Nothing’s going on at Niners headquarters this week, we’ve broken down the offense, now let’s talk about the defense.
It’s the best defense in the league – we know that.
It has no weak links. Last year I wrote that Dashon Goldson was the weak link, and that was pretty silly, I admit. The entire starting lineup is strong.
We know there are two great players – Justin Smith and Patrick Willis.
We know there are two borderline great players – Aldon Smith and NaVorro Bowman.
Of the rest of the Niners defenders, who are the top-five?
1. DT Ray McDonald – He can stop the run, collapse the pocket and play all three downs. He recorded 5.5 sacks in the regular season and 2.5 in the NFC Championship Game. He can beat most right guards one-on-one, and if an opposing team double teams him, that frees up space for OLB Ahmad Brooks to rush the quarterback. He’s a force and he makes his teammates’ jobs easier. The heart of the Niners defense is their front-seven, and the heart of their front seven is the defensive tackles – Ray McDonald and, of course, Justin Smith. They set the tone, which is they will push the defense back, stop the run and relentlessly pressure the quarterback.
2. OLB Ahmad Brooks – Like McDonald, Brooks plays all three downs for the Niners D. He’s the only outside linebacker on the team who’s good at everything he’s supposed to be good at – stopping the run, rushing the QB and covering receivers. On the other hand, he’s not great at any of those three things either. But he’s a fine player at a vital position in the Niners’ front seven.
3. CB Carlos Rogers – Like every Niners DB, Rogers benefits from the front-seven – its persistent pressure and its negation of the running game. Still, Rogers played like one of the best cover corners in the NFL last season. He can shadow the best flankers and slot receivers. Before he signed with the Niners some people knocked him for his hands – they said he couldn’t catch – but he caught six picks last season and made the Pro Bowl, so his hands weren’t an issue.
4. FS Dashon Goldson – A big play free safety who tended to play well in the wins and poorly in the losses. He’s very aggressive, and the Niners secondary absolutely needs him darting around the field crunching people and intercepting passes (he picked six last season), but he also gives up big plays because he’s so aggressive. His style of play is a double-edged sword, but the Niners defense can’t function without him because they don’t have a good enough backup. Early last season, the pass defense fell apart without Goldson against the Cowboys.
5. SS Donte Whitner – He’s not great in coverage, but he’s good, and he’s a very good tackler. He’s a big reason the Niners red-zone defense is so excellent. Opposing players rarely gain yards after the catch near the end zone against the Niners because quite often Donte Whitner stops them in their tracks.


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You forgot somebody Grant. He’s the most underrated player on defense: Isaac Sopaga. Hope I spelled his name right.
Isaac Sopoaga. That’s better.
“I like Ike”
Claude? Stan?anyone gonna let me get away with that one? : >)
it’s hard to evaluate someone who plays in between Justin Smith and Ray McDonald. It seems that the Niners think Ike is expendable. But he is definitely good.
Who thinks he is expendable? The guy can be used on the defense AND offense. He can also kick out to DE if need be.g. He’s big and versatile. Not a lot of players like that in this NFL age.
BAAAAAM!!! MWN, I applaud you!! Soap is mos DEF an unsung hero! Man’s versitle and stays consistent though and through. Ike is SOLID!!! Damn good call!!!
I agree – the role of the NT in a 3-4 defense is critical and Sopoaga does the role well. He is more important to the team than Goldson as he is part of the reason why Goldson can play so aggressively on the ball – good at stopping the run, tying up blockers and getting some push which allows the pass rush to be so effective.
Whitner is also more important to the team than Goldson in my opinion – he’s a savvy vet that is actually quite athletic for a SS. He is good in run support and is under-rated in coverage. He’s actually fast enough to match up with most receivers.
Goldson’s role is to be the deep lying ball hawk, and he does it well. But I think he is more easily replaceable than Sopoaga and Whitner.
There is no question that Justin Smith looked and became so dominant last year was in large part due to Soap.
The prior year, Franklin was pissed off about being franchised and played poorly. As a result, Justin was as dominant in 2010 as he was last year. When defenses have nobody who they can overlook on a DL, that makes having players like Justin so much harder to defend against.
*Sopoaga*
MidWest
That’s the same thought that came to me while reading. Grant say that “the heart of their front seven” is Ray McDonald. I tend to disagree, the heard of the front 7 is Soap. He’s constantly double teamed and still stout and productive. His play makes everybody else’s jobs easier. Soap gets my vote on this list.
the heart
I’m with you MWN – I’d drop Goldson from the list and replace him with Sopoaga.
Thanks Grant
Things were de-evolving into the endless pit that is the AS debate.
Which means it is time to get something new up, sooner rather than later.
And you did. Good timing!
:- )
Lips firmly planted on butt-cheek
Jealous? DS is right. When it becomes nothing but Alex Smith talk, then it’s time for a new article.
It happened within the first 10 posts or so.
There might have been one blog without degenerating into the Alex Smith quagmire, but noooooooo …
then stop mentioning AS and move on
Don’t you think Gregg Williams wished that Donte Whitner were on the Saints defense last year. I know Pierre Thomas wished he was…
A poetic moment, for sure :D
Did they ever get that helmet off of him…?
Grant….I like your articles and I’m jealous of your job. But you missed the biggest key on Whitner, he was the signal caller of the defense especially in the first year of the defense that’s amazing. He may not be the best coverage guy but he’s a veteran and gets everyone in the right spot and that freed up Goldson and Willis to do their thing. I know they tried to give Willis that role before, but Whitner had been doing that for the Bills and in college. He’s got a great football mind and he’s a quality human being.
Good call, Whitner is the perfect fit for their defense. He reminds me of other productive FA safety pickups such as Tim Mcdonald and Tony Parrish.
Ray McDonald and Justin Smith are defensive ends.
and tackles in nickel.
Solid assessment.
Those 5 are exceptionally good and work very wells a team
Now, with the addition of Cam in the rotation I see us as even better.
The only challenge I saw last year, was there wasn’t enough rotation on the DLine. Hopefully – RJF, Dobbs Tukufu[sp?] and Williams can make significant contributions and keep the starters more rested as the season progresses.
watch out for chris culliver this yr at the rate he improved last yr i can see him this yr with a full offseason becoming a stud i think eventually he will beat out t. brown for a starting position. Grant i’ve been asking for a couple of days how did trenton robinson look this last weekend
@old coach
Facilities were closed to the press.
Not on Friday. The first day was open to the media.
At this time last year, I thought Brown stank. I wanted the Niners to cut him, and focus on helping Spencer get back to where he was in 2009.
Good thing that I am not the GM/HC. Sometimes we all need to remind ourselves that just because we as fans might think a player is good/bad means nothing. We are so wrong, so often. But few ever admit it.
For me, Brown was that player.
What, I am never wrong, I am not right a whole lot of times but I am never wrong.
@undercenter
Prefer calling it:
Not as right as I could have been.
:- )
Good deal!!
Great analogy DS94…..I think there are any number of fans that post here who ought to take that attitude towards their evaluation of individual players vs the evaluation by the coaching staff…we as fans don’t see these guys day-in, day-out, and forgive me for saying this folks, but as fans, we don’t have the skills to evaluate talent like the 9ers braintrust does.
Thanks 55niner
What about you and others questioning the manning decision? Surely they didn’t know what the hell they we’re doing a couple of months ago. Kudos for accepting fault for not knowing what the people who get paid know.
And maybe they didn’t offer PM anything near what PM thinks he is worth. He sure didn’t choose the Broncos because they are a better team. I can tell you that.
And, I thought you don’t deal in “What if’s?” Since PM is not here, why do you bring him up randomly in a conversation that had nothing to do with him at all then md?
The fact is the Niners signed AS. Not PM. For the 3rd time + 1 renegotiation. If you only deal in facts as you claim, you spend a lot of time doing something else.
>>Since PM is not here, why do you bring him up randomly in a conversation that had nothing to do with him at all then md?
For the same reason the “Niners passed on Aaron Rodgers!!!!” pops up like clockwork (AFAIK, MD doesn’t do this, but you can count on someone).
It’s not a what if… It’s fact that the Niners were pursuing manning. And you weren’t on board. As if the front office didn’t know what they were doing. I’m sayin… It sounds like your willing to give the front office it’s due. When it benefits you.
md
I don’t benefit from any of this.
Ribico…. Put your cape down… I’m making a very good point of hypocrisy on this blog. If it bothers you, then why are you reading my posts??? Just can’t wait to jump in to another Smithers defense huh? Onelame you or any other smither can’t handle the truth alone. Put the cape away and check what you blindly say. It always comes back around. Chump!
Ds as long as smith is the qb you benefit plenty. Keep it real ds.
And before you ask how
1 it’s your only reason to be on here
2 you’ve invested way to many excuses to leave smiths side now
3 you won’t have any other reason to defend onelame.
4 it gives you every reason to post journals daily.
To name a few. Just admit you didn’t want Manning and you questioned the front office who have a coach and GM of the year. Maybe that will open some eyes to the hypocrisy on here. Just sayin
@ninermd
You make some very good points. Some of the Smithers were no where to be found when the Niners were pursuing Manning – especially DS who is known for volume posts and, of all people, pulled a disappearing act.
>>chump
md, is it possible for you to post without insults? what kind of life do you live where that’s your default mode?
btw, I was responding to DS, not you.
I wasn’t in favor of the PM pursuit and said so at the time. My qualms being PM’s advanced age and health problem. And Hofer’s reasoning that Niners historically don’t do rent-a-QB. Maybe rent-a-CB (Deion), but not rent-a-QB.
However. If the front office decided to make the deal and spend the dough it would have taken to get PM, then go Peyton!
Ribico when you invite yourself to my posts and try to question my posts about someone else…. Then anything go’s. As far as your second post. Great that you admitt your a smither, but I wasn’t talking to you. Another reason why you should protect YOURSELF at all times. You drop your little chuckle insults and I’ll do the same. Another lesson of hypocrisy for ya patna
Nick it’s to easy. Use some patience let them call everybody haters and watch it come back around full circle. That’s what happens when you argue emotions and not facts. They’ll get it one day when they eat their veggies and grow up. :-)
>>Ribico when you invite yourself to my posts and try to question my posts about someone else…. Then anything go’s.
And that *anything* always devolves to namecalling formt the getgo? md, I know we don’t agree on much, but JFC. You need to trash someone for saying that someone always shows up with a rant (and not you!) about the Niners not picking Rodgers??? You know thats true, it’s like clockwork.
>>Great that you admitt your a smither, but I wasn’t talking to you.
This cracks me up, no matter who says it. Nothing is hidden in this forum, anybody can respond to anyone else’s commentary. If you have a problem with that, lobby PD to change their forumware.
And since you consider me a Smither (hardly, I was looking to dump him after the 2010 season), it makes sense that a “smither” would resond to more derogatory comments directed at “smithers”.
Ribico… I never once started something with anyone on here that didn’t call me out first. That’s my nature. For years now this smith saga makes enemy’s out of fans. And it started with onelame, and aaaany one that defends that clown. It’s not my problem you can’t take the truth. Smith sucked for years and deserved every critism he got, just like sing, raye and every other horrible player or coach we’ve had. The problem is for some reason that couldn’t fly with some.. “Smithers” if you will, to bad. I can prevent facts, opinions, and yes even insults. All part of the game. Again until you can stop defending every smith fan in here, then you’re going to have to deal with it. I’m sure your profile picture isn’t in any way trying to keep up the debate. Last time I tell you ribico… I’m a die hard and if you suck or your the weak link on my team. Your going to get critism. You play well you get cheered. It’s MY money that I spend for this product that I love. So I have every right to call out the scrubs. I’m a realist. Try it sometimes.
And yes anyone can butt in on a comment, I’m not telling anyone they can’t. I’m saying if you do it with mine Don’t whine about how I respond. Or “use” the other option and skip right along.
md, oneniner or any other poster here, is on his own, he doesn’t need me or anyone else at his back. At the end of last season I said it was time to bury the hatchet among the factions and not rub the team’s and the QB’s success in the nose of those who said it couldn’t be done with Smith. I had disagreement with other posters over that stance. The partisanship continues.
My “smither” status came out of hearing ridiculous assertions that bear no relation to the truth. I didn’t want to defend the guy but how can you not, when someone is saying the niners a QB away from the playoffs, he’s not going to be resigned, he’s headed to the bench, and other kneejerk responses. Proven wrong each time. For every strident person you can name in the “smither” camp, i’ll match match you one on one with someone in the “haters”. My profile pic is a direct poke at those cats. Pure passive-aggression, I admit that. And how can you not root for the underdog, the comeback?
Personally, I’m ambivalent about smith. Historically he’s been crap. But the team, during his tenure, has been crap as well. Now neither are, and as long as the team’s winning, and he’s not the cause of them them losing, I’m all for him.
ribico
Look over this thread, and tell me when it went negative.
Was it my original post where I say and give example of me being wrong? Was it with undercenter or our little exchange? Was it 55niner liking my original post and my reply of “Thanks.”?
I don’t think so. But this is how, as Adam says, “drama” happens on this blog. The thread started nicely, then ends with namecalling and such.
Ribico,
Not trying to be sarcastic, thank you for describing your stance on Alex Smith. Based on many of your previous comments I would have you pegged as a Smither as well. The nature of this board is that you are labeled either on one side or the other.
It doesn’t allow you to be objective. If you say something critical you are a hater, and if you say something positive you are a Smither.
I come from the same school of thought as you. I wanted Smith gone until Harbaugh decided he wanted him. Now that he is the guy, I will support him and hope he does well. I will continue to point out areas for improvement, etc but if he is the starter he needs to succeed because if he isn’t the team is not either.
And when was the last time I smashed on Smith??? Ill tell you. The year before last.When he stunk. I had nothing but positive things to say about the guy last season, and I ameven putting my good name on the line for him this season. Again, its not about Smith for me, its about Hypocrisy, and the non stop excuses for his poor play in the past. Its about he said/she said. And all of that crap. IDK how long you have been here, but it go’s deeper than Smith with some. Me and Hoff battled for years over Smith. We were big enough to accept each others views. Even though we didnt fully agree. Ya dig. As far as DS its hard not to call her out when she thinks she knows it all, sneeks up and pokes without directly saying what she’s thinking, and trying to tell everyone what to say or do. Ive tried to bury the hatchet, but when you defend onelame that much, I cant do it.
To all……boy, I didn’t realize I was going to stir up such a sh$t storm with my comment….
@55niner
No. It is all my fault. Always is. After all, my post at 8:55 am of “Thank you” showed civility. And, we can’t have that now, can we.
Look at my post at 1:34PM. I think it details how the “drama” starts more often than not.
But don’t reply, because then…I don’t know. The Moon will come crashing into earth or something (or maybe that only happens when I say “Thank you”).
I guess Stan2 and Stan 3 faded away with the last topic?. Darn,I wonder what they would have to say..
Nice post Grant.
Ahmad Brooks, ‘covering receivers’? Not really… But I do think Brooks is one of the defenders with the most to gain from another offseason. He’s been on the ‘JS RMc Plan’ for a whole offseason again, really getting to fine tune his technique at his new position. Being an ILB his college/early career leads me to believe he’s going to grow into OLB more and more.
Not wide receivers, but pass catchers like tight ends and running backs.
grant did you notice the play of trenton robinson this past weekend i think he could be a sleeper
Well, you are persistent old coach. I’ll grant (no pun intended) you that.
What Grant, you don’t have Daddy on this list? Isn’t he YOUR top defender?
Is your brain tired from thinking up this post? Give it a rest already!
No doubt. Gotta love keyboard commando’s.
Guap,
What do you have against going commando while at your keyboard. I find the extra breeze quite refreshing actually.
I feel like a ban is in order. Loser.
The only 2 starters that you left out are Sopoaga and T Brown. The fact that guys like Grant, Culliver and Haralson are all secondary pieces shows just how dominant this group is.
like
Any guesses as to who is named in tonight’s edition of top 100?
Of the Niners D I mean.
On yesterday’s episode of NFL Access, I thought it was interesting/funny that MFaulk couldn’t say that PW is now better than RLewis.
Ray Lewis is better then Patrick Willis………………………at dancing.
Don’t forget stabbing too BigP.
MS,
You are absolutely correct, his knife skills are top notch. It’s amazing that he is so glorified even after shank-fest 2000.
This really could/should have been a top ten list, given how good the D was. Only odd man out would be “whichever CB opposite Carlos Rogers.”
I disagree. Brown improved as the season went on.
I’m so pumped looking at this roster! From top to bottom, we’re easily one of the most talented teams in the league. We’ve got the stars on defense, and Alex is getting better and better! Looking forward to seeing what we can do with all these weapons now. How can you not be optimistic with this bunch???
Yeah… definitely not the Jordy we all know and love.
Nice try though :P
Not extreme enough! LOL
Bullshi-, surely this clown could never be me.
He can’t even copy your name correctly. LOL!!!
Obviously, an imposter…..and doing a damn poor job of it.
Our d is so good its the first time since 94 that I can honestly say everyone compliments each other
Grant do you think this years Defense with all the starters coming back could make a run for the best Niner D ever… especially the 1994 D?!?
Name says it all.
I don’t expect that comment will last very long.
Shows what I know.
You know something claude
Unlike the one who has no balls and posts under my name. Anybody doing that should be banned for doing so.
Somebody has something to say, don’t wuss out.
Why are you so teste DS? Have some fun and talk football bro.
Stop bringing up testes then and talk football.
I have written quite a few all football posts. Especially the last blog. And, I just started writing on this one.
A “man” is somebody who does not hide behind others names and changes their names up. A “man” will stand by what he said, admit if he wrote something literally wrong, or is wrong.
Can’t do that if you go around and login under other peoples names now, can you?
I have talked football here. My post at the top about Justin Smith and Issac. My post about Brown. You have never tried to talk football with me yet.
Who are you arguing with DS?
Itself.
@razor
You didn’t get your name based from your sharp mind. That much is for certain. What personal experience have you had with razors?
Do you have anything to contribute for a change? You do know this is a football site, right? Not once have you ever tried to talk football with me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itomGHkl7zM
When I post I feel as though Scotty beamed me to the wrong coordinates…or is that the Green Crack? Anyway this was for Mr. DS94everXev who inquired about my namesake.
I don’t know man. Sometimes, up there, it’s like I’m flying against a ghost.
Where would that be? Your mom’s basement?
Get your own name loser.
Fly WITH the ghosts; they’re Hella aerobats!
@Brotha
I sure wouldn’t run from the ghosts. Never understood why people are scared of them.
Sure does. Too bad your avatar is upside down. I would think the pointy part should be at the top of your head.
I dont know Adam maybe sideways would work.
@undercenter
The only way I think it works is if it is inside-out.
#StopFalseStarting
Seriously, if your going to be a jersey chaser at least follow a good player instead of a possible bust.
you’re*
dangit – let me edit posts!
I saw your #StopFalseStarting on Davis’ Twitter page!
Cracked me up big time. :)
The whole defense is Legit.. I think Rogers and Whitner besides Smith changed the defense the most
Although it is best to move forward and actually stick to legitimate football stuff, I am disappointed you have yet to apologize. You removed those posts and those tweets, so clearly someone thought they were inappropriate.
People have been removed from their jobs for a lot less. Looks like you’re lucky.
Lucky for how long?
I know this is off topic here, but just wanted to toot my horn a bit!! I just locked up some great seats (floor level, caddy corner endzone, visitors side) for the 9ers 2nd preseason game vs the broncos!!! FREEKIN PUMPED!!!!!! It’ll be my very first live 9er game, ever. Wish it was a regular season game, but at least I get to see our rooks in action!! MAN!! I can’t wipe this smile off my face!! YEAH BUDDY!!
no 1 curr
First game at the Stick Guap? Good times, you will have a blast. There are only two seasons of football left at the Stick, which is hard to believe. Soak up the experience, preseason or regular season. It is a special stadium that invokes great memories every time I go there. I can’t wait to get out there this year, the energy is finally back-along with the high expectations!
Nice, Guap. Enjoy! :)
Oh snap!! I meant week 3. oops! And BigP … it’s actually in Denver, which is not to far from my domicile. Last time the 9ers came to Denver was in ’06 so I’ve been waiting, patiently. Also, this particular contest is going to be nationally televised on Fox! I’m actually working on a vs. SEA or vs AZ. home game for next year. Unless the cowgirls come to town. Watching a game at the ‘Stick is on the bucket list!!!!
That is awesome Guapo! It would be a blast to see make a road trip.
Shoot I could have sold you mine. I hate pre season games. Those are where I get some money back. And for the record…. I never sell them to opposing fans. If I dont know you, you don’t get them. Have fun brotha. Being there live is a whoooole different ball game. You can see everything you can’t on tv. Since its your first time there. You should go to the 49club… If your by the jumbotron side. Good place to grab a brew for halftime.
Scratch that I just saw you’re in Denver… It’s sounds like you won’t be out this way before the old stick is vacant. Save some pennies now and get out to the stick before it closes it’s doors forever. It’s a memory palace for gods sake. Lol
@MD
I might buy some of your pre-season tickets
Already sold Nick…… Sorry bro. Next year hit me up
No worries. I’ll get some from the scalpers this year.
YUP-YUP!!!!! I’m on the “visitors” side, which of course was intentional, haha!! I will be donning my Frank Gore jersey and the mrs’ will be rockin’ the VD jersey deep in the heart of donkeyland!! ninermd, I’m saving my loot now cause I wanna get to the ‘stick before … well … you know. And Jack … yes, the trip to Denver is about 3 hours. Not to shabby!! Adam … enjoy I SHALL!!!
Hey Guap – that’s awesome!! Give ‘em hell in Mile High!!!
At one point I had a shirt with a cartoon 49er pissin’ on a cartoon Bronco (#7 :-)….totally classless, but would have been fun to wear something like that in Denver regardless, lol!
Hey Grant, I’d love to read another arti…er…blog post about the Niners best offensive linemen not named Staley, Iupati, Goodwin, Kilgore, Boone, Person, Slowey, or Looney. kthanx
no 1 curr. lol!
I think McDonald technically plays Defensive End, specifically the 5 Technique (which indicates where he lines up).
I also think Sopoaga warrants mention over Goldson (who freelances too much for my taste). Soaps proved to be an upgrade over Abrauyo Franklin. The heart of the defensive line collapses and the Inside Linebackers are kept mostly clean because of Sopoaga. Plus he provides more pressure in the backfield than Franklin did.
McDonald and Justin Smith are both 5 tech D ends in the 3-4, but when they go Nickle or Dime they play tackle.
The 49ers list McDonald as a DT http://www.49ers.com/team/roster/Ray-McDonald/031ba8d2-5566-4f92-a118-6b6c6260cc65
@Grant
I don’t think it much matters. Justin has played a bunch of DL positions. I think Ray has as well in his time here. As has RJF.
Both Justin Smith and Ray McDonald are officially listed as DT, but when lined up in the the 3-4 they are DE’s. I say to-may-to, you say to-mah-to.
yup, in their 4 down linemen nickel/dime packages he moves inside like Justin Smith to play a 3 technique Defensive Tackle. But in the base package he plays End. The definition of End and Tackle are sort of blurred when you have an OLB that can act as a 4th lineman with gap and pass rush responsibility from either end (one of them will rush and the other will sit in a read and react zone). It also depends on the type of assignment he has. If he plays a read and react 2 gap (like a traditional 3-4 End) or a single gap attack like a 4-3 End or a Phillips 3-4 End. I think McDonald plays more of the latter than the former.
Grant
How come I can’t see allforfunplay’s name like I can everybody else?
Cuz he filled out the web site field when he posted. The link is white.
@Adam
But, I can see it (his name) on some devices.
Yeah, the mobile version works. The regular web version does not. Different set of files inside WordPress.
@Adam
You seem to know a thing or two about this. Any chance you can help the PD IT Department with creating an “ignore” button?
Please.
This is the one I like for WP: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/comment-rating-widget/
A ratings system for comments would kinda useful here.
This ignore list might work: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/bbpress-ignore-user/
Adam – freakin’ fantastic find!!! Would love to see this implemented here!!!
finally a post almost all of us agree on. we all for the most part love this D. how bout a nick name like some of the great D’s of the past purple people eaters or fearsome foursome or monsters of the midway or killers b’s. any ideas for this incredible 9er D
Good idea, however, I can’t think of a good name at the moment.
The D-line used to be called the gold Rush back in the day.
Adam,
That would be a great nickname for the defense if it weren’t already being used for the cheerleaders.
How about something like, Red Swarm?
This is a new kind of team though Adam. It needs it own name. Not one borrowed from the past, but one that will fit the team for the future.
After all, the future is where you will spend the rest of your lives in. Not the past.
I try to live in the present, DS. Worrying about both past and future are pointless exercises.
Thought there used to be some nickname for the run stop D but I don’t remember what is is now. Might have been the goal line D in the 80s…?
@Jack:
I like that. How about the Red Menace?
I’m liking the Red Swarm. Red Menace makes me think of what my wife makes me deal with each month.
@Hank:
And Red Swarm doesn’t?
How about Gold Bounty? :)
** just joking **
Not sure how you can do better then Gold Rush best I could come up with was the Crimson Claim-jumpers and even I think it sucks.
I suggest: The Gold Standard
How about ”
“The Incredibles”
Or better yet the nick name for the Defense, should be………….. the Offense
Alright, so “Red Swarm” it is then!!
Grant
Is your top 5 in order of most important to lesser importance? Or did you number them just to make it easy to follow?
Because I would have Donte Whitner a lot higher than DG. DG has been here for several years. DW just arrived, and look what he did. I think DW taking over the secondary calls adn being the QB back there really helped DG out. Because DG just could not handle it. And if DG leaves for big money next season, his new team is going to want to have their high priced guy calling the shots back there, and they will not be satisfied with the results.
This is the second post that I have seen praising Whitner for doing such a good job of calling the defense in his first year here. He did a great job, but do you all not realize that the entire defensive playbook was just as new to everyone else?
Did someone say DNA?
Cant beleive Isaac Sopoaga is not on this list….this list is juiced!!!!!
Carlos Rogers #69 on the Top 100 list. Thats two so far for the Niners. Bowman was the other.
Joe Staley is #67 so that is at least five niners in the top 100. Justin and Patrick are in for sure who else?
Shhhhh. I haven’t seen it yet. :-) I know P Willis better be top 10, and J smith better at least be top 15. I’ll have to really heckle some opposing players this year at the games.
Thats my feeling with Willis I was thinking Maybe Justin top 10.
WE see him play every game. I would put JS as a top ten player, but that’s coming from a niner maniac. And I’m sure the top 10 will be riddled with qb’s. It is the golden position. :-)
Winning is the difference. JS hasn’t changed, just the coaches! He deserves every accolade he gets. To quote the great Howie Long right after the Saints playoff game, “Justin Smith is a corn fed, country strong, son of a gun”!! OOH RAH!!!
Yea lots of QBs and the skill position WRs etc. Justin doesnt get the credit he deserves.
Grant, I especially like your take on A.Brooks. I have liked him since his college days. I remember us showing interest in him as a supplimental pick, but Cincy used a higher pick then we were willing to and took him.
A.Brooks has been a true ‘find’ for us and he does everything very well as opposed to spectacular. I prefer consistent solid play rather than the occassional spectacular play. If I recall, Taylor Mays made a spectacular play against the Falcons, but could not sustain a decent consistency at his position hence his departure.
A.Brooks gives us solid play. There are enough playmakers on defense to more than compensate for any weaknesses in Brooks’ game. Rising stars like Bowman, Aldon and Culliver will make Off/Cords lose sleep at night in preparing for our ELITE DEFENSE!
I’m looking forward to seeing a little more zip and accuracy from Mr. Smith after completing his QB school. I am excited because I think he takes this offense with its new arsenal to another level and I for one can’t wait. 28pts per game average with this defense? Championship!
sounds good to me
me too
you guys ever seen the movie 13 Warriors? cheesy, b-movie action flick, but strangely compelling in a NFL kind of a way.
our defense is like that.
our guys would leaves limbs and organs out on the field if it meant winning. not too hard to root for that kind of fellow.
@fesnyc
13 Warriors is hardly B-movie. “My Name Is Bruce” now that is B-movie.
Sad about the kid from N.D. , Hope the kid from Virgina wins a back up pass rushing job. Fun to see how this team will come together after a full training camp.
Not to be negative, our D is tough, but so is the schedule. The NFC West is also stronger (on papet at least) and teams will be gunning for us. This will be a tough year.
On paper
Paper has never won or lost a game.
Nick,
It will be a challenging year, but nothing truly great was ever achieved easily. The tough regular season schedule will set them up well for the postseason.
Agree on all points. Imo that’s not negative, just eyes wide open.
That’s what will make every win great.
Completely meaningless comments are Stan’s thing.
Get your name copy right loser.
DS:
For a fan who says you just want to talk football, you sure post a lot of personal attacks.Why not DO as you tell everyone else to do and just talk football and lay off the personal attacks,even if you feel you are only responding in kind.
Just a friendly suggestion. :)
Sorry for the duplicate posts,it kept posting it in the wrong place.
Tim,
for the record no one “illegally” obtained DS’s information. DS has his information on a site that is not password protected. He has listed a profile with a female avatar and a username. Non of it password protected. All you have to do it “google” it.
Illegal my a$$.
DS several times in the past has begged Grant to “ban” people. More than one blogger, more than one time.
Now DS has begun to contact Grant and asked to have posts deleted. My opinion, someone is a little sensitive. The illegal stuff is BS. Not surprising coming from DS.
Bay,
Very true, it is all public information and anyone interested in looking at it can easily find it.
Now back to football.
No Bay
Gosh. You really are what I think you are.
I have said, that the website didn’t get permission from me to display my information. And Microsoft does not sell/give it out either. I know. I asked them if they do. The website obtained the information illegally bay! You are just a creep for finding it.
Yet, here you are continually defending your position. No apology. Why would you? It isn’t in your nature to ever admit that you are wrong about something. Everybody here knows that.
DS,
I apologize. I thought you were saying I was doing something illegal. If you did not give Xbox permission to post your personal info then that is unfortunate.
For the record I did not seek it, or post it first. It obviously really bothers you so I will not post that information again.
wow things do get awfully personal on this blog as much as i love football and its actually been a small part of my professional life it is only a game. its great entertainment and hopefully enhances the quality of your free time but holds no real importance. lets all keep it in perspective, please
interesting read on matt barrows blog about trenton robinson. i’ve been saying all along that i thought he might be the sleeper pick of the late rd’s. barrow called him the anti taylor mays
Only a game??? It’s life itself isn’t it???
Thank you bay.
“You are just a creep for finding it.”
But your not a creep for talking about other peoples family, sexual performance and genitals…..on multiple occasions. That is the definition of creepy. Stop being a hypocrite and get over it already. If you don’t want people coming back at you, don’t start with them. It’s that simple.
BigP, It is all about being the “victim” with DS. Anyone who watches this board can see that there are just as many insults coming from DS as almost anyone else.
Jack
You told me to stop conversing with you. I have. I don’t bring your name up randomly as well. You do to me. Jack, you don’t mean anything to me. You are not that important to me. So, for the good of the many, why can’t you just ignore me as I do to you?
Yet you continue to post to and talk about me. If there is anybody obsessing or playing victim, it is you. “Please DS, stop it. You are hurting my feelings.” Immediately turns into “DS why/DS is/DS (something)”. And you think you are an expert on DS. Please.
A man of your word, you are not. And way to continue the drama.
I’ll check back later to see if you realize how big a hypocrite you are and agree to just stay out of the way of one another. I held up my end. Can you do the same?
DS,
I never told you to stop conversing with me, only that if you don’t like what I say to ignore it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hfYJsQAhl0
I ignore all of it Jack. So stop talking about somebody who is ignoring you.
Besides, that last issue was it. You said I made a comment which I had not. I don’t want to converse with you. Either way (you did/didn’t ask), what I want is the same.
If you’re such a “civil” and “good” man, then you should respect the request. For no other reason than to keep the blog from going down the drain if nothing else.
It really is up to you.
Where did I say I was “civil” and “good”?
Did you get a chance to check out that Crabtree chat on 49ers.com yesterday? He had some interesting stuff to say about the coverage schemes the Giants used in the NFC Championship game.
Jack
You really don’t get the part about “ignoring” posts do you? I didn’t read your stuff yesterday because I am ignoring you.
Don’t worry. After this post, I will continue to do so. You can just go on and follow aftert me, or not. Like I said. I don’t care, but if you claim to want this blog to discuss football, then surely you must realize that us conversing has on many times lead to the “drama” which so many complain about. Unless of course, you are lying and are here to not discuss football.
I am doing my part. I wish one day you can do yours.
DS,
I posted the Crabtree chat link earlier today. Here it is again for you. Very interesting stuff regarding the Giants defense in the NFCCG.
http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-2/Live-Chat-with-Michael-Crabtree/c3810efa-1407-4fcf-9a03-7b0524524a99
Interesting that he can run a 4.4 40 yd dash. He also states he needs to work on beating double teams. Good news he is trying to get better. Sounds like a team player.
For Jack above regarding MC article (or is comment reply still having issues?).
Yeah Hofer that surprised me too, he doesn’t seem to play that fast. Good to see that he is humble enough to recognize the areas that he needs to work on. He should really benefit from finally being able to participate in the offseason program.
I found Smith’s comments from the other link about the pace and attention to detail with Harbaugh’s camp interesting. Really makes one wonder how bad things were under the previous regimes.
LMFAO!!!!!!!! Classic
Bs, i mean DS is finally getting what it deserves. It should just stop posting here all together. Then again , that may not be possible. It doesn’t have a life. It’s a blog bum. OT has more enemies than friends. That’s when IRS time to walk away BS! Just turn and walk away. Throw your computer out of the window!!
Why so much drama for DS?
Exactly. Don’t start nothin, won’t be nothin. Don’t play victim though.
The funny thing is she first started insulting me because I didn’t agree with her that Jim Mora Sr. was a “great coach.” When I reminded her that he never won a PLAYOFF!?!?!?!?! game, the vitriol began.
Wait, seriously… someone thought Jim Mora Sr. was a great coach?
That is genuinely funny. He had two teams with phenomenal talent and never won a playoff game. Not one team, two. And he failed both times.
Playoffs?!?!?!?!?! Playoffs?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Diddly poo.
What’s the point of you all throwing it in his face? I don’t get that. 20 years ago I played Nintendo! There, now everyone knows, I outed myself. :P
Anyway, we have football to talk about now. :D
On a separate topic: Do you collect any football cards? I’m glad I kept my Alex Smith rookie cards. Just checked e-bay this morning – FINALLY gaining some value on those. I need to have my Montana rookie graded. Almost afraid to have it done though. Big drop off in value between the 8 and 9 grade and Topps that year didn’t cut the sets very well.
Anyone else collect?
Adam, Do you remember the old football game for the Nintendo console, Tecmo Bowl? That was the precursor to the Madden franchise and was a great game back in the day. My buddies and I used to play tournaments on that thing for hours.
I didn’t have that one. And actually I was more the Pong era anyway.
I did have one of these Coleco’s though in the late 70s: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Coleco-Electronic-HEAD-TO-HEAD-FOOTBALL-Game-1980s-/251063566723?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a748e0183
I guess you can get the apps for these things now on the phone. I’ll have to try it – seems really primitive now.
The old electrics were kinda fun too: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Coleco-Command-Control-Football-early-70-s-still-works-/221025117849?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33761fa699
Awesome, Adam! I had the single player Coleco football game. Computer (even that crude 1980 version) always beat me :/
Tecmo Bowl rocked!!! Even though I think there was only 8 teams.
Payton and Okoye were beasts!!!
..Tecmo bowl was the shyte!!!
WOW! I agree with this guy.For once! Mark it down people. Weird!
Tecmo Bowl was a great game. Some of the players, howeverm were way over-rated – like Bo Jackson. My brother would always take the Raiders because of Bo. But, I would take a crappy team and still beat him.
It was. I used the quick slant play everytime I needed a first. It would glitch so the defense couldnt cover it. My boy use to get so *issed off, he finally would use his LB to just make the tackle with no YAC. Ahh those were the days. Now its about kill counts. lol
Tecmo bowl that is. Dont know why it wont reply on the same post. What it do? Grant
MD – you mean pass play #4 to Rice? That one was unstoppable.
For all the Tecmo Bowl fans, here is a flashback…
http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A0S00MnR6rVPfmYAJzT7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTBvbnA1cmZmBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDVjEyNQ–?p=tecmo+bowl&vid=2C7F887F964B859BD0B22C7F887F964B859BD0B2&l=2%3A07&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts1.mm.bing.net%2Fvideos%2Fthumbnail.aspx%3Fq%3D4644208851222688%26id%3D3d7a33f410cbc0b6621ebca94f1bd782%26bid%3DstCbhUuWf4h%252fLA%26bn%3DLargeThumb%26url%3Dhttp%253a%252f%252fwww.youtube.com%252fwatch%253fv%253dT_ddO5ENtus&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DT_ddO5ENtus&tit=Tecmo+Super+Bowl+-+Christian+%26quot%3BThe+Nigerian+Nightmare%26quot%3B+Okoye&c=26&sigr=11ahd306o&
Wasn’t Bo Jackson the best on Tecmo Bowl? I remember you could go to the top of the screen, run backwards and do a loop to the bottom of the screen and run forward for a TD-every time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PBvOxicz-0
I thought this interesting. Not looking for trouble.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d829247d6/article/seahawks-niners-ride-tenuous-qb-situations-into-2012-season?module=HP11_content_stream
TIM:
You couldn’t be more transparent if you were made of glass.
Not looking for anything here claude, but mirrors which reflect are also made of glass.
Very interesting Tim. I like the financial breakdown. When it is broken down in that manner you can see why Smith had such a difficult time signing that contract. He got paid the same amount of money as Flynn. A career unproven backup.View it how you want, it is a slap in the face for a QB that took his team one game away from the SuperBowl. Unless HE didn’t. At least in the eyes of the front office. The defense did.
What kills me is that the pro Alex group in this room act like we make this stuff up. I repeat myself. This is the perception of Smith in the eyes of the NFL. That includes experts like Cosell and Lombardi. And once again repeating myself, it’s up to Smith to change that perception.
@Bay
Not all of us in the Pro Smith camp think you guys make that stuff up. I think Smith is paid about where he should be paid. I also think this is the put up year for Smith. He finally has a team in place for him to prosper. I think Smith will show up. One thing that bugs me about the anti Smith camp is when you bring up the PM chase that you all seem to think that was a reflection of Smith when in actuality it was a reflection of the entire QB group. Just saying. Yuppers go Niners
@undercenter
I could care less what a player is paid. Frankly, they are all WAY overpaid. Given what they bring to society, all Pro sports guys are grossly overpaid.
Does anybody in the anti AS side ever think that if they really wanted to go after PM that badly and thought he was that critical for us, then the Niners would not have resigned virtually any of of our FA’s + our key new players? For $19 million a year (what PM is getting) that is equal to Brooks (let’s just say $6 million) + CR ($7 million) + CJ Spillman (our best ST guy at $1 million) + JJ, can’t forget about him now (say $0.5 million) our notable non-Niner FA signings including Randy Moss ($3 million) and Manningham ($2.5 million) for about the same amount as what PM wanted.
Does anybody here think that the Niners were just going to let all these guys young promising guys (-Moss) walk in exchange for a QB who stinks in the playoffs?
Give me a break. The Niners didn’t offer PM that much more if any than they gave to AS. The Niners don’t get into bidding wars, and they still had to get their drafted players signed.
If the Niners really went after PM, we would have gotten him. At the price of losing everybody else (if it was a money thing for PM, which I don’t even think it was).
No way. No how.
Actually, the Niners were well aware of the money it would take to sign Manning. They were willing to pay him. The contract would have been structured very similiar to how the Broncos structured his contract. They weren’t trying to stiff arm a HOF QB. They would have had significant injury protection in the contract, which Manning was willing to provide and did for the Broncos.
“Give me a break. The Niners didn’t offer PM that much more if any than they gave to AS. The Niners don’t get into bidding wars, and they still had to get their drafted players signed. ”
It’s not about a bidding war, it’s about paying market value. That is what they did with Smith. It was a good story though.
@BigP:
Where do you get your information on what the 49ers were willing to pay Manning?
“An NFL source said Manning and his camp have narrowed their choices to the Broncos, Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers. Another NFL source said the Titans are wanting to watch Manning throw either Saturday or Monday. A third NFL source indicated that all involved teams are comfortable working off Manning’s previous contract with the Indianapolis Colts, which was five years for $90 million, or an average of $18 million per year. Additionally, Manning was to receive $61.8 million through the first two years of his contract with the Colts.”
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d827a67d3/article/peyton-manning-would-turn-49ers-into-super-bowl-favorite
And here is why they would be comfortable paying that money.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d827a67d3/article/peyton-manning-would-turn-49ers-into-super-bowl-favorite
Manning had all of the leverage in the situation. There were quite a few teams lining up to sign him. Why anybody thinks the Niners were trying to low-ball him is beyond me.
@BigP:
I’m not saying that the 49ers tried to lowball Manning. I’m saying that none of us know how much they offered him, if things ever got to the point where they made an offer. We also don’t know what value the 49ers placed on Manning. It’s all speculation.
Moreover, an anonymous source saying that all involved teams were comfortable working off of Manning’s previous contract doesn’t really establish anything. Who was the source and did he/she have any motivation to spin things? The only source I can think of who would have knowledge of every team’s comfort level would be Manning’s agent, and he had every reason to shade things in a way that would increase Manning’s perceived value.
I don’t doubt that the 49ers were interested in Peyton Manning. Harbaugh and Roman went to NC to work him out. Then again, among the reported major players, the 49ers were the only team that did not bring Manning in for a visit. That’s just about everything we know regarding the 49ers’ interest in Manning, and those limited facts aren’t much of a basis for drawing any conclusions about how highly the 49ers valued him. In the end, it’s still just speculation.
FYI, you repeated the same link twice.
CB,
This was the link I meant to include.
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/03/16/peyton-manning-thoughts-can-the-49ers-offer-90-million/
You don’t go after Manning on the cheap when he already had conveyed his contract expectations. There were teams lining up to sign him. I’m being realistic about his market value. As far as him visiting the 49ers, he didn’t have to because they visited him and came away very impressed. So impressed that they had their doctors give him a physical, which he passed. To suggest that they were offering him the same contract as Smith (according to DS) is ridiculous. They pay market value, which is exactly what they ended up giving Smith. I said that if Smith thought he was worth more, he should sign a one year deal, ball out and capitalize on FA next year. I have no problem with them paying Smith a monster contract if he plays at that level. Obviously, Smith didn’t feel comfortable with that and ended up signing the same deal that had been on the table since the end of the season, which is a three year deal with a out-clause after year one. I’m hoping he leads us to the Super Bowl this year and receives a big contract, but I’m not going to make stuff up to defend him. He needs to earn it.
@BigP:
I notice that you omitted part of the sentence regarding teams being comfortable working off of Manning’s Indianapolis contract. In its entirety, the sentence reads:
Per an NFL source, the Post reports “all involved teams” (Broncos, Titans, 49ers) are comfortable working off that contract, but indicates only Broncos and Titans are currently doing so.
I think omitted portion is relevant; don’t you? It reinforces my belief that the report provides no basis for reaching any conclusion about the contract terms the 49ers may have offered Manning. I certainly don’t see a basis for concluding that the 49ers made a contract offer to Manning similar to what Denver gave him, that they offered him $18 million/year or that they valued him at that level. I understand the thinking that leads you to conclude that they did, but it is not established by that report. It’s still just speculation.
And just to be clear, I don’t know what basis DS has for saying that the 49ers offered Manning a contract similar to the one they offered Alex Smith. That seems just as speculative and less likely.
CB,
I included the link. My point was that they were fully aware of his contract expectations before they entered the chase. Did they offer him a contract? I don’t know, but they knew what it would take to sign him and waited for him to make a decision. I think he plays 2-3 years at most and his contract is structured to provide significant protection in case he re-injures his neck. The Niners thought he was healthy enough to try and sign him and were very impressed by his workout, so I believe the money was an afterthought. You don’t walk into a Lamborghini dealership to buy a car with a Honda Civic budget, you know? As always, I enjoy the conversation.
@claude
“I notice that you omitted part of the sentence …”
He does that.
DS,
I didn’t omit anything from the sentence, the link I provided CB was from SFGate on accident. The quote I used was from the Denver Post.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_20188486
The Niners knew the parameters of the deal before they entered the chase. If you really think they were offering him the same deal as Smith, good for you. It’s called market value, which is what Manning and Smith both ended up getting after FA. The Niners aren’t cheap, they are smart. They let Smith test the market because they knew his value around the league and they were spot on in their assessment of him. Miami, Arizona, Seattle, Washington, Kansas City, Denver, New York, Tennesse and San Francisco were all interested in Manning and they were all aware of his contract expectations. Teams weren’t worried about it because Manning was willing to structure his contract to provide protection in case his neck was re-injured. If he plays like he has throughout his career, his salary is a bargain.
@claude
“I don’t know what basis DS has for saying that the 49ers offered Manning a contract similar to the one they offered Alex Smith. That seems just as speculative and less likely.”
Yes. It is all speculative. But, I don’t make any such claims of it being fact.
Remember
“You think you know. But you don’t. And you never will”
Applies perfectly to this situation. But if the Niners offered $20 million/yr for 5 years to PM, then they have the Wall Street accountants working on this. Because they didn’t have it.
By the way. In terms of pure hard guaranteed money, both Alex and PM got the same. Zilch. Both got No signing bonus money.
@claude
It was never in this blog, the SF blog or paper. So, unless it was just looked over by the local journalists, there is no such report from a legit reporter.
I mean if there was, where was the blog topic on here or at sfgate? Why was it just passed over considering the reporters interests in the PM thing as a whole?
wait just a second here i thought anonymous blogging was legitimate reporting
“Perception isn’t reality”. It was never stated what they would or wouldn’t pay PM. Some can’t let it go…
And some never liked the idea and want to forget it ever happened.
Bay,
I said after the season that I look forward to Smith returning for year #2 in the system and more talent around him. I said that would be a better barometer for his ceiling in this offense. I also said Harbaugh would upgrade the position if the opportunity presented itself, and the Smith cultists agreed with my sentiments-obviously because they didn’t think it would happen. After all, Harbaugh (Coach of the Year) and Baalke (G.M. of the Year) said that Smith was their guy. He was Harbaugh’s golf caddie. Then FA hit and the Niners went after Manning. The people that emphatically claimed Harbaugh had total autonomy over the QB positon suddenly started claiming that Jed was pulling the strings to sell PSL’s. Now they are claiming that they were offering Manning the same deal as Smith. They are the same people that constantly make passive aggressive comments about upgrading the WR corps, but when you mention that the team tried to upgrade the QB position as well, they have a fit. It is what it is.
If Peyton Manning was only interested in a payday (as some have suggested), and the Niners low-balled their offer to him, then why were they in the final three when he made his decision?
Logic says that the 49ers’ offer was competitive with Denver and Tennessee. We may not know the specifics, but we should be intelligent enough to realize it was an offer good enough to keep Peyton’s interest up until the final decision was made.
@49erGirl:
How do you know the 49ers made an offer?
Bay,
I think the contract was based on the fact the team wants to see more out of him and for more than one year before they committ long term. He played well last year, but certainly not worthy of the franchise QB money. So essentially what they’ve done is give him a contract commiserate with what he showed last year. If he improves this season to the point they see him as the long term solution, he’ll get a new deal I’m guessing. If not, they can part ways without a financial hit on the salary cap. Great deal for the team.
@rocket
“If not, they can part ways without a financial hit on the salary cap. Great deal for the team.”
Find a single player under this regime who they have not done this with. Ahmad Brooks has $7.5 million guaranteed, but this is hardly a killer for a franchise if they did have to bite the bullet here. There won’t be any $20-30 million guaranteed money coming from this regime for anybody.
The Niners have a set amount in their minds, and they will negotiate some, but they won’t go into a bidding war. Example Josh Morgan for $6million. Won’t happen.
It’s OK Tim, Smith’s front leg is bent now – good for another 2% completion rate. :P
No worries. ;)
It was interesting. Thanks, Tim.
No mention of our new supposed #2 QB.
@ribico
“No mention of our new supposed #2 QB.”
Who is that supposed to be now? They did mention CK who at least for now is the #2 on the depth charts last I heard.
“The jury is still out on Kaepernick, with some questions having surrounded his instincts for the position. Conversely, the Niners were comfortable enough with him to take a hard-line approach in the Smith negotiations in March, a tact that could’ve led to Kaepernick ascending to the top spot of the depth chart for a Super Bowl contender.”
You know, one of our regular posters here had “a very reliable source is very close to the QB situation” that JJ was now #2 on the depth chart.
Well, the reporter here “Albert Breer ” failed to check in on this blog for that reliable source. Shame on him now.
How could he go to such unreliable sources such as the HC and the most recent depth charts?
The world may never know.
No of course not. You’d never stir up more debate on Smith.
Tim,
Interesting that AS can easily make $11M in 2012. Regarding his contract timeline, most teams are now stating with most player contracts that they have to be on the team roster by a certain date (usually April), which makes them year to year and that is why the agents typically want a large signing bonus upfront. It’s just good business on both sides.
I agree with Jack Hammer’s comment (yesterday), if AS starts and plays all year that means the team is winning and that is the most important thing in 2012.
Looks like Bo totalled over 300 yrds on one run. Funny, but my old football vibrating field game with the small felt football was somewhat of a classic as well. At the time, I didn’t think me and my friends could ever have more fun then that (lol). We’ve come a long way!
@ AES
Gawd! What a silly contraption that vibrating field thingy was. It took a few minutes to set ‘em up, then bzzzzzzzzzz and it was a slow motion Freakout Fire Drill with all the players going off in different directions for 10 seconds. Then set ‘em up again. High Tech.
I think we got just as much vibration from our sisters dancing to Ray Charles & Chuck Berry & Chubby Checker as from that goofy little thing. You really put me in the Way Back Machine with that one.
…that was a cool link Jack…….Tecmo bowl was the best thing that ever happened in those days………I spent hours/days/weeks/months playing that game…..
…I was very the king at sacking the QB with my DT (diving btw the C and G) right after the ball was snapped……..
…I was very good at sacking the QB with my DT (diving btw the C and G) right after the ball was snapped……..
It was fine for awhile. But once a friend found out about Bo Jackson, it became pretty lame.
Not once did anything negative happen when Bo go the ball. And, why do anything but give it to Bo since a bad run for him was like 60 yards?
To make the game enjoyable, my group of friends all agreed not to use Bo Jackson or play as the Raiders. Then the game was awesome again.
@ Clemons
Well, the real JR was pretty unstoppable too. Remember that little quick out from the 7 yard line in?
I was at a game at The Meadowlands and Joe was driving down to score. We get a 1st at about the five and one of the local fans says to me: “Quick out to Rice?” I said Yep. Everybody gets up and hollers and Joe throws it to JR at the right flag for the score. The G-men fans just all sat down with their eyes bugging out because 80,000 people knew what was coming but they couldn’t be stopped.
They made it look so easy that last year’s RZ performance was hard to choke down. They’ll be better this year.
I don’t collect cards. I have several that were given to me from friends.
The whole concept of collecting cards (anything really) to me has always confused me. If I collect them to just keep them, then I get it. It’s your hobby and a way to have a closer connection to something.
But if you sell them, then what does that do to your connection? Is it a business thing for you, are you mixing business with pleasure?
On a completely different front, I heard the the Niners and the City of SF are in negotiations to have the Niners pay out the remainder of their lease worth $5million to the City in 2014 (when they are expected to move to the new stadium).
Interesting take on how the news anchor spoke. He emphasized the $5 million part like it was a lot. But, in the game of football, a $5 million deal (or even 1 year salary) is not all that big a deal. Funny how to a business (Niners) it is a lot closer to change in your pockets, and to the City, $5 million is a lot closer to a treasure of wealth.
Enjoy collecting them and the only attachment I have really is the Niners so the rest are traded or sit as investments. But I have Niners cards back to the late 60s – I figure those and my electric guitars are my retirement fun money :P
@Adam
“I figure those and my electric guitars are my retirement fun money :P”
Well, you must have a lot of them then. lol
DS, All it would take is a ’54 Strat and ’59 Paul. That would be plenty of retirement “fun” :P
@Tim
A lot of posts were deleted.
And I have a few posters who spend all of their time just following me around who have no purpose but to attack. And some keep bringing up some personal data that was obtained illegally by the internet despite my/Grant’s request to not do so.
There was no football in the posts. And I fully support the “ignore” button idea you have. Especially if it were possible to hide your own posts from those individuals. That way, nobody is replying to anything not football related.
why are the post posting out of order?
@old coach
This disorder of posts happens when posts are deleted. And more than 1 was.
Someday, you and I are going to have a serious disagreement.
Ray McDonald, like almost every player on our defense, is seriously underrated. I’ve been a big fan of him since his days at UF. I feel like Willis is the only player who gets the recognition they truly deserve. Justin Smith should be a household name, even for the casual football fan. That’s how good he is.
DS:
For a fan who says you just want to talk football, you sure post a lot of personal attacks.Why not DO as you tell everyone else to do and just talk football and lay off the personal attacks,even if you feel you are only responding in kind.
Just a friendly suggestion.
DS:
For a fan who says you just want to talk football, you sure post a lot of personal attacks.Why not DO as you tell everyone else to do and just talk football and lay off the personal attacks,even if you feel you are only responding in kind.
Just a friendly suggestion.
DS:
I agree about Soap being VERY important to the defense. I have been a fan of him since his rookie year and was dissappointed when his first try at being the every day NT didn’t work out. He wasn’t ready. But now he is a beast !!! Sometimes it takes NT’s an extra year or two to get it and Soap sure has it now !
@Tim
Even though much of the game has become about outside play (DE/OLB/CB), you still need to have a strong middle. No QB can deal with pressure up the middle. Outside, yes.
Issac did his part. Aldon and JS did what they did because the QB didn’t have a place to step up, or much of a pocket. So when they got around the edge, it was easy pickings.
good take on goldsons hold out on matt barrows blog. it will give alot more developmental time to c.j. spillman who will need it if he is going to be our # 1 back up at S. it will also give more time to trenton robinson who i think could be the late rd sleeper of this draft.
@old coach
You heard it here first. Spillman is our secret weapon in the secondary come 2013.
If this turns out to be false…well, then…you never heard it. After all, it is top secret.
:- )
Old Coach,
Not being in training camp until almost 2 weeks in didn’t hamper Goldson last year, so it probably won’t this year. The more reps that the backup guys can get in now the better off the team will be in the long run anyway, since they don’t get very many once the actual games start up.
I also agree with you on Robinson, he looks like he will be excellent value for a 6th round pick. In fact, Cam Johnson looks like he will be a good one too from all of the reports that I have seen on him. Great for us that he fell so far, especially with Fleming going out.
@Jack:
Then again, we don’t know if Goldson would have been even better had he been in camp from the beginning.
Also, the first two weeks of training camp may have been when Fangio taught the players how not to knock their teammates out of games.
Claude,
” Also, the first two weeks of training camp may have been when Fangio taught the players how not to knock their teammates out of games.”
Not sure if you were trying to be funny with that, but if so it got a good chuckle.
@Jack:
Thanks.
Old Coach,
Here is a good piece on Trenton Robinson from today. Looks like MB is in your head.
http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2012/05/trenton-robinson-the-anti-taylor-mays.html
there is an interesting take on goldsons hold out on matt barrows blog. it might be a good thing it will give c.j. spillman alot more developmental time and he will need it if he is going to be our #1 backup S. it will also give trenton robinson lots more time and i think he could be the sleeper pick of the late rd
Manningham and Jacobs skip their Super Bowl ring ceremonies. They both wanted to be practicing with the Niners. I love this kind of commitment.
@undercenter
“Manningham and Jacobs skip their Super Bowl ring ceremonies.”
Sorry to play the bad guy here, but maybe they are just really pissed at the Giants for not resigning them. I mean, how would they act at the ceremony?
“Hi. We did great. Now, I plan on crushing you guys when we play next season.”
I think it would be an uncomfortable situation to be in. At least it would be for me. I’d skip it and just focus on my new team as well.
I totally agree Undercenter. It is great to see the new guys stepping right in and becoming a part of the team so quickly. They understand how much they need to learn the new offensive system and are doing everything they can to be prepared come August.
Can’t wait to see the impact that Manningham has on the passing game this year.
Yeah, I was impressed also. I think the guys have a real sense of excitement and anticipation going into this season. I do, but I’m a Homer who suffered through a few eras of Dark Age with this team;
“Been down so long it looks like up to me”. Curable by last season.
So, without meaning to dredge up something old, it does speak to the same thing as Jenkins opting out of his Grad Day ceremony, doesn’t it? A sense of commitment with a sense of urgency.
A saying from The Marines:
“Gung Ho”. I suspect it may be a rough translation, but supposedly it means ‘Working Together’. This team typifies that.
@DS
Nothing to be sorry about, that could be true. Jacobs did send his wife to the ceremony.
@grant:
Like every Niners DB, Rogers benefits from the front-seven – its persistent pressure and its negation of the running game.
I have no argument that the front 7 negates opposing teams’ running games.
With regard to the pass defense, however, I’d like to suggest that the 49ers’ pass rushers benefited from the pass coverage provided by the 49ers’ DBs (+ Willis and Bowman) just as much as the cover guys benefited from the pass rush. I haven’t been able to find any raw data on how quickly the 49ers sacked opposing team’s QBs in 2011, but I have the impression that the 49ers got a lot of their sacks after the 3 second mark. I don’t remember an overwhelmingly high number of quick sacks, particularly from the Smith brothers.
If that impression is correct, then it suggests that a good portion of the 49ers’ sacks were coverage sacks. If so, then the secondary (+ Willis and Bowman) helped the pass rush on those plays and the relationship between the two is more symbiotic than parasitic.
As I said, this is just a feeling that I have. I don’t have access to any data that would support or disprove it. Does anyone know where I could find such data? Thanks.
Claude,
I don’t have any data either, but it is very safe to say that you are correct on that assumption. The 49ers secondary played outstanding last year when matched up against high powered opponents, and were overshadowed by the play of the front 7. This group is an underappreciated strenght of the team.
Then again, no one in the secondary is as good as Justin Smith.
http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/05/17/2011's-best-performances-3-4-defensive-ends/
Not sure where you can get that data, but I think it is safe to say that the pass coverage was much improved last season from previous years. But I wouldn’t necessarily think a lot of our sacks were “coverage” sacks (some yes, but not a lot). Our pass rush was consistently putting pressure on QBs quickly, stopping the QB from stepping up and throwing and going through their progressions. This not only led to sacks but also a lot of poor throws, which was one of the reasons we had so many INTs last season.
Here is a link to the chat yesterday from 49ers.com with Michael Crabtree. He had some interesting takes on the NFC Championship game, and the way NY defensed him.
http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-2/Live-Chat-with-Michael-Crabtree/c3810efa-1407-4fcf-9a03-7b0524524a99
…that T.Brown interception during the saints game is a classic……..I day dream about making that play on the field…..
wow things do get awfully personal on this blog as much as i love football and its actually been a small part of my professional life it is only a game. its great entertainment and hopefully enhances the quality of your free time but holds no real importance. lets all keep it in perspective
DS94everXev, You’re not the hero this blog deserved but the hero it needed. They’ll hunt you. Condemn you. Set the dogs on you. Because that’s what needs to happen. Because sometimes the truth isn’t good enough. Sometimes people deserve more.
What luck!
One of my fav quotes. I had watched the movie for over 2hrs, and was upset that it ended there. I wanted another 2 hours. That there Grant is how you end an article.
I don’t think either character it brings up reflects me though. At least on this blog. Real life….
Too bad Stan, you would have gotten cred for this one.
lol
Just to remind…I have NO connection to Stan 2 and Stan 3. So,don’t put me down for what they say. If you doubt, ask Grant.
wow,How did my post go that far back in order?
you’re making me cry. so melodramatic.
Off the topic of the 49ers for a second, Did anyone else notice that the Raiders LB Rolando McClain was found guilty of those gun charges in Alabama today?
He was sentenced to about 180 days in jail. So much for HuJack standing up for his players. That organization has made a 180 degree turn around since the end of the season.
This appears to have surprised the Raiders. They didn’t add any ILB in free agency that I can remember.
msc,
I don’t know about free agency, but they did add a LB in the draft, Miles Burriss from SDSU. Maybe they had an idea where things were headed.
Unless they think Aaron Curry can play MLB for them.
It makes sense for them to put Curry in the middle and play Burris at WLB.
Has Curry ever been an inside backer, either college or NFL? Burris played inside until his senior season.
Curry was projected as a MLB out of college.
Isn’t the MLB in a 4-3 usually bigger than the SLB and the WLB? Curry’s 255 lbs., and Burris is 246.
Philip Wheeler’s their new SLB. I’d guess Curry slides to MLB, while Burris, Travis Goethel and Nathan Stupar compete for the WLB job.
McClain isn’t going to see jail for awhile if at all. His lawyer has already filed an appeal for a trial by jury which won’t take place for months, then they’ll probably settle on something less at the end of the day anyway. McClain will play for the Raiders this year.
Is McClain any good? Could it be addition by subtraction if they lose him?
He still will need to deal with the NFL.
Now that he has been found guilty, won’t Goodell get involved with some form of suspension? Even if he doesn’t do jail time, he will probably miss a significant amount of games – Commish doesn’t like it when players make the league look bad….
Slightly off-topic but since the threads on this page are all mangled anyway…
Man-o-man, Matt Cain is struggling this afternoon.
The entire team is…. The Giants blew it when they didn’t address the lead off situation. They needed to have signed Reyes.
I hung out with an ex Giant last week named Vinny Chulk. Sp. The Brew Crew were in town. They were all saying that the Giants are not that good this year.
Good. Theyre getting swept this weekend. LETS GO OAKLAND.. . . . =-)
the year to let the kids play and let a couple of big contracts expire while retaining the top part of the pitching staff ….. it is a process
reyes was too much money at the moment (under the budget constraints of this year….maybe next year would have been different if he had become available then) and isn’t he injured or something now….and beltran was somebody that really didn’t want to be a leader…
the world series year the giants kind of didn’t find their offensive legs until they serendipitously came to life at the end of the year and at the most perfect of timings….
i think this offense will come around to be more consistent the team will just have to grow into it.
@jg
I heard on KNBR that the fans seem more cool about playing the young guys and them struggling than the coaches/organization were.
I found that interesting. Usually, it is the reverse.
kids will still keep on coming like brown in the minors who may become a leadoff or #2 hitter….giants pockets are deep enough to satisfy bay’s desire for reyes…too many fat contracts that need to petter out plus the cost on the loan of the stadium for another 5 years or so….
this team puts money into their pitchers for the moment…
Alex Smith’s visit with Tom House has been widely reported. The initial news was that they focused on strengthening and throwing mechanics. Now comes news of House doing psycho analysis on AS. House’s mental prep may actually help Alex the same way that it worked for Drew Brees.
Will he turn into a cold blooded bad ass? Not sure, but Eric Branch has an interesting article on this topic. Find out for yourself:
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/05/16/mind-games-smiths-work-with-house-wasnt-all-mechnical/
Apparently, House’s work with Alex Smith went a lot further than was reported:
http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1070383/744ecd569fbe11e18bb812313804a181_7.jpg
Jack that Video was Fn funny.
Nice article about AS. He compliments Crabs, Moss, Manningham. Is it possible just this once, not to have any negative comments about AS if you reply to this.
http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-2/Alex-Smith-Enjoys-Detailed-Offseason/488ab1dd-8c78-4593-8b57-8b3b779dd308
@undercenter
“Is it possible just this once, not to have any negative comments about AS if you reply to this.”
The writer looks a lot like Will Wheaton.
See, no negativity at all.
lol
I didnt expect any negativity from you DS concerning AS. lol
@undercenter
Welllllll, I could really mess with your mind if I wanted.
: – )
Seriously, this what I want. Take the WR skill issue out of it for a bit. Just having them all working during the offseason is one major thing that AS never has really had.
We know how important it is for him to feel really comfortable first before settling all the way in (just who he is) and this is a big deal.
And include me in the list of fans eager for the season to start. I’ve caught myself humming “The Empire Strikes Back” theme (what I did when JH was hired) a lot recently.
Thanks for the link undercenter. It is very exciting to know that these guys finally have someone who knows offense leading the team.
My favorite comment was, “We’re so detailed on the fundamentals of the quarterback position and all of us getting better at our weaknesses, I love that, I think it’s great.”
Let’s get the season going already!!
Man I am so ready for the season to start.
@Latino
What?
I ask Jack to stop the drama which seems to follow him following me around so that the blog can be cool. I asked Adam to help the PD IT guys to make an “ignore” button that would really put an end to a lot of this stuff. And I wrote a post to ribico (1:24PM) about how the drama starts and from whom. Andthe XBox thing, well, imagine how happy you would be if you discover your gamertag information on the internet from a guy on a Niner blog (nothing to do with games) who thinks he knows your gender better than you do using a website who obtained your information illegally. Then, doesn’t see what he did that was so wrong.
I am getting tired of being the person pepople point at as the source of the drama. BigP is the sole reason why the whole game console thing started. Why dont you spread some blame on him? Why does everybody else get a free pass (23J/ninermd/bay/BigP/Jack/imposters) and you all are cool with whatever they say, but dear God, if DS does anything, why, that is just not right and I am the start of the drama. Jack refuses to respect my respectful request, BigP is just…. 23J can just write anything and nobody really cares at all.
Here is an idea Latino. Stay out of it. If you choose not too, why don’t you contact the other people who are jerks and tell them to stop? Otherwise, you are not helping put an end to it.
I’m just saying you seem to be in the middle of every episode on this blog, its one thing after the other with you and fighting with others.
I’m not telling you what to do or trying to get in the middle of anything, all I’m saying is when you post 100 times a day, drama will follow you, people will disagree with you and insults start to happen, its the result of trying to dominate the threads.
Just a small piece of observation.
@Latino
People disagree all the time Latino. And, I was gone for a good part of the time while people still insulted me. This time, can you believe it, for not being online. See what I mean? Hate. No matter what. Just hate.
If others helped to not insult or to follow simple requests, that would work. And, I ignore a lot more insults since I’ve been on the blog than I reply to.
Also, it would really help if some people here didn’t bring up my name when they have problems with others. I am brought into it whether I want to be or not. I am attacked for it whether I actually defended the person or not.
It isn’t good enough to just observe. You need to look at things more closely.
Wether you agree with this or not, when your on the blog the majority of the time and on every thread repeatedely, of course your gonna have people insult your opinions.
Solution: less posts, or accept the backlash, either way, no more crying.
Latino
This whole thing here is all due to you.
Since you like observations so much, try this one out. You don’t like what a person posts/number/etc, then you can skip them. No comments needed. Especially if they don’t bring you up. Besides, it seems like you already decided the answer you wanted it to be. So why ask me at all?
So, if somebody has an idea/question/point, they should be worried about having to many posts/questions. Yeah. Not buying that.
And way to give permission to others to bash me for no reason at all. No insulting them. Nothing. Just be an ass, and it’s cool because..no reason at all.
I’ll let you guys just post after post(the thing you claim I do and what you hate) about me. Won’t stop me from thinking/asking about my team. Enlightened societies encourage questions/ideas. Depressive regimes prevent it.
Have a nice evening Latino.
Still sounds like crying to me DS.
Latino,
Look at BS’s , I mean Ds’s post to you where she is mentioning my name to make her argument. She just asked that this not be done to her. This idiot is the biggest clown hypocrite up here. She’s no victim. She’s just a blog bum that needs a life or a new Niner website. She’s a laughing stock.
Bs, I mean DS. This is the reason you are the red headed stepchild of this blog. You are always crying like a little biotch. Your knowledge of football is really bad. You’re up here swimming with the big fish and youre a guppy. I asked for your resignation the other day and you’re still here. You don’t understand that this blog would improve drastically if you disappeared. Why don’t you turn the computer off for a week? We’ll let you know how it was when you come back.
How ironic. I think 98% of the commenters on here would say the same about you.
LSD,
To the rescue. Apparently not, only men like you that have man crushes on your hero. You boys I’ll me. You’re a real gem LSD. Bwahahahahaa!
Let’s see DS?
You asked me not to bring the blog down. So I haven’t made any statements or insinuations towards you for about two days.
But lo and behold, you are still in the middle of drama even without me. Go figure!
Let’s see, just today alone, Big P, MD, Razor, Bay and now Latino Heat. Wow, and I thought it was just me (lol).
DS, do yourself a favor and take a little break. Overexposure is starting to get the best you. We’ll be here when you come back fresh and renewed.
For as much as DS is in the thick of these battles, at least he/she/it is always pro 49er. Big P, and Bayarea are the biggest instigating fairweather fans on here. They just bring negative crap. DS is a real fan, maybe Heat was right about being on here too much, but the dude is a passionate Niner fan, gotta give he/she/it that!
Prime,
Why do you only include DS as a 49er fan? I’ve been following the 49ers since I was able to save Berkeley Farms milk cartons and go to Kezar Stadium as a kid. But you, DS and ‘oneniner’ have called me a ‘hater’ on more than a few occassions.
No big deal, I, along with many family/friends who cheer on (or groan) Sunday’s know I’m 49er red&gold thru and thru. I really don’t need to defend my loyalty around here.
But if you can except this post with a moment of validity, would you agree with me that the ‘attacks’ take place whenever one of our favorite players is questioned or critiqued?
Hey, I get into arguments with my own friends and family over some players sometimes (during season), but we do so with the knowlege that we respect each other at the end of the day because we are 49er fans who may happen to have differing opinions.
We have (pointing at myself here as well) not learned to respect each others different opinions. One attack often leads to retaliations and as DS pointed out, the blog is brought down.
But unfortunately, I don’t see a truce among the 49er blog family anytime soon because no differing opinion will be respected.
Maybe (hopefully) one day we can agree to disagree without the drama.
I had no opinion regarding Mr. DS94everXev until he started lecturing me. I kept an open mind and came to the conclusion after reading his posts over several weeks that he is a hipocrite that likes to bloviate, and presents himself as the expert on football. He also seems to relish playing the victim.
I enjoy this blog not just for the information like the others such as M&M, MB, etc., but for the comments and the banter back and forth. I feel we are all part of this “disfunctional” 49er family. I never take things too seriously on here and I confess that I do defend myself when attacked, but at the end of the day it is all in good fun and passes the time that seems to drag on during the offseason. Here’s to our little social family. Hip hip hooray!
Razor,
Bloviate? Dang, I really wish I had paid attention during English class.
Totally agree with your take, Razor.
@ Razor
Yeah, Man; Bloviate? Is that something to do with cows and methane?
Bloviate, does that have something to do with inflatable dolls?
Jerry Rice, 3rd and 95. YES!! you heard correctly …. 3rd and 95!!! Tecmo Bowl insanity!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwVakjO0Awg
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d829247d6/article/seahawks-niners-ride-tenuous-qb-situations-into-2012-season?module=HP11_content_stream
(lol) Brotha tuna!
I haven’t heard the names Chubby Checker and Chuck Berry mentioned in years.
Crazy little contraption is right. There was absolutely no passing game on this board. Perhaps Singletary and Raye got their offensive game scheme from playing on the vibrator field… (lol)!
Thanks for the memories Brotha!
Got’s to go make some money!
That Singletary/Raye quip almost made me spit my coffee!
BTW Grant, I replied to Tim under his post but my response popped up at the bottom of the page fyi.
Leave it to a UCLA guy…
http://www.lostlettermen.com/kareem-abdul-jabbar-has-jeopardy-fail/
He was just playin! He could afford to crack that joke.
I know we all have asked ourselves, “Where can I go to watch every sack recorded by Aldon Smith in 2011?”
The answer is here: blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2012/05/aldon-smith-i-want-to-be-the-ultimate-outside-linebacker.html
“There won’t be any $20-30 million guaranteed money coming from this regime for anybody.”
Patrick Willis: $29 million guaranteed
Vernon Davis: $23 million guaranteed
If the players are worth it, they will pay. Plain and simple. This regime is excellent at judging market value. They just aren’t going to overpay for players. If players disagree, they are free to test the market. Hasn’t worked out for too many of them.
BigP, “If the players are worth it, they will pay.”
That is where the new regime is setting themselves apart. They do an excellent job of understanding market value, and not overpaying.
From a team perspective it would be great to see Smith play out this entire contract because it means they are winning. All 49er fans should want that.
@BigP:
There’s guaranteed and then there’s guaranteed.
I believe only $15.5 million of Willis’ contract extension was fully guaranteed. The rest was guaranteed only for injury. With Vernon’s contract, only $14.5 million was fully guaranteed; the rest was guaranteed only for injury.
Plus, the 49ers had to work around the 30% rule for Willis’ contract, which meant they were limited in the amount they could increase his salary each year, which in turn meant they had to put more of the total figure in signing bonuses.
@claude
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/patrick-willis/
PW is guaranteed $15.5 million
VD is guaranteed $10 million
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/vernon-davis/
Also, neither of these plaeyrs singed with TB and JH as the new regime either. Of course, somebody completely neglected that part of the quote.
@claude
While my link is awaiting moderation;
PW is guaranteed $15.5 million
VD is guaranteed $10 million
Also, neither of these plaeyrs singed with TB and JH as the new regime either. Of course, somebody completely neglected that part of the quote.
go to:
spotrac (dot) com/nfl/san-franciso-49ers/patrick-willis
if the post is not approved of.
@DS:
Thanks for the links, but I don’t find spotrac.com to be a reliable source for contract information. For example, Willis’ $4.8 million bonus in 2011 was not a roster bonus, but a supercede signing bonus. In addition, although spotrac reports that Willis received $29 million guaranteed, it does not tell you the individual portions of the contract that are guaranteed or how much of that money is guaranteed for both injury and skill decline and how much is guaranteed only for injury. Finally, Willis’ contract extension came in the spring of 2010, but reading spotrac, you would think the extension came after the 2010 season.
I think there are other websites (I usually go first to profootballtalk.com) that do a much better job breaking down the numbers and actually analyzing the contract terms instead of just reprinting what was announced in the press release
wait a minute here i’m confused i thought that anonymous blogging was legitimate reporting
BigP,
I agree. Here’s what MM answered to a commenter on his blog a couple of months ago:
“Alex Smith took a dramatic pay cut after his fourth season to remain with the 49ers. In seven seasons with the 49ers, he has made $39 million, and that includes the $6.5 million he made last season with a $4 million base salary and $2.5 million in incentives. So in his first six seasons, he averaged less than $5.5 million annually. That’s a lot of money, of course, but for that’s about as reasonable as you can expect for a No. 1 overall pick.. –Matt M.”
If AS plays lights out with this talented team over the next year or two, there is no reason not to pay him accordingly. They can always increase his salary. He’ll only be 31 (young for QB’s) at the end of this current contract and can then get a bigger contract if has earned it. DBrees is 33 and trying to get a contract that will cover the rest of his playing career. Key thing for AS is playing well enough to earn it.
We need a new topic. These threads are completely mangled now and don’t make any sense.
“What kills me is that the pro Alex group in this room act like we make this stuff up. I repeat myself.”
Hey Bay,
Since you, Jordo, or Tim usually bring all blog articles back to AS, I’ll ask you a question (again).
What do you think JH and staff perception (or judgement) is of AS?
BTW, I asked you a couple of days ago in a thread based on what you thought the NFL’s perception is of AS and you didn’t respond.
You already know what the NFL’s perception is of Akex Smith. Let’s look at the facts.
1. Before last year, the majority of the NFL thought he was below average.
2. Players like Roddy White thought he was horrible. Jamie Dukes on NFL Network thinks he’s not very good.
3. Smith was a free agent and not ONE general manager in the NFL offered him a contract outside of San Francisco.
4. The owner of the Miami Dolphins said that he couldn’t offer Smith a contract because he wasn’t sure Smith could beat out Matt Moore. I’m not sure either.
5. Alex had nowhere to go but San Francisco.
So, to answer your question, Alex Smith is on his last legs. That’s why he finally, after 7 years, went to get help with his footwork. He knows how inaccurate he is. He knows if is as inaccurate at the end of this season, he will be holding a clip board!
@23welcher:
1. Speculation. If true, then “the majority of the NFL” was wrong. Just like you. Well not quite. They didn’t act like insufferable pricks about it.
2. Please allow me to appropriate my favorite quote regarding Jamie Dukes: “Every time Jamie Dukes says something enlightening and informative about football Jerry Rice and I mount up on our flying grizzly bears and claim pirate treasure from the moon. That’s how often it happens.” I have no problem being on the other side of the line from you and Jamie Dukes. Especially since Jim Harbaugh is on my side of the line.
3. Smith didn’t put himself on the market until late in the free agency period. You also have no idea what happened in Miami.
4. Yeah, that quote wasn’t self-serving at all. Miami fans are convinced that Ross made an offer and that Smith turned him down. That is no more speculative than your view.
5. That may or may not be true. What we know for certain, however, is that the 49ers re-signed Smith after you guaranteed they wouldn’t.
23jordan says:
September 20, 2011 at 8:55 am
…
I’ll stop posting here altogether if Alex Smith Is a 49er next year. Write that down and locknot in. He may get benched before the season is over. He will NOT be back here next year.
Sorry that your fantasy didn’t come true. Try to handle it like an adult.
49ergirl,
You summed up my point perfectly. You know what the expectations are before you enter that conversation with Manning. If he plays like he did before being injured, his salary is a bargain in the big picture. The fact that Manning was willing to provide teams injury protection in his contract would contradict those that claim he was all about money.
There are things we know and things we don’t, but common sense says that the Niners were willing to pay Manning a heck of a lot more than they wound up paying Smith. They wouldn’t have been in the running for his services otherwise.
Whatever the case, Manning isn’t here and Smith is, so let’s hope the improvement in year two is where we and the team hope it will be.