The San Francisco 49ers are turning the page following their third consecutive loss, a 24-17 defeat in Week 4 to the Dallas Cowboys
Curtis Modkins expressed his excitement that the 49ers next challenge will come a few days earlier than normal. A matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on "Thursday Night Football" will limit San Francisco's ability to game plan, but it forces the 49ers to put the Dallas game behind them.
"It's really good that this is a short week so we can go back and get started," Modkins said on Tuesday. "Guys are working hard and preparing well these last couple of days. Obviously we have some thing's we've got to correct."
The offensive coordinator finished his opening remarks by explaining that the team's overall execution needs to improve in Week 5.
Modkins went on to field several questions about San Francisco's crop of wide receivers. Here are updates on a few notable pass-catchers.
Torrey Smith
Through four games, the 49ers top wideout has been limited to nine receptions for 106 yards and one touchdown. Smith caught just one pass for three yards against the Cowboys and was only targeted twice.
Modkins explained that those numbers are partially a byproduct of opposing defenses forcing San Francisco to throw the ball in the middle of the field. The coach is confident that Smith will see an uptick in his production in the coming weeks.
"Torrey is working his tail off," Modkins said. "Blaine (Gabbert) is working his tail off to get him the ball. Who gets the ball depends on what we see in the coverage. We're not trying to force anyone the ball. Torrey is going to get his looks. … He's going to get his fair share, I'm confident in that."
Jeremy Kerley
Kerley has taken advantage of some opportune matchups so far this season. The slot receiver's 18 receptions for 202 yards are tops on the team. Kerley's best game came last Sunday when he posted six catches for 88 yards and a career long, 33-yard touchdown.
"He's an intelligent young man who's worked his tail off to learn what we do," Modkins said. "There are some things we've seen from the defense the last few weeks that have allowed him to make some plays for us."
Quinton Patton
Patton's production has been modest – 10 receptions for 106 yards – but it's his well-rounded game that has impressed Modkins. The fourth-year pass-catcher has been an ace on special teams and has improved his blocking on offense.
"I love the way he is in meetings," Modkins said. "I like the way he practices, and he's done a good job on Sundays. We look for that to continue."
Rod Streater
The veteran wideout has two receptions for 32 yards since joining the team just prior to Week 1.
"Every day he's getting more and more confortable in what we're doing," Modkins said.
Keshawn Martin
Martin is the newest member of San Francisco's receiving corps. Signed as a free agent just last week, the 49ers opted to keep Martin inactive for the Dallas game. That could change going forward.
"He's working at our outside receiver positions, and we'll see where it goes from there," Modkins said. "He's doing what he needs to do. It just takes time."
