What Roman needs to be head-coaching timber

Here is my Monday column on Greg Roman. We’re in a football lull right now, but the 49ers are always in season. So, let’s dissect their most recent move, signing their promising offensive coordinator, Greg Roman, to a two-year extension through 2015. Roman is a good offensive coordinator. From 2011 to 2012, the 49ers’ offense ranked third in rushing yards and ninth in points per game. Jim Harbaugh thinks Roman…

June 24, 2013
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How the 49ers built a championship roster

This is my Saturday article on the gradual construction of the 49ers’ roster. By GRANT COHN After the 2004 season, the 49ers were the worst team in football. They had practically no talent, they had won two games, and they had one Pro Bowler, long snapper, Brian Jennings. This season, the 49ers are going to the Super Bowl and they have arguably the most talented roster in the NFL. Nine…

February 2, 2013
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49ers rediscover Vernon Davis

This is the opening to my Monday sidebar on Vernon Davis. ATLANTA — The Falcons wanted to stop Colin Kaepernick from running, and they accomplished that. Kaepernick rushed just two times for 21 yards. The Falcons wanted to stop Michael Crabtree from scoring, and they accomplished that, too. Crabtree caught six passes for 57 yards and no touchdowns; he fumbled at the goal line. Unfortunately for the Falcons, they forgot…

January 21, 2013
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Heath Evans: “Atlanta’s just a front-running team. I think they’re soft when need be.”

NFL Network analyst and former NFL player Heath Evans spoke on KNBR Thursday morning. Here’s what he said about the 49ers and the Falcons. Q: The 49ers are a four-point favorite on the road over the Falcons. Does this stun you? HEATH EVANS: No. Not at all. I was talking with Darren Sharper the other day, and I’m telling you – anyone that is picking Atlanta is either biased because…

January 17, 2013
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Delanie Walker: “We’ve got G-Ro and they’ve got Mike Nolan. It’s going to be a battle.”

SANTA CLARA – Delanie Walker spoke at his locker Wednesday afternoon. This is what he said. Q: Is it going to be important to establish you and Vernon in the passing game against the Falcons? WALKER: Most definitely. Crab’s been doing that, so I’m pretty sure they’re going to have to stop Crab. And that’s going to give everybody opportunities to make plays. Q: You guys do a lot of…

January 16, 2013
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Willis: “It’s not good enough just to make it to the NFC Championship. We want to win it all.”

SANTA CLARA – This is the transcript of Patrick Willis’ Wednesday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers.   When you put on the game film of the Falcons, what’s the first thing that jumps out at you? “They’ve got a good quarterback, a real good quarterback. The team, they’re fundamentally sound, have some great skill players. I feel like they have a complete offense.”   Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez caught…

January 16, 2013
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How will Mike Nolan game plan against the 49ers offense?

On KNBR Tuesday afternoon, Trent Dilfer said Mike Nolan likes to take away an offense’s fast ball. What do you think Nolan will consider the 49ers’ fast ball? Do you think he’ll double team Vernon Davis or Michael Crabtree? Do you think Nolan will load the box with eight defenders, or do you think he’ll play a two-deep zone and attempt to stop Frank Gore with seven defenders? I’m curious…

January 15, 2013
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Dilfer: “What do you load up to stop when you’re playing the 49ers right now with Colin?”

Trent Dilfer spoke on KNBR Tuesday morning. Here’s what he said. Q: What did you think of the 49ers victory over the Packers? DILFER: I’ve never been happier to be wrong than I was this weekend. Man, I was really scared for the Niners. I just didn’t know if they had an answer for Aaron Rodgers, I didn’t know how Kap would respond. I’m not one of these guys that…

January 15, 2013
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Prediction: Falcons will beat Seahawks

The Seahawks were my pick to win last week in DC, but I don’t see them winning this week in Atlanta. They have another long road trip, plus fatigue from their game on Sunday, and that injury to Chris Clemons – he tore his ACL and he is out. I think the heat really is on the Falcons, especially offensively. Matt Ryan is the toast of the town, but has laid…

January 10, 2013
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Are the Packers equipped to run the ball on the 49ers? McCarthy: “We have to be.”

Packers’ head coach Mike McCarthy spoke on a conference call with Bay Area reporters on Tuesday. Here’s what he said. Q: How different are both of these teams from the teams that faced each other in Week 1? McCARTHY: I think every team in the National Football League is different from Week 1 to when they get in the playoffs. I think that holds true for both the 49ers and…

January 9, 2013
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Sunday matchup: Dolphins defense vs. 49ers offense

Defensively, the Dolphins played the Patriots fairly tough on Sunday, allowing only 10 yards rushing in the first half.  Unfortunately, the Fish gave up over 100 yards rushing in the second half. Mike Nolan, their defensive coordinator last year, left them with some pretty good talent and schemes, so they are not a dismal unit. The Dolphins have two 49er games against the Rams to study because Jeff Fisher’s defensive…

December 5, 2012
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