49ers World

QB Smith gives a winning effort in losing cause

2009-12-07T19:49:00.000-08:00

From John Crumpacker, the San Francisco Chronicle

Since becoming the 49ers' No. 1 quarterback once again 6 1/2 games ago, the only thing Alex Smith has not done is win, at least not consistently. In six starts, he's 2-4, the latest being Sunday's 20-17 loss to Seattle.
The way the game unfolded, Smith's first career 300-yard passing game was wasted, through no fault of his own. In fact, he showed leadership on two drives in the fourth quarter that were undermined by a fumble and two dropped passes.

Frank Gore's fumble early in the period thwarted what had been a promising drive. Until Gore extended the ball trying to get another yard at the Seattle 22, it looked as if the 49ers were going to drive 98 yards for a go-ahead touchdown. "I was feeling great about it," Smith said. "You're already in field-goal position, so you're thinking that you have points to take the lead."

Instead, nothing.

On the next drive in the final period, Smith threw twice into the end zone, but Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree could not make the catches. Davis had his hands on the ball but could not secure it. The throw to Crabtree was hurried and he was not in position to make the play.

"It would have been a great play if he'd made it," Smith said of the throw to Davis, who did not look for the ball soon enough.

"I saw it at the last minute," Davis said. "I didn't know who he was throwing it to. I just wish I had looked earlier to see the ball." Smith's day - with 39 of 58 plays spent in shotgun formation - included 45 attempts and 27 completions, for 310 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions. He said reaching the 300-yard mark in passing for the first time was "irrelevant" because it did not result in a victory.

49ers lose 20-17 at Seattle

2009-12-07T16:56:00.000-08:00

The 49ers blew it Sunday and didn’t bother trying to say otherwise. They dropped passes, fumbled a key possession and made questionable strategic decisions. More than the ball went through the 49ers’ hands: Their playoff hopes probably slipped away, too. When Olindo Mare hit a field goal as time expired to give the Seattle Seahawks a 20-17 victory, it felt like a kick to the gut. The defeat torpedoes what was supposed to be a pivotal NFC matchup against Arizona next week. There is no way the 49ers (5-7) can catch the Cardinals on Monday and it grows increasingly unlikely that they can catch them at all.

What was the game? Pick just about anything from the 49ers’ scrapheap of errors.

On their first drive of the fourth quarter, for example, running back Frank Gore’s fumble swung the tide. The 49ers were barreling down field toward a go-ahead score, having moved 73 yards in just five plays, before safety Jordan Babineaux knocked the ball from Gore’s arms with a solid right hook. Josh Wilson recovered the ball at the Seattle 26 and ran it back 43 yards. That set up Mare’s field goal that gave Seattle a 17-14 lead. The 49ers had 5:30 left to turn things around.
Smith did his part. He moved the team quickly into field goal range as part of his first-career 300-yard passing day. (Smith finished 27 of 45 for 310 yards). But the drive conked out at the Seattle 16, even though Smith twice hit receivers with potential touchdown passes.

Tight end Vernon Davis dropped the first one, failing to make a leaping grab between two defenders in the end zone. “I couldn’t see it until the last minute,’’ said Davis, who had 111 receiving yards and a touchdown. Michael Crabtree dropped the second one, a pass into tight coverage at the goal line. Smith and Crabtree each said the play was rushed because of pressure on the quarterback. It was designed to be a throw to the back of the end zone. Still, the drive got the 49ers close enough to tie the score 17-17 when Joe Nedney nailed a 34-yard field goal with 2:57 to play.

All that served only to set the stage for the 49ers’ final heartbreak. After a defensive stop, the 49ers’ got the ball at their 11 with 51 seconds to play. Rather than play it safe and take their chances in overtime, the 49ers concluded there was enough time to score. Even on third-and-3, the 49ers were in a gambling mood. They took deep shot downfield to receiver Josh Morgan. But instead of hitting it big, they went bust: an incomplete stopped the clock and forced the 49ers to punt.

Seattle got the ball back at about midfield with 21 seconds to play and two timeouts left. That proved plenty of time for quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to spot a receiver racing down the right sideline. Butler, a rookie from Penn State, caught the ball in stride for just his eight reception this season.

The 49ers should be so lucky. They did not do their jobs on every play, and now they might spend a seventh consecutive offseason watching the playoffs on TV and wondering where things went wrong.

Two 49ers players reached milestones Sunday. Not that either of them cared. Vernon Davis broke the franchise single-season record for tight ends by catching his 10th touchdown pass of the season. His milestone 33-yard crab came on a fourth-and-1 with 6:16 to play in the first quarter. It broke the mark Davis shared with Ted Kwalick (1972) and Brent Jones (1994). Davis set a new career-high with 111 yards receiving. This marks his third 100-yard game, tying him with the Chargers’ Antonio Gates for most by an NFL tight end this season.

Alex Smith, like Davis, had an understated reaction to a personal milestone. He had the first 300-yard passing game of his career. Smith’s previous career high was 293 yards against Philadelphia on Sept. 24, 2006. Against the Seahawks, Smith completed 27 of 45 passes for 310 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Far from a wanted milestone, Frank Gore lost a fumble for the first time since Nov. 30, 2008 at Buffalo. It was a bad time. The 49ers were poised for a go-ahead score in the fourth quarter when safety Jordan Babineaux knocked the ball loose from behind. Gore, who rushed for 207 yards in his last meeting against Seattle, had just nine carries for 25 yards.

In retrospect, however, it all might be a moot point as Arizona took care of business Sunday night against the Vikings, meaning next week's Monday Nighter wouldn't have been for the division lead even if the 49ers had pulled it out. They aren't dead yet, but the hole in the ground is dug and the coffin in open, just waiting on shovels...

49ers fire Martz

2008-12-31T12:37:00.000-08:00

By John Crumpacker, San Francisco Chronicle

It was one and done for Mike Martz as offensive coordinator of the 49ers as head coach Mike Singletary Tuesday afternoon fired the man who resurrected San Francisco's offense in 2008 after one season. The dismissal came after an early afternoon meeting in which Singletary expressed a desire for a different kind of offensive coordinator and by implication, a different kind of personality. He and Martz clashed several times during the last half of the season with Singletary serving as the team's interim head coach. "I am not what he is looking for offensively. I understand that," Martz said in a statement released by the club. "This is just a part of professional sports. I had an outstanding conversation with Mike Singletary this afternoon. I believe he will be an outstanding head coach."

For his part, Singletary said in a statement, "After an evaluation period I felt it was best to go in a different direction. This was not an easy decision because I appreciate Mike Martz, and I enjoyed working with him. He is a true professional, and I wish him the best in the future." Most poignantly, Singletary said, "I do recognize the need for a long term solution on the offensive side of the ball." That's because when the 49ers begin play in 2009 they will have a new offensive coordinator for the seventh straight season. It's a lousy way to build continuity on that side of the ball.

In his one season with the 49ers, Martz elevated the offense from 32nd and last in the NFL to 23rd, based on total yards. The team was 13th in passing offense and 27th in rushing offense. Frank Gore was a 1,000-yard rusher this season and Shaun Hill was the 12th ranked quarterback in the league, ahead of more well-known players at the position such as Eli Manning, Donovan McNabb, Jay Cutler, Jake Delhomme, Brett Favre and Ben Roethlisberger. Before Martz the 49ers had as their offensive coordinators Jim Hostler (2007), Norv Turner (2006), Mike McCarthy (2005), Ted Tollner (2004) and Greg Knapp (2003).

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It’s official: Singletary hired as 49ers permanent coach

2008-12-29T12:30:00.000-08:00

By Tim Kawakami, Mercury News

Minutes after the 49ers’ last-second victory over Washington was complete, the 49ers announced that interim coach Mike Singletary was no longer an interim. As reporters filed into Singletary’s usual post-game interview room, 49ers staffers handed out a press released headlined: “49ers announce that Mike Singletary will remain as head coach.” No financial terms were announced and they did not indicate the number of years for the new contract. But a Fox TV report indicated that Singletary had agreed to a five-year deal. “Mike Singletary’s leadership ability has galvanized the players and coaching staff to deliver improved results on the field,”

General Manager Scot McCloughan said in the release. “By turning the second half of the season around, he has accmoplished what few interim head coaches have been able to do.” After taking for Mike Nolan in October, Singletary finished 5-4. The 49ers finished with a 7-9 record. “After discussions with ownership, we agree that Mike has earned the head coach position,”
McCloughan’s statement continued. “I look forward to working with Mike to continue to build on the momentum he has created as we prepare for the 2009 season.” There was no announcement on the loudspeakers at Candlestick Park as the fans left the stadium. But word had begun to filter out about a half hour after the game.

After Joe Nedney made the 39-yard field goal to win the game, Singletary hugged quarterback Shaun Hill then left the field to roars from the remaining crowd.
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Niners' last-minute win earns coach a contract

2008-12-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

Matt Miaocco, The Press Democrat

SAN FRANCISCO - The 49ers played host to one of just three games around the NFL that did not involve a playoff team or any postseason ramifications.

While the truly important happenings were taking place on the field at most NFL venues, the significance to the future of the 49ers was not on display for all to see at Candlestick Park. Shortly after Joe Nedney kicked the game-winning 39-yard field goal on the final play of the game to lift the 49ers to a 27-24 victory over the Washington Redskins on Sunday, the most noteworthy development of the day occurred. The 49ers' locker room erupted into jubilation when newly crowned team president Jed York delivered the news everybody expected to hear. Mike Singletary will be retained as 49ers head coach for 2009. Singletary signed a four-year, $10 million contract, said a source close to the negotiations. "I don't think we could've written up a script any better than how it happened," York said.

The 49ers finished the season with a 7-9 record, winning five of their final seven games under Singletary's direction. The 49ers fired Mike Nolan on Oct. 20 after the club started the season with a 2-5 record. "I think they've got the right man for the job," 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis said. "I'm glad he got the job. He deserved it. He earned it." The NFL mandates that teams have to wait until after the final game of the season to promote an interim coach to a permanent decision. The 49ers quickly made it official, as they distributed a press release announcing Singletary's appointment as the media were filing into an area set aside for the head coach's postgame interview. "If you know which way you're going, get it done," 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan said. "He showed that there was a change, but he was able to adjust to the change, step right in and not really skip a beat. The players around him stepped up. The coaches around him stepped up as well. We ended strong, but it's not close to where we need to get. With coach Singletary we feel that's not going to be an issue."

York's announcement in the locker room was met with cheers. Nedney said he did not want comment on what the reaction would've been if Singletary had been passed over for the job."I knew it wasn't going to happen," Nedney said. "He's honest, intense and forthright. You have to have those qualities to bring together the chemistry of a team." York said he told the team that this would be the last time they end their season in December. Singletary also has the expectations of the 49ers being a playoff team next season, and he is promises that he will not take any shortcuts to get there.

"I think all the guys who are happy today are going to regret it," Singletary quipped. Singletary said it is important to get everybody on the same page. When asked about the content of that page, Singletary said, "The first paragraph on that page is what we have to do to get the team in the playoffs. Once we're in the playoffs, anything is possible." The 49ers have experienced a franchise-worst six consecutive losing seasons. Many in the organization believed Singletary did not have a strong chance to get the job when he took over for Nolan because management preferred to have a coach with an offensive background. However, Singletary's body of work took the guesswork out of it. Still, there is no clear indication of how Singletary plans to find stability with his offensive staff. Given an opportunity to declare offensive coordinator Mike Martz would return next season, Singletary declined.

When asked if he has made up his mind about Martz's future, Singletary said, "No, not 100 percent." Singletary has the contractual power to hire and fire his assistant coaches. But he said he would meet with McCloughan to discuss those decisions. Martz was on top of his game on Sunday. When the 49ers took over at their own 27-yard line in a tie game with 62 seconds remaining, Martz called all the right shots and quarterback Shaun Hill delivered.

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Gore running for a record

2008-12-28T09:04:00.000-08:00

By Daniel Brown, Mercury News

After his most extensive practice in weeks, 49ers running back Frank Gore looks ready to make a run at an unprecedented milestone. Gore updated his status to "probable" on the injury report after he ran hard and changed directions in team drills. He needs 22 yards in the season finale Sunday to become the first 49er to amass 1,000 rushing yards in three consecutive seasons.
"He's looking good," Coach Mike Singletary said. "He did a nice job today when he carried the ball. He ran well and he cut well. It was nice to see." Gore suffered a sprained ankle against the New York Jets on Dec. 7, and was sidelined the past two games. Singletary cautioned, however, that the personal milestone would not play a role in deciding whether Gore would face the Washington Redskins at Candlestick Park. The coach's concern is that Gore, compensating for the ankle, could suffer a more serious injury.

"I don't want him to reinjure anything trying to get 1,000 yards," Singletary said. "Hopefully he can do it, but if he can't, I want him to be smart and look at the longevity of the decision." The game could be Gore's last in Mike Martz's offense. The Sacramento Bee reported this week that Singletary met with 49ers officials and made progress toward a multiyear contract extension. The paper said that under the current plan, defensive coordinator Greg Manusky would be back, but Martz would not return.
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49ers shouldn't rush to make Singletary permanent coach

2008-12-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

By LOWELL COHN, The Press Democrat

You can make this assumption. The 49ers did not expect Mike Singletary to do this well — and he’s been brilliant, so brilliant it’s being reported the team will offer him the real, full-time head-coaching job after Sunday's season finale.

When they appointed him, Niner management was looking for a mop-up coach, someone to see this season through and then, goodbye, Mike. After that, the team could get on with the serious business of finding a full-time head coach, feeling it generously had given Singletary a chance to experience coaching, a chance to showcase himself around the league. All in all a fair quid pro quo. Singletary was wrong for the job in every way. He had no head-coaching experience. He didn’t know enough technical football — that X’s and O’s stuff. He was a novice when it came to offense, and he was coaching the 49ers, a team known for offensive innovation — well, the Niners used to be known for that. After they kissed off Singletary, Niner leadership would launch a search for a young, eager offensive whiz, an energetic guy who would make the offense zing. And this new coach never would be dependent on whether the offensive coordinator left for a better gig. In other words, the 49ers were thinking about long-term stability and Singletary was not part of that thinking.

And now he’s had the bad manners to win four of eight games when it seemed no one could do that. He’s had the effrontery to louse up the 49ers’ careful plans. Last Sunday, he had the flat-out nerve to win when it seemed the team was ready for a fall in St. Louis. A loss might have done him in. But he won and it had something to do with looking into Shaun Hill’s eyes, one of those deep looks Singletary gives you — it feels like he’s peering into your soul. Which leads to an important question: Is it smart for the Niners to appoint Singletary coach — if they in fact do that?

The answer is, no, absolutely not.

No disrespect to Singletary. He’s given the 49ers players and fans a feeling of pride and competence they haven’t experienced in years. But Singletary’s eligibility for the real job — not the mop-up job — depends on more than four or five wins. He disagrees with this point of view and apparently management disagrees, but they are wrong. All along Singletary needed to show management he had a plan going forward. He allegedly did this last Monday and knocked everyone’s socks off. Really? Who in the 49ers’ chain of command is competent to evaluate a plan, including the intimate details of offense and defense and the ability of new assistant coaches? This goes double for an offensive coordinator because the team surely will dump Mike Martz. Certainly John and Jed York can’t do that kind of evaluating. We’ve seen John York’s football acumen in the past. Jed York is too inexperienced. In fact, the Niners are short on football guys making important football decisions with repercussions for years to come.

General manager Scot McCloughan is probably the leader in the hiring of Singletary and he may or may not be up to this serious task. It’s unclear. It’s pretty clear eight games changed his mind because I don’t believe he was a Singletary supporter when Mike Nolan got the heave-ho. The 49ers should take their time, take a deep breath before taking this leap. They have made so many mistakes hiring coaches in the past. Does this mean hiring Singletary is a mistake? Not necessarily. But it is one thing for him to salvage this season, sort of. It’s quite another to be in charge for the long haul. A head coach is part administrator, part teacher, part visionary. Singletary needs to prove he has this combination, and he has to prove it under fire. What’s does under fire mean? It means the 49ers should interview him along with other impressive candidates. Sure, they should identify Singletary as the leading candidate — he’s earned that — but they need to interview several men and Singletary needs to demonstrate his clear superiority in the tension of competitive interviews.

If this does not seem fair to you, think about this. Fans of the 49ers have ripped management for not being professional, for not being big-league. If the Niners latch onto Singletary, hold on for dear life, that would be another symptom of not being professional, of not doing the necessary work. Of course, there’s the issue of being fair to Singletary. But there’s the much greater issue of being fair to the franchise. It’s troubling this news about Singletary is coming out before the 49ers play their final game, against Washington on Sunday. What if Washington absolutely destroys the 49ers at Candlestick? That would look bad for the perhaps soon-to-be coach. His team will have played poorly two games in a row — and the Niners did play poorly against the Rams until they played well at the very end. Two bad performances should go down as a demerit.

Look, I don’t expect the Niners to play poorly. They may even win. I’m merely making a case for caution and I’m asking a reasonable question: What’s the big hurry?

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It's time for the Yorks to hire Scott Pioli as 49ers' president

2008-12-21T09:13:00.000-08:00

This article and opinion, follows my call that the best thing the Yorks can do is hire someone to be "the man" and call all the shots. I suggested Holmgren - who is mentioned as an option - but is there a better choice out there to restore this proud franchise to what it once was?

From Nancy Gay, San Francisco Chronicle

So it's settled. We've seen enough from Mike Singletary over the past six games to know he's got the personality, charisma and leadership qualities necessary to turn a listless 49ers roster into a cohesive team that hits hard, tackles well and can efficiently move an offense downfield to score. It sounds so simple when you break it down like that, doesn't it? Teams such as the Giants, Titans, Colts, Steelers and Panthers get this done almost weekly, so they take quality football for granted. We don't. So bravo to young 49ers owner Jed York, who made the midseason move from Mike Nolan to Singletary knowing the risks - his interim choice had zero head coaching experience. That took guts. Now it's time for Jed to lead the York family in taking the next step in transforming the 49ers from a has-been franchise with a case full of dusty Lombardi Trophies into a 21st century football operation that can compete and win in today's NFL.

Hire a team president.

Make sure he is an experienced, dynamic football mind and personnel expert who knows how to navigate the complex world of NFL business and personalities. Unfortunately, this doesn't mean Mike Holmgren is the man for this job. Sure, Holmgren has strong 49ers' ties and a personal history. He's beloved here, with good reason. He would satisfy those who yearn for the good ol' days under Eddie DeBartolo. But that era is over. For all of Holmgren's great strengths as a coach and leader of men, his weaknesses as a personnel evaluator and glad-handing administrator were so obvious - Holmgren is a teacher, not an executive - that the Seahawks stripped him of his general manager duties in 2002. Holmgren is built to coach. He's not in his element studying film of a 20-year-old cornerback from McNeese State, or struggling to get his payroll under the cap limit.

If not Holmgren, then who?

Look at the most successful NFL franchise this decade, the winner of three Super Bowl titles since 2002, for the answer. Scott Pioli, 43, the Patriots vice president of player personnel, should be the Yorks' choice. This is the man - perhaps the most impressive young executive in the NFL - with whom the Yorks should entrust their entire franchise. Let him run it his way. Let Pioli completely reorganize the 49ers football operation from a payroll and personnel standpoint. Allow Pioli and his people to run free agency and the draft, lifting this burden from Singletary so he can focus on what he does best - motivating and coaching players.

And the Yorks should stay out of the way while he does it.

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Rams might miss Bruce even more today

2008-12-20T08:49:00.000-08:00

From Matt Barrows, Sacramento Bee

ST. LOUIS – With 60 receiving yards today, Isaac Bruce will surpass Tim Brown (14,935 yards) and take over second place among NFL leaders. With Jerry Rice comfortably in the lead with 22,895 yards, that would leave two 49ers in the top slots. Of course, Rams fans might not see it that way. Bruce, after all, goes so far back with the franchise that he played a season for the Rams in Los Angeles. The taciturn Bruce characteristically made light of his place on the career receiving yardage list in an interview last week. But he admitted that returning to St. Louis, where he still has a home, will be memorable. "It means a lot," he said. "We've shared some things – ups, downs, in-betweens. It's special." Offensive coordinator Mike Martz provided some context.

Martz was Bruce's receivers coach in St. Louis in the mid-1990s and later returned to the Rams as their offensive coordinator and head coach. He said that Bruce always will be revered in St. Louis because for years he was the organization's lone bright spot. "He kind of represented St. Louis for many years," Martz said. "When we weren't doing well, he was kind of our featured player in the mid-'90s. … He played in the first game that was played in that stadium (the current Edward Jones Dome), so there's attachment, I'm sure, for Isaac in St. Louis, too." And while moving ahead of Brown is no big deal for Bruce, his teammates are taking it very seriously.

"It would be an unbelievable honor to be on the field with him at that time and be able to witness that," quarterback Shaun Hill said. "I know if you ask Isaac about it, he'll probably downplay it and all of those things. But that's an unbelievable honor, and hopefully we can get him to that." Bruce, who is in his 15th season, hasn't been as prolific in San Francisco as he was during his heyday in St. Louis, where he once went four consecutive seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards. But his numbers aren't too shabby as a 49er, either. Bruce leads his team in receptions and yards, and he has developed a quick rapport with Hill, who took over at quarterback at midseason. Half of Bruce's 52 receptions have come in the past four games, in which he has averaged 83.3 receiving yards.

That's why 60 yards doesn't seem so farfetched, especially against a Rams pass defense that ranks 24th in the league. Brown, meanwhile, isn't broken up about being knocked into bronze-medal position. In fact, he hadn't been keeping track of the totals. "I knew somebody would overtake me," he said in a brief telephone conversation. "When you look at some of the systems nowadays, if you play long enough, you know you're going to get the yards." Which begs the question: How long does Bruce, 36, plan to play? "If the Lord says, 'Isaac, that's enough football,' I'll stop tomorrow," Bruce said. "If the Niners have me back, then I'll make a decision."
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ESPN's Bill Simmons thinks the 49ers may go after Cassel

2008-12-19T09:22:00.000-08:00

From ESPN's Bill Simmons,

Here's my wild theory: The Patriots will franchise Matt Cassel in fear that Tom Brady might not make it back in time for the 2009 season. By mid-July, when it becomes clear Brady is fine, Cassel quietly will go on the market … and, of course, the Niners will be sitting there waiting for him. As soon as Cassel becomes available, San Fran will toss the Pats a 2010 No. 1 and a 2011 No. 2, then rip up his contract and give him something like $55 million for seven years with a $24 million signing bonus. Everybody wins. Well, until Gregg Easterbrook follows that sequence with an 8,500-word column about the Pats cheating the system again and suggests Bill Belichick should be thrown in a maximum security prison and tortured until he admits his sins and we can ban him from football once and for all.

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Smith wants to stay with the Niners

2008-12-18T06:28:00.000-08:00

From the Associated Press

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Alex Smith believes he isn't finished with the San Francisco 49ers, and he seems willing to take a big pay cut to prove it. After two months of silence on his future, the former No. 1 draft pick expressed his eagerness Wednesday to stay with the 49ers next season, even if it means restructuring his contract. "I came here to be a great player," Smith said. "Obviously, I've had some setbacks and things have gotten in my way, and I'm working my way around them. I want to get back out here, and that's something that really inspires me. I think it's easy to look at some alternative choices ... but I really feel the right thing to do is to do it the right way." Former San Francisco coach Mike Nolan chose the Utah quarterback with the top pick in 2005 — and then pretty much ruined him during four tumultuous seasons of injuries and inconsistency amid a revolving cast of teammates and offensive coordinators.

Smith, who has missed this season on injured reserve with shoulder woes, realizes his lucrative contract would have to be altered to prevent the 49ers (5-9) from being forced to cut him for salary-cap purposes. He said he's "absolutely" willing to do so. "It'll be difficult, (but) I think it is something that gets me going," Smith added. "You start to get that chip on your shoulder, trying to prove everybody wrong." Smith took every snap of his second NFL season in 2006, but his career went sideways when he separated his shoulder on a sack by Seattle's Rocky Bernard in September 2007. He tried to return too soon from the injury, and his poor play caused a schism between the quarterback and Nolan. While he won't overtly blame Nolan for his struggles, Smith probably doesn't miss the fired coach, who has repeatedly found subtle ways to criticize Smith. The quarterback has no problems with Mike Singletary, formerly Nolan's right-hand man, who took over the club in late October and could return next season.

"I think coach Singletary has done a great job from the sense of eliminating gray," Smith said. "The players have a better understanding of what they're being asked (to do) and what they're responsible for, and what's expected of them. I think in that sense, there's less gray. He's made it more black and white." Smith's career numbers — 4,679 yards passing in 32 games, along with 19 touchdown passes and 31 interceptions — are nothing special, but he's still just 24. Smith also threw to one of the NFL's worst groups of receivers in each of his three campaigns, missing out of this year's arrival of Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson alongside emerging youngsters Jason Hill and Josh Morgan. Smith injured his shoulder again during training camp this year, undergoing his latest surgery in late October. He hasn't begun throwing the ball again, but plans to do so in January after several months of careful rehabilitation.

Rather than leave the Bay Area for rehab, as many injured players often do, Smith stayed in town and participated in regular study sessions with quarterbacks Shaun Hill, J.T. O'Sullivan and Jamie Martin. He has attended meetings and games throughout the season, trying to remain a part of the team during its sixth consecutive losing season. Smith and Hill are good friends who attended a San Jose Sharks game together last week, and he's pleased by Hill's success as the 49ers' starter during the second half of this season. Smith doesn't know what Hill's accomplishments will mean for his chances to stick around — and he also realizes there's no guarantee the 49ers want him back, although general manager Scot McCloughan has been unwavering in his support for Smith.

"Obviously, I've got some more time on my hands now and I'm left to think about things," Smith said. "It's all speculation at this point. I've tried to stay focused on doing what I can, and that's getting healthy. That time will come soon enough when I have to deal with that stuff."

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A half dozen years of hard-to-stomach football

2008-12-14T13:32:00.000-08:00

By Scott Dryden, 49ers World

Miami 14, San Francisco 9

Miami ; 1-15 in 2007 to at worst a 9-7 record this year, and maybe more. Along with Atlanta this year, the list of hapless down and out teams that manage to sort things out in short order continues. So why are the 49ers still mirered with losing record after losing record for the 6th straight season?

One word - Ownership

While the turn around efforts of Mike Singletary, Shaun Hill and company the past few weeks have been commendable, the mess left by John York's decision making blunders remain.

It all started with Steve Mariucci's dismissal in 2003 after leading the team to a 10-6 record in '02 and a division crown. (the team's last). Then replacing him with formal NFL failure, Dennis Eriksen, a man with no idea how to be a head coach in the pros, who led the landslide, all the way to the bottom with a 2-14 mark in '04 and let the franchise's most stabilizing player - QB Jeff Garcia walk away along the way. Then, York replaced Eriksen with Mike Nolan in '05, a man with no head coaching experience at any level. While Nolan is an accomplished defensive mind and drafted well on that side of the ball, leaving behind good talent, he had little to no idea how to build or run an NFL offense and it showed.

Drafting a "face of the franchise" QB first overall from a spread formation offense and trying to put him under center was the first indicator. Alex Smith was a flash in the pan at Utah and aside from the second half of a 2006 game at Seattle, never once looked like he had the chops to run an NFL offense. It's a shame too, because his attitude was first rate, and yet, Nolan screwed that up too. Leaving Mike Martz behind won't help Nolan's legacy. Martz will blow up or implode sooner or later. Mike Singletary or whoever is the next head coach would be wise to start fresh and get rid of Martz, who is playing possem til he gets the next head coaching gig he has stated he wants.

That gets us back to the Yorks and to the present. Singletary seems to have the right mix of hard-nosed attitude and leadership qualities to make a long term go as a head coach. Let's hope he gets the chance. However, based on history, I wouldn't put it past the Yorks to do something stupid like let him walk away and let Martz have a shot or some "el cheapo" option to match their financial balance goals rather than head coaching candidate requirements goals. The other issue and Nolan legacy that needs to be corrected is the GM spot. Current GM and former Nolan assistant GM Scot McCloughlan should have been gone along with Nolan. First, that they let Nolan switch places with his assistant rather than fire them both 2 years ago was ridiculous. Second, leaving McCloughlan in place up til now shows no concept by the Yorks for his part in the team's further dismise.

Watching the 49ers, and their "genius" Mike Martz's offense manage 3 field goals against the resurgent Dolphins brought 6 years of frustration to the boiling point for me. Another meaningless November/December game for the 49ers, who try to put a positive spin on things by saying they are "shooting for .500" rather than actually being competitive in the weakest division in football. Meanwhile, the team across the field looks to go from 1-15 to a possible 11 win season and a division crown in 1 season. Couple that with what's going on in Atlanta with Matt Ryan , Mike Smith and co. resurging after last year's 3-13 mess left by Mike Vick and Bobby Petrino, and you have to point the finger of blame at ownership.

Arthur Blank (Atlanta) and Wayne Huizenga (Miami) care - and put their money where their mouths are - and John York doesn't.

One can only hope that the Yorks may come to their senses just long enough to hire 1 decent football organizational mind to oversee things, otherwise the 49ers will continue to resemble the thrift-minded mis-managed Bengals and Cardinals teams of so many decades past. I think looking to the homecoming of Bay Area native Mike Holmgren might be a wise idea. Just because Holmgren has stated he won't coach, doesn't mean he wouldn't entertain upper management offers from his hometown team. He has stated before that coaching the 49ers would be his "dream job"

Offer him the President/GM job, renew Singletary on a 2 year deal and go from there. Let Holmgren shop for the grocerys (much as Parcels has done in Miami), and if he decides he wants to cook again, let him cook.

Anything is better than another year of the hash the Niners keep serving us.

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Singletary must wait to see if he'll stay with 49ers

2008-12-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

By Matt Barrows, The Sac Bee

MIAMI – Mike Singletary has won on the road. He's beaten bad teams and teams with better records. And if he wins again today, he'll be 3 for 3 against AFC East teams with playoff aspirations. But while fans and players alike are rooting for Singletary to win the 49ers' coaching job for 2009 and beyond, they shouldn't expect an early Christmas present. That's because league rules prohibit interim coaches from signing long-term deals during the season. The earliest the 49ers could sign Singletary – who is in the final year of his contract – to a new contract is Dec. 29, the day after the season finale against Washington at Candlestick Park. Ironically, the NFL's Rooney Rule, which strives to create more head-coaching opportunities for minority candidates, prevents the 49ers from making an early deal. The Rooney Rule states teams searching for a new head coach must interview at least one minority candidate. If an interim coach were given a long-term deal during the season, so the thinking goes, that would circumvent the interview process.

That situation arose earlier this year when the league voided a contract for St. Louis interim coach Jim Haslett. Haslett's original deal included a clause that said that if he won six games after he took over, he would get the job outright for next season or be rewarded with a million-dollar payday. It was excellent motivation but, unfortunately, against the rules. But what of Singletary? Since he's African American, shouldn't his case be an exception? No, said league officials in New York who responded to queries about Singletary's situation by e-mailing excerpts of the Rooney Rule. According to the league, unless an assistant coach has a prior agreement to take over as head coach – as is the case in Seattle with defensive assistant Jim Mora – teams can't make a commitment to an assistant during the season that extends beyond the end of the club's playing season. League officials did say once the season ends, the 49ers would not be required to interview any other candidates.

The 49ers, meanwhile, seem content to live by the letter of the law and are in no rush to commit to a long-term deal. General manager Scot McCloughan declined a request to discuss Singletary's situation. Singletary also insists he is in no hurry. As his wins – and popularity – have mounted, he's tried to brush aside questions about his future in San Francisco. Singletary wants to avoid lobbying for his job and hopes his final record will do all the arguing for him.

"I'm really not auditioning," he said. "I'm really not trying to show anyone anything. I'm just working. I'm doing what I love to do, and that's all that I can do. After that (I) let the film speak."

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Hill and Pennington have something in common

2008-12-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

By Matt Miaocco, The Press Democrat

MIAMI — Quarterback Shaun Hill has not done much wrong in his seven NFL starts. Over the past two seasons, Hill’s record as a starting quarterback with the 49ers is 5-2. The 49ers’ record during that period when Hill was not starting is 5-17. His 15 touchdown passes and five interceptions, to go along with a 97.3 passer rating, is further proof Hill is playing well. But there is one negative — perhaps the only negative — that continues to be associated with Hill. Let’s face it, the man does not possess the strongest arm in the NFL. When the 49ers play the Miami Dolphins this morning, it will match two quarterbacks who have heard the same critique over and over and over.

“It’s perception versus reality,” Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington said. “The reality of it is I don’t think a coach is going to put any quarterback on the field that can’t make the throws necessary to allow the offense to be successful, including the down-the-field throws. “In this league, you have to be able to throw the ball down the field. How hard it is, is meaningless. I think timing, accuracy, understanding when to take a shot, when not to take a shot, and being able to move your football team — that’s more important.” Pennington was run out of the New York Jets organization during training camp in favor of Brett Favre. Pennington went to a team that compiled a league-worst 1-15 record last season, and the Dolphins are now 8-5 and in a tie for first place in the AFC East.

Pennington is the fifth-leading passer in the league with a rating of 93.7. He has thrown 12 touchdowns and six interceptions. He is doing a great job taking care of the football. Pennington has been sacked 22 times and has fumbled twice. He has not lost a fumble this season. Compare that with J.T. O’Sullivan, who began the season as the 49ers’ starting quarterback. In 7½ games, O’Sullivan threw 11 interceptions and lost six of 11 fumbles, not including another fumble that resulted in a safety. So did the Jets gain anything when they discarded Pennington for Favre? The big-armed Favre has an 88.2 rating with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
“I’ve said time and time again that more games are lost in this league than are actually won based upon the turnover ratio and things like that,” Pennington said. Not surprisingly, Hill has long-admired Pennington’s style.

J.T. O’Sullivan won the 49ers’ starting job in training camp, as Hill’s strength is not his ability to get the ball down the field — a favored element in offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s scheme.
But after O’Sullivan’s turnovers continued to pile up, interim coach Mike Singletary made the call to Hill, who brings stability and good decision-making to the field. “He’s always been one of my favorite guys to watch,” Hill said of Pennington. “He’s always been kind of underappreciated and underestimated, and the guy just goes in and wins. “I just like his demeanor out there. Obviously, the guys play for him. He’s not the flashiest guy, that’s for sure. But he gets the job done and he gets it done really well. No matter what, it just seems like his teams are winning.”

So far, the same can be said of Hill.

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Should Shaun Hill Get More Love?

2008-11-30T10:38:00.000-08:00

By Scott Dryden, 49ers World

Niner fans wonder what off-season moves the team can make. Can they trade for Donovan McNabb or Derek Anderson? How about signing Matt Cassel or even bringing home Jeff Garcia? Some fans might think the 49ers should spend their money elsewhere particularly if Shaun Hill continues to play the he has. This guy is good, but is he "Franchise QB" good? Who knows where he'll finish in passer rating and touchdown to interception ratio or completion percentage, but if it's anywhere close to where it is now (94.3, 7 td's, 3 int's, 60.3 completion percentage) I would expect many to call for him to be the team's starter for 2009.

I will say this much for him. Shaun Hill COULD be the QB the 49ers want. How many quarterbacks in the league could post a passer rating that high with an offensive line that doesn't protect well and a receiving corps that lacks a impact player? If Hill played for the Cowboys he'd probably be a MVP candidate. In the second half against Dallas, Hill looked a lot like Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. Both excel at moving in the pocket, both can make the impromptu play and both have the confidence of their teammates. In leading the 49ers to two fourth-quarter touchdowns against Dallas, Hill had one stretch where he completed five straight passes for 87 yards, including the two scores. On three of those passes, he was pressured, but was able to either move out of the pocket, or slide away from pressure and throw. He had completions of 22, 30 and 18 yards against a defense that was warding against the long pass. With more seasoning and time as a starter, he's the type of quarterback who could get better. Also consider that in five of his seven appearances, he has compiled a rating of over 100, and in his first start, his completion percentage of .815 set an NFL record.

If Shaun Hill was Alex Smith, given the expectations there were for him, fans would be hailing the coronation of another proficient 49ers quarterback. It is a tough situation to be in for Hill, and I'm not discounting what he has accomplished with yet another garbage 49ers squad; he's 3-2 playing for this year's mess. I still firmly believe rather than signing or trading for a QB, that the future is in a 2009 draft pick, but as a fill in til that guy to be named later is ready, Hill might be a perfect fit.

His humble beginnings, (six of his first seven seasons spent mostly as a third quarterback), less than artistic style (even running back Frank Gore says Hill plays ugly) and lack of support from offensive coordinator Mike Martz (he remains enamored with O'Sullivan) has conspired against Hill. But if Hill continues to play well, the 49ers should concentrate their off-season spending energy on getting talent to surround him - but focus future QB needs on a smartly used '09 draft pick.

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A sign of things to come? Raiders 18 - 49ers 6

2008-08-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

From 49ers.com

The 49ers tried out J.T. O’Sullivan, Alex Smith and Shaun Hill in Friday night’s first preseason game, but none of the quarterbacks involved in the three-man race for the starting job could lead the offensive unit to the end zone in an 18-6 defeat by the Raiders. Smith was the only one of the three without an interception, leading to the highest QB Rating of 72.0. The fourth-year player completed 5 of 9 passes for 51 yards and led his unit to a field goal. O’Sullivan started the game and gunned some crisp passes, including three strikes of 11, 22 and 20 yards to the rookie Josh Morgan. Morgan made his first start as Bryant Johnson sat out with a hamstring and finished as the leading receiver with 4 catches for 68 yards.

"That’s the best way to learn, is reps," said Morgan. "That’s the best teacher right there. You make mistakes but you learn on the run. It was very valuable." Head coach Mike Nolan said he liked O'Sullivan's competitiveness, but the journeyman quarterback also forced things, including a desperate lateral pass to DeShaun Foster when he found himself surrounded by a sea of black and silver. Foster caught that one, for a loss of four, but O’Sullivan wasn’t as fortunate on two other plays that led to turnovers. “I just feel disgusted about the turnovers - I guess would be the way I feel about how I played,” said O’Sullivan. “Other than those two plays, I don't really remember anything else.” O’Sullivan was picked on a deep ball try back to Foster on his next series and then coughed up the ball at the end of a quarterback scramble on his final drive of the night, which came at the start of the second quarter. “Just trying to do too much and not making a good decision, that's what it comes down to,” said O’Sullivan of the interception. “That's just 100 percent not acceptable.” Sullivan finished 5 of 8 for 71 yards, with one interception, one fumble and a 51.6 QB Rating. Hill enjoyed the most passing opportunities, but also finished with the worst overall rating at 40.2. He completed 10 of 20 passes for 83 yards, and was intercepted on an underthrown deep ball. “Looking at it and looking back on it I think I could have flipped my hips real quick, spun my feet around, got my feet underneath me and made the throw,” said Hill. “I probably would have taken a hit but I would have been more accurate. Instead I kind of tried to throw it on the run to the left and left it short.”

All in all, the 49ers offense committed four turnovers and only six points. Nolan reserved judgment and comparison of his three quarterbacks until after he reviews the film on Saturday. “I would love to see more points on the board because that’s the biggest measurement of all,” said Nolan. “We came away with just a couple of field goals so there’s nothing to speak of in that respect.” The 49ers first-team defense played little, and likewise gave up little. The unit lined up for the first snap in a 4-3 with Ray McDonald cracking the starting lineup versus an extra linebacker. Oakland’s JaMarcus Russell fired one deep but cornerback Walt Harris was there to break up the play, which didn’t count unfortunately due to an off-sides penalty by McDonald. The second-year player atoned for his mistake with a sack to end the Raiders’ first series on their side of the field. Newcomer Justin Smith looked to have first knocked Russell off balance with McDonald wiping him up for the loss. Harris broke up another long ball to Javon Walker to help limit Oakland to only 13 passing yards in the first quarter, but the run defense is an area Nolan would like to see tightened up. Although most of his starters cleared out during the Raiders’ second series, Oakland racked up 49 rushing yards in the first quarter, and 248 by night’s end. “Our seconds and thirds – we had some faults on the run defensively, “said Nolan. Following the O’Sullivan fumble, the mostly second-team defense was able to prevent Oakland from finding the end zone on a 4th and 2 from the 11-yardline with safety Dashon Goldson and linebacker Tully Banta-Cain wrapping up Michael Bush after a 1-yard gain to give the offense the ball back on downs. Unfortunately after a three and out by Smith and company, Andy Lee’s punt was returned 53 yards by Johnnie Lee Higgins for the first score of the game and an Oakland 7-0 lead. “We have to get better on special teams,” said safety Dashon Goldson. “We had a breakdown when Higgins ran it back on us. Everyone was out there trying to make things happen and make a tackle, but we have to slow it down and have guys do their job.”

On the following series, Smith pieced together a 10-play, 53-yard drive, mostly relying on a pair of passes to Arnaz Battle for 23 and 10-yards apiece plus a personal foul penalty. The offense penetrated to the 5-yardline before settling for a 22-yard field goal by Joe Nedney to trail 7-3 at the half. Andrew Walter opened the half for Oakland and marched his team 75 yards in 13 plays finished off by a 5-yard touchdown run by Bush. A delay of game on the extra point attempt against San Francisco led to the Raiders trying for a two-point conversion, which they got on a Walter throw to Chaz Schilens for a 15-3 Oakland advantage. Oakland’s final score arrived with their first series of the final quarter. On 2nd and 10, Louis Rankin rumbled for 72 yards before cornerback Marcus Hudson chased him down to prevent a touchdown. Still, the explosive play set up a 23-yard chip shot by kicker Aaron Elling. “I was just trying to take points off the board,” said Hudson. “As the defense, that’s what we do anyway we can. It’s better than them getting seven, they got three. We took points off the board because we didn’t quit.” Tight end Delanie Walker flashed his speed with a 40-yard kickoff return after the score, priming Hill for a 10-play, 37 yard fourth-quarter drive. Kicker Ricky Schmitt completed the drive with a 38-yard field goal to close out the scoring efforts in the 18-6 Battle of the Bay loss.

Camp Preview: Offensive Line

2008-07-15T06:52:00.000-07:00

From 49ers.com, July 14th

OFFENSIVE LINE (14) New: G Brian De La Puente (Rookie), T Chilo Rachal (Rookie), T Alan Reuber (2nd Year), G/T Barry Sims (10th Year), G Jeb Terry (4th Year), T Joe Toldeo (3rd Year), C Cody Wallace (Rookie)Returners: G David Baas (4th Year), T Damane Duckett (4th Year), C Eric Heitmann (7th Year), T Jonas Jennings (8th Year), T/G Adam Snyder (4th Year), T Joe Staley (2nd Year), G Tony Wragge (4th Year)

Departed: G Larry Allen, T Kwame Harris, G Justin Smiley

The importance of the offensive line has been a focus of Nolan and McCloughan since their arrival in 2005. The 49ers feel they have improved the offensive line and are excited about the starting group. Center Eric Heitmann will be joined by Adam Snyder at left guard, David Baas at right guard, Joe Staley at left tackle and Jonas Jennings at right tackle. Nolan knows the importance of keeping this core group together. “The continuity from this point forward is instrumental in us being successful on the offensive line,” Nolan commented. Baas, Heitmann, Jennings and Snyder have all been part of an offensive line that made excellent progress in 2005 and 2006. Staley joined the group in 2007 and responded with an outstanding rookie season. “The offensive line is the heart and soul of any football team,” offered Martz. “If you have a really good offensive line it allows you to do what you want.” Although San Francisco will have many of the same faces in 2008, several players will shuffle positions around Heitmann at center. “We’ve done this to get our best five offensive linemen on the field at the same time,” explained Nolan. “In a perfect world, they all stay put at their positions, and I would like to think that’s what we have created right now.” Heitmann, who is in his seventh year out of Stanford, was named by his fellow players as the Bobb McKittrick Award winner given to the team’s top offensive lineman each of the past two seasons. He played every snap as the starting center in 2007 and was also the Ed Block Courage Award recipient after his courageous return from a broken left leg suffered late in the 2006 campaign. Baas started all eight of the club’s contests in the second half of 2007 at right guard after last year’s starter Justin Smiley went down with a shoulder injury and will begin the year as the starter at that spot in 2008.

Jennings, Snyder and Staley are all moving positions from last season. Jennings, who has proven to be an excellent player when healthy, will move from left tackle to right tackle. He played some at right tackle as a rookie with Buffalo in 2001, but has spent the majority of his career at left tackle. Snyder is a versatile lineman that has experience at both tackle and guard during his three seasons with San Francisco. He started 11 games at left tackle in 2007 after Jennings was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Staley is slated to move over to the left tackle position after a sensational campaign a year ago at right tackle when he became the first rookie in club history to start all 16 games. “The reason I think Joe will be a good left tackle is his mental toughness,” commented Nolan. “Last year, we traded up to get Joe in the draft, and it was probably one of the best moves we’ve ever made.” Tony Wragge is another versatile offensive lineman that can play any position on the line. Wragge saw action in five games as a reserve for the 49ers last season, while converted defensive lineman Damane Duckett spent most of the 2007 campaign as a practice squad player learning his new position. San Francisco used the draft again in 2008 to add depth by selecting tackle Chilo Rachal (USC) and center Cody Wallace (Texas A&M) in the second and fourth rounds, respectively. Rachal played guard in college but has been converted to tackle with the 49ers. The 49ers also signed 10th-year NFL veteran Barry Sims and three players with NFL experience – Alan Reuber, Jeb Terry and Joe Toledo – to boost its depth. Undrafted free agent Brian De La Puente (California) will also battle for a roster spot.

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Johnson hopes to prove worthy of long-term gig

2008-07-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

Matt Maiocco, The Press Democrat

Bryant Johnson picked an unlikely spot for a receiver to try to build up his career. He chose a team that has ranked 32nd, 29th and 32nd in passing yards the past three seasons. "I'm fired up to be part of this offense," Johnson said before packing his bags and leaving town recently at the end of the 49ers' organized-team activities.

Johnson was looking for a fresh start after five seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He took a quick visit at the start of free agency to meet with the Buffalo Bills. There were reports out of Buffalo that Johnson and the Bills agreed to terms. But after being available on the market for another couple weeks, Johnson had to face the facts. He was not going to receive the kind of lucrative contract he sought.

"In the situation I was in (with the Cardinals), I wasn't a starter," Johnson said. "I feel I'm in a great situation to prove myself here and sign a long-term deal and finish my career here." When asked about his thoughts on eventually signing a long-term deal with the 49ers, Johnson said, "I think there's a possibility. It's all predicated on how I perform this year. Everything so far is positive." Johnson signed a one-year deal, $2 million deal with the 49ers on March 17. He received a $750,000 signing bonus, a base salary of $1 million and $250,000 in workout bonuses. Johnson said he felt comfortable signing with the 49ers because he is rejoining his former receivers coach, Jerry Sullivan, and also because of the Mike Martz factor. Receivers want to play in this pass-happy offense.

Johnson, 27, was a first-round pick of the Cardinals out of Penn State in 2003. Johnson (6-3, 213) has good size and speed. He averaged 18.5 yards per reception in his second NFL season. Johnson was always around 40 receptions with the Cardinals. Based on his role in the offseason program, Johnson looks to have a chance to be the 49ers' top wideout this season. He said he is looking forward to taking the lessons he learned playing behind Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald and applying them as potentially the No. 1 receiver with the 49ers. Johnson is slated to start at split end for the 49ers. "This is my first chance of being able to step in and not be overshadowed by Larry and Anquan," Johnson said. "Everybody wants to have the chance to be the go-to guy. But in the position I was in, I thought I did a good job when I was called upon to come in and not lose a beat. It was a learning experience to play behind two Pro Bowl receivers. Also, playing with Kurt Warner was great. He helped me tremendously." Johnson ranked third on the Cardinals last season with 46 receptions for 528 yards and two touchdowns. Combined, Fitzgerald and Boldin caught 171 passes for more than 2,200 yards and 19 touchdowns.

"I'm just going to have a lot more opportunity here, as opposed to just coming in on third downs or certain situations," Johnson said.

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Position By Position Battles - Quarterbacks

2008-07-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

With the training camp count down to 24 days, we thought we'd evaluate the positions going into camp, starting with everyone's favorite, quarterback.

ALEX SMITH

Alex Smith rolled right in a game last year against the Saints at Candlestick and then he glared at an open receiver 7 yards away. A voice rang out from above the 49ers' press box as Smith continued to cling to the ball and stare. "THROW IT! (BLEEPING) THROW IT!" He eventually did, completing the pass. But with Smith's inexplicable delay, the play went for 2 yards instead of 8 or 10. The voice may have belonged to a fan. More likely, it was one of the 49ers coaches. Their booth is upstairs from where the media sits and at times, their voices can be heard through the open window, particularly when they yell. Can Mike Martz tap Alex Smith's talent?
The story illustrates Smith's major challenge as he attempts to retain his job against challengers Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan - the ability to think and act quickly. If one quote illuminates Smith's checkered four-year career, it's the oft-mentioned one his former coach at Utah issued. Urban Meyer, who now coaches the Florida Gators, said the day Smith was drafted that unless Smith knows exactly what the offense and defense is doing, he'll be "non-functional." Last year, offensive coordinator Jim Hostler put too much on Smith. Hostler expanded the playbook and forced the quarterback to rifle through a series of reads on every play and made him responsible, at times, for recognizing blitzes. It compounded Smith's perfectionist tendencies and froze him. One 49ers defender complained privately that in drills without a pass rush, Smith would sit back and stare at the patterns instead of throwing.

So can Smith know his own offense and the opposing defense enough to unlock his abundant talent when a defensive staff works 500 hours in a given week trying to confound him? And on offense, Smith himself said it's impossible to know the entire Mike Martz scheme, making it sound as if Martz's offense was "The blob," - a breathing, moving and ever-expanding organism?

Martz, nevertheless, may save him. He recognized what Norv Turner saw two years ago - that he must unclutter Smith's mind. Give him one or two reads and then instruct him to either throw it away or take off all the while making Smith process everything faster - the huddle, his drop, his recognition, his delivery. Turner constantly hounded Smith to hurry in practice, sometimes doing it while he dropped to throw. When 49ers.com slapped a mic on Martz during one of the June OTA practices, Martz was captured imploring Smith to hurry three times. I thought of a story I did on him in the Chronicle a few weeks after he was drafted while watching Smith this spring in OTA's easily out-perform his challengers.

Smith and his family graciously allowed a photographer and me to go to his parents' home in San Diego for a profile. With his Dad, Doug, a former prep football coach and now a high school principal, Smith watched his game tapes. I asked the Smiths to pop in a tape and talk about what they saw. We watched parts of different games while father and son broke down the plays. Smith looked and sounded like football's version of a young Jason Kidd. He was a step ahead on everything and he exuded confidence, even a cockiness. On the screen, Smith digested the defense in an instant and fired the ball to an open receiver despite having five of them in the pattern on nearly every play. In Smith, there's something special. But can it be tapped or is there too much baggage after disappointments, injuries, a once-poisoned relationship with his head coach and four coordinators in four years? Can Smith remove all of that plus his own immense, play-stopping intellect to get to the pool of talent below? In training camp and the season the answer will un-spool.

SHAUN HILL

Hill is the anti-Alex. While Smith was tossed into the lineup as a 21-year-old rookie, Hill threw one incomplete pass in his first five seasons in the league. Smith was a first overall pick, Hill was undrafted. Smith was looked upon as the franchise quarterback, Hill needed to beat out Jesse Palmer and then former University of Akron player Luke Getsy the last two seasons just to claim his roster spot.

Shaun Hill is a gamer.

While Smith can look impressive in practice, coach Mike Nolan said Hill saves his best for games. Hill also "throws through" or throws to an area before a receiver breaks, something that Smith struggles with. But like Smith, last year, Hill also had a defining play. It came in the third quarter of his first start against the Bengals at home. Faced with a third down in a tight game, Hill settled in a shotgun formation. At the snap, tight end Vernon Davis didn't move, seemingly forgetting the snap count. It allowed defensive end Robert Geathers a free pass at Hill. But he avoided Geathers with two quick steps, one towards the line of scrimmage and the other to his right. As Geathers flew past, a composed Hill continued to run right and threw a completion to running back Maurice Hicks for the first down. Hill executed the play so adroitly, you had to look at the replay a few times to see what happened. But can Hill maintain this excellence of play? He tore up the Bengals completing 21 of 28 passes for 197 yards. While subbing for the concussed Trent Dilfer a week earlier against the Vikings, he completed 22 of 28 passes for 181 yards. Minnesota gave up more passing yards than any other team in the league last year. Cincinnati ranked 26th in that category.

When Hill faced Tampa Bay, which owned the stingiest pass defense in the league, he was 11 of 24 for 123 yards. In all of his appearances except Tampa Bay, his completion percentage was high and his yardage was low, which confirms his lack of arm strength. The overriding questions for Hill: Is he athletic enough and is his arm strong enough to overthrow Smith for the starting job? He faces another challenge. The 49ers paid Smith about $7 million this offseason to continue his contract, meaning Smith has strong advocates within the organization.

J.T. O'SULLIVAN

The former UC Davis player deserves some sort of award. Who can name a quarterback who has existed on the fringes of nine NFL rosters in seven seasons? It's an unusual feat. Martz has an abiding belief in O'Sullivan and seemingly insists that he be part of the competition for the starting job.

Sims seems like a sound signing

2008-07-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

The 49ers' signing of former Oakland Raiders offensive tackle Barry Sims may not stir up as many waves as recent additions like Justin Smith and Nate Clements, but fans shouldn’t underestimate what Sims brings to the fold.Sims is perhaps best remembered for his false start fiascoes in Oakland (he actually led all NFL offensive linemen in that category last year), but judging him simply on that standard would be quite unfair. Sims has started 118 games in the last nine years, demonstrating both durability and a high enough level of play to remain in Oakland's weekly lineup. That's not to say he is a Pro Bowler at the position, but Sims is certainly a capable player at the right tackle spot, which is, coincidentally, a huge area of concern for the 49ers.Besides the obvious -- veteran leadership -- what does Sims add to the 49ers? Examining the signing in a worst-case scenario, Sims simply brings some quality depth along an offensive line which sorely needs it. The 49ers should field a line of Joe Staley, David Baas or Chilo Rachal, Eric Heitmann, Adam Snyder and Jonas Jennings (assuming he's healthy). Sims fits neatly as the primary backup at tackle and allows the 49ers to move several players around to their natural positions.

If the Sims signing should serve notice to any member of San Francisco's O-line, it is undoubtedly Jennings. It’s hard to fault the talented Jennings for his injury-filled history, but the Sims signing is clearly an indication that Jennings' job is on the line. Sims will push Jennings, and the camp battle should be ferocious for the No. 1 right tackle spot. Jennings should work hard to be in the top shape of his life, and Sims should push him to play the best football of his career. Furthermore, competition such as this should not be overlooked because it generally incites a higher level of play from each combatant associated. Beyond simply pushing Jennings, Sims will allow the 49ers to slide Snyder inside to his more natural guard position along with Rachal, a rookie second-round pick from USC. Thanks to the lack of depth, Rachal had been working at the right tackle spot, but adding Sims should facilitate Rachal's move back to guard, where he could be exceptional for the 49ers.

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Is Hall too full for BY?

2008-06-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

Matt Barrows, Sac Bee, June 13, 2008

Holy smokes - the Hall of Fame class for 2013 is shaping up to be one of the best ever. Brett Favre is a can't-miss first ballot guy as is Jonathan Ogden. You have to think that Michael Strahan, who is fifth on the all-time sack list and holds the season-single record in that category won't have to wait beyond 2013. (Given their dive-and-sack routine in 2001, maybe Favre should be Strahan's presenter. Buzz-zing!). In addition, Warren Sapp, Junior Seau and Orlando Pace (if he retires) are all strong possibilities. The question is whether two 49ers - Bryant Young and Larry Allen - will go into the Hall at the same time.

BY has three things going against him.
First, he played on a lot of crappy teams. Sure, his 49ers career began with a Super Bowl title, and from 1994 to 2002 Young and the 49ers made the playoffs seven times. But during the last five years of his career, the time when players like Young finally get the recognition and national attention they deserve, he was playing in meaningless games on dreadful teams. Second, his statistics are rock-solid but not mind-blowing. I know, I know. Young mostly played a position that called for him to do a lot of dirty work and to make sacrifices so that others could get the glory. And while teammates and opponents respect that, HOF voters will look to stats. BY's 89.5 career sacks are outstanding, but they're not as good as Strahan's (141.5) or Sapp's (96.5).
And finally, Young never called attention to himself. That modest business-like demeanor won him the admiration of coaches, teammates, opponents, the local fans and local media. But the ugly reality is that self-aggrandizement attracts attention and that attention sometimes gets you into the Hall. Just look at the Michael Irvin-vs.-Art Monk dynamic. Monk had better numbers than Irvin yet the flamboyant Irvin beat him into the Hall. As disgusting as this sounds, if Young had had some silly sack dance and had made outrageous comments, I bet he'd have a better chance of being a first-ballot guy. Then again, sometimes respect and dignity are more important than a yellow blazer.
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Keena Turner - vice president of football affairs

2008-06-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

Tom FitzGerald, San Francisco Chronicle

Former 49ers linebacker Keena Turner, a link to the team's glory days, has been named their vice president of football affairs. In his new role, according to Jed York, the vice president of strategic planning, Turner "will be in charge of all programs related to player well-being and success including counseling, faith-based and player-development programs."

Turner, 49, who helped the 49ers win four Super Bowls, will serve as an adviser to the coaching staff and head the club's alumni program. Since he retired in 1990 after an 11-year career, all of it with the 49ers, he has represented the team at public events and assisted in player development. He has also done TV commentary on preseason games.
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Niner Notes

2008-06-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

Matt Barrows, Sacramento Bee, May 29, 2008

Quarterback race is more like a marathon

In a perfect world, the 49ers will emerge from OTAs on June 20 with a distinct pecking order at quarterback. The player at the top of that order will head into training camp July 24 as the No. 1 quarterback. He'll get most of the first-team reps, he'll look fantastic in preseason games and he'll enter the season as the unquestioned leader of the team. "At this point I'm hopeful," Mike Nolan said of having a clear-cut No. 1 on June 20. "But I won't hold myself to it." Nolan knows the reality will be messier. The question is whether we're talking Barack-vs.-Hillary messy. The 49ers quarterback competition certainly has the potential to drag on and on and on like the Democratic nomination process.

Consider this not farfetched scenario. I figure Alex Smith will take the early lead in the coaches' minds. After all, he looks great on a practice field. He's tall. He can scramble. And he has the best arm in the 49ers' quarterback stable. Nolan already has commented that Smith added seven pounds of muscle following the 2007 season and looked as physically impressive as he has seen the young passer.

Shaun Hill, meanwhile, is not going to win many best-body competitions. He doesn't have Smith's arm strength, and he has a funny throwing motion. (Though, not as funny as Mariah Carey's). That's why up until last season, Hill has been a career No. 3 quarterback. He simply hasn't been an impressive enough practice player to warrant a closer look.

A Closer Look At the Newest 49ers

2008-05-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

As coaches and GMs love to say on cutdown day, it's a numbers game. There are only 53 roster spots available per team at the start of the regular season. The 49ers added six draft picks. Some draftees - Kentwan Balmer, Chilo Rachal, Reggie Smith and Cody Wallace - are virtually assured roster spots. Josh Morgan and Larry Grant have work to do to stick on the final roster.
Here is the breakdown of what each new addition means to the team:

Defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer
What it means for him: Chosen in the first round, Balmer must make an immediate contribution. The 49ers are keeping an open mind. They plan to use him at nose tackle and left end before settling on a spot for him. Either way, he figures to get a lot of playing time as a rookie.
What it means for others: Aubrayo Franklin enters the second year of a three-year, $6.1 million contract. Isaac Sopoaga, who was Franklin's back up last season, recently signed a five-year, $20 million deal. Sopoaga will make twice as much as Franklin, which might be a clue which player's starting job is the most tenuous. The plan is to move Sopoaga to left end. Justin Smith, Sopoaga, Balmer, Franklin, Ronald Fields and Ray McDonald figure to be on the team. Guys such as Joe Cohen, Atiyyah Ellison and Melvin Oliver have to battle to stick around.

Guard Chilo Rachal
What it means for him: When minicamp opens on Friday, Tony Wragge will line up at right guard with the first-team offense. But the door will be open in training camp for Rachal (second-round pick) to get in there. If he shows he can handle the move up to the NFL, Rachal has a good chance to be an opening-week starter.
What it means for others: David Baas will miss a portion of training camp. It's a lot like his rookie season. He was projected as a starter as a rookie, but a hamstring injury kept him sidelined most of camp. He could not recover from missing so much time in training camp. Baas did not move into the starting lineup until injuries forced the issue late his rookie season. Again, he was scheduled to be a starter. Now, he has a long road in front of him to get back on the field after sustaining a torn pectoral muscle last week. After being cleared, he still has to regain his upper-body strength and win his way back into the starting lineup.

Defensive back Reggie Smith
What it means for him: Some view the third-round pick as a Cover 2 corrner. Others see him as a safety. The 49ers envision Smith as a physical, in-your-face cornerback. Because Nate Clements takes the opponents' best receiver and does not get much help, the 49ers want the corner on the other side to be physical at the line of scrimmage. The other corner generally has safety help over the top. If, over a period of time, Smith proves he can't cover NFL receivers, the 49ers have the option to move him to free safety.
What it means for others: Walt Harris is a 13-year vet who eventually must be replaced. The 49ers want to make sure they have some candidates ready to take over. Shawntae Spencer signed a reasonable contract extension in 2006 and has a deal in place through 2012. He has experienced difficulty staying healthy. When healthy, Spencer has not been the most consistent performer, either. Tarell Brown, whom many believed was a second-round value found in the fifth round, is not fully recovered from a partially torn ACL from the final game of the season. The injury did not require surgery. The club expects him to be ready for the start of training camp. After 2005, when the 49ers were picking up free-agent corners off the street and sticking them in the starting lineup, the club has at least built some depth at this spot. A decent player will probably be let go after camp. Marcus Hudson and Donald Strickland, along with Smith, Brown and Spencer will duke it out for backup spots.

Center Cody Wallace
What it means for him: The fourth-round selection comes to the 49ers as a backup to Eric Heitmann. It would be very difficult for a rookie to win a starting job at center over a guy who has been around like Heitmann. So much of the center position is having a grasp for the team's protections and a concept of what the defense is doing.
What it means for others: Heitmann is scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the season. Perhaps, they're lining up their contingency plan. Or, Nolan mentioned that Heitmann is capable of moving to guard, too. With Wallace on the team, obviously the 49ers are not projecting Baas as the next center. This is a big season for Baas, who is signed through 2009. If he has yet to establish himself as a starter, the club might decide he does not fit into their future plans. The 49ers want Adam Snyder to play guard, but I can't help but think the 49ers have the makings of a good long-term offensive line with Joe Staley and Snyder at the tackles, Baas and Rachal at the guards and Wallace at center.

Receiver Josh Morgan
What it means for him: There is not a bona fide No. 1 receiver on the team, so the door is wide open for this sixth-rounder to prove he can be of value to the 49ers. Playing time will be difficult to find as a rookie. He'll have to adjust to Mike Martz's offense and Jerry Sullivan's detailed coaching. He will have to battle through the frustration of learning things that are completely new to him. But Morgan definitely has a chance to stick around. If he takes advantage of some chances, he could work into a significant role. He better come to training camp in great shape. Rookies have never worked like they will during their first NFL training camp. And rookie receivers, in particular, are susceptible to leg injuries.
What it means for others: Jason Hill and Ashley Lelie must get off to a great starts to work their way into positions to get more practice reps. Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson and Arnaz Battle don't seem to be going anywhere. Morgan, conceivably, could push Hill or Lelie back a notch.

Linebacker Larry Grant
What it means for him: The good news for this seventh-round pick is that he projects at a position where the starting job is up for grabs. He'll have an opportunity to compete for the starting "ted' linebacker job. Although it's unlikely he'll win the starting job, Grant can still make a major impact on special teams as a rookie. But the 49ers might keep only four inside linebackers, which means that while he has an outside chance to win a starting job, he is also fighting for a roster spot.
What it means for others: If the 49ers had grabbed Curtis Lofton in the first round, Dontarrious Thomas would have been replaced as a starter before ever starting a game. Grant's acquisition appears to mean that Brandon Moore is, again, pushed to the background. Nolan said Thomas, Jeff Ulbrich and Grant would line up and compete at the "ted," while Brandon Moore will be Patrick Willis' backup at the "mike." The "ted" is the strong inside linebacker position. The team is obviously not convinced Moore has the ability to get off blocks effectively enough to play on the strong side. The door remains open for the 49ers to pursue veteran Takeo Spikes, who is returning from season-ending surgery on his rotator cuff. The Eagles released him (failed physical) earlier this offseason. Because Spikes would play the strong inside position, he would be taking on more blockers, thus exposing himself to more collisions.
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Nolan's Final Draft: A Master Piece of Wasted Opportunities

2008-04-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

The 49ers totally screwed the pooch again on the most crucial day of Mike Nolan and Scot McCloughan's careers respectively. Draft day. If Nolan doesn't get the Niners off to a good start this season, he will undoubtedly be given his pink slip and McCloughan, Nolan's former assistant and now his "boss", (yeah, right, you really laid down the law, Dr. York) will be shown the door with him....and they did nothing this weekend to help keep that from being a reality.

Start with needs -- a wide receiver would be nice. With apologies to Arnaz Battle, Jason Hill, newcomers Bryant Johnson and Isaac Bruce, or any wide receiver. "Any" were there. Better than any, in fact. Devin Thomas was there for the picking and he was a first-round pick until pickers began plucking. So was James Hardy. And what about DeSean Jackson? Sorry. Niners pass, even though coach Mike Nolan said it: We need offense.

What else? Another linebacker -- one of those hybrids known as a "rushbacker" would be just the ticket. Or a versatile inside/outside linebacker who can move around and fill spots next time Manny Lawson blows out a knee.

This isn't their fault. They actually had one in mind and not the one I figured they'd look at in Quentin Groves but rather -- Penn State's Dan Connor, who went to Carolina one pick before the 49ers could nab him in the 3rd round, if you're wondering. Instead, they had their eye on Oklahoma's blockier, slower version of Connor, Curtis Lofton. They figured they'd wait until Round 2 to take care of the position. Two picks before their Round 2 shot came up, the Falcons stole him out from under their noses. So they took guard Chilo Rachal, another reasonable need given the injury status of David Baas and the who-knows-where-he-even-is status of Larry Allen, the free-est of free agents.

But what the Niners really needed was a defensive lineman. One of those nice pass-rushing kinds of guys , to play opposite Justin Smith, who will stop at nothing until he's shaken hands with a quarterback and told him how much his stuff stinks.

Instead, they took Balmer. Defensive tackle who will be asked to replace Bryant Young (like anybody could do that) at left end or maybe play a little nosetackle in the 3-4 ... where Isaac Sopoaga would seem to be in a blood feud with Aubrayo Franklin to start. Only Sopoaga is now being billed as a left end. It boggles the mind. Balmer presumably is a burr under the disappointing Franklin's saddle and asked to play . . . At end. At tackle. At discombobulation? Oh, and did I mention this? If it's end, as a sack guy Balmer collected exactly 3.5 last year when he had his one really superior year at North Carolina. That to go along with $45 million dollar man Justin Smith's whopping 2 sacks last year for the Bengals.

Later on, Reggie Smith, in the 3rd from Oklahoma is a solid project corner. Center Cody Wallace in the 4th was a good choice, but that's about it. Josh Morgan, WR from Virginia Tech, the only offensive skill player taken, has off field issues that smell like Thomas Clayton Part II. Nolan finished off with what I say will be his final 49er draft choice by selecting......wait for it.....oh shucks.....another Linebacker!!!!, Larry Grant from Ohio St. in the 7th, to add to the already deepest position on the team.

In summation, they did little to desuade me from expecting the worst. This final act for Nolan, Alex Smith and "GM" Scot McCloughan is in the hands largely of the self-proclaimed "genius" offensive co-ordinator Mike Martz. While Nolan keeps focusing on defense, with the worst offense in the league, Martz will have to make chicken salad out of chicken s@#t to give them any hope of .500. Defense is great Coach Nolan, but you have to score to win.

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