Conspiracy theory

Fact No.1: The 49ers were linked publicly to five big-name wide receivers during free agency — DeSean Jackson, Golden Tate, Emmanuel Sanders, Hakeem Nicks and Julian Edelman. The Niners signed none of them. Fact No.2: The 49ers have been linked publicly to three cornerbacks who are projected to get drafted in the second or third round of the upcoming draft — Bashaud Breeland, Jaylen Watkins and Stanley Jean-Baptiste. Fact No.3: At the…

April 7, 2014
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Fangio on the Giants offense: “They haven’t had Nicks for three games and they haven’t missed a beat.”

SANTA CLARA — Vic Fangio spoke in the media tent on Thursday afternoon. Here’s what he said about the New York Giants offense, courtesy of the 49ers.   Can you point to some of the major differences with the Giants offense from when you played them nine months ago? “There’s not much difference. No sense for them to change a successful formula. They have a real good offense, starting with…

October 11, 2012
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Manningham on the matchup with the Giants: “I know how their DBs play.”

SANTA CLARA – Mario Manningham spoke in the media tent Thursday afternoon. Here’s what he said about the matchup with the New York Giants. Q: Any extra emotion for this week? MANNINGHAM: Knowing it’s my old team, I’m going to go out and treat them like we treat everyone else. I’m going to be a little fired up. Q: Does it make the film study easier knowing who you’re going…

October 11, 2012
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Cruz on the 49ers defense: “Dashon Goldson covers a lot of ground.”

SANTA CLARA – Here’s what Victor Cruz said about the 49ers-Giants matchup to Bay Area reporters Wednesday morning on a conference call. Q: The Niners have shut down some good QBs and limited opposing passing games. How have they done that? CRUZ: I think it’s their aggressive play. I think their safeties do a good job of being heavily involved in the run. Dashon Goldson, he covers a lot of…

October 10, 2012
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49ers-Giants matchups: Part III – Culliver vs. Hixon and Randle

The 49ers play the Giants on Sunday at Candlestick. In the meantime, I’ll break down a couple of key matchups per day. CB Chris Culliver (6-0, 199 pounds, 4.36 40-yard dash) vs. WRs Domenik Hixon (6-2, 197, 4.39) and Rueben Randle (6-3, 208, 4.43). When the 49ers played the Giants Week 10 last season, Culliver mostly matched up man-to-man against Mario Manningham, who caught 6 passes for 77 yards and…

October 9, 2012
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East Coast vs. West Coast: The Battle of the Wide Receivers

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat’s sports section is doing a special playoff package every day this week, and for Wednesday we’re focusing on the Giants and 49ers wide receivers. The great Phil Barber was assigned to write on the Giants wide outs. I got the Niners wide outs. Quite a contrast. To read about the Bi-Coastal Battle of the Wide Receivers, please click on the following two links. Phil on…

January 17, 2012
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