Jimmy G is perfectly fine at QB, and other 49ers thoughts

Posted By on May 18, 2020

Most teams would take Jimmy G happily.

We begin with the bad news. The two witty and knowledgeable writers who have been writing these posts — Grant Cohn and Phil Barber — are not available. So I am going to step in on the 49ers opinion beat.

Granted, Cohn and Barber had an advantage. They knew what they were talking about. I have experience — 36 years at the Chronicle, 20 in sports — but that may only mean that I am more committed to my bad ideas and impressions than ever.

Clearly I will need help. That can come in the form of emails or in the comments section. I would like to hear what you want to discuss.

Now, in any 49ers discussion there are a certain number of topics that are bound to come up. So I thought we could lay out, right off the bat, where we stand on some of those issues. For instance:

  • Jimmy Garoppolo is, and should be, the 49ers quarterback. Nits can be picked — lack of mobility, touch on the deep ball — but he’s won and he’s played well. It keeps coming back to the stat from last year that he was the only NFL quarterback in the top five in completion percentage, yards per attempt and passing touchdowns. Also, he has shown an affinity for hanging in the pocket and making the throw just seconds before he is flattened. With few exceptions, the local fans always have their doubts about the local QB. But if you look around the league, most teams would take Jimmy G happily.
  • Kyle Shanahan, is proving to be — finally — the coach the 49ers needed. Shanahan is young, brilliant and just quirky enough to make you think he’s kind of a savant. We kind of forgot, but when he came to the 49ers Shanahan had a reputation as a smart ass whose ego grated on players and media. He’s been nothing like that and is one of the best interviews in the Bay Area. If you have to quibble, I wasn’t thrilled with the way he melted down on the sideline at the end of the Super Bowl. Bad calls are going to happen and in a close game you want your leader to be calm and cool. But again, that was at the SUPER BOWL.
  • I am still coming around to GM John Lynch. Everybody seems to rave about him, so I assume I’ll be singing his praises. But that 2017 draft, when Lynch drafted Reuben Foster and Solomon Thomas in the first round — Thomas with the third pick — was shaky. Thomas didn’t have a lot of sacks at Stanford — 11.5 in two years — so expecting him to do in the NFL doesn’t seem realistic. Foster was red-flagged for personal issues by nearly everyone, but Lynch looked into his eyes and thought he was a first round steal. Not good.
  • Colin Kaepernick’s career is over. That might sound obvious since he hasn’t played since 2016, but you still hear his name come up as a possibility. Was he blackballed? I’d say partially. After all, there were dozens of players who knelt for the national anthem, and many of them didn’t miss a game.
  • The problem for Kaepernick, it says here, was that the NFL did not see him as a starter. Let’s not kid ourselves, if they thought Kaep was a franchise QB, he not only would have signed, there would have been a bidding war. The politics came in when teams were looking at him as a backup. Backups hold clipboards and don’t attract attention. Having someone on the roster that President Trump is calling out on Twitter is suboptimal.
  • By the way, the running quarterback is a myth. Someone like Robert Griffin III pops up every few years, sprints through defenses and the pundits fall over backwards with predictions that he will “reinvent the position.” Then the slender but speedy QB gets absolutely clobbered by fast, violent and enormous defenders and suddenly you see why Tom Brady survived by staying in the pocket and using a quick release. The best 49er running quarterback — by far — was Steve Young. And he is quick to say that he became a Hall of Fame quarterback when he learned to stay home and throw accurately.

That ought to get us started.

This article has 229 Comments

  1. Samuel gets some high praise from Joe:

    “Basically, he’s one of the most talented rookies I’ve ever seen,” Staley told Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee. “I was just telling him how important this offseason is and he can be the greatest receiver in the NFL. Just to work really hard this offseason and use this as motivation.”

    Looking forward to dominating the competition this year, and Kittle removing the monkey from Shanny’s back at the Super Bowl!

    1. 1,000 + total yards with limited playing time the first half of the season.

    2. Funny thing is, I actually think he is a guy that won’t necessarily improve his stats significantly over time. A little bit sure, but basically I can see him as a guy that commonly hovers around the 800 – 1,000 yards receiving during mostly healthy seasons. Also some added yards through designed runs, though I suspect it won’t ever be a significant amount as other guys with similar skill sets on the team will eat into some of his touches.

      That isn’t to say I don’t think he will get better – I do. In particular as a receiver down the field. I just think he will always be a complementary receiver though, not the dominant receiver. Kittle and Aiyuk (assuming he pans out), as well as a few other guys, will make it hard for him to put up truly dominant receiving stats.

      2. Alex Smith had major ball security issues at first. By 2012 he had one of the best ball security stats. Combined with running and a stout defense, he made playing the 49ers like wrestling a boa constructor. Close score, but you know the boa will win.

        If Jimmy Garoppolo improves his TD/INT ratio as he grows in the system, the offense will be even more formidable. A better, more explosive boa constrictor than the one in 2011-2012.

        I also think a healthy Trent Taylor makes Jimmy play more instinctively. He was his chain mover and security blanket if the first read didn’t look good.

        1. Agree on two points. Ball security can be taught and improved. And Trent Taylor, or a quick little slot guy like him, makes Jimmy G’s life much easier. Also opens up routes for KIttle, Deebo and recent additions.

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  4. Garoppolo is just going to get better, you wish his throws were more accurate and wish he was more athletic but in the long run he is probably the guy. Shanahan and Lynch are the real thing, although I disagree with you that Grant knows what he is talking about, he wanted both Shanahan and Lynch fired after year two. yes Solomon is a bust, if he was picked in the 5th round, he would probably be no longer on the team, Foster is just one bad dude. I hope Shanahan learned his lesson because the last few minutes of the Super Bowl were horrible, Although Lynch has made that bad draft up with some real winners especially with Kiddle and Samueal if he had the same game plan as he did for New Orleans and gave the ball more to Samuel on the run. we would of won the game by 14 points. The only thing I will say about Kap is he is not a student of the game.

  5. Thank you C. W. for many years of enjoyment. I’m looking forward to your time here. Let your imagination run wild.

    1. Ditto CW…

      Happy happy for the conversation….I had grown rather peeved at Grants ‘vacations’… I suppose just disappointed in Phil’s lack of trying….

      1. Grant was chased after he gave up 4 in the bottom of the 6th. Phil was brought in for middle relief, retired the side made it through the 7th. I’m pretty sure CWN is the setup man for the closer who’s not on staff yet.

  6. Welcome, welcome, welcome CW!
    I hope you know what you got yourself into.
    This is a love/hate crowd. Rowdy, exuberant sometimes noxious, nasty or nauseating but with a common bond: 49ers.
    Don’t take it personally, there will be a poster who will do that for you…

    1. “Don’t take it personally, there will be a poster who will do that for you . . . ” Ha. :)

    2. Best place to watch typical USA sports like NFL. NFLUR .COM immediately turns your fun to maximum. Also the best quality from all televisions I tried.

  7. But what do you think of the Right to Arm Bears?
    Or are we going to stick to football?

  9. Nice to see ya! You always wrote a good column and it’s great to come here again after many years of Grant’s baloney and self aggrandizement. He’s S.I.’s problem now…

  10. Re Kaep:

    The politics came in when teams were looking at him as a backup.

    Maybe politics, but more likely can the backup be successful in the system we run with our starter, or do we have to shelve everything we do to play up to our backup’s strengths once he starts taking snaps?

    Re Lynch:

    I am still coming around to GM John Lynch…But that 2017 draft, when Lynch drafted Reuben Foster and Solomon Thomas in the first round — Thomas with the third pick — was shaky.

    I’ll give him somewhat a mulligan in that 1st draft 1st round. Beginsies. But remember this also the draft that delivered Kittle, who everyone thought his advantage coming in was that he was a teammate of CJBs. And Lynch’s 1st rounders since then range between more than solid to spectacular.

    By the way, the running quarterback is a myth.

    Finally! A voice of reason crying out in the wilderness.

    PS: C.W., can you do something about the poll on this page? At the very least reset the Super Bowl question for this season.

  11. Welcome CW,
    If you can keep the politics out of the bog and focus on the team most of us would be happy.
    Personally I’m not sold on Shanny being the one as HC. Hopefully he will prove me wrong when we get back to the SB.

    Off season can we have a new topic every couple of days.

    1. You’re not sold? In 3 years he’s turned around a dysfunctional franchise into the best team in the NFC.

    2. Only Superbowl winners for Sponge Bob. What you really need for that is an extra and exclusive cap space for the 49ers. Eddy caused the cap limit because enough of the other owners didn’t want to compete.

      With the “Eddy Advantage” Walsh only got there three out of the eight years that he had a competitive roster. Enjoy the trip cause that’s all there is.

  12. Welcome aboard C.W. I have been a big fan for many years. I have only one request, a ban on political posts. 49ers, fine. Giants, fine . Warriors, fine. Sharks, fine but please for gods sake a complete and total ban on anything political. Thanks

    2. Coach, discussing the ramifications of opening operations, the season, if there is a season, what it might look like…how does that discussion not involve politics? It is members of the political class that will be making the decisions on these.

      1. And C.W., no matter what you do or don’t deem appropriate for discussion, thank you for stepping up as the middle reliever here.

      2. Rib,
        If its directly related to sports with no name calling or general political rambling, sure but lets be totally honest the political hate mongering that goes on here has very little to do with sports. imho

    3. Ban the politicos to a political blog. In fact, they are easily the most argumentative of us all.

  13. CW,
    Define a running QB. Fran Tarkenton? Roger Staubach? Are you speaking of QB’s who have run plays designed for them? One of the more successful QB’s of the near past has been Russell Wilson. It seems like every
    time the 9ers have him stymied he runs for a big first down. The same goes for Patrick Mahomes. How bout Lamar Jackson? There will always be great pocket QB’s but I believe you will see more and more great “running” QB’s.

    1. I think the better term is -Mobile QBs. He has enough speed and agility to avoid the pass rush, and could roll out in order to convert third downs.
      .
      Running QB implies he is not accurate, so his running skills are the most dangerous weapon. I think a QB can be mobile, and accurate, like Mahomes.

    2. All righty, so now I need to actually provide facts to support my argument? I thought we all just popped off. :)
      OK, to me Russell Wilson and Mahomes are scrambling QBs. They are quick and shifty, buy extra time and run when necessary. The Kaepernick/Griffin III model is what I see as a read-option running QB, who heads for the edge on a designed play and with the idea of trying to outrun defenders. I don’t think — it says here — that works consistently over time.

      1. That makes sense. The NFL is a copy cat league it will be interesting to see if they start drafting QB’s like Jackson who are built like old school FB’s.

        1. Doubt it will happen until guys like Jackson start winning in the postseason. He’s spectacular in the regular season but one and done two years in a row in the postseason.

          1. Are Jackson’s playoff struggles on him, or maybe Greg Roman’s game mgmt.????

            1. Lamar Jackson had 365 yards passing, for an 11.8 yard average. He also ran for 143 yards, for a 7.2 yard average. He accounted for over 500 yards of offense, but only scored 12 points.
              .
              The Ravens lost because they gave up 217 yards rushing. Jackson did not play defense.
              .
              Greg Roman finally got to utilize a mobile QB properly, which led to a 14-2 season.

      2. C.W.
        Is this blog impossible to moderate or is it that “you” just can’t be bothered? Little Cone let it become a cesspool with all of the political comments. Here’s hoping you can clean it up.

      3. Wilson and Mahomes are the same QB as Ben Rothlisberger. They move around a lot in the pocket, avoid hits, and let their wr’s get open. They can move to an extent but they are not running QBs in the way Mike Vick, RG 3, CK, and that ilk were. If anyone tries to compare those QBs to Wilson, Mahomes, etc, they’d be way off.

      5. CW Nevius

        Well, I guess I’ll be the first to get called “STUPID” in the Nevius era…I disagree (somewhat) that Steve Young was a far cry above some other Niner QB’s….Joe Montana was a good runner as a Qb, but after his second year, Walsh read the writing on the wall and began building the line that would give him Joe a pocket to throw from. Joe was a basketball player who played football better. Other than the ‘occasional ‘ SNEAK, Joe generally scored or went out of bounds untouched after running. To me, Alex Smith was an excellent runner, because he had the bulk, the brains (like Joe), and the speed to pick his runs intelligently….My memory fails me when reaching for my last choice by name, but he was out of UCLA, played RB, QB, WR, and was recognized as a ‘tuff guy’ to bring down….Can someone help me with that name…?

        Other than them, ….I agree….

  15. Get rid of Sebnynah Mr.Nevius and you will see the long time, quality posters return and your blog will sky rocket!

    Good luck!

  16. CW – We go back the the Sporting Green. Can’t remember what I had for lunch but I’ll never forget the Green. Keep up the good stuff.

  17. Mr Nevius, thank you for rescuing this blog.
    .
    Ah, those Sporting Green Days. Back then the columnists were kings. Glenn Dickey and Lowell Cohn were must reads, and I absorbed the Chron from the Herb Caen days, until I moved to Sonoma County and started taking the PD.
    .
    I am glad the PD has obtained such an accomplished writer, and look forward to your posts.
    .
    I hope you do not mind if I totally disagree with your take on Kaep. However, I like JG so much, I do not think they need Kaep at the 49ers. I think JG is talented enough to help win a few rings. I will wish Kaep well, wherever he goes, and hope he gets an opportunity to try out.
    .
    I would like to point out QBs like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Deshawn Watson, Kyler Murray, Russell Wilson and several other QBs, are mobile QBs who can use their running skills to avoid the pass rush, and also convert third downs. It sounds like the mobile QB is the wave of the future. Running mainly QBs are unwise to utilize too much, due to the injury factor. They should let them deliver the ball from the pocket to his playmakers, while allowing his mobility to escape the pass rush with a feet first slide at the end of the run. Then during the playoffs, turn him loose. Kaep did that, and holds the record for QB rushing yards in the playoffs at 181 yards.
    .
    It is the Blackballing that is preventing Kaep from playing, not a diminished skill set. My proof is the fact that no team has offered to let him try out. That weak offer earlier was a ploy to get him to waive his rights. The private workout film was rough, but it sure looked like he was strong and accurate.
    .
    Since the NFL has written a rule mandating standing for the anthem. Kaep should just declare that he has made a difference and started a dialogue. He has also championed de-escalation tactics, with body cameras becoming standard issue. He should stand, and confine his protests into a manner that is positive, and does not anger a segment of the population.
    .
    Of course, with this pandemic, the season is in doubt. I wonder what would happen if an entire German Soccer team becomes infected with the Covid 19 virus.
    .
    Usually, I do not bring up Kaep because posters are sick of the subject. However, when he is mentioned, I will present my opinion on the whole situation. Thanks for the opportunity to do that.
    .
    However, I am more interested in the new players, and how they will fit in the KS system. The Niners seemed to be drafting for a body type, and will utilize that player in a specific way, even if it means converting him to FB or DE.

      1. praising seb??!!! i take back everything i said about you CW! you are the worst my friend! lol

    2. If he was bona-fide starter material, if he was still a play maker, a team would have picked him up, Seb–just like they pick up wife-beaters and the like IF they think they can make a difference. You yourself have pointed this out many times.
      Kap didn’t do Krap for the team his last 3 yrs…………and he never made his teammates better. When Montana walked on the field in the 4th Qtr., his presence put all those players in a higher gear.

      I asked you for years to get me his stats for his last 3 years in the NFL, and you refused to do so–wisely.
      STILL trying to make him out to be something more than the flash in the pan that he was…………

      What were his words………….”I’m not a detail guy-I go by how i feel”. Walsh would have dumped him for that attitude.

      1. Kaep is being blackballed, plain and simple. No team would want to draw someone’s ire who wants to-‘ fire that sunnovabiotch.’
        .
        No, Bill Walsh traded for Steve Young. Why? because he saw the advantages of having a mobile QB. Sure, it took BW tearing him down, eliminating his bad habits, and rebuilding him into the eventual HOFer, but Young was not only a slow plodding pocket passer. His running skills and mobility made him a dual threat QB.
        .
        I do not regurgitate your misleading stats, because they will be taken out of context. You dare me to repeat them, but do not bother yourself.
        .
        I will keep repeating. Kaep was hamstrung by a GM who dismantled a SB team, and coaches who were mediocre, to put it charitably. His O line acted like turnstiles, so Kaep could not drop back 5 steps without a pass rusher in his face. In the end, they had Bellore not only jumping out of his designated lane, he would block his own players. No wonder third string RBs galloped for 200 yards. Joe Montana himself could not win if his defense gave up historic amounts of rushing yards.
        .
        I do not know why you are so afraid of letting Kaep try out. You should be begging for a team to let him try out, if you think he is so incompetent and devoid of talent.
        .
        Let me put it another way. If Kaep was so terrible, how did he run for 181 yards against GB? Setting playoff records usually is a good stat. What other QB has led his team to the SB after only 10 starts? What other QB has passed for over 300 yards and run for over 50 yards in a SB? Only Joe Montana.
        .
        Kaep was 5 yards from winning a SB, and one pass from returning. He has skills and talent. He still can play, and you are exposing your lack of football acumen to state that Kaep was clearly inferior to many drek QBs who played last season. Will Grier, Sean Mannion, Luke Falk, Ryan Finley, Trevor Siemian, Blake Bortles, AJ McCarron, Josh Rosen, Colt Mccoy, Mason Rudolf, Brandon Allen, David Blough, Devlin Hodges, Brian Hoyer, Robert Griffin III, Jeff Driskel, Chase Daniel, Matt Shaub, Nick Foles, Eli Manning, Andy Dalton, Joe Flacco, Case Keenum, Kyle Allen, Marcus Mariota, Mitch Trubisky, Sam Darnold, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Dwayne Haskins, Daniel Jones, Jacoby Brissett, Cam Newton, Jameis Winston and Phillip Rivers, are 34 QBs who played last season, and Kaep is superior to.
        .
        ‘I’m not a detail guy, I go by how I feel,’ That sounds like he does not try to over think the situation, and uses his instincts and natural ability, to play fast without hesitation.

    3. Of course YOU’D disagree on Kaep, the guy lives rent-free in your spankbank.

      The only Kaep discussions on this site the last 2 years have been those started by you. Face facts, he was never that good and its going to be 4 seasons since he last played, he’s donezo, he can’t help any team in this league and thats the hard facts.

      So please, for the love of all good and holy, no more mentioning his name in any aspect at all?

      1. Let the name of Kaepernick be stricken from every book and tablet, stricken from all pylons and obelisks, stricken from every monument of San Francisco.

        1. Hmmm, every time I see a Nike Swoosh, I just think of who one of their spokesman is.
          .
          ‘Just do it, even if it means sacrificing everything.’

          1. What did he sacrifice? A 4 year career as a backup?

            He’s making more with Nike not playing than he would have as a backup.

            His actions ring hollow, his protest rings hollow, he knew his career was over and made a calculated move to stay in the spotlight. He was never about this life before he was benched, funny how that worked.

      2. No, I have been reticent to bring up Kaep’s name, but some of you like to troll me.
        .
        Then, I happily oblige. Look up the past posts. Almost every one begins with a screed against Kaep, with me arguing for him. Then, you seem to rue the day that his name was ever brought up.
        .
        Look at these last posts. I did not bring up Kaep, CW did.

  18. Great to have you on board! The amount of time that passed by definitely seemed like this blog was being left to die a miserable maggot infested death.

    Ive loved the different bloggers, posts and comments over the years!

  19. Jimmy Garoppolo is, and should be, the 49ers quarterback. Nits can be picked — lack of mobility, touch on the deep ball — but he’s won and he’s played well. It keeps coming back to the stat from last year that he was the only NFL quarterback in the top five in completion percentage, yards per attempt and passing touchdowns. Also, he has shown an affinity for hanging in the pocket and making the throw just seconds before he is flattened. With few exceptions, the local fans always have their doubts about the local QB. But if you look around the league, most teams would take Jimmy G happily.
    Kyle Shanahan, is proving to be — finally — the coach the 49ers needed. Shanahan is young, brilliant and just quirky enough to make you think he’s kind of a savant. We kind of forgot, but when he came to the 49ers Shanahan had a reputation as a smart ass whose ego grated on players and media. He’s been nothing like that and is one of the best interviews in the Bay Area. If you have to quibble, I wasn’t thrilled with the way he melted down on the sideline at the end of the Super Bowl. Bad calls are going to happen and in a close game you want your leader to be calm and cool. But again, that was at the SUPER BOWL.
    I am still coming around to GM John Lynch. Everybody seems to rave about him, so I assume I’ll be singing his praises. But that 2017 draft, when Lynch drafted Reuben Foster and Solomon Thomas in the first round — Thomas with the third pick — was shaky. Thomas didn’t have a lot of sacks at Stanford — 11.5 in two years — so expecting him to do in the NFL doesn’t seem realistic. Foster was red-flagged for personal issues by nearly everyone, but Lynch looked into his eyes and thought he was a first round steal. Not good.
    Colin Kaepernick’s career is over. That might sound obvious since he hasn’t played since 2016, but you still hear his name come up as a possibility. Was he blackballed? I’d say partially. After all, there were dozens of players who knelt for the national anthem, and many of them didn’t miss a game.
    The problem for Kaepernick, it says here, was that the NFL did not see him as a starter. Let’s not kid ourselves, if they thought Kaep was a franchise QB, he not only would have signed, there would have been a bidding war. The politics came in when teams were looking at him as a backup. Backups hold clipboards and don’t attract attention. Having someone on the roster that President Trump is calling out on Twitter is suboptimal.
    By the way, the running quarterback is a myth. Someone like Robert Griffin III pops up every few years, sprints through defenses and the pundits fall over backwards with predictions that he will “reinvent the position.” Then the slender but speedy QB gets absolutely clobbered by fast, violent and enormous defenders and suddenly you see why Tom Brady survived by staying in the pocket and using a quick release. The best 49er running quarterback — by far — was Steve Young. And he is quick to say that he became a Hall of Fame quarterback when he learned to stay home and throw accurately.

    Yes to basically everything here. In a lot of places I couldn’t agree more.

    Welcome to the family. Hope you are able to stick around.

    1. Phil is being a good soldier and helping with the Press Democrat news team. We should all offer a toast to him this evening. CWN

      1. I have always been impressed with Phil Barber’s writing in the PD, on a variety of subjects.
        .
        I thought he filled in admirably during the draft. He put up 14 posts in 5 days, and he had one hilarious spoof(My socially distanced mock draft).

    2. Phil does not live in the south/east bay and his commute would take him most of the day. He choose his family over sitting in a car.
      I like his writing though.

  22. A new post? Tears just came to my eyes :D.
    OK not really but I am very happy to see a new post.

  23. I’m not sure that I agree that Kap was blackballed. He did struggle his final season as QB. But the kneeling didn’t help. CA has given the green light for pro sports this summer in empty stadiums. That bodes well for NFL in the fall. What doesn’t is that Covid is raging in the Southern Hemisphere where it is winter. Brazil led by a corrupt far right wing president is totally incompetent. Their medical system is overwhelmed and nurses are dropping like flies. So does the virus return to the North during our winter ? Oh, and speaking of corruption a federal judge ruled that a fraud lawsuit may continue against the Trump kids and their racketeering scheme ACN Marketing. The rotten apple doesn’t fall far from the rotten tree. LOL.

  24. thank you Mr Nevius and the Press Democrat. Now just stop the political bs and things will be right again

  25. CW,
    I know you write a weekly column for the PD sports. What sort of commitment to this blog are you going to make? For example If the niners are able to open camp in Santa Clara will you be attending the practices that are open to the Media? Are you just keeping the seat warm until the PD can find another young hungry writer trying to break into the business like Grant?

  26. I am glad you are coming around to JL .
    .
    I think he is like a breath of fresh air. I was ecstatic he became the GM because I was embarrassed by seeing Jed go hat in hand with Paraag, only to be humiliated and have doors slammed in their faces. Lo, the Mighty Niners had fallen so far.
    .
    JL started off right, even before being hired, by insisting the leaks stop. He is instrumental in changing the culture of the team.
    .
    I am giving JL a mulligan on that first draft, because I think it was a KS draft. JL acquiesced to what KS wanted. Solomon Thomas has under performed, but now that he is out from under the shadow of Buckner, I hope he shines. At that time, they were desperate to develop a run defense, and Thomas is a good run defender. Moving up to grab CJB was a KS move, and moving up to select Joe Williams was purely a KS pick, because JL did not have JW on his draft board. Next draft, Pettis was KS’s pet pick. Thankfully, it looks like it has become more of a consensus process, and KS may allow other input. Still, one could say that Aiyuk was a KS pick, because they moved up to grab him, and KS admits he was Jonesing for Aiyuk.
    .
    I liked it even better when JL stood tall, and took all blame for Foster. He could have easily blamed others, but accepted blame, and called it a teachable moment. Thankfully, he has now concentrated on high character guys, so he has learned his lesson.
    .
    Stopping leaks has been huge. The Niners have benefited from being so closed mouth. For example, the trade of Trent Williams for a song was accomplished because nothing leaked about Joe Staley retiring.
    .
    I sure wish JL had achieved his goal and had won this last SB. Then, maybe he would have been voted in the HOF next round. Thankfully, he has made the 49ers relevant again, with the proper winning mindset that could help them achieve the Quest For Six.
    .
    Yes, there have been some bumps on the road. Foster, Joe Williams, Pettis, Street, JG tearing his ACL, the subsequent 4-12 season. However, going from 4-12 to the SB was an exhilarating ride. It did not end well, but that will make the next one all the more sweeter.
    .
    JL cleaned house, built a strong foundation, and has reloaded for another SB run.

    2. I think it’s fair to give John Lynch some skepticism still.
      He is certainly a good frontman for the organization and has done some good things.
      His trades, with the help of Paraag have all been for good value in terms of the trade chart. His gamble on Sherman has paid off well. However, on the defensive side of the ball I believe he has more input than Kyle. So while the Pettis selection was more the fault of Kyle in my mind, the selections of Thomas and Foster are more the fault of Lynch IMO. I also don’t know who was the one that wanted to draft a punter so early but it was a bad move, punters drafted that high should be pro bowlers… not in the bottom 1/3 of punters in yards per kick.
      Kyle’s good picks were Deebo, McGlinchey, Kittle, Schule, Trent Taylor.
      Lynch’s good picks were Bosa, DJ Jones, Warner, Greenlaw… he also has several others that could turn out to be good Street, Harris, Moore and Taylor but are still raw and have not had significant playing time.

      They have both had some misses Solly,Foster, Pettis, (Witherpoon?) being the most notable as they were high picks. Williams and Beathard were as well but they were not as painful as they were later selections. Interestingly enough, if Peter King is to be believed it was Lynch who wanted to trade up for Beathard because he wanted Kyle to have his “guy”… while Kyle was would have preferred to wait. In the end they only gave up a 7th rounder to get him at the bottom of 3rd rather than the top of 4th, so the investment was minimal.

      1. I respectfully disagree. Paraag was the one on the phones, drumming up the trades, so his dirty little fingerprints are all over some of those trades.
        .
        I will not ascribe all the players to each person, but will go by what has been published on their decision making. Joe Williams was purely a KS pick, because KS stood up on a table and demanded he be selected, even though he was not on JL’s draft board.
        .
        Before the draft, JL may have argued vehemently with KS, but in the end, John Lynch knew that they both had to be on the same page, or it would devolve into another Baalke/ JH fiasco. JL acquiesced to KS, because he was the one who would coach those players. It is just naturally logical to assume that KS, as HC, had a lot of sway over who was to be chosen, and JL did not have a swollen ego like Baalke, so they worked together in harmony.
        .
        I like the results, and give them a Mulligan on that first draft. Too bad they did not follow my advice, and avoid the red flagged players, but JL learned his lesson. They drafted Greenlaw, who saved a girl at a party from a predator. Her father was profusely grateful for Greenlaw’s interference. Kinlaw, with his life story, is another high character guy who would never have an alcohol problem, because he figuratively bears the scars from alcoholism. He will never become another Alldone.
        .
        Too bad they did not follow another one of my points from my 10 point plan, and selected an ACL player. Kentavius Street has not panned out so far, so he has kinda been a wasted pick. Hopefully, he can finally play, but he has not contributed in any meaningful way for the past 2 seasons.
        .
        CJB was not a wasted pick? He has a 1-9 record. Instead of selecting CJB, they could have selected James Conner. If they had remained patient, and stayed at pick number 109, they could have selected Eddie Jackson or Tarik Cohen, 2 other Pro Bowlers. With that 7th round pick, the Vikings chose Ifeadi Odenigbo, who is their starting RDE.

        1. Paraag was the one on the phones, drumming up the trades, so his dirty little fingerprints are all over some of those trades.

          All of the trades have been for good value pick wise… If Paraag gets the credit for that so be it.

          As to Beathard he was drafted to be a backup and was thrust into the starting lineup as rookie. Was he a good selection probably not, but let’s not pretend like he was a guy the team was heavily invested or saw as a starter. As to your, they could have drafted this pro bowler or that pro bowler had they stayed put… that can be said of nearly every selection. Instead of Solomon Thomas they could have drafted every good player in that draft not named Myles Garrett. Hindsight is 2020… but so far they have hit big on some and missed big on some.

          Interstingly enough they have invested much more heavily on the defensive side of the ball so far it would seem. So Kyle and John share that philosophy it would seem.

          1. Remember, they went with Hoyer, the guy who tended to throw like the DBs were the intended receivers. After 5 games, he pulled a Gabbert, and benched himself.
            .
            KS did not draft CJB to be only a bench warmer.
            .
            Paraag did facilitate those trades, but if they did not turn out, it was terrible value, not good value.
            .
            Eventually, they joked about rushing back to get the phone out of Paraag’s hands, so he did not make another unwise trade.
            .
            I am glad they went defense with their first pick. I just did not think that drafting a QB early, has a good overall track record. Fortunately, this draft was deep in WR Talent, so Aiyuk was available in the late first round.
            .
            However, they did not go heavy on defense. 4 out of their 5 picks were on offense.

            2. KS did not draft CJB to be only a bench warmer.

              He drafted him to be a backup to his placeholder (Hoyer) while waiting for Cousins. So yes, he did draft him to be bench warmer, first for Hoyer then for Cousins.

              Paraag did facilitate those trades, but if they did not turn out, it was terrible value, not good value.

              They didn’t turn out because the players chosen were not good picks but the value of the trades were not bad at all. Are you seriously going to argue that the trading the number 2 for the bears number 3, 67,111 and a 2018 3rd rounder was a bad move?
              – On the Beathard trade according to trade charts the 104 pick was worth 86 pts, while the 109 pick was worth 76 the 7th rounder was worth about 2.5 pts… so SF gave up the 78.5 pts to get 86 points worth of value. If you think that’s bad value… I’ll happily exchange 91 dollars for your hundred anytime you want.
              – Dropping back 1 sport netted SF a 4th rounder and yes according to the draft chart they won that trade
              – Moving up from 31 to 25 was difference of 120 pts to offset it the 49ers gave up around 80pts with their 4th and 5th rounder so yes they won that trade too.

              The 49ers are consistently winning on the trades, at least according to every chart I’ve seen… that John and Kyle didn’t get good players is on them especially if they directed him to try and move up to get their guy.

              1. Solomon Thomas did turn out well. He is still on the team and is in the D line rotation.
                .
                Moving up for Foster was terrible value because they had to cut a first round pick. Joe Williams was another terrible value selection.
                .
                CJB has a 1-9 record, so that is not good value in my book. They should have been patient, and selected Eddie Jackson.
                .
                Moving up to select Pettis has not turned out well, so that is not good value.
                .
                Trading back one spot to get a 4th round pick is good value, especially since they traded back, and still got Kinlaw, the player they coveted. I sure hope he turns out well.
                .
                Trading up from 31 to 25 was not a huge win, if they had been patient, and could have gotten him at 31, without having to give up their 4th and 5th round picks. We will never know if Aiyuk would have lasted until 31, but Tee Higgins and Michael Pittman went at 33 and 34, so they may have been selected before Aiyuk, possibly. I sure wish they could have still kept those 4th and 5th round picks. If Aiyuk turns out well, that would be another good value trade.

              2. “Solomon Thomas did turn out well.”
                He turned out so well that SF was not willing to pick up his 5th year option and rather than give him a chance to fill in for Buckner they chose to draft a DT with their first pick.
                He’s not a complete bust… but he is definitely a disappointment.

                “Moving up for Foster was terrible value because they had to cut a first round pick. Joe Williams was another terrible value selection.”

                Yes. They were bad values because the Kyle and John chose bad players… Paraag doesn’t choose the players. Their are two actions that take place and they need to be separated the role that handles them. Their is the trade, Paraag mans the phones and negotiates the parameters of the deal. John/Kyle then say yes or no.
                After that part is done, John/Kyle make the pick not Paraag.
                The way you are looking at it, Paraag could trade a 6th and 7th for a teams 1st rounder and if Kyle and John choose a bad player he would have negotiated for a bad trade. When in reality he would have negotiated possibly the greatest trade of all time but it was screwed up by John and Kyle choosing a Jeff George.

              3. Paraag helped facilitate those trades. You cannot give him all the credit for the successes, then give him a pass for the clunkers.
                .
                I did not say Solomon Thomas is a huge success, but am hoping that he will emerge from under Buckner’s shadow and could shine brightly next season, if they have a season.
                .
                However, not picking up that 5th year option is more of a salary cap decision, and if Thomas has 8 sacks, he may get an extension. I will agree he is a disappointment for being the number 3 pick, but am glad you agree he is not a total bust.

              4. Paraag helped facilitate those trades. You cannot give him all the credit for the successes, then give him a pass for the clunkers.

                I haven’t done that. I have differentiated the trades in terms of draft pick value (Paraag’s realm) from the players selected(Kyle and John’s Realm). However even the trades have to be signed off on by Kyle and John.
                Paraag doesn’t move up for CJ or Foster unless he’s instructed too.

              5. Paraag doesn’t move up for CJ or Foster unless he’s instructed too.

                And here I thought he had complete autonomy when it came to draft day moves.?

              6. That is why they joked about running back to rip the phone out of Paraag’s hand so he could not make any more trades

  27. C.W., you are the breath of fresh air this blog really needs. I have followed your writing at the Chronicle for 15 years.

    Trust me, the bar is pretty low with the previous two bloggers here. You can seemingly bash your keyboard with your eyes closed and the resulting content would surpass what Grant and Phil brought to the table.

    Maiocco was solid, but his takes were boring and he seems like a company man.

    Look forward to you bringing your thoughts to the PD.

    Thanks CW!

  28. Some teams and players are voluntarily practicing at High School fields. Tom Brady was seen throwing passes to Mike Evans and OJH at a local school.

  29. CW,
    I remember reading your articles when you were at the SFChronicle (sporting green) back in the 80′ along with G. Dickey and L. Cohn.
    Good to see you on here.

    Yes, Kaepernick was a flash, or shooting star. But he did create an excitement that had been missing on the 49ers for well over 20 years. He didn’t have the QB nuances to give him sustainability, but it wasn’t for lack of effort. His Summer at EXOS is a testament that he tried to become a complete NFL QB. It just wasn’t meant to be.
    But that doesn’t take away the fact that 2012 was as exciting a season that I can remember except for last year.

    I don’t think that Lynch and Shanahan get the kudos that they deserve, especially in NorCal. A first ever GM and HC were NOT going to make a broken organization into overnight success. Sure, they missed out on Rueben Foster, but this had more to do Foster the person over Foster the player. Foster’ rookie season showed promise (even through injuries) for the future, but the kid couldn’t stay out of trouble off the field.
    Thomas’ inability to warrant his draft position will make him a stigma, but he is still on the team and plays with a good motor when called upon.

    But back to Lynch and Shanahan. I don’t recall any other rookie Coach/GM that has had a positive impact on a team (aside from Bill Walsh) as they have had. Yes, they made some rookie mistakes, but their 2nd and 3rd years have resulted in making the team an NFL powerhouse. The only thing missing on their resume is a Superbowl trophy. But the fact that we’re in position to bring one home after only 4 years speaks volumes of their abilities.
    We’ve gone from the burning dumpster to a team with great promise in only three years -who do you think gets credit for that?

    2. 2012 was more exciting than 2011?

      I think 2011 was more exciting just in it came out of nowhere. We didn’t expect it, even in the preseason. Then we get to see the team get on a win streak (sucks they lost the cowboys at candlestick on a 95 degree day, (suck it people who complain about Levis heat)), and see guys we’ve been following for years (Alex, Frank, Vernon, Joe, Pat) all come together and take the league by storm, the “Who’s Got It Better Than Us” and the “Tony Montana” special teams…it was the best.

  30. CW,
    One request. Can you have the PD create a dedicated blog for political opinions?
    I’ve been part of the problem in jumping into some of the political jousting, but would not miss it at all if you were to ban it from a 49ers sports blog.
    This was part of Grant’s faulty stewardship when he was here. Hope it doesn’t continue on your watch.
    Thank you in advance

  31. Glad to see you here CW. Some insightful, thoughtful columns in the Chronicle over the years. I think we will all benefit to having you here.

  32. CW,
    I’m curious, whats your history with the team. Are you bay area born and raised? If not when did you migrate? I think you were on the city beat when the 9ers moved to Santa Clara.
    , do you think if Willie Brown had been around a little longer the team would have gotten a stadium built in the city or is that just wishful thinking from a north bay fan who hates getting to Santa Clara?

    1. Question,

      Do you remember how long it took you to get to games (drive, park, etc) and how long it took to leave games and get home (getting out of the parking lot was easily an hour)?

      I had heard that even though the drive is longer (it is just 38 miles), it is actually quicker than it was going to Candlestick (even with those 2, 4, 7, and so on win teams in the 00s).

      I live in the South Bay, so for me Levis is a better option (I also work at a company thats off of Great America Blvd, so I park at work for free and walk, when I go), but when I would go to niner games in the 00s, it was easily an hour drive up, an hour drive back, 30+ minutes to park, and 1 hr 15 to get out of the parking lot (and some time extra to get to 101).

      I understand the frustration but with the majority of the population living south of SF, and most in Santa Clara Valley/San Mateo Valley, Levis is actually a better option and gameday experience.

      1. MJ, i had season ticks at the stick FOR YEARS……yes the drive in and out was tougher than it is now…….but going into the city made the whole thing worth it!!!!!! the stadium is far nicer……..but the experience is not 1/10 of what it was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
        Id much rather park my butt in front of my 65 inch tv and call it a day! i turned down free tickets to the NFCCG this year. no reason to drive there and back, navigate drunks and such…….squeeze into a seat…….to squint all day long……in a stadium with no character……….in a town with even less :(

        1. But did you REALLY go into the city? The stadium was in SF by literally a mile. Its like saying you want to use SFO because of the city.

          I mean, I totally understand if you made a weekend of it, staying overnight in SF, etc….but just for game-day experience, those who drive up Sunday mid-morning, I really do think its a lot shorter day at Levis for everyone (except the few who lived in the city). When I went to games, all but one time I’d leave around 9am, get to the park about 1145 am (how a 60 mile drive takes 2 plus hours is beyond me…then again the last 10 miles takes an hourish), get to the seat at 12:15, chill before kickoff, watch the game, leave with about 10 minutes left in the 4th since they were down 38 – 10 (the 00s were tough), sit in an hour plus of traffic to get out of the lot, then drive 60 miles more..

          I agree that being at home is the best experience, but trust me, once the Niners get to a lot of playoffs and win a title or two playing in Levis, it too will have that character. I mean really, we all loved Candlestick but it was a converted baseball stadium (the iconic image of the Beatles playing their last concert together at Candlestick with the open outfield), had AstroTurf in the 70s, troughs in the bathroom, isles about 7 feet wide, seagulls for days, flooded sloppy field, most of the parking was on a mogul filled dirt lot,…it was crap but it was our crap (true). I really don’t think those in Pittsburgh miss 3 Rivers, in Phili miss Veterans, Cinci miss Riverfront (although they miss the winning team in the 80s), etc etc, and we will move on from Candlestick. Its unfortunate that the Niners didn’t have sustained success once they moved because that would have made it a lot easier.

          Get this team some continued success at Levis and smart scheduling by the NFL (1st game night opener, next 2 weeks on the road) to avoid most of the September heat and it’ll all be fine.

          1. MJ, i live in sacramento……so yes, we REALLY went into the city! lol we had to drive THROUGH it, both ways to get to the stadium……until we figured out that we could drive to the nearest BART station, park, and ride the BART most of the way. You see, the first year or so was all about tailgating…..everything to the excess. Porterhouses, T-bones, top sirloins, tri tip, bacon wrapped shrimp……gallons of booze. Are group was about a dozen guys…..so no one was bringing things like water or side dishes lol!
            So yes, we went into the city…..taking BART, getting out on Market st….screwing around…..then racing to the game…..even when we just drove through SF……one time traffic was bad….. so we went through Vallejo to Marin Co. and over the Golden Gate…..and drove THROUGH A CLOUD! it was like a scene from a movie

  33. Looks like teams will no longer be able to block assistant coaches from interviewing for a Coordinator position.
    .
    Also, it looks like teams will have to interview 2 minority candidates, to satisfy the Rooney Rule.

    1. It’s more of who knows who and previous relationships.
      Rooney rule is discriminating.

      1. The Rooney rule was implemented to redress past systemic racism. How is that discrimination?
        .
        Plantation owners knew each other, too.

        1. Because it forces someone to interview a candidate because of their skin tone and thats it. Has nothing to do with qualifications for the job. Teams do it to satisfy the rule yet have no interest in ever hiring the individual. Also promotes distrust as someone will think the coach is only getting the interview because they aren’t white, even the person being interviewed.

          There is no way to correct the issue of hiring, or lack of, minority candidates, but having a rule that forces teams to do it when they have zero interest and will just be wasting everyones time is not the answer.

          If a candidate is qualified they should be interviewed/hired.

          We also have to accept that white people make up 70+% of the population of this country and black people make up about 15%. Expecting there to be just as many black coaches as white ignores the fact that there are probably a lot more white coaches just because they make up a larger population of country overall.

          1. If 15% of the coaches were actually black, this wouldn’t be a discussion. Of course that’s a ridiculous target, because by that argument there should be far more Asian coaches too!

            I believe it’s in NFL’s long-term interest, and they know it, to have more minority coaches, simply to reflect the player pool better. They recognize there are artificial barriers for black folks to become coaches, and so they’re trying to put in artificial advantages to compensate.

            I’m not a military historian but I’d speculate that the US military had similar thoughts at some time, to get more black officers and NCOs in the system. Sorry if I’m talking nonsense here ;)

            1. Asian population makes up for 5% of the US population.

              I don’t know how many Asian coaches there are, and if there is even a workforce to choose from, which is also an issue when it comes to filling roles.

              I do remember the Niners employing an assistant that would work with players on hand fighting as well Mark Uyeyama was an assistant with the team for 9 years, not sure if this is the same player as I felt the other assistant was with the team in the late 90s/early 00s.

              The NFL is about 10% black coaches, so they are not up to the population % of the US and that would need to change.

              I am not doubting there are many qualified black coaches who are not employed in the NFL, as well there are plenty of white coaches not employed. Its a tough situation and unfortunately its really boils down to the character of the person doing the hiring. If it were me, I’m hiring the best person regardless of skin tone or gender (glad to see SF doing something about that).

              1. This best candidate remark reminds me of the book- Animal Farm. They said all are equal, but some are more equal than others.
                .
                I am certainly glad Bill Walsh was such a visionary, and that the present Niners are following in his footsteps by being the first NFL team to hire a WOMAN coach.

          2. I think that a league that has three quarters of the players black, there should be more minority representation. conversely, 23% of the players should not have 90% of the coaching positions.
            .
            It is a Good ol’ Boys club, and it needs to change.
            .
            Believe it or not, there is one success, and 31 failures, mostly white coaches. Many are perennial losers, but have tenure, while many black coaches can’t get their foot in the door.
            .
            I will take Bill Walsh’s point of view over yours. He saw the need to increase minority representation, because there were many deserving black coaches. It is a fallacy to assume only white coaches are qualified, especially with the loss records.

            1. How many of the players actually pursue careers as coaches following retirement?

              How many are qualified?

              How many coaches in the NFL actually played 1 down in the NFL? Did Shanahan? Did Reid? Did Belichick? The best coaches last year did not play a single down in the NFL, Shanny, Reid, Harbaugh, LaFleur, Zimmer, Carroll not a single snap and Payton only counts as playing as he was part of the scabs that played during the 87 strike season.

              Of the 32 head coaches, only 9 actually played in the NFL, so ex-players making it to head coach level isn’t a good measuring stick.

              https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/a-5-part-plan-to-fix-the-nfls-coaching-diversity-problem/

              1. In an ideal world, if three quarters of the players are black, three quarters of the coaches should be black. Instead, they are only about 10% black. It would be nice to elevate that number.
                .
                I have never ever said that former players would make the best coaches. Joe Montana would have been a terrible coach, and he emphatically admits it. Brent Jones had the opportunity to become a coach, but did not want to spend so many hours working.
                .
                However, there are many examples of former players becoming position coaches, because their NFL experience helped them understand the nuances of the game.
                .
                Many former black players would jump at the chance to coach, because it would be job security and they do not have as many lucrative opportunities otherwise. It is also all they know, and are expert at, in many cases.
                .
                The problem is, in this polarized society, some white players may resent a black coach telling them what to do. It is beyond their comfort level. Only very accomplished black players can command respect. That is just another reality.

              2. Are ex-players who are black less likely to become coaches? If so, that’s one place to address.

                But surely most of the systematic disadvantages happen WAY earlier. How many bright, not-quite-NFL caliber college players who are black get opportunities like Shanny did? There must be so much potential talent left untapped, and the NFL knows it. “Affirmative action” type rules and quotas stink, because they’re discriminatory and the best person won’t necessarily get hired, yet might be the fastest way to shift a status quo. You have to break the Old Boys Network!

                (“Deserving” isn’t the same as “best”…)

        2. Discrimination is doing everything to favor some race.
          With your plantation comment you are really living in your own world.

          1. In America, there is a provision to have the right to redress past injustices.
            .
            Minorities, especially blacks, are burdened with this saying- Last to get hired, first to get fired. Many coaches do not deserve their job, but just keep it due to the color of their skin, and who they know.
            .
            Slavery was a scourge and evil stain on our history. Ignoring that fact will not have it go away.
            .
            Sounds like you have a plantation mentality.

            1. Seb says:
              May 21, 2020 at 9:10 am
              In America, there is a provision to have the right to redress past injustices.
              .
              Minorities, especially blacks, are burdened with this saying- Last to get hired, first to get fired. Many coaches do not deserve their job, but just keep it due to the color of their skin, and who they know.
              .
              Slavery was a scourge and evil stain on our history. Ignoring that fact will not have it go away.
              .
              Sounds like you have a plantation mentality.

              And yet you vote for the party that enslaved black people, keep them in the gutters of their war torn cities and pander to them as if they’re to stupid to think for themselves, handed them welfare from a president who said he’d have them +*^* voting democrat for years with it,
              Biden and his racists comments today proves that they’re still enslaving the minority in this country. Just in other ways.
              If you vote for these clowns you might want to put the dark history away while trying to make a point!

              1. Sounds like you have a problem with blacks, md. In your telling they must be too something to realize they overwhelmingly support the racist party and candidate that’s still enslaving them. Now what is that something you are thinking???? Give us a hint.

                Black Americans

                Black Americans are remarkably unified in their opposition to Trump. Black Americans make up 12% of the population, and more than three in four (77%) say they hold mostly or very unfavorable views of Trump. A 56% majority say they have very unfavorable views of him. Fewer than one in five (18%) say they are favorable toward Trump.

                https://www.prri.org/research/despite-chaos-and-controversy-trump-favorability-stable-throughout-2019/

              2. Biden apologizes and recognized his mistake.
                Name ONE instance when Scump apologized and recognized his mistake!

              3. Since this was addressed at me, I will respond.
                .
                Abraham Lincoln did belong to the Republican party, and they did fight against the southern states to end slavery.
                .
                However, Republicans have been the party against the Voting Rights Act, Civil Rights Act, and any meaningful way to let minorities have power, progress or any advancement of any kind. The Republicans have disenfranchised Black voters for years with their polling taxes, literacy tests. The voter suppression of Blacks and other minorities is the main way Republicans win office, with their Gerrymandered districts. Some who claim the Democratic Party is racist conveniently forget that the Democrats nominated a black man, who then went on to win 2 terms as President.
                .
                Meanwhile, the present President discriminated against Blacks for years. He calls African nations- Shirthole Countries, and called a Black QB an SOB. He is such a racist, he calls Mexicans rapists, calls Nazis- fine people and delights in putting minority children in cages. He made a Black Gold Star widow cry.
                .
                Biden was right. Black people who support Trump are voting against their own self interests, just like the soybean farmers. It’s crazy. Maybe he was inartful in his semantics, but he owned up to them and made a sincere, heartfelt apology. Black people do have to be crazy to support Trump. He does not care about Black people, and is openly hostile towards them.
                .
                You can call Biden a racist, but that does make it true. I can call Trump a racist, and a rapist, and can back that up with facts.
                .
                How can I prove Biden does not hate blacks? He ran with a Black man as Vice President, and he is contemplating asking a Black woman to be his running mate.
                .
                You can project all you want, but we all know who the real racist is.

  34. This is the most idiotic drivel I’ve ever read in my life.

    Welcome to the blog CW. Hope you have thick skin.

  35. Having a discussion about CK is about as relevant as one regarding who should the 9ers go forward with Brodie or Tittle. At least a discussion about Alex Smith is one about a (hopefully) active player. So i’m going to break down and add another banned subject to politics, thats right i’m adding discussions about CK. To paraphrase the Seinfeld show, Seb no Kaep for you. Stay tuned for other subjects I will be adding to my banned list. (God I have too much time on my hands)

    1. The rate you are going on banning stuff it wont be long before the only thing allowed on a football blog is….football – hmmm

      1. The rate he’s going on banning stuff it won’t be long before he’s the new governor of Michigan!

        2. MI Gov Approval : Approve 64% Disapprove 33%
          Presidential Election MI: Biden 50% Trumpy 42%

          LOL

              1. Elkhart, 15 miles east of South Bend, 11 miles south of Edwardsburg, MI.

            2. Razor

              She has a 64% approval rate and 33% disapproval rate, and everyone hates her…? I’ll start reading you posts closer….

              1. You guys putting faith in some artificial approval rating is actually hilarious. It’s like you find your self worth in how many followers you have on Twitter. The modern world is so bizarre. Any data element can be manipulated so if you live your life finding importance in some stupid data element you are truly a lost soul.

              2. Well, when I walk into a veterinarian’s office in Cassopolis, MI and the doctor walks in bitching about the governor, and I reply “you elected her”; she retorts, “I didn’t vote for her”. That should tell you all you need to know, and that was with zero provocation. You go ahead and believe those little polls of yours, and I’ll believe what I’m hearing and seeing on the ground….

              3. LOL yes. The highly regarded polling firm of Houston and Razor. Anecdote equals evidence. Keep thinking that. ???

              4. The fact that Razor goes into a Veterinarian office to get his hydroxychloroquine should give you an indication of where he gets his advice….

          2. BruceLee says:
            May 20, 2020 at 1:27 pm
            MI Gov Approval : Approve 64% Disapprove 33%
            Presidential Election MI: Biden 50% Trumpy 42%

            LOL

            Clinton ahead in the polls with 80 percent of the vote.
            Clinton winning in a landslide
            It’s over for trump latest polls show.
            You have to be kidding posting up polls after what happened 3+ years ago.

        3. In 5 months you’re little boyfriend will be banned from office….and then stuff gets real.

        4. CWN, you may notice those loudest calling for a ban on political topics are the first to bring up said political topics. Do what you will, I don’t envy you.

          Question, will you ban posters sporting politically themed avatars? In about 5 months, there’s this guy Razoreater that would run afoul of that ban.

            1. While appreciative of the shredder’s technical proficiency, give me SRV any day. And don’t forget, Ry Cooder got the best of Steve Vai in “Crossroads” ;)

  36. “The Athletic’s David Lombardi reports the 49ers have yet to determine whether Dre Greenlaw or Kwon Alexander will be the team’s starting weakside linebacker.

    The loser of that battle will obviously be the team’s starting SAM linebacker, but it’s still a significant competition to monitor for camp since the WLB will remain on the field in nickel packages. Greenlaw claims that he didn’t completely master the 49ers’ defensive scheme until the playoffs, but his 92 tackles and two pass breakups as a sideline-to-sideline stalwart across 725 snaps suggests otherwise. It would not be shocking to see Greenlaw win the job given Alexander’s lengthy injury history (and need to limit his snaps).”

    Alexander’s 2020 cap number is $4.6 million (dead money would be $14.5 million). In 2021 the cap number is $16.5 million (with a dead money hit of $10.5 million) and in 2022 the cap number is $16.6 million with dead money of $7.3 million. Not until 2023 does the cap hit go down to $2.2 million but the dead money would be $4.2 million.

    1. Cubus,
      Moving Alexander to the SAM linebacker makes sense. If he can stay healthy for 16 games and be fresh for the playoffs it would be huge.

  37. Just saw an interview with Raheem Mostert on youtube its under the heading of “Press Pass” it was recorded about an hour ago. I tell you what the more I hear from this guy the more I like him. He is not only a great RB but he is a class human being. He talks about life during the pandemic, he talks about how we all have to take care of each other and be safe. He is not a tough guy to root for.

  38. C- Dub…….grant did NOT know what he was talking about half the time……..the other half the time, he was full of $h!t
    Based off of the thoughts you shared……i think you’ll be alright

  39. CW- my only issue with your opinions is that on Lynch. clearly ( IMO) your view lacks context.
    first of all, in 2016 we gave up the most rushing yards in the history of the NFL i believe…….and that points us in the direction of Thomas and Foster…….ST was never meant to be a lights out pass rusher…..he was brought in to defend against the run and draw double teams…..and keep a LB free to make a play. RF was said LB.
    ST was the “safe pick” …..a good dude from Stanford. RF was the gamble. At the time…..it didnt look half bad……RF had red flags…..but he was also a top 5-10 talent……so getting him at 31 was a steal. The Saints were set to take him with the next pick……so there was a consensus on the value vs risk evening out at the end of round 1.

    It was JL’s first 2 at bats in the bigs…….and he struck out……but you cant judge a guy on his first 2 at bats. He made up for it w Kittle in round 5.
    MM was solid in round 1 the next year…….and Bosa was a home run! He’s drafted well in mid rounds and taken undrafted free agents and made them starters……and even parlayed them into draft picks ….like Breida!
    But his biggest impact is the credibility hes brought!!!! Again, context……Trent Baalke was despised around the league……lacked trust and respect! We went from having one of the most despised GMs in the NFL…….to having one of the most respected!!!! The proof is in the facts that the FO leaks have stopped, FAs will come here now, other GMs will deal with us……players are happy to be traded here……and they will even take less $ and accept team friendly structures to their contracts!!!!
    Make no mistake my friend…..John Lynch is a top 5 GM in the league…….and based off of how young his career is…….hes on a trajectory to be the best!

    1. j – When this staff was put together, Lynch, Shanny, Saleh had no experience at their current position. I am sure you know that, but where I was going with that along with the no experience also comes no pre conceived ideas which imo is good. From the day this staff was organized I have been on their bandwagon, and your right Lynch is on his way to being a top GM. This staff has done one heck of a job in three years.

      1. UC- you are right my friend.. and i think that led to the Thomas Foster mistakes….the inexperience….

        Thomas- top 5 picks should be spent on -QB, LT, EDGE, #1 wr. #1 cb…….but we were waiting for Kousins, we had 2 really good Tackles, the talent was not there for edge, wr or cb…..and they want to build from the LoS out……so they werent taking a safety, Jamal Adams………..by default they took ST, trying to talk him up to being Aaron Donald 2.0……and they whiffed! Based off what i just detailed……they should have traded wayyyyyy back or traded out of round 1 all together! But those guys were chomping at the bit to get started rebuilding that team. Hindsight says they should have took Mahomes or Watson….

        Again, with what ive laid out above…..there was not many obvious choices at 2-3……and based off giving up all those rushing yards the previous year……they probably considered taking Foster at 3……and only chose not to due to off field issues.
        I think they felt good getting Foster late, to offset the risk……and felt that even if Thomas never lives up to AD 2.0…………..between him and Foster…they shored up the run defense.
        It didnt happen……both players look to be flops…..but the thought process was sound, and thats why i dont get too worked up about those first 2 picks.
        You throw in Kittle…….and all they did in 2017 was draft one of the 2 best players in the league by 2019

  40. If you get this far in comments….

    1. Remember Jimmy’s first plays late in the Seahawks game. He went around to the receivers and called the next three plays that got that touchdown. People underestimate Jimmy, but then he is young in this game and has his faults.

    2. I admire the management’s support of players, both the longterm like Staley, but also keeping Mackinnon, Hurd, and Ward around. Much better returns than junk bonds – I think the new healing regime at the 49ers will show dramatic improvements this year, starting with Mackinnon, Hurd, and Verrit. If they stay healthy watch out!
    Also, I remember Lynch was one of the first NFL players to be bigtime into vitamins or herbs or things like that. If my brain is not off, this would be fascinating to look into.
    3. I think the UDFAs deserve individual attention. Would really like to get to know them.
    4. The important comparisons are within our division which is the strongest in the NFL, but in reality how do we stack up against the rest of the NFL? We are talking about taking on the best and beating them all.
    5. The video reporting on a few 49ers who have demonstrated their “home” workouts have been very interesting. It would be great to expand this to as many players as possible.
    6. An occasional look into the 49er’s management style, and perhaps a deeper look into how they decide on players, and how Paranthe conducts contracts.
    These are some things I am interested in. Hope this helps.

    Be sure and have fun whenever possible,

    Bill Bruneau

  41. Old Coach, I will be happy to discuss other subjects. Others need to show restraint, too.
    .
    I think AS will never play a down again, just like Joe Theisman, unless AS can play on one leg.
    .
    The 49ers are not immune from QB controversies. Tittle/Brodie, Deberg/Montana, and the biggest hullabaloo, Montana/Young. AS/CK was just a tempest in a teapot, compared to that.

  42. The real bad news is ….they don’t even pretend anymore……a politician openly expecting a tv network to support his campaign……(this shyte does not make America great)

    Donald Trump launched a Twitter tirade against Fox News on Thursday — the second one this week — accusing the network of “doing nothing to help Republicans” and himself get reelected in November.

    2. They (Fox ) are scoundrels, but some of them aren’t complete idiots. Why do you think they are working from home instead of the studio ? They see the ship is sinking.

    3. “if you don’t vote for me and you vote Trump. You’re not black”
      Chew on that onelame.
      This is the same guy who spearheaded the three strikes law too btw.
      But you don’t care. He claims blue gang. So he’s good. Tfooh

      1. “if you don’t vote for me and you vote Trump. You’re not black”

        For which he rightly apologized. When have you ever heard the words “I’m sorry” escape Trumpos lips? I’ll help you. Never.

      1. Hey, according to the barber in the movie “Coming to America” Joe Louis was 137 years old when he fought Rocky Marciano ?

        1. That’s nothing. Noah was 525 when building the ark. I read that somewhere, where was that??? Some people just have better genes I guess.

          1. Ha! Methusaleh lived to 969 years. I’d be interested in his daily food diet, that’s for sure ?

  44. The NFL is proposing to change the onside kick to a 4th and 15 option.
    .
    That sounds like it is too drastic, and too easy to complete. I am old school, and think it is a bad idea.

    1. Seb, you’re getting old….
      No new innovative way to suggest what they should do instead???

      1. From the smash mouth 80’s, to the flag football played today, football is becoming unrecognizable.
        .
        Something that might change the nature of the game? How about field goals kicked over 55 yard counting as 4 points, and field goal tries within 15 yards count as only 2 points.

        1. Let’s go to 3 downs, and missed FGs count as a single point. The field is too small too… make it a bit wider and longer, to help with social distancing!

          1. How about allowing FG rugby style?
            Kick them from anywhere on the field, on the run, counts for 5 points.
            It is called FOOTball after all.

            1. Hmmm, maybe eliminate the holder? Joe Montana always dreamed about drop kicking a point after. ;p

          2. How about FG attempts that hit an upright count for 5 points? ? kickers, take aim!

    2. Why don’t they just go back to the old rules. The team would just declare there intention to kick on side. Its not like end of game on side kicks were a surprise but they were still successful quite a bit more often then they are now and because it is an on side kick there isn’t the same injury rate as it was under the old KO rules.

    1. I’m not really one to talk about non-football related issues on this blog, but yeah, this was one of the most predictable outcomes of recent times. And despite their approach their economy has been severely impacted like everywhere else.

    2. Boy that universal healthcare is really working.
      This doesn’t show age, who was already sick, and how clean they are over there.
      And BTW. It’s the WHO reporting this.
      Must I post up the blunders these idiots have already been caught with?
      Maybe they told Sweden it won’t get caught by other people!
      It’s not a big deal!
      Oh idk they are “credible” at this point in time. ??
      And with the archived facts that they have been overblowing the actual deaths from the virus. Only a lamb would buy what they’re saying at this point.

    1. That is good news. Now we know why they thought Breida was expendable.
      .
      Also, DJ Jones says that his ankle is at 100%, so he is fully recovered from his injury.

  47. Jones really started coming into his own last year before his injury. I predict that he will be an important part of the 49ers D line rotation. Especially on passing downs, I see him getting at least 5 sacks. My concern with the D line is depth at DE,. If Ford has health problems I don’t see anyone on the roster who is good for any more than 1 or 2 sacks. I don’t think we will see Blair on the field till game 8 and he won’t be back to near 100% until 2021.

    1. With DJ Jones and Javon Kinlaw playing at DT, maybe they would move out Armstead and let Ford be a third down specialist, in order to lessen the wear and tear on his knee.

      1. I think that makes sense. Armstead can play both positions, and I think Jones was on his way last year to establishing himself as a dominant pass-rushing DT. He seems to have a lot of confidence in himself and a chip on his shoulder. He wants to play 3rd down and sees himself in the mold of Fletcher Cox. Here’s what one analyst said about him before the 2017 draft:

        “There is some hidden potential with Jones. Much of it is tied to whether he can improve his snap anticipation and perfect the use of his hands. Scheme will prove crucial to his development. Put him in an aggressive system where he’s allow to attack up the field, he might end up surprising people thanks to his quickness and deceptive strength.”
        https://nflmocks.com/2017/03/26/d-j-jones-dt-ole-miss-2017-nfl-draft-scouting-report/

        This seems to be happening.

        1. I agree. I think the Niners had kept the teams in the first half of the season, around 100 yards rushing, but once DJ Jones went down, other teams had a lot more success running the ball.

      2. Replacing Buck with Kinlaw and using Armstead and Ford in the exact same roles they used them in last year… I dunno, seems like a real stretch to me.

    2. With Julian Taylor and Ronald Blair out due to ACLs, that may give Kevin Givens and Alex Barrett a chance to play.

      1. Just a thought here about Taylor: He hurt a knee in college and again last year. I’ve looked online re whether it was the same knee but wasn’t able to find anything. Anyway, I’m wondering if he’ll ever return to that level of play that got some of us excited about his potential, me included. Again, just a thought. Who knows?

        1. George, I think it was his right knee that he hurt near the end of December, but had previously hurt his left knee in college.
          .
          Before he was injured, he had made a huge play, stopping a 4th and short play. He is inexperienced, but shows a lot of potential.

    1. RIP, Jerry Sloan. He is an example of a very accomplished player becoming a very solid coach. Too bad his teams ran up against Michael Jordan, when they went to the finals in back to back years.

      1. Twice? Sloan’s Jazz got off easy. Ewing’s Knicks lost to Jordan’s Bulls every series they faced them in the Eastern Conference playoffs – 5 times. I know, I was at every one of those games at MSG ?

        1. Jerry Sloan didn’t get off easy though. My heart goes out to him. Knowing someone who had it, that Lewy body dementia is a horrible horrible horrible affliction for both the suffering and the loved ones around him. Robin Williams took his life rather than go through it.

    2. I hope Patrick Ewing has a full recovery. He was one of the last dominant big men. Nowadays, the dominant center is a thing of the past.

    1. That’s what I heard. It’s probably illegal everywhere not to refund money for a non-delivered service, unless you go bankrupt.

        1. However they handle it it will make a huge difference in profits which will produce a huge lowering of the salary cap. There is going to be a lot of quality players being cut just to get under the cap. As different as 2020 is going to be 2021 may be the real strange year.

  50. Good that Nevius has picked up the baton so that the inmates don’t have to run the asylum.

    Meanwhile, some of the receivers and Jimmy G have been getting together to run routes.
    https://twitter.com/OurSf49ers/status/1263912385447780352

    New daily COVID positive tests in Santa Clara has been holding steady in the range of 10-25 for a better part of a month. Hopefully, CA will go to Stage 3 in early June, the campgrounds will open, and Niners can start preparing for TC in late July.

    1. The cap situation will be very interesting next year. If the covid virus hits the NFL in the pocket book like most of us believe it will there could be (for the first time ever) a drop in the cap and who knows it could be pretty substantial. If that happens there could be chaos in FA signings.

  52. Other than that I believe the Kittle signing is a steal. Top WR’s can earn up to 20 mill per year. I believe that Kittle is more valuable than any WR out there. So all in all not a bad deal. imho

    2. I believe the Kittle signing is a steal

      I agree, coach. Looks like Kittle took a home team discount. Maybe the team told him they’d be looking for a new QB after this season. /grant cohn

    3. It won’t be a steal unless he signs for 12 mill or so per year. The 15 mill number being throw around is a severe overpay not because of Kittle but the FT amount for TE’s. They could FT him for 3 years and not pay anything near 15 mill until the 3rd year, so it would make no sense to give him that in a long term contract right now. I can see it if they move the number up to that amount in year 4 or 5 of a 5 year deal though.

      1. It would make perfect sense to sign Kittle to a long term contract. First of all, it would be a reward for his past season, and it would show Kittle that the Niners really appreciate his contributions to the team. Considering he was rated as one of the best players in the league, he should be paid commensurate to his worth.
        .
        When I see him driving DBs away from the ball carrier, and put them on their backs, I think he is worth WR money.
        .
        I hope he signs a 5 year deal with 40 mil guaranteed and a big signing bonus. Then I hope he plays for 10 years and helps the Niners win a few rings.
        .
        PAY DA MAN.

  53. Grant on SI says the Niners have a good defense, but it will not be as great as last season.
    .
    I totally disagree. With all the injured defenders returning, and the replacement of Buckner with Kinlaw, the Niner defense will not skip a beat.
    .
    Kinlaw is 30 pounds heavier than Buckner, so he will be able to not only take on the double teams, he can beat the double teams. The Niner run defense was middle of the road, so the emergence of Kinlaw and the return of DJ Jones will make the run defense more stout.
    .
    Kris Kocurek installed the Wide 9 defense last season, so the players will have had a year to become familiar with it, and will play it even better with more experience. The LBs are the unsung heroes, and Warner, Kwon and Greenlaw will be more in sync this next season. The DBs have many dark horse candidates. I hope Jason Verrett is finally healthy, and Demarkus Acy may be a stupendous addition. Tim Harris is another sleeper candidate.
    .
    I expect the Niner defense to improve, not decline.

      1. I agree. He may make the DB cuts painful, especially if Verrett is back healthy.

    2. The defense may not be as good in some areas, and better in others. Case in point, Warner/Greenlaw/Alexander look like a new defensive wrinkle waiting to happen. Getting Jones back will be a big deal upfront as well….

      1. Yeah, I dont expect the defense to be ranked as high as it was last year but it will still be elite.
        Looking at Downsides.
        – The biggest loss for SF will be Joe Woods, he was one of the best db coaches in the NFL and really helped SF morph their defensive secondary from a bottom feeder to one of the best in the NFL.

        – Buckner to Kinlaw will be a downgrade for the first half of the season at least. However, I think he could be a monster as a pass rusher in this defense and could actually be an improvement by seasons end. (Though that is unlikely)

        – Age/secondary depth, will Sherman’s speed at this ages decline enough that he will be a weak link in the secondary? Doubtful, but it does bear watching.

        – Regression, will Ward and Armstead regress to the mean now that they are not playing for a contract?

        Looking at the Positives.
        – Injuries/Health – at some point you have to believe that just by the law of averages this team will not be so injury riddled. If that is the case the depth that this team fields could really come into play late in the season.

        – Continuity, with the defense finally having settled in on their roles the players should become even more disciplined in their assignments. Ward for one could have a jump in play production as he becomes more settled.

        – Dee Ford, this could be placed with injuries but his (and Bosa’s) influence is crucial. This defense is a different beast when he is one the field and if he is able to remain on the field for the whole season, even if used as Haley like pass rusher he should get this team off the field on most 3rd downs.

        All in all I could care less if the team struggles early in the season as long as long as they thunder down the home stretch like a freight train.

        1. I wonder if the familiarity of Oden and Kocurek might increase the level of coordination between pass rush and coverage….

          1. Perhaps, that is a good question. It is possible but at the positional level I am more a fan of getting the best coaches available. I believe more in getting guys who teach positional and schematics to the players at a high level. That said I don’t know how good of a teacher Tony is, so there is no slight to him.

            That said, why Joe was so valuable was that he was very good at that, and additionally he had experience as a DC so he could really help be a sounding board for Saleh.

            1. Losing Woods is unfortunate, but at least he helped Saleh to have the best pass defense in the league, so they just need to build on that, instead of starting from scratch.
              .
              I am still hoping the new DB coach can convert Sherman to safety. It would help disguise his loss of speed, and possibly extend his career.
              .
              Last season, teams went away from passing the ball, so that is why they were 12th in the league in rushing defense. Now, with Kinlaw, and DJ Jones coming back strong, I hope they can be stout against the run. That may make teams pass more.

              1. I would hate that.
                That would put Witherspoon on the field with Mosely and take Tartt off the field.

                There is no way that lineup combination is better than Sherman, Mosely, Tartt and Ward. If they wanted to move him to Safety then they would have been better off cutting him and saving 3 million or letting Ward walk. If they moved him now it would mean management doesn’t have a clear vision going forward.

              2. I respectfully disagree. If they move him, that means that they will have made a shrewd assessment, adapted and changed, just like they did with Ronnie Lott. Richard Sherman would still be a leader, and he is so talented and smart, imho, he can excel at a new position.
                .
                From the draft, they might move McKivitz to guard, Woerner to FB and Chase Harrell to DE. Players shift positions all the time.That is why they are selecting versatile players.
                .
                Losing a step is no bueno for a CB, but no problemo for a safety. It has been done many, many times. As a Safety, Sherman might be able to play for 3 or 4 more years.
                .
                I am hoping they showcase Witherspoon, then trade him away. The Reason? The emergence of DeMarkus Acy or Tim Harris could be the solution to finding the CB to play with Moseley.
                .
                With all the 3 receiver sets in the NFL, they Niners will be in Nickle and Dime packages a lot. Tartt could be a hybrid LB/Safety in that system.

    3. Who cares what Grant on SI says? The guy is a moron who thankfully doesn’t pollute this site anymore.

    4. Seb,
      Are you aware that we nearly went a week without a Grant mention?
      C’mon Seb, let him go my friend ?

      1. Grant isn’t coming back.
        Kap isn’t coming back.
        Chip Kelly isn’t coming back.
        Jim Tomsula isn’t coming back.
        Gore might come back to retire, but not to play.

      2. I did totally disagree with him, and never said I wanted him back.
        .
        I have also mentioned things from NN, so it is not like I am doting on him.
        .
        Jeez, at least I am not talking politics. ;p

        1. Grant is less liked than politics around here. At least with politics you’ll only piss off half the people.

  54. Dang, the Seahawks signed Carlos Hyde. Another case of them obtaining former Niner players. Fortunately, he has been gone so long, his intel is basically useless.
    .
    However, Hyde should be super motivated to do well against his former team. I just hope he struggles upright for every inch, gets gang tackled, and stripped of the ball.

    1. Some people (pundits) thought that Hyde would be similar in style to Zeke Elliott – they were flat out wrong!
      One difference: After a big run, Zeke would say “feed me.” Hyde would say “take me out for a breather.”
      Hyde is an average RB with no heart. I’m not sure that he makes the seahags roster.

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