Posted By: tgflynn (14/03/2008 7:47:29 PM)
Comment: Dennis, get a new hobby quick!

Posted By: Dennis (14/03/2008 4:04:53 PM)
Comment: Someone here remarked that I had a "glass half full" mentality because I only see 4 wins this season with the schedule we have. Believe me, I'm the guy that is always told I'm too optimistic about things. So, when I look at our schedule I'm really trying to put a win next to each game. In our division I see a really good Seahawks team beating us twice. The Cardinals are going to be very good this year and will easily beat us twice. The Rams are on a par with us but have a much better QB if Bulger is healthy. If Trent Green is healthy then they have two QB's better than what we have. A split with the Rams is the best I can picture. We will have no chance agaisnt the Patriots, Giants, Eagles, Reskins, Cowboys and Saints. The Bills are a better team and we play them on the road. Same with the Saints. That only leaves the Jets, Lions and Dolphins. We might just win one game. Against the Dolphins. But, being the optimist that I am I'm sticking with 4-12. Don't forget. A team is only as good as it's QB. We basically do not have a NFL caliber QB on our roster.

Posted By: Pat (14/03/2008 9:39:01 AM)
Comment: XL, I don't think we're looking at a WR with the first pick. Mayock said he doesn't have any WR's in this draft with a 1st round grade. There is no clear cut #1 WR in this draft. It is very deep with #2 type receivers though. I'm pretty sure you'll see a tackle taken with one of our first 2 picks. I'm hoping the other is a pass rusher, or, Cromartie if he falls.

Posted By: Razoreater (14/03/2008 9:38:10 AM)
Comment: uh... dude i dont recall saying ne thing remotely similar to inferement iran had ne thing to do with 911 other than referenceing the fact that they were dancing in the streets & i made a muse.please where do u politico fanatics come from-by the way why do we keep signing #3 receivers?why dont we trade the lot for a #1?guess that would be too much like common sense

Posted By: oneniner (14/03/2008 9:34:03 AM)
Comment: Really....Top 25, they must be a good team, I am suprised i missed watching them or havn't heard much about them. Hopefully they do well in the tournament.

Posted By: XL (14/03/2008 9:33:19 AM)
Comment: From my source with the niners..."Bryant Johnson was going to sign the contract days ago, but he kept dropping the pen...." With all the drops weve seen the past few years i dont know about the signing then again its a 1yr deal for very little...does this mean were not looking at WR with the 1st pick anymore?

Posted By: Mike in SF #2 (14/03/2008 9:33:17 AM)
Comment: Signing Byrant Johnson to a one year "prove yourself" contract is a VERY savvy move by McNolan. If he is a bust as the featured receiver its not a huge loss to the 49ers and we are not on the hook for a long/big contract. If he proves himself worthy and plays well I can assure you they will sign him to a long term extension mid-season or even franchise him at the end of the year to keep him. I think this is a GREAT move and it upgrades our receiving core.

Posted By: illini49er (14/03/2008 9:32:04 AM)
Comment: If this true about Bryant Johnson, then it is a big upgrade. Johnson and Donte Stallworth were two receivers I hoped SF would take a look at. The knock I've heard on Johnson is that he is just a # 3 receiver. Well he was a # 3 receiver, behind Fitzgerald and Boldin, two of the best young receivers in the league. On most teams, Johnson is a # 1 or at worst a # 2. With our receivers, he will vault to the top spot. I agree with Jon in SC, I'll wait until other sources than ESPN confirm it before I get too excited.

Posted By: NinerKing (14/03/2008 9:04:53 AM)
Comment: I dont think Iran is going to help the Niners...what's that got to do with anything here?

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (14/03/2008 9:03:52 AM)
Comment: Wow, is Johnson a good signing? He looks good. I always wait until Matt confirms it. ESPN has burned us a couple times with quoting an incorrect "source". I too was surprised when I read Martz was looking at JT in the mix for the starting QB spot. I guess that's what they mean by "open" competition. It's the next day. Any Spikes sightings?

Posted By: oneniner (14/03/2008 9:03:11 AM)
Comment: lol....what a loof

Posted By: 49ersNews.com (14/03/2008 9:02:57 AM)
Comment: ESPN Link on Bryant signing http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3293318

Posted By: todd (14/03/2008 9:02:40 AM)
Comment: What's all this about Bryant Johson!?!??!? HUGE upgrade!!!!! http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3293318

Posted By: Dear Razoreater... (14/03/2008 8:57:49 AM)
Comment: Iran had nothing to do with 9/11. It was an inside job. Check the evidence... Start with this series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqEpuTGc98s

Posted By: NinerKing (14/03/2008 8:54:29 AM)
Comment: Interesting....if we did sign Bryant then we'll have an 8th #2/3 receiver on the roster!

Posted By: Bud San Jose (14/03/2008 8:52:11 AM)
Comment: I just read the 9ers signed Bryant Johnson to a one year deal.Please let this be true!Please...Please

Posted By: 49ersNews.com (14/03/2008 8:43:26 AM)
Comment: Mike...that is what is being reported. At least according to Michael Smith of ESPN radio.

Posted By: NinerKing (14/03/2008 8:40:10 AM)
Comment: Pete - I agree with most of this, but am holding out hope that we nab a receiver that, if not this year, will turn out to be a quality #1 in the future. There are a few that I believe can and will be available when we draft (i.e. Hardy, Manningham, Sweed).

Posted By: Nevyn (14/03/2008 8:30:10 AM)
Comment: To answer Pete "what do we need to win 10 games", the real answer is "luck". We are very unlikely to add another receiver who will start ahead of our existing guys, and it is at best even money that we add a pass rusher who'll start ahead of Haralson at this point. And even if we did, we would still need one of our QBs to step up. So to be a playoff team, what we need is bigger contributions from guys we already have. We need Justin Smith to hold up on a 3 man line, and still add some pressure. Haralson is at least an even money shot to start at WOLB, so we need him to be productive there, which he could be but isn't a lock. We need a bounce back year from Darrell Jackson and one of Hill or Lelie to step up as a third receiving threat. And of course, we need Smith or Hill to blossom under Martz' system, and generate enough scoring to balance the 20 or so interceptions they'll be throwing with Martz as their coordinator.

Posted By: Mike (14/03/2008 8:23:56 AM)
Comment: Did anyone hear about the Niners signing WR Bryant Johnson to a one-year deal?

Posted By: Pete in New Hampshire (14/03/2008 8:12:09 AM)
Comment: What has to happen for us to win 10 games? That's the question that I enjoy at this time of year. I think the defence needs either a great rusher or one more great cornerback. The offence needs a home run receiver; the offensive linemen we have can handle the job, Smith will make plays or watch Hill do it, and Gore is still exceptional.I don't think we will find that homerun receiver for next year unless he's already on the roster, so my hope is that we focus on moving the chains and keeping the defence fresh. Nolan will finally realize that taking the initiative on offence actually helps the defence. I'd like to see all kinds of crossing patterns with long heaves to Hill and Davis. With Bruce occasionally sneaking behind the safeties. If we can keep the defence fresh, we can win 4th quarters.

Posted By: NinerKing (14/03/2008 7:51:48 AM)
Comment: Talk about the glass half empty type of mentalities. 4-12???? Really!???? With offenses playing horrible we swept the Cardinals last year. I can see us splitting with the Cardinals, Rams, and Seahawks. That's 3-3. I see us beating the Jets, Redskins, Lions and Dolphins. Im doubtful we win against the Cowgirls, Patriots, Giants and saints. I'm optimistic about the Eagles and Bills but could also see us losing those games. I'm going with 7-9 if some balls bounce our way. We won 5 games last year with a HORRIBLE offense. A slight improvement in offense and we win at least 2-3 games last year.

Posted By: LodiGrapePicker (14/03/2008 7:42:28 AM)
Comment: I too see 4-12 at best. Don't be too sure about the Miami win on the road. I also see Nolan finally getting shown the door, and Mr. Martz being handed the keys to the castle after this season.

Posted By: Dennis (14/03/2008 7:32:31 AM)
Comment: Looking at the schedule I see us splitting with the Rams. Beating the Jets and Lions at home. Winning against the Dolphins on the road. The rest losses. We're looking at a 4-12 record this year.

Posted By: oneniner (14/03/2008 6:34:57 AM)
Comment: Have the Saint Mary's Gaels ever been invited to the NCAA Tournament? I follow the NCAA Tournament religiously, not sure i ever heard of the geels program doing anything.....I doubt they get in, ....I havn't seen or heard anything about them all season. ....It does not make a difference anyways...the Tar-heels own the NCAA Tournament championship this year.....

Response: Yes, they've been to the Dance three times. The last time was in 2005. They were ranked in the top 25 for a couple months this season. With all the bubble teams falling apart the past few days, Saint Mary's is looking extremely good for an at-large berth. --Matt M.

Posted By: NJ - Mike (14/03/2008 6:21:46 AM)
Comment: Note to Aaron: When I attended the Niners game at Giants Stadium last year, the G-men recognized three former players before the game (like OJ Anderson). My friend, who has NY season tix, told me they do that before all home games. A nice touch. To your point, maybe the Niners could do something similar for the Ray Werchings, Hacksaws, etc. Because as has been discussed, it's unlikely that even someone like Dwight Clark makes it into the HOF (despite the fact his numbers are as good as Lynn Swann's).

Posted By: Mike in Glendale (14/03/2008 5:54:52 AM)
Comment: Argh - that's O'Sullivan, not Sullivan. That's what I get for typing without glasses this early in the morning.

Posted By: Mike in Glendale (14/03/2008 5:53:10 AM)
Comment: Educated Oneniner: This is a football site. Please discuss football instead of trolling users. If you insist on writing about fellow users...well, honor your promises and use correct grammar (since that's your supposed raison d'existance). A couple of Niner-related things: I've always had a soft spot for Sullivan since his UCD days (sorry, Matt), and I never dreamed the 49ers would sign him. That said, I would be beyond amazed if he won the starting job. I love him...I just don't expect him to start. Also, Takeo Spikes is a nice, recognizable name who no longer dominates at the level he once did. That's OK, assuming he doesn't sign for a ton; all defenses can use savvy veterans, and he'll be a good teacher for the Niners' young backers. If he can make a position change at this stage in his career, he'll be the best Ted on the roster; if nothing else, he provides solid depth, something this team needs at just about every position. I don't think he'll put people in the seats - he's never been that big of a draw - and I don't even think he'll necessarily be a difference-maker on the field. That said, I'm fairly optimistic about the potential signing for a lot of other reasons.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (13/03/2008 11:29:09 PM)
Comment: All for it Educated Oneniner, but why not lose the Oneniner tag? That in itself provokes our somewhat outspoken oneniner to take offense. We're all here to enjoy an open and friendly arena of 49ers topics. The tag oneniner has an originator, and too many variables for that matter. Practice Peace, with respect.

Posted By: Educated Oneniner (13/03/2008 11:09:42 PM)
Comment: Hello Marc, I would Like to talk intelligently about the 49ers. I look to be an alternative to bigotry and hostility and directly challenging those who profess it on this blog. Thank you for answering my post. I look forward to good discussions with you my friend.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (13/03/2008 10:57:20 PM)
Comment: This is called Instant 49ers Educated Oneniner, what's the point? Instant web gratification or talking 49ers football?

Posted By: Rich, San Ramon (13/03/2008 10:55:48 PM)
Comment: Dilfer's 2007 was the worst QB play I've ever seen from a veteran. You could see the 1000-yard stare in his eyes when the TV got a closeup of him on the sidelines. He was done, and he knew it. And Nolan and McCloughan should have known it, too.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (13/03/2008 10:53:55 PM)
Comment: Matt, has there been any timeline set for Larry Allen regarding his decision to play or retire? If memory serves, he is no longer under contract and is a FA?

Posted By: Educated Oneniner (13/03/2008 10:51:57 PM)
Comment: Hello everyone, I am the educated version of oneniner. I will now post using correct english and will make sense in order to counter the uneducated oneniner (...wow...). And if Matt comes to the rescue and eliminates my posts my lawyers will take him on and destroy him. Does one have to insult someones dead wife for you to offer your patronage Matt? Its called the 1st ammendment, learn about it.

Posted By: hilo49er (13/03/2008 9:58:00 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt, any chance the Niners are interested in Chris Naeole? I think he would be a great addition to add depth if he came at a good price.-Aloha

Posted By: Razoreater (13/03/2008 9:15:02 PM)
Comment: we must defeat dallas at all costs!!crush them into shadows of beaten down men!hopefully they come after our bye.God i prey we have an offense.we should be practicing martzs' offense immediately after the draft.offense needs plenty of overtime until they're a machine, a scoring machine.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (13/03/2008 9:09:00 PM)
Comment: Watch the process friends, buy the target guys early, wait for roster guys to move along, recoup dollars and reinvest in other needy areas. So far, so good.We don't, (and shouldn't), practice Daniel Snyder Off Season Rebuilding 101. We've spent too many years dragging dead cap money around, it's the balanced and structured plan that survives these days. Look at some of the aging vets as player coaches grooming the young pups. Derek alongside Patrick, moved on. Spikes at the right price could serve to tutor a Draft selection also. After a 5-11 season, facing the AFC/NFC East and our own Division, it's highly unlikely we're 1 step away from the playoffs right now. I fully expect to be Drafting in the top 15 in '09, so let's keep it all in perspective, we need players and we need to manage the cap properly. Tom Brady wouldn't take this team anywhere unless the foundation / core gets stronger, so let's see how we do between now and May OTAs before we panic. OL should remain a High Priority right now.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (13/03/2008 8:40:05 PM)
Comment: No. More. Trade. Proposals. We need our draft picks for OL and DL. It really looks like Scotty's setting up for a BPA draft or a move up to get players. I wonder if Spikes gets a helicopter ride too.

Posted By: Sansome (13/03/2008 8:13:45 PM)
Comment: Let's trade for Jerome Harrison from Cleveland. They don't want him and we can steal him. Gore Foster Robinson and Harrison would be the best backfield in football. I would interchange either of those names into 1-2 and we would still be ok. Also, what about Brad Smith from the Jets? If they don't plan on using him properly, we should try and get him/

Posted By: RK in LA (13/03/2008 8:00:25 PM)
Comment: Matt- Any chance the Niners get a comp pick this year at the end of round 7? Don't they have to give out 32?

Posted By: jbeezy (13/03/2008 7:04:38 PM)
Comment: any update on Takeo Spikes?

Posted By: tgflynn (13/03/2008 7:01:07 PM)
Comment: I think Takeo Spikes during his first two years with Buffalo was one of the very best linebackers in the league. The injuries he has suffered don't sound career threatening and although he has missed a lot of games recently, he also has been spared a lot of ware and tare. I think if his price is at all reasonable and he is physically OK, he could solve the Ted linebacker problem and yes we have a problem there. I personally favored drafting Curtis Lofton a young thumper out of Okla who could solve the problem for a decade, but think Spikes is a hell of a fallback option.

Posted By: Aaron (13/03/2008 6:57:40 PM)
Comment: Matt, I was actually at the Rice Retirement game and that was a nice gesture but how could they not have done something like that and still sell tickets? It just seems like so many other historic franchises embrace all of their history in a much stronger way. I'm talking about the Montreal Canadiens (GM is former captain Bob Gainey, coached by former captain Guy Carbonneau), the Steelers, much as I hate to admit it the Yankees, the Celtics, etc. The 49ers are every bit as historic as any of those other franchises and 2008 will be the 20th anniversary of the 1988 Super Bowl Championship team, are there any celebrations planned? I think it's ok to celebrate players that aren't necessarily HOF candidates as well, even if we don't retire their number. There are so many guys who deserve to be recognized (Barton, Jones, the Rath-Man, JT, Cross, Hacksaw, Freddie Solomon, etc) that the team could hold several ceremonies each year if they wanted to. We don't see enough of these guys around the games, around the events, or around the team and it doesn't seem like there's a close 49er community of current and former players. I really hope I'm wrong about that and you would know better than I do if I am, but that's my impression from the outside.

Posted By: StonerLab (13/03/2008 6:18:21 PM)
Comment: SFO, There's no question that Spikes has been injured quite a bit the last several years. But if the 49ers can sign him to a 1-year bargain contract & he can stay healthy (cross our fingers) he could be the type of player that can fire up our defense. Spikes can also be a leader now that BY has retired. I think he's worth signing, granted he passes his physical & he signs for a moderate amount of money of course.

Posted By: dcsham (13/03/2008 5:47:25 PM)
Comment: Matt, my son has committed to San Francisco State to play baseball next fall but after watching "Know Your Mid Major" he is having some second thoughts! Nothing like a short jersey and some white cowboy boots doing a high leg kick, if you get my drift...

Posted By: Global Nomad (13/03/2008 5:05:37 PM)
Comment: Matt I see you reported that Spikes was cut because he did not pass a physical in Philly. In another forum Niner fans in New Jersey are saying the reason he was cut is because he refused to take a pay cut to give them more salary cap room. I trust you and your sources but do you know if it is one or the other or a combination of both?

Response: I don't know everything that went into the Eagles' decision. But I do know that his release was reported to the league with the notation: "Failed Physical." --Matt M.

Posted By: Pat (13/03/2008 4:57:07 PM)
Comment: SFO- Spikes > D Thomas >= B Moore > Ulbrich > D Smith. If he will be healthy for the start of the season, which we are determining, he is better then our other ILB options. At 31 and coming off injury, with many large FA deals done and $ spent, I'm sure he won't be expensive. Seems like a no brainer to get him in for a lookie. Not a vote of confidence for Brandon Moore I'd say.

Posted By: Steven (13/03/2008 4:42:00 PM)
Comment: Hey MATT, good reads as always! By the way, go ST.MARYS!!!Im also rooting for them,I go there.

Posted By: Darren (13/03/2008 4:34:33 PM)
Comment: T Spikes= getting fans to come to our games. Many fans=voting to get the team in Santa Clara. Winning Santa Clara=not moving to Los Angeles. Why can't you 49er fans get a little excited? T Spikes helps the team. We need Spikes or we totally screwed up FA and signed a bunch of nothings that will help us win perhaps 7 games this year. We've done nothing in FA! Geez, you people are the life of the party at times not to have us sign a big name player! I hope we draft a WR. I'm not convinced by our group of fools.

Posted By: Bean (13/03/2008 4:26:25 PM)
Comment: Can a team acquire multiple compensatory in one round, such as the third? Or will they receive picks in subsequent rounds?

Posted By: JC (13/03/2008 3:29:54 PM)
Comment: I will be watching the tournament selection with much anticipation. I hope, and think the Gaels will get in. Check out Collin Chiverton on youtube. He is the guy we are getting from Mitty. He looks like he can step right in next year. Go Gaels!

Posted By: SFO (13/03/2008 3:22:53 PM)
Comment: I don't quite understand why so may of you are so excited about the prospect of getting Spikes, the guy's performance has been on the downswing since he starting playing in BUF. He has missed fairly significant playing time over the last 3 years and might not be ready for camp after another injury last year. He is a "Big Name" who is now an average LB at best, you all are caught up in the name. He is definitely no longer a "beast" as someone mentioned.

Posted By: Maurice in stockton (13/03/2008 3:11:01 PM)
Comment: Matt can you find out WHY!!! when we play the cowgirls its always 9ers @ DALLAS??? i hate the cowgirls but my wife is a fan and im waiting for the day they play in San Fran so i can wear my deion sanders 9ers jersey and she can wear her deion sanders cowgirls one.

Posted By: ny 49er (13/03/2008 3:09:30 PM)
Comment: if we get spikes this def is going to be insane draft one mor dl and its a wrap all our offense would need to do is put up 17 points a game

Posted By: one love (13/03/2008 3:06:53 PM)
Comment: Takeo Spikes could really enable Patrick Willis to rove the field freely and become a phenomenal player. I think this could be our best move of free agency. Justim Smith, DeShaun Foster, Isaac Bruce , Thomas , Rossum , Wow!!!!!!!

Posted By: ny 49er (13/03/2008 2:43:36 PM)
Comment: if we could land spikes that big

Posted By: DCN9er (13/03/2008 2:31:07 PM)
Comment: Takeo & Nolan + Helicopter = DEAL Let me know if you hear any reports of a helicopter taking off near the facility tonight. God I love Nolan

Posted By: Aaron (13/03/2008 2:29:02 PM)
Comment: Matt, I must apologize for the fact that I haven't been checking the blog 400 times a day like I normally do, so that's why I'm going to reference an earlier posting. You mentioned that it is nice to see the York's doing what they can to embrace the past legends and used the Bob St Clair ceremony as an example. While I would agree it's nice for the players, don't you think the team has made a concerted effort to avoid celebrating the DeBartolo/Walsh era teams and players? When Nolan was hired John York talked about reconnecting with the 49er tradition but he was talking about the 70's and not the 80's and 90's. So while they have done some good things with regards to celebrating past legends, shouldn't they also be criticized for letting personal issues get in the way of celebrating the players fans feel most connected to? It seems like one of many examples where the York's do just enough not to be overtly criticized rather than trying to do what is right.

Response: I think the organization really screwed up after Bill Walsh's passing. The entire 49ers team should have attended the public memorial service at Candlestick, no question about it. But I'm not sure I agree with your general assessment. Seems to me there have been a lot of players from the 80s featured on the cover of the Game Day magazine. Also, we saw the re-enactment of the Catch at halftime of a game in '06. It certainly is a matter of perception. I have never thought of it until you asked the question. Remember, they hosted a Jerry Rice retirement celebration in 2006. --Matt M.

Posted By: ny 49er (13/03/2008 2:26:11 PM)
Comment: they air the jets games but i have direct tv and the only reason i have it is just to watch the 49ers

Posted By: Jim in Walnut Creek (13/03/2008 2:23:50 PM)
Comment: Based on a credible expert, it appears that the Niners 2008 picks, after accounting for league-wide comp picks, will actually be: 29, 39, 70, 106, 142, 176, 215. Let's see how accurate that is, when the offical announcement comes out.

Posted By: Dirk 2 (13/03/2008 2:22:57 PM)
Comment: ny 49er-Do they not air Jets games in NY also?

Posted By: jbeezy (13/03/2008 2:19:39 PM)
Comment: I think they gave up Ken Dorsey and a 7th rounder.

Posted By: ny 49er (13/03/2008 2:14:50 PM)
Comment: nice i get to go see 2 games this year b/c i'm in ny and they play the giants and the bills

Posted By: Kirke (13/03/2008 2:14:21 PM)
Comment: What did the 49ers give up in trade for Dilfer? Were there draft picks? If so, who was picked?

Posted By: JJ (13/03/2008 2:09:26 PM)
Comment: We will really see what this team is made of next year. 3 Really tough away games at Dallas, NY, and New Orleans. Matt even if Takeo's shoulder needs surgery, wouldn't he still be availible sometime around training camp. I say pull the trigger. ?

Posted By: Cap (13/03/2008 2:06:54 PM)
Comment: Any idea where Spikes would be playing. Seems a bit old to be an OLB rushing the passer and not sure about his willingness to take on lineman.

Posted By: ZURDO (13/03/2008 2:06:45 PM)
Comment: TOUGH LUCK....

Posted By: ZURDO (13/03/2008 2:05:53 PM)
Comment: 1st..... I finally got one. Is there stil a prize?

Posted By: Traj (13/03/2008 2:04:58 PM)
Comment: Okay, not first... :)

Posted By: Traj (13/03/2008 2:04:30 PM)
Comment: First... I don't know why I just did that...

Posted By: Jake (13/03/2008 2:04:01 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt, I'm actually a Drake University graduate and St. Mary's gave Drake one of their only losses earlier this season. I hope to see St. Mary's get in the tournament as well. Much better than some run of the mill 6th or 7th major conference team.

Response: I was quite pleased to see Drake roll through the MVC tournament. I was at that game in November, and I had an inkling Drake was going to be pretty good. (But, of course, I'm surprised they turned out to be THIS good.) --Matt M.