The 49ers want the best quarterback on the field this season. That seems like a reasonable goal. After all, this team - and this head coach, in particular - must produce results this season.
However, the 49ers' three-way competition for the staring job has an obvious drawback. The person who ultimately wins the job might not have as much background in the system when the season begins because his workload will have been diluted by sharing the offseason snaps with two other quarterbacks.
Offensive coordinator Mike Martz said that is not an issue now. But if the competition continues into training camp, then it could have some drawbacks.
Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan are competing for the starting job. For the longest time, coach Mike Nolan said the competition involved Smith and Hill. But Martz is quick to point out that he would be comfortable with O'Sullivan as his quarterback, too.
On the first day of the 49ers' three-day minicamp over the weekend, Nolan updated the competition to include O'Sullivan.
"He's probably more like Shaun than he is like Alex, as far as the type of quarterback," Nolan said. "But his familiarity with the offense obviously helps him. He's a little crisper than the other guys because he's had a year in it. So, he knows it. But I like his demeanor and his ability just to make a play work. That is important."
* * *
We're going to take a little detour for a 49ers sad fact from 2007. How bad was the 49ers' offense? Well, the 49ers scored more than seven points in just THREE quarters the entire season.
* * *
Martz's offense is complex - no doubt. The more on-field reps a quarterback receives helps him get ready for the regular season. The competition - and the sharing of practice repetitions - is scheduled to continue in the offseason program, including the 12 days of practices during organized team activities in June.
In most cases, once training camp begins in late-July, the starting quarterback takes the bulk of the practice snaps as the focus becomes getting him ready for the regular season. Nolan on Sunday did not rule out the possibility of naming a starter at the beginning of training camp.
After all, the longer the competition continues, the fewer practice snaps the No. 1 quarterback will have gotten.
In any other NFL offensive system, this would be an issue. In Martz's system, it's almost unfair to the quarterback who wins the job.
While it might make perfect sense for the 49ers to stretch this QB competition into the exhibition season in order to ensure they're making the right choice, the longer they go without declaring a No. 1 quarterback will ultimately hurt the team.
* * *
Yesterday, I spoke to Martz on this topic. After re-reading this transcript it struck me that some of it might be interpreted as confrontational. In actuality, it was not. It was a genial give-and-take. This is what he had to say . . .
Instant 49ers: Is there a Catch-22, in having an open competition for the QB job? Don't you want to have a No. 1 quarterback, so the focus can be to get him ready to play?
Martz: "This stuff will sort itself out. We have lots of time to make that decision. Until they (the quarterbacks) have full knowledge of what we do, to make a decision before that would be unfair to all of them. Until we know they're completely prepared with what we do, to say this guy's going to start and this guy isn't, is not quite fair. When they're up to speed, then you can judge them fairly."
Instant 49ers: But doesn't it hurt that the person who becomes the starter won't be getting most of the reps through the offseason?
Martz: "The information is the same. You're teaching them all the same, but he just gets more reps if he's the starter. So there's a little bit of a difference, but at this point, it's not significant."
Instant 49ers: When do you think it becomes significant?
Martz: "If it's a real extended time, I think it can affect it. I'm not worried about that. There's nothing you can do about it. It is what it is. There is no other way of doing it that's right. This is the right way of doing it."
Instant 49ers: How do you think you will arrive at that decision? What will tell you that this is the right time to name a starter?
Martz: "That's not my decision. That's Mike's (Nolan). We'll sit down and I'm sure he'll ask for some things and then he'll make a decision. He'll ask for my input. I don't make that decision, but I'm sure he'll ask me and Ted (Tollner) what we think. We'll go over the position. It's like any other position."
Instant 49ers: Everything we've heard about your system is that it's so complex and it takes a while to learn it.
Martz: "It is complex. But here's the point I'm trying to make, whether we have a starter or not doesn't change the information they're trying to handle. (The starter) might get a few more snaps, but not significantly right now. Now, the longer it goes, then you like to have a sense of it. But we have plenty of time. Remember, now, Kurt Warner wasn't our starter until the third preseason game. He was a third going in and then he was a backup. It can be done. I'm not worried about it. For us, that's part is not an issue. They're getting enough reps and they're being coached the same.
Instant 49ers: I wanted to talk to you about each of your quarterbacks. Let's start with Alex Smith. The knock on Alex has been . . .
Martz: "Before you even start that I just want to say that all sins are forgiven. I don't know what you're going to say; I don't care what you're going to say. It has no bearing. For me to evaluate him, it's what I see out here right now. I could care less about what's happened in the past.
Instant 49ers: Fair enough. Let's put it this way - are you comfortable with Alex's ability to make quick decisions and get rid of the ball on time?
Martz: "So far, he's been extraordinary. So far, he's been absolutely extraordinary."
Instant 49ers: Shaun said you've been working with him on his mechanic, as far as getting his entire body behind his throws. Is his arm strength adequate enough to succeed in this offense?
Martz: "He's got the arm strength. The thing with Shaun, and Kurt was a little bit like this too, throwing the football is about balance. If you're a golfer, and you're going to play over one leg or the other, how you going to play? It's the same thing with throwing a football. There's a rotation into the throw. So he gets a little tilted off balance and that affects him a little bit. We can clean that up. We can clean that up a lot. And I'm excited about that he has that feel for it right now. He's done exceptionally well. They've both been good."
Instant 49ers: What did you see when you watched J.T. O'Sullivan on film in NFL Europe that made you think he could be effective in your system?
Martz: "It's real clear. When we saw him in Europe, he made incredible throws under duress, which makes a real difference in quarterbacks. It's a real key. In Europe, he flicks the ball and hits the guy on a dead run. He has uncanny accuracy. He sees thing. He's mobile, he's tough. He's all those things."
Instant 49ers: At this point, can you look out there and envision each of these guys as your starting quarterback?
Martz: "If coach came in and says, 'I want to play this guy,' I'm comfortable with whatever he says. We'll go play. I have great confidence in all of them."
* * *
Of course, the quarterback competition is the one everyone will be watching. But there are some other competitions worth noting:
Left defensive end: Isaac Sopoaga was penciled in as the starter after he signed his lucrative contract extension. He looked good at the position over the weekend. But the 49ers also have their No. 1 pick, Kentwan Balmer, playing that spot, too. Right now, Aubrayo Franklin is not getting much competition at the nose, so perhaps the person who does not start at left end will then challenge Franklin's starting job.
Strong inside linebacker (ted): Jeff Ulbrich, Dontarrious Thomas and rookie Larry Grant worked at this position during minicamp. But Nolan admits, "I don't know that we have a true 'ted.'" I asked about Brandon Moore, who took Ulbrich's starting job in 2006 and played well. Last year, Moore rarely played. I asked Nolan why Moore isn't at the ted, and he advised that not much should be read into the depth chart at this point. Moore is currently behind Patrick Willis at the "mike" position. I asked about Moore's inability to hold onto the starting job last season, why he didn't replace Derek Smith. Nolan said, "It was closer than I thought after looking back over the season. Derek was out there, and he was just so-so." The 49ers have not completely ruled out the possibility of pursuing veteran free agent Takeo Spikes.
Weak outside linebacker (will): Tully Banta-Cain reported to the team this offseason in much better shape, Nolan said. Parys Haralson saw time at the strong side position in the minicamp, as did Jay Moore. When Manny Lawson returns full-time to the practice field (he was held out as a precaution), the 49ers must find their best pass-rusher to place at this position.
Third cornerback: Currently, that spot belongs to Shawntae Spencer, but he will get plenty of competition from rookie Reggie Smith, a third-round pick. Smith showed some flashes during the minicamp. Due to his physical play, Smith is one of those players who will probably be a lot more effective once the pads go on. Others who could challenge for the third-corner spot are Tarell Brown, Marcus Hudson and Donald Strickland.
Right guard: This was going to be David Baas' job. Then, he sustained a torn pectoral tendon while lifting weights a couple weeks ago He will miss a good portion of training camp. The 49ers expect him to be ready for the regular season. However, if rookie Chilo Rachal shows he can handle it, it might be difficult to remove him from the lineup. Tony Wragge is currently working with the first team at this spot.
Wide receivers: Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson should help provide the 49ers with a big upgrade at this spot. But Arnaz Battle is going to be difficult to get out of the starting lineup, Watch out for Ashley Lelie. Martz and Nolan have mentioned his name often already. Last year, nobody was talking about him. And second-year player Jason Hill was far more active during minicamp than he was at any point last season.
Fullback: Moran Norris has been the starter. But how much will Martz utilize the fullback? Probably not much. Might the 49ers go with Zak Keasey ahead of Norris? We already know the 49ers plan to use Frank Gore and Michael Robinson together in the backfield some of the time. Other times, they can use tight ends Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker and Billy Bajema out of the backfield. Does that make Norris expendable?
* * *
--It's probably a little early for Dashon Goldson to unseat Mark Roman at free safety. Right now, it looks as if Goldson gets the call when the 49ers go with six defensive backs. Roman's starting job is probably safe. He is a very heady player who does a fine job of getting the secondary lined up and on the same page. There were much fewer blown coverages last season than we've seen from the 49ers' secondary in a while. Roman has to get some credit for that. He is a solid player. The 49ers would like to see him generate more turnovers as the free safety. Goldson has some great ball skills, and has a chance to make a difference this season. When he comes onto the field, it allows safety Michael Lewis to play closer to the line of scrimmage.
--Veteran center Eric Heitmann figures to hold onto his starting job. The 49ers selected center Cody Wallace in the fourth round of the draft. But center is a lot like free safety. A center has to know everybody else's responsibilities and make sure everyone is on the same page, as far as making the calls and last-second adjustments. That's a lot for a rookie to handle.
* * *
Offseason, huh? It's been a busy month here at Instant 49ers, where we went just four days since the beginning of April without posting at least one blog.
Now, it's time to dial it back a notch or two and get some R&R (if your idea of relaxing is running a half-marathon near Santa Barbara and taking the little ones to Disneyland). Feel free to post your opinions and observations in the comments section. Upon my return to duty, I'll solicit questions for a separate posting. In the meantime, please keep the bickering to a minimum . . . or I'll send you to bed without dinner.
Be good.
* * *
Comments | Add Comment
Posted By: aussiefan (15/05/2008 2:11:28 PM)
Comment: Thanks ninerindallas, so if a franchise player hated being in that team, what could he do to leave, if they just keep franchising him?
I assume the only thing he could do would play badly, but that would reduce his market value surely.
Posted By: DMC (15/05/2008 8:02:05 AM)
Comment: Has everyone saw we are taking a serious look at J. Trotter. This is some big news. Trotter is one of the fiercest players I have ever seen and he would be an almost better ted than Spikes. Now we can use Spikes and Trotter as leverage against eachother to get the best deal. Go Niners. Matt can you confirm this ?
Posted By: NinerBeliever (15/05/2008 7:44:20 AM)
Comment: I expect Bruce to have a good season and predict hime to have 858 yards...give or take a few. Ultimately, I think it depends on A) how well Smith finally can read the field, and B) how often will Vernon Davis now be getting his hands on the ball. I am really looking forward to this next season. Martz will help a lot, as long as Nolan keeps his pie hole shut. Also, just a thought on the other comments here...let's try to keep the talk on football. THIS SITE ROCKS, and I don't want to see it get pulled because of posters and their racial or religious beliefs. Everyone can have their own beliefs, but unless it pertains to football, how about you keep it to yourself. Sorry if that sounds motherly, I just don't want this site to get pulled by Matt, or the higher powers. Go Niners!
Posted By: Mike in SF #2 (15/05/2008 7:38:15 AM)
Comment: Wow - its like "Lord of the Flies" around here. Matt leaves for one week and the children, unsupervised, begin to cannibalize each other. Also - to the IDIOT that called Islam an "ignorant and violent religion". GROW UP or get OFF THIS BLOG. There is no excuse for such stupidity. That might be the most ignorant thing I have ever seen someone EVER write on Matt's blog. Muslim's make up 22% of the world population and it is the second largest religion in the world. Don't judge them by the actions of a very tiny minority you FOOL. Funny you didn't have the balls to use your real name in the thread.
Posted By: oneniner (15/05/2008 7:35:03 AM)
Comment: i won't disagree with you about Bryant Johnson might reach 1,000.....i guess the next question would be if one of our receivers do reach the 1,000 yrds mark, will that be enough to get my main man Alex Smith in the pro-bowl?
Posted By: This is crazy (15/05/2008 7:26:35 AM)
Comment: "Race??": Where did your mention of islam come from? American soldier did not mention anything regarding religion. And isulting someone's religion is just as prejudiced as insulting someone for their race. You have proven yourself ignorant. To get back to the real subject, i predict Bryant Johnson leads the team in yards with 1,100. Maybe im being too optimistic, but its about time the niners had a 1000 yard receiver.
Posted By: oneniner (15/05/2008 7:25:42 AM)
Comment: ...this fun to watch...http://theloveofsports.com/index.php/site/comments/top_15_human_highlight_films/........i really miss Barry Sanders
Posted By: American Soldier (15/05/2008 6:33:36 AM)
Comment: I think some of you love overreacting. Sure some idiots are going to say racist stuff because we do live in a racist country. I mean when are people going to stop lying to themselves and say the truth about this country. I love america but let us be honest racism is not just a phase or a thing, it is a way of life for some people (blk, brown and white). They can't survive without hating someone else. It is just sucks I have to give up my life fighting for their rights to be racist.
Posted By: ninermaniac (14/05/2008 11:49:31 PM)
Comment: QUESTION: If you are up to a little poll? Who do you think is going to be the 49ers leading WR in yards? Put the name and yards, save this blog and remember to look back on it at the end of the season.
Posted By: ninermaniac (14/05/2008 11:42:57 PM)
Comment: QUESTION:
If you are up to a little poll?
Who do you think is going to be the leading WR in yards?
Put the name and yards, save this blog and remember to look back on it at the end of the season.
Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (14/05/2008 11:00:13 PM)
Comment: Here's a better idea. Act like responsible human beings and treat the rest of us who post here like you'd prefer to be treated. One color, TEAM 49ers. We are here to share our thoughts on NFL football and Matt provides inside access for our team, I consider this a place to appreciate that, and if this nonsense gets out of control and the site is removed, what comes next? Think about logging on to ESPN and HOPING to find a forum for our 49ers. GROW UP and respect the 49er family who share this blog, or, better yet, find some racist-bigot driven blog site to get your hate out on, this personal attack garbage isn't amusing.
Posted By: I'm jewish (14/05/2008 9:47:28 PM)
Comment: If we're going to beat up on blacks, we should also beat up on the jews. It's only fair.
Posted By: buzz (S.F.) (14/05/2008 9:39:19 PM)
Comment: This is all rather instructive isn't it...at times I've thought why bother posting -so much hostility (people wanting to meet and fight one another-name calling ,rude comments about mothers,one- upping to a fault ,implicit racial connotation,etc,) Personally I am here to exchange information with the community here and share my love of football and our team(49ers)-this a special thing and I am grateful for the forum and I hope you guys are too! Just a reminder it is ok not to prove yourself right -like Marc nj implied a little earlier take the time to listen w/o reacting...Berger my brother take the high road -you deserve to be there!!!
Posted By: Berger (14/05/2008 8:34:51 PM)
Comment: wingster- I agree and I've even e-mailed Matt about this issue. My solution is to have everybody who comments on this blog register their name, email and address. This would make the children and cowards accountable. Matt said he would forward my e-mail to his boss and nothing ever happened. The response led me to believe that the newspaper is not interested in solving this issue. So what I do is address the mild attacks on me and ignore the ones that are so bad I think I'm dealing with a psycho. Your Obama racist could be a psycho. I would hope everybody ingores him. I'm a white Republican and was very annoyed at his political message displayed with that name. No need for that kind of stuff here.
Posted By: wingster (14/05/2008 7:38:15 PM)
Comment: "ObamaDaMuzzie" you are a racist bigot! This blog is not a place to spew your "not so funny" antics. Everyone here can see you for who you are. Matt can there be a way to stop such offensive talk. I'm a black man that find this trash not funny. i thought this blog was a place to talk and share our ideas about the team we love, not a place where people can hide behind the computer and say or make reference to blacks being dumb and ignorant. Man this is not funny!!
Posted By: Erica (14/05/2008 7:33:29 PM)
Comment: Come on Matt, it will be 10 days tomorrow since your last post. I'm dying over here! I can't stand to read these idiotic comments anymore. WE MISS YOU!!!!!!!
PS-Congrats on the race, sounds like you did really well.
Posted By: Jon in SoCal (14/05/2008 6:50:56 PM)
Comment: I remember back when Haley was playing, they would move him around. He normally tried to rush the blind side of the QB, so they he would play weakside LB. He would often go to the other side every so often to mix things up. Teams started to scheme him after a while though. they would motion the TE over to whatever side he was on to help out the OT
Posted By: Berger (14/05/2008 6:39:46 PM)
Comment: Rob- I don't remember why the elephants switched sides but my best guess would be because they were staying on the weak side of the formation. In a 3-4 the outside pass rush can come from the strong or weak side OLB, or both. That is one of the really good things about it, the offense does not know which side the outside rush is comming from. The main rushing OLB(elephant) usually stays on the weak side, but who is to say it can't be changed up at times. But typical would be the weak side. I don't know this, but it looks like San Diego runs two elephants. Phillips and Merriman. I was wondering why you took Sope off of the LDE. Do you not have confidence in him? Your line up is good, but I would have Sope at LDE, Balmer at NT, Smith at RDE, Haralson at elephant. I also like the idea of trying Smith at elephant and Balmer or McDonald at RDE. These are pass rushing scenarios. Your line up might be a little too two gappy for the pass rush, but it could work since we aren't sure what we actually have from Balmer yet.
Posted By: rob_deluca (14/05/2008 6:15:33 PM)
Comment: berger (or anyone else too !) i can remember fred dean lining up as elephant and haley too seems like they put 3 fingertips on the ground but the best part was they could line up on the left or right wherever they could get pressure from not like today where we seem to have one player who is supposed to provide "the pass rush" but what do you think of that line up ... i think my post puts our best line up out there
Posted By: Robert (14/05/2008 6:14:30 PM)
Comment: Hmm...the Niners are in talks with Jeremiah Trotter. I haven't heard from him in awhile. Is he still playing. I guess he started in 1 game for Tampa last year. He could help our run def. though.
Posted By: Parker (14/05/2008 3:57:33 PM)
Comment: Anyone have a good recipe for risotto?
Posted By: Mike in Glendale (14/05/2008 3:19:39 PM)
Comment: Oh, jeez - I just checked back today to see if Matt had written anything. Have you spent an entire week fighting amongst yourselves when a) Matt's gone and b) there's literally no news from Ninerland? It means you're literally fighting over nothing. What the hell is left to engender negativity? What's even the goal of the argument? Here's hoping Matt returns soon.
Posted By: old guy (14/05/2008 3:09:00 PM)
Comment: I think it's predictable that when Matt returns from vacation that he and/or the PD will make some changes to this blog to deal with the childish nonsense perpetrated by a few - particularly oneniner and berger. Totally eliminating the comments feature is a possibility, and I and others would not miss it at all.
Posted By: One dummy (14/05/2008 12:59:13 PM)
Comment: oneniner posting under an assortment of aka's, most recently Boo-Yeah... I guess no-one in reality likes him, and why would they? So, we're treated to a steady stream of b/s and fighting talk. Bless him. Best not feed the trolls people. Boo yah
Posted By: 49ER CUPID (14/05/2008 12:45:34 PM)
Comment: BERGER and ONENINER SITTING IN A TREE K.I.S.S.I.N.G.....DOING THINGS TO HIM THAT HE WOULDNT DO TO SHE......K.I.S.S.I.N.G!
Posted By: Berger (14/05/2008 12:41:03 PM)
Comment: Boo-Yea and Mike- I remember being youg and immature, like in my early teens. You guys resmble that. How proud you mmust be. Now go read your Playboys and promise your mom's you won't go blind.
Posted By: Darth (14/05/2008 12:35:37 PM)
Comment: I agree with Jeff, Matt just make some stuff up. Comments on ESPN's power rankings anything.
Posted By: Bob (14/05/2008 12:27:08 PM)
Comment: Its like going through withdrawal with both Maicco and Barrows on vacation.
Posted By: Boo-Yeah (14/05/2008 11:55:26 AM)
Comment: hey berger! one gap, two gap, whatever.... looks like your gap got stuffed by oneniner! Was it a sack or a ball sack!
Posted By: Jeff B (14/05/2008 11:00:15 AM)
Comment: Matt, you're killing us here! Just come back and write a blog or two!
Posted By: oneniner (14/05/2008 10:53:17 AM)
Comment: interesting read..."One of the masters of the pro football version of chess was the late Bill Walsh. He built the West Coast offense and many teams in the NFL run a variation of his well-designed attack. But the West Coast offense is really a philosophy, not a system of plays. It's based on throwing the ball early in the game, building a lead, then running the ball to keep the lead. Walsh wanted to take short passes and use the skill and quickness of the wideouts to run with the ball, instead of trying to design running plays that would gain the NFL average of 4.0 yards per attempt.
Teams that build the lead at the half and have the greatest first half point differential are the teams that understand the philosophy of the West Coast. When you make a team play from behind, their margin of error shrinks and a potentially fatal, game-costing mistake will soon occur. That's why all of Walsh's teams had a complementary defense that could rush the passer and force turnovers. He wanted a dynamic pass rusher, not for the sacks, but for the pressure to get the ball out of the quarterback's hand earlier, thus creating turnovers."...........http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/michael_lombardi/05/14/nfl.myths/index.html?eref=T1
Posted By: Giovanni Carmazzi (14/05/2008 10:31:27 AM)
Comment: http://www.brutusreport.com/BrutusReport/tabid/98/ctl/ViewContent/mid/1405/ArticleID/339/Default.aspx
Posted By: SDNiner (14/05/2008 10:26:30 AM)
Comment: Yo Matt, Where are you? The Faithful are missing your top-notch coverage of the 49ers. Please provide us with a 49ers update soon, or we may have to start focusing more of our energy on reading about the NBA playoffs and MLB (the horror).
Posted By: oneniner (14/05/2008 9:06:37 AM)
Comment: I am glad some of you find the comments amusing.......
Posted By: ObamaDaMuzzie (14/05/2008 8:07:29 AM)
Comment: Matt, where you be? We be lookin fo more football material from you. Come back soon please. Otay?
Posted By: Dummy Police (14/05/2008 7:11:17 AM)
Comment: This is classic the 2 top Dummies, Oneniner aka OneDummy and his new found loveBerger aka Ham(one-gap,two-gap)Berger have finally comsumated their love affair.I mean guys what took u so long,fellow bloggers have been exposed to your foreplay for far too long and we are estatic that u guys finally Dummied-Up
Posted By: Giovanni Carmazzi (13/05/2008 10:30:03 PM)
Comment: http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d806e89f6
from :53 forward you can hear Justin Smith talking trash to Marshawn Lynch. Gotta like this kid.
Posted By: SonocoNinerFan (13/05/2008 8:32:11 PM)
Comment: Hey Berger and oneniner, Get a room . . . jeez. I'm blushing. j/k. M A A A A T T T!
Posted By: buzz (S.F.) (13/05/2008 8:10:19 PM)
Comment: Parker -from what I can tell "PIG" was not added to KC roster-I don't know if he couldn't pass the physical or what( I tore my Achilles playing football when I was a kid and it took over a year to get back on a field!) but I hope we check him out- he is a quality player!
Posted By: Cody Pickett (13/05/2008 7:49:10 PM)
Comment: Geez, I never realized just how ADDICTED I am to the Matt Maiocco blog. Cold turkey has been a bitch. Hope he's back real soon
Posted By: Berger (13/05/2008 4:08:00 PM)
Comment: oneniner- I reread your test answer. I'm changing your grade to an A without the curve or an A+ with the curve. I missed the part where you said "blowing into the backfield more often". The teacher gets a C.
Posted By: Berger (13/05/2008 3:05:40 PM)
Comment: oneniner- You should get a B, but since I am grading on a curve, you get and A. Good job. Well, I must get my fat ass back to work. But first, I'll clarify the one gap. In a one gap a player lines up in between the two offensive linemen and tries to shoot thru. That is why he needs to be quicker.
Posted By: oneniner (13/05/2008 2:44:05 PM)
Comment: u know i do have to give you credit....you got me writing about a football subject i didn't want to think or write about........i guess it proves i dont have issues with you, if i did i would have ignored you but i obviously dont have an issue with your obese butt......hope that is clear enough.....oneniner is no hater or fighter, he just luvs the niners....
Posted By: D9er (13/05/2008 2:38:57 PM)
Comment: oneniner -- i rest my case. your last post really contributed to the intent of this blog. shame on you, dude!
Posted By: oneniner (13/05/2008 2:38:11 PM)
Comment: Nooooooooooo....not again with your useless 1-2 gap analysis.....ok...you just have to promise me one thing...you have to promise not to bring this up again...pleeeeeeze.............In a two-gap defense, the defensive linemen are generally responsible for two gaps, which means they have to be bigger, stronger men who play the run better---..
In a one-gap scheme, a player is just responsible for one gap. Therefore, he can be a lighter, quicker defensive lineman who is blowing into the backfield more often---.In a two-gap, the lineman's first responsibility is to play the run, and he is responsible for two entire gaps. For example, a defensive tackle would be responsible for the gap on either side of the guard across from him. In the two-gap, a defender will play head-up on directly across from an offensive lineman so that it is easier for him to get to and cover either gap.......are you happy now?
Posted By: Berger (13/05/2008 2:32:56 PM)
Comment: My apologies, I typed oneniner on the 5:30:49 post instead of Berger. Sorry little buddy, I don't want to anger you.
Posted By: oneniner (13/05/2008 2:30:49 PM)
Comment: I knew when I told you my size you would retort with name calling. Your anger issues should get counseling. BTW, I stay in pretty good shape. very litle, or no flab here little buddy.
Posted By: Berger (13/05/2008 2:26:09 PM)
Comment: oneniner- Are you saying that you are not a MAN or haven't grown ant b..., because you are not ignoring? I'm just sayin'. You need to watch those anger management issues. I have a question for you to take your mind off of things. Tell me the difference between one gapping and two gapping. I'll grade on a curve.
Posted By: oneniner (13/05/2008 2:23:23 PM)
Comment: here we go again...i was really tryin to be nice....begger if you thought those where fighting words you not just a loof but a moron with serious issues......if you need fighting words to get your obese butt off your PC, good 4 yu.....in my comment i was agreeing with you that your previous "assumption" of Hardy been a head case was accurate.......dude, i understand you dont get lots of luv most times so my opinion to you are fighting words,.......funny all you could think of was sittin on me and win, well again you assume accurately but one thing you fail to realize is your big butt will be too tired fighting with me, i doubt you have the energy to actually get me on the floor to seat down......
Posted By: oneniner (13/05/2008 2:09:25 PM)
Comment: "why do you feel the "need" to call out others at all?"...1. if the information is wrong or misleading. 2. my response or "call out" is my opinion......if you feel someone is belittling you in the comment sections, and obviously you take it to heart,....ignore it or you need to be a MAN and stop whinning about it, grow some b....
Posted By: Berger (13/05/2008 2:06:40 PM)
Comment: oneniner- Are those fighting words? I'm not going to fight you, although at 6-2, 315bs, I could probably sit on you and win. I'm just worried about your anger management problem. Are you related to James Hardy?
Posted By: ninermaniac (13/05/2008 2:01:18 PM)
Comment: A New Stadium on top of a garbage dump just doesnt sound right to me. I think the 9ers should suck it up and play in Cal's stadium for a year or 2. Because losing the Logo or the city name will be devastating. May gain some fans but will lose fans, because whatever city they move to the people there are just going to boast and talk down on SF fans. Its like trading a 1966 Dodge Charger for a new one, sure the new one is alot nicer. But the 66 has much more value.
Posted By: D9er (13/05/2008 1:55:18 PM)
Comment: oneniner -- for me this blog is to give opinions on the 49ers organization and its players. why do you feel the "need" to call out others at all? just state your opinion and move on. why waste positive energy on belittling others.
Posted By: oneniner (13/05/2008 1:48:12 PM)
Comment: lighten up begger....stop crying....you have a problem letting go......yes you are RIGHT nobody should spend a 1st or even a 2nd round pick on a guy that beats up his dad........are you happy now?
Posted By: Berger (13/05/2008 1:39:26 PM)
Comment: oneniner- You actually called me names defending Hardy when all I was saying was I wouldn't spend a first round pick on a guy with this kind of questionable behavior. If that is crying, then I was crying. You call so many people names on this blog you don't even know when you do it anymore. It sounds like you may have a bit of an anger management problem.
Posted By: oneniner (13/05/2008 1:14:06 PM)
Comment: I read the Hardy boy news this morning. Really sad how everything now is resolved even in a family through violence/guns.......i am waiting on the attack blogdogs to come out and comment on how i wanted hardy boy on the team......i understand, i did defend the guy...bring it on...
Posted By: oneniner (13/05/2008 1:08:24 PM)
Comment: lol....see we agree already,...:)....dude again i really am not trying to disrespect you.....if i took everything or anything said about me seriously on this blog, i probably would have jumped over a bridge...ok..that was exagerrated but honestly if i did care, I would have changed my name on here a multiple times.......no hard feelings....just debating with a little "spice" thats all.......God...I need ninernews.
Posted By: Parker (13/05/2008 1:05:39 PM)
Comment: In case anyone cares.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=ApvagCVsf5cnZEQgNblrvCJDubYF?slug=ap-bills-hardy&prov=ap&type=lgns
Hardy is living up to his reputation. The Bills may end up trading him to the Bungles and join all their other convicts.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=ApvagCVsf5cnZEQgNblrvCJDubYF?slug=ap-bills-hardy&prov=ap&type=lgns
Posted By: Berger (13/05/2008 12:12:07 PM)
Comment: oneniner- How about Begger. Is that not name calling? My friends call be Berger, that name wouldn't sound right comming from you, so in your case, you can call me Begger.
Posted By: Darth (13/05/2008 11:30:05 AM)
Comment: Remember at the end of the day we all root 49ers guys. Any luck on that Amber alert for Matt. Everybody is getting cabin fever with no new postings.
Posted By: oneniner (13/05/2008 11:05:25 AM)
Comment: Begger..Dude, I am not trying to diss or belittle you...get over yourself.....I am actually impressed you did play ball when you were younger...good 4 u....but even with that, it does not mean i can't call you out if i "personally" feel you are overstating a point over and over again.....i agree the lines do win the games, but cmon how many times do you have to comment about 1-2gap and the elephant position..wht is the benefit?......again you seem to over react like a "cry baby"....wht names have i called you?......it is suprising a "tough" guy like you cries everytime some disagrees with you....
Posted By: Jon in SoCal (13/05/2008 10:36:35 AM)
Comment: tgflynn: totally agree. The loss of that 5th rounder made most people question the draft. I thnk if we had drafted Nicks (or another OT) or even made a move to draft a true NT, our draft would have gone from solid to great, in terms of meeting needs AND BPA. What frustrates me about the whole Tampergate fiasco is that I am not even sure how interested we were in signing Briggs. Particularly after we found out we wouldn't be able to sign him/have to give up so much for him. Once we found that out we should have left him alone. A huge measure of the blame goes to Godell for being overly harsh, but still, don't give him a reason. BTW, I'm betting the Pats get no more punishment meted out. The Commish is going to try to make this die quiet like
Posted By: tgflynn (13/05/2008 10:01:45 AM)
Comment: I give Scot McC his usual high grade for getting bargains on draft day, but as a new GM his grade has to be considerably lower, The Lance Briggs fiasco cost us dearly. It cost us a chance at drafting Dan Connor to fill the Ted LB position in the 3rd Round. Connor wouldn't have been the ideal fit at Ted but has the overall skill to be a very good linebacker for years. I'm not saying R. Smith was a bad pick, he wasn't, but DC was a higher rated prospect who filled a definite need. Also with the forfeited 5th Round pick we could have gotten OT Carl Nicks and pleased many people on this board.
Posted By: Parker (13/05/2008 9:36:27 AM)
Comment: Buzz - I'd love to see the PIG pickup. I was at that Iowa State game when PIG when down. You could hear a pin drop in the stands. Well respected and beloved player for MIZZOU. Before the injury, he was a stout SS for the Tigers and a hellacious hitter. I know PIG wants to stay local, but selfishly I hope the chiefs drop him and the niners pick him up. A McNolan type of player IMO.
Posted By: Berger (13/05/2008 8:16:46 AM)
Comment: oneniner- I used to play a little QB and a lot of D line when I was young. I know a little about the positions and enjoy sharing. I join in on other subjects, but not nearly as much because but I know more about QB and D line than other football subjects. Also, I firmly believe championships are won primarily with D lines first and O lines second. If you don't share that opinion, I'm OK with that, I'm sure you are not alone. Your response is to act like yourself and call people names. Very intelligent, at least by your standards. Please don't sprain your arm patting yourself on the back.
Posted By: Andrrew from Rishikesh (13/05/2008 7:41:40 AM)
Comment: I think Soap can have a breakout year and put pressure in the opponents backfield. As everyone I was down on TBC but after watching last years games on itunes he was in the backfield a number of times but just missed making the tackle. The defense should be very good. Nolan has added depth. A thanks to Berger for always giving good reads.
Posted By: D9er (13/05/2008 6:55:47 AM)
Comment: Long time reader, first post. Well said Marc-NJ49er. Let's keep the posts clean and respect other posters opinions and observations.
Posted By: oneniner (13/05/2008 6:48:54 AM)
Comment: that was someone who used my name.....if Begger has an intelligent comment on Balmers's shoe size then he should come up with intelligent facts to back up his comments.....nobody is attacking him, he just needs to stop throwing out thoughts and framing them to be actual facts....sure "maybe" nolan did make similar comments but similar does not mean the same....and where are the quotes from the so called experts......bottomline his leg size might be relevant but does it really have anything to do with projecting if he would be a bust or gem.......begger stop trying to be a victim, its really pathetic...if you have a factual comment, write it down and give us an intelligent response to back it up, dont expect you gonna come here and spit out nonsense and expect everyone to fall in line with you......assumming i think i am smarter because i question your brain is dumb and again playing the victim card.......almost all of us football junkies know what an elephant, 2-gap, 1-gap analysis is, we here it everyday, but for some reason those are the only things begger brings to the table...comments already known or talked about......give us something new or shut up!
Posted By: buzz (S.F.) (12/05/2008 9:55:27 PM)
Comment: Does anyone know if SS Cornelius "PIG" Brown(son of Theotis) was actually signed by K C-he was nursing an Achilles heal injury-if not I hope we take a look at him... might be a good bolster to our secondary with a little rehab....
Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (12/05/2008 8:44:01 PM)
Comment: Perhaps Matt takes his break from the clownposters following post Draft OTAs to realize just how often he has to play disciplinarian to childish posters? Having been more of a reader later, I see how quickly Berger got nailed for having an intelligent post on Balmer and the potential we all hope he can deliver on. oneniner, you had a post removed from here while Matt was away for indecent content, or was that someone who needed to use your moniker? We indulge your opinions and allow others' to share theirs, is there some reason why some feel the need to slam another idea? Give a little latitude, read and reply, learn from one another.... can we?
Posted By: buzz (S.F.) (12/05/2008 7:49:23 PM)
Comment: Coach Martz is clearly an innovative strategist AND a brilliant QB coach who has a knack for cultivating the dormant talents of players in that position...at face value he seems happy with the raw materials presented-highly unlikely we see another QB this year Ninerbob but thanks for the idea while we keep the ball rolling...have this vision of Matt at home reading this stuff saying to himself "let the blighters suffer awhile... i need a break"!
Posted By: BodyRocker (12/05/2008 6:50:35 PM)
Comment: Hey there ninerbob, let me be the first to cut-up your idea about Culpepper. Unfortunately I no longer have the links but I read that one of Culpepper's main weakness's is his ability to perform to complex offenses. If you think back to his successful days at Minn with Moss; he would drop back, look for Moss and heave it. Moss in turn would go get the ball and catch it. Not to complex there now is it! I believe Martz's offense calls for a bit more football intelligence than Culpepper is capable of. Sometimes, matching a QB to a team is more than just a kindergarten picture of match this to that.
Posted By: Berger (12/05/2008 6:44:33 PM)
Comment: Rob- When we need a pass rush the elephant puts his knuckles on the ground and it looks like a 4-3 because it is a 4-3. That is the beauty of running a 3-4 with an elephant. It is also a 4-3 with just an audible.
Posted By: Jon in SoCal (12/05/2008 5:46:56 PM)
Comment: I meant our OL IS huge
Posted By: rob_ deluca (12/05/2008 5:36:40 PM)
Comment: aha..... how about this on run downs de balmer nt franklin de smith . when we need pass rush de balmer nt sopoaga de smith .... elephant rod green
Posted By: rob_ deluca (12/05/2008 5:36:31 PM)
Comment: aha..... how about this on run downs de balmer nt franklin de smith . when we need pass rush de balmer nt sopoaga de smith .... elephant rod green
Posted By: Jon in SoCal (12/05/2008 5:32:55 PM)
Comment: Berger:
I jsut thought that Balmer might be too tall for NT. He plays with "leverage" but it that has been for less than a year. I hope he studs up and eats whatever the OL guys eat. Our OL are HUGE
Posted By: ninerbob (12/05/2008 3:38:21 PM)
Comment: The longer Matt is away, the more ridiculous my ideas get: does anyone think Culpepper would be a good fit for Martz's offense? It seems slightly flawed to think that between the three guy's we have, they are the only possible answers to the Niners QB situation and we don't need to look at other options (Sullivan was an after thought, so the Niners originally thought that there were only two possible answers to the QB situation). I know the notion of Culpepper being a Niner is crazy and unrealistic, just thought I give everyone something fun to cut-up and trash.
Posted By: Berger (12/05/2008 3:35:26 PM)
Comment: oneniner imposter- Nolan made a similar comment about Balmers legs as well as some other draft experts. I guess you think you are smarter than everybody else in this field. What it shows is he can easily gain weight without it affecting his mobility. Gaining weight usually means it is harder to push him around and/or he is getting much stronger. Now you know, too. Since you mentioned it, I'll comment on his one or two gapping ability after I see him play at this level. I read he is a two gapper that can do some one gapping. We'll see.
Posted By: Berger (12/05/2008 3:27:41 PM)
Comment: Looks like somebody in college teen land is using oneniners name again. Even he wouldn't make a comment that stupid, or would he?
Posted By: oneniner (12/05/2008 1:44:15 PM)
Comment: Here we go again with the Begger analysis.....can someone tell me how looking at Balmer's legs you can project what he will do against pros.......am shocked i didn't see 1-gap or 2-gap refrence......i guess elephant is the new word........hey begger should we feed the Dline more peanuts so they can all grow up to be elephants....
Posted By: Julian (12/05/2008 1:27:42 PM)
Comment: come back mike! life just isn't worth living without your constant updates...
Posted By: RIE (12/05/2008 12:29:35 PM)
Comment: 140th!!!! Just as stupid as 1st!
Posted By: JJninerFan (12/05/2008 12:28:53 PM)
Comment: Hey i think that MM and MB need to better coordinate thier vacations... Umm they both can't be gone at the same time this is brutal... no niner coverage!
Posted By: Berger (12/05/2008 12:21:25 PM)
Comment: Jon- If you look at Balmer's legs he looks like a NT. When you look at his upper body he doesn't. I can't say for sure but I think he will be a NT by year two. Experts are saying he can put on 20lbs without affecting his mobility. If you look at his legs, I can see what they are saying. McCloughan says they want him to grow naturally and see what he becomes. I think that is reasonable. If he stays at about 310 I beleive he is a 3-4/DE. If he goes to 330, a NT. Either way, I think he was an excellent #1 pick. For this year, I'm with you, Red Bryant with the #3 or 4 pick would've been the icing on the cake. We would've been set. The funny thing is, in the long run, Bryant might turn out to be a DE and Balmer a NT! But we don't have Bryant so we can't go there anymore. We won't have a stud NT this year, but we will be serviceable. Balmer should be able to back up LDE, RDE and NT. That makes him valuable as a rookie. If he shows he can start at RDE, Smith can play elephant. I ask you, what blocking back in the NFL is going to stop Justin Smith comming at the pocket with a head of steam? Not one, which means he will have to be blocked by an OLT and that would open the middle for the RDE and blitzes(Willis and Lewis). We never saw anything like this last year with Douglass because he didn't command the kind of attention Smith does and hopefully, Balmer will. Our elephant was blocked by OLT last year, but only because Douglass was able to handled by a blocking back or a guard. Balmer should destroy blocking backs and out quick guards. We should have match-up problems for an opposing O line we didn't have last year. This year, the attention to the pass rush will have to be on the left side of the offensive line, last year it was on BY's side. This should allow Lawson and Sope to run some plays. Last year the strong side plays were picked up because of a poor quality rush from the weak side. That should all change this year. At least, I'm hoping so.
Posted By: oneniner (12/05/2008 12:17:03 PM)
Comment: Where are you Matt!.....I need ninernews.....I am sending an Amber Alert out for Matt.
Posted By: Jon in SoCal (12/05/2008 11:33:53 AM)
Comment: I think Soap did a zone blitz coverage scheme, BY used to do it when he was younger. He'll be a good LDE, but we gotta find a way to get Balmer, Smith and Soap all on the field at the same time. We still are to thin to draft for rotation. Still am wondering why we didn't take a true NT in the later rounds
Posted By: Berger (12/05/2008 10:17:43 AM)
Comment: Anybody read the article on the 49er's web page about Sopoaga? It says he played LB against Seattle last year. I don't remember that, but it is quite impressive that a guy that can play NT can also play LB! I can't say for sure, but I have a feeling that with his strength and athleticism he will be an awesome 3-4/LDE. He is an OK NT, but it is not his forte, and I know he is a premier 4-3/DT. Maybe only a couple in the NFL are better. Maybe we should put him at Ted! OK, that last sentence was a joke, but could you imagine a blocking back comming thru the hole and there is a 325 lb Somoan waiting at LB looking like a semi truck?
Posted By: Razoreater (12/05/2008 10:09:25 AM)
Comment: I'm with u buzz, butler will make the team.
Posted By: ninerbob (12/05/2008 9:57:05 AM)
Comment: Matt, great job with your half-marathon. I've done a couple of halfs and a couple of fulls. I am aiming to do the Four Bridges in October (if my 10 month old son is willing to hang in his jogging stroller for 14 mi training runs). Besides Spikes, do you know if the Niners have any other notable FA on the radar?
Posted By: Pete in New Hampshire (12/05/2008 9:44:37 AM)
Comment: Shanahan was bad, but we lost McCarthy to Greenbay just 2 seasons ago. So now we'll see. We might have had McCarthy and Rodgers instead of Nolan and Smith, so let's see how it plays out in '08.
Posted By: tgflynn (12/05/2008 7:47:06 AM)
Comment: Hey Mike
So nice to hear from you no matter what phony name your using at present but I think the correct adjective in your little welcome back should have been ediotic not ediot,
Posted By: Jon in SoCal (11/05/2008 9:41:46 PM)
Comment: Spikes only wants to sign if he is guarenteed a starting spot. I agree that it would be a good signing. Especially since D.Thomas is a bit confused.
Posted By: Rich, DE (11/05/2008 6:44:30 PM)
Comment: Well, a half marathon (13.1 miles) is no average "run in the park" so to speak. Run one 9 minute mile...not so bad. Run 13 of them in a row...much more difficult. And then, if there are hills, it makes it even more difficult. Not world class speed, but Matt certainly didn't wake up one day and say, "I'm going to run a half marathon next week" without any preparation. He probably puts in many miles each week. If he doesn't, he's probably walking like a duck right now.
Posted By: buzz (S.F.) (11/05/2008 6:18:07 PM)
Comment: The more I look at Ezra Butler's profile the more I like ...watch for this UDFA to surprise in camp !!!
Posted By: Rich, DE (11/05/2008 3:47:35 PM)
Comment: Good job Maiocco! 27th in your age group. About a 9 min/ml. Way to go.
Posted By: ninerindallas (11/05/2008 10:59:56 AM)
Comment: aussiefan---- a franchised player cannot leave the team that franchised him. now the team can trade a player they franchised{ and i believe they get their franchise tag back to use on another player}. but the player that gets tagged is promised a salary of the "average top 5 player salery's " at his posistion. so the higher the top 5 salarys get the more expensive it becomes to franchise a player{at a particuler}posistion....now a player io beleive can sit out any season he wants franchised or not, but they do forfiet all the salary for that season plus he must repay a part of the signing bonus and i pretty sure most contracts have some type of daily fine when a player sits out....have a good one down under
Posted By: Maiocco Watcher (11/05/2008 8:46:51 AM)
Comment: So check this out. I checked that marathon website. Matt finished 27th in the 40-44 age group with a time of 1:59:36. Is That very good? http://www.runsantaynez.com/results/individual2008.htm
Posted By: DMC (11/05/2008 7:46:32 AM)
Comment: Pat Kirwan from NFL.com just posted his opinion on top remaining talent left in free agency. Takeo Spikes is listed as number two behind Culpepper. Takeo Spikes - "Though probably on the down side of his career, Spikes is still a strong run defender who made 139 tackles last year in 14 games. He can also pressure the QB, is capable in coverage, though not as strong as he once was, and can be the leader of a defense, making all the defensive calls. If he can find a spot as an inside backer with limited coverage responsibilities he can still thrive in the NFL." C'mon niners, make a move ! ! !
Posted By: DMC (11/05/2008 7:46:16 AM)
Comment: Pat Kirwan from NFL.com just posted his opinion on top remaining talent left in free agency. Takeo Spikes is listed as number two behind Culpepper. Takeo Spikes - "Though probably on the down side of his career, Spikes is still a strong run defender who made 139 tackles last year in 14 games. He can also pressure the QB, is capable in coverage, though not as strong as he once was, and can be the leader of a defense, making all the defensive calls. If he can find a spot as an inside backer with limited coverage responsibilities he can still thrive in the NFL." C'mon niners, make a move ! ! !
Posted By: Mike (11/05/2008 5:38:58 AM)
Comment: Hey tgflynn----go back to China. This place has been so great without your idiot comments.
Posted By: aussiefan (11/05/2008 3:22:44 AM)
Comment: Just wanted to understand how a franchise player can leave the team that tags them. Do they have to sit out a year or something?
<p>
I know that the team can refranchise a player each season to "force" them to stay, so how can the player leave?
<p>
Or is it because the salary increases every year and it would become unfeasible.
Posted By: buzz (S.F.) (10/05/2008 7:16:03 PM)
Comment: Welcome back tgflynn-was beginning to think the goofball poster attacking you soured you away!Not a flashy draft by any means -and a case could be made that some primary needs weren't addressed (everything from pass rusher to QB-depending on who you ask!) but several good players were added!How it all stacks up and whether the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts this year- time will tell!
Posted By: tgflynn (10/05/2008 3:58:38 PM)
Comment: I was in China for the last two weeks so missed the entire draft. All in all, I think we did pretty well considering, although that Bears fiasco really hurt. Never expected Balmer to be there and they had to take him, Rachal was the only standout offensive line prospect left and I could see him becoming that road-grading right tackle we were looking for, Smith and Morgan were both bargains. Too bad all those useful wideouts were gobbled up in round two. I was a little surprised we didn't go for Hawkins. I'm one who believes the talent is there and was hoping we wouldn't make dramatic picks that could flop badly, say (Groves), and we didn't. I think the first three picks have a chance to be real good players. Morgan might even be that classic underachiever that wakes up and makes a good pro.
Posted By: DMC (10/05/2008 8:22:14 AM)
Comment: Matt, thanks for answering my question. Hope you're having a good time. However, hurry back, because I am having serious Instant 49ers withdrawals.
Posted By: ninerbob is an idiot (10/05/2008 4:10:54 AM)
Comment: Stokes was a bad pick but getting Owens in the 3rd round the next year helped make the pick less severe. Your facts are still of ninerbob.
Posted By: ninerbob (10/05/2008 3:10:53 AM)
Comment: Hey! It looks like JJ Stokes joined the party. You were a good pick dude.
Posted By: oh yeah (10/05/2008 2:41:26 AM)
Comment: People should stop being mean to oneniner. He is in his early 20s and he has autism and this is a place where he can socialize and have a life. Even if you do not agree with what he says you should let him say it anyway. My two cents. That is why Matt is often so kind and protective of him. I think we all should be.
Posted By: ninebob is an idiot (10/05/2008 2:38:46 AM)
Comment: If you draft a DT in the first round in '93, then another with the 7th pick in '94, you dont draft one with the 10th pick in '95. Sorry buddy-And Stubblefield left in '98, playing four full seasons and earning a Defensive MVP. Oh yeah Junior Bryant played in all 16 games his first five years before he played his last year in the NFL. Hardly "always hurt".
Posted By: ninerbob (09/05/2008 9:59:36 PM)
Comment: I like to remember some of the steps that lead us so far away from our Superbowl/Play-off years. We are sometimes so frustrated with Nolan and even before that Marriucci(probably spelled that wrong). Not, only did we get rid of Shanahan that year, we let him have McCaffery and we drafted J.J. Stokes instead of Warren Sapp (Stubblefield left that year or the following, and Junior Bryant was always injured). We let Pete Carol go, then forced Seifert out because Marriucci strong-armed the Niners into giving him the HC position instead of the OC position. Okay, he did okay while he had Steve at QB (and even pretty good with Jeff), but wouldn't thing be different for Jake Plummer and the Niners if he had come to the Niners instead of Drunkenmiller? Special thanks to Mr. Clark and Mr. Policy. Then the bottom really fell out and Walsh tried to help by handing the Niners over to Donahue which begat Erickson, and just like handing a baby over to a crack addict, the future was set. Anyone think that that might make a good "America's Game" installment on the NFL network?
Posted By: Razoreater (09/05/2008 9:36:33 PM)
Comment: Ninerbob & I agree when it comes to Shanahan-I could'nt believe we let him go, BIG MISTAKE & we're still paying for it!
Posted By: ninermaniac (09/05/2008 7:54:21 PM)
Comment: Matt's in Waikiki Beach sippin on Pina Coladas
Posted By: SavagVinny (09/05/2008 7:06:12 PM)
Comment: Matt, are you alive?
the only thing i have to look forward too all day is reading your blog, which means the past 4 days sucked lol
Posted By: ninerbob (09/05/2008 6:55:15 PM)
Comment: I am not commenting on anyone's coaching tree; I know Turner came from Johnson. I am saying there maybe times when this team is better served in keeping a successful (or relatively successful, in Turner's case) OC.
Posted By: Dummy Police (09/05/2008 6:45:25 PM)
Comment: Norv Turner?...Are u saying that Norv turner comes from Mike Nolans coaching tree?Think about it.
Posted By: ninerbob (09/05/2008 11:57:39 AM)
Comment: About the the HC job and Martz, look at Matt's responses to my questions on 5/5 and 5/6. If Martz does well, I hope we do not let another capable OC go by not offering the HC job (Turner ,might have been a questionable change at the time, but I think we should have kept Shanahan over Seifert).
I was looking at another Niner blog and saw that the Niner offense was running mostly a 1 RB, 2 TE formation. I wouldn't mind having a solid blocking TE like Kyle Brady opposite Davis. I am not that impressed with Bajema's or Walker's blocking skills I think Walker is a solid b/u recieving TE). Davis is a better blocker than both but I think Brady would help the over O-Line performance.
Matt, if and when you return, do you have any thoughts on the Niner's 2-TE sets?
Posted By: ninermaniac (09/05/2008 11:17:00 AM)
Comment: That coaching tree still keeps going. Seems like they didnt update it yet. Jim Mora Jr. Under Mooch, or under Holmgren after he leaves. Gary Kubiak under Shanahan. Norv Turner under Mike Nolan Because Nolan gave him a chance by giving him good players.
Posted By: petaluman (09/05/2008 9:35:10 AM)
Comment: As we've seen over the last few years, coordinators and coaches are often hired away from even losing teams. I'm OK with winning and accepting the consequences of even more staff turnover. Here's the Bill Walsh coaching tree:
http://cdn.sfgate.com/chronicle/acrobat/2007/08/04/walshfamilytree.pdf
Should we have asked Him to hire less skilled coaches?
Posted By: StonerLab (09/05/2008 6:39:12 AM)
Comment: Dummy Police,
You're right if Martz get's this offense turned around he will be gone because he definetly wants to be a HC again. He's got too much ego not to, but geez we haven't even seen what he can do with this "jelopy" of an offense & already you're seeing him out the door. Way to bring the 49er Empire down my man.
Posted By: Borat Sagdiyev (09/05/2008 12:38:55 AM)
Comment: I get a step...my neighbor get a step. I get a window...my neighbor get a window. I get a clock radio...he can not afford. Great success!
Posted By: wolf eyes (08/05/2008 6:39:14 PM)
Comment: The only job Vick should be offered after jail is cleanup in the local SPCA kennel...and a spot in his local church choir to help him get on the right track.
Posted By: Jon in SoCal (08/05/2008 3:47:45 PM)
Comment: Rumor was the Olivea has regressed a bunch in the last year and a half. He lost his starting RT job and then "dogged it" when he was demoted. That being said, he was pretty good a while ago. It would be worth it to sign him to a minimal contract and see if the cut has lit a fire under him. I would like to see at least another OT in camp. I would suspect that this is a lull in terms of signings. The draft is over and teams are looking to sign their draft picks and UDFA's. Once they figure out their roster a bit, there should be some more activity.
Posted By: Temecula niner fan (08/05/2008 2:57:44 PM)
Comment: why are we not pursuing Shane Olivea?
Posted By: Dummy Police (08/05/2008 2:41:23 PM)
Comment: HEY IndianaJim.....If Tollner was that good he would've been hired from within,But he would be the perfect person from within to carry-on Martz system,somebody will have to do it because i dont think Martz will be here no longer than 2 years
Posted By: oneniner (08/05/2008 1:58:32 PM)
Comment: next comment = 100........Hey Matt how much of a concern to division is it that Al-Saunders is now the OC of the Rams?.......He his respected in the NFL and i believe he has the stats to back it up.....
Posted By: Giovanni Carmazzi (08/05/2008 1:29:54 PM)
Comment: I wish Matt would take videos at mini-camp and other places he goes (wherever allowed) and post them here.
Posted By: Giovanni Carmazzi (08/05/2008 1:13:30 PM)
Comment: Rachal is a frickin' monster! I couldn't even see Staley next to him.
Posted By: Indiana Jim (08/05/2008 1:07:57 PM)
Comment: If Martz leaves, remember why we have Ted Tollner as an insurance policy. The guy has a TON of experience calling plays in this kind of system, has no designs on a HC gig anywhere, and would have a great gig replacing a no-doubt newly successful unit thanks to Martz. I think we're good for another few years there.
Posted By: Dummy Police (08/05/2008 11:23:37 AM)
Comment: Speaking of fullbacks...lets cutt both Norris and Keasey and sign Lorenzo Neal!
Posted By: ninermaniac (08/05/2008 10:45:12 AM)
Comment: I hope Ulbrich can step up this year, he needs to be the one with the earpiece, its his time to shine, if hes up to it. That and a couple of pro vets the 9ers will be red hot.
Posted By: Jon in SoCal (08/05/2008 10:24:16 AM)
Comment: Watched the rookie diary thing and the Jeb Terry video. Rachel looks tall, but compared to the other lineman, they both look skinny. Both those guys can put on another 10-20lbs with no problems. These guys are going to be MONSTERS. I see what people say about him having the ability to play tackle. Wasn't there a thing about tall OG's being bad?
Posted By: ShaneO (08/05/2008 9:27:19 AM)
Comment: great job Matt- whats the deal with Tarell Brown, i always heard he had 1-2 rd talent but off the field issues, then he practiced real well played well and got hurt, now he is falling down the depth chart? whats ur take
Posted By: Dummy Police (08/05/2008 9:10:55 AM)
Comment: RAZOR thats my point Martz will not stay as O.C.,I very well think that if the Offense improves but the record doesnt much Martz could very well be Head Coach and that would pretty much solve our problem..........If the record doesnt improve greatly we could/should end up with either Mike Martz or Mike Holmgren.
Posted By: Mike in SF #2 (08/05/2008 7:26:01 AM)
Comment: Guys - watch the Chilo Rachal rookie diary video just posted on SF49ers.com. This kid is BIG. He really does look like a young Larry Allen. At one point he is interviewing Joe Staley and looks like he's twice his size. We may have gotten a steal on this kid in round #2. From what I read and hear this could be are starting RG as early as September.
Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (07/05/2008 9:23:09 PM)
Comment: Mike Vick wasn't a QB before he went to Prison, how would you expect to call him a QB when he gets out? C'Mon? No matter how desparate this franchise might get, Vick can't read a defense. Alex might after this year, we'll see?
Posted By: http:// (07/05/2008 9:20:03 PM)
Comment:
Posted By: Razoreater (07/05/2008 9:00:22 PM)
Comment: If Dr. Martz has this offense running like a well oiled machine providing 24pts a game, then we should pay him to stay period!! No more musical OC's.
Posted By: Dummy Police (07/05/2008 7:24:21 PM)
Comment: DUMMY ALERT!!!...Mike Vick? are u kiddin me..lmao! Listen DUMMY Mike Vick wasnt very good before he was banned
Posted By: MichaelVickFan (07/05/2008 6:50:05 PM)
Comment: If none of these QBs succeed, look for Niners to sign Mike Vick when he leaves the Big House.
Peace Out.
Posted By: Darth (07/05/2008 4:56:41 PM)
Comment: Dummy Police, I agree. If Martz gets offered a head coaching job he is gone!
Posted By: Dummy Police (07/05/2008 3:51:33 PM)
Comment: Well of course it would be for a head coaching gig,Dont have the false/unrealistic hopes that dominated this blog about Norv Turner wanting to be a coordinator rather than being a head coach.Also is there a coordinator out there who can run this system as good as Martz,and if not will Alex Smith regress as he did when Turner left.Furthermore i think the only way Martz stays is as Head Coach
Posted By: Acne Treatment (07/05/2008 2:14:11 PM)
Comment: If Martz completely turns this offense around for the better, then I think the Yorks should step up to the plate and pay the man if he contemplates going to a HC job for more money... Sorta like how the cowboys did with their OC.
Posted By: Jon in SoCal (07/05/2008 1:53:17 PM)
Comment: If Martz does well, he'll move on. That's life in the NFL. If I remember correctly, though, he can only interview for promotion while he is still under contract. So another team, in the next 2 years, can only interview him for HC jobs unless the 9ers give them permission. The offense just needs to establish themselves and the OC thing goes away. We could try the Garrett thing and pay an OC the same salary as the HC to keep them. It's always about the ducats
Posted By: Dummy Police (07/05/2008 1:48:54 PM)
Comment: By the way Darth u are right, it is what it is.And this years offense is all about Martz,Believe me if Martz cant do anything with this group no one can,but if he can the sky is the limit for him,But tell me this '49er Faithful'what if Martz is sucessful and he garners a lot of interest,What do we do?
Posted By: Dummy Police (07/05/2008 1:34:12 PM)
Comment: I say Chris Paul,If Memphis doesnt FEDEX Pau Gasol for what amounts to ZERO Kobe's rump is out in the first round.
Posted By: Darth (07/05/2008 12:44:06 PM)
Comment: Ok can we talk about other positions now. The QB situation is what it is. Look at what Martz has worked with and won games with. He takes coal and makes diamonds.
Posted By: oneniner (07/05/2008 12:27:07 PM)
Comment: no he does not......all this writers just feel sorry for his selfish, no leadership, copy cat Micheal jordan, egomaniac butt....
Posted By: Parker (07/05/2008 12:14:50 PM)
Comment: Uh, yes he does.
Posted By: oneniner (07/05/2008 12:01:26 PM)
Comment: i need niner newzzzzz.....by the way Kobe does not deserve the MVP award.....
Posted By: Dummy Police (07/05/2008 11:53:08 AM)
Comment: Jon in SoCal...its funny that u use Green Bay as an example do u realize they drafted Brian Brohm in the 2nd round AND drafted Matt Flynn in the late rounds,although A.Rodgers has looked decent albeit inexperienced.Furthermore that football dummy Bill Parcells Drafted Chad Henne although John Beck was drafted last year.These organizations have put themselves in a position at the most important position in not just football but all of sports! And i see where u say we have a NO.1 in Smith and a NO.1a in Hill? That just helps me prove my point
Posted By: ihatela (07/05/2008 11:27:03 AM)
Comment: "This franchise has been no hit for the last few years." Really like Frank Gore, Sopa, VD, Lawson, Willis, Staley. Some due hit their prime sooner than others, however most can see the blocks being put into place!
Posted By: Jon in SoCal (07/05/2008 11:15:51 AM)
Comment: While it would have been prudent to draft a QB in the late rounds, a la GB and others, I can see why they didn't. The 9ers have their "#1" in Smith and their "#1a" guy in Hill, who they just signed to an extention. Then they hire Martz, who wants one on his "guys" on the roster so he feels completely comfortable (not just saying that Smill or Hith with be great). When the draft came, they could get draft a QB without seeming exceedingly stupid. The only player that would have flown would have been Dixon, because they could stash him on IR for the year. They did a solid job in the draft, towards the end it got a little weird, but nothing stupid. McCloughin was smart, in his first draft as the man, he just tried to get on base. Everyone thinks we should have swung for the fences, but we need to get on base. This franchise has been no hit for the last few years.
Posted By: Razoreater (07/05/2008 10:59:26 AM)
Comment: It would have been nice to draft Josh Johnson in the 5th round!Pre-season payback against da bears.
Posted By: George Costanza (07/05/2008 10:52:10 AM)
Comment: Jerry!
Posted By: Qualmeres Mostino (07/05/2008 10:51:02 AM)
Comment: If you got $4,000 in one pocket and $8,000 in another pocket, whatchu got? Someone else's pants on...
Posted By: Bear Strangler McGee (07/05/2008 10:48:50 AM)
Comment: You're either mighty brave or mighty stoopid, which is it boy?
Posted By: Zutroy Douglass (07/05/2008 10:47:32 AM)
Comment: Man, how 'bout them Cowboys...what a bunch of *******
Posted By: Nick Lang (07/05/2008 10:42:52 AM)
Comment: Gruagh
Posted By: Dorothy Straten (07/05/2008 10:39:34 AM)
Comment: Have you heard how Elaine is buying her shoes now from Boticelli's?
Posted By: George W. Bagel (07/05/2008 10:38:31 AM)
Comment: Schnuuuuuurrrr
Posted By: Neil Page (07/05/2008 10:37:44 AM)
Comment: Whats happening?
Posted By: Dummy Police (07/05/2008 10:27:56 AM)
Comment: Marco from New York..Although it's true we had to address the interior lines.You are so very correct in your assesment the only problem is these idiots like to shoot down anyone elses opinion that Mr Alex Smith is not a bust.I believe u are a realist and u have actually become tired of his and Nolans tired act.You mean to tell me that no QB is needed for the hands down worst QB situation in the league?,A situation where(get this)a 3rd stringer from that great QB rich franchise the Detroit Lions can come and competefor a starting job with Your San Francisco Forty Freakin Niners?Are u kidding me,But we need for a QB?
Posted By: Houston 9er (07/05/2008 8:19:28 AM)
Comment: The team's talent is better than when Nolan arrived. IMHO thats a credit to McCloughan more than it is to Nolan. In fact, I think the team has underachieved under Nolan in relation to the talent level. Some of that is attributable to the players and some is due to poor coaching decisions.
Posted By: StonerLab (07/05/2008 7:04:23 AM)
Comment: Dean's right Marco,
No way the 49ers draft a QB in the early rounds. That's like trying to build a house & starting with the roof. Too many needs on the O&D-line for them to consider going in that direction as well as a WR. Although had the 49ers had their 5th round pick they could have picked Dixon. That still bothers me alot!
Posted By: Dean (07/05/2008 4:42:51 AM)
Comment: Marco in NY- With all due respect it would have been inexcusable not to improve the O-line after the quality of play last year. In addition, losing BY and Douglas made picking a DL a must. Reading your posts I know you don't like Nolan, but even you have to admit the team is better than when he arrived.
Posted By: JBG (07/05/2008 4:41:32 AM)
Comment: Ninermaniac:If MRob turns out to be halfway decent as a blocker/short yardage back (as well as a receiver and very occasional throwing threat), Norris won't have a place on this team. However, I would expect the Niners to keep him around as long as possible for a trade. If that doesn't happen, almost certainly some team picks him up and we get a supplemental pick. He's a good player, but has too limited a role in a Martz offense (unless he has better hands than anyone has seen up to now).
Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (06/05/2008 8:57:22 PM)
Comment: With all the bickering that gets posted here it's time for Matt to get his family time attended to, and if looking for Mickey and Goofy works for him, who am I to argue? As is always the case for fans like us, minicamps are for getting tuned up and getting expectations fed. I like the direction we've plotted by adding more beef on the lines, I hold to my belief that Mad Mike holds the keys to our success. Alex and Vernon need to come up BIG in this offense, along with Isaac and Bryant, and I'm not about to get overly giddy about anything until I see a few sets of preseason series. Martz has been around long enough to know which way the wind blows, and the Good Dr had better realize that a decision may need to be made to secure Nolan/Martz or both before the competition picks the staff apart at seasons' end. If chemistry and performance at midseason are favorable, write the checks. Singletary and Manusky have put together a pretty formidable plan on D, and if Martz can spell them a series or 2 each qtr, we should improve dramatically. No cap on coaching, just more of the same when this revolving door policy is allowed to continue.
Posted By: ninermaniac (06/05/2008 7:01:37 PM)
Comment: Saw some hilights of JTOSullivan some may already know - NFL.com - videos, filter to DET WK 2. Too bad they didnt keep him in OT (for us to see more preview, Not Martz's). Hopefully we keep Moran in order to pound the ball. In 06 there was a glimpse of that 97-98 O-Line which created a very explosive offense, I hope to see something like that again.
Posted By: 4-life (06/05/2008 6:06:33 PM)
Comment: Lets get Vick when he gets out of Prison! Speaking of Prison, it looks like our old number 33 will be going to Prison for a while. Phillips criminalized his way out of the NFL, CFL and even out of the pick-up-game park leauge by plowing through some kids with his stolen car. Yo Matt what was your experience like covering a maniac? My cousin was a walk on practice player on the '94 Nebraska Football team and he said that the team was terrified of him and that he brutally beat up a player in the locker room his sophmore year could explode at any time. What were your experiences like.
Posted By: MARCO from New York (06/05/2008 5:07:36 PM)
Comment: WITH all due respect to O'Sullivan and Hill, if Smith does not step up this year, the 49ers are royally screwed. This is why it was inexcuseable not drafting a QB in last months draft. McCloughan learned under Ron Wolfe, and Wolfe always used a mid round selection on a QB, even though he had Favre. He would then trade them away for a bundle of draft picks, ie Hasselbeck. So either McCloughan did not learn or, more likely, Nolan was still calling the shots because he has to win now. When two journeymen are your back-ups, how can you not draft a Brohm, Dixon, or Woodson.
Posted By: carl (06/05/2008 4:00:47 PM)
Comment: If I had to read all the "commentary" that he does... I'd need a vacation as well.
Posted By: Darth (06/05/2008 3:43:08 PM)
Comment: I can't believe it he really did go on vacation. It's almost 4pm and he has not posted anything new. This is just wrong.
Posted By: petaluman (06/05/2008 2:52:22 PM)
Comment: I think Heitman has generally been solid. He started off slow last year b/c he was still recovering from surgery on a broken leg.
Posted By: iygqgf8qgfuyfshd (06/05/2008 1:48:38 PM)
Comment: Is you is, or is you ain't?
Posted By: Indiana Jim (06/05/2008 1:23:09 PM)
Comment: Really, Ryan? Only one guy was permitted to the 49ers minicamp? Really? Talk about your leaps of logic.
Posted By: Ryan (06/05/2008 1:07:25 PM)
Comment: Does anyone realize that the "observers" all these other articles are quoting saying that Smith looks best in mini-camp is probably Matt, and probably grabbed straight from this blog?
Posted By: Phillyniner (06/05/2008 12:12:08 PM)
Comment: I don't think the starting lineup for the D-line is so important this year. Justin Smith will certainly start and then it will be some combination of Sopoaga, Franklin, and Balmer. Whichever of those three doesn't start will still get significant playing time. I'm assuming that Soap and Franklin will be given the "starting" jobs unless one of them needs a fire lit under them. Regardless of the line up on the first defensive play of the game their number of snaps is pretty much set.
The interesting D-line battles will be for roster spots. Behind the previously mentioned four there is a lot of potential and little experience. Let's see which one of those lottery tickets turns out to be a winner.
Posted By: Jon in SoCal (06/05/2008 11:57:28 AM)
Comment: Rodrick Green was resigned in Feb and is still on the roster (with a lot of other LB's)
Posted By: ninerbob (06/05/2008 11:45:24 AM)
Comment: Matt, don't you think if Martz does well enough to be considered for the head coaching job, the Niners will let Nolan go (hopefully he'll take Jerry Sullivan with him). I just look back to when we let Shanahan go and kept Seifert (don't get me wrong, I like George). It seems like it is harder to build a good offense than a good defense. To me the 49ers have had a good defense when they have had good players on the defense. If you don't have the talent on defense then they can know what they are suppose to do and still not be able to physically do it. On offense, it seems that you plan to abilities of your personnel (Niners first Superbowl Team); which takes a more adept coach. That's my two cents, what do you think?
Also, I agree with ihatela, our starting free-safety leaves a lot of room for improvement. With the money we have spent on our corners, shouldn't we be playing a lot of man-to-man anyway. It doesn't seem like Roman communicates to the DBs that much.
Response: No, I don't believe that. I think if the team wins, 49ers ownership will extend Nolan's contract. --Matt M.
Posted By: NYLA 9er guy (06/05/2008 11:16:11 AM)
Comment: Can anyone tell me what happened to Rod Green? I am sure that he would have been eclipsed by so mnay of our newer players,but I was just wondering if he is still with us or has moved on. Thanks
Posted By: NYLA 9er guy (06/05/2008 11:15:51 AM)
Comment: Can anyone tell me what happened to Rod Green? I am sure that he would have been eclipsed by so mnay of our newer players,but I was just wondering if he is still with us or has moved on. Thanks
Posted By: ihatela (06/05/2008 9:50:37 AM)
Comment: I really really disagree about Roman and Heitmann. Roman has played poorly for 2 years and the blocking of Heitmann really dropped off last year. I've been a fan for 40 years from Hayward. This may be the first time i have commentted to Matt. However that was a very bad call Matt.
Posted By: oneniner (06/05/2008 9:36:24 AM)
Comment: I am just glad M-rob finally would be on the field. He his the perfect niner.
Posted By: Rich, DE (06/05/2008 9:14:02 AM)
Comment: Good luck Matt; have a good run. Hope you have good weather and maybe a P.R.
Posted By: Matt R (06/05/2008 8:49:21 AM)
Comment: That is absolutely outstanding! For some reason, hearing that there will be some split back plays with Gore and Michael Robinson in at the same time, just gives me chills of excitement. Granted, as a fan, some things you hear about your team will do that every year, but I am getting more and more of those as the years with Nolan go on. As far as I am concerned, his group has collectively drafted better than most, and I am seeing the team develop into an imposing force. They may not be the Niners of the 80's but I will never bet against my team surprising others and being real good! Besides, all the hype from last year was just a bit premature... what if everything that people saw that made them so excited last off-season just needed a year to mature?!? Your thoughts...? AS for me, tough schedule, but I love my team!
Posted By: ninerbob (06/05/2008 8:48:41 AM)
Comment: Matt, doesn't Martz own the offense by now? Shouldn't he be making all the offensive decisions? At this point, I hope Nolan has nothing to do with the offense. So Martz should be the decision maker on the QB right? On KNBR a couple of weeks ago, Glenn Dickey did an interview where he said McCloughan just about ignored Nolan at a pre-draft luncheon and directed most of the attention to Martz. Dickey said Martz is probably the next head coach. Your thoughts?
Response: I think if Martz does such a good job to warrant consideration as a head coach, he will have helped secure a contract extension for Mike Nolan. --Matt M.
Posted By: jackacid (06/05/2008 8:33:30 AM)
Comment: Matt, are you implying that Rachal would compete for Baas' spot, not Snyder's? I hope that isn't the case. In my opinion, Baas is primed to start and play well (once healed) and Snyder is the weak link. Can you clarify?
Response: That's exactly what I'm saying. Rachal worked out solely at RG during the minicamp. Baas is injured. And he'll be sidelined for a long time. The club says he'll be ready for the regular season, but that's if his rehab goes well and he does not have any setbacks. --Matt M.
Posted By: DMC (06/05/2008 7:51:47 AM)
Comment: Matt thanks for interview and have a nice vacation. One question I have is : If Mike Nolan says we do not have a true TED and Spikes ( a true TED ) is not completely out of the picture, than when would be the logical time to bring him in ?
Response: Is Spikes a true "ted?" I'm not sure. He's 6-2, 242, but played the weak outside spot for the Eagles in their 4-3 scheme. Also, just because the 49ers decide they want to sign Spikes (to my knowledge, they haven't made that decision), Spikes still has to decide he wants to sign with the 49ers. Spikes might be wise to hold tight until training camp and make a decision then. --Matt M.
Posted By: Indiana Jim (06/05/2008 6:44:12 AM)
Comment: Alex Smith is #1!......Twice!..... His Jersey says so!........#11!....... Get it?!......
Posted By: Pete in New Hampshire (06/05/2008 5:51:42 AM)
Comment: This is from Pro Football Weekly's recent Whispers column: We keep hearing that the more Niners offensive coordinator Mike Martz works with QB Alex Smith, the more excited he gets. Martz apparently has told some of his confidantes that Smith could be the best quarterback he's worked with on the pro level.
Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (06/05/2008 1:11:50 AM)
Comment: Jon, thanks for the update, Matt be a bit preoccupied with Mickey right about now.Any Walter Curry sightings? I know nothing about him either, other then being a DT FA we grabbed way back when?
Response: No Mickey sightings, yet. Interesting you should ask about Walter Curry. The club really likes him. He played RE on some of those plays in which Justin Smith lined up at OLB. I had some of the other depth chart stuff in this blog entry: http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2199251. --Matt M.
Posted By: Medford (05/05/2008 11:30:31 PM)
Comment: It will be a dark day in Ninerland if JT O Sulivan is r QB. Would it be worth the $250 bucks for NFL sunday tickey?
Posted By: shobbrobb (05/05/2008 11:26:46 PM)
Comment: Wilson i agree with you wholeheartedly,This is norm on this blog,I just want to see some improvement and if there is none,its time to move on!
Posted By: Jon in Socal (05/05/2008 10:46:35 PM)
Comment: Marc: Quasim was lining up at LT with the second team and Jeb was LG
Posted By: Wilson (05/05/2008 10:36:27 PM)
Comment: Guys, it's fine to have opinions on our quarterback situation, but it's pretty ridiculous to think that you have it figured out #1, #2, and #3. Get a grip. Martz I trust to pick the right order. Pretty comical to watch all the comments where so and so sucks and so and so will lead us to the promise land - this on the basis of a couple of days of non-contact minicamp when nobody knows each other or the playbook - and not even seen personally, just the reports of whichever sportswriters happened to post their opinions. Lord have mercy.
Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (05/05/2008 10:33:55 PM)
Comment: Matt, I may have missed it, but where is Q Mitchell lining up? I thought for sure he'd have been in the running for ORT while Jeb Terry would be utilized as a swing OG? The team lists both as OG, but I thought Q has some OT experience? Also, where is Walter Curry lining up, inside or out?
Posted By: Jon in SoCal (05/05/2008 9:46:58 PM)
Comment: I agree with JBG. I think the long term (read 4 games into the season) solution is that Snyder moves to RT after Jennings gets hurt. Wragge or Rachel moves into the LG position, assuming Baas comes back soon. There is a rumor that Rachel can play RT, but I think they don't want to expose him too soon. Duckett may be doing well, but we'll see if he can compete at the NFL level. The draft actually gave us a tremendous amount of interior line flexibility. Wragge, Rachel, Baas, Heitmann and Snyder can play OG; Heitmann, Wragge and Wallace can play center. Synder was placed into the RG spot before the draft so he'll probably get slotted out to RT as well. Tackle depth is a bit of a concern, but how many OL are you going to keep? There are 8 sure things, Wragge, Heitmann, Baas, Rachel, Wallace, Snyder, Jennings and Staley. (only 2 OT's). Figure Duckett, and another OT cut from another team for back-up. The UDFA's can prolly be stashed on the practice squad. There's a lot there, thank god we have 2 coaches
Posted By: AthensGaNiner (05/05/2008 9:33:19 PM)
Comment: Kelseyville9er: I agree that it's highly unlikely that Hill ends up being a Tony Romo-like find. However, signing him to that contract makes sense on a couple of different levels. One, he did give us our best quarterback play of the year. Two, of the three quarterbacks on last years roster, Dilfer's concussion was probably going to push him into retirement, and Smith was coming off shoulder surgery. Hill, while not 100% healthy at the end of the season, had the least serious injuries. With Dilfer gone and Smith's recovery uncertain at the time, the Niners had to ensure that they had at least one returning QB. Three, it was a solid public relations move. Hill provided the fans with at least some optimism for a few games last year, and there would have been a serious backlash if he hadn't been signed. Even if he is the highest paid 3rd string QB in the league, his contract isn't preventing the Niners from acquiring another player. Overpaying a player really only matters when it's detrimental to the team. As far as last years depth chart, Dilfer was the number two QB because it was thought that he could come in and perform on shorter notice with fewer reps.
Posted By: Razoreater (05/05/2008 9:17:19 PM)
Comment: Alex is very intelligent so I don't worry about him learning the offense. My concerns are the offensive line & a legitimate NFL pass rush without blitzing everybody to generate it. Matt great job, but next time could u ask Dr. Martz his ideas as it relates to VD getting the ball early & often?
Posted By: oneniner (05/05/2008 8:57:49 PM)
Comment: oneniner 53-man roster prediction...............
OFFENSE (23)..............................
QB (3) -Smith, Hill, O'Sullivan..........
RB (3) -Gore, Foster, Mrob...............
TE (3) -Davis, Walker, Bajema............
WR (5)-Bruce, Johnson, Battle, Lelie,Hill
OT (3) -Staley, Jonas, Duckett...........
OG (4) -Snyder, Baas, Rachal, Wragge.....
OC (2) -Heitmann, Wallace................
..........................................
DEFENSE (26)..............................
DL(6)-Smith,Sopo, Franklin,Balmer,Fields, McDonald..................................
ILB(5)-Willis, B.Moore, Ulbrich,D.Thomas, Grant.....................................
OLB (5) Lawson, Haralson, TBC, J.Moore,
Butler....................................
CB (6) -Clements,Harris,Spencer, Smith, Hudson, Brown.............................
S (4)-Roman,M.Lewis, K.Lewis Goldson..
................
ST (4)...............
LS-BJ...............
PK-Nedney
P-Lee
PR/KR-Rossum
Posted By: Kelseyville9er (05/05/2008 8:38:59 PM)
Comment: After reading all the comments, I just have to say this: With Nolan's track record (yes, there's a few exceptions) due we really think (as he may want us to) that Nolan & Co. found a gem (diamond in the rough) in Shaun Hill? 6 years without ever getting on the field? And we're to believe that our H. C. (QB genius that he is) has found a Kurt Warner, a Jeff Garcia, a Tony Romo? I don't think so. What else is he gonna say? Doesn't he have to at least hype the guy a little ($2 million/year)? If you take all the "opinions" from this last minicamp and try to "read between the lines", you could rationalize that Smith is showing his "true potential", thus he'll be our #1. O'Sullivan is (has) shown enough to warrant #2 consideration (seems he has Martz' trust). Hill, well this "6 year vet" is showing why he hasn't been trusted (except for 3 games last year) to run an offense during the regular season. The genius (Mr. Nolan) saw enough of Hill to sign him to a nice contract. I seriously doubt someone with an eye for talent (Walsh, Parcells) would have locked Hill up for that much $. Remember Hill was BEHIND Dilfer on the depth, what does that tell you? The more we play Hill the more his value (trade value) drops. Had Walsh had made this move, I might have been more optimistic.
Posted By: Mike in Glendale (05/05/2008 8:10:06 PM)
Comment: What the hell? Hype for Duckett? Who the hell hypes a backup RT? He hasn't been playing the position long, and it's going to take him a while to learn how to play it well enough to battle with professional defensive ends. It's not an easy job.
Posted By: Jed (05/05/2008 7:37:53 PM)
Comment: Keasey? Why is he taking a roster spot? Everyone wants this guy to be Rudy and, well, he is! Bajema holds the role of slow, gutty, stone-fingered non-threat on offense. Why two? That was a big problem last season. Maybe MRob at FB, maybe more Walker at H-Back, maybe more spread. But the cries for more "playmakers" on offense requires dilemmas for the defense. Zak is an under-sized guard.
Posted By: petaluman (05/05/2008 7:01:46 PM)
Comment: Matt,
Thanks for the clarification. Some tips: make a reservation for mid-morning at Goofy's Cafe. Get to the park early and try to get in as many rides as you can before, then ride the Monorail to Goofy's. Use the reservation system (forget what it's called) for the popular rides - it really helps. If your kids are still napping in the afternoons, get on the train when they're ready and ride around 'til they wake back up.
Response: Many thanks for the tips. --Matt M.
Posted By: Mike Martz Fan (05/05/2008 7:01:35 PM)
Comment: Frank in Modesto...check out the S.F. Chronicle article. It basically says the same thing. Ya know what really sucks, thanks to Mr. Nolan we'll probably have the highest paid 3rd string QB in the league. Nice...
Posted By: JBG (05/05/2008 5:58:19 PM)
Comment: Ninefan56 - If Jennings and Duckett go down, I think they slide Snyder over and Wragge or Chilo takes his place at guard. If that is ineffective, expect Martz to channel Don Coryell and come up with some really weird formations the following week!
Posted By: Ninefan56 (05/05/2008 5:53:57 PM)
Comment: Another area of concern is the development of D. Duckett at RT. Is he developing or is he one of those projects where hope springs eternal but the product does not live up to the hype?
What is the plan for RT backup if Jennings and Duckett go down?
Posted By: JBG (05/05/2008 5:51:45 PM)
Comment: Pete, at this point in time if Alex Smith was named second string, it wouldn't be Hill he'd come in for, but O'Sullivan (that writing is on the wall clear as day). No reason to think that'll change before the season, barring an injury.
Posted By: Mike in Glendale (05/05/2008 5:35:14 PM)
Comment: pete - Smith's had a lot of problems throughout his career, but I don't think the "pressure of being a #1 pick" is really a big deal to him...I think it's a bigger deal to the guys here.
Posted By: rob_deluca (05/05/2008 5:30:47 PM)
Comment: some of the winners will be alex smith and tbc also battle and even lelie might do as well or better than b johnson this year i also think v davis will have a big yr
Posted By: John Clayton (05/05/2008 5:23:23 PM)
Comment: From John Clayton's ESPN mini camp report: "Observers at the 49ers' camp thought Alex Smith looked better than Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan in what coach Mike Nolan would like to be a three-way competition. As Smith should have. He was the first pick in the 2005 draft. Hill and O'Sullivan are NFL Europe grads. It's really between Smith and Hill, and Smith should win.The 49ers would like to resolve the starting job before the start of camp in order to give the winner time to fully learn the Mike Martz offense. In Miami, Chad Henne showed he has a chance to win the starting job against John Beck and Josh McCown. Henne, the team's second-round choice, threw strong Friday and Saturday but faded Sunday. He even had to run a lap after blowing a snap count. The Dolphins had only a rookie camp, but Henne will be a factor as the summer comes closer."
Posted By: pete (05/05/2008 5:21:32 PM)
Comment: Matt- might Alex do better coming off the bench. So much of his fall from grace seems to be an inability to deal with the huge amount of pressure being #1 at such a young age. Now if he was named second string the pressure would be off and he could just come in and play. Imagine week one as how much pressure he will feel to get it right this his third year. I hate to say it but he would probably crumble. Now if he came in when the Hill falters or gets injured (as Hill came in for him last year) the pressure may be less severe and he may flourish
Posted By: oneniner (05/05/2008 5:14:45 PM)
Comment: Rich-"Snyder is a starter-calibur player at LG"...of course he his!....................................I am all for the best man to win, and I am rooting for A. Smith, I think Hill is definately not the one and O'Sullivan is almost the one, ....if A.Smith is not fully recovered (they need to seat him just like they are seating Lawson)....obviously he his not throwing deep balls for a reason...YORKMcNolan let the guy heal before he starts throwing, you are paying him too much money and yes he his talented, this should be treated like an investment ........
Posted By: Greg Beacham (05/05/2008 5:02:41 PM)
Comment: Martz guys seems pretty clear. Here is a quote from AP Sports writer Greg Beacham in his Sunday night article about Martz being in San Francisco: "Smith looked markedly better than Hill to most observers during the weekend's practices".
Posted By: The Other Rich (Columbus, OH) (05/05/2008 4:51:45 PM)
Comment: Not sure about the whole Right Guard versus Left Guard thing, so if someone could explain that would be great. My question is why can't we just pencil in Chilo as the starter at RG, and slide Baas into the LG spot when he gets back (or put Chilo at LG, and keep Baas at RG).
It seems from the depth chart we've seen, it's going to be either Baas or Rachal, and I'm not sure why it can't be both. Without Larry Allen at the LG spot, it's currently Adam Snyder as our starter. The only answer I can think of is going unsaid; that Nolan and Co. think Snyder is a starter-calibur player at LG.
Posted By: petaluman (05/05/2008 4:50:51 PM)
Comment: Doesn't Martz run a variation of the same Coryell offense that Norv Turner used? It may not be as huge a transition as it sounds - same plays, different names.
The difference he brings is eye for detail and play-calling.
Response: The terminology (digits for routes) is the same as Turner installed. The difference is that Martz has so many variables built into every play with a myriad of shifts and motions. It's a lot for any player on offense to memorize. --Matt M.
Posted By: Ty (05/05/2008 4:26:05 PM)
Comment: You deserve the R&R Matt. Here's a question for your return: Which player do YOU expect to snag the 'ted' starting role? As a lifelong Niner fan, my first choice is Jeff Ulbrich. Although he lacks the size, he's has played his heart out for the Niners since joining the team and constantly works hard. He's also inspiring to watch (enthusiasm, work ethic), which can have a rippling effect.
Response: The only reason I don't say Ulbrich is because he has not been a starter since 2006 when Brandon Moore replaced him and played pretty darn well. --Matt M.
Posted By: oneniner (05/05/2008 4:13:43 PM)
Comment: I just don't see how a QB who has been in the league for over 5yrs, who has played only 3 games with one of the worst offenses in the league coached by a rookie OC who was fired after his first season could be expected to make us better........am i missing something?
Posted By: NYLA 9er guy (05/05/2008 4:13:04 PM)
Comment: Jon in So Cal makes a good point. i am a Nolan fan actually, but he does need to admit his mistakes on the fly and make the necessary changes in time to minimize damage. All of Jon's examples are strong. I think that is Nolans biggest deficit as a coach. Were he to have addressed any of his misjudgements, it may have positively impacted this team in ways that we will only know if he begins doing it now. Unfortunately he is a little Bush-ian in his stubborness about decisions already made. In football, making changes and admitting that you made a bad decision is both part of the game and being human. Coach Mike oughta learn that this season. Say "hi" to Goofy, Matt.
Posted By: Frank in Modesto (05/05/2008 4:05:09 PM)
Comment: Martz Fan...you say Shaun Hill is showing his true colors - third string QB. I read Martz's quote again and read, "The thing with Shaun, and Kurt was a little bit like this too, throwing the football is about balance...We can clean that up. We can clean that up a lot. And I'm excited about that he has that feel for it right now. He's done exceptionally well." Gee, Martz compares Hill to Kurt Warner...says "he's done exceptional"...and you read between the lines to determine that he is reverting to some less talented thrid stringer. You aren't biased, are you?
Posted By: Jon in SoCal (05/05/2008 3:56:02 PM)
Comment: Marz pays attention. I think it's funny how he stopped Matt. I am glad he going into it with an open slate. It disturbs me that Nolan always seems to come back with an answer of "after reflecting on <blank>, it seems that I was wrong". I would hope that a head coach could see problems and adjust. Adaptability is not Nolan's strong suit. Stubborn is the wrong word, but he is resistant to change once he has made up his mind. TBC, Moore, OL coaching, play-calling all come to mind
Posted By: Robert (05/05/2008 3:38:30 PM)
Comment: Matt- How is Duckett doing when he's put against the 1st Team Def.?
Response: Remember, this was a non-contact minicamp. At a physical position like tackle, it's difficult to tell how a guy is doing when they don't have pads on. But I think Duckett has made the kind of progress you'd hope for out of a guy who made the transition from defensive line a year ago. He is a lot better than the player who got destroyed by Tully Banta-Cain in the training camp scrimmage a year ago. --Matt M.
Posted By: Mike Martz Fan (05/05/2008 3:24:39 PM)
Comment: Nice interview Matt, as predicted...Hill's true colors are shining through (it's back to 3rd string for him). Smith will be the man, but it seems obvious that Martz wants (trusts) J.T. to step in if needed...
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