Chip Kelly on the 49ers’ upcoming loss to the Patriots: “You get excited about playing in games like this.”

SANTA CLARA — This is the transcript of Chip Kelly’s Week-11 Monday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers’ P.R. department.

 

After you look at the tape, obviously the offense showed some signs after that slow start. What did you like about what you saw after that series?

“I thought [WR] Jeremy Kerley, specifically, caught the ball really well in traffic, did a nice job all day long, had some big catches for us in certain situations. We kind of got the ball distributed a little bit. I think our guys have an understanding and a feeling of how we’re moving forward offensively and starting to kind of understand how things work off of things. If they’re going to take this away then we need to be able to go to that. They’re being able to answer some of the questions that are being presented to them. They kind of get a feel for where we are. So, we’re still a ways away, 20 points a game isn’t enough in this league. We still need to score more than that and we need to capitalize. And then I think the biggest thing for us offensively is really that one drive after the [S] Eric Reid interception that I think killed us. On that drive, we talk about we had a drop and then we had two penalties. So, we had the ball on the 28, certainly in field goal range. So, when you really kind of dissect it after a game those are some of those, I really think that drive right there was one that we needed. We needed to come away with points in that situation.”

 

How do you coach QB Colin Kaepernick in terms of balancing how often he runs versus how long he sticks on his reads?

“I think it’s him really going through his reads. So, a lot of times if everybody is covered then one of your better options is him running and obviously that’s a weapon that he has. Heck, you look at [Arizona Cardinals QB] Carson [Palmer] yesterday, I think he had the longest run of his career yesterday on a 16-yard run. When everybody is latched in coverage and has done a good job of taking away your options, then that has to become an option for you. We’re not going to coach that out of him and tell him he can’t run because we believe there’s some real big plays to be had when he does do that. So, if everybody is going to run out of there and stay in coverage and sometimes double guys and take people away from you, then the quarterback has to be able to run. I think when people do try to defend him then now they’re not doubling people and guys are in single coverage and it kind of opens people up more.”

 

There were a few plays where the play clock had gotten down just about to zero by the time he snapped. Have you stressed wanting to be a more patient team at all?

“I don’t think we’ve stressed that. I just think there were certain packages that we were running on Sunday that we were trying to see what they were in defensively and then make the appropriate checks. Just trying to put us, put the team in the best situation where we can execute and snap it and if that’s using the whole play clock then that’s using the whole play clock.”

 

Are you’re happy with that aspect though, that they did do that?

“Yeah, that was part of the package. So, if we’re up there, we need to get a look, we need to kind of see where they are, see how the defense is deployed and then we have to make the appropriate check. If you’re going to do that, that’s going to take some time. We were clean. We didn’t have any penalties in that situation, so they did a good job with what we gave them from a check with me at the line of scrimmage situation.”

 

What was the difference with your run defense yesterday?

“First and foremost, I think we tackled better. That was the least amount of missed tackles that we had on the season in that game. Our guys did a really good job of negating the yards after contact just because of the amount of missed tackles that we had. I thought our guys had a good understanding of what the game plan was going in. Really the interesting thing is we didn’t do anything different from a front standpoint or a coverage standpoint. It was just our guys going out and executing what they had to do. I thought our outside linebackers in the matchup with their tight ends did a really good job. I thought [LB] Ahmad Brooks and [LB] Eli Harold specifically did a good job of setting the edges for us and then when we set the edges, the ball has to bounce and when the ball bounces the secondary has to make tackles. I thought they did a good job from that standpoint.”

 

Do you think it illustrated at all the need on the roster for a real, going forward, a real play making wide receiver? A guy that can make a catch off a bad throw? Arizona Cardinals WR Michael Floyd had one or two, Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald had one or two. It doesn’t seem like you guys have that on your roster. How important is that to a team?

“Well, I think Jeremy Kerley made some really big plays yesterday. You look at the catch on our sideline, outstretch catch on our sideline, has done that on the year for us. Again, anybody, when you look at, again I’m not taking anything away from them, I thought Floyd and Fitzy played unbelievable. You’re talking about a Hall of Fame wide receiver in Larry Fitzgerald. So, if you say would we like a Hall of Fame wide receiver? I think anybody would like a Hall of Fame wide receiver. I think that’s just the nature of it. But, that’s not what we think about right now. We think about what is the best way for us to go out and execute to beat Arizona. We don’t worry about, ‘I wish I had this guy, I wish I had that guy.’ It doesn’t work that way. It works how do we eliminate the two penalties and drop on that one drive that could have been the difference in the football game.” 

 

As a coach, do you look at, ‘OK, we made progress in these areas. That’s good?’ Or is it just the result, ‘we lost the game?’

“No, I look at both. I think there’s certain things, you have to build off of certain things and then you have to obviously correct certain things. But, I don’t think anybody is patting themselves on the back for being close with Arizona. That’s not what this deal is all about. It’s about winning. At the end of the day we didn’t make enough plays. We probably made one less play than they did and they ended up winning the game on the last play of the game. That’s what it’s all about. In any game whether you’re victorious or you lose you still have to address what went on in the game and make the proper corrections. I’ve been in games where we’ve won but we haven’t played very well at all. So, to say, ‘We got it,’ isn’t the right mentality either. It’s kind of a very systematic approach to what did we do well? We need to continue to build upon that. What didn’t we do well and what’s our plan moving forward to correct that?”

 

How do you diagnose the inconsistencies with your running game with RB Carlos Hyde and RB DuJuan Harris?

“I think a lot of it depends, it’s everybody on the offensive side of the ball. So, how are we blocking on the perimeter? How are we blocking up front? How are the backs hitting the hole? What’s the timing of the play? It’s all. It’s not all on the backs. It’s not all on the line. It’s on the whole group. It’s the ability for the quarterback to affect them in the run game because if the quarterback keeps the ball, now people have to honor him on the backside in terms of what he does. So, I think overall, as a group, we knew going in they’ve got a very good defense against the run, going in that was going to be a challenge for us. But, we have to do a better job. We can’t just be a one-dimensional team and relying on the pass in games. We need to be a balanced football team and part of that is doing a better job in the run game.”

 

Are there times where you would rather just have Carlos just try to get a yard or two rather than, I know on certain plays he’s coached to be patient, but there are some times where–?

“Yeah. There are some times where the best option is just kind of, let’s get us back to the line of scrimmage and play the next snap instead of being in a negative yardage situation. So, I think you’d rather have 2nd-and-9 than 2nd-and-13, you know, when you’re trying to make a play. However, with Carlos at times, there’s times where he has bounced it and done that and then it’s turned into a big play. So, you don’t want to coach the intuitive nature of Carlos out of him, but you’ve got to understand the situation. It’s no different than a punt returner saying, ‘Hey, I’m going to get all the way outside of this and if I do, I have a big play.’ Well, if we give up yards to get there, sometimes the best decision is stick your foot in the ground and get forward. Let’s always be moving the ball forward. Finish with our shoulders going towards the end zone and nine times out of 10, that’s going to work for you. So, there are times when I think we need to just hit it up in there and give ourselves a little bit more manageable next down than it is playing from behind the sticks in that situation.”

 

As much as you learn and maybe as much progress as you guys made yesterday, how much of a challenge, what will you learn this week to play a team like the Patriots?

“It doesn’t get any easier. I think when you’re playing against a team, they obviously had a big game last night against Seattle and they lost on the last series of the game down on the one, two-yard line. We were flying back. So, we didn’t get a chance to see the whole thing and we’re watching, going through the games right now, but you’re going against one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game in [New England Patriots QB] Tom Brady, a really good set of receivers, two outstanding tight ends. They can run the football. They’re very balanced in terms of how they can attack you from an offensive standpoint and then [New England head coach] Bill’s [Belichick] defenses are always going to be well coached and solid. So, it’s a huge task and a huge challenge for us this week. Our guys were talking about it yesterday. It obviously has their attention in terms of what we have to do. We’ve got to have a great week of preparation. You’re probably talking about playing one of the best teams in football right now coming in on this Sunday.”

 

How do have hope going into a game like that?

“I think you always have hope. I don’t think anybody just says, ‘Let’s take the week off because we can’t win.’ But, we played this team last year when I was with Philadelphia and had a big victory up in Foxborough. It’s an entirely different situation, but we’ve played them before and I understand the challenge of it. I think if you’re a competitor you get excited about playing in games like this. You don’t think of it as, ‘Oh my god, we don’t have any hope.’ You get a chance to play against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. If that doesn’t get your blood boiling, then you’re in the wrong sport.”

 

ME: On third-and-long on the Cardinals final drive, why not cover Arizona Cardinals RB David Johnson with a defensive back instead of LB Nick Bellore who had already given up a touchdown catch to him?

“They had 11 personnel in the game on that situation and it wasn’t third-and-long, it was actually a manageable situation (Editor’s note: Actually, it was third-and-8). They had run the ball before that. So, they were in field goal range. So, part of the thought process was, if they run the ball again here, you’ve got to be able to stop the run because actually I think the ball was on the 35-yard line, which is in their field goal kicker’s range. So, you’re in that catch-22 of what they’re going to do. Give [Arizona Cardinals head coach] Bruce [Arians] credit. He called roll out, called a sprint out, the first sprint out they had run with [Arizona Cardinals QB] Carson [Palmer]. They had not shown sprint out yet. They were in an empty protection. But, when you’re in 11 personnel, we’ve got to have our linebacker in the game. If you put a DB in there and then they decide to run it, that run may crease for 20 or 30. So, I think anybody in hindsight can say, ‘Hey, why don’t we do this?’ But, in the heat of the moment with a run before it, certainly understand the play call on our side and then tip my hat to them running sprint out in that situation out of an empty formation, which they hadn’t shown, is a good job by them.”

 

You talked about Colin running. It seemed like he was his explosive old self in many ways yesterday, just the burst of acceleration. How much do you see sort of that acceleration maybe that he used to have?

“I wasn’t here. So, I couldn’t tell you what he used to have. I’ve never had a question of Colin running the football since I’ve been here. I think he’s always been able to kind of pick them up and put them down. So, I don’t think it’s something that’s new to be honest with you. Every time I’ve been around him, he’s been able to kind of take off and go. I think he’s making some good decisions in taking off and going now. So I think, again, that’s a very difficult thing for defenses to defend. It’s an added dimension. So, hopefully that gives them some problems and allows us to free up some receivers.”

 

How is DL Glenn Dorsey feeling in terms of his knee and what led to him getting that start at nose tackle?

“Well, I think as you’ve seen him progress as the season’s gone along, I think he’s gotten healthier. I thought he played well the week before. He made some big plays for us and I think he’s just building upon that. So, I think, and it’s maybe a better question for him, but I think he’s getting closer to where I think he used to be. But, I think we need him and obviously we’ve always looked at Glenn as a starter. It was just a matter of can we get him back, get him healthy and get him acclimated and kind of get some snaps on that leg where he feels real comfortable going. But, I think what we’re seeing right now is what we kind of expected from him. So, hopefully he can build upon what he’s done the last couple of weeks because I think he’s put two good weeks together.”

This article has 207 Comments

  1. Of course you want a big play WR! It makes everyone around them better. Look at the good teams in the NFL and then the average teams. One considerable difference, the good teams have at least one or more combinations of key playmakers at WR, RB, QB or OLB!
    The 49ers have none!

      1. The issues I have with that is:
        – Armstead just doesn’t seem like a good fit at DE in a 4-3. Not as a weakside DE at any rate. And Lynch should play the strongside DE.
        – Same goes with Buckner.
        – So they would be missing a weakside DE.
        – Brooks isn’t really suited to playing SAM anymore.
        – Dial seems to play his best as a 3-4 DE, not as a NT. So I think they would still need a proper 1T.

        And if they bring in Short, he would replace Buckner/ Armstead as a DT, not Dial, as he is a 3T not a 1T.

        This team has been built to play a 3-4. While I agree with Barrows that the team is missing a NT, good ILBs and a dominant edge player, I think they would be missing more elements converting to a 4-3.

        1. Scooter who is the key guy you build the 3-4 around? At this point Buckner and Armstead have not really shown to be better in any scheme.
          As for the LB’s, we don’t have any.
          I think this offseason they should specifically draft and sign some FA’s to be what they want. It’s pretty open to anything at this point as there is not a key cog to the puzzle.

          1. Everyone knows a classic 3-4 defense must have a dominant nose tackle who can two-gap, and the Niners don’t have one. They have no one who can two-gap at any position.

          2. Buckner looked very good yesterday. Having a true nose tackle like Dorsey helped a lot. It’s way to early in Armstead’s and Buckners careers to push them to the side. Your talking about 22 year olds who need some time to develop. If they focused on getting a K Short or Poe in the off season, I can almost guarantee you Armstead and Buckner will excel. There going to be very good players. Buckner looked dominant yesterday. Had a sack and several other pressures.

              1. And so is Williams. They should re-sign both players, and as you say, convert to a 1-gap system.

              2. Does anyone have a count of how many of the 3-4 defenses currently in the league use a classic 2-gap NT? I’d think not that many.

              3. One reason so few teams run a classic 3-4: It’s weak against inside zone, which has become a very popular running play.

              4. The center and guard can double-team the nose tackle with impunity because there’s no 3-tech to penetrate the backfield.

              5. The guard usually has time to peel off his initial double team and pick up the ILB. Much, much harder to do against a 3-technique who’s on the line of scrimmage.

              6. Keeping in mind that in a classic 3-4, the NT is actually capable of handling double teams (in fact is supposed to).

              7. Yes, but against a proper 3-4 with a good NT that runs a high risk of the NT collapsing the play.

              8. I thought we had all agreed that in a classic 3-4 the NT is a pivotal player? That you need to have a good one?

              9. Yes, you have to have a great one. Otherwise the double-team block in the inside-zone run usually will create movement and a big hole at the point of attack. 630 lbs. vs. 330 lbs.

        2. This team is not built to play a classic 3-4 because there are zero defensive linemen on the roster who can two-gap effectively in the NFL. Each player on the DL needs to attack one gap.

          1. It’s not a fluke that Buckner played very well when having a guy like Dorsey next to him.. Imagine if he had someone better.

            1. Buckner played well because he could attack one gap instead of passively catching blockers while trying to play two gaps.

              1. a secondary player has to b e accountable for the 8th gap to allow the front 7 to play a single gap

              2. Wow Grant. I agree with almost everything you just said on this string. Injuries have been devastating but still, O’Neil has been playing a D that is not conducive to the talent on the team. I think Armstead being out undoubtedly helped the run defense against AZ. The kid was playing with 1 arm and thats next to impossible in the NFL. I also think Buckner has been a huge disappointment in the run defense. Add that to the fact they’ve been playing with LB’s who are no better than backups or special teamers and that makes for a very bad run defense. In the offseason, the 49ers front 7 needs major attention. They need to pick a defense 3/4 or 4/3 and bring in players suited to that philosophy. You obviously keep your huge investments in Armstead & Buckner but every other position can be upgraded depending on which way they want to go.

          2. And we haven’t even touched on the fact we have nothing at the LB position.
            Fire O’Neil, hire someone who can rebuild a defense to what is drafted and signed this offseason!

        3. I think they are better suited to a 4-3 with their current DL group. If you lined up Buckner and Lynch at DE and had Dial and Dorsey in the middle, that would make better use of their skill sets imo. Armstead would be a situational pass rusher at DT in sub packages. Of course they would need to add another pass rusher and penetrating DT, but with what they have right now, that’s what I would do.

          1. I just don’t see Buckner and Lynch as a good duo of DEs in a 4-3. They should both play strongside. Or Buckner could play under tackle.

            1. We are splitting hairs considering they are sub packages most of the time anyway, but I think Buckner could handle weakside DE. He’s not the most gifted pass rusher but that is his best trait imo and he has a good motor. You’d want to find a true elite pass rusher to start eventually which could then move Buckner to the strong side with Lynch in a rotation, but as I said, right now with what we have, this is what I would do.

              1. My mistake rocket. I agree that with what they have right now, Buckner at weakside DE is fine. I think that would be their best option right now. But not long term. Not next season. Next season they would need to add a proper weakside DE (or 2).

                Grant, that’s a very good point. But I think I would still prefer to have Lynch playing LOLB in a 3-4 than strongside DE in a 4-3 in base D (with Buckner or Armstead playing LDE). In nickel, Lynch can play LDE in a 4-man front. And make sure you have a decent backup for him.

              2. Scooter,

                No I wasn’t looking long term. Just trying to figure out the most effective way to use what they have right now. At the end of the day we are still missing the impact pass rusher and tackling machine in the middle of the defense to make anything work at a high level.

      2. The defense can use a 4-3 over, a 4-3 under, a 3-4 over, a 3-4 under or a 46 — it doesn’t matter as long as they’re one-gapping and not two-gapping. That’s the real issue.

        1. Agreed. The players they have drafted are better coming forward and attacking rather than occupying in a two gap 3-4. That’s the reason I thought they should think about changing to a 4-3 in the first place, but it could also work in the 3-4 if they get the plugger in the middle. Somebody like Casey Hampton who did it for the Steelers.

          1. It doesn’t require a Casey Hampton type NT to play a 1-gap scheme. A Dorsey or Williams is fine at 1T. Hampton was great for the Steelers when they played a predominantly 2-gap scheme.

            1. A plugger like Hampton works in both. I prefer the 2 gap scheme in a 3-4. I believe I’ve said this before but that is the ideal 3-4 system for me. That is why I never wanted to draft the 5T’s with first round picks. The stars of a 3-4 should be the LB’s imo.

              Anyway that is getting off topic. What it comes down to is the personnel they have has not been used properly. They are better suited to a 4-3 imo. Even in a 1 gap 3-4 they don’t have the LB’s to make it work properly.

              1. And yes, Hampton works in any scheme. But that type of player is necessary for a classic 3-4 to work, not for a 1-gap 3-4.

        2. Yes, agreed. But regardless of whether it is a 4-3 or 3-4 front, neither Armstead, Buckner or Lynch are best suited to playing the weakside DE/ OLB. And Lynch also isn’t suited to playing SAM in a 4-3. To get everyone on the field you are best using 3-4 system with Armstead and Buckner as the DEs (1-gapping), Lynch as the LOLB, and they need to add a ROLB.

          1. They don’t have the ILB’s to play a 3-4 effectively either Scooter. That will have to be addressed if they continue to use the 3-4.

            1. They don’t have the LBs to play either 4-3 or 3-4 effectively. Bowman and Armstrong as the MIKE and JACK or Bowman and Armstrong as the MIKE and WILL is still Bowman and Armstrong.

  2. Kelly was talking about allowing the play clock to run down because they wanted to see if there was an opportunity to audible to a better play vs. the Cardinal defense. However, if you had some RPOs with the zone read and your other runs, the QB would be reading a “conflicted” defensive player and determine whether to hand off or throw it based upon the reaction or location of that specific “conflicted” defensive player.

    1. The whole- Let the clock run down- thing is disturbing.

      First of all, it sounds like they are letting the defense shape the offense. It should be the other way around.

      The offense should present threats that the defense must adjust to. Once the defense in in position to counter the offense, they can shift, or put a man in motion to over load a side. If anything, they should invite the stacked box, and take advantage of that scheme. They should invite the blitz, then take advantage of the area the blitzer left. Above all, they should have contingency plans for any situation.

      Second, the read option has the QB making decisions after the snap, so pre snap reads are not critical.

      Third, wasting time is fine if you are ahead and want to kill the clock, but when behind, that is obtuse. If I can recall, the Niners were never ahead. Saving 10 to 15 seconds every play may give the offense more sets of downs. More opportunities to score.

  3. It’s too soon to call Armstead a bust. He has been playing through injury. The best time to trade him would be after this season while he still has value. It would be a tough decision. I doubt Baalke would even consider it.

    1. I’m not calling him a bust, I just don’t think he fits with what they are asking him to do. The changes we are talking about above would fit him better.

      1. rocket,

        I agree he isn’t being used properly. It would be nice to have a GM and coaching staff on the same page.

  4. You don’t trade Armstead. He is 22 years old just getting started. He will be a monster in 2 years.

  5. I hope your right but I wouldn’t hold my breath, especially for two years. What do you see in him? Do you think he will improve against the run? Do you think he will ever be an elite pass rusher or even a decent one? As I said above it’s too early too tell. I don’t ever see Armstead as a monster, solid at best.

    1. I agree with rocket, the system really didn’t suit him. And his injury I am sure didn’t help. I would like to see him get a chance to play healthy in a 1-gap system before writing him off.

  6. Last year as a rookie he was in the top 5 in QB pressures. He has a lot of raw talent. When they drafted him they knew he would take time to develop. He is very bad against the run right now. A lot of that has to do with his lack of football experience. Before his injury in training camp players were saying he was going to be dominant. His shoulder was F up.. Next year you will see him and Buckner cause a lot of problems upfront. There the building blocks. Buckner looked great yesterday. That’s with Dorsey in the middle. Imagine a Poe or Branden Williams from the Ravens in the middle. A free agent as well…

    1. I said they should have shut him down about a month ago because of the injury. But the injury is something players play through. My question about him is, is it the injury, the scheme, or the man himself? My guess would be all of the above.

      1. Yes, all of the above to varying degrees. But it is worth keeping in mind that great players can be made to look ordinary by being made to play in a scheme that doesn’t suit their skillset. Just look at Warren Sapp as an example.

  7. “You don’t trade Armstead. He is 22 years old just getting started. He will be a monster in 2 years.”

    Yeah, the Cookie Monster.

  8. Ed to tall Jones towering at 6’9″ had a great career. Are Armstead and Buckner too tall? Would Jones be to tall to play in today’s game? I don’t think height is the problem, maybe more like the talent that goes with the height or scheme or bad coaching, probably a little of all.

      1. Grant

        How about Ernie Ladd and Buck Buchannan…they both went off at 6′ 10″ and played inside ? of course they had some wicked LB’s…

      2. Jones also said that he could not play with today’s rules and his height. His best move was a slam upside the head and that’s a no no now.

        1. w

          Are you sure that you aren’t referring to David “Deacon” Jones …famous for his ‘head slap’ now outlawed ?

          1. Should never have been outlawed. The onus should be on the offensive lineman to block and counter….

  9. Don’t know how to post links..but if we all didn’t know already the 49ers state it’s effecting our nationwide fan base..the 49ers have always had a nationwide following with fans all over the country..I like the fake Seahawks following that has come out of nowhere..article is on knbr about 49er fan disgust spans coast to coast..basically how a bar in Boston had a huge 49er following every Sunday has dwindled from a bar packed full to about 3 people…sad..even if the Yorks are all about money they have to care about their reputation..I mean they’re a joke around the country..no one can be this dumb..how Baalke has a job is amazing ,and I’d bet my left nut he’s not going anywhere.

    1. Speedkills–

      I think you hit the nail right on the head-except for one possibility-if the money keeps rolling in as it does, because of the new stadium, do they have to care about their reputation? The money literally insulates them from having to deal with reality. Why should they have to do better? The bucks come pouring in no matter what–at this moment.
      Our only hope is to change the foundation, the owners. Or, boycott the team.
      If Baalke is drafting again next year, you can forget about talent evaluation.

      Remember, Walsh himself had a very tough time of it until he improved the talent. Fortunately, he had a great eye for that.

      1. And yes, how Baalke has a job is beyond amazing, beyond incredible-as unbelievable as the moon landing.

        If I knew you, I would bet you you’ll never see this level of incompetence go on for this many years, again.

        1. You under estimate the Bidwell family in Arizona. They are now the team with the longest run without a championship (1947). Ironically they last won as the Chicago Cardinals and now replace the Cubs as the longest drought.

  10. Speed,

    Copy the address and paste it in your post. Also, never bet your left nut. Some things are more important than football.

        1. Ore,

          I have no idea what you mean. Are you talking about posting links or football being more or less important than ones left nut?

        2. Ore,

          Ha Ha, I think I get it now. Since I said “left nut” you assume that I’m a child or a teenager.

          I have never stated my age so I don’t see how I could be called a liar. If you or anybody cares I have been a Niner fan since 86.

          My advice, lighten up and laugh a little, it’s been a long season.

            1. #80 and whine country

              I WAS (am) laughing…you missed the joke….YOU’re telling Me to lighten up ?….and yes WC I am a big ‘Chip’ fan, and not so much a Baalke fan anymore. Just waiting for Harbaugh’s ‘prevenge’ to play out….

              1. Ore – We both are Chip fans. I just disagree that it is in his best interests to play for the Yorks. They have a stink that seems to get on too many good people.

        3. *please excuse the term ‘liars’…I was searching for a better word and BS’ers just didn’t seem to fit…

    1. Before Harbaugh when I would go to a sports bar to watch the 49ers on the road we would have to ask to have the channel changed to get the game. The locals would laugh and boo and say “You’re a fan of those clowns?”

  11. Get excited, Chip? I used to get excited watching the team under Walsh, Seifert, Mariucci and Harbaugh but this feels like the Dennis Erickson era all over again thanks to the stumbling, bumbling Yorks…. The Pats are going to murder us in front of their crowd at a mostly empty Levi’s… And yet just a few years ago we handed it to them in NE. What a fun game that was… Ah well, at least we have the memories :/

    1. I thought all along the 49ers wanted Dalton. He went ahead of Kaep so they went with Karp instead.

  12. Chip mentioned in his interview with Tolbert that they may be parsing words, and that Toms use of diction effectively communicated his point without actually using the exact terminology. Chip gave Tom all sorts of praise. Wonder why he refused to answer Grant’s previous questions when he did not agree with the terminology?

    Chip still seems to be a motor mouth, and in this PC, he seems to be delivering dissertations.

    Chip should realize that the slower he talks, the PC will end with less questions asked. He should try to be more succinct. He should fully answer the question, be truthful and respectful

    Maybe the FO has sent him out to deflect attention from them. I just fondly remember the JH PCs, when he tried to say as little as possible, and he would use quaint quotes to get his point across.

    1. And you know because you are an expert in communications and NFL press conference Guru!
      Just STFU already!

      1. Gee, Prime, I remember you swore you would leave this site and never come back.

        Wut’appined?

  13. First of all Dalton was picked right before Kaep. Second last I checked Dalton has never been to a Title game. Mind you he has a hall of fame Caliber receiver to throw to in AJ Green. Kaeps credentials> Daltons… Good one though.

      1. No just means your point of should of traded up for Dalton doesn’t hold any water until Dalton accomplishes more. If there careers ended today I would take Kaeps all day long. Maybe over time that changes. Probably does.

        1. Dalton is ten times the QB Kap will ever be! Dalton may not have been to a SB but guarantee his development since being drafted means 31 other teams would take him before Kap any day of the week and 50 times over on Sunday!

          1. Take away AJ Green and Dalton is hot garbage. Bengals have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL and there about to me 3-6… Dalton is going to lose his job within the next year or two.

            1. Hot garbage? Lose his job in a couple years? Rebuild I think you are talking about Kap! Only it won’t be a couple years, it will be in 6 weeks!

              1. I’m fine with moving on from Kaep. Excited for a new direction. A new hope! I just hope it’s someone better then Dalton. If they’re as good as him please god let us get the next AJ Green. I’m not impressed with Dalton. We can do much better.

              2. He is 3-6 with a team that is 10x more talented then SF… Is he bringing Green, Eifert and there O line and Defense with him? LOL

              3. He can make every throw. Yes he has better surrounding talent around him but talent wise, mechanic wise, toughness, he easily helps the 49ers offense and wins 3 more games!
                When a QB can throw with touch, accuracy and precision, that’s half the battle in leading an offense.
                For all the talent around him, he makes those guys look equally good.

              4. Bah, this is why I think you have the football IQ if a mosquito.

                Prime, has Dalton even ever won a playoff game?
                He crumbles when the pressure is turned up.

  14. To me, third and 8 is third and long. They should have expected a pass, so they should have subbed out Bellore.

    Grant was right. They intentionally targeted the weakest player.

  15. Chip said they need to have a great week of preparation. Maybe they should prepare by copying some plays the Seahawks ran and had success with.

    Chip said they need to be more balanced. Maybe he should balance the O line by not having 2 veterans on one side and a rookie and first year player on the other side. They should move Garnett to his natural LG position, and play Beadles at RG.

    I hope they have enough tape on Bellore to start Skov. They should play Dontae Johnson and Cromartie more.

    I expect O’Neil to dial up a bunch of blitzes, but Brady is too savvy and will eat them alive if they do that. The Niners should be disciplined and rush 4, with occasional delayed blitzes up the middle.

    Niners could win if the D line is stout and they stop shooting themselves in the foot. They should unshackle Kaep from the pocket and turn him loose.

    1. No it doesn’t. Bringing attention to an issue does not require you to vote, especially if you consider the candidates to be incompetent as most of the country did. He could have registered to vote for some state sponsored amendments, but again that has nothing to do with bringing attention to a problem you feel is being ignored.

      This has become an attempt to attack Kap’s credibility now instead of actually focusing on what the issue is that he’s protesting. First it’s the misguided view that he’s attacking the military by kneeling during the anthem, and now it’s he’s not credible because he didn’t vote. This is why so few people decide to step forward and speak up. Just constant criticism and push back in areas that have nothing to do with the issue. If people concentrated on trying to do something about the problem as much as they do finding reasons to criticize, maybe we could actually move from empty rhetoric to finding a solution.

      1. If you feel a problem is being ignored yet do not exercise your constitutional right to vote but complain about the issues occurring back then and today, you are being a hypocrite. The only way one wouldn’t is if he was being restricted from doing so.

        1. Which candidate offered a soluation to the problem Kaep is protesting as part of their election campaign?

          1. Which year should be used as an example Scooter, because the article indicate that he has never voted on anything since he became eligible to vote.

              1. That would be this year then. While I could see that, it does not explain why he has not voted in the past. Despite what Rocket says, the ability to vote is the ability to make your voice heard. Protesting an issue is fine, but if that is all you do, then you have failed in making your voice be heard.

              2. Sure. But as JPN also said, not voting is also a way of voicing your opinion.

                Voting for a candidate when you don’t like any of the candidates and none of them offer solutions to what you are protesting does not make your voice heard, and is just playing to the system. Having your voice heard occurs when you vote for someone that espouses your ideas. Doing what Cubus suggested (write in candidate) also achieves nothing.

              3. Mid,

                He has been heard, where have you been? The attention he’s received and the issues he’s protesting have been non stop in the News cycle for 3 months. Voting for a candidate he thinks is undeserving does nothing to help his cause. It’s a non story that is being pushed in an attempt to paint him as being unworthy of speaking out. It’s just another example of a segment of the country wanting to focus on him and his perceived shortcomings instead of the problems he’s trying to bring attention to.

              4. He has been heard, where have you been? The attention he’s received and the issues he’s protesting have been non stop in the News cycle for 3 months.

                And not voting has it appearing to be nothing more than an attention getter now.

              5. Is that question for me or Scooter Grant? If it is for me, then the ones that talked to me feel like the celebrities and athletes, regardless of their race, are just trying to garner attention on themselves and not the issues.

              6. It was for Grant.

                I still don’t see how it is relevant. So because the African American people you have spoken to feel athletes (or any celebrities) are more about getting attention for themselves than the issues they represent (wow, big shocker there – for reference, a lot of people feel that way regardless of race), it provides evidence that Kaep does not really care about this issue? Do they know him?

              7. I was referring to Grant’s question Scooter. However, your response to my post is not reasonable for one reasons: you can know a person but not know where they stand on certain issues.

              8. My mistake, I had thought the or was in the wrong spot.

                Though I don’t really understand your point in your reply.

              9. As Australian, you might learn why so many African Americans are outraged by Kaepernick not voting if you talk to some.

              10. Fair enough. I haven’t talked to any African Americans about it. I’ve read a bunch of twitter comments etc which seems to cover the same points you are trying to make, but I am sure it is not the same as actually talking to people. And yes, there are certainly some outraged people. Also some that support his decision.

              11. There is never going to be universal agreement, but Kaepernick’s biggest critics on not voting – at least in print and social media – are overwhelmingly white. Most of the people supporting him have followed the story all along including the fact he openly said he would not vote for either candidate, so it’s no surprise he didn’t and does nothing to change the fact his protest still resonates.

              12. There is never going to be universal agreement, but Kaepernick’s biggest critics on not voting – at least in print and social media – are overwhelmingly white.

                I have seen plenty of African Americans who are critical of it as well. He is a very bad example, but Stephen A. Smith comes to mind.

              13. I have seen plenty of African Americans who are critical of it as well. He is a very bad example, but Stephen A. Smith comes to mind.

                Again with the absolute statements Mid. Where have you seen plenty of African Americans who are critical of him? Are you trying to say they come anywhere near the amount that support him?

              14. I merely answered your absolute statement with one of my own. The reality is we have no idea what the actual demographic is in terms of race as to how each one is for or against Kaepernick not voting.

              15. You really have a problem answering questions based on things you have said Mid. Twice today you have made comments indicating that you have information that conflicts with my posts and both times you have been unable to offer up the evidence. If you are going to tell me I’m wrong then back it up, otherwise it looks like you are simply throwing out your opinion as fact.

              16. African Americans, Italian Americans, Irish Americans, why don’t we just call ourselves, Americans? That would be a great starting point in moving forward to treating everyone the same. Unless of course you were actually born in Africa, Italy or Ireland and are living in the USA….

              17. Twice today you have made comments indicating that you have information that conflicts with my posts and both times you have been unable to offer up the evidence

                I have not once indicated I had any evidence of any kind, as you have done as well. Unless you are able to produce concrete evidence the majority of those against Kaepernick not voting are indeed overwhelmingly white even on social media where anyone can easily lie about who they are.

              18. Sadly, that is a problem which has existed before our country became the United States of America Razor.

              19. “why don’t we just call ourselves, Americans?”

                Razor how dare you bring logic to the table. Grant and I had that discussion weeks back.

        2. And you just said exactly the same thing you did previously which I still disagree with. Voting has nothing to do with bringing attention to a problem. They are completely different entities. It’s like saying you can’t comment on something unless you’ve done it. That would end this message board because none of us has played professional football.

          Half the country doesn’t vote mid. Everybody has their reasons I’m sure, but singling out Kap for not voting and using it as a reason to criticize him is simply rhetoric that has nothing to do with the issue he is protesting, much like the woefully uninformed group of outraged patriots that despise him for taking a knee during the anthem.

          1. Unless one of the candidates was offering a solution to the problem, I see no reason his voting or not voting is in any way impacting on his protest.

            1. Yep. Millennials in general had a low voting turnout, and the biggest reason is neither party represents their concerns. The new generation is very progressive and a high percentage supported Sanders. That’s why Clinton lost more than anything. She lost about 10% of the support Obama had previously while Trump had about the same amount as McClain and Romney before him.

            2. I’ll take a counter argument to you and Rocket on this one. There were, I believe, two other candidates and if they didn’t meet his criteria he could have written one in. The point is that by voting he shows those who believe in his protest that CK believes that there is a way that this country can be changed. The way to instigate change is to put forth candidates who espouse CK and follower’s beliefs and then vote for them. Just because there wasn’t a candidate that met their criteria this time, doesn’t mean that the system can’t work for them in the future. A sound strategy would be to cultivate a candidate for the next presidential election that CK and follower’s believe will bring these issues to the forefront for action on a federal level. To me, that would be the most effective way to instigate sweeping changes.

              1. ‘A sound strategy would be to cultivate a candidate for the next presidential election that CK and follower’s believe will bring these issues to the forefront for action on a federal level.’

                I agree. No need for a write-in candidate for that. It would have achieved nothing, as this electoral cycle was already too far progressed. Better off looking to next cycle.

              2. Yes, but instills the idea that voting is important. As Rocket pointed out, Millenials had a low turnout, yet aren’t they one of the groups that are the most upset that Trump won? I’ve also been wondering how many people didn’t vote because the pre-election polls indicated a landslide victory by Clinton. Many people might have thought that their vote wouldn’t be needed.

              3. Anyone that didn’t vote and is now complaining Trump one and they would have preferred another candidate has no leg to stand on. That isn’t what Kaep is doing.

              4. Cubus,

                I think he said a lot more when he was asked about the candidates and described them as the two evils. Actually voting for one of them would have been more hypocritical than not voting.

                As far as the two other options and write in candidates, it really solves nothing because it’s simply a symbolic gesture. If you know the election is going to come down to two candidates you don’t like, I see no problem with abstaining.

                Your idea about cultivating a candidate is a good one and I’m sure a lot of people are going to work toward that, but that would not have had any impact on this election as Scooter pointed out.

                Bottom line is there is no reason to criticize anyone for choosing not to vote, especially in an election that featured underwhelming options to put it mildly. As JPN said: it’s a right, not an obligation.

          2. I agree with Rocket and Scooter. I will add that abstaining from voting is a time honored means of protesting the available choices, and further add that voting is a right, not a duty/obligation, and the choice not to exercise it should be as sacrosanct as the choice to exercise it.

            1. That settles it. Next item up for docket, sanctuary cities and are they leading illegal immigrates astray by promising them they will be safe. If and when Trump cuts off Federal Funding, they’ll cave and where will that leave those that stayed illegally?

              1. He may regret deporting hard working people and destroying families, then find out that Americans do not want to do the kind of work the exploited endure because they are supporting whole families back home. Most Americans will also not work for a pittance, so many jobs will not be filled and the economy may grind to a halt.

            2. JPN

              I disagree…yes, it is a right, but I believe that the outcome is going to BE one or the other…haven’t you heard of “the lesser of two evils…” ? Let’s get off the soap boxes and into the voting booths….I and many others on here fought and bled for that right…don’t dismiss our efforts ….apathy doesn’t count….

          3. Voting has nothing to do with bringing attention to a problem. They are completely different entities.

            You seriously need to brush up on political science if you believe that.

              1. I’m not either, but claiming that voting is not the same as bringing attention to an issue is ridiculous.

              2. I am not only referring to this election or gubernatorial candidates Scooter.

              3. I’m not either, but claiming that voting is not the same as bringing attention to an issue is ridiculous.

                This is not an answer mid. This is you simply having an opinion different from mine. You said I needed to brush up on my Political Science if I believed that voting has nothing to do with bringing attention to a problem. So again I ask you: please enlighten me using your knowledge of Political Science, as to why I am wrong?

      1. I’m guessing Kap would say yes considering he sees a continuation of the issue under Obama’s watch.

            1. It’s supposed to be cool, similar to the Che Guevara shirt that has been popular among “elitists” for years….

  16. Grant,

    Just read this over on CSN about Armstead’s shoulder injury,

    “The surgery was to repair a left shoulder that had experienced repeated subluxations, beginning in training camp.”

    This type of injury can end careers. If his shoulder is dislocating or partially dislocating several times on a regular basis, no surgery in the world will totally fix the problem. He will continue to experience shoulder issues and his shoulder will never regain full strength. This is possibly a huge story and you should ask about it. Depending on what they had to do in the surgery this could be a career threatening injury.

    1. Good post Houston, What is wrong with our medical and coaching staff. Armstead has a career threatening injury and doesn’t get surgery for months while doing further damage every week. The coaches continued to play a guy that wasn’t producing.

      I feel bad for Armstead. However, I will suggest trading him again while he still has value.

  17. Moment of truth coming, rocket. Goff to make his first start against Miami.

    Of course one game in reality won’t mean a thing, but I’m sure it will lead to some spirited debating either way it goes!

    1. Ha ha yes I’m sure it will. They had to do it with the way Keenum was playing and the fact a number of rookies have already played.

      Did you see some of the games on Saturday? What an incredible weekend of football. The one guy who performed on the same level he has all season was Falk. Mr. Consistency.

      1. Or as Trent Dilfer calls him, ‘The Surgeon’.

        Sure was a crazy week. So many of the top 10 ranked teams losing, including 2, 3 and 4. And not a great weekend for some of the top QB prospects in the 2017 draft.

        Aside from Falk, another QB that seems to be consistently playing well this year is Mason Rudolph. He might end up getting taken a little higher than I originally thought he would.

      2. Yep, same thing happened to the Jaguars when they drafted Bortles. The plan was to sit him for the year, but the pressure became too great. At least it’s something to look forward to other than the weekly ass whuppin’….

        1. Yes it will be interesting to watch him play. It really is a no win situation for me though. If he sucks then I get my comeuppance for talking about how good he was in College, and if he turns out to be good, I have to watch him play against my team for the next decade. How did I get myself into this?

  18. http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/five-most-likely-destinations-for-tony-romo/ar-AAkiWVs?ocid=spartanntp

    9ers are on the list. Contention is that it’s possible the team could be $90 million under the cap and could afford Romo’s near $25 million he is to earn next year. Don’t see that happening. I’m sure the FO would want to renegotiate. I wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to Romo as a bridge experience QB. It’s just that the odds he actually plays a significant amount of time are fairly low. I’m betting he’ll retire instead.

    1. You’re kidding, right? The NFC West is not conducive to Romo’s fragility, especially behind this offensive line….

      1. Well, I agree that his fragility would be an overriding factor not to consider him. But in the posted article, the 9ers are the no. 1 candidate for his services. Just found it interesting. BTW: wasn’t it the Seahawks who took Romo out in preseason?

        1. I think so, Cubus. I’d say it would be unlikely Romo would get up, if he was blindsided by Earl Thomas, let alone swallowed whole by Michael Bennett….

    2. It would not shock me in the least if the front office made this move.

  19. Part of a hilarious read from Austin Murphy at SI.com:

    But the knack the GM most conspicuously lacks,
    Is for finding the team’s next franchise quarterback.
    Swashbuckling Blaine Gabbert looks the part, to be sure,
    But never met a checkdown he didn’t prefer.

    Colin Kaepernick—not to be a naysayer—
    Is a better protester these days than a player.
    He makes bad decisions, can’t get through his reads,
    Is skittish in the pocket; too often he flees.
    His wind-up is long, and— to pick one more nit—
    He’s more than a little inaccurate.
    Other than that, Kap should be good to go,
    With an upside as big as his stupendous ‘fro.

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