Expanded change-of-pace-back stats

Here’s how Kendall Hunter’s rushing and receiving stats the past two seasons compare to the top change-of-pace-backs in the NFL. KENDALL HUNTER RUSHING 150 carries 729 rushing yards 4.86 yards per carry 2.69 yards after contact per carry 5 rushing TDs 1 rushing TD every 30 carries RECEIVING 11 catches 73 receiving yards 6.64 yards per catch 6.91 yards after catch per reception 0 TD catches DARREN SPROLES RUSHING 101…

June 23, 2014
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Is Kendall Hunter the best change-of-pace back in football?

Pro Football Focus has been publishing depth charts which they grade position-by-position. They recently published a 49ers’ depth chart and graded Kendall Hunter as a below-average “HB2,” or change-of-pace back. Here’s how Hunter’s rushing statistics the past two seasons have stacked up against the change-of-pace backs whom PFF rank as “good” or “high level.” Kendall Hunter: 4.86 yards per carry/ 2.69 yards after contact per carry Darren Sproles: 4.59 yards…

June 22, 2014
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New code of behavior for NFL fans flies in the face of game’s violence

Here is my Tuesday column on the wave incident at Candlestick Park last Sunday, October 13. SANTA CLARA – You and I are supposed to feel contempt for certain football fans in San Francisco and Houston this week. Last Sunday in Houston, some Texans fans cheered when Matt Schaub, their own quarterback, sprained his ankle in the third quarter and limped out of the game. Cold. A few hours later…

October 15, 2013
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Whitner on the Saints bounty scandal, and more

SANTA CLARA – Donte Whitner spoke about everything from Randy Moss to the Saints’ bounty scandal this afternoon. Here’s what Whitner said: Q: Did the level of practice intensity go up a notch when the pads went on? WHITNER: Yeah, I think that’s natural. Whenever you have a bunch of competitive guys who want to get better, once the pads go on the intensity will be automatic. You don’t even…

July 30, 2012
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The top-five best and worst moments of the 49ers 2011-2012 season

Here’s my list of the top five and bottom five 49er moments from the 2011-2012 season. The Best Moments 5. Justin Smith’s forced fumble v. Jeremy Maclin in Philadelphia to beat the Eagles in Week 4. The Niners’ record was 2-1, and although they had just stormed back from a 17-point deficit to take a one-point lead late in the fourth quarter. The Eagles had plenty of time to drive…

January 30, 2012
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Donte Whitner set the tone

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat just posted the sidebar I wrote for their Sunday paper. It’s on Donte Whitner’s tone-setting knockout hit on New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas on the opening drive of Saturday’s 36-32 Niners win. I spoke to Whitner in a group and one-on-one afterward in the locker room and he had very interesting things to say about the play. To read my article, click here.

January 14, 2012
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