MATT MAIOCCO, THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
SANTA CLARA -- Some see it as another instance of the big, bad and savvy New England Patriots continuing to feast on the terminally incompetent that litter the NFL landscape. Sure, in April the 49ers gave up their first-round pick in '08 to the Patriots for the No. 28 selection in '07. Sure, the 49ers are among the worst teams in the league. But seven months after the fact, the trade isn't looking too bad for either side.The Patriots expect to get a top-10 pick out of the deal -- right now it would be No. 5. Meanwhile, the 49ers could not be much happier with the player they obtained in the swap -- Joe Staley."Watching the film of the other tackles that went in the draft, Joe's done an outstanding job," 49ers coach Mike Nolan said. "So, yeah, (I'm) very pleased.
The fact that we coached him (in the Senior Bowl), I know that we felt very good about him. So that was good."What we'd do over is our record."Staley has been one of the bright spots for the 49ers in a season filled with disappointment. The 49ers carry a 4-10 record into their penultimate game of the season, Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.The rookie from Central Michigan has started every game at right tackle after winning the job in training camp from incumbent Kwame Harris.Staley's future appears to be in the high-rent district of left tackle. He said coaches have told him that he will make the switch to the other side of the line next season. Staley is expected to unseat oft-injured Jonas Jennings, who is scheduled for a $3.45 million salary.Still, it is difficult to convince anyone other than offensive line connoisseurs that the 49ers made a wise trade with the Patriots.
Those on both sides of the Staley debate point to the same defining game. Staley has surrendered six sacks this season, but 3½ came Oct. 21 in one dreadful game against the New York Giants.Staley was thoroughly manhandled by Michael Strahan, perhaps the greatest all-around defensive end of his generation. Critics will say Staley showed in that game he does not have what it takes.But those who believe the 49ers made the wise move in selecting Staley are impressed with his mental toughness and the determination he has displayed in using that game as a lesson for getting better."I think from that game on, I've played my best ball," Staley said. "I've kept improving and kept getting better every week."As far as my mindset, I let Michael get into my head because he's one of those guys I've looked up to. It was the fact it was Michael Strahan. I played mind games with myself. You got to play your game and you can't let other people dictate what you're going to do."And Staley certainly is not letting others affect his attitude toward himself. When he hears people talk about the Patriots' supposed thievery of the 49ers, he knows not to take it too seriously."Most of those things are said by people who haven't watched us," Staley said. "I think I've played well. How often does a guy from Florida watch the right tackle for the 49ers? You don't keep stats (for offensive linemen) and you don't know what our real assignment is. If people say I didn't play well, that's their decision. I feel I've played well. I have confidence in myself."
McCLOUGHAN HAPPY
Amid speculation new Miami Dolphins executive vice president of football operations Bill Parcells might consider Scot McCloughan for his general manager, McCloughan said he is not interested in any other job.When asked if he is staying with the 49ers, McCloughan said, "Definitely. One hundred percent."McCloughan holds the title of 49ers vice president of player personnel. He is the top scout in the organization, and someone Nolan leans on heavily in making personnel decisions."You got to finish what you started, you know? You have to," McCloughan said. "I gave a commitment to (Nolan) and the organization. I have to fulfill that."Nolan, whose future with the 49ers has yet to be determined, said team ownership is committed to keeping McCloughan."It's my understanding that Scot wants to stay, but that's a decision that he has to make," Nolan said."I think the ownership has been committed to Scot since the day he arrived and has remained committed. That hasn't changed."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment