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Niners inactives: QB Jamie Martin (third QB), CB Reggie Smith, CB Shawntae Spencer, OLB Roderick Green, LB Ahmad Brooks, C Cody Wallace, T Jonas Jennings and LB Manny Lawson.

This means that Tully Banta-Cain might see more action than originally figured. Green is a nickel pass-rusher at defensive end. Banta-Cain could see a lot of action on third downs. Also, CB Marcus Hudson will be in uniform for the first time this season.

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The 49ers have waived DE Larry Birdine from the practice squad. They'll shuttle in somebody else next week to get a look at a new player.

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Patriots inactives: QB Matt Gutierrez (third QB), WR Kelley Washington, WR Maurice Price, CB Lewis Sanders, LB Eric Alexander, C Dan Connolly, T Wesley Britt and LB Shawn Crable.

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We'll be keeping an eye on whether the 49ers, as expected, play a lot of their patented "B.S." defense in today's game. Oh, that means, "Big Sub," of course.

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Joe Nedney just nailed a 55-yarder in warmups. That apppears to be the outer limit of his range, if the team gets in that situation. Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski just hit the cross bar from 53 yards. (It bounced through.)

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Just returned from the field. Steve Young was getting the hero's welcome. His number will be retired at halftime. He has a bunch of family and friends here. Brent Jones and Jerry Rice are among those former 49ers in attendance.

* * *Arnaz Battle, Takeo Spikes and Jeff Ulbrich are the captains for this game. Mike Carey is the referee. The last time Carey handled a Patriots game, they lost in the Super Bowl. Patriots win the toss and they defer. The 49ers receive the opening kickoff.

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FIRST QUARTER

--Rossum catches ball 7 yards deep for a touchback.

--Delanie Walker and Vernon Davis both on the field for the first play . . . Gore gains 1 yard.

--On second down, pass off Walker's hands. That play would've gone for some big yardage. It's third and 9.

--Good pressure on JTO. He throws it away. Time to punt.

--Niners defense opens with nickel, as Haralson comes out and Strickland enters before the snap. Maroney gains 4 against the Big Sub.

--Great pressure on Cassel. He's hit as he throws and Spikes with the interception and a 13-yard return to the NE 45. There's 12:51 left in the quarter. The Big Sub works!

--JTO throws deep for Walker, and Brandon Meriweather makes the pick. Walker did not play that one well. Walker was back-pedaling on that ball. He stopped running. Pats take over at the 4.

--Maroney stopped for two short gains. It's third and long. Banta-Cain is in, along with Goldson and Tarell Brown. Willis sniffs out the shovel pass to Welker. Pats to punt.

--Clements was hiding in front of the 49ers' bench. He caught the punt and came all the way across the field for a 13-yard return. Niners at the Pats' 30.

--Big third-and-2 coming up . . . JTO scrambles close to the first down, but there's a flag. Pats called for defensive holding.

--Bajema is in for a two-TE set . . . Gore splits out to the left. He works a post pattern vs. Pats CB Ellis Hobbs and makes a fantastic catch for a 16-yard touchdown. That's something we haven't seen yet this season. It's 49ERS 7, PATRIOTS 0 with 8:57 remaining in the quarter.

--Nice return (poor tackling). Pats take over at 37 after Hobbs' 35-yard return.

--Strickland is the team's fifth defensive back. The plays are playing primarily a 4-2-5 defense, with LE McDonald, LT Sopoaga, RT Franklin and RE Justin Smith.

--Welker catches short pass, and Strickland with the nice tackle. Gain of 2.

--Tarell Brown was a step late getting to Cassel on a corner blitz. That gave Cassel enough time to hit Moss on a 66-yard TD vs. the coverage of both Walt Harris and Nate Clements. Harris was playing the role of a safety on that play. That looked easy. It's 49ERS 7, PATRIOTS 7 with 7:35 remaining in the quarter. That reminded me of New Orleans -- minus the hangover.

--Rossum with 34-yard return. Niners take over at the 36.

--The Patriots, by the way, are playing five DBs, too. JTO hits Bruce for a 38 yards.

--Counter play, Gore pops a 16-yarder with Battle lined up in the backfield, behind JTO.

--Nice protection. JTO finds Bruce in the end zone. That was easy, too. Think people in New England are talking about the Patriots' B.S. defense, too? It's 49ERS 14, PATRIOTS 7 with 5:25 left in the quarter. Brilliant series for Mike Martz and the offense.

--Delanie Walker just made a heck of a play. He blew up the blocker, wrapped up Hobbs and threw him down like he was a pillow at the 24.

--Niners decline an illegal formation to set up a second-and-8. Pats get near the first down on Kevin Faulk's run. They'll bring out the chains . . . it's a first down.

--Moss wanted no part of that end around. Ronald Fields is in for Franklin, and he helped hold Moss to 2 yards.

--Morris pops a 14-yard run.

--Haralson's going in; Strickland out. They are out of the big sub.

--RB Sammy Morris went out wide. Haralson followed him out there. Cassel throws to Moss instead for a 5-yard gain.

--Cassel sacked. Haralson and Banta-Cain combine for the sack. Haralson rushed from an ILB spot. Patriots will punt.

--Snyder with a false start. Moves it back to the 15.

--Niners will have a third-and-9 at their own 21 at the start of the second quarter.

SECOND QUARTER

--Bruce can't come up with the catch on a deep out. JTO led him a little too much, but it's a pass Bruce expects to catch.

--Lee hits a horrendous punt, but it gets a nice bounce for 45 yards. No return. Pats take over at their own 34 with 14:44 left in the half.--Niners open this series in 4-3-4 defense, with Balmer on the field. LaMont Jordan gains 9 yards.

--Now, the Big Sub is back, but the Pats had three receivers on the field.

--Clements gets some redemption. He intercepts Cassel's deep pass for Moss. He wanted to lateral it to a teammate, but held onto it and was tackled at the 49ers' 6. That's where the 49ers take over with 13:11 left in the half.

--Third and 5. Niners with three wides on the field . . . Pats come with blitz. JTO gets out of the pocket and throws it away.

--Lee finally gets off a nice punt. Fair catch -- a 46-yarder.

--Niners show 3-4 defense on 8-yard pass to Welker.

--Franklin with the tackle on Jordan. He's hurt. They're looking at his right leg. Timeout on the field. He limps off the field. Kevin Faulk is in to replace him. It'll be second-and-9 from the 49ers' 44.

--Strickland good coverage on Welker for an incomplete pass. He comes off the first on third down when the 49ers go with their Sub or dime package. Gaffney catches an underneath pass and drags Michael Lewis for the necessary yardage.

--Morris gains 9 yards on a third-and-1.

--Niners call first timeout, as they had just 10 defensive players on the field. Banta-Cain came on late, and Balmer ran off. Balmer stays off. Pats have first and 10 at the 16.

--Third and 6 . . . Niners' dime defense on the field. . . . Niners get there with the four-man rush, as McDonald gets the sack.

--Gostkowski in for the field goal from 35 yards. It's good. 49ERS 14, PATRIOTS 10 with 5:22 left in the quarter.

--INJURY UPDATE: Jordan has a leg injury. His return is questionable.

--Michael Robinson is on the field for the first time on offense this season. He lines up at fullback on first down, a 5-yard Gore run.

--On third-and-1, Baas comes in as a tight end. Gore gets stuffed.

--Lee with a nice punt. But Haralson called for ineligible man downfield. Lee will have to punt again.

--Lee uncorks one -- an 82-yarder -- but it's only a 62-yard net, as it rolls into the end zone. The Pats take over at the 20.

--At the two-minute warning . . . the Pats will have a first down at their own 48.

--Patriots are moving down the field, mixing the run and the pass. Four-man rush. Easy pitch and catch to Moss at the 14-yard line.

--Third and 6 from the 10 . . . TBC and Haralson are on the field to rush the passer . . . four man rush. Smith with the sack . . . but he's called for tackling Cassel by the helmet, a personal foul. The Patriots will have a first down from the 6 with :14 remaining.

--Cassel completes pass to Watson. He's stopped at the 2 with :09 left in the half.

--Faulk with the touchdown from 2-yards out. Franklin and Balmer both got destroyed right up the middle. The penalty on Smith was a killer. It's PATRIOTS 17, 49ERS 14 with :06 remaining in the half.

--Balmer fields the kickoff and goes into a barrel roll. JTO takes a knee and we're going to halftime. The Steve Young ceremony is upcoming.

HALFTIME

--Brent Jones is introducing Steve Young. Among the former players up on stage: Dwight Clark, Eric Davis, Junior Bryant, Steve Bono, Harris Barton, Dana Stubblefield, Derrick Deese, Dave Fiore, Randy Kirk, Jamie Williams, Guy McIntyre, Keena Turner, Jerry Rice, Tim McDonald, Steve Wallace, Jesse Sapolu.

--Young thanks John, Denise and Jed York for bringing in everybody. He thanks Eddie DeBartolo, and says he couldn't be here because of some medical issue.

Young says, "Man, am I a lucky guy." Said he was coached by the best. Bill Walsh, George Seifert, Steve Mariucci and all his coordinators. He said he's thankful to the fans for giving contributing to all the memories. He concludes with "Go 49ers!"Lowell Cohn is down on the field. He'll be speaking with Steve and he'll transcribe the interview and put it on his blog at some point in the second half.

--KEY STAT FROM FIRST HALF: Time of possession -- Patriots 20:03, 49ers 9:57.

THIRD QUARTER

--Patriots, because they deferred, get the kickoff. There's a holding penalty, so New England starts at the 21.

--Niners blitz on first down and actually get a sack. Sopoaga drops Cassel for 7-yard loss.

--Third and 7 . . . five-man rush. First down to Welker.

--Patriots have confusion on offense. They use their first timeout of the second half.

--OK, we have a couple seconds. This defense should be a lot better than what they're showing today. Sure, they've recorded two interceptions. But this has not been a good performance. The run defense is being overwhelmed, the pass defense has been so-so, and Manusky needs to be bringing more pressure. All pretty elementary, right?

--Back to back penalties on Harris (holding) and McDonald (offside).

--Strickland came up to make the tackle of Maroney for 2-yard gain. Strickland is playing pretty darn well.

--Balmer getting a lot of action this drive at LDT, as the 49ers play a 4-3.

--Short yardage situation, but Morris easily gets the first down.

--Second-and-10. The Pats have been getting big yards running the ball in this situation . . . shot gun formation . . . draw play to Faulk for 2 yards. That sets up a third and 8.

--Niners bring a blitz (can you believe it?). Cassel spins away from Haralson, but he can't get away from Willis. The Pats are called for holding, but the Niners decline the penalty. They'll punt.

--Some players are running onto the field for the 49ers. I'm not sure who they are. Hold on a sec, I'm going to check . . . oh, those are the offensive players. I forgot what they look like. Hey, at least they're all nice and rested.

--JTO is intercepted by Rodney Harrison. Don't know why he would've thrown that pass to Battle. Bad, bad decision.

--Patriots at the 24. . . Morris gains 14 yards on two rushes.

--Pats have the ball at the 1. Any chance of the 49ers putting together a goal-line stand?

--Incomplete on second down. Why didn't they run?

--Franklin submarines Morris and trips him up. Franklin is down, injured after the play. That was quite a play he made. Morris is stopped for a 1-yard loss, bringing up fourth down.

--Patriots offense is still on the field. It looks as if they're going for it.

--Direct snap to Faulk. He takes it in for the touchdown from 2 yards out. The Patriots take a page from the Dolphins' playbook. Now, it's PATRIOTS 24, 49ERS 14 with 5:25 remaining in the third quarter.

--Niners take over at the 20. They open with three wides.

--Pass to Gore loses a yard. On second down, Davis is out and Morgan is in. JTO scrambles for 8 yards. It's third and 3.

--Pass to Morgan loses 4 yards. Niners are 0 for 6 on third downs.

--Cassel to Welker for 20 yards. The Pats are destroying the 49ers.

--On third and 10, the Patriots beat the 49ers blitz with a pass down the field to Gaffney -- an 11-yard gain.

--It'll be third-and-5 when the fourth quarter begins.

FOURTH QUARTER

--Niners show a no-man line (everybody is standing up) and bring a blitz. Michael Lewis bats the ball down on the blitz.

--Gostkowski in for a 40-yard attempt. It's good. PATRIOTS 27, 49ERS 14 with 14:53 left in regulation.

--This is a must-score drive for the 49ers.

--Direct snap to Gore, who carries 7 yards and a first down.

--Bryant Johnson (remember him) catches a pass on a drag route and gains 14 yards.

--Battle drops the pass on second down.

--Jason Hill and Morgan come in; Bruce and Davis go out on third down. JTO tries to get it deep for Battle. It's pass interference on Meriweather. Niners have the ball at the 8-yard line.

--Niners don't run on first down. JTO throws it away.

--Second down . . . Gore carries to the 5. This might be four-down territory.

--Touchdown to Bruce, running along the back line of the end zone. Nice protection, and CB Deltha O'Neal was nowhere near where he had to be. It's PATRIOTS 27, 49ERS 21 with 10:22 remaining. Now, let's see if the defense can do anything.

--Third and 2 . . . Cassel to Moss vs. Strickland's coverage. It's a gain of 8 and a first down.

--Patriots have a third and inches at the 49ers' 34. All the Pats need is a FG to make this a two-possession game.

--New England is challenging that last spot.

--Mike Carey says they're going to re-spot the ball, and re-measure for a first down. It's a first down, so the Patriots win the challenge and they won't be charged with a timeout.

--Niners stop Morris for no gain on first down. Plays is held up with Michael Lewis down. It looks as if they're working on his right arm. His right elbow has been injured for a couple weeks.

--They blitz on second and 10, forcing Cassel to throw it away.

--This is a big third and 10 from the 34 . . . Welker takes a receiver screen and gets the first down. But, they call offensive pass interference. That's a 10-yard penalty and moves the Patriots out of field-goal range. Moss was blocking before the pass was thrown.

--It's third and 20 from the 44 . . . Gaffney with the catch. It's not a first down, but the Patriots have the ball at the 31. It'll be a 49-yard field goal. Remember he barely hit from 53 in pre-game warmups.

--Gostkowski made the field goal with A LOT of room to spare. It's PATRIOTS 30, 49ERS 21 with 4:42 remaining.

--INJURY UPDATE: Lewis has a right elbow injury. His return is questionable.

--Rossum returns to the 49ers' 35.

--Pass to B.Johnson for 11 yards.

--Timeout on the field, as Pats CB Jonathan Wilhite is injured. Hobbs went off after the previous play, but now he's back.

--Lowell Cohn's Q&A with Steve Young is up on his blog. Read it here.

--JTO is sacked on third down for an 8-yard loss. It's fourth down. This is the game. Fourth and 16. That was the first sack for the Patriots. The 49ers don't get the first down. In fact, O'Neal gets credit for the interception.

--And that's a wrap, folks. I'll be heading down to the locker room.

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Posted October 5, 2008 8:47:25 AM

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Comments | Add Comment

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (06/10/2008 9:31:27 PM)
Comment: Comes down to the inability to control the lines and manage drives. You don't win in the NFL when TOP is this unbalanced. Martz needs to stop all the deep stuff and play keep away.

Posted By: 9er1 (05/10/2008 7:06:44 PM)
Comment: oneniner...dude,what game are you watching??? LOL!! My God, JTO was running for his life MOST of the game!! Are we watching the same game???!! Dude, give it up, seriously. Tim Couch - OOPS - I mean Alex Smith is a done deal. He was terrible, he couldn't even complete a forward pass, and his best times here was when he was out with injury. I mean, who could forget all those 100 yard, 0 TD games he had!! Constantly throwing behind WRs or way over their heads....he was enough to make me miss Steve Stenstrom!!! LOL!! Get over it dude. The guy was a bust, McNolan should've NEVER taken him. It's time to move on. At least JTO can complete a forward pass for a TD, even if our terrible O-line has him running for his life all day!!! Your dedication to Tim Couch - OOPS - I mean Alex is admirable, but at some point you must admit the guy was a bust and his day is done. He can go somewhere else and be a 3rd string backup.

Posted By: Graham (05/10/2008 6:54:41 PM)
Comment: Toby, man, I don't care who has the last word. I just don't think "The Defense lost this game" deserves to be the last word. Our offense was ofer on its first 6 tries on 3rd down. That's not going to get it done. We got steamrolled by a team playing ball-control offense. I don't have any love for the way our defense played, and we haven't been able to get off the field consistently throughout the season. I also think that, over the past few games, Martz's offense hasn't played well enough to warrant the outpouring of love that he's received from the 49ers fanbase; he certainly shares some of the blame, especially when we're fielding world-class players like Frank Gore and Isaac Bruce. When you think about it, if the offense is so good then we should have gone down and scored every time, and made it impossible/impractical for the Patriots to just play ball-control offense. The offense laid an egg. The defense was exposed for 40 minutes and got abused pretty bad. This was obviously not the way this team was designed to play. But that's all one. We've got a tough game that we HAVE to win next week.

Posted By: KezarMike (05/10/2008 6:35:41 PM)
Comment: We have a head coach who can't coach offense, but he was a dc and his defenses are not very good either!! What is George Seifert doing now? Would Mariucci come back? SOMEONE who has had SOME success with this team. Would we be doing any poorer with Brent Jones or Ronnie Lott as the HC (now there's a guy who would light a fire under this defense and team). Who cares if he has no coaching experience. This whole 'have to promote coordinators' hasn't worked out very well for most NFL teams, has it?

Posted By: norm (05/10/2008 6:35:12 PM)
Comment: Matt, what time are you on ESPN tommorrow?

Response: I'm not on this week. My next appearance is the following week. --Matt M.

Posted By: Kevin (05/10/2008 6:15:35 PM)
Comment: You know, I could bear the bad defense when it was made up of rookies and guys signed off the street. But the fact that the org has sunk tons of money into the defense (Clements, Soap, Smith, Lewis, etc) and have them play just as bad if not worse is just infuriating. And why doesn't Balmer get more PT? He can't be any worse than the current group of clods in there.

Posted By: 49erblitz (05/10/2008 6:05:39 PM)
Comment: Just got back from the game it was sickening to watch our defense get pushed around and knocked in the mouth. All that $ spent on clements was a waste yes he got a int but he also got burned. Tully banta whatever just got on the field for the first time what a waste of free agent $$ again.. I'm sorry I have been a nolan supproter since the start but now I agree he needs to get the axe. I'm sick from watching us lose a game to a team we should have beat. We got BADLY out coached it was soooo obvious to every one that we got out coached.. I'm sick......

Posted By: jersey niner (05/10/2008 5:59:45 PM)
Comment: Martz gave up on the run halfway through the 2nd quarter and handed the game to the Pats. Gore was exactly as advertised, tough, dangerous and versatile... and then they stopped giving him the damn ball. Up 14-7? You stop running when you're up 14-7? Made me want to puke. Martz, too, has been exactly as advertised: creative, aggressive, but forgets his fundamentals and common sense and loses games for his team almost as often as he wins them, though its looking like the losing might happen more often than not. This season is shaping up to be even more frustrating than the last, simply because losing while showing flashes of brilliance is so much more painful than losing for obvious reasons. Never thought I'd want Nolan calling a few more plays...

Posted By: Kelseyville9er (05/10/2008 5:49:36 PM)
Comment: Oneniner...I think it's time for you to sleep it off.

Posted By: oneniner (05/10/2008 5:49:01 PM)
Comment: ha ha ha...you r blaming the offensive line!! they did a good job today, none of those interceptions were due to pressure...JTO is the same guy who throws a beautiful pass, he just can't produce against a good defense...no upside.....he lacks the intelligence to manage a whole game.....he his what he his a back-up qb.....A.Smith can produce much better in this offense.

Posted By: CW (05/10/2008 5:38:11 PM)
Comment: I am not going to support the 9ers again untill they fire Mike "I'm the worlds worst coach at any level including pop-warner" Nolan. Niners just lost another fan. Like they give a *$#@*^!!!!!!! Tickets still sell. I will never watch the niners again. Matt, Can someone please ask Nolan why he gets paid? He can't even bag my groceries!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! f**** him

Posted By: Traj (05/10/2008 5:38:08 PM)
Comment: I agree with Darrel B: What is up with the defensive play calling? If they are our strongest unit, they are sure not showing it. Traj.

Posted By: Traj (05/10/2008 5:36:54 PM)
Comment: Granted, some ugly INTs from JTO, but I felt that the defensive play calling was atrocious. Not sure if it is Nolan's or Manusky's fault, but it was not good. Yeah, they were tired because of being on the field too long, but still we were losing the battle of the trenches. You would think after 4 years of the same issue, it will be resolved during that time, but not this regime. :( Traj.

Posted By: Coach Hudd (05/10/2008 5:30:28 PM)
Comment: BILL COWHER!!!!!! Would Bill Cowher please step forward and bring some life back to this once proud organization! For an organization that people use to flock to, this is really sad to watch. The york's have destroyed that feeling and Nolan's consistent excuses are ridiculous.

Posted By: norm (05/10/2008 5:26:11 PM)
Comment: a smith? i cant even believe that name was brought up! Is he even still on the team? come on people...turn the page, close the door

Posted By: Sad49ersFan (05/10/2008 5:24:14 PM)
Comment: JTO = Just Turn Over. This guy will continue to make those heart breaking throws through out the year. Last week SF sent the Saints D-line to the Pro Bowl list, this week they sent the the Pats QB and RBs. Right now, the Rams and the Texans would hope for a chance to play the 49ers to gain confidence for their remaining season. Again and again, three head coaching materials: Nolan + Martz + Singletary got out coached by the other team. How pathetic!

Posted By: Bob In Pacifica (05/10/2008 5:21:06 PM)
Comment: I hope someone (like Matt) does a breakdown on how much the "Big Sub" was used. Whatever the Niners used today it was more like the "Big Submission". And losing the time of possession forty minutes to twenty must have set a record.

Posted By: 9er1 (05/10/2008 5:14:57 PM)
Comment: ALEX SMITH???!!! Are you kidding??? All we gotta do is get an above junior varsity O-line in for JTO!! Alex Smith!!! LOL!!! My God, when was the last time Alex Smith threw 3 TDS??!!! UTAH????!!! Give me a break!! Alex Smith!! HA!!! Get it out of your mind buddy....Alex SMith was one of the biggest busts this tema has ever had, but he is in the past now. He's done. His time here was horrible, he sucked, and it's over. TIME TO MOVE ON!!! Alex Smith!! PPPPFFFFTTT!! LOL!!!

Posted By: Darrel B (05/10/2008 5:14:17 PM)
Comment: Could we lure Bill Cower with the right deal?

Posted By: Darrel B (05/10/2008 5:12:57 PM)
Comment: Matt, I've had it with Nolan. I've supported him unconditionally up until now. The soft defense we are playing is inexcusable. I'd like to see us dump Nolan before the bye game and get a new head coach. He would have the remainder of the season to learn our players and get the players ready for the new system next year. NO MORE EXCUSES!

Posted By: oneniner (05/10/2008 5:06:32 PM)
Comment: ha ha ha A.Smith is definately coming back.....if you think anyone will pay JTO more than the minimum you must be dreaming.....This is not Sully's rookie season...he has been in the league for 8 yrs......he has been with offense for 2 yrs....dude - wake up....he has shown us all he can do, ..lol...its funny how the qb expectations are so low when JTO starts - this is guy who has been in the league for 8 yrs ...but the expectations of A.Smith who has been in the league and less experience is way high....give me a break......With A.Smith running this offense we will be much better overall.....JTO does not read defenses well enough to start in the league.....that is a FACT

Posted By: Mike Martz Fan (05/10/2008 4:59:40 PM)
Comment: You know who I think should be HC. Let's make a move now, salvage the season. Lay a foundation going into next year. Yes, I agree...Eric Davis is horrible! As is Dennis O'Donnell. Please make a coaching now before the season really spirals out of control. J.T. is making his share of mistakes, but he is relativly young at 28-29(Garcia was 29). He's the future (next 7+ years). If we lose Martz, J.T.'s progress is for not.

Posted By: Danny in Gainesville (05/10/2008 4:58:11 PM)
Comment: the things that have become most apparent about nolan are his incompetence when it comes to defensive game-planning, and his bush-like unwillingness to adapt when contrary evidence demands it. here's a guy with over 20 years of nfl defensive coahing experience, and who came to the niners from the hyperaggressive ravens defense. how does someone with that kind of pedigree game plan and call the most vanilla defense in the league week after week? his unwillingness to play aggressively on defense when the probability of such aggression being successful is high represents pure and utter incompetence. when you have an opportunity, you take advantage of it. to nolan, this is a foreign concept. for example, so far this season, the niners have played a seattle team with an injured QB and missing their top 2 WRs, a new orleans team missing their top WR and TE, and a patriots team starting a QB whose last starting job came in high school. rather than going after these teams' obvious weaknesses, nolan opted to sit back with extra DBs trying to cover, rather than to attack these vulnerable offenses relentlessly. what happened? seattle scored 30 despite losing, new orleans score 31, and new england scored 30. OBVIOUSLY IT DOESN'T WORK MIKE!!! QUIT CALLING THESE VANILLA DEFENSIVE SCHEMES!!! APPLY AGGRESSION WHEN IT'S LIKELY TO WORK!!! by continuing to game-plan like this despite repeated evidence that it doesn't work, nolan shows that he's either a) incompetent, b) insane, or c) both. whichever it is, it's not a quality that any head coach of he niners should possess.

Posted By: GilroyAl (05/10/2008 4:55:17 PM)
Comment: Graham, finally you've seen the light. I'll beat a dead horse again: how to make a backup Qb or receiver look like an all pro....play a Nolan coached defense. Four years of a soft defense and things don't look any better even though the talent level is a lot better. The defense doesn't play like they have a lot of confidence in the scheme. The run D up the middle is pathetic. When was the last time the D had a very good game or made key stops when they had to? We need someone who knows how to draw up an effective defensive game plan and make adjustments in the 2nd half. It should be obvious we sure don't have one right now. How many times do we have to hear from Nolan "we need to a better job getting off the field on 3rd down". Maybe it's just your soft coverage scheme Mike!

Posted By: Mike in Glendale (05/10/2008 4:54:22 PM)
Comment: Also, why is the offense blameless? Drives weren't sustained. 130 yards passing? 54 yards for Gore? This is a Martz offense?

Posted By: Matt Millen (05/10/2008 4:53:01 PM)
Comment: If you want, i could come on board and take over for the McNolan era.

Posted By: matt millen (05/10/2008 4:52:00 PM)
Comment: What are you people talking about? The Niners look great! signed, Matt Millen

Posted By: jtniner (05/10/2008 4:50:13 PM)
Comment: All of our problems really start from the top. York is not a football man as evidenced by his inability to see through Nolan's BS when he hired him. Without a good owner who actually loves football, the Niners will continue to be a mediocre team at best. As a 49er faithful going on 25 years this is just getting too painful to watch anymore. I just can't handle it. Let's do what we can to get rid of the Yorks.

Posted By: Coach Hudd (05/10/2008 4:49:11 PM)
Comment: Lets start the hire BILL COWHER Chant!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted By: OldFan (05/10/2008 4:48:42 PM)
Comment: In 4 years Nolan has certainly put together strong Offensive and Defensive Lines

Posted By: Quarterback Guru (05/10/2008 4:48:32 PM)
Comment: Oneniner, A. Smith isn't coming back. This is basically like Sully's rookie season, he's never played this much. He's doing better in 5 starts then Smith did in 3 years of starts. Smith's gone, Nolan should be gone, Martz is in, J.T. stays, team gets better going forward.

Posted By: Jason T. (05/10/2008 4:43:59 PM)
Comment: More Nolan bashing really quick... If there's a close play that needs to be challenged, a clock management decision, or a 4th down go-for-it or not-go-for-it call, do you have any faith in him? That's in addition to the boring, and more importantly, ineffective defensive game plans... We get beat sitting back all the time, so wouldn't you maybe try being a little more aggressive once in a while? Could the D maybe TRY it? It would be nice to lose getting after it for once. Remember, we ALMOST lost to an AWFUL Seattle team with dudes off the street playing WR. We played back that game too.

Posted By: oneniner (05/10/2008 4:42:31 PM)
Comment: Anyone still thinks A.Smith's future with the niners is bleak. ?...one thing consistent about JTO are the turnovers.....this is B.S.... to think this back-up QB will actually lead us somewhere.......i am disgusted....i don't want one or two big plays...i want a QB that is smart enough to lead a solid drive.....

Posted By: Mike Martz Fan (05/10/2008 4:42:01 PM)
Comment: FYI - Eric Davis and Denis O'Donnell are terrible! Also, add Dwight Hicks to that sorry list.

Posted By: Dee (05/10/2008 4:41:16 PM)
Comment: I didn't write this, someone else did but it says exactly what I'm thinking.: For whatever it's worth, I'm now in the Fire Nolan camp. Lame defensive schemes, stupid challenges (remember last week in NO?)... I had ZERO doubt Belichick would find a way to make Nolan look like a goof after we took the lead early, and he did. He's just not head coach material. Do you think he knows Wes Welker's name now? (He called him "Wesley Walker" earlier in the week, I think) My kid's Pee Wee team gets more fired up for games.

Posted By: Bill (05/10/2008 4:40:32 PM)
Comment: I have the same feeling as many others. Nolan defenses are SOFT, SOFT, SOFT! They can never seem to get off the field when it matters. Mike has had four years to build things. This is his defense. New England is not an intact offense and they keep drives alive. Time to make your plans for who to replace him with.

Posted By: sadsack (05/10/2008 4:39:41 PM)
Comment: It is time for Nolan to step back and go into lame duck mode. Last year when Manusky had a freer reign we made adjustments(gasp) and brought pressure using intelligent schemes. Now that Martz is in town Nolan feels like he has to jam his hands into the defensive workings and he is gumming them up badly. If he wants to continue being a coach in this league he needs to do what is best for the team and step back and take a hands off managerial approach. You had your shot, it's time for Manusky to get a chance with the defense.

Posted By: Quarterback Guru (05/10/2008 4:39:16 PM)
Comment: Is anyboby listening to Nolan's press conference? As always, it's not Nolan's fault. Come on Nolan, suck it up and take some blame. My god, man up!

Posted By: 16280 (05/10/2008 4:35:17 PM)
Comment: Keep the faith fellow Niner fans. 6 wins will take the division. Seattle is done ditto Rams, so Zona is our biggest challenge and they are known chokers. At least we are in the games. Last year we got blown out by good teams. The problem is the D. Last year we lamented the O and now they are scoring and the D still can't get off the field. The O gave them the lead twice. 30 points a game given up isn't going to cut it. ST and O could do better but Nolan is supposed to be a D guru and he's had 4 years to build the Ravens west. He's just not that good...let's face it. Look what Norv is doing to the Bolts, Karma, gotta love it. Bring in Marty Ball or the Chin, somebody who knows how to coach, please.

Posted By: jtniner (05/10/2008 4:34:43 PM)
Comment: I'm so tired of watching the Niners suck. Nolan, with his stupid suit and sunglasses on the side lines, the guy may try to come off as a tough guy coach but his team obviously doesn't respect him. The last good coach we had was Mooch and the Yorkholes fired him because he what - took us to the playoffs? Nothing makes sense anymore. I'm going into hibernation, wake me up when we have a new owner who LOVES football.

Posted By: vlad (05/10/2008 4:33:59 PM)
Comment: This is getting annoying again. Offense is not that bad, JTO orchestrates actions never seen for years. But for whatever reasons, defense cannot get stops when it matters most. Nolan has to go, period.

Posted By: Danny in Gainesville (05/10/2008 4:31:53 PM)
Comment: this is the first time i type these words on here: fire nolan ASAP! i think it's a pretty simple logic problem here. nolan (with whom i agreed) blamed last year on the offense, so york gave him one more year. this year, all 3 losses so far are due to pop warner defensive game plans and play-calling. if offensive changes needed to be made after last year, then defensive changes no doubt need to be mae after this year. sorry, mike, that means you.

Posted By: Mike Martz Fan (05/10/2008 4:31:48 PM)
Comment: Nolan won't take the fall for the defense. Just like last year when he blamed and fired the offense coordinator, he'll do the same this year. He'll sweet talk the York's, say it's not his fault, then fire the defensive coordinator.

Posted By: Coach Hudd (05/10/2008 4:29:48 PM)
Comment: Nolan looks lost!!!! I seriously think he has no idea what he is looking at when he is on the field. Nolan is to soft in his play calling (on D)and always tries to spin it as they are improving. Time to put the presure on him Matt!!!! Matt I think its time that the reporters who go to these press confernces start to push him a little on these issues (i.e Vernon Davis being non existent, soft defense)

Posted By: Kelseyville9er (05/10/2008 4:29:19 PM)
Comment: With O'Sullivan's limited time on the field, it forces him to be perfect. We know that won't happen. Our defense needs to get off the field fast so that O'Sullivan can have amble time to work the offense. We can't expect him to be perfect every time he steps on the field (and he's hardly on the field!). Sorry Nolan, but this is your car wreck to fix...or better yet, this is your mess...you're fired.

Posted By: Jason T. (05/10/2008 4:27:26 PM)
Comment: For whatever it's worth, I'm now in the Fire Nolan camp. Lame defensive schemes, stupid challenges (remember last week in NO?)... I had ZERO doubt Belichick would find a way to make Nolan look like a goof after we took the lead early, and he did. He's just not head coach material. Do you think he knows Wes Welker's name now? (He called him "Wesley Walker" earlier in the week, I think)

Posted By: Josho (05/10/2008 4:26:50 PM)
Comment: Does O'Sullivan know that you have to look where you're throwing the ball to have a chance?

Posted By: Graham in SB (05/10/2008 4:26:24 PM)
Comment: What a horrendous game to watch. Nolan NEEDS to go. Over and over we got picked apart playing our soft defense. It all climaxed with the 3rd and 20 play on the pats last possession. It needed to be played like a 3rd and 7 because of the field goal. And what do we do? Send a three man rush and give them an easy 13 yard gain. I feel bad for Martz and the offense. Certainly they made some mistakes, but against a very good Patriots D and with their lack of opportunities they still had some success. Game after game we start out strong only to get outcoached. Get Nolan out of here please!!!

Posted By: Coach Hudd (05/10/2008 4:25:55 PM)
Comment: Matt, Nolan is known as a defensive coach, why are they playing so conservatively. When in Baltimore they were bringing everybody on the QB. He comes to SF and plays soft! I know we have a won a few games but I am officially off the Nolan train! Lets start the chant for Bill Cower!!!! Would like to see Nolan let go now and in the off season go get Cower!!!!!

Posted By: Mike in Glendale (05/10/2008 4:25:45 PM)
Comment: You're all acting shocked that the Patriots won. How many of you would have been willing to bet $100 on a Niners victory? None? Oh.

Posted By: Still Faithful (05/10/2008 4:22:40 PM)
Comment: So much for JTO being a good qb. He looks like a scared high school player running for his life. I'm not impressed at all.

Posted By: Transporter (05/10/2008 4:21:05 PM)
Comment: Third and long and we go soft. The allows a completion by New England and they get FG. This says it all ...

Posted By: Toby (05/10/2008 4:20:44 PM)
Comment: Graham, bear in mind that this was the 28th ranked Offense that we just could not stop. They did exactly what Arizona did, abused our D. We have the talent, not the coaching. 21pts, 14 of them early, shows that our O can score. The D has not shown that it can stop. That said, it seems apparent that you want the last word, and you're welcome to it...nite nite

Posted By: Amer...San Bruno (05/10/2008 4:20:43 PM)
Comment: the season is not over people....if we change things defensevly starting with Nolan...my first time i call the Nolan's head

Posted By: JohnnyBahama (05/10/2008 4:20:35 PM)
Comment: Is it just me..doesn't Nolan look lost half the time he is on the sideline. Weird

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 4:19:30 PM)
Comment: Sorry. I meant we are NOT winning.

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 4:18:13 PM)
Comment: It doesn't matter. We are winning, no matter whose fault it is. We are now going to be either 2-6 or 3-6 at the bye. Here's hoping they make a coaching change at the break. I don't care who gets fired. We need to do something.

Posted By: sean oblizalo (05/10/2008 4:17:33 PM)
Comment: next 2 weeks we will lose both those games. ownership will then have to step in and fire nolan. the fan base and players will not be behind nolan anymore especially with how pathetic the nfc west is. the team should be in the running for the division title but yet we are sitting back and playing games close enough hoping to have a chance to win the game at the end. nolan this is not high school football this is the nfl. this is not the ravens this is a team with actual offensive talent. the position he is putting this team in is to barely win each game every week unless we are playing the detroit lions but they are pretty much a jr college team to every one else

Posted By: Luis (05/10/2008 4:17:03 PM)
Comment: Matt I really hope that tomorrow you are reporting here that Nolan is fired. I really do hope so.

Posted By: Niners (05/10/2008 4:15:59 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt, what do you think of the play call at first? The Patriots was out of FG range, and the Niners only rushed 3? What kind of call was that by Nolan?

Posted By: Graham (05/10/2008 4:15:51 PM)
Comment: Toby, right on. This year might be a bust. I don't want to be adversarial, either. Nobody's happy in 49erland.

Posted By: Jason T. (05/10/2008 4:15:19 PM)
Comment: Does the defense suck? Or is it the lame ass defensive schemes? 30 points allowed in 3 of 5 games? I know the O is more of a quick strike O, which may have the D on the field a little bit more, but Nolan is the defensive guy, right? Fire him. Let Martz be the HC. Could it be any worse than this?

Posted By: Graham (05/10/2008 4:14:28 PM)
Comment: Toby, I rest MY case. Remember the offense is run by Martz. I think 49ers fans need to realize this team just isn't that good. Yet.

Posted By: Toby (05/10/2008 4:12:32 PM)
Comment: Rest I will! lol. Not being adversarial, I like your posts, and have told you that in tha past! The D has not given the O a chance. To rush only 3 on 3rd and 20, allowing them time to complete enough for the FG, which barring a T/O or onside KO, ends our hopes. I'm very, very, extremely optimistic about next year though, as long as we get rid of Vanilla Mike Nowin

Posted By: Quarterback Guru (05/10/2008 4:12:02 PM)
Comment: So...is this how you beat (or game plan) against the 2008 S.F. 49ers: Keep the 49ers defense on the field? Arizona, N.O., now N.E....they all kept our offense off the field in the 3rd quarter. They just shared a stat...70+ offensive plays for N.E. and only 30+ offensive plays for the 49ers. Nolan, buddy...let's try something different.

Posted By: Fire_Mike_Nolan (05/10/2008 4:11:10 PM)
Comment: Nolan is a defensive IDIOT. Martz is an offensive IDIOT. Why the HELL aren't they going WCO?

Posted By: James in GB (05/10/2008 4:10:45 PM)
Comment: Oh no! A three-man rush and you let them throw undeneath on that third and long! Wow! what a desperate defensive call

Posted By: mikeeee uk (05/10/2008 4:10:21 PM)
Comment: sean oblizalo REMEMBER THE DEFENSE IS RUN BY N0LAN

Posted By: mikeeee uk (05/10/2008 4:08:49 PM)
Comment: GAME OVER!!!!!!!!!!!1

Posted By: sean oblizalo (05/10/2008 4:07:17 PM)
Comment: i cant believe the defense we just ran. we bring the blitz and it works and then on 3rd down we just let them sit back their and pick us apart. that was pathetic

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 4:07:09 PM)
Comment: CRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!1

Posted By: Graham (05/10/2008 4:05:41 PM)
Comment: Toby, better late than never. Rest all you want--I wondered where the offense was through 3 quarters

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 4:05:27 PM)
Comment: Wow. The blitz does work.

Posted By: Jason T. (05/10/2008 4:04:56 PM)
Comment: Pats have thrown deep once today? I know it was a TD, but bring some guys up, will ya?!?!? This safe crap doesn't work.

Posted By: Toby (05/10/2008 4:03:13 PM)
Comment: Graham, I rest my case. But don't worry, next year, without Mike Nowin, we'll be very strong and do well in the play-offs. Just gotta get rid of Nowin first...

Posted By: Luis (05/10/2008 4:03:06 PM)
Comment: Matt also ask him WHY is strickland in there? He is playing awful cant they put Brown there? Please let him know that the fans are tired of his D schmes, Thanks

Posted By: Amer...San Bruno (05/10/2008 4:01:23 PM)
Comment: on a very important 3rd dowm why Strickland was on Moss???

Posted By: P. in Hawaii (05/10/2008 4:00:42 PM)
Comment: Graham, I am unable to watch these guys play and it sounds like you are watching them play. Can you give me you sense of how they are playing. Are they confused, not inspired or is it a lack of talent or something else...Thanks P.

Posted By: John V. (05/10/2008 4:00:25 PM)
Comment: Too funny because now they know we need the ball back and will blitz, so the way to beat that is to run draw plays and throw screen passes due to the over-pursuit. C'mon coaches, think!!! I'm way to into this game....

Posted By: Craig in CO (05/10/2008 3:57:58 PM)
Comment: As Matt says: That should do it I am headed down to the locker room.

Posted By: Amer...San Bruno (05/10/2008 3:53:20 PM)
Comment: C'ONNNNNNNN Let's play some D

Posted By: matt in sf (05/10/2008 3:52:37 PM)
Comment: Isaac bruce is playing well!!!!!!!!!!

Posted By: Graham (05/10/2008 3:52:36 PM)
Comment: The funniest part of the radio broadcast was all the praise Rodney Harrison got for his interception. 15 years in the league, 30 interceptions and 30 sacks, blah blah blah. Forgot to mention the secret to his success--steroids! The man cheats, and we forgot about it a few years later.

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 3:52:15 PM)
Comment: Hey Graham. Nedney hasn't missed an extra point today. That's a good sign.

Posted By: John V. (05/10/2008 3:49:44 PM)
Comment: TD! See guys, the offense is not the problem. It's the umbrella of caution on the Defense that is killing us. Now we need the ball back and we'll win the game.

Posted By: Graham (05/10/2008 3:49:14 PM)
Comment: Toby, I can't agree with you there. The offense has sucked, too. But this is a team game, so nobody escapes blame. Who's playing well? You tell me...

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 3:48:55 PM)
Comment: We converted a third down! Everybody take a shot of Patron!

Posted By: norm (05/10/2008 3:46:29 PM)
Comment: maybe paraag maraathe should start calling defensive plays, since hes doing challenges.

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 3:44:00 PM)
Comment: I think they both suck hard. Look at the third down conversion stats. We haven't converted one and the Pats are 7-12. They have also had the ball all day. There's plenty of blame to go around here.

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 3:42:29 PM)
Comment: Holy Crap! A first down. Wooooooooooooooo!!!!!

Posted By: Toby (05/10/2008 3:42:03 PM)
Comment: In culpabilty stakes, I think the D. is more to blame than the O., Graham. The soft, vanilla, Nowin "inspired: D. is the issue here, my friend

Posted By: norm (05/10/2008 3:40:10 PM)
Comment: The season is beginning to spin out of control....

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 3:39:56 PM)
Comment: We are sucking dust and Arizona is beating Buffalo. This does not look good.

Posted By: Toby (05/10/2008 3:38:16 PM)
Comment: I've said it before and I'll say it again, Mike Nowin must go. Soft vanilla defense is getting us killed on D., week in and week out. The Pats are murdering us, and they were only the 28th ranked offense coming into the game. Get rid of Mike Nowin ffs

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 3:37:48 PM)
Comment: Why don't we blitz more? Why are we so scared to go after people? Sure, we could give up the big play, but a big play is better than a 15-play 8-minute drive. We have barely even had the ball. I getting drunk.

Posted By: Amer.San Bruno (05/10/2008 3:36:40 PM)
Comment: Are we watching the second half of the Arizona game againnnnnn

Posted By: sadsack (05/10/2008 3:35:23 PM)
Comment: i am going to go hit my head against bricks for a while, will be less painful than watching this.

Posted By: Jason T. (05/10/2008 3:35:22 PM)
Comment: More blitzing isn't ALWAYS the answer, but these 8 minute drives aren't helping us... We're gonna lose if we keep playing off, so why not roll the dice a bit? What could it hurt?

Posted By: Josho (05/10/2008 3:35:02 PM)
Comment: This is a complete team effort today-an effort to suck.

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 3:34:52 PM)
Comment: When we started this 4-game stretch, I thought we could win three or even four of these games. Now, I think we may be 2-6 at the break. I do pray a lot though.

Posted By: shootme (05/10/2008 3:33:05 PM)
Comment: Beer? Scotch? Hell, I might have to start smoking crack at this point.

Posted By: Mike from (05/10/2008 3:32:59 PM)
Comment: We have no third down conversions and NE is 7-12. They have already had the ball for 30 minutes.

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 3:31:32 PM)
Comment: Offense and defense are sucking today.

Posted By: John V. (05/10/2008 3:30:46 PM)
Comment: The way to beat us is clear. Run the ball and keep our offense off the field... we can't stop it and then when our offense comes on they have to push harder which leads to turnovers. McNolan and the defensive umbrella of caution is what is killing us now. The hiring of Martz removed the umbrella of caution from the offense. Manusky came from the attack-aggressive Chargers so why do we not have more of that???

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 3:30:37 PM)
Comment: I hope this game brings a defensive change. That big sub sucks.

Posted By: Graham (05/10/2008 3:29:18 PM)
Comment: I think it's time to stop criticizing the Big Sub. After all, it's the offense that's losing this game for us. What's our third down percentage? Anybody? Guesses? Just try to guess.

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 3:28:50 PM)
Comment: No third down conversions today. Nice.

Posted By: Amer....San Bruno (05/10/2008 3:26:36 PM)
Comment: Beer is not working anymore....some scottich please....

Posted By: Luis (05/10/2008 3:22:53 PM)
Comment: Matt when you interview Nolan or see him ask him to STOP playing the Big Sub it sucks everyone knows it. Tell him and the D cor. to stop playing so Vanilla and keep up the presure and NOT TO BLITZ with small dbs but big body guys!!!!!!!

Posted By: Graham (05/10/2008 3:22:28 PM)
Comment: sigh. somebody pass me a beer.

Posted By: sean oblizalo (05/10/2008 3:19:01 PM)
Comment: maybe i spoke to soon!

Posted By: sean oblizalo (05/10/2008 3:17:11 PM)
Comment: i think matt can do a better job at NT than franklin. i dont think i have seen him hold the point of attach once this whole season

Posted By: Quarterback Guru (05/10/2008 3:17:03 PM)
Comment: Mr. Matt - I wish I were a Defenseive guru, question...you mentioned in the past that if the 9ers do well (offense) then the Yorks would perhaps have to choose between Martz (if the offense does well) or Nolan. What if the offense does well (which it is) and the defense falters? Nolan's defense can't get off the field! So if our offense fairs well and the defense doesn't (Nolan's a defensive guy) does that make the York's decision easier? We're giving up big plays and not getting enough 3 and outs.

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 3:16:37 PM)
Comment: Another great play by the 9ers. Why are we whining so much?

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 3:15:20 PM)
Comment: Yeah guys. We're doing great. The time of possession is New England 26 mins to 49ers 10 mins. Anyone remember Arizona?

Posted By: Graham (05/10/2008 3:13:51 PM)
Comment: What makes me laugh is that the 49ers defense recorded several sacks and two interceptions in one half of football. They just stuffed the Patriots after playing for about 20 minutes straight. The fans are still whining.

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 3:12:21 PM)
Comment: Hey look - the blitz works. I never would have guessed it. Should we try that again?

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 3:11:05 PM)
Comment: Al - Not sure if you noticed but the Dolphins beat the Patriots pretty badly two weeks ago. New England is not a threat. We can't stop anyone on third downa and we can't move the ball on third down. We need help.

Posted By: norm (05/10/2008 3:09:18 PM)
Comment: Defense is killing the Niners...Manusky needs a new scheme.

Posted By: al (05/10/2008 3:05:01 PM)
Comment: Ladies, we're in the game against a pretty darn good team (even w/o Brady). Why is everybody whining?

Posted By: Vienners (05/10/2008 3:01:45 PM)
Comment: I can no longer support this coaching staff. Nolan should be relieved of his coaching duties as of this evening.

Posted By: John V. (05/10/2008 2:50:50 PM)
Comment: The league has figured out that our Defensive Line is soft and can be pushed around. We practically have a neon sign announcing this. Really missing Bryant Young right now...

Posted By: jason (05/10/2008 2:50:35 PM)
Comment: Perfect idea, How bout everyone just buy a crate of vanilla ice cream and send it to niner headquarters...maybe someone will get the hint!

Posted By: Graham (05/10/2008 2:48:30 PM)
Comment: And they get the ball back. This is chinese water torture. We need one stop. That's all. Our defense isn't playing bad--they were just on the field for 20 minutes, and by the end of the half we were just worn down. Offense couldn't do anything. Gotta win the T.O.P. battle next half.

Posted By: Tbone (05/10/2008 2:48:07 PM)
Comment: 5-min left in the first half - 3 running play into the line. Punt. Prevent. The only thing the Prevent Defense prevents is winning. Nolan is pathetic.

Posted By: Bryan (Stockton) (05/10/2008 2:44:15 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt, if all of us loyal readers pitched in to by a crate of Vanilla Ice Cream, would you be the anonymous deliverer?

Posted By: sean (05/10/2008 2:44:04 PM)
Comment: we saw what happend last week when we tried bumping henderson it didnt work. they have a young qb back their and they just let him sit in the pocket and pick apart the defense. bring PRESSURE!!!!!!

Posted By: Jason T. (05/10/2008 2:43:53 PM)
Comment: Our defensive philosophy cannot be "bend, don't break" if it breaks ALL THE TIME... We're seeing Nolan v. Belichick right now.

Posted By: Graham (05/10/2008 2:40:20 PM)
Comment: HORRIBLE CALL

Posted By: ninerVA (05/10/2008 2:39:48 PM)
Comment: how about bumping or maybe covering moss.

Posted By: sean (05/10/2008 2:38:59 PM)
Comment: can we please put pressure on this guy. dial up some blitzes

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 2:36:17 PM)
Comment: Someone PLEASE get the defense off of the field. If it stays like this, the defense will be very tired in the second half.

Posted By: Bryan (Stockton) (05/10/2008 2:29:51 PM)
Comment: Matt, would you please yell at the Niner Offensive coach in the booth that they need to stop putting in an extra offensive lineman on 3rd and 1!!! Throw something at him if you have to.

Response: Mike Martz is on the field. He can't hear me from there. --Matt M.

Posted By: Cyrus (05/10/2008 2:29:23 PM)
Comment: Anyone else notice that we seemingly lose every short yardage 3rd down matchup, offense or defense?

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 2:25:41 PM)
Comment: How about that? A stop on third down. Wow. We are stinking up the NFL when it comes to third downs on offense and defense.

Posted By: Jason T. (05/10/2008 2:25:31 PM)
Comment: The 9ers look good, but the coaching mismatch still scares me... If Belichick is the 80s Mike Tyson, Nolan would be Glass Joe.

Posted By: mikeeee uk (05/10/2008 2:25:13 PM)
Comment: nice sack when neeeded

Posted By: John V. (05/10/2008 2:21:17 PM)
Comment: Running it right at us and we can't stop it...again. Think they watched the Seattle tape???

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 2:11:14 PM)
Comment: Lets go! Stop them here and score on offense. Take a 21-7 lead. C'mon 9ers. We need this game.

Posted By: Graham (05/10/2008 2:06:40 PM)
Comment: How 'bout that 49ers defense. 2 turnovers.

Posted By: Jason T. (05/10/2008 2:05:12 PM)
Comment: How has Al Davis not offered Mike Martz 25 mil per to coach the RAY-duhs? They could go vertical 74 times each game. He'd be in heaven.

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 2:04:35 PM)
Comment: Argggh! That was in the 3-4. Where's my beer?

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 2:01:50 PM)
Comment: Can we get a third down conversion? C'mon 9ers! We are looking good. Let's keep this going.

Posted By: Fred (05/10/2008 1:54:46 PM)
Comment: Why did we decline an illegal formation penalty on first down to set up 2nd and 8? Nolan makes absurd decisions.

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 1:54:29 PM)
Comment: Matt - Are we still in the B.S.? Why is it ok to let teams run all over us? Sammy Morris, old Deuce McCallister, Julius Jones, we're making low caliber running backs look great this year.

Posted By: Graham (05/10/2008 1:48:00 PM)
Comment: Touchdown. now we need to stop the big plays. this should be easy--blanket Randy Moss. No TDs for that man today.

Posted By: Dirk (05/10/2008 1:47:47 PM)
Comment: Seems to be a high scoring affair today. Much better than last year.

Posted By: mikeeee uk (05/10/2008 1:46:26 PM)
Comment: my beer tastes much better now

Posted By: Ansel A. (05/10/2008 1:45:59 PM)
Comment: Can the Niners get out of this stupid 4-2-5. It doesn't work. Are the Yorks the only ones who can't figure out Nolan is clueless out there. Look at Belichek in comparison to Nolan...It's not even close. Remember the Niners under Walsh (and Seifert) use to be the best coached team...

Posted By: Craig in CO (05/10/2008 1:45:33 PM)
Comment: Big Sub doesn't work for the Pats either

Posted By: John V. (05/10/2008 1:43:00 PM)
Comment: Walt is going to have to be replaced after this season. I don't like it, but we need to get younger and faster at that position. See the Bill Walsh book about when to release veterans.....

Posted By: mikeeee uk (05/10/2008 1:42:56 PM)
Comment: i have my beer lest we forget the toasting of our experienced CBs

Posted By: Amer...San Bruno (05/10/2008 1:41:35 PM)
Comment: i had enough of those long completions...do something Mr Defence Mike Nolan..

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 1:41:28 PM)
Comment: Seriously, that Big Sub CRAP! has got to go. I don't care what the problem is. We are giving up too many big plays. I hate Nolan.

Posted By: Niner TB (05/10/2008 1:40:20 PM)
Comment: There's that great BS defense again.

Posted By: Craig in CO (05/10/2008 1:40:20 PM)
Comment: Niners corners suck. How do 2 guys both slip at the same time.

Posted By: mikeeee uk (05/10/2008 1:39:38 PM)
Comment: i need another beer

Posted By: Mike from Michigan (05/10/2008 1:39:12 PM)
Comment: WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted By: mikeeee uk (05/10/2008 1:38:47 PM)
Comment: toast again

Posted By: Dirk (05/10/2008 1:30:06 PM)
Comment: The two INTs changes field position in our favor. Add the short punt, the nice return and we need to score now!

Posted By: Dirk (05/10/2008 1:24:34 PM)
Comment: And a very nice INT against Walker.

Posted By: Dirk (05/10/2008 1:22:07 PM)
Comment: Signing Spikes already paid of. Nice INT!

Posted By: Graham (05/10/2008 1:14:34 PM)
Comment: B.S...well played, sir.

Posted By: Bryan from Mt View (05/10/2008 12:57:38 PM)
Comment: Matt, Is Roderick Green inactive a surprise?

Response: Yes. --Matt M.

Posted By: Rame (05/10/2008 12:49:18 PM)
Comment: Hi Matt, The Seachickens are getting crushed by the Giants. Any thoughts on what that means for the 49ers.....?

Response: It means that 7-9 might win this division. --Matt M.

Posted By: Chuck (05/10/2008 12:43:49 PM)
Comment: "Oh, that means, "Big Sub," of course." - HAHAHA! that was great.

Posted By: carl (05/10/2008 12:37:24 PM)
Comment: "B.S." Package... you're killing me and so is that package.

Posted By: ninrland (05/10/2008 12:37:09 PM)
Comment: wheres the pic matt?

Posted By: Steve from the Jersey Shore (05/10/2008 12:29:12 PM)
Comment: First and foremost, go niners. That being said I have a question. Matt do you expect the Niners to realize they HAVE to bring pressure and change their pressure schemes accordingly? I need to see some heat and turnovers by this D.

Posted By: shobbrobb (05/10/2008 12:21:26 PM)
Comment: Always looking for a win,But im hoping lineplay will be much better

Posted By: 49ers fan (05/10/2008 12:01:37 PM)
Comment: GO NINERS!

Posted By: Justin From Orlando (05/10/2008 11:59:13 AM)
Comment: Matt Thanks for all the updates...I'm real excited to see what the Niners have in store for the Pats since I'm originally from NE. One question tho, do you think Martz will try and use the two TE sets with Davis and walker and try to establish the deep route early...try to make NE guessing If it doesn't work then Gore wont have a ...stacked box because the Pats will fear the deep threat..your thoughts

Posted By: Dirk (05/10/2008 11:57:36 AM)
Comment: Only 11 active players for our front seven. Plus 9 DBs. Suppose this means 5+ DBs on the field more often than not.

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