In Matt Barrows’ article this morning he uses a great metaphor for how Jim Harbaugh blows his whistle. Barrows says he blows it like a Manhattan traffic cop. I say he blows it more like the leader of the marching band. He blows it with short bursts followed by a long melodic blow, from low to high, and sometimes he extends the notes. It sounds like music. I want to…
SANTA CLARA – Sorry to be so late with this. I had computer problems today in Santa Clara. Jim Harbaugh addressed the media after practice at a podium under a tent facing the field. When we asked questions he’d pause for a second or two before responding, face completely blank. Then he’d either light up and respond enthusiastically or bypass the question with a vague, short answer. He’s the opposite…
SANTA CLARA – Here’s the first scene from the 49ers’ first practice of the 2011 training camp. New quarterback Colin Kaepernick lined up under new center Adam Snyder, and took snaps as new head coach Jim Harbaugh watched on a knee like an umpire calling balls and strikes. It was these three men in the middle of the field. Harbaugh’s attention was focused completely on Kaepernick, and the rookie was…
Training camp starts Friday and here are the top-five people I’m interested to watch. 1. Jim Harbaugh. It’s important to see how he runs a practice. Does he teach? Does he delegate work to his other coaches? Does he spend most his time with the quarterbacks? 2. Colin Kaepernick. How comfortable is he running the offense? What are his strengths and weaknesses? How does he interact with his teammates? Does…
SANTA CLARA – Here’s the most interesting interview of the week, courtesy of undrafted signee and former Stanford tight end Konrad Reuland. Reuland described the tight end’s role in Jim Harbaugh’s offense, which is fascinating. Also, he echoed a theme uttered by many of the undrafted players – he signed here because he wants to play for Harbaugh. Reuland is a giant. He’s 6’4” 260 lbs. He only caught 21…
SANTA CLARA – I just interviewed Jeremiah Masoli in a group at 49ers headquarters. The transcript is below, but first, here are my impressions of the rookie. Like Delanie Walker, he was a pleasure to interview. He made eye contact whenever a reporter asked a question, and he responded thoughtfully. I’m not saying his pleasant manner indicates he’ll be a good football player, I just found it surprising, considering his…
SANTA CLARA – Delanie Walker spoke to the media in the press room at 49ers facilities Tuesday Morning. He sported a fresh Mohawk, fresh Warriors basketball shorts, and fresh vans that looked like sneakers. He looked fresh. He was smiling and laughing and he cracked a couple jokes – one at Harbaugh’s expense. He also spoke about the playbook and his fitness. Here are a few choice quotes from the…
Jim Harbaugh strode into the press room at 4949 Centennial Blvd. with a big, confident smile on his face and announced: “Hello, it’s on.” He had an aura and a twinkle in his eye reminiscent of Willy Wonka opening his chocolate factory for the lucky little boys and girls of the world. Harbaugh even quoted Wonka, explaining that the 49ers have “so much to do, so little time to do…
Jim Harbaugh dismissed the notion that Michael Crabtree’s character would be a problem, terming the wide receiver “a good guy and a good football player.”
Alex Smith has his share of critics, including … Alex Smith.
Jim Harbaugh didn’t throw a single pass during his final NFL season, but he did make quite a prediction.
What does Jim Harbaugh see in Alex Smith? The statistics suggest he might see himself.
It’s obviously too early to assess Jim Harbaugh in his new job – he was hired four months ago and has yet to actually coach. But I’m prepared to give Harbaugh high marks in one area: language.
Can Alex Smith alter the trajectory of his career? Why not. That’s a phrase Brian Billick used more than once in discussing Smith’s situation. But he doesn’t expect to see Smith suddenly transformed.
Jim Harbaugh has repeatedly said all obstacles can and must be overcome, but this could be getting ridiculous.
Colin Kaepernick, Jim Harbaugh’s latest quarterback, sounds a lot like Todd Mortensen, Jim Harbaugh’s first quarterback. The common thread? They both love football as much as, well, Jim Harbaugh.
The 49ers tried to draft “football players” – hard-nosed, high-character players who are ultra-dedicated to the game. But they didn’t get the perfect football player.
Colin Kaepernick is a project. He might have a bigger upside than No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton. And, oh my goodness, wait until you see the 49ers’ second-round pick throw lasers while rolling to his left.
Froman said he thinks Saturday’s late-round calls could have been inspired by the lockout. You know, since NFL teams couldn’t speak with potential free agents after the draft, they made some calls while contact was still allowed.
Colin Kaepernick’s arrival in San Francisco in no way signals Alex Smith’s departure.
