Drew Brees on Alex Smith: “He looks like he’s playing with a lot of confidence, and yet taking care of the football and being a great game manager.”

Drew Brees spoke to Bay Area writers on a conference call this afternoon. Here’s what he said. Q: What makes the 49ers so difficult to play against? BREES: “First of all it’s a 3-4 system, which we don’t see all that often. It’s been a little while since we’ve played a 3-4 team. They’re built differently. They’re typically a lot bigger, more physical – definitely what you see from San…

January 10, 2012
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Alex Smith on Drew Brees: “I’m looking to outscore him. He can throw for however many yards he wants to.”

SANTA CLARA – Here’s the transcript of Alex Smith’s Tuesday group interview, courtesy of the 49ers. What are your feelings going into your first playoff game? “Excited. Obviously, this is why you play. You play to get into the postseason. Get your ticket to the dance. Excited to be hosting a home game. Looking forward to it. Can’t wait to see what the stadium is like. Obviously, we’ve got a…

January 10, 2012
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Saints beat writer dopes out Saturday’s game

As part of our coverage, the Press Democrat proposed to Mike Triplett of The New Orleans Times-Picayune an exchange of questions, to which he readily agreed, so the PD could cast light on the Niners and Triplett could cast light on the Saints for Bay Area readers. Here are five questions and answers about the Saints plus a bonus question. 1. The Saints beat the Niners at Candlestick 25-22 in…

January 9, 2012
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Five reasons the Niners have a good chance to beat the Saints

Here are five reasons the Niners have a good chance to beat the Saints on Saturday. 1. The Niners can get pressure on Drew Brees with their front by attacking the weak link on the Saints line – center Brian De La Puente – with Aldon Smith on stunts. Justin Smith can occupy Pro Bowl left tackle Jermon Bushrod and Pro Bowl left guard Carl Nicks and free up Aldon…

January 8, 2012
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Re: the offense, Cosell wonders: “Do they not have enough dimensions, or do they not have enough talent?”

Here is the transcript of this morning’s Greg Cosell interview on KNBR’s Murph and Mac Show. Enjoy. Q: You told us the Ravens were a homework week – that they presented so many different problems on defense that you needed as much time as possible to prepare. That set off a little red flag in my brain and sure enough, nine sacks for Alex Smith. Do you credit that partially…

December 1, 2011
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911 call for secondary: Is there a CB in the draft?

Late in the second quarter of the Niners’ 34-7 loss to San Diego on Thursday night, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers spotted the mismatch — wide receiver Vincent Jackson on linebacker Takeo Spikes — and lofted a pass to Jackson for a much-too-easy 11-yard touchdown. After the game, Spikes didn’t reveal whether he was supposed to receive help on the play. Instead, he focused on Rivers, who made the play happen….

December 18, 2010
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