Greg Roman: “I thought Vernon did a phenomenal job. He really did a lot of dirty work this past week.”

This is the transcript of Greg Roman’s Thursday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers’ P.R. department.

Opening comments:

“Afternoon. Getting ready to play a very good New York Giants team. We’ve got a lot of respect for the Giants. Their defense, they had aMonday Night game, travel all the way across the country and back. So, I’m sure that’s not the easiest thing to do in the world. As we look at them at their body of work, very well coached, very good players, four first-round picks up front. [Giants DE Jason] Pierre-Paul, you look at [Giants DT Johnathan] Hankins and [Giants DT Cullen] Jenkins, two guys nobody really pays attention to. These guys are really good football players. [Giants DE Mathias] Kiwanuka obviously and [Giants DE Robert] Ayers [Jr.] doing a great job. [Giants LB Jacquian] Williams, [Giants LB Jameel] McClain and [Giants LB Devon] Kennard, man the linebacking corps and they are at the top of the league in interceptions. Play a very opportunistic style. They can just sit back, they can blitz you. But, [Giants CB Dominique] Rodgers-Cromartie, [Giants S Quintin] Demps, [Giants S Antrel] Rolle, [Giants CB Zack] Bowman, [Giants CB Jaryon] Hosley coming in lead the league in interceptions. So, a lot of their success has come from turning the ball over. But, had a really good day yesterday, great focus today and looking for another great day. Your time.”

 

You guys didn’t have any pre-snap penalties in New Orleans, a loud place. Can you just talk about the line play and then C Marcus Martin seemed to have a really nice game as well?

“Yeah, I thought the guys did a great job coming together, playing as one on the road which is hard to do in the NFL especially against a very good New Orleans team especially at their place. I thought our offensive line did a very good job in many different facets of the game. We got back here, we evaluated it and look to improve as we move forward.”

 

Is there any pattern to the Giants turnovers and how they’re getting the ball?

“I don’t know if I want to tell you about that. But, let me just say this, they do a really good job of evaluating the play as it’s happening. They’ve reaped the rewards of that. But, anytime somebody’s number one in the league at something you better look at it hard because at this point in the season it’s not a fluke.”

 

What can you gauge from how Seattle was able to run the ball effectively, get a good ground game going?

“They did a very good job. Things worked out there and it was a good day rushing the football for them. Tip of the cap. Very nicely done. I’m sure the New York Football Giants are going to be back there and evaluating what they did and how they did it and do what every team does, try to get it the way they want it.”

 

WR Anquan Boldin was saying after practice yesterday that getting back to more of a little bit balanced, everything feeds off your running game. Do you feel like you guys made some progress there?

“I thought we ran the ball pretty well. But, I think we definitely felt like we could have done some things a little bit better.”

 

Can you assess G Mike Iupati and G/T Alex Boone and their contributions and what they mean to the offense’s overall success?

“Mike and Alex, specifically this last game, I thought did a phenomenal job. I thought Mike, there were some examples that the hair stood up on the back of my neck watching the tape just at the intensity and the grind he was putting on people. And same thing with Alex. Fundamentally I thought he did a phenomenal job. I think a lot of offensive line play starts with just that blue-collar down in the trenches kind of attitude. I thought we certainly saw that last Sunday. But, it’s a great thing to have in your line.”

 

What did you see from your view on the fourth-and-10 bomb to WR Michael Crabtree?

“That was a great play by [QB Colin Kaepernick] Kap in a gotta have it situation. That’s when you know you have a winner when a guy that makes a play like that in that situation. And, credit to Crab, credit to everybody. Credit to Alex Boone for his hustle on that play. For just hustling and being the personal protector for Kap there. That was a hair on the back of the neck standing up moment. They were in a two-deep defense. The rush lanes got distorted. He got flushed to his right. From upstairs I thought the ball was going to [WR] Brandon Lloyd up the rail initially. It’s easy to see when you’re sitting upstairs. But, I’m glad it didn’t. I’m glad it went to Crabtree because he was just wide open. And it’s tough on a defense, a situation like that. It’s tough when things get distorted in zone coverage. Great play by our guys and obviously a huge play in the game.”

 

What do you mean by distorted?

“When a quarterback flushes and he’s looking over here and the zone defense moves with the offense, Crab ends up on the backside all alone basically. And, that happens a lot. I think it was [TE] Vernon [Davis] was coming across and drew the safety down. It happens, especially in that coverage at times, it just does. When you can extend the play that long, it’s hard to defend with two-deep coverage when you get three to four guys vertical. Seen it before. Just glad the play extended that long. Kap had the arm-strength to get it there.”

 

What strides did you see from Martin from his first game to his next, especially in a hostile environment?

“That’s a great question, because that dome is a tough place to play. Anybody that’s been in the National Football League in the last six, seven years, really ten years understands how hard, shoot you can go back to the [former NFL head coach] Jim Mora era, to understand how tough it is to play there. Marcus comes in everyday with the same attitude to improve. I think he’s got a good group around him to help mentor him and he’s done a very nice job. You really wouldn’t notice anything different from week to week with him. That was a really good job and he understands that every week, every day is an opportunity to get better as we go through this part of the season. I thought he handled things very well during the week in his preparation which allowed him to trust his preparation in the game. I thought it afforded him very well.”

 

What’s his personality like? He doesn’t seem ever overwhelmed by, what, he’s 20 years old, it doesn’t seem like this is too big for him at all. Just kind of sloughs it off as something he has to do.

“Well, we do not age discriminate. If you can play, you can play for us. His personality is excited, excited about the opportunity, energy, awareness, big eyes, a sponge trying to get as much information as possible, but he’s handling it thus far with a level of maturity that you want out of a center.”

 

When you say you’ve noticed certain things with the way he prepared, could you give any specifics, like something you saw in a meeting or on the field or both?

“Well, I think when you have a player that’s starting for the first time and when you’re presenting something to them, you definitely want to focus on what his responsibility is. And I think when you’re installing a play, ‘Here’s what we’re going to do on this play. OK, now if they do this, we’re doing that. Now Marcus, remember if we get that look, we’ve got to be able to do this.’ And he’s, ‘On it, coach. On it.’ You know what I mean? It’s not, ‘Hey, say that again,’ which is fine too. But, on it, sharp, alert, a sense of urgency in his preparation, a sense of responsibility to get it right for his teammates.”

 

A lot of fans will say with the drops that maybe Colin Kaepernick throws the ball too hard. What’s your response to something like that?

“Balderdash. Every throw is different. Every throw is different and I think you’ve got to evaluate each one as it is. I thought he threw some, as you say, dimes. He really made some incredible throws in that game. Really, really good throws. Colin comes in every day and just looks to improve. He’s done an amazing job thus far in his career to lead us to as many wins as he has. The exciting thing about it is right now all that success and all those victories really you wouldn’t even tell that that happened. He’s focused on the now, this week and the New York Giants.”

 

Why are Vernon’s numbers down?

“I thought Vernon did a phenomenal job. He really did a lot of dirty work this past week. Part of it I would say was earlier he had some nicks. I think we discussed that a couple weeks ago. And part of it is some of the things we’re seeing, the defensive responses to what we’re getting. But, don’t fall asleep on him.”

 

Do you think, as far as his health, he’s back to a good level?

“I do, yes.”

 

Is there a lot of maintenance, I mean I see him walking around with a portable STIM machine on his foot regularly? Is that just part of the maintenance to get through?

“I don’t know how you’re privy to that information, but we’ll make sure that never happens again, won’t we? He’s fine, just maintenance. That was a joke. [laughter] All those types of maintenance things, I think, prehab as you will. Staying on top of things I think. Our training staff, [49ers director of elite performance] Fergus Connolly, our strength staff, and that’s the way really sports is going these years. There’s so many more adaptations and technology that you can use to recover. You’ll see guys, I’m not at liberty to talk about some of the modalities, if that’s the pronunciation, that’s pretty neat, really exciting moving into the future.”

 

Is TE Vance McDonald really coming into his own particularly as a run blocker?

“He did a great job in the past game. Yeah, I think he’s really just taking strides, making strides. I thought in his rookie year, if you go back and watch the tape, he did for the most part, a very underrated, unheralded job of affecting the results in our running game. I don’t pay attention to what’s said, thought in the outside world. I know what I know and I know that last year he had a tremendous, positive impact on that facet of our game and this year it’s getting even better. So, very excited about that. At the end of the year, he graded out incredibly high in some of those playoff games. So, it’s no surprise really.”

 

Obviously, he was largely a wide receiver in college. Everyone was talking about his pass-catching ability. Is he a run-blocking tight end?

“Well, what he is is a tight end and he is a team guy and he’s going to do what we ask him to do. He hasn’t gotten probably the level of opportunities to show his prowess catching the football or impact the game that way and that’s on me. Selfishly for big-picture purposes, I’ve really tried to focus on him as a guy that can aid us in the core of the offense and can probably do a much better job of utilizing those other skills. So, that one’s on me for sure.”

This article has 132 Comments

    1. Wasn’t CK suppose to aid our redzone scoring with his laser arm and ability to run?
      Just saw a stat on TNF that the 49ers are 2nd overall in redzone scoring? Wow!

        1. I’m not too concerned with the 4th Q TD’s, but redzone scoring is a huge deal. Especially in the playoffs!

            1. Niners are pretty and in the redzone. There’s an article in the NY Times about the Chiefs. They are way up there in red zone efficiency.

              Kaep has to shorten his delivery and speed up his reads for the team to get better in the redzone.

              The lack of 4th quarter concept is major problem, with the team. Kaep has led some game winning drives, but has yet to make the pass to win the game. He’s had chances, just hasn’t done it yet. It has to happen sooner or later.

  1. From @PFF_Jeff: 49ers receivers have dropped 25 passes this season from Colin Kaepernick. That’s tied for most in the league with Andrew Luck who has thrown 104 more passes.

    Let’s keep blaming everything on the coaches though.

      1. Yeah but he throws them with no touch. Also behind them, low, on the ground. He also misses them when they’re wide open. Yup. You see how this can go?

        1. I’ll take PFF’ word over yours as to which ones they consider catchable.
          Keep plugging away fella.

    1. Wow. That’s a lot of dropped passes!
      Jack, do you have a break down of dropped passes for each individual target?

        1. Boldin and Crabtree’s dropped passes this year is surprising to me. Those two should not be leading this team in this category.

    2. That’s a damning stat.

      I counted 8 dropped passes against the Saints. 5 from Boldin, 1 from Davis, 1 from Crabtree and 1 from Miller. And that’s not including the deep ball that Davis didn’t even attempt to make a catch on, but rather slowed up when he saw the safety closing. Many of those drops were in the second half when the offense was stalling, too. Big plays that really could have cost the game.

    3. Coaches execute the roster, players execute plays. If certain players fail to execute, coaches should utilize other talent on the roster. I think you just helped prove my point.

      Get Patton, Ellington, Carrier, Hyde, Lloyd, and Johnson more involved. Combined they have less dropd than Crab and VD.

          1. HTWaits

            Your tone is a jab, but whatever. No more inciting from this guy. Just insight. Sitting on the edge of eternity and looking into the abyss will do that to even the worst braggart. Hallelujah.

            1. Scooter–Didn’t Davis make it perfectly clear that he would help the team in any way he could such as blocking and running decoy routes. Just as long as they didn’t expect him to actually catch a pass. That play and any drops are on Kaep for even targeting him.

              1. The other side of the coin is that for him to be a good decoy he has to be targeted once in a while.

        1. i, for one, would depreciate it if you would matriculate your ideas with a little more clearification.

  2. Seems like this is the 3rd or 4th time we’ve heard Roman or Harbaugh tout Vance McDonald’s pass catching ability and not using it being on them for not including him in the game plan. When do they start using him?

    1. My take is that they just need him right now more for run blocking and pass pro. They have others Kap can throw to if he’s protected.

  3. I dunno guys ..
    seems to me that Carrier is a bit better than VMac
    in the pass game .. but with so few targets at each..
    it’s really hard to tell

    1. I agree that Carrier seems to have better hands and be more athletic. But VMac is maybe 30 pounds heavier. He’s not as fast as Carrier, but is still fast for a lead blocker (4.60 40).

  4. I used to love Vernon, but not this year. He better get his ducks in a row and do it quick. If he keeps up this sorry gutless performance game after game, I would have no problem pushing him out the door this offseason. I don’t buy the injury talk or any other excuses; I think it’s simply a lack of effort. Grow a pair and start playing hard, or get out of Dodge. If you aren’t helping this team win, we don’t want you here.

    I miss Delanie Walker.

    1. I would describe him as unfocused and uninspired…. Sad especially during a year where we really need him…

          1. ” …You just don’t want to change your moniker. lol….”

            I’m not sayin’ that’s true ,,,
            (and I’m not sayin’ it isn’t) ..ok ?

            1. Yeah, and the reporter sez
              ‘ lose in NO and ……yadda yadda’
              But they didn’t lose, did they?
              KMA

  5. VD could still be a very viable component on our offense, but it seems obvious to these eyes that something whether physical, mental, or both is off kilter.

    As far as the drops, VD has never been a great hands type TE. His strengths have always been his blocking and outstanding speed.
    So far this season, his blocking has been used but utilizing his downfield speed has been lacking in the offense as in past seasons.

    The one drop he had downfield last week in NO may have gone for big yards but it looked as if he was concerned about the oncoming Safety and he adjusted to a possible hit rather than making the catch.
    VD has to trust his physical size on these type of plays and have the mindset that he is going to run over a defended in the secondary that he likely will outweigh by 30-40 lbs.
    C’mon VD, get tough!

    1. He is what he is. I don’t think you are going to make someone tough at this late a stage in a players career. Especially since he appears to have other area’s of interest and focus. Players often get more timid after big hits and injuries but in his case he was sort of soft to begin with. Size doesn’t always equate with toughness. Ergo the saying ” It isn’t the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog”.

      1. Or maybe, just maybe the guy is still hurt and trying to play through something. Now everyone on here has the capability to judge a players heart? Give me a frickin break

      2. @Willtalk

        I thought that too, but he took a shot from Adrian Wilson in his first year that was brutal, and still ran through and caught Alex Smith’s pass for a TD…he’s tough enough, just hurt.

  6. I just read Aldon Smith’s sack per game average is 0.98. The highest ever since they started keeping sacks as a stat. I’m amazed and pissed at the same time. This kid is special, now if he can keep his head on straight.

      1. KY ..
        I hafta believe he’s finally learned his lesson
        this time around ..
        the “Goodell-forced vacation” seems to have had
        a positive effect on him … or ..
        at least his latest interview over on 49ers.com
        seems to show that it has …

        If so .. then I gotta feeling he’ll be serving up some
        “turf sandwiches” for Eli, come Sunday

  7. Ive been ultra critical of GRo’s sputtering offense thus far, but, I can’t help not like the guy. Corralled by reporters and standing poised in the pocket by taking blame(hope kaeps jotting down notes.) GRo comes across as a genuine,humble, demure sorta dude who’s earnestly trying. For his & our sake, I hope he gets this ship turned around! Go niners!

    1. That being said, it bothers me to no end that if he just ran the ball versus the Bears, we win that game. Versus the Cards, we possibly win that game.

      When distributing blame, I put two losses on GRo’s shoulders….. We can’t afford to “learn on the fly”. If we are going to go that route, we need an offensive consultant and we need him now. Unfortunately ego comes into play. I don’t believe Harbaugh is willing to relinquish play calling. He IMO is not willing to admit that he needs help offensively. The recent rumor that Manning didn’t come here because he didn’t think he could work with Harbaugh could have a lot of truth to it.

      On a side note, my buddy who is a Bears fan said the rumors are rampant in Chicago that they are going to attempt to lure the 49ers into trading Harbaugh this offseason…. That actually is an interesting destination for him….

      1. You’re such a troll. You blame Roman for our losses. He’s our offensive coordinator, doing his best to work on WRs who drop passes, an O-line that can block and most of all a QB who is inconsistent, throws 3 INTs in the Bears game, fumbles a QB sneak on the one yard line in the Rams game. Why don’t you just post on the lovekaep247.com site. Get out of here troll. A true fan roots for his team.
        Oh yeah you hate Vernon Davis too, what’s wrong with you?

        1. I wouldn’t even call you a troll anymore. You are something else entirely. You call someone a troll because you say he gives Roman the blame for all the loses despite the WR who drop passes, an offensive line that can’t block and an inconsistent QB who fumbles on the one yard line. Interesting that you realize in the case of Roman that the poor execution of players and other factors contribute to and hinder what he is trying to do with the offense so it would not be reasonable to try to put the entire fault onto Romans scheme’s.

          Yet everyone of your posts with few exceptions ( this post being one ) you do the same thing to Kaep that you accuse him of doing to Roman. The irony being that you do not even realize the similarity of your own posting actions to your criteria of what constitutes and defines trolling.

          Yes you are the one that can define what a true fan is and does. A true fan loves and cuts all the players on a team all sorts of slack and won’t even hold them accountable for a lack of effort because he is their fan. But if a team appears to be under-producing then an adjustment has to be made. One player has to be made the scape goat. It makes it so much more convenient to project the problems and hate towards that one player than to spoil our fan relationship with the rest of the team.

          Let me apologize for my attempt at destroying your FAN-atical delusions but you see I have this crazy idea that reality shouldn’t be entirely repressed purely for the sake of or ability to identify emotionally with a sports team.

          1. Willitalk — I’m glad you see the absurdity in my post, as it is a reflection of how Bay likes to accuse that don’t agree with him a fan or troll.

            Just because I point out my issues with Kaep doesn’t make me less of a fan, just as someone who doesn’t like Vernon or Crabs, it doesn’t meant they are less of a fan either.

      2. Bay sez:

        “….On a side note, my buddy who is a Bears fan said the rumors are rampant in Chicago that they are going to attempt to lure the 49ers into trading Harbaugh this offseason…. That actually is an interesting destination for him….”

        So-o-o … who would we get in that “trade” ..?

        Trestman ? … (talk about “full circle, huh ?)

        Cutler …??

        u-hhh .. you can tell yer buddie … “no thanks”
        (we’ll stand pat)

      1. They just need to stay balanced and stick with “The Sprinkler” or the ‘Roger Rabbit” and throw in an occasional “Electric Slide.” When they try to spread it out and start twerking, that’s when we have balls flying all over the place.

    2. I like Roman the guy too, and in this press conference his responses seemed to have more depth than I’ve noticed in the past. I try to keep in mind that the team has gone through a lot of changes this season — with the oline, Vernon, the pass rush, the ILBs, the secondary, and Kaep, who is having to do more in the pocket, a developing set of skills for him. Despite this we could easily be 7-2. We’ll see what happens in New York. They have to start dominating on offense.

  8. @BAY

    Could it possibly be that you DO read my posts ? ….Sounds familiar…Good luck bears

    1. Hi jack,
      You bring your father’s class, grace and integrity to this site. Thanks for taking the time to write and share your personal story. Best X’s and O’s about life I’ve read in a very long time.
      Regards.
      F77

    2. Beautifully expressed, Jack. He sounds like the guy I’d want for a next door neighbor or as a Dad.
      Peace

      1. Jack
        When my sister and I get our families together at Thanksgiving, there’s always about 45 minutes or an hour of the group remembering my Dad’s jokes and pranks; he was a relentless prankster. I’m grinning right now thinking of some. He’s still very much with us. I suspect you and your brother and sister will have that too.

        1. I hear you Brotha. We’ve been sharing some of the stories about how he would try to get everyone. It’s amazing that we all aren’t afraid of the dark. : )

    3. Jack what a beautiful tribute to your Father. He sounds so much like my pops. My pops is 88 yo and your article reminds me to treasure every moment i have with him. Thank you very much.

    4. My deepest condolences Jack…your blog post was very touching and an awesome tribute to your dad

    5. Sorry to hear that Jack. Blessed are those who have a father now a days that stick around and love their kids like that. I know it’s a duty fathers are supposed to do. But some kids I see and know today don’t have those moments. Cherish every one of them. And I pray The Lord keeps him close and rewards him greatly for being a great father. Hey maybe at one time you and I or even your pops had a word with each other up here in Rocklin. The days that Young was a nobody who would give us an autograph without blinking. I miss those days behind the chain link fence watching my team work their tales off.

    6. Hammer,
      Thank you for sharing a little bit of your dad with us. He must have been a tremendous man and a great hero and mentor.

      My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

    1. Jack ..
      Your Dad was truly a great man .. a tip of the hat
      and a prayer for him …
      best wishes for you and your family in this time of grief

      1. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family Hammer, and Godspeed to your father on his final journey….

  9. I just read the article about McDonald’s parents criticizing the police dept. It’s mind blowing. These guys let your son off and you criticize them because of the reason for having to arrest him. If he would have gotten rid of the chick after she pulled the gun on him maybe, just maybe, your son would not have been in that situation. They should be thankful he still has his career and be less worried about his public image.

      1. MW

        you are probably right. She probably was the over protective mom.

        As far as those predictions that does make me nervous. What makes me more nervous is not having a clue as to which offense Roman will decide to show up with. With Gore banged up, I hope doesn’t get pass happy.

        1. ” … you are probably right. She probably was the over protective mom….”

          Hey … she’s a Mom …

          (been married for more than 45 yrs …to one just like her..
          believe me .. being overprotective is her … job ! )

          Gore will be ok … and I think G-Ro will give the G-Men
          all they can handle of Gore and Hyde ..

    1. Ky49er– I do understand their perspective. They objected that they released the information about the visible injuries with out elaborating or a follow up with a bit more detail once the determination was made that they were made in restraining the so called victim. Releasing partial truths always creates speculation. They should have never stated anything about bruises to the press unless they were willing to either elaborate on the findings earlier than they did. It was the bruising that basically fueled the call for suspension. They didn’t have to release that information and once having done so they had a responsibility to correct any misconceptions as to what that information created. Which they probably because of procedure were forbidden to do. So basically they screwed up in their first release.

      It is obvious that McDonald made ( and still might be making ) a bad relationship choice. but that does not absolve the press release by the police and the problems it created.

      “Oh the police did not let their son off”. Where do you even get that sort of idea. They have no authority to let anyone off. The DA is the one who decided to not charge him for lack of evidence. Believe me if they had any evidence they would have put him on trial. They due to the national publicity, will have to justify not charging him. The burden of proof for them in this respect will be much higher than it would have been if the chose to charge him.

      1. They released that information because they were being as why he was arrested but not charged. Someone made a statement saying they had to take one of them away from the house. That usually falls on the make in most situations.

        His parents going public just adds to the list of questions he has to answer next time he’s in front of the press. I’m sure he just wants to move forward.

    1. message to Eli :

      “Whatcha gonna do .. when Aldon and Lynch ..
      run WILD over you … (little).. Brotha ??? “

      1. Those old schoolers love the Niners. Remember this guy last year vs the panthers.
        “To be the man. You’ve gotta beat the man” woooo!
        In my way… Wheeeeeew!
        Watch your back Eli, Aldon is back. The tactitioner, the violator, the rumblin, tumblin, qb crumblin, makin you fumblin machine that can’t be stopped! Wooooo!!!

        http://youtu.be/yjW9UXoKU2s

  10. wonder what’s up with Grant? He mostly posts interviews with the rare opinion/advice piece, and it’s been going on three days since he posted anything at all. No analysis or updates on the Giants, when the Niners left for the east coast, who is hot and who is not etc.

    I think that is part of the reason for the recent spate of ugly posts by a few here, internet tough guys flexing their cyber muscles. Maybe if there was more meat on the bones of this blog there would be more to dig into and have an intelligent discussion about.

    My comment? T-R-A-P!!!

    1. Lol yeah right. The more meat the more fights and insults you will see.
      It’s been a minute since I’ve seen a prediction post.
      I guess I’ll give my own.

      This game makes me nervous. They have owned us lately. No matter how bad they’re playing, they’re at home, they play is well, defense is missing some key players still, are we getting good or bad Eli? Will Roman attack their horrible run defense or will he go back to throwing all game like he’s done this year already? My answer… Who knows. This team is so up and down this season it’s he’s for me to pick a game.
      I’ll go out on a limb and think of recent streaks they’ve had after a bad start.

      I think they win comfortably. I think that game last week was the launching pad game for them. I think they stay with the bread and butter of running the ball, with some more qb option runs with ck. I think our defensive secondary struggles a bit, and the 49ers win. I’m guessing a two score game.
      Individual predictions.
      Ck will have a balanced game. Good day throwing and running.
      I think the receivers will get over their dropsies, and VD has the best game of this season. 1 TD and 80 yards.
      Gore and Hyde will have solid games.
      A Smith will get two sacks, and if not J Dmith will. I think the defense will get 5 sacks in this game. But will give up around 17 – 20 points.
      I think ck ends the streak of no TD’s in the fourth with a TD or two. And I think that’s when they put them away. Strong 4th quarter Niners win 31-20.

        1. Oregon ..
          sure hope yer wrong and MD is right..
          To his prediction .. I’m thinkin’ ..
          Justin Smith bats down an Eli pass
          in the 4th qtr

          (deja vu perhaps ?)

      1. How exactly is Ward getting injured in his rookie year a sign that Baalke blew the pick? Especially given he has improved a lot over the course of the season, and has been the starting nickel CB in a secondary playing excellent football?

        Add this to the growing list of fans with ridiculous expectations of rookies.

    1. Big blow to the D, Ward had been playing pretty well since the Bears game. Cox will likely have to move across to the nickel role now, which is a shame as he’s been playing well on the outside.

      Dontae Johnson should start seeing more action, so we’ll get a decent look at him and see if he’s one for the future.

      1. We will definitely find out if Johnson can be a starter in this league. Who is the next man up is we suffer another injury in the secondary?

        1. Leon McFadden, I believe. He was a 3rd round pick of the Browns in 2013, but got injured last year and again this preseason and they ended up releasing him. He was a guy I liked the look of in last years draft, more of a quick rather than fast guy, with good lateral movement and some aggressiveness to his play.

            1. I think he’ll have to be – Brock is questionable but sounds like he will be out again (hasn’t practised all week), so McFadden will be the 4th CB.

  11. Another starter down. Awesome. A year of what could have been seems to be unfolding. Next man up, but damn we can only get away with so many fill ins. The only chance at a Super Bowl win will rest on the offense. They have to put up 30 a game from here on out I think. Bowman NEEDS to come back. And that’s not looking promising.

    1. It’s crazy seeing all these players go down with injuries. The crazier part though is in spite of these injuries in th D side, this unit is stll performing at a high level. You might be right that this offense needs to put up 30 a game to just make it to the playoff. So far this offense has been disappointing to say least.

  12. The rash of injuries this season is a good cautionary tale of why you never put all your eggs in one basket. If Baalke had gone all out this year, manoeuvred to get a top 15 pick, gone aggressive for a star player in FA, all of that could have been undone by these injuries due to limited depth.

    Instead, we keep losing key players and young guys have been stepping up. The young depth has been tested and it has shown there is some talent there. The team may not make it to the playoffs, but they are still in the hunt largely because of the play of some of these young guys. And there is now reason to believe that maybe, just maybe, this team won’t fall in a hole when some of the older guys move on, as there are some young guys ready to take on larger roles, and the salary cap remains in order.

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