This is the final installment of our NFC West matchup preview. Today we’re breaking down how the Niners match up with the St. Louis Rams. Tomorrow we’ll break down their matchup with the New England Patriots.
49ERS DEFENSE VS. RAMS OFFENSE: This matchup isn’t close. The Niners have a great defense and the Rams have a terrible offense. St. Louis got shut out twice in their final five games last season and they gave up a league-high 55 sacks. Aldon Smith toyed with their left tackle Roger Saffold, beating him for two sacks and three quarterback hits.
Quarterback Sam Bradford needs a top-notch offensive line to function. He’s not particularly good at sliding around the pocket and making accurate throws while he takes the big hit. Until the Rams offensive line improves from the bottom of the league to the top, I doubt Bradford will ever post a QB rating above 80.
The Rams biggest matchup advantage could turn out to be their 6-5 rookie wide receiver Brian Quick. The Niners (and most defenses in the NFL) struggle to cover extra-tall receivers because they don’t have any extra-tall defensive backs. If the Rams ever start to move the ball on offense, Quick may be a player the Niners defense chooses to double cover. But that’s an issue for 2013 or 2014.
49ERS OFFENSE VS. RAMS DEFENSE: This matchup wasn’t close last season. The Rams couldn’t stop the run and they had the worst cornerbacks in the NFL – Roderick Hood, Josh Gordy and Justin King. The defense gave up 60 points in two games to the Niners offense last season.
But St. Louis remade its defense this offseason. They signed CB Cortland Finnegan to a five-year, $50 million contract. He’ll be their Carlos Rogers – the No.1 CB who covers the slot in their nickel defense.
Then they drafted Janoris Jenkins in the second round to be the other starting cornerback. Many draft experts considered Jenkins the best cover-corner in the draft, meaning he’s the best at shadowing receivers as they run routes.
They also get back Bradley Fletcher, their No. 1 CB going into last season before he tore his ACL in early October. He’ll be the Rams third cornerback, most likely.
On paper, that group of cornerbacks is excellent. They should be able to cover the Niners’ new additions at wide receiver one-on-one.
The Rams already have a good pass rush. They registered 39 sacks last season, which was a remarkably high figure considering they faced the fifth fewest pass attempts in the NFL. Chris Long is one of the best defensive ends in the league. He lines up on both sides of the formation, and frequently against Anthony Davis on passing downs. He is Davis’ toughest matchup every season.
The Rams pass rush and improved coverage should boost their already respectable third down and red zone defense. Last season they ranked 12th in opponents’ red zone conversion efficiency and 19th in opponents’ third down conversion efficiency. Those rankings should improve next season.
You probably think I’m getting ready to say the Rams defense will out-match the Niners offense next season, but I’m not going that direction. Bear with me here.
Although the Rams pass defense could be very good, their run defense won’t be. It was dreadful last season – they gave up 4.8 yards per carry, tied for 28th in the NFL.
This offseason St. Louis added four players to try to plug the run. They signed linebackers Jo Lonn Dunbar and Mario Haggans. They signed defensive tackle Kendall Langford, and they drafted another defensive tackle in the first round – Michael Brockers.
These additions should improve the Rams run defense, especially up the middle. Those four guys are stout, tough players.
But the defense has an Achilles Heel: Slow linebackers.
The starters next season are going to be James Laurinaitis, Mario Haggan and Jo Lonn Dunbar. Of those three, Laurinaitis is the fastest, and he runs a 4.72 40-yard dash. That’s slow.
Not one of them is fast enough to cover Vernon Davis. The Rams will have to put a cornerback on him, meaning they’ll have to use a Nickel formation most of the time against the Niners, meaning they’ll only have two linebackers on the field, meaning they’ll be extra vulnerable to the Niners running attack.
While they may be equipped to stop Frank Gore and Brandon Jacobs up the middle, they’re not athletic enough to run down Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James around the edges. They cannot cover the field sideline-to-sideline.
The Niners can beat the Rams with simple counter run plays, student body sweeps and screen passes. The Niners will win both contests next season.
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First of all, thanks Grant for the matchup articles. It is refreshing.
Finniegan is a beast, great improvement there. Fisher is going to turn this team around and I suspect their defense will be the first to show signs of new life. I havnt been that high on Bradford but I think he is suffering from some of the same things AS had to go thru. The Rams are going to be last in our division but in the years to come I suspect they will be once again a good team.
Finniegan is an a-hole. One of the dirtiest players in the NFL. I hope our WRs practice their blocking skills down field on him and knock him on his ass.
4.7 aint slow for a middle linebacker unless you are the 49ers
It’s slow if you have to tackle 4.3 LaMichael James in the open field.
If your middle linebacker is in the open field alone, with LaMichael James, your defense has a lot more issues than his 40 time.
4.7 is more than enough to fill between the tackles and channel plays inside if you have good acceleration and take good angles.
Got heeem!! #great knowlege
It’s not just about about speed. Remember the running back has eventually run in the direction of the defenders. Sure raw physical talent is nice but playing assignment sound and tactically sound positions is even more important. Pure speed comes into play in chase down pursuit.
1. It’s about angle and anticipation. A good experienced linebacker can get the jump on the play. He can gain a step or two just by being familiar with the opposing offense’s plays and blocking schemes. that more than makes up for a couple 100ths of a second on a 40 time.
2. The way a typical 4-3 defense is designed, the SAM and WILL Outside Linebackers are supposed to funnel the ball carriers to the Mike. So even if the OLBs aren’t able to catch the running back, with the correct positioning and anticipation they should be able to direct the runner back towards the middle of the field and the MIKE.
So while I do not believe the Ram’s linebackers are good enough to stop the Niner’s running game. I don’t think it’s because of speed. I think it’s because of a lack skill and coordination of the Ram’s linebackers. I do not believe they have the skill and discipline to play assignment sound defense that can stop SF’s ground game.
Look for the Rams offense to be much more balanced this season with the change of coaches. Jeff Fisher and Brian Schottenheimer like to grind it out and play mistake free on offense, not unlike Harbaugh/Roman.
When/if Steven Jackson is healthy he can be a dominant runner, and he will be spelled at times by speedy draft pick Isaiah Pead. While the run game is a strength of the 49er defense, teams that stick with it can speed up the clock and keep the game close, (see Seattle game 2).
On offense the 49ers need to establish the run game early, and as you point out take advantage of the mismatches with the inside receivers, TE, Slot, RB. If they can stay out of long yardage situations they can neutralize the Rams pass rush through quick passes, screens and draws.
Neither of these matchups will be easy, but I agree that they should win both contests.
@Jack
49ers D vs. Rams O
I agree, the Rams strength on offense (running game – which is now boosted by the addition of Pead – combo of Pead and Jackson could be the next thunder and lightening) is matched well with the Niners strength in stopping the run. Advantage 49ers.
It seems SBrad has unfortunately taken the route of AS. New HC and new OC’s every year plus injuries that have curbed his success and his growth as an NFL QB. The Rams will play the 9ers very tough because they are viewed as the front-runner of the division, but if the 9ers play their game (solid mistake free football), they should win both games.
*A new HC* not to imply a new HC every year.
@Hofer
It will be interesting to see how Sam Bradford’s career progresses. He showed promise in his rookie year, then got injurred, and now has a new coach/system.
The problem with Bradford is that he is not very effective stretching the field. Most of his throws are of the underneath variety. I understand the limitations he is under based on the o-line and lack of receivers, but this makes it very easy for defenses to effectively shut him down.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/splits/_/id/13197/sam-bradford
This will be his 3rd coordinator in 3 years, but hey, thats just an excuse, sorry, alexcuse.
I’m sure there will be a group of “Bradifers” taking their local blogs as we speak (lol).
Grant
The season finale was a lot closer than expected. Post-game interviews revealed AS was going to come out (D gave up a TD and AS never did come out) and JS had to re-enter the game.
Keep in mind the Rams talent at that time was nil due to injuryies to like…the whole team.
I agree with undercenter that they will finish last. But not because they suck. They just aren’t as good as the other teams.
I really like S.Jackson and wish he had some success in his career. I remember last year when Willis got hurt Jackson was the 1st guy to him. I can’t remember him having a “great” against us since Willis was drafted but with that said… I wish that guy nothing but the best. Class Act =)
By success I don’t mean individual… I know he’s continued to put up big numbers. More of the line of what Gore – Davis – Willis went through… great players on a mediocre team. Now look at the success they’re having
@benny
I like Jackson a lot. Back when he was a FA, I wanted the Niners to go hard after him. Imagine him and FG together.
Well, have to rest Gore, in comes Jackson! How D’s would freak out about that.
The only player in the NFL who I hold my breath for when PW comes in to make the tackle is Jackson. PW in an interview said him and Lynch were the toughest to take down. And Jackson in return says Willis is the best tackler in the NFL.
He is everything I want in a player. Tough. Soft spoken. Respectful of his teammates and opponents alike. Never complains, or gives up. If you stop him, it is because you did it. Not because Jackson didn’t do his best.
Gotta disagree DS. You don’t get the 2nd pick in the draft unless you suck.
The Lambs suck. They got stuck in the same situation as the 49ers in 2005 – #1 pick in a year without a #1 quarterback. Now a huge chunk of salary cap is tied up in a guy who just isn’t that good.
They have a few good players – Jackson, Long, Laurinitas (I don’t care what Grant says, I like him), possibly Finnegan – but outside of their top 5 guys that roster is horrible. It might be worse than the 49ers were in 2005-2009. This years’ draft looked solid but likely won’t have much impact in 2012. Most drafts don’t have immediate impact unless Baalke is running the show.
The Pro Bowl lives on for at least another year.
clap……clap…….clap
Do any players plan on showing up? Or is it just ESPN airing an empty field filled with fans which gets higher ratings than the President’s Induction Ceremony.
What is interesting about it is the comish didnt want it the players association wanted it. Go figure. If the game is played the way it has been I just as soon see it go. I am a tradionalist. so I would like the game to be played but not at the level they play the game at.
@undercenter:
Of course, the NFLPA wants it. Players receive free vacations in Hawaii and get paid tens of thousands of $ for playing in the game.
claude
I thought that as well. But they could just name players and still give them the money.
Saves on possible injury as well. Would suck getting hurt playing this game. The last time I wtched the game, Black and white TV’s were brand new.
“On our big AMAZING 12″ Screen.”
ENORMOUS not amazing.
Grant,
You left out the punk factor. Fisher’s teams are infamous for playing dirty to get teams off their game. Finnegan is not a good player. He routinely gets burned in coverage and has to resort to trying to get players to try to fight him rather than play football. There is some evidence that the bounty system employed by the Saints started with the Titans. Williams allegedly used a bounty system while with the Titans. Schwartz came out of Tennessee and his Detroit defense is getting the same dirty rep. You can bet the Rams will ignite a fire with the 9er fans with their dirty play. The good news is that this tactic plays right into Harbaughs smash mouth mentality. I’m looking forward to the “What’s Your Deal” moment when Harbaugh runs up the score as payback for dirty play.
very true, well said
Hey Grant, anything exciting at practice yesterday?
Looks like first team O had a bit of a struggle against 2nd team D? Took 4 downs in the red zone?
CK’s second team O had two series against 1st team D but stalled? Is that correct? I heard that Kyle Williams is looking really good in practice?
Anything interesting you noticed?
Barrows mentioned something about Byham still having some knee issues, the brace is bothering him.
Byham vs. Reuland. Who wins that competition?
Interesting bit about AS deep passes from Eric at SFGATE.
WARNING: If you think the earth is flat and that the defense is perfect and blame AS for your childhood sweat-heart breaking up with you 30 years ago, don’t look at it. It will crush your pre-conceived notions.
sweet-heart not sweat-heart
Although I’d understand it more if the first one is actually what happened.
:- )
Branch says, “I’d take Brees’ numbers over Smith’s regardless of rating.”
He must be a part of the hater crowd : )
Here is the link so everyone can enjoy:
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/05/30/does-alex-smith-have-the-arm-to-ultilize-deep-threats/
That Eric, always throwing wrenches in to stuff. :P
Seriously though, I was hoping to avoid the Smith debate with these two posts – yer killing me, Smalls! :P
Was kind of curious about the Byham vs. Reuland thing.
You kinda missed the point of that, Jack.
“The numbers below, which compare Smith against the NFL’s top quarterbacks, suggest he’s better equipped to go deep than many might think.”
I would argue it’s not “many” it’s “some” but otherwise another excellent job of analysis by Eric.
Based on previous (prior to 2011) years, I would take Brees’ numbers as well although I suspect we’re just now starting to see the real Smith. We’ll have to see how 2012 goes but it may be that we’re on the cusp of something special with him. Who knows. Hard to say just yet. Some fairly good stuff coming out of OTAs so far. Smith to Moss sounds good so far.
Sorry ’bout that Adam. If Reuland has improved as a run blocker I can really see him taking that third TE spot.
Sounds like Byham could be looking for another team in the near future.
Adam
I thought Erics comparison of TD/pass was not fair. DB ran an offense that isn’t WC. His offense has you throwing deeper. Consequently you move down the field quicker. As opposed to the dink-dunk WCO that somehow managed 5 Super Bowls here.
And I was going to ask Grant to delete my first post here to you, but you broke your own request. So I won’t.:P
Nah, no biggie. Just was trying to get it away from Smith a bit. Too divisive and it’s nice to talk about other players too.
I’m wondering exactly what Midwest just posted. Could Byham have a lingering ACL problem? Can he hold Reuland off?
Adam,
I got the point of it, whis is that Alex is better throwing deep than most give him credit for.
I just found it interesting that Branch would still rather have Brees’ numbers over Alex’s.
If Bay, Jordan, or any other number of commentors said that they would be blasted as haters and there would be example after example trying to prove that Smith is the better option.
Adam
Is Jack (AKA Jeff) also “Smalls” or is that me?
Adam,
I think MidWest might have been referring to this from Barrows:
“Tight end Nate Byham was laboring at times in practice today and seemed uncomfortable with the brace over his left knee to the point where he had the medical staff readjust the brace twice. Byham tore the ACL in that knee last training camp and he is trying to hold off Konrad Reuland to be the No. 3 tight end.”
Well that probably goes to what DS just wrote about the differences in systems. That’s got some to do with it. Brees at this point is also a better QB in a lot of respects. But hey… who knows! Smith getting some stability, proper coaching and all that? If he’s still receptive to coaching…? He’s still fairly young. We’ll see, could be good. I’m a Niner Faithful though so my glass is always half full. :P
I think the best we can hope for this season is that the Niners open it up a bit more, make a few more (successful) gambles down field. My guess is that they do. The debate will be: By how much? I don’t think they get too far away from the power run and it will still be fairly balanced or slightly run-favored. They’ll try to trip a few teams up with Moss.
Also, Mannigham is an upgrade over Josh Morgan and I would assume some of the Morgan type plays will be back in the mix.
Not sure what Jenkins brings just yet but he’s got a nice pic on 49ers.com catching a low ball outside from Tolzien yesterday. If his college tape is any indication – man that dude has some nice hands!
DS, that was to you – just a little “Sandlot” humor. Good movie. ;)
Interesting. From the article:
Smith’s numbers: 21 of 51, 723 yards, 6 TD, 2 INT (111.4 rating)
Brees’ numbers: 44 of 86, 1187 yards, 20 TD, 6 INT (107.3 rating)
I know it doesn’t necessarily work this way, but if you extrapolate Smith’s numbers from 51 attempts to 86 attempts (Brees’ number), Smith’s numbers look like this:
35 of 86, 1219 yards, 10 TD, 3 INT
Let’s skip over for the moment the fact that these stats tend to disprove the dead-certain assertion of some commenters that Alex Smith cannot throw deep and instead look at three other points of interest raised by the stats.
1. Smith’s numbers came with him throwing to the 49ers’ 2011 receiving corps. I am of the opinion that adding Moss and Manningham will only serve to improve his numbers.
2. Even though Smith’s yards/attempt average exceeds Brees’ average (14.2 vs. 13.8), and his yards/completion average even more so (34.4 vs. 27.0 ), Brees’ TD/attempt number doubles Smith’s. The only explanation I can think of is that a higher proportion of Brees’ long attempts came on the opponents’ side of the field.
3. Smith’s passer rating on long attempts exceeds his overall passer rating by a significant amount (111.4 vs. 90.7). So much for the idea that his overall passer rating was padded by excessive short throws.
“I think MidWest might have been referring to this from Barrows…”
Yeah, I saw that from Barrows, too. That’s why I was asking Grant about what he saw yesterday. If he saw the same thing, etc. Is Byham struggling beyond the brace, or…? How close is the Byham vs. Reuland competition?
Usually hear from Grant by now on practices open to the media. Maybe he was sick yesterday, weird flu going around. Several of the friends had it last week.
I love reading Branch’s articles. he is VERY good at his job!
It is a good movie. Is Smalls that huge dog that is like 1000 feet tall. If not, it’s been awhile since I saw that film.
On your Reuland post, I really don’t see/know the guy at all. Can’t chime in.
Adam/Claude,
Good stuff from both of you. Claude I am of the opinion that Brees’ higher TD numbers are in part due to a better receiving corps.
With the additions they have made to bolster that unit, and the improvement Williams has made based on reports Smith’s numbers should improve.
I don’t expect them to be much different in their play calling this year, but that they will be more efficient/effective when those types of plays are called. As someone brought up earlier it took Luck a year to really get the system down at Stanford and he blossomed in year 2. If Smith can come close to that type of production watch out.
@Adam, DS:
Actually, the Saints’ offense does not have Brees’ throwing deeper. It’s a lot of short and medium passes. That observation is borne out by comparing Brees’ yards/completion average (on all throws) to Smith’s. Those numbers are almost identical (11.7 vs. 11.5). To put those numbers in context, Aaron Rodgers’ yards/completion average is 13.5. His offense has him throwing deeper.
Brees’ yards/attempt average is so high because he completes a ridiculous percentage of his passes.
As I mentioned in my previous comment, the TD/long attempt numbers are perplexing. The relative field position of their respective long throws is the only explanation I can think of.
claude
I didn’t watch NO all year long, but I wonder how many TD’s his receivers dropped/ran the wrong route on.
@claude
Wow. A couple of yards difference average has a tremendous impact on perception then.
Also, the NO WR’s are actually open all by themselves. An on target throw will get lots of YAC. Like a 2 for 1 at a candy shop for kids.
It’s been a long time and two shoulder surgeries, but Norv Turner said Smith was a great deep ball thrower when he Coached him. I think he lost some of that with the shoulder problems, but with the work he’s done with the mechanics and footwork, maybe he can recapture some of it.
Jack,
Branch’s statement doesn’t make sense. If you have Brees’ stats, then a QB rating higher than Smith’s last year follows. If Brees’ QB rating was meaningfully lower than Smith’s his numbers wouldn’t be as good, and therefore, Brees wouldn’t be as good of an alternative.
Just to be clear, I’d rather have Brees, as he is, playing QB for the 49ers, but if his QB rating was substantially lower, his numbers would suffer, quite a bit.
ex golfer,
Branch’s comment makes perfect sense. The reason the Smith’s rating is higher than Brees’ is because interceptions count more against the rating and Brees had 6 int’s compare to 2 for Smith.
This link shows you the formula used to come up with the rating.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passer_rating
True. 71% comp rate is nothing to sneeze at.
Funny, Brees proved a ton of people wrong — those who said he couldn’t play the game because he was too short, the trade was bad, etc.
I like a good redemption story.
Hey,Grant you ever run into BASG aka Steve Berman at the practices?… I can’t help thinking about what would happen..fireworks or just friendly adversarial chit chat?
Stan
You are the only one bringing that blogger up. You hate the guy. Why provide him free press for?
Cant figure out the Hatfield and McCoy s..when they both do the same thing,and as a bonus-have hot chicks!
No, no no Stan
I have not watched it yet. No talking about it.
I know Kreuger said squat to Hank this morning. Kreuger sure backs off when he has who he speared right in front of him..
@23clueless
the truth comes out… haha… as reported by MM, MB, Lynch and others:
“Jim Harbaugh said unprompted that the 49ers evaluated Peyton Manning but did not pursue him. Harbaugh said the team wanted Alex Smith”
but obviously you know more than Harbaugh and probably are going to call him a liar :P CLUELESS
JH also said unprompted that Alex was a Pro Bowler and elite and an accurate passer and that Crabtrree has the best hands of any WR he has ever seen.
JH say a bunch of things to be taken with a grain of salt. And when he waits 2 Months to counter the thousands of articles and commentaries etc,that have all said the Niners went after Manning ,then you have to take this latest statement with a truck load of salt,lol. Especially when they offered the only QB he now says they wanted all along (Alex) a terrible contract if he wanted to come back .
Great Coach ! But just like taking anything a GM says around draft time seriously,it is risky to base your beliefs about players on this team from anything JH says in public,since he only has glowing remarks about all his players. It’s called Coachspeak.
Let’s just hope Alex improves a great deal over his 2011 season ,so we can have a better offense to go along with the great defense and ST’s !
GO Niners !
I totally agree Tim… more of the fact that I truly believe 99.9% was that they were never going to pay him that much $ to come here. And call me crazy but I think Harbaugh really believes most of the crazy things he says.
And my main point being that they know they have one of the most loaded squads in the NFL and are in the top running to win it all. There is no way in hell anyone can convince me that they don’t believe Alex Smith can lead them to their 6th ring. They def would NOT bet the house with this team if they didn’t fully believe. That’s just crazy talk.. lol
Benny: Alex did not “lead” them anywhere LAST year,he followed the great coaching and defense and ST’s.
I hope he will do much better this season than last season and I hope we do win the SB with Alex as our QB. I hope we win the SB every year,no matter who our QB is !
…Timmy…just because you post this same comment on MM and MB’s blog won’t make any difference……..you are a hater….just deal with it…..and nobody believes a word you write!!!!!!!
Have a wonderful day OneNiner ,my friend !
Benny……..You really believe that? Listen to what Manning himself said. He said it was hard when he called and talked to Harbaugh to tell him he was choosing Denver. Lets remember this is the coach who said Smith was Elite, Crabs has the best hands he’s ever seen, and now this. Riiight Harbaugh.
… and the haterexcuses begin.
Predictable, but funny nonetheless.
…ha ha ha….you rather believe Manning or JH…..JH even went further to give you evidence……you are a loser…ha ha ha……..lmao…..
I believe Harbaugh as much as I did last season when he said Smith was elite/pro bowl material. Wheeew!
Hey Onelame. Wheres the evidence that Smith was elite and a pro bowler. and the evidence about Crabs hands? Man your pathetic. LOL
@ninermd:
I know it’s not the way you do things, but perhaps you ought to actually read the article before commenting. Harbaugh addressed that point.
Crap. To avoid confusion, my last comment was directed to ninermd’s 3:51 pm comment about what Manning said.
….lol…ninermd…..you really do look like a clown now…….
let me guess…..nah….this tooo funny ….I have to think and come up with some good ones 4 u……..bhwaaaaaaaaaaaaaa…..lol
md
Sooooo,
You trust a FA QB’s word whose never done a thing for us over JH who led this team to the Title game as coach? This proves your fandom…how again?
Claude I read the whole thing earlier. Its a farce for Smiths feelings. Nothing more. Manning’s comments on the phone ON Sportscenter said what I said. Thats all Nothing more. If you believe this. Well I know you do, so Ill give you your dumb opinion. Sucker! HA HA HAAAA
@claude…he not only addressed it….he wrote an article on it……..he said more than expected……
FYI – According to a source who was accurate throughout the Manning saga, it was Manning who contacted the 49ers and expressed interest. In fact, Manning contacted two teams, the 49ers and the Texans. The Texans ultimately chose not to pursue the free agent quarterback. The 49ers, meanwhile, flew to North Carolina to begin what Harbaugh is now calling “an evaluation.”
Read more here: http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2012/05/harbaugh-perception-that-49ers-pursued-manning-is-phony.html#disqus_thread#storylink=cpy
Ds……. I believe Manning because he has no reason to lie. And he stated this months ago, not right before TC starts to protect a certain players feelings. Get it? So are you telling me that he was truthful about #15 the guy YOU HATE and his hands? Ehh?
@ninermd:
As you have revealed in so many of your comments, you clearly cannot tell the difference between an expression of opinion and a statement of fact.
…ninermd wrote – “I believe Manning because he has no reason to lie.”
ha ha ha
…..dude you are on fire with this your football knowledge quotes……..
@md
Has it ever come up in your head that PM wanted to be a Niner and or use the team as leverage to get some pathetic loser team to overpay for him? Even a bit?
So, where is Mr Big P and all of his “proof” the Niners had a huge contract just for PM?
Yep. Where I said it was since day 1. In his head only.
Great opposition articles Grant. Can’t wait to see how you think the Niners stack up against the Patriots.
….Drum Rooollllll….the haters will hate this….JH just squashed the Manning chase……
“It’s an erroneous perception that we were flirting with Peyton Manning. I keep hearing that over and over again,” Harbaugh said. “It’s silly, and it’s untrue. It’s phony. Even the perception that we were pursuing him … we were evaluating him. I’ve said all along, Alex Smith has been our quarterback. There’s been no scenario, other than Alex choosing to sign with another team, that we would have considered him not as our quarterback.”
Harbaugh implied that the 49ers ultimately would not have signed Manning. “Now, were we out there seeing, evaluating if we could have them both? Heck ya,” Harbaugh said. “You evaluate that, you eliminate that. Further evidence – we would not have given any player that was out there in free agency a sixth of our salary cap and let six or seven of our own guys go. Hopefully that sets the record straight.”
There goes my assertion that they would had have them both……..
Read more here: http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/#storylink=cpy
The best part is you actually believe this. LOL
…just had to repeat this part…..just in case (ninermd, Bay, J. Welcher and the other hater babies)….and yes you to Grant …..missed it
“Further evidence – we would not have given any player that was out there in free agency a sixth of our salary cap and let six or seven of our own guys go. Hopefully that sets the record straight.”……….
I think ninermd just disappeared …..ha ha ha…..lmano….Bwhaaaaaaaaaaaa….lol
oneniner,
So does this mean you also believe Harbaugh when he says MC has the best hands of any receiver he has ever seen?
LOL Im not you onelame. So does this mean they wanted him,. but not for the money???? How does this save your hero’s feelings? HA ha ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
@one
Pretty sure I wrote something not that unlike paragraph 2.
Just further proof that I DS94everXev(AKSA Smalls/nickrow when I’m the wrong side of 2-face) am none other than JH himself.
How else to explain me being so tough on Grant?
Also remember who we are dealing with here:
“The D lost leads because of the offense not getting a bigger lead for them”.
@ Jack…..I believe JH regardless of what you think…..the answer is…… yes yes yes yes!!!!!!!
….now what is your next card????…lol
…@jack….I don’t even need to believe JH after …I read
According to a source who was accurate throughout the Manning saga, it was Manning who contacted the 49ers and expressed interest. In fact, Manning contacted two teams, the 49ers and the Texans. The Texans ultimately chose not to pursue the free agent quarterback. The 49ers, meanwhile, flew to North Carolina to begin what Harbaugh is now calling “an evaluation.”
oneniner….I didn’t have to wait until reading that report today to know that Manning contacted the 49ers….that was first reported by ESPN back when this whole thing started….
@jack…I must have missed it…..plz post the article where ESPN said or wrote this…..
@Jack…..waiting on the ESPN article….really don’t want your 0 credibility on the blog going down to negative – 1
oneniner,
Here is one from SFGate the alludes to it.
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/03/16/report-49ers-enter-pursuit-of-peyton-manning/
Hammer – Manning was a fool to pass on us! It’s obvious to me why he chose Denver. He only plays for soft coaches (Tony Dungy, Jim Caldwell, John Fox).
He wasn’t comfortable with a hard-nosed football guy like Harbaugh. What a shame.
Peyton Manning can sit his wuss-ass at home and watch us in the Super Bowl next year!
As much as I want to take Harbaugh at his word, the cynic in me can’t totally buy in to what he’s saying. I have no doubt he likes Alex and wanted him back, but the actions don’t back up the words 100% in this case. I don’t think you travel across the country unless you are serious about taking a shot; in otherwards: pursuing.
I think he’s happy Smith is back, but I think he would have been very happy if Manning had decided differently too.
@rocket:
I think you make that flight to check out his health. He is Peyton Manning, and Hall of Fame QBs with something left in the tank don’t become available very often.
Harbaugh’s statement today is consistent with the few facts we know about what transpired in March. Not with ESPN’s speculation, necessarily, but with the actual facts. Remember, the closest that anyone ever came to reporting that the 49ers made an offer was the report that the Broncos, Titans and 49ers were “comfortable” with Peyton’s Colts’ contract numbers.
That same report, however, also stated that only the Broncos and Titans were actually working off of those numbers. I never understood what that meant. Now, it seems clear that it meant the 49ers never offered Manning $90 for 5 years. I am not sure they made any offer. It also seems clear now that Manning did not select the 49ers at least in part because they weren’t in the ballpark financially.
Considering both Baalke and Jed said money wasn’t an issue with Manning it is sort of hard to take this at face value.
It’s interesting the Harbaugh felt the need to say this unprovoked. No one in the league questioned his desire to upgrade the QB position with a true franchise player. Is Alex showing the effects of being Plan B in practice? Are people in the building, players or staff, saying “too bad we didn’t get Manning”?
It seems odd for Harbaugh to come out of the blue with a blatant lie.
…it’s also odd your brain can’t think Condon used Alex and 9ers as leverage to drive up Paytons price……
@msclemons:
Considering both Baalke and Jed said money wasn’t an issue with Manning it is sort of hard to take this at face value.
When did they say that?
It seems odd for Harbaugh to come out of the blue with a blatant lie.
Perhaps it is not a lie.
As for this coming out of the blue, I suspect it is in response to the Jon Beason twitter comments.
Good points Claude. There were some mixed messages in all of the reports that’s for sure.
It seems crazy, but I wonder if they really were intent on exploring the possibility of having both of them?
If they weren’t willing to pay Manning what the other two were, that explains the decision to go with Denver over what appeared to be a much better chance at a Championship in SF.
Interesting read ‘oneniner.’
But I’m starting to see a ‘play’ in wording from Harbaugh.
I personally don’t see how Harbaugh and the Org is exonerated from the P.Manning debacle.
Everything he said had some definite resolve until he mentioned “we were evaluating him.” I would have asked, ‘evaluating what’? And if you were not interested in Manning why fly to his practice session? The fact that you attended Manning’ practice (throwing session) at the very least shows a perception of interest.
I’m afraid your drum-roll is a distant sound to me ‘oneniner.’
JH has also said unprompted that Alex was a Pro Bowler and elite and an accurate passer and that Crabtrree has the best hands of any WR he has ever seen.
JH says a bunch of things to be taken with a grain of salt. And when he waits 2 Months to counter the thousands of articles and commentaries etc,that have all said the Niners went after Manning ,then you have to take this latest statement with a truck load of salt,lol. Especially when they offered the only QB he now says they wanted all along (Alex) a terrible contract if he wanted to come back .
Great Coach ! But just like taking anything a GM says around draft time seriously,it is risky to base your beliefs about players on this team from anything JH says in public,since he only has glowing remarks about all his players and if you are not on his team you are not worth acknowledging (Manning). It’s called Coachspeak and is expected from most good HC’s.
And I wonder what Manning was talking about when he said it was hard for him when he had to call up the Niners and tell them that he was choosing Denver over them???
Nice try Jim,lol, I hope this one extra attempt at rewriting history to build up Alex’s ego does some good !
Let’s just hope Alex improves a great deal over his 2011 season ,so we can have a better offense to go along with the great defense and ST’s !
GO Niners !
…ha ha ha….nice try ….but I believe JH and nobody cares about you and your senseless thoughts…….once again you LOSE…….lol
Have a great day OneNiner ! All the best to you my friend !
TIM:
It’s bad enough that you copy and paste identical comments on multiple 49ers blogs, but now you are doing it within a single thread on this blog. Please stop.
Also, not that you or ninermd will acknowledge this, but there is a huge difference between overpraising players, which is the expression of an opinion, and lying when making statements of fact like “we would not offer any player 1/6 of our salary cap.” That Harbaugh is prone to the former in no way suggests that he would do the latter.
Thank You Claude,my friend ! Have a great day !
…Timmy the day just started….we have niner breaking news……don’t you wanna talk about it……???
On what he seen from G Chilo Rachal:
“I’m seeing improvement. I’m seeing real focus, real want to from Chilo. He’s working extremely hard to get into shape and game shape and playing shape. It’s really important to him, this year, this season, this team. I’m seeing all those things from him and I’m really pleased.”- J Harbaugh
Oh btw………Cant forget this “pleasing” beauty from our great Coach.
HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA What Idiots if you believe his latest comments. HA HA HA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
……you remind me of a chicken running around with no head……lol
According to a source who was accurate throughout the Manning saga, it was Manning who contacted the 49ers and expressed interest. In fact, Manning contacted two teams, the 49ers and the Texans. The Texans ultimately chose not to pursue the free agent quarterback. The 49ers, meanwhile, flew to North Carolina to begin what Harbaugh is now calling “an evaluation.”
An evaluation, while waiting on the phone praying Manning picked SF. Onelame. You said you were going to think of some good ones for me. Where are they? And where are my answers? Still dont have the guts huh? LOL Pathetic…..
And Ds. Where am I sinking? Im simply bringing up JH comments from the past. Im giving quotes. Dont need anyones “inside track”. Care to answer the question now? Or are you gonna go onelame on me and troll around like a “chicken with its head cut off?”. You Stat/computer coaches kill me. Very funny though.
“The defense lost leads because the offense didn’t provide them a larger one.”
Stuff similar to that shows you are sinking. Ever hear the story of the emperor who walked down the street thinking he was clothed but was in fact naked?
You related to him?
Think about that followed by “I trust PM over JH” type talk. And you don’t see a sinking ship?
Maybe you think the Titanic was a sub or something. I’m just trying to apply reason to your posts. Having a hard time doing so. You gotta help me here.
Might be right md.
I mean you have the unquestioned investigative reporting of 23J’s inside source. Had his identity been known, he would now be dead.
Know how the Titanic sinks faster? Having you continuing to open up your big mouth and not knowing that when you are sinking, you close your trap. Not open it further.
@DS….remember he goes to the games….maybe that was where he got the inside information….
…actually ninermd did say Peyton was puerto rican, so maybe he can read his thoughts……lol
…..ninermd let me save you the trouble……P.Manning and Condon played the market perfectly…by contacting the 49ers and the texans…..
….lol…you are officially the blog clown…..lol
Riiiight. So now your saying our coach is dumb enough to fly out and “evaluate” him knowing there was no shot at getting him and not really wanting him? LMAO Since Im the Clown now. Can I borrow your Big shoes and Nose? You are really this dumb. LOL WOW!
…lol…get a brain dude….Condon used Alex and 9ers as leverage to drive up Paytons price.
oneniner – blog clown? Not bad bro! But it’s what I called him last week “blog bum.”
If you look up “bum” in the dictionary it’s defined: Travel, with no particular purpose or destination.
If you blog with no particular purpose or destination (24/7) than you are clearly a ‘blog bum.”
..lol……lmao
Hmmm Missed that one Crab……And the reason for calling me a blog bum?
MD – What the? C’mon man not you, DS/BS is the “blog bum.”
Crab15
Sorry.
I’m on it when the “cool” kids are not. You really told me.
DS – Well, I guess we’re back to how we started on here a few years ago.
You deserved what you got. Now let’s talk some Niner football, move forward and try to get along.
Ding Ding #15……Onelame was trying to be funny about me. And you agreed. Its on now. http://youtu.be/B04XbfibgT4
LOL
@Crab15
I’ve left quite an impression on you now, haven’t I? I have been here since Week 2 of last year. Less than a year. Certainly not 2 years.
I have lots of football posts on the new blog if you want to discuss the PM thing, or something else. It isn’t like the blog ever stays on topic anyway.
I suggest (if you are serious) that we two just not discuss MC for a long time. Just some advice to help the blog remain drama free.
DS – Don’t start, even 1 year of 24/7 marriage to this blog equals several years to the normal “Average Joe” blogger. 49erGirl was right about you, now move forward.
Ok….
@Grant, can you check with the SRJC physics professors and confirm this? If so, your blog just became a poor mans version of the Fountain of Youth. You won’t have to worry about finances ever again.
: – )
DS – You can’t just move on can you? Your jealousy of 49erGirl caused you irreparable brain damage.
49erGirl has your “pink slip”…She owns you.
Call it quits I did.
49erGirl?
You are the one obsessing about her. You keep bringing her up. Why? Since I haven’t read her posts in months, I have no idea what she says. Nor do I care.
You seem to have the school boy crush on her.
Speaking of moving on, you haven’t from this thread/blog. There is a new one. Difficulty seems to be on your end again.
Go find your true love then and skip me. I will survive. Though I think you wish I wouldn’t.
I tried.
Later. When you get over your crushes of the lone female blogger and the WR who cares nothing for your team I’ll be here to discuss football.
Cam Inman just tweeted that he thinks JH is getting into the “we are Family ” mode. In other words,he is just circling the wagons around Alex and we shouldn’t take anything he said today about Manning too seriously.(JMHO).
Just what I thought !
…ha ha ha….omg….dude you are really trying…..lol
…….I feel for you…its like your whole life just came crashing down and you are trying too hard to hold to something…….ha ha ha
…..damn dude…..you are fun…
LOL Onelame is having a field day to an empty stadium. HA HA AHAA Hey Onelame……. Answer please. IS SMITH AN ELITE QB/ PRO BOWLER AFTER LAST YEAR, AND WHAT WEAKNESSESS “IF ANY” CAN HE IMPROVE ON? Im waiiiiting!
LOL Its all about “Feelings” and the Smith fans are buying his words now. lol How about MC? The greatest hands ever on a football player. HA HA HA HAAAAAAAAAAA
MD – I have to agree, Harbaugh’s “best hands I’ve ever seen comment” was silly after so many drops. MC will be better this year man, he’s finally 100%.
…I seriously have an image of your fat azz running around like a chicken with no head ……..wings flapping and the HA HA HA HA noise coming out your neck……..lol
I seriously have an image of your fat azz running around like a chicken with no head ……..wings flapping and the HA HA HA HA noise coming out your neck……..lol
Really? Thats what you thought of? Fat? lol Riiiiight, thats like calling you a Shaun Hill supporter. Crickets Onelame. Straight……………… crickets…………………. lol
STILL WAITING FOR THAT ANSWER… ARE YOUUUUUU. CHICKEN????? ;LOL
Damage control?
I don’t believe anything Harbaugh says anymore to the press. Waste of time.
I have full confidence in him on the field though. Smart coach.
Exactly Adam !!!
Well said Adam. I agree. He is very savvy to the media that leaks into the locker room. I love to watch the Smith fans go crazy over his quote’s. Doh. Only when it benefits Smith. The MC and CR comments dont count. Anyways. Adam. Ive been meaning to ask you. How do you think AS will rank next season as an overall QB, not QBR? Was thinking of some friendly bets on the blog here. Just to have a little fun, instead of fights over Smith this season.
Well actually, this makes sense:
“…we would not have given any player that was out there in free agency a sixth of our salary cap and let six or seven of our own guys go.”
Or I should say, “rings true.”
The rest of it… meh. It’s like I said before, it doesn’t matter what we think or the media thinks. It’s how the locker room room responds to all this stuff that matters.
If they believe him, great. If not, it could be a pretty big problem.
If I was Crabs, I might be worried. :P
I agree with that Adam. I still to this day believe Manning signed for money. Why else would he turn down an automatic Superbowl? The 49ers were smart not to… Even though “they weren’t really that interested”. =-0
I’m not trusting PM over my barber. Much less my teams HC.
And there is no proof that the Niners were preparing a contract that much larger than AS’s either. If there even was one at all.
“How do you think AS will rank next season as an overall QB…”
I don’t know. I’m not sure how to rank him beyond QBR and comp. rate. Maybe better splits in the red zone?
My overall sense is that this is like his sophomore season basically. He’s seen what he can do with Harbaugh’s offense and the second year should be a bit more comfortable.
To me, I’m gonna guess he looks better than 2011. Even if he’s just a point or two better in completion rate, that will be pretty sweet.
I don’t see a backslide but… anything can and does happen. So it’s all on the table but my best guess is that he makes some progress, could be a point or two in comp. rate might be a slightly higher QBR, might be better red zone QBR or TD/INT ratio.
Not sure. I can see injury before backslide but I could always be wrong. :P
+10 Adam!
Adam: That seems to be what Rattro was saying,
…”Only works if he thinks he can convince players his lie is better than outside world’s truth. Pretty brazen stuff”.
So,if JH can put it out there that Alex was always their guy and they never wanted anyone else,and the locker room buys it,then JH has done a good thing for the team and for Alex’s leadership credentials.
But this kind of stuff only goes so far,as we saw with JH’s glowing remarks about Chilo ,lol.
Adam,
Damage control is what I was thinking too when I first read this. Jon Beason tweeting that Smith would not be there if Manning had decided differently may have opened up some old wounds and Harbaugh felt the need to try and derail it before it got out of hand.
@Adam….. Strictly out of fun…….Im asking overall meaning Yds, Td’s, Int’s. You know the important stuff. Not so much qbr.Overall meaning in these categories when added up. And averaged. Thats what I mean by top 7. Yrds. 3998…. TD’s somewhere around 28 ints 10 I think his 3rd down % takes a drastic step ahead and Redzone I see the running game dominating that stat, but I see the passing getting better also, Those are my predictions of Smiths 2012 campaign… And YES he does make the Pro Bowl.
Ratto just tweeted …”Only works if he thinks he can convince players his lie is better than outside world’s truth. Pretty brazen stuff”.
So it looks like the beat writers are not taking JH’s statements seriously,at all. But how could they when his statements today go against common knowledge?
Oh well,if JH wants to play psycologist,then more power to him. I hope he has Alex believing that he is wanted and believed in and that he is the best QB in the League. Now if he could only convince the defenses around the League that it was true we might have something !
Just what I thought !
What common knowledge? There was only common uninformed speculation.
Still denying Hey Claude. So does MC have the best hands? Or was AS a pro bowler last season In your opinion? OOOr Chilo, why was he cut after Harbaugh was impressed by him?
As Ratto put it Claude,The JH truth VS the outside Worlds truth .lol
I hope JH has Alex living in his World this season. I hope we can all go to that World! Then we can all laugh at the common knowledge of the outside World,that alex is rather mediocre and the Niners DID try to get Manning.
@ninermd:
Wow. You really don’t see the difference between opinion and fact, do you? I am beginning to think that oneniner may be right about you.
@TIM:
Define “DID try to get Manning.”
Claude:
The fact is that JH makes stuff up to build up the confidence of his players. We all know that.
What Ratto was talking about was that JH’s brazen lie about not going after Manning is in opposition to everything he knows about what really happened. Maybe Ratto and Cam Inman are wrong and you are correct?
All I know is that Ratto and Inman were sort of making fun of todays comments from JH that indicated they wanted Alex all along and no one else and they never really went after Manning.
If YOU and others want to believe JH’s statements of today,that is your choice…I have a Red colored Bridge that spans the SF Bay for sale cheap,are you interested ?
:)
Dont worry your pretty little head Claude. Bottom line is……..Its a farce. And deep down you know it. I know its fun poking, have at it, but I cant believe your that dumb as to believe this crap. Have at it Claude. So Claude I would like to know how you think AS will rank this year. For fun, not for arguement sake. What cha think ol Claude? Lets hear YOUR opinion.
Tim – Forget Ratto, it’s what the locker room believes. This team has ‘bought in” to Harbaugh, just like Stanford did.
Free agent studs are even buying into the Harbaugh magic, just like the old days with Walsh.
Crab15:
That seems to be what Rattro was saying,
…”Only works if he thinks he can convince players his lie is better than outside world’s truth. Pretty brazen stuff”.
So,if JH can put it out there that Alex was always their guy and they never wanted anyone else,and the locker room buys it,then JH has done a good thing for the team and for Alex’s leadership credentials.
But this kind of stuff only goes so far,as we saw with JH’s glowing remarks about Chilo ,lol.
(and I don’t really like Ratto,I am just noticing how Ratto and Inman etc are laughing at what JH said.They don’t believe him for a second ! Nobody should believe him,unless they want to believe it so badly they are willing to do away with logic and common sense). Maybe Alex wants to believe it ,so if JH has fooled Alex into being more sure of himself and how the team feels about him,then great !
I hope Alex does great this year ! I know JH will have him at the best he can be !
TIM, I think Ratto nailed it!
Why would Harbaugh solicit a statement like this when no one in the room asked him about the AS/PM experience?
Hmmmm, still doing a little ‘damage control’ with AS?
Tim – Harbaugh has a strange way of motivating players but who the hell cares if you go 13-3 right?
Hey Crabs…….Ask your boy onelame if he cares about this. 13-3 just means AS led them there. And you got the claude balls to call me a blog bum? Ding Ding #15
@TIM:
As I expected, you have nothing.
I have a Red colored Bridge that spans the SF Bay for sale cheap,are you interested
Wow, you copied that directly from another commenter on Cam Inman’s blog. You really are shameless.
Right Crab15 !!! 14-4 actually.
But I see the QB position as the weak link on the team and I am just hoping that position can get strengthened . I know everyone wants that,even Alex wants to get better himself and has stated that several times. If he plays like last season again in 2012,then he needs to step aside and let another try to do it. If he improves a great deal in several areas where his game is very mediocre,then maybe Alex can be the guy.I just don’t believe in him and it is up to alex to prove me wrong. So far,in 2011,he looked like a slightly improved Alex,and that is not nearly good enough imho. He needs to take a big step in his 2nd year in the system.I think he will be better but how much better remains to be seen.
I am cheering for Alex and Kaep and JJ and Tolzien. I don’t care which of them (or another QB not on the roster yet),leads us to several SB victories,just so long as one of them gives us more from the QB position than we have so far received from Alex.
Claude my friend,NO I didn’t copy that from anyone on any board. I have used that saying(I have a bridge for sale,etc) my whole life ,to anyone who seems gullable. It is a joke,so smile once in a while and be happy !
Have a wonderful evening !
I think Tim had some Hippie lettuce for dinner. =-)
As usual Bay ,you are logical and see the truth . But if you stop the name calling your opinions would be more respected,at least by those of us who see the logic and common sense.
Sorry,that was supposed to be for NinerMD,not Bay. You both have the same M.O. imho. You both see the truth and tell it like it is,but too often call names and attack other posters instead of just refute the nonsense with your good sense.
Tim There are no rules when it comes to onelame and ds. Its that simple. I show class to people who have it.
Answer this why havent we upgraded our QB the past two three years. There have been numerous chances to do that. The only one that they went after is a great QB. Cant find fault with that. We could of done what the Redskins did and moved up in the draft. We drafted one he is still second string. Why if AS is so bad that we havnt done something about it. Tell me I sure want to know. As we all agree the QB is the most important positon in football so tell me why we havnt done something about it?
Great question. I have a retort you may not want to hear though. He hasnt stayed because he is all that good. Ask Onelame. Maybe he’ll answer your question. Wheeew
I will listen to anything that makes sense.
We tried to get Hasselbeck and then Manning and before that we tried to get Warner. We traded up to get Kaep and signed JJ. The team IS trying . Alex is just good enough to hang on by his fingernails,through the lockout mess,since he was thew only one who had the playbook before the lockout.
We have 4 prospects on the roster right now,Alex is only a prospect until he takes another huge step forward. If he does then great,if not hopefully one of the other 3 will !
Hassleback was a joke we didnt have a QB signed when we went after him and we didnt make an offer good enought to suit him, if he was the answer we would of. Warner used us to get his way, cant find fault with going after Manning future HOF and one of the top QBs to ever play the game. We had the number 7 pick last year we could of made a move to get Newton we didnt.
Undercenter:
Hasselbeck has been to the PB and the SB ! He simply wanted to go elsewhere. But the team tried to get him.
Warner probably did use us to get a beter deal,so what.
The point is that the Niners tried to sign both of them and Manning and all 3 turned them down. The team wanted those 3 OVER Alex,that was the point.
Perhaps Alex will play better this year than Manning etc,but that does not change the fact that the team was looking for an upgrade at QB over Alex and have been doing so for years.
Let’s hope the team lucked out that all the upgrades turned them down and that Alex will be a stud from now on . I hope so !
Haswelbeck didnt come because he didnt like the o-line situation. His words. You asked why Smith is still here and why no one else was. Tim gave you answers and its not the answer you want to hear. Ill amuse you. Its because Smith is all world and a top notch qb that didnt get a fair shake. Is that what you want to hear? Because its not the 49ers fault they tried to get others here and those guys didnt want to come. By them looking elsewhere should answer your question.
You are correct Tim on all accounts, the problem is if we needed that upgrade we would of made Hassleback an offer he could not refuse we didnt. There were others out their, Kolb, Cutler, Palmer, Flynn, McNabe, plus we could of done something in the draft like other have done. Yes we got CK but right now he is second string maybe he will flourish. By the way Tim thanks for answering.
MD
I am looking for an answer and yes we have tried but it hasnt been succesful. You offer enough incentive they will come. And no I am one of the Smithers who doesnt think AS is all world or elite or belongs in the Pro Bowl. Money talks in this game I am just looking for an answer that makes sense. I no we have tried but it hasnt worked. And I appreciate Tims response and yours.
@Grant
You sure are quiet with this PM revelation after you banked the blog on it not that long ago.
Come on. Where is your new blog dedicated to this?
DS:
Grant is already in the doghouse with the team . If he writes a blog about the nonsense JH was dishing out today and if he tells the truth ,that is was nonsense,then he will probably not be allowed within a block of the facility ,lol. Guys like Cam Inman and Ray Ratto have been around and have built up their gravitas enough so that they can write how silly what JH said was and still keep their jobs.
Tim
Don’t know if you noticed, but Grant (mysteriously right when I was typing up this post) already has a new blog up about it. Doing my bidding!!
Hahaha!
: – )
Peyton Manning could replace any QB in the league excluding Rogers/Brady , and it would not be a surprise if he supplanted them as well. That’s why the interest in Mr. Manning was harmless. A non issue and strictly business.
Alex is going to bloom like a…Solandra maxima. He will come out guns blazing. He’s got bullets to spare.
Razor – I agree with first paragraph but what is a Solandra maxima?
Solandra maxima? The only place I’ve ever seen them is at the local Trader Joe’s strip mall, where they are grown as shrubs against pillars aside the parking spaces. And they grow well and thrive, stuffed between concrete and stucco on one side, asphalt and car fumes on the other. This is a tough subtropical vine, but the stems get thick and strong, and our examples have been pruned into shrubs as a stairway of rigid vertical stems. Cut back, they bloom, and rebloom. The flowers are as big as your open hand and account for the common name, “Cup Of Gold Vine”.
Razor – Thanks for the definition! Good stuff.
I’m going to have a cup of Sierra Nevada now.
Razor I was telling some friends yesterday……..Get your sunglasses ready, because Alex Smith is going to light it up this year. Ive even got money on my numbers for him. Balee dat. Our Offense will finally scare the **** out of defenses. CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!
copy that!
Hey Grant, you can write a decent article!!!!
I’m shocked, kinda figured you were just interested in twitter arguments!!
Horrible evaluation… First of all this dumb writer based the rams DBs off of back ups, most of those dbs are back ups for the back ups. Rams had 27 injured players on their team last year that’s approx half the team. Their biggest injuries took place on their DB’s saying the 49er’s offense against the Ram’s D is a landslide win for the 49er’s is moronic, Gore and Davis are good players. Maybe their WR are good as well but with Alex Smith throwing the ball the only threats are the RB and TE due to matchup problems with Davis. I’d take the Rams D beating the 49er’s O. Btw the rams weren’t shut out in their last 5 games if i remember correctly the 49ers barely pulled off the W against the Rams in the final game of the season….. Hope this article pumps up the 49ers because this information was completly false…