*OFFICIAL* 49ers Discussion Thread

[Saint Elistan 106]

Maiocco: 49ers Roster Projection

http://www.csnbayarea.com/09/01/10/Maiocco-49ers-Roster-Projection/landing_maiocco_v3.html?blockID=301980&feedID=5936

Quarterbacks (3): Alex Smith, David Carr, Nate Davis

Running backs (5): Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook, Moran Norris, Anthony Dixon, Michael Robinson

Wide receivers (5): Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, Ted Ginn, Kyle Williams, Dominique Zeigler

Tight ends (3): Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Nate Byham

Offensive line (10): Joe Staley, Anthony Davis, Mike Iupati, Chilo Rachal, Eric Heitmann, David Baas, Barry Sims, Adam Snyder, Tony Wragge, Alex Boone

Defensive line (6): Justin Smith, Aubrayo Franklin, Isaac Sopoaga, Ray McDonald, Ricky Jean Francois, Demetric Evans

Linebackers (9): Patrick Willis, Parys Haralson, Manny Lawson, Takeo Spikes, Ahmad Brooks, NaVorro Bowman, Travis LaBoy, Diyral Briggs, Matt Wilhelm

Defensive backs (9): Nate Clements, Shawntae Spencer, Dashon Goldson, Taylor Mays, Michael Lewis, Reggie Smith, Tarell Brown, Karl Paymah, Phillip Adams

Specialists (3): Andy Lee, Brian Jennings, Joe Nedney

 

Check out the above link for some commentary on the bubble players and why Maiocco thinks they'll either make it or they wont. Good read.

[RicemanX 20]

Maiocco is a genius

[Saint Elistan 106]

Maiocco: Buildup to Davis-Crabtree Confrontation

http://www.csnbayarea.com/09/02/10/Maiocco-Buildup-to-Davis-Crabtree-Confro/landing_maiocco_v3.html?blockID=302833&feedID=5936

Before the 49ers arrived at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium on the morning of Aug. 15, receiver Michael Crabtree was declared available for action. Crabtree sustained a neck strain during practice four days earlier, but club officials said he was OK to play. His availability for the exhibition opener against the Colts would be determined after warmups. Crabtree did not suit up for that game. He sat out the following week's game, too. Then, two days after coach Mike Singletary declared Crabtree would play in the 49ers' third exhibition game, Crabtree was a late scratch after reporting a "sore neck" upon showing up at the Oakland Coliseum to face the Raiders.

 

Tight end Vernon Davis, who returned to full practice this week after sustaining a knee strain in the first game, lashed out at Crabtree during Wednesday's practice. The scene prompted Singletary to become involved. The three men went back to the locker room during practice to settle their differences. After 10 minutes, Singletary excused Davis, allowing him to rejoin his teammates. Singletary and Crabtree remained in the 49ers' locker room for another 10 minutes before they returned to the field. Singletary called a team meeting immediately after practice.

 

"There are no more elephants in the room," Singletary said. "The elephant was exposed. Vernon did the right thing, but he did it the wrong way."

 

Prior to the incident Wednesday, Crabtree was seen playfully going through practice next to Davis, who seemed to grow increasingly agitated. Crabtree is regarded as a good worker. But he seems to play by different rules than everyone else.

 

The 49ers have coddled him from the moment he signed his six-year contract and reported to the team after a 71-day absence. Even without any training camp, he became an immediate starter as a rookie. Crabtree is the only player on the 49ers who is not available to the media upon a standard request. He determines when he speaks. This summer, he participated in a press conference the first day of training camp. Media access to him has been limited ever since.

 

As he enters his second NFL season, Crabtree has yet to play in an exhibition game. Crabtree's perceived apathy for participating in the tuneup games is an issue on the team. "It's very important," Smith said. "We've had a tough camp, but we've got to be out here. We've got to get the work in. If we just think we have these names or we're going to show up on game day and get it done, that's crazy. We've got to get out here and get the work in and continue to take strides and get better. Otherwise you're just hoping. You're just hoping that it shows up on game day. You're going to hope it shows up come regular season."

 

Last year, Crabtree showed up after the regular season started. The 49ers expected things to be different this time around.

[dpbuddha 9]

Please please please let this be the kick in the pants that Crabtree needs.

[Saint Elistan 106]

What's Left for 49ers to Gain from Preseason?

http://www.csnbayarea.com/09/02/10/Whats-Left-for-49ers-to-Gain-from-Presea/landing.html?blockID=302996&feedID=5936

Quarterback Alex Smith will not play. Neither will running back Frank Gore nor tight end Vernon Davis. Singletary said he was undecided whether to try to get receiver Michael Crabtree some game action. And don't expect linebacker Patrick Willis to play, either.

 

So what's left for the 49ers to accomplish with the entire organization pointing toward their regular-season opener Sunday, Sept. 12, against the Seattle Seahawks?

 

Be Safe Out There

Really, the only major developments that can happen in the final exhibition game are negative. That is why the 49ers will rest some of their starters. And the front-liners who suit up will not play very long. This game will be won or lost by the backups. Most of the 22 players who will be among the 49ers' final cuts will play key roles in the game.

 

Behind Alex Smith

Backup quarterback David Carr will start tonight's game. When asked about his reserve quarterbacks this week, Singletary said, "I think David Carr is a guy that I could grow to feel comfortable with." With a good showing, Carr can begin to earn more confidence from his coach. And this will likely be second-year quarterback Nate Davis' final opportunity of the year to show what he can do.

 

On The Bubble

Receiver Jason Hill, a third-round pick in 2007, got his chance in the second half of the '08 season as the No. 3 wideout. He responded with 30 receptions and two touchdowns. But he lost his spot on the depth chart last season and managed just nine catches. Hill appears to currently rank behind starters Crabtree and Josh Morgan, as well as Ted Ginn and Dominique Zeigler. He said his focus is on doing everything he can to become a better player. The other decisions are out of his control. "The more I try to figure out where I fit, the more I get left behind," said Hill, a native San Franciscan. "I love it here. I love what we're building here. And I want to be here. I guess we'll see when they make all the decisions they make."

 

Stating Their Final Cases

How much impact can one game against second- and third-tier competition have in determining the final roster cuts? Not much. Especially after an entire offseason of work . . . after 31 practices in training camp . . . after three exhibition games. "The majority of our roster is full, but there are still about five or six spots that can go one way or the other," Singletary said.

[worm 36]

46-yd TD run by Dixon. Yeah, I like him.

[Saint Elistan 106]

46-yd TD run by Dixon. Yeah, I like him.

 

 

Not too shabby for a #3. Just gotta fix his "Happy Feet" and Pass Protection problems over the next few seasons behind Frank.

[Inhiding 0]

How good was Lawson last night? what few plays i saw, I watched until just before halftime, he seemed to be everywhere, and that INT was dope! I would hate to see Lawson get let go after this year if he keeps up this kind of production.

 

Do you think that we had the right players,just not in the right situation? I mean, Nolan would never start two Rooks on the O-line, heck he hardly ever let the rookies play at all. P. Willis excepted...

[Saint Elistan 106]

How good was Lawson last night? what few plays i saw, I watched until just before halftime, he seemed to be everywhere, and that INT was dope! I would hate to see Lawson get let go after this year if he keeps up this kind of production.

 

Do you think that we had the right players,just not in the right situation? I mean, Nolan would never start two Rooks on the O-line, heck he hardly ever let the rookies play at all. P. Willis excepted...

 

Lawson's been looking great. Two years (or is it 3??) removed from his ACL surgery and in a contract year. I love his attitude and his potential is undeniable. I hope he shows us enough to warrant an extension. And yeah, I think there is a little something to the change in coaching. Hell Aubrayo Franklin was a "Nolan Guy" and he became nearly pro-bowl caliber the year after Nolan was tossed. This season should really tell us a lot about if/how Singletary's coaching style works in the NFL in this day and age.

 

But you're probably talking more along the lines of utilizing players the right way. I can't agree more. Things are much, much better in that area.

[Saint Elistan 106]

On to the cuts! And man...were there some surprises!

 

Robinson, Hill Among 49ers Released

http://www.csnbayarea.com/09/03/10/Robinson-Hill-Among-49ers-Released/landing_maiocco_v3.html?blockID=303815&feedID=5936

The 49ers today cut former special-teams captain Michael Robinson as part of the team's roster moves to get down to the 53-player limit. The 49ers' decision to part ways with Robinson was not expected, especially after coach Mike Singletary said this week that special-teams contributions could determine as many as seven roster spots. Robinson was named a Pro Bowl alternate for special teams the past two seasons. He seemed to strengthen his case for a roster spot when he paved the way for rookie Phillip Adams on a block, springing him for an 83-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Raiders last week.

 

Veteran receiver Jason Hill, a third-round draft pick in 2007, was also released this morning, he confirmed.

 

Veteran cornerback Karl Paymah has also been released.

 

Really, really surprised to see Robinson go. I'm also surprised to see Paymah go, but it is most welcome news! As the full article notes, Jason Hill's release was to be expected. Time to update my depth chart!

 

Edit: http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2010/09/cut-down-day-be.html

There's been some more cuts already!

10:58 a.m.: Fullback Brit Miller has been released.

12:13 p.m. Fox Sports' Adam Caplan reports that OLB Bruce Davis has been informed he'll be released.

12:19 p.m. Jehuu Caulcrick also has been released.

12:30 p.m. Tight ends Tony Curtis and Joe Jon Finley also were released.

12:45 p.m. Maiocco reports that Khalif Mitchell and Cody Wallace also will be released.

12:50 p.m. WR Kevin Jurovich has been released.

 

Initially confused about releasing THREE Fullbacks today. Caulcrick was looking great and I thought he may make the team. Byham played some FB in some of the games though, so maybe that's the route we're going.

[Inhiding 0]

Surprised to see M. Rob get released, but not to worried about it. He seemed to be a career special teamer with us. I bet he ends up in Seattle with his boy McCloughin.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Surprised to see M. Rob get released, but not to worried about it. He seemed to be a career special teamer with us. I bet he ends up in Seattle with his boy McCloughin.

Indeed. Rumor has it they're already talking to him.

 

Anyhow, full list of cuts are in. The 49ers are down to 53! Here are the cuts:

http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2010/09/53-man-squad-bo.html

K Shane Andrus

 

LB Mike Balogun

 

QB Jarrett Brown

 

FB Jehuu Caulcrick

 

TE Tony Curtis

 

LB Bruce Davis

 

G Brian de la Puente

 

TE Joe Jon Finley

 

WR Bobby Guillory

 

WR Jason Hill

 

WR Kevin Jurovich

 

T Matt Kopa

 

LB Keaton Kristick

 

S Chris Maragos

 

FB Brit Miller

 

DT Khalif Mitchell

 

CB Karl Paymah

 

RB Michael Robinson

 

DT Will Tukuafu

 

DT Derek Walker

 

C Cody Wallace

 

LB Matt Wilhelm

 

Very surprised to see Wilhelm cut. Puts a wrench in my Depth Chart. Trying to figure out who I'm missing...stuck at 52. Who's the missing man!? Tramaine Brock? I don't see his name on the cuts...

 

If that's the case, here's our 53:

Offense (25)

Quarterback: Alex Smith, David Carr, Nate Davis (3)

Running Back: Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook, Anthony Dixon (3)

Fullback: Moran Norris (1)

Wide Receiver: Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, Ted Ginn, Dominique Zeigler, Kyle Williams (5)

Tight End: Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Nate Byham (3)

Left Tackle: Joe Staley, Barry Sims (2)

Left Guard: Mike Iupati, Tony Wragge (2)

Center: Eric Heitmann, David Baas (2)

Right Guard: Chilo Rachal, Adam Snyder (2)

Right Tackle: Anthony Davis, Alex Boone (2)

 

Defense (25)

Nose Tackle: Aubrayo Franklin, Ricky Jean Francois (2)

Defensive End: Justin Smith, Isaac Sopoaga, Demetric Evans, Ray McDonald (4)

Left Inside Linebacker: Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman (2)

Right Inside Linebacker: Takeo Spikes (1)

Outside Linebacker: Manny Lawson, Ahmad Brooks, Parys Haralson, Travis LaBoy, Diyral Briggs (5)

Cornerback: Nate Clements, Shawntae Spencer, Tarell Brown, Will James, Phillip Adams, Tramaine Brock (6)

Strong Safety: Michael Lewis, Taylor Mays (2)

Free Safety: Dashon Goldson, Reggie Smith, Curtis Taylor (3)

 

Special Teams (3)

Punter: Andy Lee (1)

Kicker: Joe Nedney (1)

Long Snapper: Brian Jennings (1)

 

Total Players: 53

 

I'm thinking that once Will James is healthy again we may cut Brock or Taylor to bring back someone to help at Inside Linebacker.

But if we're keeping Brock/Taylor, then Wragge may be the one getting cut whenever Heitman is back to make room for ILB depth.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Singletary Decides on 53-Man Roster

http://www.csnbayarea.com/09/03/10/Singletary-Decides-on-53-Man-Roster/landing_maiocco_v3.html?blockID=304012&feedID=5936

"I don't care how old you are, how long you've been here, how much money you make," said Singletary, who holds power over determining the 49ers' 53-man roster. "The bottom line is, what do you bring to the team? You can think it's a youth movement. No, it's not. It's a football-player movement." Robinson was the biggest surprise of the cuts. But Singletary said his lack of versatility was the reason the club decided to go in a different direction. "It came down to a decision based on productivity," Singletary said. "How much does he actually play on offensive side of the ball? We could not fit him in on offensive side of the ball."

 

Cornerback Tramaine Brock, an undrafted rookie from Belhaven (Jackson, Miss.), was the biggest long shot to survive the initial cut to 53 players. "He's a kid who every day comes to practice and gets a little better," Singletary said. "He challenges and competes. He has some upside that warranted keeping him."

 

Third-string quarterback Nate Davis might have experienced a long night, but Singletary decided to retain him on the 53-man roster. "He's working at it," Singletary said. "I think he understands more now the degree that he has to work at it. I'm not sure in his mind he's thinking this is OK. I think he understand, 'You know what, I really got to get this thing down."

 

David White added on twitter that Singletary said during the press conference that "Matt Wilhelm didn't fit their identity."

Sure looks like Brock wont be around too long if you read the full article. Singletary says we're still in the market for a replacement ILB.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Maiocco: 49ers' Moves Provide for Future

http://www.csnbayarea.com/09/04/10/49ers-Moves-Provide-for-Future/landing_maiocco_v3.html?blockID=304334&feedID=5936

Coach Mike Singletary claimed Friday that he was not planning for the future when he decided on the 49ers' 53-man roster. Well, then, it's lucky for him that it worked out that way. The 49ers retained 11 defensive backs, and in the process give themselves a chance to develop players who might not have roles this season but could be significant contributors in 2011 and beyond.

 

Neither Lewis nor Dashon Goldson is signed for next season. Therefore, the 49ers retained five safeties on their initial 53-man roster. Reggie Smith and Taylor Mays were assured spots. Second-year player Curtis Taylor was also retained, as the 49ers challenged him to make more of a contribution on special teams. The 49ers have spent draft picks on Goldson, Smith, Taylor and Mays the past four years. Because each of those players is still on the roster, the 49ers should not have to address that position again for a while.

 

Perhaps the position group that is most thin on the 49ers is cornerback. Behind starters Nate Clements and Shawntae Spencer, the 49ers retained veterans Tarell Brown and Will James, and rookies Phillip Adams and Tramaine Brock. James is expected to miss at least the first two games of the season with a high ankle sprain. Adams looks as if he has won the job to return punts. That would also make him the fourth cornerback to open the season. In 2011, Clements is scheduled to earn $7.75 million, including a $500,000 workout bonus. Unless he has a monster season, he will likely have to accept a pay cut or be released.

 

Outside linebacker is another spot where the 49ers should be planning for the future. Diyral Briggs had a very good camp, but it might be difficult for him to get regular playing time with veteran Travis LaBoy winning a backup job to Parys Haralson and Manny Lawson. Also, Ahmad Brooks is due back shortly from a lacerated kidney. Brooks is expected to leapfrog Briggs on the depth chart upon his return after he earned a spot as a nickel pass-rusher for the final six games of last season. Lawson enters the final year of his contract, and his future with the club is very much uncertain. LaBoy is playing under a one-year contract. So it was wise -- or lucky -- for Singletary to keep Briggs on the team.

 

The 49ers have lost their two best special-teams players from a year ago. Scott McKillop, who led the 49ers with 31 tackles, is out for the season with a knee injury. And the 49ers' most surprising cut Friday was Michael Robinson. Robinson was special-teams captain and Pro Bowl alternate the past two seasons. They will look to rookies Taylor Mays, NaVorro Bowman, Anthony Dixon and Nate Byham for major contributions.

 

The full article is a good read. I'm a bit uneasy about the changes to special teams, but I have faith in our personnel department. Corner continues to be a problem area when it comes to depth. I wouldn't mind seeing us use two of our first three picks in next years draft on CBs. I'm not too worried about Safety at this point assuming we lock Goldson up.

[Saint Elistan 106]

49ers Twitter

practice squad - QB Jarrett Brown, FB Jehuu Caulcrick, LB Bruce Davis, WR Kevin Jurovich, T Matt Kopa, LB Keaton Kristick, S Chris Maragos, DT Will Tukuafu

 

Interesting. Kept Jarrett Brown, chose Caulcrick over Britt Miller, Kopa over de la Puente and Cody Wallace...

 

...and most interesting is that we kept Tukuafu over Khallif Mitchell! Tukuafu is the guy we brought in when we traded Balmer to Seattle.

He recorded two sacks in the preseason - a feat Balmer hasn't achieved even once. Who cut him before we signed him? Seattle.

 

 

Thanks for the 6th Rounder and a better lineman, Seahags!

 

Edit:

Maiocco: 49ers Sign Eight to Practice Squad

http://www.csnbayarea.com/09/05/10/49ers-Sign-Eight-to-Practice-Squad/landing_maiocco_v3.html?blockID=304789&feedID=5936

ILB Keaton Kristick: An undrafted rookie from Oregon State, Kristick (6-foot-3, 234 pounds) always seemed to be around the ball. The 49ers usually keep four inside linebackers on the 53-man roster, but they currently have only three. Right now, Kristick is their fourth. He recorded 13 tackles, including one for a loss, and one pass broken up during the exhibition season. He added three tackles on special teams.

 

OLB Bruce Davis: The 2008 third-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers came to the 49ers after the beginning of camp. The Steelers, Patriots and Broncos have released him during his short career. He played in all four games for the 49ers and led the club with 2.5 sacks. Less than a week after signing, he had six tackles, including three behind the line of scrimmage, and a sack against the Indianapolis Colts.

 

DE Will Tukuafu: When the 49ers received a roster exemption after Kentwan Balmer quit the team, Tukuafu was signed. An undrafted rookie from Oregon, he received a brief look from the Seattle Seahawks before getting released. At 6-foot-4, 272 pounds, Tukuafu recorded a sack in his first snap against the Indianapolis Colts. He was added to the practice squad ahead of Khalif Mitchell.

 

WR Kevin Jurovich: The undrafted rookie from San Jose State caught two passes for 49 yards. He also showed some ability in the return game, averaging 23.0 yards on four kickoff returns. The 49ers added Jurovich to their 80-man roster after the Philadelphia Eagles cut him at the beginning of camp. He was kept on the practice squad over Bobby Guillory and Bakari Grant.

 

QB Jarrett Brown: He made a special-teams tackle against the Raiders, and got into action late in the 49ers' exhibition finale. He did not attempt a pass. He will likely play other positions on the practice squad, such as receiver and defensive back.

 

FB Jehuu Caulcrick: The 49ers like his size (6-foot, 250 pounds) but believe he did not show the kind of consistency they wanted to see for him to make the 53-man roster. He won this spot on the practice squad over Brit Miller, who was not the kind of physical presence the 49ers want to see from a fullback.

 

OT Matt Kopa: He finally got into some action at right tackle in the second half of the 49ers' exhibition finale. The 49ers signed him as an undrafted free agent after he decided to end his appeal for another year of eligibility at Stanford. Kopa (6-foot-6, 303 pounds) missed most of his senior season with a foot injury.

 

S Chris Maragos: The 49ers were impressed with the undrafted free agent from Wisconsin, who led the team with four interceptions as a senior. Maragos (5-foot-10, 200 pounds) didn't have much of a chance to make the 53-man roster because of the 49ers' bevy of talented young players at the position (Dashon Goldson, Reggie Smith, Taylor Mays and Curtis Taylor).

[Saint Elistan 106]

@michaelombardi Twitter

Hearing in the next hour 49ers will formally release QB Nate Davis formerly of Ball State...

@MBachCSN Twitter

Just spoke w/ Nate Davis in person. He was released just moments ago. He found out this morning. Did not expect it.

 

Wonder who they're making room for. QB is to obvious. Bound to be special teams related.

[Saint Elistan 106]

49ersPR

The #49ers have signed QB Troy Smith to a one-year deal. In order to make room for Smith on the roster, they have waived QB Nate Davis.

Well then. Guess I was wrong. Interesting.

[worm 36]

So now at QB we have two #1 overall picks and a Heisman winner...CHAMPIONSHIP

[Saint Elistan 106]

So now at QB we have two #1 overall picks and a Heisman winner...CHAMPIONSHIP

 

@mattbarrows

Mike Singletary on KNBR: Says the hope is that the 49ers are able to place QB Nate Davis on their practice squad.

Hope this works out.

 

Barrows: Cutting Davis was a risk worth taking, Singletary says

http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2010/09/cutting-davis-w.html

On Tuesday, Singletary spoke of his new quarterback - Troy Smith - in terms opposite to how he described Davis. Singletary said he liked Smith coming out of college in 2007. When Smith was released last week, he told personnel chief Trent Baalke he wanted the ex Raven on the roster. "He's a competitor. He works to be the best he can be," Singletary said of Smith, 26. "If nothing else, he comes in and adds to the positive energy we have here, the work ethic we have here."

 

Many observers, including me, interpreted Singletary's harsh words about Davis over the last two weeks as being motivation. They were designed to scare Davis - whose physical tools were obvious - into being a more serious student during the 2010 season and, more important, the 2011 offseason.

 

It's clear now that there was true discontent with Davis, and that makes you wonder whether David Carr's status as the No. 2 quarterback is on shaky ground, too. After all, when asked about Carr last month, Singletary's first inclination was to say that the 49ers must do a good job of protecting starting quarterback Alex Smith this year.

 

Today he said he hopes Troy Smith, who played in a digit-based offense in Baltimore, pushes Carr for the No. 2 job during the season. "Absolutely," he said. "I think that's a very safe thing to say. We're always working to get better."

I didn't know that Baltimore and the 49ers used similar offensive terms. That's a huge relief. I'm liking this move more and more.

[Saint Elistan 106]

@49ersPR

#49ers announced they have signed QB Nate Davis to the practice squad. The team released QB Jarrett Brown to make room on the unit.

Well that worked out nicely.

[RicemanX 20]

@49ersPR

 

Well that worked out nicely.

LOL, love how Davis' agent was saying that MULTIPLE teams picked him up on waivers.

[Saint Elistan 106]

49ers Notebook: Special Role for Mays

http://www.csnbayarea.com/09/09/10/49ers-Notebook-Special-Role-for-Mays/landing_maiocco_v3.html?blockID=307581&feedID=5936

SANTA CLARA -- The best special-teams player on the 49ers from as recently as a week ago will be lining up against the 49ers on Sunday in the season opener.

The 49ers will need look to several rookies to pick up the slack after former special-teams captain Michael Robinson was released during the final round of cuts.

 

With his combination of size and speed, safety Taylor Mays carries the highest expectations among the newcomers in the kicking game.

 

Mays is not expected to have any role on defense Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, but he still has a chance to make a significant contribution in his first NFL game.

Mays is slated for duty on kickoff and punt coverage for the 49ers in his NFL regular-season debut.

The full article is a good read. Give it a look. Some game tidbits about other players towards the bottom.

 

LOL, love how Davis' agent was saying that MULTIPLE teams picked him up on waivers.

 

 

I never heard that. That's hilarious.

[RicemanX 20]

 

 

I never heard that. That's hilarious.

I guess it wasn't his agent, but Jason Whitlock, Fox sports writer

 

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?entry_id=71812

 

According to a tweet by Fox Sports columnist Jason Whitlock, Davis has already been claimed by several teams. Whitlock may be wrong, but he's in a position to know. He's close to Davis and to the Ball State football program where Whitlock played ball. Davis also played at Ball State.

 

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?entry_id=71812#ixzz0z4pYFhdB

[Saint Elistan 106]

First Look: Seattle Seahawks

By Taylor Price http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-2/First-Look-Seattle-Seahawks/e0af2d04-ff50-4476-be1d-4fb666a48789

Numerous changes have taken place for the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, all of which make the 49ers divisional rivals an even greater opponent for the opening week of the 2010 season. New head coach, new general manager, but the Seahawks spirited fan-base remains the same. No doubt the “12th man” will be ready to go for the home opener and the 49ers are expecting it too.

 

With close to 200 roster moves made since Pete Carroll and John Schneider took their respective roles with the organization, the Seahawks will understandably look a lot different when they host the 49ers Week 1 at Qwest Field. Twenty-seven of 53 players are new to the team, including former 49ers running back Michael Robinson, who was one of six players signed to the roster after the NFL’s final roster cuts last week.

 

Despite finishing the preseason with a 1-3 record, Seattle (5-11 last season, 3-3 against the NFC West) competed hard throughout the exhibition season. The Seahawks made strides under Carroll’s coaching staff. Now it’s time to carry that momentum into the regular season.

Good insights in the full article. Check it out.

 

I've also created a gameday thread. Hopefully they actually see some use and I can continue making them.

I'll be linking to them from this thread so you can easily find them throughout the season.

The links will be on the original post, near the bottom, beside each entry under the schedule section.

For now, here's the gameday thread: http://www.fftodayforums.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=369714

[Saint Elistan 106]

Just wanted to share a desktop background that you guys might want for the season:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4863613903_9aa7e99922_o.jpg

 

Oh, and big news!

 

Via Schefter Twitter

49ers TE Vernon Davis signed a 5-year extension, making him highest paid TE in NFL history. Deal includes $23 mil gtd, $37 mil total.

@mattbarrows

Previously highest paid TE was Antonio Gates, who got $20.4 million guaranteed. Davis' deal calls for $23 million guaranteed.

Lock 'em up! Now, on to Dashon Goldson.

 

Not too big of a jump from Gates. Now if he can just play at a Gates level for the duration of the contract...

[Laurence Maroney's Nuts 2]

Just wanted to share a desktop background that you guys might want for the season:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4863613903_9aa7e99922_o.jpg

 

Oh, and big news!

 

Via Schefter Twitter

 

@mattbarrows

 

Lock 'em up! Now, on to Dashon Goldson.

 

Not too big of a jump from Gates. Now if he can just play at a Gates level for the duration of the contract...

 

Davis was a lazy slacker until last year no? And now they give him a rich deal... Singletary better keep him in check. Or Davis will pull a Haynesworth.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Davis was a lazy slacker until last year no? And now they give him a rich deal... Singletary better keep him in check. Or Davis will pull a Haynesworth.

 

Davis was never a lazy slacker. He's always been one of the hardest workers on the team. He had attitude problems up until Singletary took over in 2008.

[RicemanX 20]

Davis was a lazy slacker until last year no? And now they give him a rich deal... Singletary better keep him in check. Or Davis will pull a Haynesworth.

The only thing wrong with Davis in his first few years was that he was WAY too emotional about the game. All Singletary did was teach Davis how to channel that emotion and passion for the game into playing well...instead of running his mouth and causing trouble. I dig the signing...now let's get Alex Smith extended for cheap before he goes for 25 TDs this season.

[Reality 3,121]

I hope I'm wrong but, I just don't think Smith has a big enough arm to be a solid pro. There are just too many throws that he can't seem to make. We should be working the Phones with Philly to see if there is any thruth to the rumors at all. This team is good enough right now to make the playoffs with a QB like McNabb.

 

Good young talent doesn't stay young long in today's NFL.

 

[Saint Elistan 106]

Well, that was disappointing. No use sulking about it, however. Got a hell of a game to prepare for on Monday. Pretty good chance we start out 0-2 but it's not the end of the world.

 

Here's a shortlist of the things I personally think we need to work on that cost us the game.

 

*Communication - Blowing 3 timeouts and taking one delay of game because the plays weren't communicated fast enough is unacceptable.

*Crabtree - Both of those interceptions were largely his fault. He took his eyes off the ball on the first one and ran the wrong route on the second one. Then he just disappeared the rest of the game. If you're going to puss out and pretend that your neck is enough to keep you out of the preseason, you damn well better be able to pull your weight when the season starts. It's no wonder Davis got on his case. Now we know.

*Pass Rush/Corner Coverage - Pretty much go hand in hand. Just flat out didn't happen. Having members of the secondary carelessly jumping routes and commiting dumb penalties doesn't help either.

*O-Line - The Rookies couldn't hack it. Lineman were falling over on running plays, failing to open holes for Gore, and just plain getting beat bad on passing plays. That Hawks DLine is terrible. We made them look like ProBowlers.

 

I'd throw QB play on there, but we seemed just fine in the first two possessions - the 4th and Goal to Moron Norris aside. The Box score sure looks like Alex Smith ruined this game, but in reality it's mostly due to the bullet points above. I'm not writing Alex off either. He's got a lot to work on still. His short yardage passing accuracy is atrocious at times and he really just needs to take control when he's out there. He should have called his own damn plays when Jimmy Raye fell asleep in the box. They specifically practiced that in training camp.

 

Anyhow, post game stuffs:

Maiocco's Post Game Blog

NFL.com Postgame Press Conference Video

PressDemocrat Report Card

 

OP Updated with the Score.

[idiotec 31]

I'm not so quick to give Smith the benefit of the doubt. All the other pieces are there, Smith needs to play a LOT better than he did tonight.

 

The other big disappointment was the o-line. They got no push, Gore had nowhere to go and Smith was pressured regularly. Rookies need to step up.

 

The D did not play great, but if you look at it, they shut Seattle's O down pretty well.

 

I HATE the play calling early. Same way Raye-Raye started out last season. He is a weak link.

 

 

At the end of the day, it comes down to Smith. We need him to step up and play like a Pro if we want to contend. Can he?

[jerryskids 6,797]

Hi, Cardinal fan here.

 

Heard you Niners were the can't miss division champs. Just came here to reckonize your greatness.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Hi, Cardinal fan here.

 

Heard you Niners were the can't miss division champs. Just came here to reckonize your greatness.

 

Still going to sweep you. Again.

[idiotec 31]

Hi, Cardinal fan here.

 

Heard you Niners were the can't miss division champs. Just came here to reckonize your greatness.

Congrats on the tough game against the Rams.

[jerryskids 6,797]

Congrats on the tough game against the Rams.

Thanks. Our best WR is dinged, he hadn't worked in a game with our starting QB who was named a week ago, our most talented RB was out, and our #3 WR missed most of the game. But we found a way to win a game we were supposed to win.

[jaguilar2549 0]

Niners fan here, so I want them to win. I have to say that at about 5 minutes into the 3rd Quarter it looked like the team quit. Smith was off and the wr/te's didn't seem to have the same speed/drive as they had earlier in game or preseason. Sure they were down 28 to 6, but that is when a real championship team pulls it together and push themselves. These guys looked like Lebron and the Cavaliers! What a shame.

 

Hopefully this was just one bad game and they can rebound, but my trust in Smith is very low. We have no one else and that concerns me that we bet everything on Smith.

[Natetradomus 0]

The only thing wrong with Davis in his first few years was that he was WAY too emotional about the game. All Singletary did was teach Davis how to channel that emotion and passion for the game into playing well...instead of running his mouth and causing trouble. I dig the signing...now let's get Alex Smith extended for cheap before he goes for 25 TDs this season.

 

You can't be serious in wanting to keep alexia smith. You either have it or you don't. I don't care how many co-ordinaters he has had, how many coaches and the lack of players in years past. He just doesn't have what it takes. It's been a 6 year experiment. Time to cut our losses. Why is it so easy for teams to cut theirs ie. Leinhart but we just drag things out. As a diehard niner fan, I really hope we lose like 3-4 in a row just so we don't have to deal with this bs qb anymore. Seriously irate here with this guy. After his first pick he was seen on the sidelines laughing. C'mon now. Real talks.

[dpbuddha 9]

Well, that was disappointing. No use sulking about it, however. Got a hell of a game to prepare for on Monday. Pretty good chance we start out 0-2 but it's not the end of the world.

 

Here's a shortlist of the things I personally think we need to work on that cost us the game.

 

*Communication - Blowing 3 timeouts and taking one delay of game because the plays weren't communicated fast enough is unacceptable.

*Crabtree - Both of those interceptions were largely his fault. He took his eyes off the ball on the first one and ran the wrong route on the second one. Then he just disappeared the rest of the game. If you're going to puss out and pretend that your neck is enough to keep you out of the preseason, you damn well better be able to pull your weight when the season starts. It's no wonder Davis got on his case. Now we know.

*Pass Rush/Corner Coverage - Pretty much go hand in hand. Just flat out didn't happen. Having members of the secondary carelessly jumping routes and commiting dumb penalties doesn't help either.

*O-Line - The Rookies couldn't hack it. Lineman were falling over on running plays, failing to open holes for Gore, and just plain getting beat bad on passing plays. That Hawks DLine is terrible. We made them look like ProBowlers.

 

I'd throw QB play on there, but we seemed just fine in the first two possessions - the 4th and Goal to Moron Norris aside. The Box score sure looks like Alex Smith ruined this game, but in reality it's mostly due to the bullet points above. I'm not writing Alex off either. He's got a lot to work on still. His short yardage passing accuracy is atrocious at times and he really just needs to take control when he's out there. He should have called his own damn plays when Jimmy Raye fell asleep in the box. They specifically practiced that in training camp.

 

Anyhow, post game stuffs:

Maiocco's Post Game Blog

NFL.com Postgame Press Conference Video

PressDemocrat Report Card

 

OP Updated with the Score.

 

2 Big turning points...

 

1) In stead of going up 10-0, Smith can't hit a wide open Norris on 4th down.

 

2) Bad PI call on 3rd down against the Niners when it appeared to be on the WR. Drive continued, Seattle scores their 1st TD and the Niners never look decent for the rest of the game.

[Saint Elistan 106]

2) Bad PI call on 3rd down against the Niners when it appeared to be on the WR. Drive continued, Seattle scores their 1st TD and the Niners never look decent for the rest of the game.

Yeap. That's the one for me. The holding call. Nate's going for the interception and (Branch?) grabs onto his right hand to prevent the pick 6.

But somehow the refs saw Nate, who was reaching for the ball, holding a receiver that was behind him. Ridiculous.

 

Someone on the Bleacher Report did a writeup about it:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/460636-blatantly-awful-careys-crew-should-be-punished-for-holding-call-on-clements

 

Momentum in the NFL can be enjoyable for some and disastrous for others, it just depends on what side that the momentum is on. During the San Francisco 49ers game against the Seattle Seahawks, a perfect example of what happens with momentum can be seen with the Seahawks after getting a second chance on a drive.

 

The second chance should have never been given in the first place. Now how bad was the momentum shift at the time? Not a huge momentum change as the 49ers were still up 6-0 at that point, but the bad call in question though led to the Seahawks first touchdown.

 

As for the play in question, Nate Clements jumped a route that was run by Seahawk wide receiver Deion Branch. Under normal circumstances Clements who has great hands would have intercepted the pass and been gone for a touchdown.

 

That would have been huge for the 49ers as the offense was struggling especially in the red zone. Of course Branch a veteran receiver could see that happening, so instead of allowing Clements a clean catch and the possibility of scoring, Branch grabbed the right arm of Clements.

 

As a result of being held by Branch, Clements was unable to make the interception. At the time the Seahawks were facing a third and four as well, so even with the knockdown of the pass the 49ers were still going to get the ball back as the Seahawks would have been punting.

 

There was a flag on the play and what was the penalty? It wasn't a penalty on Branch for holding Clements instead it was the exact opposite Clements was called for holding Branch. One word can describe the call ridiculous.

 

Of course Clements immediately protested the call when he found out it was going against him and he tried to argue his point, but to no avail. The Fox crew showed the replay and commented on the fact that if there was a penalty on the play it should have gone to Branch, as it was stated "Clements has just as much right to the ball that Branch does."

 

It's rare to see a defensive player who jumps a route be called for a penalty because most of the time in that situations the defender is in front of the receiver, which is where Clements was when making the play. It would have been impossible for Clements to have held Branch because he was already in front of him.

 

After the Seahawks were given a fresh set of downs since it was a five yard penalty and an automatic first down on the second play after the penalty Matt Hasselbeck found Mike Williams for a 35 yard gain and on the next play Hasselbeck ran it in for a touchdown.

 

So, from the 49ers getting the ball back with the 6-0 lead it went to 7-6 Seahawks.

 

 

I honestly think that had the refs actually called that right, we would have won the game. Well, we would have gone into halftime leading at the very least 6-0.

Guess something else could have gone wrong in the 2nd half.

Oh well. Got boned. We move on to a trap game of our own on Monday night.

[Natetradomus 0]

Craptree's performance really reminds me of Randy Moss when he played for the Raiders. I can totally see this diva not trying the rest of the season because Singletary and Davis hurt his feelings. I think he is the type of puss that won't get motivated by a kick in the a$$ but will just curl up in the fetal position. He needs a belechek type coach. Especially with Alexia smith as qB, this guy will be taking plenty of plays off. I really think we need to get rid of him after this season while his value is reasonably high, same with alex smith although just release him. Doubt any team wants that guy.