tackler, the other's a playmaker.

I favor Klein because Kaep doesn't have the savvy, or the experience to exploit AJ like a Brady or Manning could.

[carolina-chuck]

My vote is Klein all day.

 

But, both guys should play. I dont care who start. Blackburn will most likely get the start but KLEIN NEEDS MORE SNAPS!!!! The kid is a beast.

 

I've been disappointed seeing Klein and Lester getting less snaps in the past few weeks.