Posted By: Jeb York (09/03/2008 11:19:00 AM)
Comment: StonerLab stinks! Come-on everyone lets pile on! HA!

Posted By: StonerLab (07/03/2008 1:37:05 PM)
Comment: Dr.(cascarche) Froid, There need not be a rebuttal to your last 2 posts. It becomes tiresome with your attempt to "out-smart me" with the English language.

Posted By: allen49stars (07/03/2008 1:25:26 PM)
Comment: Greg Ellis was available last year for a mid round draft pick. J. Peterson was a great pass rush and this orginization let him walk! I dont believe the GM when he says they like their OLB, only Manny is worth a damn.

Posted By: http:// (07/03/2008 11:35:01 AM)
Comment: Hey Dan, I think you're working from the name recognition fallacy, because just signing a name,like Walker or Berian, doesn't mean a problem is solved. Last year we brought in Lelie and Jackson, both names, and they floundered. I am hoping that McL and Martz are evaluating receivers together. I agree with Niner Dog that it's a year too early to draft a quarterback because Smith is 23 and still might get it. Maybe Hill becomes the next Kitna, although that means a qb just good enough to lose.

Posted By: http:// (07/03/2008 11:35:00 AM)
Comment: Hey Dan, I think you're working from the name recognition fallacy, because just signing a name,like Walker or Berian, doesn't mean a problem is solved. Last year we brought in Lelie and Jackson, both names, and they floundered. I am hoping that McL and Martz are evaluating receivers together. I agree with Niner Dog that it's a year too early to draft a quarterback because Smith is 23 and still might get it. Maybe Hill becomes the next Kitna, although that means a qb just good enough to lose.

Posted By: Bill Bird (07/03/2008 10:48:45 AM)
Comment: Message to Matt's wife: Please do not be offended. I don't want to call cheerleaders shallow, but I don't think they're interested in reporter salary levels. Sorry Matt.

Posted By: cascarche (07/03/2008 9:37:23 AM)
Comment: furthermore, Homer Simpson said it best..."some people can only feel good about themselves if they make others feel bad...!" If youre able to, try being nice to people, even, gosh horror, the ones that know less than you, and who might not be as smart (?) as you. When you ridicule people, you just perpetuate the scenario. while i agree with road dogg said earlier, a much simpler solution would be=Try being nice. You'll be a lot more well received

Posted By: cascarche (07/03/2008 9:31:30 AM)
Comment: and by "bypocritical", i mean, hypocritical, although that hardly needs be pointed out

Posted By: cascarche (07/03/2008 9:29:42 AM)
Comment: Stonerlab - As much as i wish all niner fans well, you're so bypocritical. You make a point of having a go at people when they post their honest opinions...yet cry to Matt when people have a go at you. And your comment that, "I'm going to call out people who don't know what they're talking about & can't back it up with facts", just goes to show people that if anyone should be banned, it should be you. this should be a friendly place for friendly chat...it should not be, "agree with stonerlab or be flamed", it should be a friendly place for friendly chat, not a place to be "called out". If you stop having a go at others, others will stop having a go at you, and we all can enjoy matts great work, and talk about our great team

Posted By: Return to Glory in '08 (07/03/2008 9:27:52 AM)
Comment: MATT: Do you think (a) the Niners have any interest in Takeo Spikes; (b) there is a need for him/would he fit in; and/or (c) Spikes has any gas left in his tank??? Have you heard any rumblings? If McCloughan indeed wants to "add good football players", Spikes was a monster at one point in his career...

Response: Seriously doubt it. He really doesn't fit the profile. He doesn't play a need position, and, plus, he failed his physical with the Eagles. --Matt M.

Posted By: Berger (07/03/2008 9:01:40 AM)
Comment: john locke-You sound "Lost"!

Posted By: john locke (07/03/2008 8:36:05 AM)
Comment: if we wer going to do our damage on offense like he says then why the hell didnt we look to improve our last ranked offense this guy is stupid.

Posted By: James (07/03/2008 8:30:27 AM)
Comment: RJ - Likely to be earned incentives count against the cap in the year that they are to be earned. So that is what will prevent abuse. If you were to add a $50 million incentive, that player would have a $50 million cap value in the year the incentive is to be earned. Teams are not getting "free" money to spend.

Posted By: Dan (07/03/2008 8:22:57 AM)
Comment: Matt, Unless McNolan sign them so-called, "Superstar," pass rushers and/or wide receivers, we will be complaining about the same thing come next March...:( Terrible, just terrible. Sometimes you just have to take a chance and dish out $60 mil on Javon Walkers or Bernard Berrians...sigh... Another year of dropped passes, no pass rush and CBs lining-up 15 yards away from opposing WRs on 3rd and 1...:(

Posted By: Niner Dog (07/03/2008 8:16:03 AM)
Comment: TAKE IT TO THE BANK: the Niners will not take a WR with their first pick. 1--OL 2--DL 3--WR or CB 4--WR or CB or LB. I think it may be a mistake not to consider a QB. Smith 's instincts and accuracy may doom him. This is where the Niners may pay a price??? Hard to say until Martz works out the QBs.

Posted By: Marco from Stockton (07/03/2008 8:15:46 AM)
Comment: The Niners sent an e-mail out to all of their Season Tickets Holders today saying their are still season Tixs available. The final renewal date is March 7. Maybe the Yorks are sweating it?

Posted By: StonerLab (07/03/2008 7:38:51 AM)
Comment: road dogg, Thanks for support, it's most appreciated. Buzz, I like the idea of drafting Red Bryant at NT, he seems to have the girth (6'5" 326lbs) to handle the middle. Billy, interesting take on Manny Lawson in how the 49ers defense looked pretty stout those first 2 games of the season before he was shelved. It makes me wonder just how much of an impact we lost on defense when he went down. I'm Looking forward to seeing Manny come back where he left off. cascarche, it's not my intention to start these...as you call it "petty insults" but I'm going to call out people who don't know what they're talking about & can't back it up with facts. Fair enough?

Posted By: NinerTony (07/03/2008 7:22:24 AM)
Comment: Matt, I love your blog, and read it daily. Sorry your wife got upset of some overweight wannabe cheerleaders. Sounds to me that your wife may be a little insecure. How about taking her on some of the road trips you go on? Just a thought.

Posted By: Reno Roy (07/03/2008 7:19:48 AM)
Comment: Matt - Is 'Bee-rows' trying to stir the pot with his "If you ever watched "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team" on the Country Music Channel (Maiocco keeps telling me it's really hot)" comment? Seems like you're in enough trouble without your 'friends' trying to make it worse. Thanks again for the great work.

Response: I read that. The most amazing thing on Bee-Rows' blog wasn't his little made-up jab at me, it was the risk of a dislocated shoulder from patting himself on the back regarding his draft predictions. --Matt M.

Posted By: Dr. S Grosse (07/03/2008 7:02:09 AM)
Comment: Matt: How about just not posting cheerleaders' pix or news about them at all. Your blogs are about football. Anybody can get all the pix they want elsewhere.

Posted By: fryet (07/03/2008 6:42:35 AM)
Comment: It would be interesting to see a comparison of the Redskins and the 49ers performed when it comes to free agent signings.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (07/03/2008 5:57:21 AM)
Comment: Buzz, Crable is a guy I would consider also, right along with Lawrence Jackson. I have guys slotted by size and style and LJax and Crable are heavier slower then the Avril/Groves types. I'm of the belief that we would probably prefer faster edge rusher early and maybe a run support type later. Guys like Wheeler/Woodyard/Guyton will probably be more inside 'Willis' type tackling machines that will need to stay 'Clean' to be most effective. The beauty for me is there are lot's of tweener type guys that may be able to compliment Manny and play in coverage as well. Should be interesting to see what Scot has up his sleeve.

Posted By: mayo63 (07/03/2008 5:54:01 AM)
Comment: Matt, I thought Foster signed a two year deal?

Posted By: cascarche (07/03/2008 5:30:48 AM)
Comment: road dogg: That was a nice post you made before, comforting stonerlab like you did. if only more people were like you, even though, ironically, its stonerlab who is the one who starts the petty insults and silly criticisms in the first place lol.

Posted By: JoeNiner (07/03/2008 5:17:54 AM)
Comment: Thanks for clarifying some of the rules regarding incentive clauses. I don't think I've ever seen those classification guidelines detailed, but have just read about the likely \ not likely categories. I might be the only one on the planet not working for an NFL team that would be interested in seeing the whole set of guidelines :)

Posted By: buzz (07/03/2008 5:15:41 AM)
Comment: Check Marc-consider them on my list as well...outside help could be there as well in second or third C.Avril or C. Ellis ...what do you think of this kid S.Crable at OLB?

Posted By: road dog (07/03/2008 4:07:00 AM)
Comment: RJ- I don't think this will totally answer your question, but I believe Matt mentioned that any special teams clauses are considered likely to be reached. So qb sacks would not be a viable exploit, but obviously I see what you mean.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (07/03/2008 3:27:05 AM)
Comment: C.A. Grimes, still there for your enjoyment....See March 4 'Despite big contract....enjoy.

Posted By: C.A. Grimes (07/03/2008 2:16:42 AM)
Comment: Note to Matt. Next time leave scantily clad Cheerleaders' up. You're in the doghouse anyway so you might as well enjoy right? Great coverage as always.

Posted By: rj (07/03/2008 1:27:07 AM)
Comment: hey matt, didn't see if you answered my question yet about the cap rollover clauses. your example was roderick green earning 1.5 million to block 15 punts. that's not likely so it rolls over into the cap next year. i see potential for abuse of this. whatt could stop someone from say, making them sign a contract that has a clause saying you have to sack the qb 30 times and if you do you get 50 million? are there rules in place to prevent something like that from happening?

Response: I thought I explained it quite nicely in this very post. What stops someone from doing that is, first of all, that money has to be counted against the current cap. --Matt M.

Posted By: foreveryoung49ers (07/03/2008 12:15:46 AM)
Comment: Hi Matt, the Eagles released Takeo Spikes. He is an outside linebacker and played together with Clements in Buffalo, will he be an option? With the compensatory picks, is it Paraag Mathes work to calclulate this formula, to make a decision on free agents? The high rising salarys, are these indications, that teams calculate with an end to the Collective Bargain Agreement and the Salary Cap? Thanks Matt

Posted By: Tucker (06/03/2008 11:33:37 PM)
Comment: Matt: Hope you were forgiven re: the pics! Any news on Jonas Jennings? Is he going? Will he make the switch to RT? I thought he'd be better at LG, myself, after all, he's only 6'3", which is very short for an OT...(not that height hindered Derrick any!)

Posted By: billy (06/03/2008 11:26:24 PM)
Comment: The Niners defense played very well, in my opinion, the first two games of the season. Coincidentally, the only two games that Manny Lawson played in. If Lawson can stay healthy, I think the Niners will be able to get more of a pass rush than they've had in years.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (06/03/2008 11:15:07 PM)
Comment: Buzz, put Okam and Dre Moore in there too. I've seen some excellent mobility from these Big Men, I'm sure if Scot values one of them, we should have an opportunity to select at least 1 of them? I had a good laugh with some friends with a proposed DL of, (Pick your preferred order) Laws/Cohen/Rubin -Defense Attorneys'. Has a ring to it don't you think, (LOL)?

Posted By: buzz (06/03/2008 11:04:01 PM)
Comment: Red Bryant in the middle would be a nice p/u Berger- A.Rubin is also an interesting possibility there!

Posted By: JimK (06/03/2008 10:39:21 PM)
Comment: Matt- Who will lead this team? Leadership, both on and off the field, is an often overlooked quality required to win. With the loss of BY and apparently MD, both proven leaders, who will fill this role? With Alex seemingly unable or unwilling to accept this role, is this what we are missing? From what i have herd and read this should be a playoff contending team, what are we missing?

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (06/03/2008 10:03:11 PM)
Comment: Not sure Berger, he's an interesting guy IMO. We'll see how Scot feels about it next month. Let's just say it's time to shop for more ingredients.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (06/03/2008 10:01:20 PM)
Comment: Another observation relevant to the earlier dialogue regarding Cap managment and JP,AC, Jonas etc. Look at what Scot is doing related to adds and subtracts on the roster now. We'll all agree, Donahue and Co had no clue, but Scot has worked a plan of stability into this roster that hasn't existed before. Kwame was not the answer, Scot got him replaced, let him move on. Smiley, wasn't going to overpay, let someone else take that risk. This is how to grow without killing your future. His approach regarding interior lineman should show some return when the mid to later round guys could be added to backfill the current holes. He may have guys already valued as post Draft FA options? If he obtains Comp picks for '09, even more impressive. Thus far, he shows me a very reasoned approach to rebuilding a roster that just 4 years ago was abysmally diminished. He at least shows some reasoned analysis, and time will tell if his personnel selections will pay dividends. Beats shotgun approach of Donahue, and the mess he left for Scot to clean up.

Posted By: road dog (06/03/2008 10:00:00 PM)
Comment: Stonerlab- let kids be kids, and let Matt do what he does. Yea it's annoying when some dumbass pretends to be you, and you might feel like they are winning if you don't do something. But if you really care about your rep on here, the people who check the same news story 12 times in a day just to read other peoples comments will know that isn't you. The people who just check sometimes might not even read our comments. Bottomline for me, if it means Matt has to spend time on it, it probably isn't worth it. I know I would rather he was reporting on the niners than worrying about our posts on HIS blog. I had mine deleted or not even posted a day or two ago, but it isn't worth asking him to look into for me. Your real posts come across as intelligent enough that once I determined you weren't referencing some joke, I knew the G-string post wasn't yours. Hopefully that made some sense.

Posted By: Razoreater (06/03/2008 9:55:43 PM)
Comment: also i don't expect lawson to be himself till next year

Posted By: Berger (06/03/2008 9:54:44 PM)
Comment: Marc-Good to see you chirping in. It seems when you are loging on it's about time for me to log out. Rubin would be a good pick. Do you think we could get him in round 4 or 5?

Posted By: Razoreater (06/03/2008 9:53:07 PM)
Comment: mccglouhan has been dipping in the kool-aid again if he thinks we don't have a need for a pass rushing de as well as our offense needs to be 3 times better than our offensive offense from last year

Posted By: Berger (06/03/2008 9:39:30 PM)
Comment: Randy- I could not have said it better!

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (06/03/2008 9:29:40 PM)
Comment: Agreed Berger. Hopefully, Thomas can play the ted well. I hear he is quick, I just hope he can bang. I wouldn't be suprised though if Moore ends up as the starter there. I would also like to see Haralson start opposite Manny. While his coverage isn't the best, he is improving his pass rush and was coming on pretty good at the end of the year. We do need a monster NT - I'm not sold on Franklin there. Maybe we can find one in the draft.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (06/03/2008 9:25:58 PM)
Comment: Children will be children Stonerlab, I'm a proponent of having this site 'gated' for ID/PW to prevent this nonsense. 1 username and be done with it. Not sure what that means on the SRPD end though, so perhaps we're asking for too much?

Posted By: StonerLab (06/03/2008 9:17:59 PM)
Comment: If your trying to be me wsmith you really need to grow a brain & get a life. If it's not you my oplogies. Matt, please look into this as a 2nd request. It would be much appreciated.

Posted By: StonerLab (06/03/2008 9:11:01 PM)
Comment: Okay Matt, I guess we have a "copy-cat" just like oneniner. That last post was not me so Matt can you please look into this? People should really grow up!

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (06/03/2008 9:09:43 PM)
Comment: BPA = Position of Need. Vernon was seen as an upgrade, I still he think he is woefully under utilized. Hoping Martz will find some creative routes to showcase his speed. He needs to learn how to be more of a route runner, less of a blocker. Time will tell. Scot would not divulge an area of need anymore then another GM would prior to the Draft, so take it with a grain of salt. If BPA is a targeted position and he feels another option with a later pick won't match, he'll send up the card. Could be anybody, we'll all have fun trying to guess the outcome for the next 6 weeks. One guy I'm gonna add to my DT board is Ahtyba Rubin, he's thick and pretty agile, I'm curious whether he's in our plans? Still like Laws if there at 29, I'm sold that he could do B.Y. proud.

Posted By: Berger (06/03/2008 9:05:20 PM)
Comment: Randy-In thoery, it would seem to me we should get more pressure on the QB with the DE's allowed to get penetration. The trade off is it can give up some big running plays, but with Wiilis, Lawson and Michael Lewis I feel pretty good about what we can cover. And this new LB is said to be very athletic. This could be exactly why we targeted him. When you really run an aggressive, one gap, 3-4, the Ted position is minimized. Having two LBs who can cover the gaps is more important. I would imagine we will run some kind of hybrid of the classic one gap and the classic two gap, which would require a Ted. I think we have the personell to do this. We do need more depth and a stud NT, like Red Bryant.

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (06/03/2008 8:37:01 PM)
Comment: Berger is correct. Manusky favors the one gap 3-4. It is a penetration/attacking style 3-4. In the one gap, the LB's are responsible for the gaps left open by the DL. Usually one or two LB's (Willis) are free to roam and make plays. I like Manusky's defense due to it's aggressive style. It should be even better this year.

Posted By: Mike in Marin (06/03/2008 8:26:58 PM)
Comment: Berger- Thanks for the explanation. I understood the concept of the true 3-4 but didnt get how the backers would be freed up in a penetrating 3-4. Well I guess we will see if we now have the personnell for this scheme. Looking forward to the draft!

Posted By: Berger (06/03/2008 8:16:26 PM)
Comment: Mike in Marin- Before Manusky got here Nolan would have his D-line engage with the lineman accross and hold them up. The idea is to make more than one player block you, and if they dont, read the play, throw the man to the side and make the tackle. This is asking a lot from a DE in the 3-4 and linemen generally don't like playing it. Parcells runs this scheme, but he gets top notch players on the D-line to make it work. IMO, Nolan never got the correct personell to run this scheme, except BY. A penetrating D-line is where the D-linemen are supposed to get penetration. This can be accomplished by the D-linemen driving their man straight back or by one gapping. A lot of times this means running stunts with the LBs. Wade Phillips runs this scheme and Manusky was the LB coach for Phillips in SD. My guess, and hope, is we will see a lot more of this in the comming yaer. Especially with two penetrating lineman on the line this year playing the DE spots in the 3-4. Sopoaga is more of a two gapper that can drive his guy straight back, therefore he will play the strong side. Smith can do that or shoot the gap. He is more agile than Sope so it is natural that he would play the weak side. We seemed to secure some good personell to run the penetrating 3-4. I'm can't wait to see if it works as well as it seems it should.

Posted By: Mike in Marin (06/03/2008 7:54:30 PM)
Comment: Hardy is a nice 6 ft 6 target but I dont know if he is a Martz kind of receiver. He is a long strider and Martz likes a quick explosive type receiver who gets seperation quickly, like on quick slants.

Posted By: Mike in marin (06/03/2008 7:40:16 PM)
Comment: can anyone shed some light on what a penetrating 3-4 is?

Posted By: ninerdraftpredictions (06/03/2008 7:26:13 PM)
Comment: I am going to be optimistic and assume that McLoughan is throwing out a smokescreen when he says the niners are set with the pass rush. I wouldnt expect him to publicly announce what positions or players they are targeting. But looking at the depth chart, I agree with everyone who think 1st round will be an OL (Cherilus, Baker). 2nd round WR (Caldwell, Manningham, Doucet). 3rd round DL/OLB (Crabble, Davis, Bryant). And barring any other moves, another OL or two will need to be drafted in the late rounds.

Posted By: Ninerfan in Packer Land (06/03/2008 7:15:35 PM)
Comment: Those were cheerleaders? I was hoping they were going to fill that Ted linebacker spot!

Posted By: oneniner (06/03/2008 6:37:07 PM)
Comment: StonerLab...Honestly I am starting to get that same feeling. But there is still hope in the 2nd round....(30. Green Bay packers, 32. New York Giants, 1. Miami Dolphins, 2. St. Louis Rams, 3. Atlanta Falcons, 4. Oakland Raiders, 5. Kansas City Chiefs, 6. New York Jets)...7. niner........(Mia, ATL, Jets) are the only team who might consider drafting a WR......so there is still hope.....Hardy Hardy Hardy

Posted By: Cyrus (06/03/2008 6:17:05 PM)
Comment: Josh-- that's because Ulbrich, Thomas, and Moore only saw spot duty, if that, for the most part (Ulbrich did start a couple of games). A more relevant comparison would be D. Smith, who was just as productive if all you care about is tackles, and the 49ers cut him. That should be all you need to know.

Posted By: StonerLab (06/03/2008 6:16:20 PM)
Comment: oneniner, I know you want your boy Hardy in the 1st round but I just don't see the 49ers drafting a WR on the 1st pick. You saw Matt's depth chart on the O-line. We need an OT big time in order to shore up that unit.

Posted By: Rich, DE (06/03/2008 6:01:52 PM)
Comment: In theory, a good offense helps a good defense to be even better. Even if it is a light'em up strike quick type versus a ball control type. As long as the Niners can move the ball down the field and score, the other team cannot afford to sit and play it safe as we have seen so many times this past season. If (big if) the Niners can light it up, the opposing offense will be forced into more passing situations to counter and thus give the Niner "D" more opportunities to pin their ears back. Unfortunately, so many times theory is one thing but reality is another. Hopefully, the Niners will be able to make that theory a reality and get a decent pass rush. As awful as the offense was last season, it's hard not to imagine improvement.

Posted By: oneniner (06/03/2008 5:54:01 PM)
Comment: it is apparent we are drafting a WR on day one......1. D. Jackson California http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=YPfEkWSEhcY ..........2. James Hardy Indiana http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bnKWmtkf8P4 ...........3. Malcolm Kelly OK. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=T9W7nTi4JFQ ...........4. E. Doucet LSU http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=batfN8W95uI .........5. L. Sweed Tex. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=4AHAhZsrEL4 ...........6. A. Caldwell Fla. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=VFpCVummTZE .........7. M. Manningham Mich. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rMGskrMgmws ..........8. D. Thomas Mich. State http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=AHbkz0IMIeA ............9. D. Avery Houston http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=y4XDkwPONjk ..................10. Early Bennet Vanderbilt http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=pDRIjZlJsAA

Posted By: oneniner (06/03/2008 5:49:40 PM)
Comment: StonerLab ....cmon that was funny "smoking so much of your labwork".....wsmith is out of his mind, he no idea what he his yapping about. NOW he thinks they were bad moves, but back then everyone knew exactly why those moves had to be made...........as if anybody cares if he disagrees. Dude stay away from Drugs.

Posted By: rob_deluca (06/03/2008 5:46:06 PM)
Comment: has any one (matt m) heard any rumors of the 9ers trading for a wr (i heard detroit)

Posted By: jbeezy (06/03/2008 5:41:43 PM)
Comment: Matt, I just saw that Takeo Spikes was released today by the eagles. He is not what he used to be but he still recorded 86 tackles last year with one sack. Do you think he could play the Ted posotion?

Posted By: David (06/03/2008 5:33:40 PM)
Comment: Right now I'm worried big timeabout the offensive line. We have Staley, Baas, Heitman and Snyder. (backup- Wragge). We need the best offensive lineman we can get in the draft don't we?

Posted By: buzz (06/03/2008 5:33:37 PM)
Comment: Enough with free agency...like it or not we need to keep building with the draft... Team needs and best player available could align beautifully with this board...so much talent available thru second and third round level(see G.Cherilus(OT);Q.Groves(DE)T.Laws(DT)...you want WR..try J.Hardy:D.Jackson;E.Royal;J.Simpson etc...pass rush help?C.Avil ;S.Crable and with some luck maybe P.Merling.would fall to us-and yes some very interesting QB's might fall as low as 3rd round-!!!) Look forward...think fast...

Posted By: oneniner (06/03/2008 5:29:26 PM)
Comment: cmon matt...how can you forget her bday?....i suggest the only way to make this up....is a "private dinner at her fav. restaurant 2 nights in a month" for the rest of yr...(i recall you saying you don't go out to dinner with ur wife very often)........marriage is very hard to maintain, i really don't know how you guys do it.

Posted By: Rich, San Ramon (06/03/2008 5:16:46 PM)
Comment: Matt -- Sorry, but you have not heard the last of this picturegate. I once got my wife pots & pans for Christmas...that was 22 years ago and somehow it continues to come up in conversation.

Posted By: Marco from Stockton (06/03/2008 5:05:40 PM)
Comment: Spot On Matt! I don't consider the 49ers have really improved their pass rushing. Smith is a good d-lineman, but not a great pass rusher. Never was. So where's the Beef? BTW I think the Season Tixs renewals are not so so swell for the Niners. Today's the final day & I think lots e-mails were sent out giving a 4 payment option. I have never seen that in 30 years. That means trouble for the Yorks.

Posted By: StonerLab (06/03/2008 4:34:20 PM)
Comment: wsmith, Enough of the "smoking" takes, they're tired & have been played way too many times, try to come up with something fresh. Anyways back to my point, You can't compare 1 player's contract in 1 year to another player's contract in another year simply because the cap changes every year, meaning the cap goes up while "dead money" like what the 49ers had when Donahue was minding the store is slowly taken off the books. Jennings came on board in 2005, Peterson left in 2006. Plus Peterson got way more money with a 7 year 56 million dollar contract with 18.5 of that gauranteed compared to Jenning pittily 7 year 36 million dollar contract. So I don't see how you can compare the two. Had the 49ers even thought about re-signing Peterson they wouldn't have been able to get the FA players they got last year. wsmith, if your going to compare apples with apples you better have your facts straight. And as Andrew G pointed out it would have been even worse in regards the 49ers cap situation had the 49ers kept Carter as well.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (06/03/2008 4:33:10 PM)
Comment: Drafting for need doesn't work out, usually. Scot is just saying, if there is a player out there who is outstanding, he would take him over an average player that we need. For example, if every team drafted a WR, he probably would take the BPA at 29. A bit of hyperbole, but you understand. Jonas Jennings - mistake, but that was a need. 7/36mil, could have been a good value if he was a LT for the length of the contract. Petersen 7/54, Carter 6/30. Carter has struggled. It is what it is, let it go. Live in the now.

Posted By: josh (06/03/2008 3:55:07 PM)
Comment: Cyrus, maybe based on the fact that he isnt just a name at only 31 year old.. he played only 14 games and recorded 85 tackles last season. thats not that bad and more productive than Moore Thomas and Ulbrich put together

Posted By: John A (06/03/2008 3:28:09 PM)
Comment: Todd Fitz - The buck stops at the top. Seifert could handle him!!! Seifert brought back Jim Burt to put the hurt on Haley if he got out of line. That my friend tells you everything. Seifert/Clark/Cerato..Ouch!! Couldn't draft..brought in people who didn't fit the system. Dana Hall sound familar... That little running back he wanted..Seifert ruined a good run. If you can not handle a professional athlete you shouldn't be a pro football coach. To top it off George let him go to the COWBOYS!! Arch enemy #1. Seifert your uncle or something?

Posted By: Cyrus (06/03/2008 3:24:56 PM)
Comment: Josh-- based on what? He's a name at this stage of his career. He had 0 ints, 0 forced fumbles, and finished his season injured. I would guess they'll stick with Moore, Thomas, and Ulbrich.

Posted By: Cyrus (06/03/2008 3:22:32 PM)
Comment: Matt, McCloughan mentioned in that press conference that the existing cap space can be used to lock up existing players. Who do you see as the most likely candidates? Baas? Haralson?

Posted By: shootme (06/03/2008 3:01:29 PM)
Comment: stonerlab - Lawson was an EXCELLENT DE in college, opposite mario williams. Pass rush is kind of his forte. "In 2005, Lawson made All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team selection by The NFL Draft Report. He started every game, except against Wake Forest, at right defensive end. He participated in 617 plays during the regular season. He recorded a career-high 58 tackles (33 solos), adding three solo hits on special teams. He registered 21 pressures with four pass deflections and a blocked kick. He ranked second in the conference and twelfth in the nation with 10.5 sacks for minus 83 yards. He ranked fourth in the conference, third on the team and 14th in the nation with 19.5 stops for losses of 112 yards"

Posted By: Jeff in L.A. (06/03/2008 2:59:04 PM)
Comment: Anyone who advocates drafting for need just has to take a look at the players we selected when Donahue was drafting, that should be enough to put that theory to rest.

Posted By: wsmith (06/03/2008 2:55:29 PM)
Comment: To continue to beat a dead horse...the Hawks also signed Kearney and that panned out pretty good. So pass rushers DO come available, you just have to be able to identify the guys worth the risk (Jevon Kearse anyone?).

Posted By: wsmith (06/03/2008 2:52:38 PM)
Comment: Andrew G - I appreciate the feedback but when those guys have 36 sacks over the last two years, I would think the Niners would like to have that back - even at a high cost. We have ZERO pass rush. The decision to sign Jennings over Peterson was a huge blunder.

Posted By: JoSH (06/03/2008 2:45:12 PM)
Comment: Matt, Takeo Spikes was just released... he could add alot to the niners D.. Do you see them thinking about picking him up to help take over Derek Smiths position?

Posted By: Claude Balls (06/03/2008 2:25:34 PM)
Comment: KG, with all due respect, you have it backwards. Reaching for a player in the draft because he plays a position of great need, regardless of that player's true value, is the path to mediocrity (Hello, Mr. Rumph). Successful teams employ some form of the best player available (BPA) strategy. Obviously, you have to be aware of your needs (no need for the 49ers to draft a RB in the first round when they intend to rely so heavily on Frank Gore), but the goal is to maximize the overall talent you have on the team. Reaching for players at positions of need does not accomplish that goal. As for your examples, do you really think that Brandon Williams was drafted because he was the BPA? I also think the jury is still out on Vernon Davis. There remains a very good chance that he will be a star in this league.

Posted By: SavageVinny (06/03/2008 2:24:45 PM)
Comment: hahahaha you owe her BIG for that one!

Posted By: Andrew G (06/03/2008 2:22:01 PM)
Comment: And Carter was wayy overpaid by the Redskins, as everyone who plays for them is. Even for his production, he's getting too much money and wouldn't have been worth it.

Posted By: Andrew G (06/03/2008 2:20:20 PM)
Comment: smith, just happened to see your post and wanted to add my .02 The reason, as I understand it, that Peterson wasn't signed didn't have anything to do with whether he was affordable or not, but rather if he was actually worth the money he'd be getting. He was coming off a serious injury and obviously the niners didn't want to fork over a ton of money to a guy they weren't sure about. A mistake in hindsight, but that's always 20/20. They decided to sign a guy who played the most important Oline position- it just didn't work out.

Posted By: wsmith (06/03/2008 2:01:15 PM)
Comment: Hey StonerLab - maybe you should stop smoking so much of your labwork. Cap Hell huh? Couldn't afford Carter or Peterson huh? Thats funny, we could afford to give Jonas Jennings a HUGE contract the first year, then when we let Carter and Peterson walk we could afford to sign Larry Allen, Antonio Bryant, Walt Harris, Mark Roman, Moran Norris, and TWO #1 draft picks - Lawson and Davis. Sounds like an awful lot of money forked over considering we "couldn't afford" Carter or Peterson. Why don't you take a look at "Mr. Fragile" Jennings contract and see if we could have used that on Carter or Peterson, or both. How's Jennings working out for ya? Peterson sure is a bust in Seattle huh? So explain it to me ONE MORE TIME genius, because I guess I JUST DON"T SEEM TO GET IT.

Posted By: todd fitzgearld (06/03/2008 2:00:31 PM)
Comment: Hey JohnA- I agree that Siefert losing Haley was incredibly bad. That said, haley was uncontrollable. For example, he deffacated on a coachs car. He was going to get his way off the team and he did. Cant pin that on Siefert

Posted By: KG (06/03/2008 1:59:15 PM)
Comment: Best player available philosophy is a great path to mediocrity. It's a great way of getting lots of pieces that look good in their plastic wrapping like Brandon Williams and Vernon Davis but they don't fit together on the field. You need to pick players that you need in your system. I am still just shocked and saddened that the Niners aren't going into the draft with a major focus on rushing the passer, beefing up the O-line, and finding a D-lineman that can actually draw a double team. How is our D going to be better than last year because of Martz. That's such flawed logic that I'd expect from a poster on 49erwebzone not the Niners GM.

Posted By: StonerLab (06/03/2008 1:42:45 PM)
Comment: OMG!, wsmith...how many times do we have to explain your question about Peterson & Carter? Did you have a case of memory loss? or were you living in a cave at the time? 3 simple words to answer the question for you... DONAHUE, CAP HELL! any more questions?

Posted By: Mike in SF #1 (06/03/2008 1:36:41 PM)
Comment: Follow up on T.O.P. stat. 2007 49ers ran 925 plays (31st). The Lions ran 965 (29th). Both garbage. =P

Posted By: StonerLab (06/03/2008 1:36:35 PM)
Comment: Matt, Thanks for clarifying the issue about possbily losing draft picks if the 49ers continued to add free agents. Now it makes sense on how McCloughan mentioned bringing low tier players from here on out. Obviously he was refering to players that were cut from other teams. I must say though I'm a bit miffed about McCloughan's nonchalant attitude towards being content with what they have as pass rushers. Yes Haralson maybe ready to take the next step & Manny coming back from his injury can make an impact. But Manny has not really proven he can be a pass rusher. He's a great athlete no question about it & he can do alot of things but pass rusher? I don't know, we'll have to see. The other thing McCloughan said that was puzzling was how he equated the offense being on the field more was going to give the defense more opportunities to sack the QB...HUH? that was a head scrather. Bottom line is you can never have enough true "pass rushers" so I'm with you Matt that the 49ers better draft somebody in the first 2 rounds who has the speed who can rush from the edge.

Posted By: wsmith (06/03/2008 1:28:27 PM)
Comment: Matt - I disagree that great pass rushers don't become available. McNolan let Peterson and Carter go, and they have had 19.5 and 16.5 sacks, respectively, since he decided to part ways with them. Those #'s would easily lead the team the last two years. Both were dumb moves. But thats just my opinion.

Posted By: Indiana Jim (06/03/2008 1:25:48 PM)
Comment: I'm getting kinda tired of people assuming Martz's offense here is going to be the same as the other places he's been. Case in point 1: Marshall Faulk's comments. He talked about Frank Gore being a much stouter runner, much stronger up the middle. This will be the first thing to change Martz's approach. Case in point #2: Alex Smith/Hill. There shouldn't be much doubt that Smith is going to be the starter, but even if he's not, both guys are extremely mobile. None of Martz's QB's have EVER been thought of as mobile. Case in point #3: Receivers. The receivers, of course, are different in style than Az-Zahir Hakim, Torry Holt, etc. Bigger, stronger, different style. With Gore being what he is, the receivers being what they are, the line being beefy like it is--Martz himself talked about those three things in particular--means that Martz's approach to this offense will be much different than his previous stints anywhere else. Finally, in regard to Detroit, how the hell do you run the ball with their crap running backs and offensive line? Let's allow the man more credit than that. All in all, I LOVE the low expectations! I was panicking last preseason over the dang "playoff surprise team" crap. No jinx this year, people!

Posted By: Dirk 2 (06/03/2008 1:12:42 PM)
Comment: Would it make your wife feel better if you posted a picture of her on your blog?

Posted By: marcello (06/03/2008 1:11:14 PM)
Comment: Where would the comp picks fall in the draft?

Posted By: Mike in SF #1 (06/03/2008 1:10:39 PM)
Comment: Matt, I'm speculating here, but time of possesion might be a misleading stat when comparing offenses. A team that throws a lot will stops the game clock more often than a running heavy team, but the actual elapsed time spent on the field may not vary much. Perhaps total plays, total drives, plays per drive would be a more accurate comparrison for whether the Lion's offense of '07 spent more time on the field than the 49ers of '07.

Posted By: John A (06/03/2008 1:10:14 PM)
Comment: on the subject of not letting a good pass rusher go.. I still think George Siefert inability to control Charles Haley was one of the biggest bone head moves in forty niner history. God I still see Haley in that first SB for Dallas against the Bills. The first half Chuck destroyed the Bills and should have been the MVP of that game. He set the tone. Of course there was no pass rush on Troy two weeks before...we all know how that ended up.

Posted By: Riccardo (06/03/2008 1:01:07 PM)
Comment: LOL Matt :-) Hope you wife understands it's a dirty job but someone has to do it. Thanks for the usual great coverage and a question: which part of Italy does your family come from? Rgds from an Italian Niner

Response: My roots are in Northern Italy. The Maioccos come from Piemonte. I haven't met any of them. But I've twice visited my relatives on my grandmother's side. They're from the tiny village of Valverde, Pavia. Thanks for asking. --Matt M.

Posted By: Berger (06/03/2008 12:58:11 PM)
Comment: Matt- Now that it is not your wife's birthday anymore, can you put up some more cheerleader pictures?

Posted By: 49er69 (06/03/2008 12:56:41 PM)
Comment: Matt, Any thoughts on the Niners interest in Guard Chris Naeole the Jaguars recently released him.

Posted By: Grant (06/03/2008 12:54:05 PM)
Comment: Thanks for the info, Matt. Forgive my ignorance, but do you know if there's a formula that the league uses when calculating the value of those compensatory draft picks? I know that a team can get as high as the equivalent of a 3rd-rounder (i.e. the 33rd pick in the 3rd round) as compensation, but do you know how it works? (Also, there may be a measure of schadenfreude here, but I found your note to self hilarious! Hopefully your apology suffices to ensure further marital bliss).

Posted By: Jeff in L.A. (06/03/2008 12:50:52 PM)
Comment: Mrs. Maiocco please dont be too mad at Matt, he was just looking out for us on that one. Happy belated birthday!

Posted By: Mike in SF #2 (06/03/2008 12:49:10 PM)
Comment: Matt - Could Takeo Spikes be one of those players McCloughan was talking about (similar to a Bruce/Foster) that we could go after now that the Eagles have cut him? He seems like a great fit at the "ted" spot to me and with Willis on his side he doesn't need to be spectacular like he was early in his career.

Posted By: Big Jim, Reno (06/03/2008 12:48:27 PM)
Comment: Absolutely incredible that you answered every question I had. You are amazing. Thank you. But how the heck you could you offend your wife on her birthday. That said, thanks from all us guys. Happy B-Day, Mrs. M.

Posted By: NinerKing (06/03/2008 12:47:56 PM)
Comment: Thanks for the clarifying post Matt! Note to self: Remember Matt's note to self for future reference.

Posted By: Berger (06/03/2008 12:44:16 PM)
Comment: The signings we made on D-line so far give us an OK line. It's not a great line. It's not even a very good line. But I'm very happy if you compare it to the disaster we were looking at before we signed Sope and Smith. We still need one more gooe interior lineman and an edge rusher to appear. That would make it a good line. We might already have that edge rusher on the team. Haralson looks ready to break out, but do we want to count on that? The other thing we can do is get somebody like a Laws or Meerling to play DE and let Smith come from the Elephant. Or put a guy like McDonald or Meerling at DE and Smith at DT and let him one gap. The signing of Smith gioves a lot of options on draft day. I trust McNolan have considered all options.

Posted By: Mike in SF #2 (06/03/2008 12:43:04 PM)
Comment: Hilarious. Happy belated birthday Mrs. Maiocco! Great insights as always Matt.

Posted By: Erack (06/03/2008 12:42:09 PM)
Comment: So with all of that being said, Matt, and assuming the safe answer of "best player availible" isn't viable, what position would the 49ers like to draft with their first and second round picks? Seems like Pass rusher, OL, and WR are the main 3 concerns right now.

Posted By: Ultimate Niner In Dallas (06/03/2008 12:41:24 PM)
Comment: First. Sorry Could not resist. Matt, doesnt history say that the type of injury Manny Lawson had, requires two years to get back to full speed? We might not be as fully stocked at LB as some would believe.

Posted By: illini49er (06/03/2008 12:41:16 PM)
Comment: Matt, OUCH!! What kind of gift did it take to not have to sleep on the couch?