49ers practice report: Aaron Lynch quits during a conditioning drill

Posted By on August 15, 2017

Defensive End Aaron Lynch warms up before 49ers practice

SANTA CLARA

This is what stood out to me during practice Tuesday morning.

THE GOOD

1. The offense’s discipline and focus. For the past week, the offense has been extreme sloppy and undisciplined, with players frequently committing false-start penalties and lining up in the wrong places. I have criticized Kyle Shanahan for this issue, because it’s his job to instill a professional standard into his players which I haven’t seen him do. He enforces no consequences for committing a false start during a practice. Jim Harbaugh would bench a player during practice if he committed a false start or jumped offside. “Give me a new right tackle!” he would yell. He wanted to single out that player and give him a reason not to make the same mistake again. Shanahan doesn’t single out players. He’s a “good cop.” He has his own way of doing things. And today, his way worked. The offensive players committed zero pre-snap penalties. They were sharp. During one play, Brian Hoyer gave a terrific hard count – “HUT!!! Hut” – and the only person who moved before the second “hut” was on the defense. NaVorro Bowman jumped offside. We’ll see if the offense maintains its focus and discipline the rest of the week.

2. QB Brian Hoyer. Hoyer completed 15 of 21 attempts and threw three touchdown passes: One to Pierre Garcon, who beat Rashard Robinson with a corner route on third-and-goal from the 4-yard line. One to George Kittle, who beat Reuben Foster with a stick route on third-and-goal from the 6. And one to Trent Taylor, who beat K’Waun Williams with a quick out route in a “Sprint Left Option” play on third-and-goal from the 4. Hoyer would have thrown a fourth touchdown pass in the red zone, but Vance McDonald lost track of where the sideline was caught Hoyer’s pass with one foot out of bounds. The tight ends coach was furious. Hoyer’s pass was perfect. Every day I watch him practice, I’m impressed. Alex Smith never played as well as Hoyer during practice, and Smith is a good quarterback. I’m starting to think Hoyer is a good quarterback too, and a better fit for Shanahan’s offense than Smith would be because Smith doesn’t like to throw deep.

3. QB C.J. Beathard. Beathard completed five of eight attempts and threw a touchdown pass to Raheem Mostert. I believe Beathard has become the No. 2 quarterback on the unofficial depth chart. He and Matt Barkley continue to split reps with the second-team offense during the early parts of practice, but for the past two days Beathard has taken all the second-team reps during the “move the ball” period of practice. That’s the final period, when the offense attempts to drive the length of the field against the defense – like in a real game. It seems Shanahan is getting Beathard ready to play with the second-stringers during the upcoming preseason game against the Broncos.

4. RB Carlos Hyde. Hyde has been a major factor in the passing game all offseason. Today, he made three catches, including a big gainer over the middle when he beat NaVorro Bowman with a Texas route. Hyde had another big gainer down the left sideline when Hoyer faked a handoff, rolled out of the pocket to his right, stopped, threw back to his left and hit a wide open Hyde in the flat. Beautiful play design.

5. RB Joe Williams. Williams had the longest run of the day – a nine-yard gain between the left tackle and left guard during an inside-zone play. Williams saw a tiny hole, and exploded through it while making himself as “skinny” as possible, as football coaches say. That’s what Frank Gore used to do all the time – make himself small in the hole. Williams is a pleasure to watch.

6. TE George Kittle. Kittle has missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury. Today, he returned to practice and caught a touchdown pass from Hoyer, as I mentioned above. Kittle beat first-round pick Reuben Foster on the play, beat him with a stick route – that’s where the tight end runs six yards upfield, then quickly turns around and faces the quarterback. Brent Jones used to run this route all the time. It’s a classic of the West Coast Offense, and Kittle runs it well. The Niners need him to stay healthy.

7. LB Reuben Foster. Foster had been competing for the starting weakside linebacker job all of training camp. Now, he officially is the starter, according to Shanahan. And while Foster did give up the touchdown I described above, he also broke up a pass in the end zone intended for Vance McDonald.

THE NOT SO GOOD

1. QB Matt Barkley. Barkley threw his daily interception early today. During just his second throw of the morning, he dropped back and rifled a pass directly to backup safety Vinnie Sunseri. I couldn’t tell whom Barkley was trying to throw to – the pass looked like it was intended for Sunseri. I suspect Barkley won’t make the final roster. What’s the point of keeping him as a third quarterback when the team has bigger needs elsewhere on the roster?

2. DE Aaron Lynch. Lynch injured his right ankle yesterday, so he didn’t practice today. He joined the other two injured defensive linemen – DeForest Buckner and Ronald Blair – while they worked out with strength trainer Ray Wright. Wright made those three do reverse bear crawls up the man-made hill on the side of the field. Each player had to bear crawl backwards 10 feet up the hill, then 10 feet sideways to the right, then 10 feet down the hill, then 10 feet sideways to the left – all while facing the ground. Each player had to do this exercise twice. Buckner and Blair both struggled with it, but they completed both reps. Buckner and Blair are hard-working athletes. Lynch completed one rep, then gave up halfway through the second rep, said something to the effect of, “Forget this,” slid down the hill on his rear end and walked away. That’s all you have to know about Lynch’s work ethic. It’s non-existent.

This article has 348 Comments

  1. Grant, really enjoyed it. Thought you were articulate, and informative. Great job! Looking forward to more of them.

      2. Next time can you trim your nose hairs Grant?

        Just kidding! Good stuff Grant! Periscope? Way to evolve your blog. You’re good at this.

  2. Grant,

    Unable to receive the audio for some reason. It gives u a choice of Android or other, so I went to the written article link and was again, redirected to the audio…..Will u post a written report ?

    (Question): Various writers show 49ers are still interested in Ward as starter even though James has done the heavy lifting through TC…..Why ?

    1. There’s this little ‘X’ over the volume button. Click it to allow the volume to engage. Smh…

    2. Contract and experience, but if James keeps making plays, he’s gonna force their hand.

      1. It’s Lorenzo Jerome. James tore his ACL on Friday. But you’re right dReed209, if Ward doesn’t return to action soon, he might be starting the season as Jerome backup, or even at CB.

    3. Ward has earned the opportunity, IMO. He’s been a bit injury prone but he plays hard for the 49ers when he’s on the field, and he’s a talented player. Jerome has stepped up to the plate, but it’s not like he’s outplayed Ward. Also, we really don’t know whether Jimmie wanted to try to play through the hammy injury in camp, and/or whether or not ShanaLynch made a decision to shut Jimmie down as an over abundance of caution, in order to get Jerome some quality camp reps. Jerome certainly needs more seasoning than Jimmie, as Jimmie has played 35 games at the NFL level, and played Safety in college, so he had a leg up going into camp. Plus, the 49ers know that at any point, they can move Jimmie back to CB, if they feel like they need help at CB.

      That said, if Jimmie doesn’t get back soon, Jerome may in fact start at FS in week 1, who knows? .

  3. Also rumors of OT Darrell Williams Jr. beating out Theus have been heard.

    Your opinion on Williams ?

  4. Not watching the video, quit being lazy and get the written version posted. Almost every other beat writer has there’s up already…..smh. Uneventful practice sounds like…..Foster named a starter, no shock.

  6. Grant,
    Very nice video recap. I’m sold on Joe Williams I think he could lead the NFL in rushing on the other hand Williams scares the hell out of me because I think he could lead the NFL in fumbles. As to the difference between Harbaugh and Shanahan I believe KS will have legs in the NFL he could last 10 years or better while Harbaugh did some great things but his players got tired of his act and he was gone. Yellers don’t last in sports today except maybe college. Bill Walsh never yelled at his players he screamed at his assistant coaches but he warned them ahead of time that it was for show.

    1. When Coach Walsh wouldn’t talk to anybody, say on a plane ride home after a loss, everybody worried. Cuts and new player tryouts followed.

  7. Grant no one wants to read your “pull report”. You might want to edit that headline!
    Ha!

  9. Great info, thanks.

    While I don’t disagree with the Harbaugh/Shanahan comparison I do remember numerous delay of game penalties under Jim.

    While it’s early do you see any of the younger players as potential leaders, say Foster or Thomas?

  11. Good stuff Grant, and nice idea for getting the info out there and interacting with the bloggers.

    I find myself agreeing with a lot of what you say. Regarding the DL though, do you think Dial might be a trade candidate? You make a good point about only having a limited number of guys capable of playing the 1T so perhaps they will need to hold onto him for depth.

    1. They do look deep at D-line and soft in the secondary. Just find a trade partner with reverse player scenario and pull the trigger.

      1. That’s what I would be trying to do. Find a team willing to trade a decent-ish CB for one of the 49ers DL stuck in the roster math.

    2. Thank you. Seems like Dial and Carradine are trade candidates. But as far as Dial is concerned, Fangio used to keep three NTs on the final roster, if I remember correctly. Tough to find a quality nose tackle on the street if there’s an injury to the starter.

      1. Agreed Grant. I argued last season that one of the major failings in terms of run defense (although there was plenty blame to go around) came as the result of a lack of talent at the Nose. I think if Dial could only play NT, it would be a different story, and, even though he does seem to be a better fit for a 3-4 front, he has shown enough versatility along the DL, to warrant consideration over a guy like Tank, or even Chris Jones, as much as I like his motor.

  12. Good stuff Grant. Sounds like you’re still not impressed by Shanahan’s approach to discipline. I wonder if that topic ever comes up during his conversations with Big Shanny.

  14. Great stuff. Totally agree on your “lack of focus” and “vocal leaders”.. But for me I think they only get to 9-7 if Shanahan shows the leadership to demand discipline and or vocal leaders come forward or a combination of the both. Otherwise they are a 5-7 win team. Disappointed Tart looks lost at Free safety. Want to hear more on the WR group.

  15. Grant… Be careful comparing Hoyer and Smith. DReed… Just might take offense. Especially since it’s a farce..

  16. Grant,
    I wasn’t big on Joe Williams mainly because I felt that you were lauding him at the expense of Hyde. But after watching Williams in the Chiefs game I saw a RB that has a quick burst in hitting the hole, good speed and pop at the point of contact.
    If he continues to run like this in the 3 games I will need to change my view on him.

    1. AES–Conversely perhaps you weren’t high on Williams because you felt it would be at the expense of Hyde. It goes both ways. It often happens that we allow our objectivity to be unduly influenced by pre-existing perspectives. It’s very difficult to be objective and a passionate fan at the same time.

      1. Willtalk,
        There’s some truth in your view, but my contention with Williams was (from his college highlights) that he was supported by a great O-line who opened huge holes for him to run through.
        I was waiting to see if he could accomplish the same thing in the pro level.
        So far, he has not disappointed.

  18. Grant: Best report today by far. All the others I read mentioned the same three things and basically said it was an uneventful practice. You provided additional info on the practice and much more.

  19. Great report and a nice change to reading the condensed reports. it was entertaining and enlightening to hear your views.

  20. Grant, your updates and now your video are top-notch. I guess I could say you might be as natural to your profession as you think Joe Williams is to his. Thanks for all the insight.

    For God’s sake, PLEASE change that Cub Scout picture. When ESPN or FOX come calling, you don’t want them to see that.

      1. In a perfect world sure but a poor attitude and laziness does not bode well for this type of player in the NFL.

        1. “We’re talkin bout practice!” Allen Iverson

          If it was the game like Vernon Davis and his alligator arms, then….

  22. I find it telling that Lynch has not grown up after fathering children. I don’t know how you can have a guy like that on your team, and I’ve got a strong feeling BB would ship him out.

    If the players hate those Hill exercises so bad, and it’s actually a benefit to key muscle groups, I see no reason not to make it punishment for mistakes. Each mistake is one rep on the Hill.

    I brought that up to you a couple days ago, Grant. About the possibility of going with 2 quarterbacks, if Beathard overtook Barkley. I hope Beathard gets early reps against the Broncos vaunted secondary.

    God, I missed the TE stick route. I can’t believe it’s finally back. A staple.

    You’ve got that right, Grant. Alex Smith hates going deep, and the 49ers quarterbacks coach said himself, you have to be able to go downtown in Shanny’s offense.

    I agree they ride Hyde for a couple weeks, and see how he does. If a back goes down for a contender, the odds of trading him go up, especially if it’s a 3rd round pick. Joe Williams is the future. I wonder if the Broncos would consider Aaron Lynch for Chris Harris Jr. It’s starting to feel like we’re moving on from Cousins, which means they can build strong pieces around Beathard. We’re on the right path….

    1. If they can get a 3rd rounder it would be a trade up to the max third round comp pick they could get when Hyde signed with another team as a free agent. Add the fact that picks are usually worth more one season earlier that would make it almost equal to a second round pick by the time they actually get the comp pick. Comp picks always come at the end of the round. Sure they would lose the insurance Hyde provides at that position this season, but as often been mentioned this season is not as important in respect to wins & loses as the future roster.

  23. Thanks Grant. Nice report. I think Hoyer is going to shock some people with his ability. To the Hoyer skeptics, give the guy a chance and don’t expect the second coming of Joe. Hold the bar high, but not over your head!! Look for the positive, not the negative. (you know, like condemning his entire career for one bad playoff game) There will be both. Keep in mind what we’ve put up with for the last couple of years. Pure unadulterated ineptitude.

  25. How did you come up with 4-to-5 wins for the 2016 49ers? Make it up? Ifs and buts? Or did go analytical with the Pythagorean expected wins? Because that 3.9 last year and 3.8 in 2015. Which gets us to:

    Tomsula > Kelly.

  26. Great job Grant, thank you for all the details. Looking forward to the two joint practices with the Broncos.

  27. Grant cracks me up lol He says Beathard played well against 3rd and 4th stringers well didn’t Joe Williams also play well against 3rd and 4th stringers? Hey Grant if your going to pump up your favorite players that you like atleast don’t make it obvious lol

    2. Truth- I think reasonable people can make objective adjustments in respect to both RB and QB play against lesser talent. You still can see how well players make use of available opportunities. QB’s have to still make the throws and RB still have to find the holes and make appropriate cuts. It sort of evens out somewhat because they are playing with lesser support from their own teammates. It’s not like they are playing one on one like some other positions do against lesser talent.

      1. Well no s#%t! All I’m saying is be fair to all players and judge them by the competition there playing against it’s not like I don’t want any player to succeed I actually hope Grant is right about Joe Williams but in fairness to Hyde he is playing against the opposing teams first stringers.

    1. Pita T had his best practice of the offseason today. I think he and Lynch are competing for one spot.

      1. Thanks for the quick reply. He has a pretty good story if you are not familiar. Easy to pull for and will never quit a drill. Keep up the good reports!

  29. Does anyone want to make the argument that grant has yet make? that argument being that Brian Hoyer might be just as good as, if not better than……Kirk Cousins.

    2. 49er- One also needs to factor in the cost in resources that Cousins would require. Say that Cousins is better somewhat better. Does his cost in respect to Cap space ( which could be used to sign top flight talent at other needed positions ) negate the talent difference? Add the fact that it might still be a few years for the team to develop a team that is a contender. That would be wasting the some of the high contract years that Cousins would be playing under. Anytime you invest the type of money that Cousins next contract will require there is always some risk involved. As has been mentioned Shannys system seems to allow QB’s to maximize their abilities. His system might just allow Hoyer to shine. It’s his system and he seems to recognize which players will shine in it. I think that’s why he signed with the 49ers because this extreme of a rebuild will allow him to taylor his roster to fit his system.

      1. The 49ers are predicted to have close to 100 mill in cap room next year when they carry over the 70 they have remaining right now. The money is not a factor in signing Cousins. They could literally pay off his guaranteed money in two years and still have a ton of room to sign other top FA’s.

        The reason you sign Cousins if he’s available is because he gives you an answer at the most important position. Without a QB you are an also ran in this league. I’ve seen Hoyer for many years now and he’s not an answer at the QB position. He’s a good backup who can get you through a few games, but relying on him as the starter is not going to get you where you want to go.

        1. Excellent post rocket.

          And if Cousins is in fact the answer at QB in 2018, it better not take another 3 years to build a Super Bowl contender. If it does, then we’re all going to be disappointed. With the salary cap space and what appears to be a very promising first draft, it shouldn’t take 4 years to put together a contending roster in today’s NFL. if ShanaLynch are making the right decisions, this team should be able to make a postseason run as soon as 2019 (if not sooner), provided they find their answer at QB.

  30. He has his own way of doing things. And today, his way worked.

    Grant, can you elaborate? What is his way and why was it effective?

    1. Shanahan never singles anyone out for a mistake. The most he’ll do is make the entire team restart a play or a drill. Not sure why this works, or if it will work long term, but it worked today. The offense was focused.

      1. I appreciate the response Grant, thank you.

        This is an interesting subject. I grew up playing football and I never responded to being yelled at. I always responded to intelligence and love, but not tough love.

        Shanny’s approach would have worked well with me. If I knew my mistakes were causing the team to suffer in any way I would do everything I could to avoid them.

        I know it’s subjective though.

      2. That’s assuming either method has an effect on penalties. Maybe it’s something else, like lack of leadership within the ranks. Those are the players that keep everyone focused, those are the players that everyone else looks to and when they’re serious in practice and not making mistakes the other players are too.

        Harbaugh’s sqauds were replete with leaders inside the 53. Maybe that had more of an effect then his method.

        1. Definitely, fear of the huddle is a powerful motivator. I’m sure that had a lot to do with it.

  31. Hey Razor the Seahawks had 15 rookies last year and seven of them were udfa make their team.

    1. Thanks for that information, Undercenter. Pretty amazing, when you think about it. I’ve got 6, but maybe 5 if what Grant says is true, and Shanny is hiding Hikutini to sneak him onto the practice squad. Very dangerous plan, but if Shanny is willing to risk losing him, it’s a safe bet if it happens, he won’t be sick about it….

      Darrell Williams Jr. UFDA
      Breida UDFA
      Lorenzo Jerome UDFA
      Bourne UFDA
      Colbert UFDA
      Hikutini UDFA

      1. Colbert was drafted in the 7th round.

        But there’s a good chance that Victor Bolden makes the team as a kick returner. And maybe Erik Magnuson as the backup center.

        1. I stand corrected on Colbert, and replace him with Bolden. I believe Barnes is the backup Center.

  32. I wish I could make that argument 49niner but there’s not enough from him yet in this system to compare with Kirk but at least he’s showing positive results in practice, and more importantly improving by the day according to Grant. Obviously, picking them to finish 9-7 and claiming a wild card spot, I am a believer that he will surprise many with his performance and leadership. I’m sure in those 7 loses he will take the heat from his detractors, but that comes with being an NFL quarterback. I think he’ll handle it like a pro and lead us to the playoffs. Just as a reminder, I have them traveling to Carolina on Wild Card weekend and upsetting the Panthers, the second time they will have beaten them this year, and then losing in the Divisional Round to Dallas, who will ultimately beat Seattle for the NFC title and then meet and beat the Raiders for the SB Championship. It will be a great first year for KS and the team, including Brian Hoyer. Positive thoughts!!! ;>))

  33. “That’s all you have to know about Lynch’s work ethic. It’s non-existent.”
    ~Grant

    Umm, could it be that this particular workout was having a painful effect on Lynch’ injured ankle?
    Making a blanket statement by saying Lynch “quit” without giving him the benefit of a doubt smacks of insensitivity and agenda and personal opinion driven reporting.

      1. Stress has a weird way of affecting the body Grant but you are an expert on physiology now.

        1. No , that would be Ray Wright.

          CERTIFICATIONS

          National Strength and Conditioning Association
          The American College of Sports Medicine
          CPR
          FMS

          1. Your point Razor? Did he raise a fuss? Did Shanahan?

            No, our reporter who has an axe to grind with Lynch did. My point is that muscles, tendons and ligaments can be stressed and stretched in weird ways and what can affect one area of the body will stress another or rather put greater strain on another.

            1. In the military, he would have been brought up for insubordination, and I can attest to the fact that Lynch makes much more money than a soldier. I’d ship him out faster than you can say, gangplank….

              1. It ain’t the military…and remember that the lens is one man not the commander in this particular instance but a person peering through the fence.

              2. It ain’t the military.

                Nope but it’s very similar. You are the governments property in the military. Lynch is the 49ers property. He doesn’t want to do what he’s told, and outright refuses, that’s rebellion. It can spread and infect the entire unit or team. You can do one of two things. Punish him with a fine, and suspension, or trade him/cut him. That is all….

              3. And in North Korea he would have been publically executed on prime-time television with an antiaircraft gun. But he’s neither in North Korea, nor in the military.

              4. In North Korea, he’d be told what kind of haircut he would get. He signed a contract, which pays him handsomely, and while on duty, he’s expected to do what he’s told. If he refuses, he should be held accountable. Do you need to be in the military for that?

              5. Razor- Everybodys body is different. My body just wouldn’t allow me to get into certain shooting positions that they made us get into. It was painful and I got into them but my accuracy really suffered. I vote for giving him the benefit of the doubt. I do not remember when players are required to craw upside down on a hill during a game. Attempting to develop certain muscle groups might actually have a negative effect for some people. If he is playing well and is in general good shape then why mess with what is working. Now his quitting might translate to lazyness but then again it might not. He did do it once and for some reason quit. I might be as East Coast stated that it put untold pressure on his ligaments or tendons. Some people just are not as flexible as others often due to genetics. That lack of flexibility can often translate into increased leverage and strength so it isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

              6. I would cede your point, Willtalk, however we’re talking about a player who came into the league with a reputation for not applying himself. He’s yet to shake that perception, because he hasn’t changed. If you’re looking for a comparison, consider Jerry Rice’s approach as opposed to Aaron Lynch’s….

              7. I completely agree razor. The only problem is he is very likeky the best edge rusher we have.
                I’d still ship him out but it woulď be a painful loss and not one we would likely get much if any value from in return.
                I wonder if we could get an ol or db for him?

            2. Use/misuse of the ramp begins to near that wonderful line of chicken sh**. If it crosses that line, then any value the ramp may have had in terms of conditioning (and discipline…?) is squandered.

              I am not saying that is happening with the team now, just sayin. I spent a few years on active duty in a prior lifetime. Young males (that’s the context here) have an uncanny sense for detecting chicken sh**–whether it is in fact or not. Why was Singletary’s hill removed so quickly a little while back?

              Anyway, I’m not defending Lynch or throwing Ray under the bus. Just saying it’s not all that simple of a matter.

              Let’s make some Broncos crawl the ramp!

              1. Pretty simple in the Marines. Do what you’re told, or you’re brought up on office hours.

              2. I do get that, but you know how young Marines can quickly label something chickensh** and how fast the word spreads. Wonder if the same bear crawl routine would be used for skill position players? Probably have different approaches by position/by injury type. Would be fun to have a 24/7 webcam on the ramp.

              3. I’ll bet it’d be pretty simple to Bill Belichick. He wouldn’t tolerate any excuses for insubordination.

      2. Sure, the weight may have been on his hands but we are not certain that his ankle may have still been sore from the previous day.
        Saying he “quit” instead of he stopped paints Lynch in a bad picture without any room for an excuse or reason to stop the exercise.
        To each his own, but I’m actually a little surprised that some here piled on based on your report.

        1. The way Grant described it leaves little room for an excuse. First of all, he wouldn’t have been allowed to participate if the ankle was deemed too sore by Fergie. Secondly, it not called piling on. It’s called insubordination. They knew he was going to quit, and that’s why they yelled a warning not to….

          1. Last I heard Fergie wasn’t the one doing the Hill. He would not know how much stress it put on lynch. Now it might have been as described and lynch just is soft and quit, but then again it is possible that it was not. I will tell you that I couldn’t crawl up a hill backwards without putting serious stress on my ligaments either. Just imagine someone who wasn’t double jointed attempting to do what a double jointed person could. They used to torture people in in the middle age’s by stretching their ligaments. What good would it do to any player to stress or strain their ligaments during camp. If you injure yourself you end up on Ir and then possible cut.

              1. Do any of you have the credentials that Ray Wright does? I will defer to his expertise over these in house doctors, who seem to believe they know better.

          2. Razor,
            Who is calling it insubordination?
            I’ve heard no official term put out by the front office, have you?
            This is nothing more than a piling on started by a reporter who used one small and insignificant moment to stir the masses.

              1. calumny – the making of false and defamatory statements in order to damage someone’s reputation; slander.

              2. Just to be clear, I am saying Grant is doing calumny you are just following his lead.

                Remember he said Lynch Woolf be cut by now. He has to make his case stick somehow. He has a reputation to uphold.

              3. I get the insubordination aspect. I wonder about the insubordination that goes on in 9erland that we don’t hear about–there’s gotta be some. Grant just happened to catch one moment.

                So, what happened later in the day? Did Lynch hear from Shanahan, Saleh, or his position coach? Did another player have a conversation with him–calm, friendly advice or screaming? I don’t know and Grant hasn’t followed up. Do we need proof that Aaron’s insubordination was addressed? I don’t think his action will go unnoticed by the team. Interesting…..as Seb pointed out, Aaron had a very strong outing vs KC. What would have happened if an under-performing UDFA had done what Aaron did?

              4. Razor,
                I know what the word means. My question to you was who in the front office used that term?
                And did the front office call Lynch a “quitter?”

              5. Alternatively, there’s always the Spanish Inquisition…no one expects the Spanish Inquisition…

              7. Lynch missed games because he got suspended. He’s unprofessional. He’s not the type of player you want on your roster when trying to change the culture. You can accuse Grant of having an agenda, but he’s been around Lynch and seen him practice. I have no choice but to take him at his word, and substantiate it with known behavior patterns. This regime did not draft Lynch, so to suggest they are culpable is absurd. I guarantee you Bill Belichick wouldn’t tolerate him on his team. To all you medical experts in here, please list your qualification if you wish to be taken seriously….

              9. Thank you for caring for the sick, but being a nurse does not make you qualified to critique Ray Wright’s methodology. You have the right to do it, but don’t expect to be taken seriously.

              11. Evidently you’re attempting to make a case for yourself as a Head NFL Strength and Conditioning coach, but no one in here is hiring. If you believe you have the qualifications, apply! Get back with us when you have at least 2 years experience having been one….

              12. Btw, I didn’t question the methodology, just Grant’s criticism. Far different kind of observation. By the way, what qualifications do you have other than being Italian for being blog police?

              13. I’m not claiming to know better than Ray Wright, and I’m not there at practice like Grant is. I have every right to post my thoughts on here, just like yourself. I can’t help it you don’t like my talking points. My friendly advice, ignore them if they bother you.

              14. Grant Cohn says:
                August 15, 2017 at 5:54 pm
                It wouldn’t have hurt his ankle. Most of his weight was on his hands.

                Reply
                EastCoast9er says:
                August 15, 2017 at 6:20 pm
                Stress has a weird way of affecting the body Grant but you are an expert on physiology now.

                Reply
                Razoreater says:
                August 15, 2017 at 6:25 pm
                No , that would be Ray Wright.

                CERTIFICATIONS

                National Strength and Conditioning Association
                The American College of Sports Medicine
                CPR
                FMS

                If anyone butted in Razor it was you. I directed my comments at Grant. You were the one who questioned me. With qualifications!

              15. Yep, sorry to crash your, I’m a nurse with quick feet who’s insinuating that Grant is the one making the decisions on players health and well being.

              16. Razor, I love how you get all sanctimonious about issues such as substance-abuse with Aaron Lynch. Especially since you are an admitted adrug user! Cut the guy some slack! He is a young man! So the guy gets a little overweight, a lot of guys do. And it’s not necessarily a character flaw. It may be a struggle that’s lifelong. (and you know the whole log and straw thing).
                I know most of his reputation comes from one coaches’ opinion, he may have rubbed the coach the wrong way I have known coaches who have sullied a player’s reputation beyond repair and that is unfair!

              17. You really are something, I do not talk about my credentials. You asked for them, so I gave them and then you act like I was the one who boasted about them. What a prig.

              18. Since when is calling it like it is sanctimonious? I’m not claiming any moral superiority, I’m calling out a professional football player who is being paid tons of money to do a job. As much as you’d like to make this about me, it’s not. It’s about a player that has been given more than his share of fairness, and opportunity than most get. If I had a dink job and failed one drug test, I would be sacked. You really are just digging a hole deeper by defending his pattern of behavior….

              19. Eastcoastniner, you posted your credentials in an attempt to give your opinion more importance. So maybe you are really something, and a bit of a prude yourself.

              20. Here’s the thing Razor. In the NFL, there is a process for infractions of this nature and he followed them. For you to call him in it like he did more is mailing it personal. If you miss a personal day at work there is a procedure you follow it. If you do not follow a company policy or guideline and get a penalty for it you get a suspension. In many cases your fellow colleagues don’t look at you askance. Because they have been there themselves. When you make it more than it was you are making it about you taking the moral high ground which is hypocritical.

              21. The truth is Lynch came into the league with a pattern of behavior, and he’s done nothing to assuage that persona. In fact, he’s exactly who we thought he was, and who the rest of the NFL thought he was because they all passed on him in the draft. Again, this is not about myself but a professional athlete who has yet to get it, and I see no sign that he ever will. Expecting him to change is naive….

              22. And yet, he’s still in the league while many of the guys who were taken before him are long gone. Guys with better pedigrees. Guys with better work ethic with better credentials. Maybe this guy has what it takes!

                I like the kid. He fights in the end and sometimes that’s enough! He has a lot of warts that’s for sure but he gets it in the end! He reminds me a lot of the other guy we keep wanting to let go….you know the one that keeps getting sacks year after year….

              23. Good, that means they’ll be plenty of suitors for his services if they decide to move on and trade him.

            2. AES,

              The same thing happened when Grant first reported Lynch was overweight and predicted he would get cut. Same people were burying him then that are now. The optics aren’t good if he quit a drill but to decide someone’s career and character based on an observation by a beat writer during practice is truly ignorant. Forming conclusions without proper information is sadly becoming a regular occurrence in today’s society.

              1. Plenty of chapters in Lynch’s career to make an informative conclusion. For the record, I did not bury Lynch upon reading Grant’s first report. I buried him after he finished digging his hole with Grant’s final report.

              2. Your definition of an informed conclusion differs from mine. You seem to be swayed quite easily with little tangible evidence.

              4. You really need to develop a thicker skin Razor. You can’t be as opinionated as you are and not expect to be called out on it.

              5. Oh, don’t go wobbly on me now, Rocket. You want to call me names and then expect me to take it like a man without dishing it back? I think not.

              6. I didn’t call you a name and you are really sensitive to people opposing your opinions. The way you are forming a conclusion on this particular topic is ignorant. If you want to take that as me calling you a name that’s your prerogative, but it’s meant as a description of how little you are basing this opinion on and not as a personal insult.

              8. That’s fine, Rocket. You take your theory to the bar, and let me know how it goes. I have plenty of information to base my opinion on, and denial isn’t one of my strong points, as it seems to be yours.

          3. “The way Grant described it leaves little room for an excuse.”
            ~ Razor

            That’s my whole issue here. “The way Grant describes it.” Grant’ terminology and descriptions are very edgy and speaking for myself, to be taken with a grain of salt.
            As I said earlier, this is the same guy who said Gore had no more legs, Bam Davis shrieked like a little girl, called Lynch fat and said last week that the team were practicing like losers.
            The way I see it – there’s coach-speak and there’s Grant-speak. I don’t either seriously.

            2. Lynch is the same guy that got suspended, reports out of shape, and lacks work ethic in practice. Grant should know because he’s watched him up close and personal for years. I’ll take his word for it, because it aligns with Lynch’s reputation.

            3. AES
              Sometimes you and I are in agreement, other times not, but I’m in full agreement on your take on Coach-speak and Grant-speak, and the way you expressed it.
              It was about one year ago that Grant called for the Niners to just cut Bowman.

              1. Bowman is being paid top dollar as a two down linebacker. If it weren’t for the rash of injuries at the position, Bowman probably would have been cut, and should have been, or at the very least renegotiated.

              3. I’ve been around enough media types to know that they write the story to fit the prefixed narrative.

        2. First we don’t know that he quit because of his ankle.
          Per Grant’s report, we know he walked off mid drill, without giving any indication as to why.

          We are speculating and trying to make excuses for him walking off mid drill. What would you say if a player just walked off the field mid game without saying a word to his coaches or trainers other than something to the effect of “screw this”?

          1. Exactly. These are the same people that want a change of culture but make excuses for what they perceive as a star pass rusher. He hasn’t been any Miller or Mack. He’s just a guy that has talent, but doesn’t apply himself or take his profession seriously. Ever after fathering children, which would normall light a fire under a provider….

          2. Shoup,

            I don’t see anyone jumping to conclusions besides Grant and Razor. EC and AES are just saying it’s not that cut and dried and there could be more to it than he’s a quitter and has no work ethic. Deciding a guy should be cut and has poor character when you know nothing about him personally is bad enough, but going off like this because he quit half way through a drill and not knowing any other info is truly misguided and ignorant.

            1. That would be fair, Rocket if the guys reputation was exemplary in that context. Unfortunately it is not, and the excuses you and others are making for him probably has enabled him through the years by coaches. Clearly Notre Dame had seen enough, and did not desire to enable his poor attitude any longer.

            2. Notre Dame didn’t part with him; he parted with Notre Dame, and as far as his reputation goes, as I posted above, his HC at USF spoke highly of him.

              1. Ha! That’s funny. I live here and I can assure you that Notre Dame was tired of his BS. Who’s the ignorant one now?

              2. So living there gave you a one on one audience with Brian Kelly? There have been a ton of articles done on the story and Lynch didn’t want to be there anymore. He wanted to go back to Florida and Kelly agreed with that if his head and heart weren’t in it at Notre Dame. They didn’t kick him off the team. He didn’t want to be there.

              3. Yep I live here and can verify that Kelly was tired of Lynch’s horse poop. Believe it or not, your choice.

              4. Here’s what Kelly said when it was announced Lynch was leaving Notre Dame:

                The bottom line is, your head and your heart have to be in it to be a Notre Dame student-athlete,” Kelly said Friday.
                “The challenges are great here. If your head and heart is not in it, you just can’t be successful. Aaron and I talked about it and mutually agreed that the best decision for him is to leave the football team.”

                Lynch wanted to go home to Florida, and Kelly is saying if he doesn’t truly want to be at Notre Dame he should leave. That is very different than Kelly dismissing him from the program which never happened. Lynch left on his own accord and it was not instigated by Kelly.

              5. Rocket, the Notre Dame fans know better. We talk, and hear things that never get reported much less given in an interview. Kelly was professional with his comments, and he’s not going to disclose information he doesn’t need to.

              7. If that’s what you want to call it, Rocket. Like I said, I live here and have a far greater feel for the pulse of Notre Dame and what goes on behind the scenes as it pertains to the football program. You don’t respect my perspective, and dismiss it as gossip. Good, I think we’re done here.

              8. Razor I’ve posted exactly what Kelly said and the practical fact of the matter is that Lynch went to him and told him he wanted to go back to Florida. Lynch is the one who instigated his leave from Notre Dame. If there were some rumblings that Kelly wasn’t happy with him before that I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter because Kelly didn’t dismiss him from the program. He agreed with Lynch that it was best after Lynch told him he didn’t want to be there.

      3. Grant,
        Your reports on Lynch have been “hit jobs” at best.
        A couple of months ago he was “fat” and you took a passing comment he made about eating out with his wife and turned it into an inexcusable reason for his overweight.
        Now he is a “quitter” with non-existent work ethic.
        Let the “hit parade” begin!

        1. You act like Lynch bears no responsibility for the perceived laziness he’s been saddled with, or his attitude that Grant witnesses firsthand. I’ll bet when Brooks through his tantrum and was benched, you didn’t stick up for him….

          1. Razor- While Lynch might carry a lazyness stigma, I for one can see that there might be a reasonable rational for quitting the exercise. I also, due to early childhood conditioning, pushed my self to ignore pain and injuries to point of ( in retrospective analysis ) utter stupidity. “Was mich nicht umbringt, mach mich starker”. While this is true to a degree, what doesn’t kill you can often end up being very debilitating and weaken you long term. What I perceived as weakness in my youth I now recognize as common sense.

            1. Will,
              I could see your point if this was not a constant issue with Lynch. In college, Lynch was noted for being lazy to the point where his strength and conditioning coach stated he was a player of low character.
              Talent wise he is very possibly the most talented defensive player on the roster but the issue is he is known to be lazy. And if it bothered his ankle, he could simply relay to his coach that this aggravates his ankle to much. Walking off the field without talking to the coach is something I expect from a 6 year old, not a grown man.
              It will hurt to lose him from a talent standpoint but long term you can’t win with players like this.

              1. Wasn’t the coach who said that bout Lynch fired? These comments seem to take a life of their own. Yes Lynch has a reputation but things have to have context. I have weak
                ankles and I use to roll them in soccer games and practice all the time. They are more delicate than my peers and was in constant pain. My coaches would yell at me about being soft and I would play through pain but I can tell you that it had nothing to do with being soft. I just had thin bones. Now I pay for it.

                There was a benefit to all this in that I had quick steps and could flick my feet rapidly so it wasn’t all bad.

              2. I’m not certain if he was fired or not, but I would be surprised if he wasn’t. That kind of statement can have a negative affect on signing recruits, and strength and conditioning coaches are fairly low on the totem pole.
                However, when you take into account he had discipline issues at Notre Dame, was said to at South Florida, and has shown up out of shape for 2 camps in a row… that’s an awful lot of smoke.

                Secondly, if Grant’s statement is to be believed, it shows a major lack of respect and a childish behavior. Refusing to do a drill is one thing, but walking off without talking to the coach as a man, is entirely different.

              3. Shoup:

                Isn’t it possible that Lynch had spoken with the trainers prior to starting the ramp, and that they had an agreement that if working out on the ramp bothered his ankle or any other minor injury, he could stop. In which case anything he said (per Grant) could have meant that the activity was irritating his injury. Also, I haven’t heard any other reporters mention this incident, but perhaps Grant was the only one who saw it and was within earshot.

                While Lynch has a history as stated, he apparently has gotten down to the weight requested by the CS and to my knowledge there have been no other incidents in training camp. So, I would give him the benefit of the doubt at this point.

              4. What part of anticipating Lynch quitting, and yelling not to don’t you get? If he was not deemed healthy enough to participate on the Hill, the doctors and trainers would not have allowed it….

              5. Cubus,

                It is possible, just highly unlikely… especially as described by Grant. I think if he would have just said Something to the affect of “Sorry coach, this is really aggravating my ankle, I’d like to get it iced” or something to that affect it wouldn’t be a big deal.
                But, per the report he simply walked off.
                Even, if it was agreed upon, one would think he would at least say… ” yeah coach, can’t do this yet.”
                But to simply walk off is childish and disrespectful.

              6. Razor and Shoup:

                I don’t subscribe to rush to judgement that is so prevalent today. Are either of you aware of any other incidents during TC?

              7. Just his history of suspension, work ethic and attitude. That’s it for now, however Grant has described his personality, and he’s been around him during practice for many years. I think he has a good idea about what makes him tick.

              8. The Coach tendered his resignation after those comments and the part that gets conveniently overlooked is that Lynch’s HC Willie Taggart personally recommended him to Harbaugh and Baalke.

                I don’t think anyone is trying to say Lynch is a great worker or doesn’t have some question marks on his resume – at least I’m not – but it’s disturbing how quickly a guy can get thrown under the bus for something we don’t even have all the info on yet. It’s an example of the convict and ask questions later attitude that seems to permeate the internet these days.

              9. You mean like cutting Brock? Face it, Lynch has been given more chances than a less talented player would get. You guys must really think he’s special to be bending over backwards to defend his pattern of behavior that is the antithesis of how to build a championship team. The clock is ticking on Lynch, and I’m content to wait and see when and if the 49ers coaches say, times up!

              10. I’m not defending his pattern of behavior. I just said in the previous post he has question marks on his resume. I’m saying you are jumping to conclusions based on little information and using a character assassination to defend it.

              12. All these questions about his work ethic and yet he showed up for all of the volunteer offseason training and got himself in shape for TC. The more prevalent info is what some weight and conditioning Coach said at USF and a drill he quit on half way through his second turn is that right?

              13. Let’s give Lynch a cookie. Give me a break. What that trainer said has been proven prescient.

          2. “You act like Lynch bears no responsibility for the perceived laziness he’s been saddled with.”
            ~ Razor

            Interesting point. But if you are going to use the past history of laziness card on Lynch, let’s add a couple of other ingredients to the mix.
            1. The Org should also bear responsibility for drafting a known lazy player.
            2. And, can we really take Grant’ descriptions of player as gospel?
            Are we now using Grant’ terms on players as complete analysis? I mean this is the same reporter who described Frank Gore as “having no legs” said something to the effect that Anthony “Bam” Davis shrieked like a little girl, and called Lynch “fat” a couple of months back.
            I have no problem agreeing with Grant when I feel he’s done a fair job in his reports, but labeling someone as a quitter crosses a line in my opinion.

            1. “Refusing to do a drill is one thing, but walking off without talking to the coach as a man, is entirely different.”
              ~ Shoup

              Refusing to do the drill definitely puts Lynch in a bad light. But he didn’t “refuse” to do the drill, he tried it and just couldn’t finish it.

            2. As great as everyone says Harbaugh was, he made some glaring mistakes as well. Lynch was his draft pick on the endorsement of his LB’s coach, Jim Leavitt.

              1. Every great head coach makes mistakes. Greatness comes from learning from mistakes and not repeating them.

            3. AES,
              1. Yes the Org bears responsibility. Lynch was a freakish athlete with first round talent. But he fell to the 5th round because teams were afraid of this maturity and work ethic. When he was drafted Harbaugh even stated he “needs direction”.
              2. I don’t take Grant’s evaluations of a players as gospel and often disagree with him. This year I have disagreed with him on Bowman, Williams, Hyde and Garcon. However, I don’t expect him to lie about an event that he witnessed either. As to Lynch showing up out of shape, Grant was not the only person to report this, and Lynch himself acknowledged it. So I think we can acknowledge it as an apt description. Especially given the fact that the 49ers asked him to lose weight for training camp.
              – The Frank Gore having “no legs” comment, was an opinion not an observation. But could easily be argued as a valid point. Frank has remained a steady back who constantly finds the hole and gets positive yards… but he hasn’t been an explosive home run hitter in many years.
              – The Anthony Davis comment of him squealing like a child was a descriptive observation of how AD celebrated a touchdown in practice.
              “As Moss leapt in the end zone and caught the pass, the Niners went wild. Anthony Davis threw his hands up in the air and squealed like a child.”
              It was hardly that insulting, and AD’s overreaction to it says a lot more about him, than chosen word painting says about Grant in this case.

              1. Shoup, this regime did not draft Lynch so I fail to see the relevance of AES’ point.

              2. “Shoup, this regime did not draft Lynch so I fail to see the relevance of AES’ point.”
                ~ Razor

                This regime doesn’t sign Lynch’ paychecks. Jed York does, and JY has not released him based on yours or Grant’ slanted view of him. Hope this is relevant enough for you.
                Btw, Razor you are a longtime poster here on the PD which I see regard as family, so with that I ask that you address me personally rather than go through someone else.
                Thank you sir.

              3. You’re right Jed York signs the checks, and keeps his yap shut as it should be. Shanny runs this team, and it will be his decision on whether or not Aaron Lynch is moved. Hope that’s personal enough for you. Thank you sir.

              4. “As Moss leapt in the end zone and caught the pass, the Niners went wild. Anthony Davis threw his hands up in the air and squealed like a child.”
                It was hardly that insulting, and AD’s overreaction to it says a lot more about him, than chosen word painting says about Grant in this case.”
                ~ Grant / Shoup

                How can you make an assumption that AD overreacted without knowing the man personally?
                I don’t claim to know AD, but I’m not sure how many 300lbs football players would be ok with having someone describe their jubilant sounds of joy as squealing like child.
                And this especially coming from a young reporter who is trying to make his mark at the expense of others.

              5. “As to Lynch showing up out of shape, Grant was not the only person to report this, and Lynch himself acknowledged it.”
                ~ Shoup

                I agree that Grant was not the only reporter saying Lynch was overweight, but I don’t recall any other reporter taking Lynch’ comment in jokingly blaming his wife for eating out too much and using it as a hit job like Grant did either.
                Again, there are reports that I enjoy from Grant, but he also has a history of going overboard on his opinions.

              6. AES,
                How can you make an assumption that AD overreacted without knowing the man personally?

                Because he called for the revocation of Grant’s Press Pass and his being fired from the press democrat on twitter. Are we really at the point where we can call for someones job because they “hurt my feelings”?

                “I agree that Grant was not the only reporter saying Lynch was overweight”…
                Ok, I agree Grant may have gone overboard in how he painted the picture once again… but the basic facts were true… its not like he made up something.

                Razor,
                I agree this regime didn’t draft him and truthfully I wouldn’t care if they did. They would not be to blame for him quitting… that’s all on Lynch. They would be to blame for selecting him, but could also easily move on and acknowledge the misdiagnosis of his character.

                Just to be clear I’m not arguing for his immediate removal but if he DID just quit on a coach and walk off, (as described by Grant) then yes I believe he should be removed. In that case he would be a worthy sacrificial lamb.

          3. perceived laziness. not proven until the season begins. if he makes the team i take the coaches opinion over Grant and some bloggers

  36. Grant… Correct me if I’m wrong, but i didn’t hear nowhere near this amount of Practice sacks last year. Did the Oline get worse, or did the Dline get better?

        1. All of that means nothing if he doesn’t show it on the field against the top receiver of the opposing offense.

    2. Meh, who’s a guy with 99 career sacks over 10 seasons, to judge a fellow defensive player? What does Dumervil know about defense? That’s laughable.

      Oh wait ……..

        1. I think his point is that Dumervil may know a thing or two about defensive players. He is somewhat of a subject matter expert ?

          1. Wait, what? You mean you defer to Dumervil’s assessment over your own. I would think as a nurse and having coached and worked with athletic programs, you would apply the same skepticism to Dumervil as you have with Ray Wright.

          2. Again, what is the point? It would make more sense if a WRAP or CB on another team said it, but having a position player who is not a CB or did not go up against last season adds up to the comments being nothing but fluff.

  38. Really liked the video, Grant. You have a gig many men would give their left…. pinky finger to get. Roll out of bed, put on some flip flops and a t shirt, don’t comb your hair or shave, and go watch the 49ers practice. Living the life, man. Enjoy it.

    Very curious on the outcome of the Aaron Lynch situation. Wonder if the Strength & Conditioning guy will report to Shanny that Lynch quit on a conditioning drill. I don’t know if thats a cuttable offense but too many of those situations and I would think about cutting that player. When a guy refuses to put in work they are putting themselves ahead of the team. It is more about them than it is about the team. Cannot play with them, cannot win with them, cannot coach with them. Can’t do it. We want winners. We want people that want to win.

  39. Wonder what 9er policy is currently on player use of personal smartphones/tablets while ‘on the job’ (practice, meetings, etc.). Didn’t Tomsula, who according to some was a far better coach than Kelly, allow for device use every 45-60 minutes or so? Anyone remember that?

  40. For the last 30-35 years we’ve been living in the Age Of Unlimited Self-Esteem.
    We have brethren among us Posting and commenting here whose self esteem has matasticized into Ichayrean levels.
    Good luck wid dat.

      1. I’ve been trying to get a Press Democrat T-shirt for 5 years, so don’t hold your breath on the trophy.

      2. Someone seems to think that there’s a trophy waiting for all the free information they give like eat your waffles in the morning and be sure to brush your teeth before going to bed!

      1. Jimmy Stewart was cool. He eventually flew many bomber missions over Europe in WWII.

        1. Yea, I did know that. My favorite movie by him is, It’s A Wonderful Life. My favorite John Wayne movie is True Grit.

          1. Yeah .. Razor … but John Wayne’s most
            laughable movie was … “Green Berets” …
            (I remember laughing at it during a deployment)

            1. Yea, not one of his better ones, I agree. I really liked Liberty Valance too, which had Jimmy Stewart, and Lee Marvin as well as John Wayne.

      2. First I heard of any of that Ruskie stuff.
        As to Bounties by Mao……I dunno. How was that po’ ol’ Charlie ever going to collect?
        Now there were standard bounties by VC and NVA for POWs:
        Grunt EM < Grunt NCO < Em or NCO Air Crew < Grunt Officer < Pilot
        A number of actors served before achieving fame. I'll give a shout-out to Bob Hope who never was a member of the military, but he certainly served with all his USO shows

  41. Thanks for doing these Grant. I like the explanations behind some of the points you make in the articles.

  42. All you have to know about Ray Wright’s conditioning plan : 1 post team in 20 years.
    These 2 will have a lot of head butting this season. 1 had success. The fact he was allowed to walk off paints a discouraging picture for both men.

  43. I have been reading Grant’s posts for a few years now (along with the other usual suspects) and I must say Grant that I enjoy your analysis and writing. I don’t always agree but I get your thought process. This training camp I’m especially liking your articles. I will also say that watching a bit of your video I have a better feel for how you think and can see that you’ve put a lot of thought into what you write. Some here would say you have biases and spew vitriol but I’ve like your work enough to make my first post ever on any sport related article. Keep it up. :)

  45. This is why I come here. Really get the nitty gritty, and the truth about how the practice really went.
    .
    It is disconcerting to hear of all the sacks for the offense. Hoyer will not get to 9 wins if he is bludgeoned in those first 4 games. Kawann Short, Michael Bennett, Aaron Donald and Chandler Jones, will be a daunting challenge.
    .
    Blair, Barkley, Redmond, Burbridge, Bell, Theus, Gilliam, Pita, Watson, Bibbs, Sunseri and Smelter are all on the bubble. There will be some painful cuts.
    .
    I am not so harsh on Lynch. I do not think he is a quitter, if he had hurt his leg, and that ramp was hurting him even more. Grant may rag on him, but I thought Lynch was the best defender on the field last game.
    .
    One piece of constructive criticism. Maybe next time, find a place where you could place a Niner banner or statue in the back ground. The ceiling tiles just made it look like you were conducting that recap in a bathroom.
    .
    Glad to hear them clean up the sloppiness, with no false starts.
    .
    Glad to hear them practicing hard counts to draw the defense off sides. Hmm, maybe they could take advantage of that free play.
    .
    Keep up the good work. Look forward to more recaps, and wonder how the joint practices will unfold.

    1. I dunno, ceiling tiles provide that authentic, working class look and feel. Someone else covered the nose hairs.

      1. I guess it is better than a broom closet like the smog doggies gave Tom Lund, but it is not hard to create more of a football ambiance with the proper props.
        .
        Since it is Niner related maybe he could do it in the Niner museum. There he would be surrounded with Niner history.

  46. I’d cut Lynch some slack. Anyone that’s had a badly sprained ankle knows how much they hurt regardless of whether you doing a football drill supposedly only using your hands or sitting on the couch with your leg raised watching tv and sipping a on a beer. Sounds to me like he was just frustrated. I can relate.

    1. Perhaps but it was Lynch’s college strength and conditioning coach who called out the 49ers for drafting Lynch. I think the coach called him lazy and basically said Lynch is a miserable human being. Lynch doesn’t exactly have a great track record with working hard to keep in top physical condition.

      1. I can’t imagine the situation where someone is advised to do crab walks up or down an incline with a sprained ankle.
        I give Lynch credit for completing the drill. I give him slack for listening to his body and ending the drill.
        Far too often a player is expected to push through injuries resulting in further damage.
        The saints have shown that individuals regardless of credentials and experience make mistakes.
        Ray wright made a mistake here. I am sure my orthopedist would confirm my views.

  47. Grant, next Monday for Saleh’s presser, ask him why he’s reversing skill sets? He has our best two-gap bigger defenders like Buckner at 3T instead of the Big End and has our best interior pass rushers like Blair and Thomas at Big End taking on two wasting their best skills. Only Tank is properly positioned at LDE. Thomas has a chance to be the next Bryant Young if he stays at 3T. Like David Shaw said, he’s an interior pass rusher and those guys are hard to find.

  48. Weakness provides strength to the opposition. Lynch has all the physically gifted tools to be a consummate football player, too bad he is weak mentally. The hill is more about mental then physical. Its too hard for him – my, my, my.

      1. The question becomes, is Lynch to good for the hill or is the hill to good for Lynch!! Personally I would never allow Lynch the privilege of ever being on that hill again. I would make him stand there and watch his teammates sweat and cuss and watch as they master it and become better players/person for it. That is all folks.

  49. Until I know why Lynch did not complete the drill I will with hold judgement. For years I waited on Kaep I can give Lynch or any player the benefit of doubt on occasion. Lynch might be suffering from male post partum and/or midnight feedings, etc..

  50. I just read this today… :

    Safety Jimmie Ward, who remains on physically unable to perform with a hamstring injury, is close to returning to the active list after undergoing strenuous workouts Sunday and Monday

    Really puts the headline into perspective. There are those who give their all and those that never will.

    1. Correct and when you’re attempting to change a culture as poor as the one this team has exemplified, you cannot have players like Lynch on your team.

      1. Sorry, Razor, but I disagree. Grant has been riding Lynch all offseason. His headline could also have been- Player still so injured, he cannot complete a dangerous drill. Calling some one a quitter if he is injured is churlish.
        .
        If he was fully healthy, I would agree, but it is much better to stop doing a drill that is causing more pain, and could set back his return.
        .
        I kinda like players who get 2 sacks and knock down passes.

        1. Disagree all you like, Sebber. It’s your right, but you do not know more than the medical staff or trainers. If the drill was too dangerous, it would not be used. There was no pain in Grant’s description of his effort, just the lack of it. You can like players all you want, but I don’t let my personal feelings get in the way of what’s right and wrong.

            1. Yea, I don’t call people names when they disagree with me like some on here. Unless you throw the first punch, then I become a counter puncher. When I counter punch, I see no need to pull them. I will hit back hard. Always has worked for me, and I see no reason to change now.

              1. Not true Razor. You called me names during our last disagreement in regards to your self proclaimed genius at scouting players. I can take it but don’t pretend you are above that.

              2. Rocket, your pompous snark and then play innocent act is old. Whatever I said to you, you probably deserved. Put on your adult trousers, and move on.

              3. Yeah that was one of them. I don’t play innocent Razor. I call things as I see them and have no problem with anyone coming back at me. You are way too sensitive to be as opinionated as you are. You have to be able to take it if you’re going to dish it.

              4. This needs to be said more Undercenter and heard far more often in today’s world.
                As a society we’ve lost a lot of resolve. We’ve become a society of victims.
                My generation certainly could learn so much more from yours.

          2. Aaron Lynch IS in the injury report. He is out due to an ankle injury.
            .
            Yes, I think the ramp is dangerous, but at least you should agree that players on the injury report should not stress their injury on that ramp.

            1. Sebber, Sebber, Sebber. C’mon, do you really expect me to buy what you’re selling here? You’re asking me to believe the medical staff and trainers did not clear Lynch for the drill. Isn’t that by definition asking me to suspend belief?

              1. Since he injured it really recently, they needed to assess the extent of his injury. The pain tolerance on that Ramp gave them the info needed to shut him down so he will not hurt it worse, and miss games.
                .
                Sure, I think Lynch is not the best player in the world and is indispensable. Maybe the best thing would be to trade him to a team that just lost a similar player to a season ending injury, and get another draft pick. However, denigrating him would just lower his trade value.

              2. Seb, you made me laugh. The pain tolerance on the ramp gave them the info to shut him down. Is that why they anticipated him quitting, and yelled to him not to?

                Lynch has denigrated his value in the NFL on his own. Nothing the 49ers say is going to disuade that.

                I love Undercenter’s idea. Do not allow him to participate in the Hill drills, and make him watch his team mates do it. If he thinks he’s special, make it official.

              4. Lynch is full of tricks, but they’re for kids. Not professional football players. Quite frankly, they’re getting old, stale and predictable.

          3. That’s just plain ignorant! Players routinely get injured on routines that medical personnel sign off on even after careful evaluation! This happens Razor even under the best of circumstances! Good gracious you are very high on yourself! And to think that we were questioning the conditioning coach is also arrogant on your part. We were questioning Grant ‘s assessment!

            1. There was no hint or admission, no reference whatsoever to any reinjury or pain. Just blatant refusal to finish the drill, coupled with the lack of desire to even execute the drill. Good gracious, you’re an expert assumer not to mention pious in your own right. Maybe you should just ignore my ignorance to escape it getting on you.

              1. There was no hint or admission to anything other than he didn’t finish the drill. That is where it should end, but instead it now becomes evidence of his poor character and work ethic. Sure hope you don’t get called to be on a jury Razor.

              2. If I had served on the OJ trial, he would have been convicted. Grant described it quite clearly, and presented it as Lynch being Lynch. In other words, this is who he is. Lazy, piss poor work ethic, unmotivated, and insubordinate.

              3. In other words, this is who he is. Lazy, piss poor work ethic, unmotivated, and insubordinate.

                No that was your conclusion based on nothing other than he quit the drill.

              5. Pretty sad effort Razor. You are in constant arguments and flame wars these days. Might be time to take a break from the Cyber forum life and enjoy some reality.

        2. Lynch probably thinks the same way….I’m too valuable to ride a bench, so an “owie” gives cover to pass on drill…sitting him next game could help cure this, unless he starts pouting. I think sitting a game, making him think he’s sliding down the depth chart would be a good strategy for motivation. If his rep is one of lazyness, his trade value is nil.

          1. this is where Singletary would be good- bouncing Lynch out of practice and sitting him for a pre-season game. NOT an argument for mad Mike’s return….just a thought.

  51. One thing I am concerned about is all the ACL players they are signing as Free Agents.
    .
    I certainly am happy that they ditched the draft ACL strategy, but seems like many FAs have had an ACl injury in the past. Sure, they are good value if you use anal lytics, but maybe they should stick to fully healthy, uninjured players.
    .
    Maybe the reason they are available is precisely because they were injured, so other teams are shying away from them, but in the end, it is like buying a used car that has been in an accident. They might have fixed it up and is looks brand new, but the history of the vehicle just means it has more chance of getting in an accident again. The Niners are spending lots of time and energy for damaged goods.
    .
    If they are building for the future, they should choose fully healthy FAs, and pay for talent. Getting a player on the cheap, may result in cheap results. I really hope they ditch the ACL FA strategy, but I see Paraag’s dirty fingerprints all over this.

  52. One thing before I leave you in peace to go pour a sidewalk.
    .
    I wonder if the emergence of Lorenzo Jerome may allow the Niners to put Ward back at CB. Less chance of injury, and since he has had durability concerns, that would be the best course of action.
    .
    I am looking forward to Grant’s reports on the joint practices. From the Mile High team, they should provide highly talented competition. I wonder what the buzz will be this week, and hope Grant does not blow smoke. If they practice in the stadium, I hope the grass holds up.

  53. For all the SF locals, what’s the best way to get to Niners games from San Francisco?

      2. See you there Seb, then you can show me that super human strength where you twist bottles and move rocks!
        Cant wait to meet you!

        You should come too Razor, oh wait, you are Seb.

    2. Prime
      Take Bayshore Fwy (US101) South
      South Bay Fwy (237) East
      Lawrence Expwy (87) South
      Tasman Drive West
      BUT
      Before you go look on-line for parking as I hear it’s a bixxh. Also look up BART to see if there’s a shuttle from station to stadium. (Bay Area Rapid Transit).
      Maybe some ticket holders will have better tips.

      1. Prime
        Juan responded below with suggestion of taking CalTrain or a Tour Bus Company Game Day bus.

      2. As a non season ticket holder, I’ll say be prepared to hike a couple miles or more from some out of the way office park lot they will stick you in. That’s my experience in the couple of games I’ve gone to.

  54. Mike Garafolo
    ✔
    @MikeGarafolo
    Seahawks have agreed to a one-year deal with CB Tramaine Brock, sources say. Team met with him in April, spent yesterday meeting again.
    9:05 AM – Aug 16, 2017

      1. Yea, because he’s so fockin good. Not to mention, he’s an abuser of woman. Right up Carroll’s alley.

        1. Smh. He wasn’t charged Razor and his wife/girlfriend said there was no physical altercation. Do you ever need any concrete evidence in order to form an opinion?

          1. Ha! You remind me of one of those people that stick there fingers in their ears, murmuring nah nah nah. I have street sense, and you are naive if you believe his innocence. It’s obvious to me that she’s worried about $$ if he’s unemployed.

              1. Nope, it’s served me quite well and gotten me 55 years worth of survival in a dog eat dog world. Thanks for your opinion. I’m done.

              4. Surviving usually entails living. Typical pompous, look down your nose, think you’re slick backslap.

              5. Well Razor, a burn out druggie like you will always be looked inferior.

                But it’s your big mouth that gets in your trouble!

              7. Ok so I’m pompous, snarky and arrogant and apparently enjoy life more than you do. We have that settled. What else you got? Any other people you’ve decided are garbage based on no tangible information?

          2. None of us know what really happened with Brock. But I used to have a friend, he was arrested for domestic violence on his wife. The next day, they were back together back together like nothing ever happened. They were high school sweethearts and she practically worshipped the guy. She didn’t show up to court, so my friend wasn’t disciplined other than the initial arrest. A few weeks later, the woman told my sister and thier group of female friends that he had hit her in the stomach because she had gotten pregnant.

            Obviously I wasn’t there in this case, or in Brock’s, but the police were called for a reason. I remember Greg Hardy was “exonerated” when the woman didn’t show up for court. Just wondering, is she still missing?

            PS. That guy is now a former friend.

            1. #80,

              Of course there are stories like that. There are also stories where things get distorted or blown out of proportion. The point is we don’t know what happened between Brock and his wife so assuming he’s guilty is not a supported conclusion. It’s simply someone choosing to judge based on belief of something they know nothing about. It’s the same thing with Lynch in this case. The opinions stated are focused on a prior opinion of his character and work ethic with nothing to support it in this particular example other than he quit half way through his second rep. Somewhere along the line it’s become accepted that you can pass judgement on someone with little to no concrete information and it’s a poor way to form a viewpoint imo.

              1. rocket,

                About Lynch, he may have been told to try it and to move on if he couldn’t do it. I wasn’t talking about that.

                The first sentence of my comment was this. “None of us know what really happened with Brock.” My point was that some victims stay with thier attackers, sometimes for the rest of their lives.

                I understand that he was legally cleared and has a right to resume his career, but I’m glad it’s not with us. I know you’re saying that we don’t know what happened either way so this next part does apply to you.

                Woman calls the police. Charges dropped against the man. You can’t automatically assume the woman made a false claim. She could be motivated by love, money, or wanting her child to grow up with its father in thier life.

                Teams have a right to sign him, but I wouldn’t leave him alone with any of the women in my life.

              2. I know you didn’t mention Lynch. I was just using it as an example of how quickly some draw conclusions based on little more than personal opinion.

                Look I get that Brock could be guilty and if she called the Police obviously things had escalated to the point she felt threatened. All I’m saying is that it isn’t logical to assume he’s guilty without the information needed to draw an educated conclusion. We don’t know what really happened, so stating he is guilty is really just passing judgement based on your (people in general) bias. It’s not that simple.

              3. I stated from the beginning that my opinion isn’t based on any facts. As you mentioned, the best case scenario (least worst case scenario), is that she probably felt threatened. That’s not as bad as striking her, but it is emotional abuse. Of course we don’t know if that was the case either. Just my opinion, but I think Brock abused her. Whether it was physical or emotional, F that guy.

              5. rocket,

                I made a mistake when I said this. “I know you’re saying that we don’t know what happened either way so this next part does apply to you.

                I meant to say it ‘doesn’t apply to you. I just discovered my mistake. Sorry about that.

    1. I wonder what credentials the Orthopedist had…given that the topic of credentials was raised earlier.

      1. It just goes to show you that experts make mistakes once in awhile, and experts in their own minds never get a chance to make one.

  57. Rob Lowder‏ @Rob_Lowder · 14m14 minutes ago

    #49ers WR Marquise Goodwin had #Broncos CB Aqib Talib spinning in circles on a slant route during 1-on-1s.

  58. Cecil Lammey‏Verified account
    @CecilLammey

    Follow

    Rueben Foster picked off Siemian on pass intended for Charles. #Broncos #DecisionSF @1043TheFan

  59. Mike Klis‏Verified account @MikeKlis · 5m5 minutes ago

    Former Bronco SS Nick Ferguson is coaching with 49ers. #9sports

  60. Nicki Jhabvala‏Verified account
    @NickiJhabvala

    Follow

     More

    Broncos TE Steven Scheu got popped by Adrian Colbert on 7-on-7s. Fight ensues. John Lynch and Vance Joseph had to break it up.

    Tylen Lampkin John Witwer AM

  62. If you want to follow practice tweets, here’s a link to the Broncos beat writers. The niners beat writers twitter feed doesn’t seem to be updating or maybe they’re not allowed to tweet during practice. Looks like a fight has already broken out. I like this Colbert kid.

    Nicki Jhabvala‏Verified account @NickiJhabvala 53s53 seconds ago
    More
    Broncos TE Steven Scheu got popped by Adrian Colbert on 7-on-7s. Fight ensues. John Lynch and Vance Joseph had to break it up.

      1. Shanny is smart to let the former defensive players (Lynch and Joseph) do the dirty work.

        1. kinda how I imagine the Seb/Prime encounter working out.

          Seb would have his friends do the heavy lifting while he’s having a brew in the shade.

      1. You are correct, but I don’t understand the purpose of a no-tweet policy when reporters are at practice and will write about it afterwards.

        Mike Klis‏Verified account @MikeKlis 14m14 minutes ago
        More
        This 49ers no-tweet policy stinks. Broncos have a QB battle we need to report! Will update after practice. #9sports

    1. As long as Goodell goes down, I don’t care. Even if they do a wild-cat strike and we lose games.

  65. This sounds like my man Breida after catching that 12 yard out pattern for a 1st down vs KC.

    Rob Lowder‏ @Rob_Lowder · 1h1 hour ago
    Christian McCaffrey, a “running back,” runs better routes than most receivers.

  67. Cubus,

    That despicable act alone would tilt the balance toward suspension if I was Commish.

    (Harah, Elliot doesn’t play SF !)

  68. Elvis Dumervil: Rashard Robinson can be better than Richard Sherman, Patrick Peterson
    Posted by Michael David Smith on August 16, 2017, 12:36 PM EDT

    “I’m excited about Rashard Robinson,” Dumervil said, via the San Francisco Chronicle. “I think he can be the best corner in this division.”

    It was pointed out to Dumervil that if he’s saying Robinson can be the best corner in the division, he’s saying Robinson can be better than Arizona’s Patrick Peterson and Seattle’s Richard Sherman.

    “That’s what I’m telling you,” Dumervil said. “I know who the corners are.”

    http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/08/16/elvis-dumervil-rashard-robinson-can-be-better-than-richard-sherman-patrick-peterson/

  69. I’d forgotten that the Bucs actually traded up to get a kicker. I remember being upset when Pinion was taken in the 5th [kickers are all the same :)].

    “When the Buccaneers traded up in the second round of the draft to select Aguayo, they thought they were getting a future star. They were actually getting a kicker who wouldn’t even have been a star in the distant past.”

    http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/08/16/roberto-aguayo-set-kicking-back-half-a-century/

  70. Jennifer Lee Chan ✔ @jenniferleechan
    HOT TAKE #2:

    #49ers defense dominated their side of practice.

    #49ers offense held their own with a decent showing

    Miller v Staley =?

    1. Joe Fann ✔ @Joe_Fann
      Highlight from #49ersCamp vs. Broncos:

      Reuben Foster forced a fumble of CJ Anderson with a “peanut punch”.

      1. Sounding like there was two Ruben Foster’s out there.

        Nickname: Foster’s Freeze (because he freezes opposing offenses)

    2. 49er beat writers say Foster “nicked” in shoulder/neck area, “but did not appear serious”

      I’m guessing his shoulder injury history begs caution.

  72. From a Denver reporter:

    John Middlekauff ✔ @JohnMiddlekauff
    Thought Trent Brown held is own (relatively speaking) vs 58

  73. To everyone citing the USF strength coach…know that the guy resigned just days after saying (tweeting) that crap about Lynch to the media….

    Seems like he was told to resign or he was fired. Dude had an ax to grind, like someone else we all know, and the university at least gave him an honorable option.

    Now lets all stop using him as an example of Lynchs work ethic, or lack of.

    1. Fairly weak defense since the likelihood he was told to resign or risk being fired. There have also been several on here and other beat writers report that have stated that Lynch has left plays on the field.

  76. Ryan Sakamoto‏Verified account @BEASTwriter_ 6m6 minutes ago

    #49ers WR @Trent5Taylor ran crisp routes while winning his battles in team drills. His separation coming off stem is a thing of beauty.

    1. Grant Cohn‏ @grantcohn 14m14 minutes ago
      The 49ers offense is better than the Broncos offense.

      49ers

  78. Save Us Grant. We need a knew topic. They have argued for for hours now. I want to talk football, not argue like school girls.

  79. Good stuff, Grant. My only complaint was you were late, and had to keep checking back in. Thanks!

  80. Take the train (cal trans) from SF prime or hook up with a Game bound bus, or park in San Mateo and uber it in. Parking and getting out is a nightmare there. First two u can drink your heart out!

  81. Ryan Sakamoto‏:

    @flashg88dwin (Marquise Goodwin) abuse CB Aqib Talib coming off his stem w/double moves. Watch Talib’s reaction at end of play

    Goodwin’s rout running is looking phenomenal!

    – Adrian Colbert with big hit on Bronco’s TE Steven Scheu. Colbert continues to flash athleticism / range at FS

    – Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group reports that the 49ers defense looked aggressive and physical against the Broncos. That’s a big change from previous joint practices held between the two teams in recent years

    – “Rashard Robinson more than held his own against Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas,” reported Joe Fann of 49ers.com

    – “Brian Hoyer completed 24 of 32 passes against the Broncos today,” wrote Grant Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. “Best QB on the field.” Chris Biderman of Niners Wire reports that the 49ers pass rush was effective against QB Paxton Lynch and the Broncos offense. Lynch was far from impressive during practice. “I wasn’t overly impressed with neither Trevor Siemian nor Paxton Lynch,” wrote Fann. “Brian Hoyer was the best QB on the field today.”

  82. I will believe it when a real 49ers beat writer, writes about it. Until then, you folks need to realize that this grant guy makes up stories, bashes players when everyone else says different. Grant quit hating on the r9ers, Hater. Go put it into your raiders black hole

  83. If lynch stays and you read “fan assaulted by 49er linebacker it will probably be me.
    After reading this he will get every ounce of my sarcasm, anger, and meanness when walking onto the field. Yeah it might be childish, but I do pay a lot of money for my seats, so thumbs down to quitters.
    Hear me ROAR Lynch! ?

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