San Francisco 49ers LB Tavares Gooden taking time in learning playbook – NFL News
Although San Francisco 49ers will play his second season with the team in 2012, he is yet to get well acquainted with the team’s playbook.
The reason is simple: he joined the team last year just before the start of the season and was unable to take part in any team activity before that. He had to learn while playing the whole season.
His performance was satisfactory last year and as the 49ers prepare for the 2012 season, Gooden is focusing more on learning playbook.
He considers the offseason as a great opportunity to learn all the tactics that the team is going to deploy on the field this year.
According to the details present on the team’s official website, Gooden believes that he has got a great chance to impress the coaches during the offseason. He said:
“Now I just feel like having a whole summer with the team and getting to know the players and getting familiar with the playbook and the terminology will help me.”
He added:
“The thing that I really like about it is that I’m here and I’m able to be with the team and the coaches every day. I didn’t have that opportunity last offseason because I came here in Week 1 of the season and I had to learn on the fly.”
Gooden played 16 games in the last regular season without starting any and was able to register a total of 11 tackles. He also forced one fumble.
The 49ers defence was one of the best in the league last year and it was due to sturdy performance from the defensive line that the team was able to reach the playoffs after the 2002 season.
Gooden believes that the team is capable of showcasing even better performance in the upcoming season.
Gooden started his professional National Football League (NFL) career in 2008 with Baltimore Ravens. He played three seasons for the Ravens before joining the 49ers.
Even though he has some experience under his belt, he considers himself a rookie as he is new to the 49ers system. He said:
“I’m taking everything serious like I’m a rookie. I’m starting back over and I’m trying to reset my mind.”
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