tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539609496396649672024-03-12T18:34:16.409-07:00The SF 49er ObserverThis blog is dedicated to the San Francisco 49ers.WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-11991201453211093062012-01-23T04:39:00.000-08:002012-01-23T04:40:30.887-08:00The Perfect Solution for the 49ers and Colts<script type="text/javascript">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01571/peyton-manning_1571920c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01571/peyton-manning_1571920c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<center>How to Improve the Niners and Colts Immediately </center></div><br />
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<center>As the 49er season came to a close, there is tremendous hope for the future. With Jim Harbaugh at the helm and with the best front defensive seven in football, the Niners will be stopping opponents for many years to come. Now, there is one major adjustment that needs to be made. </center><center> </center><center>Although Alex Smith had for him what was an outstanding season, he is still a 4-cylinder engine trying to drive an 8-cylinder team. Alex showed great improvement and, although nowhere near the level of the top QBs like the Mannings, Brees, Rodgers, etc., he is a solid and dependable game manager.</center><center> </center><center><b> </b></center><center><b>THE PROBLEM</b></center><center><br />
</center><center>The Colts will draft Andrew Luck and have no room for Peyton Manning. It's not a good idea for them to just cast Peyton loose and receive nothing in return.</center><center> </center><center>The 49ers have two young QB studs waiting in the wings, Colin Kaepernick and Scott Tolzien.</center><center> </center><center><b>THE SIMPLE SOLUTION</b></center><center><b> </b></center><center> </center><center> Trade Alex Smith to the Colts for Peyton Manning.</center><center><br />
</center><center>The Colts will have Smith to work with Luck and become a solid backup.</center><center><br />
</center><center>The Niners will have their QB capable of leading this team to the Super Bowl NOW.</center><center><br />
</center><center>Manning will be an excellent mentor for Kaepernick and Tolzien.</center><center><br />
</center><center>WIN-WIN for both teams.</center><center> </center><center><br />
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<center>Copyright @ 2012 All Rights Reserved</center>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-61940101144410448142012-01-02T08:17:00.000-08:002012-01-02T08:17:30.892-08:00A Solution for Harbaugh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Jim+Harbaugh+Andrew+Luck+Discover+Orange+Bowl+PeFABi4dELxl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Jim+Harbaugh+Andrew+Luck+Discover+Orange+Bowl+PeFABi4dELxl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Will they be Reunited? </div><br />
Jim Harbaugh had no choice due to the lockout but to go with Alex Smith. Knowing Alex's significant limitations as a thrower, and his slow decision making, he designed a dink and dunk offense and Alex flourished. But what about next season? I don't think either Harbaugh or the fans are satisfied with this inept offense. Here's a simple solution:<br />
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Indy is in a real quandary. They have the #1 pick (Andrew Luck) AND Peyton Manning who doesn't appear to be ready to retire anytime soon. The 49ers can trade Alex Smith to Indy, plus the Niners' #1 and #2 picks, for Indy's #1. It's a win-win situation.<br />
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Indy gets a solid performer who can back up Manning and fill in admirably when necessary, plus two high quality draft picks.<br />
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Harbaugh gets his man and the boredom on offense ends in the City by the Bay.<br />
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That was easy...<br />
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<center>Copyright @ 2011 All Rights Reserved</center>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-32193334512126252402011-10-13T06:57:00.000-07:002011-10-13T08:30:58.304-07:0049ers Dominate -- Deja Vu All Over Again<script type="text/javascript">
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I've been through this before. 1981. I watched in amazement as my heretofore aimless 49ers ran through over and around the very tough Dallas Cowboys 45-14 at the Stick. We were looking VERY good. In the 35 years that I had been a 49er fan, since the day my dad walked me across the street to the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park to watch the "new team" in town when I was almost 4, I had never felt quite this kind of excitement. This team was good! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Flash forward to 2011. Last week I watched the 49ers dominate the Eagles, a team with amazing talent at the skill positions and a lack of it in the line. The confidence this team showed during this win reminded me exactly of the Dallas game 30 years ago. I told my wife, "Honey, the end is near". The end of the era of Nolan-Singletary is upon us. Our modern version of Bill Walsh has arrived, this one with a rougher edge and a killer instinct. He has no hesitancy in "running up the score".</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
So, I watched the Tampa Bay game with more excitement and anticipation than I've felt approaching a Niner game since they fired Mooch. The destruction of Tampa Bay, 48-3, so beautifully crafted by Harbaugh, whose blocking schemes were brilliant, enabling both Gore and Hunter great access to the outside and lanes being blown open by a highly criticized but much improved offensive line. Anthony Davis had the best day of his career as a 49er and deserves credit. He is still only 21.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Harbaugh has taken his time with Alex Smith and in essence has re-programmed him. He has taught him to truly focus, something I admit I thought was was beyond his ability. The genius of Harbaugh is what immediately places this team right up there with the 1981 49ers. Go back and watch the final drive by Montana leading to "the Catch". Most of the plays were misdirection runs, short sweeps, and slants over the middle. Walsh had Dallas so off balance they didn't know which way to turn. Watching Tom Landry and his hat stew on the sidelines is a memory I will always cherish. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Dare I say it? This team compares favorably with the 1981 49ers:<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">OFFENSE: </div><div style="text-align: left;">QB - <b>Montana, Cavanaugh (81)</b>; Smith, Kaepernick (11) </div><div style="text-align: left;">RB - Elliott, Patton, Ring, Lawrence (81); <b>Gore, Hunter, Dixon (11)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">FB - Cooper, Davis (81); Norris, Miller, Sopoaga (11)</div><div style="text-align: left;">WR - Clark, Solomon, Wilson, Shumann (81); Edwards, Crabtree, Ginn, Williams, (Morgan) (11)</div><div style="text-align: left;">TE - Young, Ramson (81); <b>Davis, Walker (11) </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">OL - Audick, Ayers, Cross, Downing, Fahnhorst, Quillan (81); <br />
Iupati, Davis, Goodwin, Snyder, Staley, Boone (11)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The 2011 team is deep and presents at least the same level of talent as the 1981 team with one possibly glaring exception at quarterback. Alex Smith will have to continue his Harbaugh-directed imitation of a top-flight quarterback in order for this team to reach the level of greatness of the team in 1981.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">DEFENSE:</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">NT - Reese, Harty (81); Sopoaga, Jean-Francois (11)</div><div style="text-align: left;">DE - Board, Dean, Pillers, Stuckey (81); MacDonald, Smith, Dobbs (11)</div><div style="text-align: left;">LB - Bunz, Harper, Leopold, McColl, Puki, Reynolds, Turner (81); Willis, Bowman, Harrelson, Smith, Brooks, Grant, Gooden (11)</div><div style="text-align: left;">CB - Lott, Wright, Thomas (81); Brown, Rogers, Spencer, Culliver (11)</div><div style="text-align: left;">S - Hicks, Williamson (81); Williams, Whitner, Goldson (11)<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">The defenses are comparable. The 49ers introduced their almost all-rookie backfield in 1981, while this season they have brought in outstanding secondary players from elsewhere in Rogers, Whitner and Williams. The defensive line in 1981 was solid and the foundation of the best defensive line the 49ers ever put on a field in 1984, when they added Gary "Big Hands" Johnson, Manu Tuiasosopo, Michael Carter and Jeff Stover, not to mention big Louie Kelcher.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now it's up to the team...Remember 1981! Go Niners...</div></center><br />
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<center> </center><center> </center><center> </center><center>Copyright @ 2011 All Rights Reserved</center><center> </center><center> </center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81fb50be/article/niners-rookie-qb-kaepernick-to-learn-playbook-through-others?module=HP_headlines">NFL.com news: Niners rookie QB Kaepernick to learn playbook through others</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">This is just one of the reasons I like this kid. He's eager to learn and I remember Joe Montana in his early years. He had that confidence but that impatience, yet he was catlike when he moved. Joe wasn't the fastest of all-time, but he was among the smartest. If you watched the Science video in the previous post, you can see that this kid gets rid of the ball in real hurry, despite a long throwing motion.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Like I have said before, I have seen every 49er QB that has ever played for the team. Frankie Albert was probably the most exciting -- he could fake, run, pass, and quick kick or punt. He was left-handed and could make plays where there weren't any. Tittle was the toughest, Brodie the cockiest, and Young was every bit the equal of Albert for excitement. Alex had all the physical tools, but no natural instincts. He's a thinker, and he doesn't do anything instinctually, he has to think first. You can't teach natural instincts, and Alex will never be more than barely adequate. He is like Steve Deberg (who was a far better passer) on steroids.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Kaepernick has those same cat-like qualities and intensity of interest that Joe used to have. Will he be as good as Joe? Probably not. But he will be good -- very good, and I'm looking forward to him beating Alex out in head-to-head competition to make the passing of the torch official. In a creative Harbaugh system, he'll succeed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div> </center><center> </center><center> </center><center> </center><center>Copyright @ 2011 All Rights Reserved</center>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-16792513921238312282011-04-29T16:35:00.000-07:002011-04-30T05:45:52.886-07:0049ers Land a Gem<script type="text/javascript">
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<center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Welcome</span></center><center><br />
</center><center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>COLIN KAEPERNICK</b></span></center><center><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Before you naysavers start complaining about Kapernick can't do this and Kapernick can't do that, watch this video. Plus, the kid is the first QB in NCAA history to pass for 10,000 yards and rush for 2000. With such incredible athletic ability, a little attitude, and under Harbaugh's guidance we may complete the great triumvirate of Montana, Young and ? This kid gets the ball off before Alex can think pass.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</center><center> Copyright @ 2011 All Rights Reserved</center>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-70592886600388702152011-03-28T06:03:00.000-07:002011-03-28T06:03:13.867-07:00Please, Tiger -- I can't watch anymore...<script type="text/javascript">
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<center><center><div class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01207/tiger-woods_1207675c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01207/tiger-woods_1207675c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">This non-49ers article is the first and probably the last that will appear on this blog, but it must be said.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> NOTE: I wrote this after the second round at Bayhill when Tiger shot an excellent 68 and before his eventual weekend collapse. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Twenty years ago I was playing in a Senior professional team tournament with my partner, Clyde Daniels, a good friend and former great athlete from Texas. Clyde was now a local club pro raising his kids in Sacramento, and playing for dinero on the side. During this round he was raving about a 15-year old kid with the greatest natural talent he had ever seen. He described how this young phenom could already outhit him by 30 yards, and Clyde was known as a very long hitter. That was my introduction to Tiger Woods.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Over the years, I, like many American males, adopted Tiger as my own and rooted for him with zeal as he amazed us over and over again with his feats on the golf course. Whether it was hitting shots nobody had ever dreamed of hitting, or sinking putts from amazing distances and with incredible breaks, Tiger would consistently amaze us.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Since sabotaging his own life and career, Tiger began the long climb back to what he hopes is his return to domination on the tour. I understand his wanting to change his lifestyle and personal habits and to become a great parent. But, in my opinion, he has taken his mantra for change too far. It's one thing to change your personal habits, quite another to take one of the best swings ever and completely re-do it. As I watch him continue to struggle with the robotic swing changes instituted by "guru" Sean Foley, I can only cringe.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If his dad was alive today, he would be very frustrated. The line "beware of false prophets" comes to mind. David Ledbetter, Butch Harmon, Hank Haney, Sean Foley, the names are well-known. So-called swing gurus and nowadays all the pros have them. I find it ridiculous. The great players of yesterday never used a swing coach, other than those who relied upon the wisdom of their dads. I can never imagine Jack Nicklaus or Sam Snead going to someone else for daily advice. It never happened.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tiger now calls himself "Ranger Rick", because he hits the ball so well on the range, but can't bring it to the course. Of course you can't, Tiger, and you won't. As your dad would have told you, when you are playing under pressure, you ALWAYS return to your natural instincts and swing -- always. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I can understand swing changes as we age and our bodies change. In my case, I underwent multiple spinal surgeries in my early 30's. All my childhood dreams of playing on the PGA Tour were put to rest. Doctors said I would never play again. So, never one to be told I can't do something, I shortened my backswing and had a 51-inch driver made to accommodate the changes. It worked and my dream came true at age 50 when I got a win in a Senior mini-tour event, and a 292 yard hole in one on the fly on a par 4 in the same year. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Swing changes are sometimes necessary, but Tiger has taken it too far. The greatest putter in history with the greatest short game has changed his chipping and putting styles to "alter the release point", whatever the hell that means. His dad must be screaming at him from above, "Return to your natural swing and stroke". Tiger's perfectly smooth stroke is now a quick jab. He regularly misses putts from six feet and under when he used to do things like make 49 out of 50.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is something to remember, Tiger. Under extreme pressure, we will always do what comes naturally. Your guru can tell you over and over to swing a certain way or to stroke the ball a certain way, but when the tv cameras are on and the whole world is watching, your natural instincts take over. It's why they call them "natural". So, Tiger, after your Masters experience in a couple of weeks and I wish you the very best, my recommendation is to dump your latest guru and return home.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Immediately dump this new putting stroke. You're the greatest clutch putter of all time -- why fix it if it ain't broken? Watch videos of your swing and stroke ten (10) years ago and get back to that fluid swing. Dump Foley. You are starting to look very robotic and mechanical, and that, coupled with few smiles, slammed clubs, loud profanity, and an old sourpuss, makes me long for the energetic, smiling Tiger. It's not much fun watching you anymore, pal, especially as you seem to fall apart on the weekends when the pressure is at its highest, and that is very sad. Let's send "Ranger Rick" packing and get Tiger back. SOON! Good luck.</div></div></center> </center><center> </center><center> </center><center> </center><center>Copyright @ 2011. <br />
All Rights Reserved</center>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-980637706274055782010-11-22T06:57:00.000-08:002010-11-22T06:57:12.594-08:00Singletary Shackles Smith -- Can't Remember Punting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0929/nfl_u_singletary_576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0929/nfl_u_singletary_576.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>CLUELESS BY THE BAY</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Last week when Troy Smith put on a record-breaking performance by a 49er QB vs. the Rams, there was hope and joy in Niner land. Finally, the 49ers opened up the offense and demonstrated the kind of attack they are capable of launching on any given Sunday.<br />
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However, the look on Mike Singletary's face when the gun sounded ending the game foretold the future. Curiously, he raised an eyebrow and shrugged as he left the field. After the game, when any other NFL coach would have been praising his young QB for an outstanding effort, Sing was complaining that he needed to reign in Troy's bad habits. Amazing.<br />
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This was the same guy who had praised Alex Smith for "outstanding performances" in a season when Alex had none. Now, Singletary was going to make it his mission to curtail the initiative and aggressiveness of Troy Smith, traits that are essential to becoming a top QB in this league.<br />
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From the first call of the day, what else but a Gore run up the middle, any fan could see that Singletary was in control. He had his offensive coordinator, Mike Johnson, on the field and not in the pressbox, a strong clue that he wanted him nearby and under his control. Mike didn't like it when Johnson said earlier in the week that he wanted to encourage Smith's daring, not curtail it.<br />
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What followed was one of the most embarrassing offensive performances in 49er history and I should know since I've been following and rooting for this team since Frankie Albert opened their history in 1946. In a game where they were facing a team with no pass rush and where they had an opportunity to really open up the offense, Mike would have none of it. No downfield patterns, misdirection plays, or anything that could be considered creative. No, this was Mike's kind of offense. The result: a shutout.<br />
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Later, when being questioned by reporters as to why he punted on a 4th and 3 from the Tampa Bay 33 yard line, he couldn't remember it. Incredible! This guy is not only clueless, but mindless. He claims he studied under Bill Walsh. Please, Mike, forget it. Bill must be turning in his grave as he watches your Pop Warner league offense flounder. <br />
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This was embarrassing to the players, the fans, the team and the entire organization and Jed York should fire Singletary immediately. He has become a cancer on this team and is driving fans away in droves.<br />
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I supported Mike when he was appointed Head Coach. I was so wrong.<br />
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<center> Copyright @ 2010 All Rights Reserved</center>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-15006363532339663022010-11-01T10:36:00.000-07:002010-11-01T10:36:52.947-07:00Smith Excels Despite Singletary's Handcuffs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/060/961/106398646_crop_340x234.jpg?1288553601" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/060/961/106398646_crop_340x234.jpg?1288553601" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Right Smith</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The good news is that the 49ers won a game. Even better news is that they found a QB that won't beat himself or the team. Troy Smith demonstrated a coolness in the pocket and elusiveness is escaping the rush. He also threw with very good accuracy and took the initiative to arrange his own play with Delanie Walker, a Favre-like throw that set up the Niners fourth quarter comeback. Troy demonstrated all the natural instincts that Alex so sorely lacks and we hope that Alex has set his foot on the field for the last time as a 49er, for the good of all Niner fans.<br />
<br />
Now the bad news. Mike Singletary proved once again that he is the ultimate control freak. Mike won't let anything happen without his stamp of approval. If he was trying to instill confidence in his new quarterback, calling three running plays up the middle while having the opportunity to run out the clock must have had Bill Walsh and Buck Shaw turning in their respective graves.<br />
<br />
Singletary coaches like a Pop Warner League coach whose son is playing QB and who wants to make sure he doesn't get hit. Amazingly, Smith compiled a 115 QB rating and threw for almost 200 yards with one hand tied behind his proverbial back. The Niners play calling, especially once they took the lead was pathetic and insulting to Smith. It was as if Singletary was saying, "OK you got us a lead but I'm not going to take a chance on losing it". Running three times behind center with your backup running back is not how you protect a lead.<br />
<br />
Of course, Mike, who likes to think of himself as a psychologist and leader of men, doesn't realize that. He is anal to the nth degree and it is this rigid adherence to his way or the highway which will eventually lead him to the highway.<br />
<br />
In my opinion, if Walsh was reincarnated and was to take over the team at this time, he would have Troy Smith running the West Coast offense with two backs (a ala Craig and either Tyler or Rathman). Gore and Westbrook would be in the backfield together and Jason Hill would have a lot of playing time. Of course, that's only a dream and Singletary will continue his stubborn insistence that anything other than a run behind center is out of the box.<br />
<br />
Good luck to Troy Smith. I am hoping he will success despite Mike Singletary (and Johnson) and not because of them.<br />
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<center> Copyright @ 2010 All Rights Reserved</center>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-88563317229210685402010-09-29T08:11:00.000-07:002010-09-29T09:03:36.074-07:00Read My Lips, Mike -- It's the Philosophy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://100falcons.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/cavemen.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://100falcons.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/cavemen.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Singletary and Raye Game Planning for Kansas City</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>After the embarrassment of the Kansas City Chiefs game, Mike Singletary stubbornly defended his Dinosaur Ball philosophy of offense by saying: "It's the execution, not the philosophy". You have to be kidding, Mike. That's it, throw the players under the bus and defend your archaic views on offensive football. Believe me, Mike, it is REALLY offensive.<br />
<br />
So, you popped some NoDoz and stayed up all night watching horror films -- the first three games, and decided to bounce Jimmy Raye, the man who loyally carried out your wishes for your brand of offense. This is not like you, Mike. You have always been a man of deep intellect, integrity, and loyalty. <br />
<br />
We know Alex Smith is a terrible thrower. He will always have mucho interceptions because in six years he hasn't learned to get his passes down and tipped balls are part of his makeup. But, you keep saying he is getting better. At this rate, I'll be 100 before he does.<br />
<br />
I'm about to turn 68, Mike, on October 9 which is the same birthdate as John and Sean Lennon, Jackson Browne, and YOU. We're Libras, Mike. We are very fair-minded, balanced and able to see both sides of an argument. We are NOT rigid and unbending.<br />
<br />
If it's films you want to see, Mike, don't watch your own. That's the last thing you need to see. I have one to recommend to you. Watch the final drive vs. Dallas in the 1981 NFC Championship Game. Bill Walsh was the master of adapting his team's talents rather than forcing a philosophy down their throats. This drive demonstrates the brilliance of that man and you can certainly learn from it. Watch how quickly the Niners got up to the line of scrimmage and the absolute brilliance of the play calling. Nobody knew what was coming next. Here it is:<br />
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While 49er fans are wiping tears from their eyes, here is some advice. Your stubborn adherence to Dinosaur Ball has resulted in some very poor personnel decisions, which make you look like Head Troglodyte. First, you inexplicably cut Michael Robinson with the stupefying comment that you didn't know how to work him into the offense. Neither did Mike Nolan. <br />
<br />
MRob was an excellent blocker and was a top wide receiver and quarterback at Penn State before Nolan got brain-lock and decided to make him a running back. In 2008, under YOU, he caught 17 passes for over 200 yards in just the last half of the season. His circus catch helped you win vs. the Redskins. And you use Moran Norris as a receiver in a clutch situation? As Michael Irvin would say, "COME ON, MAN!".<br />
<br />
MRob was a special teams captain and team leader and our best special teams player. You cut him!<br />
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Then, Diyral Briggs gets snatched from our practice squad. The kid is a future star. Why don't you grab him back off Denver's PS and activate him? He can't do any worse than Parys Haralson.<br />
<br />
Finally, your biggest bonehead move was to cut NATE DAVIS. What are you thinking? Alex Smith has been given six years to demonstrate he is the checkdown king of the NFL. I have seen every 49er QB since Frankie Albert and Alex will NEVER be a quality QB.<br />
<br />
Nate Davis needs to be activated IMMEDIATELY to protect him from other teams. Activate him and bring in a QB mentor to work with him 24/7. Play him in a spread offense and start throwing downfield. Use Westbrook in the backfield with Gore and get rid of Norris. Caulcrick will fit in much better in a wide open offense.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Finally, Mike, pray on this. A great coach adapts his philosophy to the talents of his team and does not insist that his players fit into his system. That's like placing a square peg into a round hole. I'll bet that Buck Shaw and Bill Walsh were turning in their graves last Sunday. I'm rooting for you, brother, but even my patience is running thin. Let's go Niners.</div><br />
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Copyright @2010. All Rights Reserved.WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-18590763741800354112010-09-27T06:31:00.000-07:002010-09-27T07:50:21.008-07:00"You're Fired"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bittenandbound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/donald-trump-gives-the-verdict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.bittenandbound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/donald-trump-gives-the-verdict.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
I have never said anything negative about Mike Singletary -- until now. He has demonstrated a total lack of knowledge of offensive football. At halftime he said, "<i>We have to run the ball</i>". Raye calls three running plays up the middle when trailing 21-3. Mike sees no reason to replace him. Two weeks ago Mike said that "<i>Alex played an outstanding game</i>".<br />
<br />
Stubbornness is what led to Nolan's downfall and is a trait that Mike can't seem to shake. This team is talented. Our coaching staff is clueless. He proved it by cutting our best special teams player, Michael Robinson. Now our special teams suck. No leadership that was provided by MRob. Singletary said he cut him because he couldn't find a spot for him on offense. Two seasons ago MRob caught 17 passes for over 200 yards out of the backfield during the second half of the season. And he uses Norris as a pass receiver at the goal line. Brilliant!<br />
<br />
He keeps useless camp fodder and allows Diyral Briggs to be snatched up. He cuts the QB with by far the best talent after just one year and stubbornly keeps Alex who has proven for six years that he is the best check down QB in history. Never looks downfield and if he did he'd flutter the pass anyway.<br />
<br />
Doesn't anyone in Niner management learn from the past? Our best coaches have been offensive experts. Buck Shaw was the Bill Walsh of the 1940's. Mariucci understood offense. Our worst coaches have been defensive "specialists" and you can go back to Jack Christensen, both Nolans although Daddy won three division crowns because he had so much talent. Defensive oriented coaches seldom make winners.<br />
<br />
Now Mike blames "<i>execution, not philosophy</i>". That simply proves that he just doesn't get it. Dinosaur ball will never make it in San Francisco. <br />
<br />
Come on, York. If this was Trump the words "<i><b>You're fired</b></i>" would be ringing in Mike's ears right now.<br />
<br />
What needs to be done:<br />
<br />
Fire Singletary; Fire Raye. Cut Alex. Start Carr.<br />
Activate Nate Davis and get him off the practice squad before we lose him. Hire a QB mentor to work with him this season.<br />
When he appears ready, start him and spread the offense. Let's see a vertical passing game. I'm getting a stiff neck watch Alex pass sideways. <br />
Hire Jon Gruden.<br />
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The fans are behind you. We are fed up. Change direction now or experience an empty stadium. <br />
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Copyright @ 2010<br />
</center>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-69805863621269494722010-08-18T15:37:00.000-07:002010-08-19T10:15:33.520-07:00Will Nate the Great Lead a 49er Repeat of 1981?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://prod.static.49ers.clubs.nfl.com/assets/images/imported/photos/2009_minicamp/rookie_minicamp/davis3--nfl_large_580_1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://prod.static.49ers.clubs.nfl.com/assets/images/imported/photos/2009_minicamp/rookie_minicamp/davis3--nfl_large_580_1000.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NATE DAVIS #7 - The Next Great 49er Quarterback</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last August I wrote an article entitled, "Nate Davis, the Next Great 49er Quarterback". In the forums, I was roasted. "The kid can't read", "the kid can't spell, the kid is dyslexic", etc. There are insulting remarks about him all over that humorous site, the 49ers forum. Besides the fact that seemingly nobody can spell or string together more than a couple of logical sentences, it is a source of constant negativity. I like positive. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was the article I wrote a year ago:</span><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></blockquote><br />
<blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love Mike Singletary. He is the perfect man for the job of returning the San Francisco 49ers to their former greatness. I especially feel close to the man, quite possibly because we share the same birthdate -- October 9. That makes Mike a Libra, a man dedicated to fairness, able to see both sides of the question, and a man to whom "balance" is a key word in any equation.</span></i></blockquote><blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mike is now faced with a dilemma. Shaun Hill is a serviceable quarterback, an excellent game manager, a fairly accurate passer with a soft arm, and a leader. Alex Smith came to the 49ers with great physical ability but no natural instincts for the position. Alex continues to take way too long to set up and deliver the ball. He makes very slow decisions which results in a very slow delivery. His passing is scattershot at best and while he has a strong arm, he is and continues to be very inaccurate. The game has never slowed down for Alex. He will NEVER be a reliable quarterback for the 49ers.</span></i></blockquote><blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Enter Nate Davis. In two games he has demonstrated that he has a rocket arm and makes plays that the other two guys simply cannot; he is mobile and can make throws on the run the others cannot, and he makes excellent decisions. I don't care that he has only faced backups -- his ability is right there for all to see.</span></i></blockquote><blockquote><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Most important of all is his poise</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. In four years, Alex Smith has continually shown that deer-in-the-headlights quality that frustrates 49er fans. Many blame his failure to excel at QB on the 49ers. They say he has been ruined by them due to having too many offensive coordinators, a poor supporting cast, etc. I say that is baloney (bologna to my Italian readers). In reading the forums and comments of many of the newer and younger 49er fans who don't even have a clue as to our winning tradition, beg and plead not to rush Davis into the fray. I read comments saying he's our QB for 2010, 2011, and even 2012.</span></i></blockquote><blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Come on 49er fans, where is your mojo? Just because Alex Smith fell flat on his face doesn't mean that every rookie QB is incapable of starting in their first season. I think back to the greatest 49er team of all, the 1984 squad that went 18-1, the only loss being on a terrible pass interference call on Eric Wright that gave a game to the Steelers. That squad faced a young 2nd year QB, playing his first full season as a starter -- Dan Marino. The year before in his rookie season he had started only 9 games, yet threw for 20 TDs and 2210 yards. In his first full season in 1984, he threw for 5,084 yards and 48 TDs. I remember another rookie QB, Ben Roethlisberger, who had a very successful rookie season.</span></i></blockquote><blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is one inescapable fact. If a player is great, he can overcome just about all obstacles. Nate Davis is dyslexic, but hasn't let that stop him. In my opinion, nothing will stop this kid from greatness. Mike Singletary made one very telling observation -- that Nate was "too composed", "too calm". That quality is the hallmark of great quarterbacks.</span></i></blockquote><blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am now in my 64th season as a 49er fan, having seen every quarterback in Niner history from the great Frankie Albert up to the present and consider myself to be a pretty good judge of quarterbacking talent. Nate Davis possesses the most talent and ability to be seen in a 49er quarterback since Steve Young. It makes no sense to hold him back. We discovered a gem, let's polish it and put it on display.</span></i></blockquote><blockquote><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Attention Mike Singletary -- are you listening???</span></b></i></blockquote><br />
<br />
W<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ow! Deja vu all over again. In 1981 Joe Montana was an untried 2nd year QB playing under a coach in his third season who had built a powerful and relentless defensive squad. In 1981, the offense was not loaded with backfield talent with Lenvil Elliott, Ricky Patton, Johnny Davis, Walt Easley and Amos Lawrence. The offensive backfield of the current 49ers is MUCH BETTER -- with Gore, Dixon, Westbrook and Robinson as an oh-so-valuable jack of all trades. I still wonder why they haven't played him at safety. He and Mays will terminate the receivers.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At any rate, NATE DAVIS is ready and waiting, and today, FINALLY, Jimmy Raye must have seen what I saw last year -- greatness just waiting to come out. Today he announced that Davis deserved more "representative" reps. In other words, he'll play vs. 1st and 2nd team defenses. If he excels, there is NO WAY Raye or Sing will be able to delay the inevitable any longer. This team will be elite with Davis at QB and average with Smith. Time to cut our losses and get behind this kid with the rocket arm and a heart of steel.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the solid defense we have and a punishing running game behind a huge offensive line, averaging about 325, all Davis would have to do is manage the game. He demonstrated his natural instincts last week (something Alex has never done) with his rollouts and pump fakes. He is a natural athlete. Why stick with mediocrity? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone who thinks Alex improved last year, I implore you to watch the first half of the Rams game, our last game of the season and Alex's chance to blow the worst team in the league out. 52 yards! That's 52 yards of total offense for the entire first half in what I can honestly say was one of the worst performances EVER by a 49er QB.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have had mediocrity for a decade. 49er fans deserve better -- the players deserve better. Give Nate a chance to prove how good he really is. We're all behind him.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again, are you listening, Mike?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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Copyright @ 2009<br />
All Rights Reserved</center>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-13709051433082702042010-04-25T06:40:00.000-07:002010-04-25T21:19:47.689-07:00Niners Load Up for NFC West Title RunWith their first pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected ANTHONY DAVIS, a 6'5", 323 lb offensive tackle from Rutgers.<br />
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With their second pick in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected MIKE IUPATI, a 6'5", 331 lb offensive guard from Idaho.<br />
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With their #3 overall pick, in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected TAYLOR MAYS, a 6'3", 230 lb. free safety from USC.<br />
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With their fourth overall pick, in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected NAVORRO BOWMAN, a 6'2", 240 lb. inside linebacker from Penn State.<br />
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With their fifth overall pick in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected ANTHONY DIXON, a 6'0", 233 lb. running back from Mississippi State.<br />
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With their sixth overall pick in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected NATE BYHAM, a 6'4", 268 lb. tight end from Mississippi State.<br />
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With their seventh overall pick in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the 49er selected KYLE WILLIAMS, a 5'10", 187 lb. wide receiver and punt return specialist from Arizona State.<br />
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With their eighth and final pick in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected PHILIP ADAMS, a 5'10", 192 lb. cornerback from South Carolina State.<br />
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The Niners weren't finished. They then signed a host of free agents including:<br />
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LEROY VANN - DB/PR, Florida A&M<br />
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JARRETT BROWN - QB, West Virginia<br />
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PATRICK STOUDAMIRE - CB, Western Illinois<br />
CHRIS MARAGOS - FS, Wisconsin<br />
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Analysis: GREAT JOB by Trent Baalke and Mike Singletary.<br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As I watched Drew Brees and Sean Payton celebrating the Saints victory over Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts, it brought back many memories of the early days -- the beginning of the Saints.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As a lifetime 49er fan, I was spending my days employed by the City of San Francisco at Log Cabin Ranch, a juvenile detention facility for felony offenders located on a former 634 acre ranch in the town of La Honda, made famous by the antics of Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">During the offseason, several Niners would put in time as counselors. One was Johnny Fuller, a tough defensive back and kick returner from Lamar, Texas. John and I became good friends and when he was traded to the Saints, he asked me to drive his wife's station wagon from California to New Orleans. In exchange, I had the opportunity to visit the team at their training camp south of New Orleans and to attend the first ever game played at the Superdome, an exhibition game against Bum Phillips, Earl Campbell and the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans).</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was the experience of a lifetime and the French Quarter will always have a special place in my heart. That, however, brings us to this century. There was a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico in August of 2005. It caused huge damage in Mississippi but very MODEST damage in New Orleans.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What catastrophically damaged New Orleans was flooding caused by the failure of the federal levee system - an engineering failure second in scope only to Chernobyl. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While people were drowning and stranded roofs for days, the federal government with the help of the US news media went overtime not helping, but covering its tracks. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The whole sordid story - and why every part of America should know the real story...because there are federal levees EVERYWHERE. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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Not with Alex Smith<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14px; ">"<i>We'll see them again in the playoffs.</i>" -- Coach Mike Singletary after a gut-wrenching week 3 loss to the Vikings.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><div class="smallfont" style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; ">QB Rating this season....</div><hr size="1" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(153, 0, 0); "><div id="post_message_2724029">Shaun Hill 79.6<br />Alex Smith 79.5 (including 3 TDs vs. Houston's Prevent Defense.)</div><div id="post_message_2724029">Nate Davis ???</div><div id="post_message_2724029"><br /></div><div id="post_message_2724029">With all due respect to the 49ers, the team that I love, and to Mike Singletary, I must bow to the words of Jim Mora which are very relevant to the current playoff situation of the San Francisco 49ers.</div><div id="post_message_2724029" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div id="post_message_2724029"><br /></div></span></div><br /><center><embed id="VideoPlayback" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=6688343676151410482&hl=en&fs=true" style="width:400px;height:326px" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed> </center><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />digg_url = 'WEBSITE_URL';<br /></script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><center><br />Copyright @ 2009<br />All Rights Reserved</center>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-29427017115404024122009-11-14T07:40:00.000-08:002009-11-14T08:49:02.391-08:00Singletary's Dilemma is Playoff Defense, Pop Warner Offense<center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://yaflamingalah.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/boring-774337.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://yaflamingalah.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/boring-774337.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></center><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I love Mike Singletary. I have been a fan of his since he destroyed opposing offenses when he roamed the field for the Monsters of the Midway. I was thrilled when he was named Head Coach of the San Franciso 49ers and admire his great motivational and leadership qualities. There is no chance the 49ers will ever have a poor defense with Mike at the helm. Offense, on the other hand, appears to be another story.</span><br /><br /><center style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SINGLETARY COMMENTS ON 49er OFFENSE</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">AFTER BEARS DEBACLE:</span></center><blockquote style="font-family:verdana;">"<span style="font-style: italic;">I thought [QB] Alex [Smith] did a good job</span>."<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">I thought our offense did what they needed to do in order for us to win the game. Yes, we would have like to have gotten more points, and I think that will come</span>."<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">I thought we did a good job running the ball. We felt that we could be effective running the ball, and it showed later on. And, because I felt our defense would do a good job against their offense, it’s the reason that later on in the game we decided to run the ball more and not take a risk in throwing the ball and run some time off the clock and put the game away. And, that’s pretty much it</span>.”<br /><br /></blockquote><span style="font-family:verdana;">With all due respect, Mike, what the hell are you thinking? The offense did not do what they needed to do to win the game. They did everything they could to lose the game and it was only the heads up play of the defense combined with Jay Cutler's horrible performance that barely enabled the Niners to escape with a victory.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The play calling makes the word vanilla look radical.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It was pathetic, and I am disappointed to know that you think it was good.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Most 49er teams throughout history would have buried the Bears by three or four touchdowns, and Mike, I've <span style="font-weight: bold;">seen</span> every 49er team in history. Let's face it, Mike. Alex Smith lacks the natural instincts to be a consistent leader of a team. He doesn't even believe in himself, how do you expect the rest of the team to fall behind your rather transparent praise of him?</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">As to running the ball, you continued to run the ball because you don't trust Alex Smith and I don't blame you. Come on, Mike, for a man committed to honesty your words of praise about him ring hollow. I realize that you have few choices. Shaun Hill was only a shadow of the leader we came to love the past couple of seasons and Alex Smith will never be more than Alex Smith.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">A pass is only a risk when you have a mediocre QB throwing the ball.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Smith's passer rating is 79.5; Shaun Hill's passer rating was 79.6 at the time he lost his starting job. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">When the light bulb goes off in your head and you finally admit to yourself that this is true, the 49ers will have hope for the future.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">SINGLETARY'S OBVIOUS ALTERNATIVE:</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Mike now faces a true dilemma. He has #7 sitting on the bench. Nate Davis is a big kid who can run the spread effectively. He makes quicker decisions than Alex Smith, has a stronger and more accurate arm, is more mobile, and plays with poise and confidence, something Alex has not done in five years.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> His rocket arm is impressive and with receivers like Crabtree, Morgan, Hill and Jones, this talent is being wasted on the bench.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Naysayers and youthful Niner fans who know nothing about winning or consistency, see Alex Smith as a failed project and blame the team for throwing him in the mix too early. Maybe they are right. They post on various forums that Nate should sit not only this season but next, too. They are scared to death to ruin another QB prospect the way they feel that Smith was ruined. Frankly, Scarlet, I don't give a damn.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Dan Marino, Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan, and now Josh Freeman, have all benefited from playing in their rookie season. Nate Davis is a man, not a little kid who has to be protected like the current QB.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Give him a chance.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;">PREDICTION</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Mike, if you stick with Alex and your Pop Warner level offense, the playoffs will be out of reach and you will lose the support of many 49er fans who see the potential greatness in Nate Davis, and blame you and Jimmy Raye for the most boring 49er offense in history -- and justifiably so. As it stands now, Mike, you will deserve all the criticism you receive. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Get Nate Davis in there running the spread with Crabtree, Hill, Morgan and Jones, put Bruce out to pasture, and you will create some excitement in San Francisco. Until you do that, your Pop Warner offense will continue to be:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:180%;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;">BORING</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">and the fans continue to wait...</span><br /><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBWp2BaK052aUXPj5URzu0kUj12MQRId630kttANNhlc5zy9ScoFmOBnm0LPjQee3rTMbRMr0OhUQQoraYzlDXI4geriC3GaDcoGWnm3ZOJk44Ocdhbuc7hBs-3hDsAO321l6aA0gthmI/s1600-h/waiting.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 126px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBWp2BaK052aUXPj5URzu0kUj12MQRId630kttANNhlc5zy9ScoFmOBnm0LPjQee3rTMbRMr0OhUQQoraYzlDXI4geriC3GaDcoGWnm3ZOJk44Ocdhbuc7hBs-3hDsAO321l6aA0gthmI/s320/waiting.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403992328399531058" /></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><script type="text/javascript"><br />digg_url = 'WEBSITE_URL';<br /></script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><center><br />Copyright @ 2009<br />All Rights Reserved</center></div>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-45965956948118368452009-11-10T04:27:00.000-08:002009-11-10T04:43:42.881-08:00Is Nate Davis the 49ers QB of the Future?<center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/180398/50410_49ers_Emerging_Davis_Football.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 412px;" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/180398/50410_49ers_Emerging_Davis_Football.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></center><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Nate Davis - #7</span></b></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br />In August, I wrote an article entitled, "<a href="http://49erobserver.blogspot.com/2009/08/nate-davis-7-next-great-san-francisco.html">Nate Davis, The Next Great 49er Quarterback</a>" which was met with the usual Mike Nolan philosophy from Niner fans: "You can't play a rookie. You'll hurt his development". Many complained, "See what happened to Alex Smith"?<br /><br />Well, that was three months ago. Shaun Hill disappointed, and Alex Smith is doing what Alex does, making great plays and terrible plays. He is an always has been inconsistent for one reason which I have repeated over and over for years. He simply lacks the natural instincts for the position. It is this lack that makes him repeat his mistakes over and over. His slow delivery and late passes are not something he will just get over. Five years ago Jerry Rice said, "Alex Smith is not the answer." He was right. The future of the 49ers rests in the hands of young Nate Davis.<br /><br />As for Nate Davis? He shows poise and confidence. Mike Singletary made one very telling observation -- that Nate was "too composed", "too calm". That quality is the hallmark of great quarterbacks.<br /><br />I am now in my 64th season as a 49er fan, having seen every quarterback in Niner history from the great Frankie Albert up to the present trio, and consider myself to be a pretty good judge of quarterbacking talent. Nate Davis possesses the most talent and ability to be seen in a 49er quarterback since Steve Young. It makes no sense to hold him back. We discovered a gem, let's polish it and put it on display.<br /><br />Here is every pass he threw in the preseason. You be the judge. </span><br /><br /><center><object width="400" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rkRIYba7hdg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rkRIYba7hdg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="344"></embed></object></center><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />digg_url = 'WEBSITE_URL';<br /></script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><center><br />Copyright @ 2009<br />All Rights Reserved</center>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-88457449969482462292009-11-06T07:40:00.000-08:002009-11-06T13:49:08.171-08:0049ers Forgotten Man Deserves Pro Bowl Recognition<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/redjean/619ers/lrg-2639-michael-robinson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/redjean/619ers/lrg-2639-michael-robinson.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Michael Robinson </b></span></div><br /><br />I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">n 2006, the San Francisco 49ers drafted a QB out of Penn State who head coach Joe Paterno called "<i>the greatest athlete I have coached in 55 years at this university</i>". He was a wide receiver who Paterno switched to QB his senior season because he had no other player on the roster who was capable. His performance was incredible. He was named Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year and led his team to an 11-1 record, the Big 10 Championship, and victory in the Orange Bowl. His name was Michael Robinson.<br /><br />In his senior season at QB, he completed 162 out of 311 passes for 2,350 yards and 17 TDs. His passer rating was 127.2. He also ran 163 times for 806 yards and 11 Tds, for a 4.9 average per carry. He had, in his first two season in college, caught 43 passes for 585 yards and 3 TDs. He also was a standout on special teams.<br /><br />With such a dynamic talent coming to a QB-starved team, you would think the 49ers would have jumped at the opportunity to see what Robinson could do in the NFL at QB. Unfortunately, the Niners were led by head coach, Mike Nolan. This stubborn little man refused to play Robinson on offense unless absolutely necessary, and put him on special teams, despite Michael's pleas to be given an opportunity to prove himself as a QB in the NFL.<br /><br />In 2 1/2 years under Nolan, Robinson was not only not given an opportunity to play QB, but was turned into a RB, an unfamiliar position and averaged less than 2 carries per game. In his entire career with the 49ers he has thrown ONE PASS, averaged 2 carries per game, and has not taken a single snap from QB.<br /><br />This season Jimmy Raye is installing the so-called Taser and used Spurlock in that role who was flat-out terrible. He now uses Frank Gore in an entirely forgetful and unimaginative "Taser". Mike Singletary said that Michael Robinson knew the taser best, but he has not been given a single opportunity to run it. What are the 49ers afraid of?<br /><br />To understand the stupidity of the way he has been handled, let's examine what he has done in the roles they have assigned to him. He has been the leading tackler on special teams for a couple of seasons, and is far and away the best upback this team has seen in quite awhile. He is a punishing blocker, and his double block led to Alan Rossum's kickoff return for a TD vs. Arizona last season, and he also laid the block that sprung Delanie Walker for his kickoff TD return in a preseason game last year.<br /><br />Now, after the Niners foolishly cut Alan Rossum, they put Delanie Walker as the kickoff returner and he immediately fumbled. Glen Coffee lost his starting job in college due to excessive fumbling so he wasn't the answer. They instead turned to Mr. Reliable, Michael Robinson, who is averaging over 23 yards per return. The only problem is that we no longer have Michael Robinson as the upback, with his devastating blocks that spring the return man. Instead, we have Glenn Coffee who couldn't block his grandmother if she was in a wheelchair. Against Indy, Coffee missed blocks which resulted in Robinson being tackled long before any defender should have made contact.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?</b></div><br />Michael has been nominated for the Pro Bowl and Niner fans can vote for him to make it on special teams. Beyond that, let's hope that Jimmy Raye realizes that he has an offensive weapon that is not being used. It's probably too late to give him his chance at QB as it has been four years since he played the position. Michael, however, should be used in the Taser along with Gore and given the opportunity to roll out and pass the ball. He should also be used as he was last season as the backup FB specializing in receiving out of the backfield.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">The latter half of the 2008 season, Singletary utilized MRob as the backup fullback and he caught 17 passes for 201 yards, an 11.9 average which was good enough to be #3 among NFL RBs last season. He made a great leaping catch vs. the Redskins in the 4th quarter that preserved the drive and led to victory.<br /><br />When Tom Rathman was playing we had a former QB who also wore #24. His name was Harry Sydney and many Niner fans remember Harry's clutch roll out option pass to Brent Jones which was instrumental in leading us to victory over the Redskins in a playoff game.<br /><br />It's time for Raye and Singletary to open their eyes. They have a diamond in the rough that they need to polish and USE. He's a great athlete who succeeds at every assignment he is given.<br /><br />Gary Mialocq<br />The SF 49er Observer<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />digg_url = 'WEBSITE_URL';<br /></script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><center><br />Copyright @ 2009<br />All Rights Reserved</center></div>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-53301974812498096552009-10-26T04:46:00.000-07:002009-10-26T05:31:45.126-07:00Does Mike Singletary Have the Power to Change?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">...a SF 49er Observer Editorial.</span><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://charris.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/report-49ers-to-hire-mike-singletary1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 411px;" src="http://charris.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/report-49ers-to-hire-mike-singletary1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Mike Singletary -- A Man at a Crossroads</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br />There is a classic scene in the movie "The Godfather II" in which Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) attempts to dissuade his wife Kay (Diane Keaton) from leaving him and taking the kids with her. He looks her right in the eye and says, "I can change...I know I have the power to change". He knew he would never change his philosophy, but to keep things running smoothly, he was willing to at least give the appearance of being capable of making important changes.<br /><br />We now have Mike Singletary in the role of Michael Corleone and 49er fans in the role of Kay. Yesterday's embarrassing offensive performance against the Texans in the first half in the 24-21 loss, had to have made it very clear to Samurai Mike that his dream of having a team that goes out and hits them in the mouth applies only to his defense. His "smash mouth" power running offense that will dominate a team on the ground is only an illusion with this group.<br /><br />This 49er offensive line has made it abundantly clear that it is not physically capable of being a dominant power running team and pass protecting at the same time. It also exposed Shaun Hill's limitations within such a system. So where does Singletary go from here? First, he must elevate Alex Smith, who gave his finest performance as a 49er QB to the starter position. But that is only the beginning.<br /><br />Not often is a team capable of changing horses in mid-stream in such a defining way. I have been a Shaun Hill supporter for a long time but it has become clear that his ability to move the team was more suited to a Mike Martz offense which also left him exposed to 7 step drops and mucho sacks. Unfortunately for Shaun, the vanilla offense Jimmy Raye developed for Singletary's dream became a nightmare and he looks nothing like the confident QB who played so well in the past.<br /><br />Singletary must adapt his offense to the talents and abilities of his players and he is very lucky. This offensive roster is tailor made for a wide open spread formation that uses 3 and 4 receiver formations. Michael Crabtree is sensational and he and Josh Morgan could well be the star receivers of the future for this team. Getting Brandon Jones and Jason HIll off the practice squad and into their receiver roles is vital to offensive success. These four receivers should get the majority of playing time. Isaac Bruce is ready for Social Security and should be limited in his action in this his final season.<br /><br />The tight end position is outstanding. Vernon Davis is turning in an All-Pro season, and Delanie Walker does everything well, from blocking to receiving to running back kicks. With these two guys performing so well, that makes six (6) very good receivers for Smith to choose from.<br /><br />As to the backfield, we know that Frank Gore is a great runner who gives 100% all the time. Frank is also an excellent receiver out of the backfield, a role that both he and Michael Robinson can handle very well. Both are good blockers and top notch receivers. Last season, MIchael caught 17 passes for 201 yards for a 11.9 average per reception which was good enough for # in the NFL among RBs. Apparently, Singletary forgot to pass that message along to Jimmy Raye and this year the team has ignored Robinson much like Nolan did. <br /><br />In my opinion, Glen Coffee is only a decent runner who is a so-so blocker and who makes too many rookie mistakes. Glen needs to sit and watch and I'd put him in cold storage.<br /><br />A spread offense with Gore and Robinson as the featured backs utilized often as receivers and in the Wildcat role would be an ideal mix with and complement to the excellent wide receiver corps. Gore is already taking direct snaps and Robinson is a former QB who can pass and run the option. These two featured in such a way provide versatility and defensive problems for other teams expecting to face a smash mouth offense.<br /><br />I was dismayed at Jimmy Raye's play calling until they replaced Hill with Smith and changed the offensive philosophy. It then became very apparent to me that Jimmy knows what he is doing and was only keeping the offense as vanilla as yogurt to please his boss. The 49er offense in the second half vs. Houston reminded me of the Niners of old, who would move up and down the field at will with sharp, crisp passing.<br /><br />There is one more change Singletary must implement now. There is a kid sitting on the bench in Nate Davis, who has shown in what little time he was able to get on the field, the exact talents needed to run a successful spread offense. He has a rocket arm, yet has demonstrated the ability to take something off his passes. He has poise and confidence and may well be the future star at QB for the Niners. The team had no fear in getting the rookie Crabtree on to the field right away. Give Nate an equal opportunity.<br /><br />When Joe Montana was a rookie, Bill Walsh sat him for awhile, then he started inserting him in games with specific plays in mind designed to achieve success. Bill did this to build his confidence and prepare him for the next season when he knew he would be the starter. Alex Smith may well be the man to play the role of Steve DeBerg, who was a top passer but lacked the ability to pull off the big win. Alex deserves his chance now, but Singletary needs to prepare for the inevitable and elevate Nate Davis to #2 QB.<br /><br />OK, Mike. The ball is in your court. You still have a smash mouth defense. It's time to show your gentle side, Mike, and instead of running over your opponents, just slice and dice them. Do you have the Power to Change, Mike? The whole world is watching!<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />digg_url = 'WEBSITE_URL';<br /></script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><center><br />Copyright @ 2009<br />All Rights Reserved</center></div>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-33566073966017105122009-10-24T14:49:00.000-07:002009-10-24T14:53:00.102-07:00Michael Robinson to Return Kickoffs vs. HoustonLast week it was Delanie Walker. Then, the Chronicle reported that Glen Coffee would be the man. Now, Matt Maiocco reports that it will be Michael Robinson as the kickoff returner with Coffee the upback. Good luck, Michael.<br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />digg_url = 'WEBSITE_URL';<br /></script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><center><br />Copyright @ 2009<br />All Rights Reserved</center>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-74314575515232686832009-10-12T05:39:00.000-07:002009-10-12T06:27:39.419-07:00Singletary Faces Major Turning Point<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>After being just two seconds away from an undefeated 4-0 start, the 49ers came crashing to earth on Sunday as the Atlanta Falcons humiliated them 45-10 at Candlestick Park. For the first time this season, we were able to see what an outstanding job Mike Singletary has done to date with a team whose weaknesses were exposed for all to see.<br /><br />Now facing a bye week ahead, and with the prospect of both the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks returning to form, Mike Singletary is faced with some major decisions. On the defensive side of the ball, the 49ers are sound and talented. Manny Lawson has been inconsistent, and the secondary has had its good and bad moments, but the unit as a whole is among the league's upper echelon. Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes have been sensational, and Justin Smith and Isaac Sopoaga have been staunch against the run.<br /><br />Aubrayo Franklin, after an excellent start to the season, had a terrible game yesterday, and Dre Bly should be cut. His hot dog performance and insistence that "Dre does what Dre does", proves that he is an individual playing on a team and there is no room for that kind of childish behavior on a winning TEAM, With just a few adjustments, the defense will remain solid.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>THE TEAM UNDER REVIEW</b></div><br />The fly in the ointment for the 49ers is the offense. That they have been able to go 3-2 with Jimmy Raye's plain vanilla offense is remarkable, but it's time to play PROFESSIONAL football and this offensive scheme may be fine for a Pop Warner league team lacking a good QB, but it has no place in the NFL.<br /><br />Let's pick the offense apart. First, the offensive line is just that -- offensive. To say that Shaun Hill has little or no time to pass is an understatement. Eric Heitmann and Joe Staley have been adequate, but the guard play of David Baas and Chilo Rachal has been very disappointing. Right tackle has been inconsistent with Snyder and Pashos both having mediocre performances. Elevating Alex Boone from the practice squad may be a good move as he will be a future starter and needs to get some reps.<br /><br />At wide receiver, it is obvious that the Niners lack a breakaway man like they faced in Roddy White of Atlanta. Josh Morgan has disappointed, not only because he dropped a certain TD pass vs. the Rams, then made the excuse that the ball was "coming down like a punt", but because yesterday he was not running full out in an attempt to catch a pass. Anything less than 100% effort is unacceptable.<br /><br />Brandon Jones has yet to set foot on the field and Jason Hill is apparently in somebody's doghouse but gives great effort on special teams and is, in my estimation, the best wide receiver we have active at this time. Arnaz Battle has never been great, and Isaac Bruce is ready for Social Security and shows it. The best receivers right now are the Tight Ends, Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>THE FORK IN THE ROAD -- SINGLETARY'S MOMENT OF DECISION</b></div><br />As someone who shares a birthdate with Singletary, I have insight into his thought processes. He's a Libra to whom balance is essential in life. Mike can see both sides of a situation and is motivated by fairness and discipline. His decisions are always made with the best interest of his team in mind and he will make sacrifices to see that his goals are met.<br /><br />Now the 49ers are at a fork in the road. They are moving in the right direction with the Playoffs and eventually the Super Bowl as the goal. Yesterday's blowout exposed the weaknesses, and unfortunately, the biggest weakness is at QB. I love Shaun Hill. He is a leader, determined, and excellent game manager, and tough. However, he does not possess the passing skills to take an NFL team to a title. That fact became obvious to me yesterday for the first time. I wanted him to succeed badly, but he just doesn't have "it", and "it" is what is needed at the position to take the Niners to the next level. Continuing with Hill as our starting QB is only delaying the development of this team.<br /><br />Mike is now faced with a dilemma. Shaun Hill is a serviceable quarterback, an excellent game manager, a fairly accurate passer with a soft arm, and a leader. Alex Smith came to the 49ers with great physical ability but no natural instincts for the position. Alex continues to take way too long to set up and deliver the ball. He makes very slow decisions which results in a very slow delivery. His passing is scattershot at best and while he has a strong arm, he is and continues to be very inaccurate. The game has never slowed down for Alex. He will NEVER be a top quarterback for the 49ers.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>THE CRABTREE CONNECTION</b></div><br />As we enter the Bye week, the future of our receiving corps has come to camp. Michael Crabtree, if he is anywhere near as good as expected, will bring the excitement and explosiveness to the receiving corps that is needed. With Jones returning from injury and Jason Hill and Morgan ready to go, and with the return of Frank Gore, this offense should be ready to reduce the vanilla bean running scheme and go to the air with effectiveness.<br /><br />Enter Nate Davis. In two preseason games he has demonstrated a rocket arm, and makes plays that the other two guys simply cannot; he is mobile and can make throws on the run the others cannot, and he makes excellent decisions. I don't care that he has only faced backups -- his ability is right there for all to see.<br /><br />Most important of all is his poise. In four years, Alex Smith has continually shown that deer-in-the-headlights quality that frustrates 49er fans. Many blame his failure to excel at QB on the 49ers. They say he has been ruined by them due to having too many offensive coordinators, a poor supporting cast, etc. I say that is baloney (bologna to my Italian readers). In reading the forums and comments of many of the newer and younger 49er fans who don't even have a clue as to our winning tradition, beg and plead not to rush Davis into the fray and ruin him like we did Alex. I read comments saying he's our QB for 2010, 2011, and even 2012.<br /><br />Why wait? Do the names Flacco, Ryan or Roethlisberger ring a bell? All were highly successful in their rookie season.<br /><br />If I were Mike Singletary, I would get </span><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Nate Davis and Michael Crabtree</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> together and have them start working on their chemistry right now during the bye week. They are the touchdown combination of the future for the 49ers and it makes no sense to finish this season with either Hill or Smith since neither is the future of the 49ers.<br /><br />I am now in my 64th season as a 49er fan, having seen every quarterback in Niner history from the great Frankie Albert up to not so great Alex Smith, and consider myself to be a pretty good judge of quarterbacking talent. Nate Davis possesses the most talent and ability to be seen in a 49er quarterback since Steve Young. It makes no sense to hold him back. The only way he is going to develop that talent is to PLAY. We discovered a gem, let's polish it and put it on display. It is time!<br /></span><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://user148333.websitewizard.com/images/clock.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 223px; height: 297px;" src="http://user148333.websitewizard.com/images/clock.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />digg_url = 'WEBSITE_URL';<br /></script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><center><br />Copyright @ 2009<br />All Rights Reserved</center></div>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-48168864427707541172009-10-06T17:24:00.000-07:002009-10-06T17:27:31.566-07:00Get Used to ItHere is what's coming at wide receiver:<br /><br /><center><object width="400" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jPz7caPqoJE&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jPz7caPqoJE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="344"></embed></object></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />digg_url = 'WEBSITE_URL';<br /></script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><center><br />Copyright @ 2009<br />All Rights Reserved</center>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-69752439761886939752009-10-01T20:00:00.000-07:002009-10-02T20:26:41.892-07:00Samoan Tragedy<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A Sad Story Out of Miami</span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Dolphins DT Paul Soliai lost 12 relatives in the recent tragedy in American Somoa. In times like this we all need to take a step back and realize football is just a game. My prayers go out to all those who lost loved one in the recent events in Indonesia and American Somoa. Our prayers are with them.<br /><br />It has also come to our attention that Isaac Sopoaga has not been able to contact his family. Our best wishes for Ice and the welfare of his family.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><p></p><script type="text/javascript"><br />digg_url = 'WEBSITE_URL';<br /></script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><center><br />Copyright @ 2009<br />All Rights Reserved</center>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-6719921103897161302009-09-29T20:15:00.000-07:002009-09-29T20:42:21.976-07:00What are they thinking?<center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2008/12/28/sp-49ers_washing_0499600975.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 512px;" src="http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2008/12/28/sp-49ers_washing_0499600975.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></center><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b>Michael Robinson Makes Clutch 4th Quarter Catch vs. Redskins</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, serif; ">That has been the theme on several 49er forums when it was pointed out that Mike Singletary will stick with just two RBs and keep Kory Sheets on the practice squad. Many pointed out his speed and ability to get to the corner as something that is needed to balance the power running that this team likes to feature. Some even say that Sheets should be #2 ahead of Michael Robinson.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Unfortunately, many of these fans are thinking with their hearts and not their heads. Sheets is an excellent pure runner, no question. But, he is a liability as a blocker and that puts Shaun Hill in danger. That is not worth the ristk</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Michael Robinson, however, is known as a punishing blocker and is very good in close in one-on-one situations. Just ask Patrick Willis, who found out the hard way when he faced Robinson one on one in Singletary's famous Nutcracker drill. Robinson can also play #2 FB, and is a great receiver out of the backfield. Lest we forget, the second half of last season, Hill and Robinson connected on 17 passes for 201 yards and an average per catch of 11.9 yards. Here is a 36 yard completion against the Rams: </span><a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d80c912bd/Michael-Robinson-Highlight-WK-11-vs-Rams-2008"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">That was good enough to be #3 in the NFL among all RBs with ten (10) or more catches. Sheets can't do that. This doesn't even take Robinson's proven leadership qualities as a team captain and star on special teams.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">People also underestimate Robinson's ability as a runner. This season he has worked closely with Tom Rathman, and at 225, he is more like the old-time fullback. </span><a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/san-francisco-49ers/09000d5d81214ada/Pre-WK-2-Michael-Robinson-highlights"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">CLICK HERE </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> to see him gain 97 yards in just 14 carries vs. the Raiders in preseason.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">One more important factor is that Michael Robinson has great hands. Not only is he an outstanding receiver out of the backfield, but he has lost only one fumble in his career, and is very dependable in the clutch.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">One more consideration. In order to activate Sheets, Singletary would have to cut one player. Forums are screaming for Mark Roman's head, but let's not make him the fall guy. He has played extremely well in these three games and is an outstanding man for the dime package. Lewis made a great catch. Had we been a bit more creative, we may have run the clock out with under 2:00 and the pass would never have been attempted.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Let's accept the loss and move on. The Rams are waiting...</span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><center><br />Copyright @ 2009<br />All Rights Reserved</center></div></div><br /><br /></div><script type="text/javascript"><br />digg_url = 'WEBSITE_URL';<br /></script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253960949639664967.post-65139626935694627002009-09-28T06:10:00.000-07:002009-09-28T06:30:21.128-07:00Moral Victories Suck...<center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://assets.gearlive.com/endscore/blogimages/nflpreviewsanfrancisco49ers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://assets.gearlive.com/endscore/blogimages/nflpreviewsanfrancisco49ers.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></center><div style="text-align: center;">Frank Gore Sidelined<br /></div><br />Yesterday, the San Francisco 49ers missed out on an opportunity to go 3-0 after a powerful defensive performance against Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson went for naught on a desperation Hail Mary pass with two seconds to go. It should have never gone that far. With under 2:00 minutes remaining on the clock, the Niners shut down the Vikings and took over possession.<br /><br />Unfortunately, Jimmy Raye choked and called three running plays in a row, allowing enough time for the Vikings to get the ball again and end the 49er hopes. How much does Shaun Hill have to do for the OC to trust him? He could just as easily installed Michael Robinson, his best pass receiver out of the backfield, to catch a swing pass or a fullback delay -- ANYTHING, but three straight runs!<br /><br />THOUGHTS:<br /><br />~ Vernon Davis officially became a star today with his tremendous pass catching and great blocking;<br /><br />~ Kudos to the front three on the defensive line of Isaac Sopoaga, Aubrayo Franklin and Justin Smith. Opponents are not going to enjoy trying to run the ball against this group;<br /><br />~ It's time to get Jason Hill out of the doghouse and back onto the field. The 49ers can use his ability to step up late in games when needed;<br /><br />~ I don't know about anyone else, but it was obvious to me (and my wife) that Frank Gore was limping BEFORE the game. He is suffering from a high ankle sprain, which is a nasty form of ankle injury that lingers a lot longer than the predicted two weeks they say he will be out;<br /><br />~ It's time to activate Kory Sheets and add some speed and the ability to get outside to the running game. Sheets is a liability as a blocker so he'll have to be used tactfully;<br /><br />~ It's also time to use some of Michael Robinson's athletic ability. Now in his fourth season, he has thrown ZERO passes, and has not been allowed to run the option. Come on guys, this kid is talented. Mix it up a bit. Vanilla is too bland.<br /><br />Gary Mialocq<br />The SF 49er Observer<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />digg_url = 'WEBSITE_URL';<br /></script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><center><br />Copyright @ 2009<br />All Rights Reserved</center>WIZolmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460459317950637410noreply@blogger.com2