Smith 49ers’ best chance, Singletary said

Alex Smith will re-enter the starting lineup on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, coach Mike Singletary said. In explaining his decision, Singletary said Shaun Hill gave the 49ers their best chance to win early in the season, but the team’s best hope is with Smith at quarterback.   Here’s what Singletary had to say during his Monday press conference:   –“I wanted to make a decision based upon who I…

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Smith’s rally falls short; Singletary undecided on QB

Coach Mike Singletary was the last person on the 49ers’ side to talk to the media today. Generally, the head coach is the first.   Singletary returned to his hometown today, and the 49ers were simply awful in the first half. They fell behind 21-0. Before heading to the locker room, he suggested to offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye that the 49ers make a change at quarterback.   Raye was certainly…

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Digit system speeds Crabtree’s learning

When Norv Turner brought the “digit system” to the 49ers in 2006, it signaled a change in offensive terminology for the organization after more than a quarter-century with the Bill Walsh’s fabled “West Coast Offense.’   In Walsh’s old system, it might have been impossible for a wide receiver, such as Michael Crabtree, to show up after four games and then be expected to play at least half of his…

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Asking questions can be hard work

A large part of my job is asking questions. Sometimes I ask good questions. However, there are times when I ask really stupid questions. I generally know it’s stupid before my voice inflection changes to produce that final verbal punctuation.   I talked to 49ers fullback Moran Norris this week. Norris is a Houston native who spent four seasons as a fullback for the Texans before signing with the 49ers…

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Smith shares shoulder experiences with Bradford

Watching Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford sustain a separated throwing shoulder against Brigham Young early in the season conjured memories of Alex Smith’s injury, which he suffered early in the 2007 season.   I approached Smith today to ask him for his thoughts on what Bradford is experiencing. As it turns out, Smith spoke to Bradford on Wednesday to help him sort out his options.

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Hill is starting QB . . . until he’s not

Coach Mike Singletary placed most of the blame on the 49ers’ offensive line when asked about the struggles in the passing game the day after the team’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons. But today during his opening remarks to the media, Singletary expressed for the first time that he expects better play from Shaun Hill. Might this mean that Alex Smith should be ready for his big chance? “Our quarterback, Shaun Hill,…

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49ers look for power switch

The power is off here at the 49ers’ team offices after a transformer – very loudly – went out in the area a couple hours ago.   In an unrelated event, the 49ers are trying to inject some power into their offense. Although it’s not a done deal, coach Mike Singletary confirmed there is a “strong possibility” receiver Michael Crabtree will be in the starting lineup Sunday against the Texans.

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Crabtree likely to start Sunday’s game

There is a “strong possibility” rookie receiver Michael Crabtree will be in the starting lineup Sunday against the Houston Texans, 49ers coach Mike Singletary confirmed this afternoon.   Josh Morgan started the first five games for the 49ers at split end. But Morgan told The Press Democrat today he has been informed Crabtree and Isaac Bruce will be the 49ers’ starting receivers on Sunday.   Furthermore, Morgan remained at the 49ers’…

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