SANTA CLARA – Here are some quotes from Aldon Smith’s Q&A today outside the 49ers locker room. Q: How much does it help you playing right next to Justin Smith? ALDON SMITH: That definitely helps. Man, he demands so much attention. He’s a great player. He makes my job easier. Q: Are you blocked one-on-one often because you’re next to him? ALDON SMITH: Yeah, I’d say so, yeah, because you’ve…
SANTA CLARA – Backup tackle Alex Boone spoke this afternoon. Boone is hands-down the most talkative offensive lineman on the team, so we asked him questions on a variety of topics. He starts by discussing his own progress, then he moves on to Justin Smith’s chop-to-bull rush, then Aldon Smith, then last Friday’s game against New Orleans. Enjoy. Q: Last time we talked to you we discussed you becoming the…
Niner42 and mcniner felt I skimped on the practice notes, and I aim to please, so here’s some more. Most of training camp has been fully padded but light on tackling. The lineman bang into each other, but the skill positions basically play two-hand-touch. Jim Harbaugh constantly reminds the players to “Keep them up! Keep them on their feet!” He doesn’t want any injuries. Today was a full-on tackling day,…
SANTA CLARA – Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio spoke to the media after today’s practice. He’s a blunt guy and he explained, among other things, there are only two positions set on his defense. You figure that out for yourself, and I’ll give the answer below. He also implied his defense is not ready for prime time. Q: What do you know about your defense two days into practice that you…
Thanks for your generous responses to my earlier post. Our discussion of the top 49er storylines turned into a lengthy list of concerns. Adam, among other readers, pointed out the defensive backfield and the offensive line as two more areas of anxiety for the 49ers. Thank you, Adam. Let’s look at the team from the opposite angle now. Injuries aside, what are the Niners’ locks? Where are they strong? What…
At his press conference in Santa Clara today, Smith laughed when recalling the 50-question, do-you-know-your-football questionnaire.
Spikes, who was sharing time with rookie NaVorro Bowman earlier this season, assumed a full-time role and shares the team-lead with three interceptions while posting the 10th 100-tackle season of his career.
Patrick Willis, who was named as a starter, became the first 49ers player since Ronnie Lott to begin his career with four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. Willis said it was an honor to be linked with the Hall of Fame safety.
