Because many people had problems leaving comments, the staff here at Instant 49ers asked some questions of ourselves to kick off the Q&A:
Question: Hey, Instant 49ers guy, Odell Thurman was released by the Bengals yesterday. Are the 49ers going to sign him?
Answer: Any player who acted so poorly that the Bengals (of all teams) released him is not going to end up with the 49ers. They did not even consider drafting some pretty good players because of character concerns. Thurman is trying to come back after a two-year league-imposed suspension. I think the 49ers will pass on this one.
Question: Hey, idiot, you said last week that the "ted" linebacker spot is not going to impact the 49ers' win-loss record. Name the defensive positions you believe are the most important.
Answer: Left cornerback is the most important position on defense. Right cornerback is also important. The three defensive line spots are important because the play at those positions has an impact on everyone on defense. The outside linebacker spots are very important in a 3-4 scheme. The middle linebacker in the 49ers' defense is key because that player is Patrick Willis. The third cornerback is very important because he's on the field for those big third downs. Somewhere in there, you have the safety positions . . . and, then, there's the "ted" position.
Question: Do you have a firm grasp of the 49ers' receivers position?
Answer: Not at all, but I do believe it's much better than it was a year ago. I'm an Arnaz Battle fan, so I think he's going to figure into the mix. Bryant Johnson looked pretty darn good during the minicamp, so we'll see if he can step out from under the shadows of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald to show he's a capable, starting NFL wideout. Isaac Bruce has slowed down, but he knows this system very well. That'll help him. Ashley Lelie could figure into the mix -- or he might end up getting released. The onus is on him to prove his worth. Then, the young guys (Jason Hill and Josh Morgan) will fight for their spots. Hill should benefit from his one year of sitting and watching. It'll be difficult for Morgan to make any kind of impact. Perhaps, he'll be a practice-squad player.
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Posted By: Merton Hanks (20/05/2008 4:12:35 PM)
Question: Hi Matt! You're awesome. I know the Q's are over but I figured I'd try anyway. First question: why is Left Corner the most important? Second question: How is Tarell Brown's rehab coming along?
Answer: Because offenses typically throw more frequently to the right side of the offensive formation. (It's an easier, quicker throw for right-handed quarterbacks.) If a QB senses a blitz coming, a lot of times the ball will come out quickly to the right side (the defense's left). From what I gather, Brown is doing OK. He sustained a partial tear of his right ACL in the season finale. The injury did not require surgery. He'll be battling for a roster spot/playing time this summer.
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Posted By: Danny (20/05/2008 3:56:03 PM)
Question: I was wondering if you knew the Niners feelings on a bunch of players they were rumored to draft or could have fell to them- G. Cherilus, J. Otah, S. Baker, D. Brown, A. Collins, Devin Thomas, C. Lofton, T. Laws, Q. Groves, L. Sweed, M. Manningham- if you could tell us anything about the Niners' thinking on those players during the draft, it would be much appreciated.
Answer: From what I gathered, the 49ers thought very highly of Duane Brown. They definitely liked him better than Cherilus, Baker and Collins. I suspect they liked Otah, too, but they knew he was going to be long gone by the time they picked. The 49ers liked Sweed. They considered him with the second-round pick. In fact, they had two cards ready to go: Sweed and Chilo Rachal. After some debate, they selected Rachal. I think they liked Sweed better than Thomas, but I don't know that for sure. They really liked Lofton. They didn't think Laws fit their defense, so they weren't going to take him. They obviously did not consider Groves in the first or second rounds. I doubt they wanted any part of Manningham.
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Posted By: BodyRocker (20/05/2008 3:51:41 PM)
Question: Matt, with Nolan and Scotty Mc always preaching about building through the draft, why does it always seem, year after year, that Nolan is hesitant to non-existant about playing his rookies? Have any of you reporters every called him on this?
Answer: Staley and Willis played every snap last year. I think Hill would've seen some action, but he was always hurt when they were getting ready to get him on the field. If a rookie can play, he plays. But for every player whom you've wonder about not playing as a rookie, there was probably always somebody better ahead of him. In the cases of Baas, Haralson, Moore, Hill and Cohen, injuries prevented them from getting on the field as rookies. Oliver was a sixth-round pick who started almost every game in 2006, so it's been done. Generally, coaches are inclined to go with players who know their assignments.
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Posted By: oldman9er (20/05/2008 3:49:35 PM)
Question: Been on the hopewagon of Jay Moore since we drafted him. I heard that he has slimmed down to 259 lbs and worked hard all year on the mental aspects of the game. Have you heard or seen any reason why he may be that darkhorse OLB rusher that we have been praying for? Does he have a reasonable chance to overtake TBC/Haralson by September? .... thanks.
Answer: I think Haralson and TBC are probably far ahead of him as pass-rushers. Moore has some talent, to be sure. It'll be interesting to see how he adapts in Year 2 of his conversion from college DE to NFL OLB.
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Posted By: Ultimate Niner In Dallas (20/05/2008 3:47:17 PM)
Question: Matt: I hope im not too late. I tried to post earlier, but the secruity check numbers were not populating. 1. How many wins does it take for Nolan to return as HC. 2. If a bad season does occur, and Nolan is out, who is the next HC? Would Martz get the nod? Thx Matt!
Answer: My thinking has been that if Martz does enough to warrant consideration as the next head coach, he probably will have saved Nolan's job. But at the end of this season, 49ers ownership will have to make a decision. They will either extend Nolan's contract or fire him. If the team is good because of the offense, the Yorks will have to make a decision. Can they risk losing another offensive coordinator? In other words, if the 49ers perform well this season, they might have to make the call on the coach who they figure is more important for the future of the organization: Nolan or Martz. But let's all remember that as much as Nolan gets criticized locally for his "game management," Martz was regularly questioned for the same things.
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Posted By: petaluman (20/05/2008 3:43:12 PM)
Question: Welcome back, Matt! Did they practice many 3-wideout formations during mini-camp? What was the camp "depth chart" at the X, Y, and Z spots?
Answer: Don't know about the depth chart, but Johnson, Bruce and Battle were the top three guys. Lelie has been moved to the Z, and he saw more practice time in three days than I saw him get all of last season. Of course, Davis and Walker saw action at the Y or tight end.
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Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (20/05/2008 3:42:10 PM)
Question: Hey Matt. Although it's early, who appears to be stepping up as leaders (vocal, work ethic, etc.) on the team in off season workouts & mini-camp? Willis mentioned in a recent article that he wants to improve on his leadership abilities (must be talking about being more vocal)... Just curious as too who is stepping up in that regard so far?
Answer: You're right, it is too early to tell. But I'd say Justin Smith is a no-nonsense guy who seems pretty comfortable in a leadership role. Offensively, one guy who really seems to be leadership material is Joe Staley.
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Posted By: 49erfan (20/05/2008 3:36:48 PM)
Question: Matt, People on the 49erswebzone keep talking about signing Shane Olivea(OT). What is your take on him? Are the 49ers even interested?
Answer: I haven't checked for a while, but there was no initial interest. Olivea really fell out of favor with the Chargers last year. I doubt they'd get a strong recommendation from the people they know in S.D.
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Posted By: drew (20/05/2008 3:28:15 PM)
Question: Matt, which team do you think is likely to win the NFC West? I think Seattle is a very shaky defending champion. If they stumble at any point, I think Holmgren's lame duck status makes rallying improbable and if that happens it seems to me that a 9-7 Arizona or 49ers team could win it. I don't see the Rams as capable of winning 8 of 9 games next year.
Answer: I think the Seahawks are still the favorite. The one issue is Holmgren's last year. How is that going to affect the team? I think the Cardinals and 49ers are pretty close, and I think the Rams are a distant fourth.
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Posted By: Ty (20/05/2008 3:26:48 PM)
Question: Hey Matt. Just for fun -- can you name one possible "surprise" player (someone whose performance will surpass expectations) and one possible "let down" person (someone whose performance will fall short of expectations)? Thanks.
Answer: How 'bout Delanie Walker for a surprise. As for the "let down" . . . this might ruffle some feathers. The first name that comes to mind is Patrick Willis. The reason I say him -- and, believe me, I think he's a great player -- is because I just don't see how he can be better than he was as a rookie.
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Posted By: Darth (20/05/2008 3:26:22 PM)
Question: I have heard B. Moore was not a good play caller. Is there truth to that and possibly the reason he did not play much last year.
Answer: I had not heard that. I'm not even sure what it means. The coordinator makes the playcalls. I guess you're saying is that Moore isn't good at making adjustments. I can't say. But in speaking with Nolan a couple weeks ago, he intimated that Moore should've been playing ahead of Derek Smith last year. He said after reviewing the season, the competition between Smith and Moore was much closer than he originally thought.
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Posted By: Windex666 (20/05/2008 3:21:19 PM)
Question: Is Dashon Goldson going to get more playing time this season? Is there any competition betweem him and Roman, or does Roman have the job locked up?
Answer: I think Roman has a pretty firm handle on the position. But the team really likes Goldson. I think he'll see a lot of action, though. Goldson will probably be the team's sixth defensive back.
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Posted By: A Danish 49er Fan (20/05/2008 3:19:40 PM)
Question: Is the QB competition not just a show for the crowd? I mean, Alex Smith has got his big bonus and if he is not going to play then the office will look like..... I think you get it.
Answer: The 49ers need to win. Mike Nolan needs to win. Therefore, he has to make the decision on the QB who gives the team the best chance. Nolan said that if it were all about size, speed, arm strength, etc., Smith would clearly be the winner. But being a QB is about so many more things. The problem is that neither Hill nor O'Sullivan is proven, either.
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Posted By: Pat B (20/05/2008 3:18:29 PM)
Question: Probably too late but I was wondering if any of the rookie receivers impressed during the first mini camp. You said Morgan was probably a practice squader this year so I'm assuming the other guys will probably end up on the outside looking in but I wanted to know if they made any noise at all during minicamp.
Answer: Nobody impressed me because the rookies did not do much in that first minicamp. They did a lot more watching that practicing.
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Posted By: Joseph Granata (20/05/2008 3:18:27 PM)
Question: Finally I get to post, hopefully not to late to get my question answered. I have heard that Mike Nolan and Mike Martz are planning to have a starting QB by the beginning of Training Camp. Is this true? And if so how realistic is this?
Answer: Mike Nolan told me that he would like to have a starting quarterback at the beginning of camp. Because of the complexities of this offense, they need to make a decision so that person can get the bulk of the reps in training camp. But just because they declare a No. 1 QB does not mean the competition ends. But I'd expect them to make a preliminary decision at the start of camp.
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Posted By: Ryan in SoCal (San Diego) (20/05/2008 3:16:03 PM)
Question: Hey Matt, What are some good pranks you've seen from the players over the years?
Answer: Brent Jones used to love to put water over the door, so someone would get drenched when they opened it. One of the funniest sight gags was this one year that there was a huge box in the locker room. Someone (I think Gary Plummer) wrote on it, "Ken Norton's chin strap." Others probably aren't appropriate for a family audience.
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Posted By: 49ersRus (Santa Monica, CA) (20/05/2008 3:10:34 PM)
Question: We've talked a lot about the offense, but what about the defense? We were the worst first half team in the league on both sides of the ball, and a couple of teams really killed our D (Saints and Seahawks). What were our defensive weak spots, and how have we upgraded them this off season?
Answer: All in all, I thought the defense was pretty decent last season. There were two problems: 1) The 49ers' offense was so bad that the defense rarely got any rest; 2) The pass rush. The 49ers need to get more heat on the QB. Some of that might come from Justin Smith, but more likely it'll have to be from the OLBs. Certainly, Smith will help because he'll be moved around and that might free things for other guys.
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Posted By: Dustin (20/05/2008 3:06:50 PM)
Question: First off, looks like the comments are working again! What are you feelings towards the internal relationships of our Quarterbacks? For example I read on 49ers.com that recently there was a fishing trip out to Shaun Hill's place, and Alex Smith was one of the 49ers that went with. Do you think this shows that Alex has matured with all he's gone thru his NFL career? I don't think I could have seen Alex fishing with Tim Rattay. Thanks again Matt for all you do.
Answer: Alex has always gotten long well with his teammates. He would've gone fishing with Rattay, Dorsey, Pickett, Dilfer, Hill, you name it. I don't think maturity has ever been an issue with him. His problem with Mike Nolan last year was more a matter of communication. Neither one of those guys handled that situation very well last year.
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Posted By: Matt (20/05/2008 2:35:46 PM)
Question: Matt, been listening to espn radio and for a promo for the colin cowherd show he says that there was a brawl with 4 teams, Ravens, Titans, Bengals and Niners. Was there ever a "brawl" with the niners recently? I heard of a few scuffles, but that happens with every team. Is this some eronious reporting going on? Also, whats the validity to rumors of Roy Williams beign acquired? Thanks, Matt
Answer: I have no idea what you're talking about. When are four NFL teams ever on the field together? I doubt the 49ers would have much interest in acquiring Roy Williams. He's not good in coverage, and they were quite pleased with Michael Lewis.
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Posted By: Matt (20/05/2008 2:35:46 PM)
Question: Matt, been listening to espn radio and for a promo for the colin cowherd show he says that there was a brawl with 4 teams, Ravens, Titans, Bengals and Niners. Was there ever a "brawl" with the niners recently? I heard of a few scuffles, but that happens with every team. Is this some eronious reporting going on? Also, whats the validity to rumors of Roy Williams beign acquired? Thanks, Matt
Answer: I have no idea what you're talking about. When are four NFL teams ever on the field together? I doubt the 49ers would have much interest in acquiring Roy Williams. He's not good in coverage, and they were quite pleased with Michael Lewis.
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Posted By: kem99 (20/05/2008 2:50:37 PM)
Question: I think the brawl comment was that all 4 of those teams had on-field brawls amongst themselves at their mini-camp after the draft. There were a couple of reports of things getting a little testy at the 49ers mini-camp. I know there was a report of something similar at the Ravens camp. It was not 4 teams on the same field.
Answer: Gotcha. There were a couple 49ers' skirmish, one of them involving Vernon Davis and Parys Haralson. Not a big deal, though. Later, Joe Staley and Walter Curry got into a fight. Guess who acted as a peace-maker to break it up. That's right, Vernon Davis.
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Posted By: Matt (20/05/2008 3:08:57 PM)
Question: Matt, Miscommunication on both ends, I was talking bout Roy Williams WR from Detroit, not Roy "I cant cover" Williams from Dallas, possibly being acquired. And yeah, the brawls were 4 seperate incidents at training camp and those teams were the ones mentioned, own teammates fighting each other. Next time I'll better explain the question. Thanks, Matt
Answer: Sorry. I was just writing about Nolan and Smith "miscommunicating." From what I gathered from people close to the situation with the Lions, Williams was not exactly a stickler for putting in the time required to learn Martz's system.
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Posted By: John (20/05/2008 2:55:53 PM)
Question: Hi Matt, Ok what is your real take on how well the offense is going to do under Mike Martz and is Alex Smith going to be successful..... is this his lost chance with the 49ers?
Answer: Martz has done well everywhere he's been. He's managed to get production out of his quarterbacks. Most of the time, there's been nothing to lose. He's taken unheralded QBs and made them successful. This is a different kind of project. If Smith can't produce numbers with Martz as his coordinator, then something's wrong. As it stands now, yes, I'd think this is his last chance.
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Posted By: Matt, Santa Rosa, CA (20/05/2008 2:55:00 PM)
Question: There have been a few good Frank Gore stories over the years i.e. Frank hugging McCloughan when he first arrived in SF after the draft. What is your favorite story?
Answer: I was impressed with the way Frank handled the death of his mother. The beat reporters had a sympathy card for him. He came right up to us after practice, looked at the card and went down the line and shook all of our hands. A little while later, he sat at this locker and talked about his mother and what she meant to him. Frank is one of those guys you really want to see do well on the field and in life.
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Posted By: JoeNiner (20/05/2008 2:52:56 PM)
Question: Who is your surprise pick to not make the roster this year, choosing from middle of the roster contributors last year or high draft picks? Is a guy like Shawntae Spencer, Moran Norris, or Ron Fields even a possibility to be cut? How about a Jay Moore or Brandon Moore?
Answer: A good DB is going to get cut, probably. I think all the guys you mentioned have to be prepared for fights. I think Fields will make it because of his versatility, and Moore should make it. But the names you listed as reasonable.
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Posted By: Andrew from Bessemer, PA (20/05/2008 2:52:40 PM)
Question: Hi Matt. With the addition of Deshaun Foster, is Michael Robinson sort of an odd man out on offense? He's very versatile and a great asset on special teams, but how much do you really see him being on the field and for what purpose?
Answer: Well, Robinson was an odd-man out on offense last year. He'll definitely be on the team for a while. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see him make a Pro Bowl team as a special-teamer sometime in the next couple years. From what I can gather, Martz wants to pair Robinson and Gore in the backfield often this season.
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Posted By: Miami49er (Miami, FL) (20/05/2008 2:52:30 PM)
Question: Hey Matt. i love your blog and hope i'm not too late in posting this because i had some trouble trying to add a comment. but i read on Yahoo Sports that the Rams are for sale and Eddie DeBartolo is interested. that would absolutely kill me if that were to happen. what do you think about that? also, is there some way that the Yorks can sell this team back to Eddie D?
Answer: The Yorks are not going to sell the team to Eddie. No chance, no how. I just asked Eddie a couple weeks ago about returning as an owner. He said the ups and downs were just too much for him -- that he does not miss it. But as he said that, it wasn't very convincing. My guess is that he, indeed, does miss it.
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Posted By: Steve (20/05/2008 2:43:00 PM)
Question: Matt, now that the owner's have opted out of the CBA and 2009 will be the last capped year, does that mean that all the pro-rated bonuses will be accelerated to hit next year's cap?
Answer: No, I don't believe so. The negotiations will be ongoing up until 2010 to extend the CBA. I'll admit: I do not know all the ramifications and rules for dealing with the lead-up to the uncapped year.
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Posted By: Black Sheep (20/05/2008 2:40:13 PM)
Question: Matt, what will the fullback position look like in the new system. There has been some talk of having Robison back there instead of Norris, any real chance of that? Thanks.
Answer: I really don't know how Norris figures into the future of this team. He might be expendable. Certainly, you'll see Robinson in the same backfield with Gore on occasion. Martz wants to take advantage of Robinson's skills.
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Posted By: lamachina (20/05/2008 2:36:34 PM)
Question: Matt: With all the hoopla about the Ted LB spot, do you see TBC as a possible candidate. The great year he had in NE, before he came here, he was filling in for Bruschi at the ILB spot (not sure which one). With Lawson, Willis, TBC, and Haralson I think our LB core could be quite formidable. Thanks, appreciate your work.
Answer: The 49ers signed Banta-Cain to be a pass rusher. That's what they've determined that he does best. There have been no indications that they're going to request a position change.
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Posted By: Dan (20/05/2008 2:35:20 PM)
Question: Hey Matt! I've heard from a couple different places that Tullly Banta Cain entered Mini Camp in a lot better shape than last year when he showed up at 280+. Were you able to determine "how much" better he looks this year, or how much lighter he is than last year?
Answer: He did look lighter. However, there was a point last year in training camp when I thought he'd have a pretty good season. Singletary said he expected at least 10 sacks. TBC simply destroyed Damane Duckett during the scrimmage. He sustained an ankle sprain early in the season. I don't know how much that set him back, but he was clearly not an explosive player last season.
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Posted By: 49erJeff (20/05/2008 2:33:45 PM)
Question: How do you see Melvin Oliver fitting in on the "D" line? and is he pretty much ready for camp? Love your blog, keep up the good work.
Answer: He's getting there. I think it'll be difficult for Oliver to stick. Remember, he started a lot when the 49ers played primarily 4-3. I don't believe he is suited very well for a 3-4.
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Posted By: bad-example (San Jose) (20/05/2008 2:30:26 PM)
Question: With BY and Douglas leaving, who do you think might step up and become a leader on the DL?
Answer: Justin Smith, Walt Harris and Nate Clements are probably the biggest leaders on that defense.
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Posted By: scottptsn (20/05/2008 2:29:59 PM)
Question: Matt, could you give us your odds on favorites to win the two linebacker spots not filled by Willis and Manny?
Answer: Parys Haralson gets a slight edge over Tully Banta-Cain (though TBC is in better shape than he was a year ago). The other spot, even though he's not working at that spot, I don't see why it's not Brandon Moore.
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Posted By: Ryan in SoCal (San Diego) (20/05/2008 2:27:33 PM)
Question: Hey Matt, Of the 2007 draft class, besides Willis and Staley, who do you see as making the biggest jump this year and why? Are there any philosophical differences between Turner's and Martz's offenses? Thanks for having a great blog!
Answer: Hill has a chance because he's had a full year to figure things out. Turner's offense was based on a power running game, Martz loves to show his creativity in the passing game.
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Posted By: Josh (Sacramento) (20/05/2008 2:26:38 PM)
Question: OT? Have all the suitors to buy the team pretty much given up or are there still murmurings about interest? Also, FYI, the security check has been broken off and on which may be why some guys can't submit comments.
Answer: If you're talking about the 49ers, they're not for sale.
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Posted By: GW from Santa Rosa (20/05/2008 2:25:34 PM)
Question: Hi Matt, it looks like this one might get through. So, with the owners opting out of the CBA, how will this impact the 49ers negotiations with their draft picks?
Answer: Not at all. The salary cap will be in effect for at least the next two seasons.
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Posted By: PDX Mike (20/05/2008 2:25:24 PM)
Question: Hey Matt-Have you heard anything from the offensive linemen or observed any differences with the dual O-line coaches? Pass protection has been a chronic problem with the team and I am curious what impact Foerster will have on the teams porous pass protection.
Answer: George Warhop was running the show at the minicamp, and Chris Foerster was assisting him. At first they were supposed to be co-coaches. But now Warhop is listed as the coach, and Foerster as the assistant. But Foerster will be in charge of the pass protection.
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Posted By: sro_pet (20/05/2008 2:25:06 PM)
Question: In order of priority: In your opinion, What has been Nolan's biggest mistake thus far? With the tough schedule, what is the minimum number of wins he will have to attain this season in order to retain his job? Do we have a solid offensive line and a number one reciever?
Answer: I believe Nolan's biggest mistake was not making sure the entire organization (players included) attended Bill Walsh's public memorial service at Candlestick Park. Surely, the practice schedule and meeting times could've been tweaked to make sure that happened. As for the second question, it's very difficult to answer. How they arrive at the record will be important. But I'd think seven or eight wins, minimum. At the end of this season, ownership will have to decide to extend him or fire him. The starting offensive line has a chance to be pretty good. And, no, I don't believe there's a No. 2 receiver right now. Maybe someone will emerge.
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Posted By: sanman49er (20/05/2008 2:24:02 PM)
Question: Hello Matt, with Martz having a specific timed passing game, do you think this off season be enough time for the 49ers to digest the playbook and translate it to the field. Or will we be waiting till week 10 to finally see them begin to gel as a team.
A: Although there is a lot to digest with his offense, it hasn't kept Martz's offenses showing tremendous improvement in Year 1. Where it gets tricky for the 49ers is if the QB competition drags into camp. That's why Nolan (and Martz) wants it settled early.
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Posted By: NinerInDallas (20/05/2008 2:08:17 PM)
Question: Matt, i have a few small ?'s for ya.1# when the rosters have to be cut, what are the chances of someone like walt harris or jonas jennings getting the ax? and lastly and somewhat off subject, do you see eddie debartalo actaully buying the rams, and if he did how much would you expect that to cut into 49er fan base? thanks for the good job and the great blog.
Answer: The roster cutdown to 75 is Aug. 26. The final cut to 53 is Aug. 30. No way Harris is released. The only way Jennings gets cut is if he and the head coach get into a tussle. Jennings is clearly one of the team's best offensive linemen. As long as he's healthy, he'll be on the field. As for the hypothetical of Eddie D buying the Rams, I don't think that'll cut into the 49ers' fan base at all. Fans root for teams, not for owners. It'll just make 49ers fans complain more if the Rams beat the 49ers.
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Posted By: Sam (Calabasas, CA) (20/05/2008 1:48:12 PM)
Question: Matt, with regard to 2008, if the defense plays at least as good as last year (I think they'll be better) and Martz manages to squeeze 3200 yards and 18 TD from whichever QB, how many games do the 49ers win?
Answer: With a respectable 49ers offene, this team can win eight or nine games, no question. But last season, the offense was far from being respectable.
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Posted By: oldman9er (20/05/2008 10:02:43 AM)
Question: Hey Matt... I don't post much here, but read and pass on your info every day. Can you give us an idea of what SF is thinking in regard to the OT situation? I am personally very nervous about the depth situation... particularly if an injury occurs to Joe Staley at LT. In my view, we have no solid backup there. (Jonas has gotten awful at preventing edge-rushers + Snyder is below average there)
Answer: This is an area that the 49ers will always look to upgrade. Right now, their starters at LT Joe Staley and RT Jonas Jennings. Qasim Mitchell and Damane Duckett worked with the second unit at those spots in the minicamp. Adam Snyder can also play both spots, but he's slated to start at left guard.
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Posted By: Chris (20/05/2008 8:34:04 AM)
Question: how many draft pics has the 49ers signed?
Answer: They have not signed any picks. I believe the Dolphins are the only team to have picks signed. Of course, they signed Jake Long before the draft. They signed three more players yesterday.
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Comments | Add Comment
Posted By: Ryan (22/05/2008 5:46:17 AM)
Comment: Matt, I was wondering if Mike Martz was doing anything to make the adoption of his offense easier on Alex Smith by, say, asking him for a copy of his Norv Turner playbook and building upon that rather than throwing a whole new one to him. It seems as though that approach would subconsciously bring Alex Smith back to his last successful year and erase last year's lost season.
Posted By: utah49er (21/05/2008 9:45:16 PM)
Comment: Matt, I don't know if you read all of these but I was wondering, Steve Young is an icon for the 49ers. He also went to BYU. I think he may have had a hand in the drafting of Brandon Doman and bringing in Ty Detmer (both BYU QB's). Let's say if this is accurate, drafting Alex in '05 from Utah, one of BYU's hated rivals, would Steve have a skewed view of Alex?
Posted By: bill49er (21/05/2008 9:22:47 AM)
Comment: Matt
Thanks for all your good work. Whatever happend to Darnell Bing the saftey. Wasw he let go? Why is he not mentioned in the mix?
Response: The club opted not to re-sign him. He is now with the Jets. --Matt M.
Posted By: Robby (21/05/2008 2:33:15 AM)
Comment: I think that the depth at OT is an issue that has to be looked at a little more. If (when) Jonas Jennings gets hurt, the team would more then likely move Adam Snyder out to ORT simply because he would be better then Duckett or Mitchell. And heaven help us if Staley goes down. As good of an off season that the team has had, not addressing this issue could really come back and hurt the club.
Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (20/05/2008 9:54:41 PM)
Comment: First of all, great work as always Matt and I for one appreciate it immensely. Second, ESPN has one of my all time favorite 49ers fans, (though possibly in the twilight of his illustrious professional career) back,back, back,back..... to Chris Berman. We love you Matt, hang out with us here in the original posse, Berman can circle the wagons later, when he gets his Buffalo vs. 49ers SB, then he can retire.
Posted By: Wil (20/05/2008 4:25:35 PM)
Comment: Matt-
Looking at this years schedule, even if they are a better team on both sides of the ball i can only see them winning 7 games at the most. Given the strength of the teams the will be playing will that be enough for Nolan to keep his job?
Response: It's nearly impossible to look at a schedule in May and say whether it's going to be difficult or not. Things change so rapidly. Projected playoff teams can become also-rans with one injury. --Matt M.
Posted By: Joseph Granata (20/05/2008 4:09:58 PM)
Comment: I hope you don't go to ESPN if they offer you a job, they might expect you to write stories for the mags or report on how bad the Niners are instead of writing or reporting on anything substantial. ESPN hates the niners and would love nothing more if they Niners would just tank every year.
Posted By: oneniner (20/05/2008 4:08:44 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt, looks like we will only be able to sign our draft picks to 5 yr contracts.....how much do you know about this league-imposed deadline that would have made it much more difficult to sign players to six-year contracts ?....and why did they do this?.....
Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (20/05/2008 2:52:50 PM)
Comment: Thanks Matt... You're the man! So how long until ESPN offers you a job? All the good writers seem to go that route =/
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