Alex Smith was anointed the 49ers’ starting quarterback just five games into his rookie season. Now, he’s been promoted to the same position in the seventh game of his fifth year. * * *
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…
Is 49ers’ QB situation following the script?
Coach Mike Singletary is scheduled for his usual Monday press conference around noon today, and I expect him to announce Alex Smith as the team’s starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Colts.
Niners players talk about loss to Texans
Here is what some of the 49ers’ notable players had to say in the locker room after the 49ers’ 24-21 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday.
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…
49ers-Texans live in-game blog/chat
Click here to join me during today’s 49ers-Texans game.
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…
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…
Lewis won’t play; third QB won’t travel
The 49ers are packing for their trip to Houston after going through their last practice in Santa Clara.
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.
Crabtree talks football, Part 2
And here’s Part II of Michael Crabtree’s meeting today with the assembled media inside the 49ers’ locker room: * * *
Crabtree talks football, Part I
Michael Crabtree met with the media today for the first time since we reported the likelihood that the rookie receiver could start in his NFL debut Sunday against the Texans. Here is Part I of Crabtree’s group interview session: * * *
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,…
Gore takes part in full practice
Running back Frank Gore, who missed the past two games with a bum right ankle, went through a full practice today, as the 49ers began preparations to face the Houston Texans on Sunday. Gore had his right ankle taped as he went out to the practice field.
Singletary’s message: We want to win
Niners coach Mike Singletary said today he has yet to make a final decision whether Michael Crabtree will be in the starting lineup for the 49ers on Sunday against the Houston Texans. “He’s certainly going to play a lot, and that’s the bottom line,” Singletary said.
Breakfast with Kubiak
The bachelors on the 49ers beat were groggy this morning at 7 when it was time to dial in and talk to Texans coach Gary Kubiak. Thankfully, my alarm clock is set every morning for 6:30.
All’s quiet in final hour of trade deadline
***UPDATE (1:24 p.m.): It’s official. The 49ers did not make any trades today. The trade deadline was 24 minutes ago. The NFL trade period re-opens in March 2010.*** * * * There’s about 45 minutes to go before the window closes on NFL trades until March. And there’s nothing to suggest the 49ers will be making a deal.
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.
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’…