The 49ers have 81 players on their roster, and the staff here at Instant 49ers did its (my) best to keep tabs on each of them last night during the 49ers' 18-6 loss to the Raiders in the exhibition opener.
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But before we get to that. Please check out my newspaper's website for my game story that was filed immediately following the game, "Defeat yields few answers." And, also, my notebook, "First-team SF defense encouraged with first-half results."
Also, there's a photo gallery from last night's 49ers-Raiders game.
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Now onto the player-by-player breakdown of yesterday's game.
(Sorry I can't be 100-percent confident about the playing time of some of these gentlemen. I listed J.J. Finley and Cooper Wallace as not having played. It is entirely possible they snuck onto the field for a snap or two.)
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OFFENSE
3-Wright: DNP.
11-Smith: When he was on the field, the 49ers seemed more interested in testing the running of Zak Keasey than seeing what Smith has to offer. Smith missed on some early throws, but sat back in the pocket and delivered the ball down the field for a couple first days. All in all, an encouraging performance with the No. 2 offense. He should get the home start next week against the Packers. Completed 5 of 9 for 51 yards (passer rating of 72.0).
13-Hill: On fourth-and-3, he didn't get the look he wanted to deliver a pass on a three-step drop. Instead, he tried to get the ball downfield to Jason Hill while rolling to his left. Hill's eyes were bigger than his arm, as the ball was underthrown and intercepted. . . . Later, he made a perfect pass on a corner route to Jason Hill, who dropped it in the end zone. . . . Often rushed as there was constant pressure coming off the edge. . . . Completed 10 of 20 for 83 yards with one interception (passer rating of 40.2).
14-O'Sullivan: He gets rid of the ball on time and throws to a spot. He does not have great arm strength, so that's the key to his success when throwing the ball down the field. He put the ball in great spots for Josh Morgan to go get it. . . . However, he made three head-scratching plays: the ill-advised lateral to DeShaun Foster 9 yards behind the line of scrimmage; his throw-it-up-and-see-what-happens interception; and not tucking the ball under his arm will running for a first down. Still, there's some promise there.
15-Ortiz: Got into the action in the fourth quarter. He had two balls thrown his way. One might have been a miscommunication, as he was nowhere near Hill's fourth-down pass in the end zone. . . . Ortiz caught one pass for 8 yards.
17-Zeigler: Other than a fumble in which CB Michael Waddell ripped the ball from his grasp, it was a pretty decent night. He made four catches for 45 yards, including a nice diving effort. He also had a good block on Jason Hill's end-around that gained 13 yards.
18-Lelie: DNP, calf.
19-Rabb: Entered in the second half. Did not catch a pass, but had one ball directed his way.
21-Gore: It was a light night for Gore, who carried twice for 6 yards. He was on the field for the first three plays before calling it a night.
24-Robinson: DNP, knee.
29-Foster: He carried six times for 13 yards. Might have had a HUGE play, but O'Sullivan's screen pass was batted down by LB Robert Thomas. . . . Intended receiver way down the field on O'Sullivan's interception.
33-Clayton: Had a 14-yard run and a 14-yard catch, but this game was a mixed bag. He often did not hot the holes quickly. . . . Had a fourth-quarter pass hit his shoulder pad. . . . On next play, he did not turn around to see Hill throw his way on a hot read. Finished with five carries for 27 yards and three catches for 20 yards while getting extensive play time.
44-Norris: Caught one pass for 2 yards. Odd pairing at one point as he lined up at fullback with Zak Keasey behind him in the I. Keasey gained 3 yards on that play. Keasey and Norris are competing for a roster spot. . . . Played with second unit after being the starter for the past two seasons. . . Made nice block on Clayton's 14-yard run.
45-Keasey: Started at fullback. Did a nice job to pick up DT Josh Shaw after he got past Adam Snyder. He bought O'Sullivan some time to throw, but JTO tossed an interception anyway. . . . Keasey ran the ball three times for 4 yards, and seemed to do a reasonable job as a lead blocker.
46-Walker: Saw a lot of action with first team as second TE . . . Remained in the action in the second half . . . Caught two passes for 10 yards. . . .Had 40-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter.
47-Bajema: Missed block on Trevor Scott, forcing Hill to step up and rush incomplete pass on fourth down late in the game. . . . He has not caught a pass in a regular-season game since his rookie season, but he made one grab for 9 yards in this game.
48-Cooper Wallace: Did not play on offense.
49-Finley: Did not play on offense.
59-Cody Wallace: Played one series with the first team when Eric Heitmann was out of action with a hip injury. . . . Fared well against DT William Joseph in pass protection in the second quarter . . . Gave up some pressure when Hill was at QB in the fourth quarter. . . . His improvement continues to show.
60-de la Puente: Nice block on linebacker Edgerton Hartwell on Hill shovel pass to Clayton helped net 14 yards. . . . Got a lot of action at LG after Snyder left the game.
61-Toledo: Rough game in pass protection. He entered at LT with second team when Damane Duckett was injured. He was working against Shaw, who sacked Hill in the fourth quarter. . . . Blatant holding penalty wiped out 22-yard pass play.
62-Rachal: Very solid job at RG after entering the game in the second quarter . . . Roughed up DT Derrick Gray in pass protection.
63-Duckett: Stumbled awkwardly in pass protection just three plays into his assignment with the second team at LT while trying unsuccessfully to block Kalimba Edwards. Appeared to aggravate left knee injury. Did not return.
64-Baas: DNP, pectoral
65-Sims: Called for holding on his second play in the game. . . . Working against rookie Trevor Scott, who got pressure on Hill, forcing him to step up into Shaw, who got the sack. . . . Also had some good plays, but appears to be falling behind Jonas Jennings in competition for RT.
66-Heitmann: Got some good push on a few run plays . . . Shaw got past him to help force an O'Sullivan throwaway. . . . Sustained right hip injury on interception return and did not come back into game.
67-Reuber: Entered game at RT in fourth quarter. . . .Had a lot of trouble late in the game against Raiders DE Greyson Gunheim, including a sack on the final play of the game.
68-Snyder: Started at LG. He pulled on a third-and-1 run, but he did not get around to block Kirk Morrison, who made the stop on Frank Gore for no gain. . . . Shaw beat him but Keasey was there to prevent a sack . . . He needs to pick up his play.
69-Wragge: Started at RG and played very well, other than one penalty. . . Good block on Gerard Warren to help spring Foster for 9-yard gain. . . . Called for false start.
74-Staley: Started at LT and certainly has a lot of room for improvement. . . Edwards got around him to pressure O'Sullivan into a throwaway. . . Failed to just pick up loose ball after Raiders DB fumbled interception return. He wanted to pick it up and score. Raiders got the ball back. . . . On O'Sullivan's fumble, Edwards pushed him into the backfield, forcing O'Sullivan to abandon the pocket.
75-Jennings: Started at right tackle. Held up his end of the bargain for as long as he was in the game.
76-Pruneda: Did not play on offense.
78-Booker: Did not play on offense.
81-Colvin: Saw action in the second half. Made a nice 22-yard reception of a Hill pass, but it was wiped out on a holding penalty.
82-Johnson: DNP, hamstring
83-Battle: Nice hustle play to force a fumble on Stanford Routt interception return, but Raiders retained possession . . . Hooked up with Smith for a couple third-down receptions to keep the chains moving. . . Had two catches for 33 yards.
84-Morgan: Got the starting assignment at the X with Bryant Johnson out of action. . . . He was certainly the 49ers' best offensive player. . . . Caught four balls for 68 yards. Made strong, secure catches in traffic, like a rebounder blocking out underneath the glass. . . . This kid can play. . . . He is easily having the best camp from a 49ers rookie receiver since 1996 when Terrell Owens came to the team.
85-Davis: Caught one pass for just 3 yards. . . A first-down run nullified with his false-start penalty.
88-Bruce: DNP.
89-Hill: Caught one pass for 7 yards and added a 13-yard run on a reverse. . . . But he let a possible TD catch from Hill slip through his hands in the corner of the end zone in the fourth quarter.
DEFENSE
22-Clements: Started and did not get much action with just one tackle in the dozen plays he was on the field.
23-Hudson: Played almost all of the second half. . . . Showed good awareness to pull down WR Tony Stewart short of first down on a third-and-8 play. . . A little later, stopped Stewart for 5-yard gain on fourth-and-7. . .. Showed good hustle on TD-saving tackle at conclusion of Louis Rankin's 72-yard run. . . . A couple plays later, helped stop Rankin's progress to save TD again.
25-Brown: Saw significant action in the second half. His coverage was pretty good, and he's not afraid to stick his nose in the action. Finished with two tackles.
26-Roman: DNP, hamstring.
27-Harris: He had strong coverage on two deep balls thrown his way, including his breakup of a pass to Javon Walker in the first quarter.
28-K.Lewis: Played with the second team and was outfitted with the helmet radio. . . . Was first one down the field, but whiffed on Johnnie Lee Higgins' 53-yard punt return for a TD. . . Broke up Walter's pass in end zone. . . . He came up to make a couple hard tackles. Finished with four stops.
30-Strickland: He might be little, but he plays hard, and that's why the 49ers' coaches like him - and why he figures to be on the 53-man roster. . . . Played with the second team. . . . Made some physical plays coming up from corner. . . . Physical tackle of Rankin on kickoff return.
31-R.Smith: A good showing for the rookie. . . . In press coverage against Javon Walker, Walker got a step on him but Andrew Walter overthrew him. . . . Jarred the ball loose on pass attempt to Chaz Schilens. . . On next play, broke up pass to Drisan James on fourth down.
32-M.Lewis: Started and wore the helmet radio when he was on the field. . . . He was not out there long and involved in no plays.
36-Spencer: Came in as third cornerback with the first team, and remained on the field with the second team. . . . Came up in run support to take on Darren McFadden one-on-one for no gain . . . Finished with four tackles, and did nothing to lose grip on No. 3 job.
38-Goldson: Started at FS in place of Roman. He lined up in the slot to stop Justin Fargas for no gain on a run blitz in the first quarter. . . . Finished with four tackles as he continues to push Roman for starting job.
40-M.Curry: DNP on defense.
41-Parker: Saw action in the first quarter. He tried to blitz but was picked up by a back.. . . Had excellent coverage in end zone of Todd Watkins on pass that K.Lewis broke up in the third quarter. . . . Made contact with Bush at 1-yard line but was run over on his way to the end zone. . . . Took poor angle on Rankin's 72-yard run. . . . Had one special-teams tackle.
43-Baker: DNP, is on crutches with thigh injury.
51-Thomas: Played "mike" with the second team, and showed his athleticism with eight tackles. . . . Always seemed to be in on plays in the second and third quarters. . . .Three of his stops were for 2 or fewer yards.
52-Willis: Started at the "mike." The tackle machine had just one stop in 12 plays before calling it a night. . . . He was blocked pretty well, allowing Fargas to get through his gap for an 8-yard gain in the first quarter. . . . But no worries about this guy.
53-Ulbrich: Started at the "ted." Was not credited with any stops, but also did not have any glaring missed assignments or blame to lay on him for plays that amounted to much.
54-Green: Helped turn back Bush on fourth-and-2 run to his side. . . . Did not supply much pressure in his pass-rush spots.
55-Haley: Stepped into the hole but was blocked cleanly by fullback Marcel Reece on Rankin's 72-yard run at start of fourth quarter. . . . Was not credited with any tackles.
56-B.Moore: Played "ted" spot with second team. Had a chance to stop Johnnie Lee Higgins to prevent punt-return TD. . . . Saw a lot of playing time in the second and third quarters but did not mix it up.
57-Grant: Did not pick up WR Chaz Schilens on two-point conversion. . . . Came up to make a hard tackle on Louis Rankin . . . Showed a lot of positives, as he attacked the line of scrimmage. All of his tackles went for few yards.
58-J.Moore: He had a good game, unfortunately for him it came in the fourth quarter when the third-stringers were on the field. . . . Had nice block on Walker's 40-yard kickoff return. . . . Shed the attempted block of TE Darrell Strong to stop Rankin for 2-yard loss. . . Side-stepped the block attempt of RB Adimchinobi Echemandu to sack the quarterback late in the game.
60-W.Curry: Saw a lot of action with second unit . . . Some good, some bad. Not credited with any tackles, and was part of the defensive line that seemed to get pushed around by the Raiders' offense.
61-Ramsey: Played in the fourth quarter . . . Plays with a high motor, and does not give up when the play goes away from him . . . . Did not wrap up Echemandu in the backfield late in the game, letting him spin free to gain 3 yards.
62-Holmes: Used as an end and standing up as OLB. He's impressive. If he keeps this up, the 49ers might just need to keep him around on the 53-man. . . In the first quarter, used a nice spin move on starting RT Cornell Green and hit Russell as he was throwing. . . . In the second half, played some strong outside linebacker. . . . Fell hook, line and sinker for Tuiasosopo's bootleg around his side that went for 31 yards late in the game.
76-Cohen: Second-string center Chris Morris pushed him back several yards to open door for Rankin's 72-yard run in the fourth quarter. . . . Needs to get more stout at the point of attack.
78-Ellison: Saw significant time in the fourth quarter. Stopped Rankin for no gain on solo tackle. . . . Chased Marques Tuiasosopo out of the pocket. . . Finished with two tackles.
90-Sopoaga: Started on defensive line, and played only a dozen snaps. . . . Could have been better holding the point on run plays.
91-McDonald: A very nice showing after getting off to a rough start. . . . He jumped offside on the very first play of the game. But then he settled down and played very well. He was very active from the RDE position. He worked a nice stunt with Justin Smith to get a sack.
92-Franklin: Started at nose tackle. Got pushed back on a one-on-one block by C Jake Grove to open way for Justin Fargas 11-yard run.
93-Fields: Victim of a dangerous chop block by backup LT Mario Henderson, who hit him low as he was engaged with the center. That play resulted in Michael Bush's 7-yard gain on third-and-2. Fortunately, he was no injured. . . . Falls into the same category as other defensive linemen. Needs to play more stout at the line of scrimmage. . . . Credited with one tackle.
94-J.Smith: He played 12 snaps, and he lined up all over the place. He was at left end on four plays, left tackle twice, right tackle once, right end twice and right outside linebacker three times. He and McDonald stunted on a third-down play. Smith got pressure, but he enabled McDonald to get the sack. He was credited with two tackles.
95-Banta-Cain: Entered with the second defense, and did a fine job. . . . Played with a lot of hunger, as he realizes he's fighting for a roster spot. . . . Drew a holding penalty on FB Justin Griffith when he got strong pressure on JaMarcus Russell in the first quarter. . . Good backside pursuit to stop Bush for 1 yard on fourth-and-2..
96-Balmer: Played some short-yardage plays with the first unit, but saw most of his action with second team. . . . Had difficulty getting off blocks, as he played too high at times. . . . Showed quick reaction to jump across line when Raiders lineman Fred Wakefield committed a false start. . . . Credited with one tackle.
98-Haralson: Worked with the second team. . . . Did not find his way into the action much. No significant pressure on the QB. Was not credited with any tackles.
99-Lawson: Started on the strong side, but did not see a lot of action come his way. Did not record a tackle.
SPECIALISTS
2-Schmitt: The camp leg did great. He got a chance to kick a 38-yard FG off the infield dirt and he nailed it right down the middle.
4-Lee: Not a great showing for the reigning NFC Pro Bowl performer. He averaged just 41.0 yards on three punts without getting one inside the 20. He low 39-yarder was returned for a TD, giving him a net average of just 20.0. He was even forced to make a tackle.
6-Nedney: Handled two kickoffs pretty well and made a short FG.
20-Rossum: Doesn't seem to like making fair-catches. He looks confident back there. He tried a veteran move on one punt when he lined up at the 10. He gave off the appearance he was going to let it go over his head, but he looked in time to make the catch and returned it to the 22.
86-Jennings: Perfect, as usual, on his snaps. Had a chance to tackle Higgins on punt return. Ran past the play, but he stayed in his lane.
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Can't forget . . . here's Lowell Cohn's column about the 49ers' QB situation, in which he says, "End the charade: Hand the ball to Smith, bench O'Sullivan."
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Comments | Add Comment
Posted By: prospector (09/08/2008 9:17:11 PM)
Comment: It really is sad that the WC Offense left town when McCarthy left. I was just watching new HC Jim Zorn installing the WCO in Washington during the Skins Bills game it is so fun to watch. Look out for the Redskins this year, and yes, we could have had Zorn as our HC this year had we only been decisive and canned Nolan after last season instead of this one.
Posted By: mike in MD (09/08/2008 8:59:15 PM)
Comment: Berger..cross off Wilfork, he won't be a FA until after the 2009 season.
Posted By: Graham (09/08/2008 8:43:22 PM)
Comment: Matt, I have a hard time understanding why you endorse people like Cohn and Kawakami. Your reporting is thorough, and you address your audience with the confidence that we're not idiots, and allow us to draw our own conclusions. Those two, however, make a living by screaming their heads off, and turning clever phrases that have more glitz than substance. There's no money to be made by acknowledging a complex situation that yields no immediate answers. Maybe we should just sit tight and wait for this thing to sort itself out? Not the sexiest answer, but hey, that's life.
Posted By: Mike in Sac (09/08/2008 7:08:28 PM)
Comment: Whocares had the best post of the day so far...Nolan is an ass and we do not have any quality at QB. Again, we draft a center in the fourth round instead of a qb prospect!!! Out front office looks to be a group of dopes.
Posted By: Berger (09/08/2008 5:33:19 PM)
Comment: mike in MD- Albert Painsworth is going to be a FA. If we can get him I would imagine we would run more 4-3 than 3-4. But Haynesworth can play any position in a 3-4 or 4-3 and do it as well as anyone. He is unbelievable. But he is a penetrator and Nolan doesn't necesarrily car for that, but if you can get Painsworth you should be a bit flexible as a coach or be an idiot. Manusky would utilize him very well. I think Wilfork is scheduled to a FA? Also, Balmer is 315 lbs. The brass is letting him grow to his natural size. If he stays at about 315 he will be a DE, if he goes to 330 he probably becomes a NT. As far as ted, Maualuga is probably more of a mike, but if we had him I'm sure we would be happy. But he'd have to play ted or OLB, I don't think anybody is replacing Bam Bam Willis at mike.
Posted By: mike in MD (09/08/2008 5:22:51 PM)
Comment: Love this quote >> Lou Holtz, ESPN Magazine: "He's the next great Trojans linebacker, very physical, always lining up big hits. He reminds me of (ex-Ohio State All-American) A.J. Hawk. Maualuga's athletic ability is similar to Hawk's, but the infectiousness of his free spirit makes him even more valuable to his team."
Willis & Maualuga would feed off each other & raise the level of the entire Defense. Alright that's enough man crush talk here.
Posted By: Mike in Marin (09/08/2008 5:21:20 PM)
Comment: captain Nolan, sorry
Posted By: Mike in Marin (09/08/2008 5:20:02 PM)
Comment: ninerbob, This team is a sunk ship. Until you get rid of catain Nolan its not going to sail the mighty sea. Nolan screwed everybody when Mcarthy left and we did not keep west coast system. If we had we would be in our 4th year of the same system, which means we would be exotic with it. We would rather change coaches and systems every year and keep the players heads spinning rather than finding a good coach for a particular system. Nolan needed to go last year!
Posted By: Berger (09/08/2008 5:19:53 PM)
Comment: ninerbob- This offense is different than others. It is a read offense. Communication is tacit. The problem isn't knowing the offense as much as it is everybody reading the defense the same. IOW, getting everybody on the same page. We moved the ball last night but turovers killed us. It didn't look great but we did get yardage, more than a typical game of last year. It is a work in process. I don't think anybody expected the offense to shine last night. Give it a couple of more weeks before you get depressed. This will be a good offense. *** On the defensive side, Manusky is running the schemes different than anything we have ever seen on a Nolan team. We actually had some pressure on the QB without having blitz all the time. This team has the potential to be a 10-6 team. Will it be? I sure don't know but I saw enough last night to still be excited about this season. *** I hope that answered your question.
Posted By: mike in MD (09/08/2008 5:18:07 PM)
Comment: Berger..I didn't know that about Maualuga. Do you think he has it in him to learn to be that type of player & has the willingness/attitude to be coached on how to stay disciplined on his assignments? If he played next to Willis I'm sure he'd have a huge influence on that & should be fine. Also if we still had Singletary I believe he'd respect & listen to both Willis & Mike. Who knows I think it's possible. Ted LB would be done & over with PERIOD for the next 10 years, the MIDDLE WOULD BE OURS!! Rey has star potential like PW & he would start from Day 1, no Balmer scenario there. I agree RT & the Offense is a higher priority but where we end up in the Draft if Oher & the next tier top OT is gone based on our position Maualuga might be the BPA as in the Willis scenario where we needed help at the DT position first. Then there's WR, how good is this Crabtree guy, we probably will still be looking for a #1 WR. Sorry to talk Draft right now but it's always a good time checking out the prospects. But man, missing out on that NT every freakin' year when your goals a 3-4, C'MON... Don't know much about next years FA, what do you know about there? I think you brought up Wilfork before. We need a ROCK @ NT & I'd like to even find a better backup cause that's all Franklin is. Maybe Franklin or Fields would do but we need a stud at the nose.
Posted By: ninerbob (09/08/2008 4:56:08 PM)
Comment: As negative as I have been about this team and Nolan based on the 1st pre-season game on to 49er blog sites, I guess that is why no one will specifically answer my question. Why should we believe that this team is going to get better? I don't want to here the standard "it's early" or "it's just the first pre-season game". Those answers are for teams that just started to become losers. We are full-on LOSER veterans now; with 2 Eras (Erickson and Nolan) of losing under our belt. This team still stinks of a Nolan-Coast offense. Whether it is player mismanagement (good player used incorrectly), failure to find talent (not bringing in a good player, and remeber 2 or 3 players does not make a team), or game mismanagement (kicking a field goal on 4th down at the opponent 5 yard line in a pre-season game when you are trying to evaluate your offense/lack-of-a-passing-game) the team reaches new level of losing ugly due to its HC.
So Matt, please tell me: Why is this team going to get better while Nolan is still there (or while Nolan and his staff is still there)?
I really need a reason to be optimistic about Bays Area sports (besdies waiting for the Warrior's season to start).
Thanks.
Posted By: Berger (09/08/2008 4:47:16 PM)
Comment: mike in MD- I share your pain about the NT position. *** The problem with Malaluga(sp) is that he is undisciplined. Can you imagine a player like that playing for Nolan? We're having a heck of a time getting Goldsen in the lineup. Even though he makes a ton of plays and Roman doesn't, Roman is very disciplined. I would love to have 250lb Rey playing at ted! *** Something tells me our biggest need in next year's draft will be OT.
Posted By: Mike in Marin (09/08/2008 4:44:13 PM)
Comment: Alright, its only preseason and usually doesnt mean a thing, but I am worried about our O-line. That was ugly. Neither Staley nor Snyder had a solid performance. I hope changing Joe to the left side isnt another one of Nolans blunders. Our 1rst defense looked very solid! Josh Morgan thumbs up. Again worried about O-line!
Posted By: louis Pearson (09/08/2008 4:02:32 PM)
Comment: Delanie Walker is the best kickoff return guy this team has and has been for the last three years. When will Nolan and co. catch on?
Posted By: Ryan in SoCal (09/08/2008 3:56:28 PM)
Comment: By the way, to all you whiners who give other teams a reason to call us whiners, MIKE MARTZ was calling the plays last night. If you want to call out a coach for running with Smith in a QB, call out Martz. I still think we should've pushed for Cam Cameron as OC. Martz' style doesn't fit our personnel. Hopefully I'm wrong and in the regular season, the offense will light it up, but it doesn't look promising thus far.
Posted By: Ryan in SoCal (09/08/2008 3:52:13 PM)
Comment: Nice break-down Matt. I'm worried about the O-Line. Not even the 1st team played well, and if we don't have good pass protection, it doesn't matter who we have behind center.
On a side note, is Lowell Cohn actually a paid member on the Press Democrat staff? Your articles are the equivalent to Josh Morgan's performance last night, and his to Jason Hill. Shockingly bad.
Posted By: RaiderNation (09/08/2008 3:27:11 PM)
Comment: 49er fans are little crybabies. Why do you complain so much? Your #1 pick did very well with what he had. To quote Arnold, 49ers fans are girlie men
Posted By: mike in MD (09/08/2008 3:24:35 PM)
Comment: I know I'm dreaming but I need an escape. Can you imagine Willis & Maualuga as our middle LB's?? That would be UNBELIEVABLE. A quote from Rey.. "I want to become the player that the offense gameplans around, that the offense fears coming into the game." This mentality + Willis, are you kidding me???? Reminds me of the Redskins when they picked LaRon Landry next to Sean Taylor. (RIP my man)
BIO & highlights >>
http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/maualuga_rey00.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owXgLCbw5YU
Posted By: P from SF (09/08/2008 3:20:35 PM)
Comment: Speaking of, we are called 49er faithful for a reason. We believe in this team, and no, it's not blind faith either. It's understanding our faults but believing we can work with them and improve them. You guys are worse then raider fans. Who needs enemies when we have you guys eh?
Posted By: P from SF (09/08/2008 3:17:39 PM)
Comment: haha I love the Smith hate. You guys are probably the voices Nolan hears in his sleep and what pushes him to loathe A. Smith. I am a realist. Anyone who has followed Alex through his career and actually evaluates his performance instead of just saying, OMG LOOK HE SUCKS, HE'S NOT JOE MONTANA! The kid is in his 4th year, 3rd if you consider his injury last season. It's obvious the ownership has faith in Alex, and hopefully Nolan will let this kid shine in SF, because he will shine elsewhere if not. I don't care what anyone says, these are the guys we have been handed and Alex is the best among them. JT makes 1st year qb bonehead decisions, we are past that, Hill doesn't have the arm strength. Go cry somewhere or get on the faithful bus and ride it until the season ends.
Posted By: AF (09/08/2008 3:07:12 PM)
Comment: I know Nolan has a hard-on for Keasy but all those plays for him...really? REALLY??? Nolan is an idiot and those play calls have his name all over them.
Posted By: Smith Pleae (09/08/2008 3:04:11 PM)
Comment: We will be lucky to win 6 games - sorry folks we are not going to the Super B_ _ _ this year! And if some jerk-off thinks different let's bet $ome cold hard cash! We only have 3 choices O'Sullivan, Hill or Smith. O'Sullivan and Hill will never lead a team to the Super B_ _ _. Start Smith, give him one last chance under a 4th offensive coordinator to prove himself. At the end of the year you can make him the future or accept the fact that you made a mistake. Picking a great quarterback in the draft is not easy if it was every team would have one. It is having the ability to admit it and move on.
Posted By: Derek (09/08/2008 2:35:31 PM)
Comment: uclaf4n, not to question your intelligence, smith was 5 for 9 which is about 60%.
Posted By: mike in MD (09/08/2008 2:32:17 PM)
Comment: I hope Berger's right but damn it there it is. The NT is once again getting his a** handed to him. Oh how that could have been addressed this year or SOONER. He's the 3-4 ANCHOR, the most important piece next to the OLB pass rusher. Franklin's a backup, Fields a 5th rounder, & Cohen a 4th coming off an injury. We fill this missing piece with a real stud NT & no one will be able to run against us. We have the speed to cover sweeps & cutbacks to the outside but we have to get a hold of the freakin' middle. C'mon Nolan for a 3-4 "guru" can't you see how this will drastically improve our D?? Get it done man. Do we need to also ask Nolan to keep his hands also off the D? Why do we even need this guy, he's the weakest link in this coaching chain. We're so close to finishing the Defense, so close. (Tough call for next year..1st Round RT, Rey Maualuga w/star potential @ TED next to Willis around 6-2/260 lbs would be vicious. Possible NT's in 2nd Round+: Only a few >> Al Woods, LSU 6'5"/314. Terrance Taylor,MI 6'/310 lbs. BJ Raji, Boston College 6'/325 lbs. And of course our QB situation) Thanks for the great breakdown Matt.
Posted By: ninerman (09/08/2008 2:30:28 PM)
Comment: I havent read one inteligent thing on this blog today. All the qbs were 50% or better on there pass atempts and Smith looked fine for a guy playing the first time in 10-11 months. He clearly throws the ball with more zip than the other 2 qbs and his shoulder isnt even 100%. Look u guys Smith can play the problem is Nolan. He has this whole qb situation wrong not just this year but every year since he has been here.Smith justs needs to play I mean he didnt really play his rookie yr and his second he was slightly above average 16 tds and 2900 yds and a 7-9 rec. his 3rd yr was 3 games and done. so in reality this is his second season as far as playing time goes and he barely turned 24 in may. My point is play Smith this year and then judge it from that not from some preseason game.
Posted By: Jon in Socal (09/08/2008 2:30:20 PM)
Comment: Smith's accuracy will improve as he gets more confidence in the system. When you throw behind a guy, it's because you are unsure and are short-arming the throw, That's what it looks like he is doing to me. Plus, it's been a while and I hope the surgery has left his arm a bit stiff. We'll see though
Posted By: uclaf4n (09/08/2008 2:06:10 PM)
Comment: Okay so i mean this is pathetic. An NFL team, can't even find one quarterback to throw over 50% during a game. why in God's name did the 49ers not even try for favre or even a different headlining qb. We need depth at OL and a decent f'ng quarterback.
Posted By: IM CARR (09/08/2008 2:05:56 PM)
Comment: How much will it take to get Brady Quinn from the Browns during the off-season? Our top-four pick plus what else? And how many old Ryan Leaf jerseys would SD sent back in return for one A. Smith?
Posted By: whocares (09/08/2008 2:03:52 PM)
Comment: Some QB's that have been available during the McNolan era: (UFA or Trade) Derek Anderson, Drew Brees, Brett Favre, Jeff Garcia, Matt Schaub, Chris Simms, Billy Volek, Kurt Warner. Could have drafted: Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler, Trent Edwards, Brady Quinn, and others. Any of those seem better than the 3 piles of poo we have on our roster "battling" for the job? Nolan is an arrogant pr*ck who thinks he can turn water into wine. I cannot wait until '09 when we have a new coach.
Posted By: Parker (09/08/2008 1:58:54 PM)
Comment: Nate Davis - Ball State - Quebee - Junior. Starting the campaign for the 09 draft.
Posted By: xl (09/08/2008 1:39:28 PM)
Comment: is vinny testaverde available?
Posted By: Ryan (09/08/2008 1:25:34 PM)
Comment: How about a coach-by-coach look at their performance?
Posted By: AthensGaNiner (09/08/2008 1:17:20 PM)
Comment: Rathman: I understand your frustration concerning the Niners' quarterback situation, but the three guys you mentioned wouldn't have been the answer. 2008 was a bad draft year for quarterbacks, just like 2005 was. If Smith doesn't prove himself to be worthy this year, then chances are that the Niners will have a bad year, he and Nolan will most likely be gone, and the Niners will be awarded a high draft pick. Expect a lot of juniors to make the jump this year with Goodell planning rookie salary adjustments in the near future, so quarterbacks like Ohio State's Todd Boeckman and Georgia's Matthew Stafford are both likely prospects. And Jim:Unless you have low level seats and are looking for a souvenir football, Leftwich ain't what this team needs, either. That guy airmails a ton of passes.
Posted By: Nolan must go (09/08/2008 1:15:19 PM)
Comment: I repeat, any coach who is unaware of the down and distance is, a) an idiot, and b) should be fired...but then we've known this for years already...
Posted By: Nolan must go (09/08/2008 1:13:38 PM)
Comment: Frank Gore, in the top 5 of NFL RB's. Patrick Willis, in the top 3 of NFL LB's. Alex Smith, Shaun Hill, JTO, all wouldn't crack the top 50 of NFL QB's. And yet, we didn't draft anyone...again...WE'RE SCREWED
Posted By: Wtf! (09/08/2008 1:10:57 PM)
Comment: The simple fact that a no. 1 overall draft pick can't beat out 2 career 3rd stringers by now tells us that we are going nowhere under Alex. I said after the first time I watched him play, his wind up and release is too slow for the NFL. Combine this with poor footwork and poor accuracy and you have someone mired in a QB competition with QB's who wouldn't rate in the top 40 of NFL QB's. We're screwed.
Posted By: Nolan must go (09/08/2008 1:04:24 PM)
Comment: I repeat, any coach who is unaware of the down and distance is, a) an idiot, and b) should be fired...but then we've known this for years already...
Posted By: Rich, DE (09/08/2008 1:03:26 PM)
Comment: Lou, was kind of thinking the same thing. The mistakes JTO made (pushing the envelope) are probably easier to remedy than being off target with throws all the time. Would still like to see Smith perform with the first string and see how he fares.
Posted By: Chris (09/08/2008 12:49:49 PM)
Comment: Reggie the qb situation is awful period, all these guys suck... Although pre season this game was eerily similar to last season with the Raiders possesing the ball for most of the game. I think our D will end up being the best in the division but I was a little discouraged with our starting D getting pushed around by the Raiders O lines run blocking forcing our safeties to make takles, would like to see D Line our LB making those tackles on the RB. I agree with most of Matts player breakdowns except of Alex Smiths I thought he looked very bad, tentative and inaccurate. Nolan continues to boggle the mind with his moronic decisions. If anything summed up Nolan it was his decision on 4th and 2 near the goal line and he kicks a field goal in a PRE SEASON GAME!!?? I think we already know Joe Nedney can hit a chip shot fg but our offense and A. Smith (or any of our qbs) need to practice scoring tds in the red zone which our entire offense regardless of qb is horrible at! Who cares if we get a fg in the pre season? Nolan is nuts.
For the positives Matt I couldn't agree more, 1st yr wr's are usually a non factor and confused in the nfl but Morgan looks like he's already been in the league a few years using his size to block out the db and using his HANDS to catch the ball (Vernon Davis please learn something). I was also encouraged by Ray McDonald, Reggie Smith and Chilo Rachal but god I hope by the time the regular season rolls around our offense can move the ball enough to keep our D off the field and let them rest because we cannot let the other teams offense possess the ball 80% of the game like they did last year.
Keep up the updates Matt, really enjoy them!
Posted By: Simran (09/08/2008 12:45:09 PM)
Comment: Thanks Matt. Please ask Coach Nolan why they (him and Martz) were so interested in Keasey's running when Smith was on the field. Hostler isn't around to be the scapegoat anymore.
Posted By: Berger (09/08/2008 12:42:02 PM)
Comment: One thing happened in last night's game that filled me with joy. Something happened for the first time since Nolan has been here. On an obvious passing situation, Manusky brought in the one gappers and went after the QB. We got the sack but that didn't even matter, the fact that we brought in the one gappers shows me that Manusky knows what he is doing. Nolan would have never done that. It looked like what the NY Giants were doing last year, even if it was for only one play. It gives me some hope that we might actually have a pass rush this year. Just maybe!
Posted By: Reggie McGrew (09/08/2008 12:35:51 PM)
Comment: It's funny that teams like the Patriots who have one of the two best qbs in football still draft qbs but a team like the 49ers that have the worst qbs in the NFL like their qb situation enough to pass on a qb in the draft? To me Alex Smith (who has way more starting experience than the other two) is by far the worst qb on the team. He doesnt turn the ball over (except any time he's under pressure he gets it stripped) because he NEVER takes a chance and that's why he never gets a first down or touchdown either. Smith is the worst qb I have seen in my life. He is easily the most inaccurate passer in football history and last night was a perfect example. NEVER does he hit a wr in stride and every pass last night even the few he completed were BEHIND the WR. He holds the ball like a scared rabbit and he has the slowest relief and his mechanics are garbage, he winds up like a baseball pitcher to throw the ball. These niner fans that still want Smith to start must have down syndrome-. ALEX SMITH will NEVER lead an nfl team to a winning season EVER and I will put my money where my mouth is- Which one of you short yellow bus riders wants to lose a grand? Oh yeah, if you guys like Smith so much why don't you draft him on to your fantasy football team? If you do that please sign up for the league I'm in.
Posted By: Aaron (09/08/2008 12:32:44 PM)
Comment: Matt, I've got a question about your comments on Franklin. I know it's just a preseason game, but I'm concerned that our starting NT is getting manhandled one on one by a C. If he can't even man up with a center, how can we expect him to take on a C and G at the same time? The Niners didn't make any moves to improve the position in the offseason, and we heard a lot about how much better Franklin got after his knee started healing. I guess it just seems like there are plenty of excuses for guys Nolan likes (Roman, Franklin, D Smith last year), and no excuses for guys he doesn't (Alex Smith, Jonas Jennings, etc). Is that a fair reading of the tea leaves?
Posted By: Jim (09/08/2008 12:14:45 PM)
Comment: Sign Byron Leftwich
Posted By: shobbrobb (09/08/2008 12:04:31 PM)
Comment: One thing we can look at that is promising. Is the play of Morgan and Goldston,these guys get it.
Posted By: Rathman (09/08/2008 11:47:11 AM)
Comment: The Niners brass is a joke. It was painfully obvious to everyone that Smith and Hill are average NFL QBs. Their solution: bring in an NFL journeyman backup QB, who throws backwards.
What a monumental mistake it was to not draft: Colt Brennan, JD Booty, or Dennis Dixon. Everybody on the west coast saw these kids bust their tails and PERFORM in college and we are few weeks from the season opener not only without a true NFL veteran QB, but we are aslo without a future leader-bonafide NFL QB.
It is clear the Niner brass is excellent at being mediocre. Watch HBO Hardknocks and the Cowgirls staff, leadership from top to bottom, the players have no choice but to raise their level every time they step on the field.
Posted By: darth_kai (09/08/2008 11:42:30 AM)
Comment: Matt, Has anyone asked McLoughan about the QB situation? He is the general manager. He has been silent about the whole situation. Doesn't he have a say?
Posted By: Lou (09/08/2008 11:39:16 AM)
Comment: Well, JT's poor plays (the two TOs and the one backwards pass) were mistakes in decision-making. Those have the potential to be remedied. The question is are AS's poor plays (throwing behind/below players, throwing off his back foot, and taking just a tad bit longer to set up and throw) as easily fixed?
Posted By: RealFan49 (09/08/2008 11:31:54 AM)
Comment: Outstanding!! Thank Matt.
Posted By: shobbrobb (09/08/2008 11:19:15 AM)
Comment: By the way.......FIRST!..lol
Posted By: shobbrobb (09/08/2008 11:18:17 AM)
Comment: Midseason we will know what we got
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