Rookie tips: Learn playbook. Don’t upset P-Willy …

Do you remember when Reggie Bush caught a screen pass Monday night and was flattened by Patrick Willis, who used his World Famous Human Flying Missile Routine to snap Bush’s head back and impale him in the turf? I wonder if Chiefs rookie wide receiver Dexter McCluster saw that play. And, if he did, I wonder if he was thinking: What was I thinking? Seven months ago, McClutser mentioned at…

September 23, 2010
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Now hear this: Play-calling will be tested in KC

There were no problems with the play-calling system Monday night. But like so many things with the Niners, disaster could always strike on the road. Mike Singletary conceded they couldn’t completely exhale until they successfully survived Kansas City, one of the noisiest places in the NFL. Crowd noise was a contributing factor to the problems in Seattle. “I think the Kansas City game will be a good measuring stick for…

September 22, 2010
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Patrick Willis will be here all week

Emptying out the notebook in Seattle … • Opposing running backs might be surprised to learn that LB Patrick Willis is a regular laugh riot. Maybe the modern-day Butkus isn’t exactly Letterman, but Mike Singletary referred to a largely unrevealed part of Willis’ personality on Friday. The subject was raised when Singletary was asked if Willis was becoming more outspoken as a leader.

September 11, 2010
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49ers vote for postseason OT change

Team president Jed York said yesterday he did not know which way the 49ers would vote on the proposed overtime rules change for playoff games. The 49ers voted yes today at the annual NFL owners meeting in Orlando, Fla. (And 49ers fans are hoping this rule actually has a chance to impact the team in the near future.)

March 23, 2010
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49ers need continuity on offense

When the 49ers originally named Mike Singletary as interim coach to take over for Mike Nolan, the organization’s plan was to hire a permanent replacement whose background was on offense. That way, regardless of what happened with the assistant coaches, the offense would remain unchanged.

November 24, 2009
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49ers look for power switch

The power is off here at the 49ers’ team offices after a transformer – very loudly – went out in the area a couple hours ago.   In an unrelated event, the 49ers are trying to inject some power into their offense. Although it’s not a done deal, coach Mike Singletary confirmed there is a “strong possibility” receiver Michael Crabtree will be in the starting lineup Sunday against the Texans.

October 19, 2009
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Crabtree, 49ers ready to move forward

Michael Crabtree is signed and will be on the practice field this morning. He is also expected to take part – I’m told, reluctantly — in a press conference to announce his arrival.   The 49ers are expecting a two-week roster exemption, thus buying them some time before they are required to release a player to create a spot on the team’s 53-man roster.   It seems highly unlikely Crabtree…

October 7, 2009
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Gore’s injury opens door for Hill to shine

Running back Frank Gore is expected to miss at least two games after an MRI examination showed a right ankle strain and a right hind foot sprain.   The 49ers have games the next two weeks against the St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons, followed by their Oct 18 bye week. The first game for which Gore might be available is Oct. 25 against the Houston Texans.  Rookie Glen Coffee,…

September 29, 2009
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Homecoming for Billick

Former 49ers PR assistant and current Fox analyst Brian Billick was at practice today, as the 49ers had their last significant work day before Sunday’s game against the Seahawks.

September 18, 2009
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Competition waged at right tackle

Right tackle Adam Snyder assessed his Week 1 performance as follows: “I think I need to play better.”   That’s one point in which everybody is in agreement. Otherwise, he might not be the starting right tackle for long. The 49ers added veteran tackle Tony Pashos as a free agent prior to the start of the season.

September 17, 2009
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