SB Nation - Parys Haralson

San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles: A Prospector's Guide

Fooch — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:00:18 -0000

vs.

The 49ers remain on the periphery of the playoff race (I will most definitely NOT say in the thick of it at this point for karma purposes). They find themselves heading into Philadelphia badly in a need of a win in a game that most people don't give them much of a chance in. We've moved past moral victories, so while I won't be stunned by a loss, keeping it close in Philly won't exactly make me happy as a clam.

The 49ers travel to Philadelphia in what will be the 29th meeting between the two teams, with San Francisco holding a 17-10-1 advantage in the series. The 49ers and Eagles have matched up six times this decade, but this week’s game will mark the first in Philadelphia since 2005.

San Francisco enters the upcoming game following a 24-9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football. In that game, the 49ers defense created 7 turnovers, while RB Frank Gore rushed for 167 yards on 25 carries and one touchdown. TE Vernon Davis leads all NFL receivers with 11 touchdown receptions after registering a 5-yard score from QB Alex Smith against Arizona and is only the 9th tight end in NFL history to record at least 11 touchdown receptions in a season. The NFL record is 13, held by TE Antonio Gates (2004).

Last week’s contest marked the third week in a row that the 49ers defense had posted at least 4 sacks in a game. San Francisco now ranks tied for 7th in the NFL with 34 sacks and a +6 turnover ratio. The 49ers 18 forced fumbles rank tied for 1st in the NFL in 2009 and are tied for the most by the team in a single season (1996 - 18), dating back to 1992.

49ers-Eagles Connections
Coaching Connections
• Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhingweg was the 49ers offensive coordinator and QBs coach from 1997-2000. In 1998, the 49ers became the first team since the 1941 Chicago Bears to lead the league in gross passing and rushing yards thanks in large part to Mornhinweg’s guidance. Mornhinweg attended Oak Grove HS in San Jose, where he was the Northern California POY and an all-state performer.
• 49ers secondary coach Johnnie Lynn and Eagles WRs coach David Culley coached together with the Tampa Bay Bucs from 1994-95.

FORMER EAGLES - Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye was on the Eagles roster in 1969 ... Pass rush specialist coach Al Harris played with the Eagles for two seasons (1989-90) ... SS Michael Lewis was drafted by the Eagles in the 2nd round in 2002 and played in Philadelphia for 5 years. He earned a Pro Bowl invitation in 2004 ... LB Takeo Spikes spent the 2007 season with the Eagles, starting 14 games ... Strength and conditioning coach Duane Carlisle served as the Philadelphia Eagles speed development consultant from 2000-04. Carlisle also coached at
Penn State from 1989-92 ... Director of pro personnel Tom Gamble entered the NFL as an assistant for the Eagles player personnel department in 1996. He is the son of former Eagles president Harry Gamble and was born in Cherry Hill, NJ ... Area scout Todd Brunner first joined the Eagles as a scouting intern in 1992 and worked as a scouting assistant in 1993.

FORMER 49ERS - CB Joselio Hanson, a native of Playa del Rey, CA, was originally signed by the 49ers as a rookie free agent in 2003 and appeared in 13 games for the 49ers.

49ERS PENNSYLVANIA CONNECTIONS - RB Michael Robinson played collegiate football at Penn State ... CB Shawntae Spencer is from Rankin, PA ... Rookie LB Scott McKillop hails from Monroeville, Pennsylvania.

EAGLES NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CONNECTIONS - Head Coach Andy Reid spent time as the offensive coordinator at San Francisco State from 1983-85 ...TE coach Tom Melvin is a native of Redwood City, CA, and began his coaching career at San Francisco State from 1982-85 and attended Cubberley HS in Palo Alto ... Special assistant/defense Brian Stewart served as defensive backs coach at San Jose State (1997-98) ... WR DeSean Jackson played at Cal and is a native of Long Beach, CA ... TE Alex Smith lettered at Stanford from 2001-04.

PLAYER CONNECTIONS
• 49ers DT Justin Smith and Eagles G/T Stacy Andrews were teammates with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2004-07.
• 49ers DT Demetric Evans was a teammate of Eagles DE Chris Clemons and LB Jeremiah Trotter for the Redskins (2004-05).
• 49ers LB Parys Haralson and Eagles LB Omar Gaither were teammates at Tennessee from 2002-05.
• 49ers G Chilo Rachal played at USC with Eagles DT Mike Patterson and T Winston Justice.

Series Highlights
Matchups: 28
Series Record: 49ers lead series 17-10-1
49ers Away Record vs. Eagles: 49ers Lead Series 9-3-1
First Meeting: 10/6/51, Eagles win, 21-14, at Philadelphia
Last Meeting: 10/12/08, Eagles win, 40-26, at San Francisco
Current Streak: Lost 3
Longest 49ers Win Streak: 5 (9/23/84 - 11/29/92)
Longest Eagles Win Streak: 3 (9/18/05 - Present)
Most 49ers Points: 38 (Two Times), Last: 38-28, at ~~San Francisco~~ Philadelphia
Most Eagles Points: 42 (9/18/05), 42-3, at San Francisco
49ers Shutouts: 1 (12/29/96), 49ers win 14-0, at San Francisco
Eagles Shutouts: None

PHILADELPHIA 40, SAN FRANCISCO 26
At ~~Glendale, AZ~~ Philadelphia, PA, October 20, 2008

The Philadelphia Eagles forced 3 turnovers during a 23-point 4th quarter of a 40-26 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. CB Donald Strickland returned a blocked FG 41 yards for aTD on the final play of the 1st half and the momentum carried into the 3rd quarter when the 49ers scored 10 points to take a 26-17 lead.

After the Eagles rallied back to take a 27-26 lead with 7:38 left to play, the 49ers next three drives ended in turnovers that set up scores for Philadelphia. S Quintin Mikell intercepted a QB J.T. O’Sullivan pass and returned it to the San Francisco 7-yard line to set up a short FG. On the next series, Eagles DE Trent Cole forced a fumble on a sack of O’Sullivan, allowing Philadelphia to recover at the San Francisco 20-yard line to set up another short FG for a 33-26 lead with 1:10 left. San Francisco got past midfield on the next drive when O’Sullivan connected with WR Josh Morgan on a 25-yard gain, but two plays later with 48 seconds to play, O’Sullivan was picked off by DE Juqua Parker, who returned it 55 yards for a score to seal the 40-26 win.

Philadelphia QB Donovan McNabb threw for 280 yards and 2 TDs while RB Correll Buckhalter, playing in place of an injured Brian Westbrook, had 93 yards rushing and 85 yards receiving. Philadelphia took a 7-6 1st quarter lead and then added 10 points in the 2nd quarter for a 17-6 lead. PK Joe Nedney hit a 53-yard FG with 34 seconds to play, but Philadelphia moved to the San Francisco 36-yard line with one second remaining on the clock before halftime. The Eagles sent PK David Akers on to the field to attempt a 54-yard FG DE Ray McDonald blocked the kick, and Strickland scooped up the loose ball and ran 41 yards for the score to make it a 17-16 game at the half. RB Frank Gore had his second 100-yard game of the year with 101 yards on 19 attempts.

2009 Statistics

49ERS (rank)		EAGLES (rank)
6-7 (2nd NFCW)	Record	9-4 (1st NFCE)
20.7 (18th)	Points per game	28.6 (3rd)
288.6 (27th)	Total Offense	360.2 (11th)
98.8 (24th)	Rushing Offense	106.1 (19th)
189.8 (22nd)	Passing Offense	254.1 (10th)
29:31 (16th)	Possession Avg	28:30 (25th)
18.6 (8th)	Points allowed/gm	21.0 (t-16th)
338.6 (18th)	Total Defense	320.1 (10th)
95.0 (5th)	Rushing Defense	101.5 (10th)
243.6 (27th)	Passing Defense	218.6 (18th)
34 (t-7th)	Sacks	36 (t-4th)
47.8 (2nd)	Punting Avg (Gross)	41.7 (27th)
+6 (t-7th)	Turnover Differential	+15 (3rd)

49ers 24 - Cardinals 9: Post game notes and quotes

Fooch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:23:18 -0000

Due to computer issues I'm stuck using a rent-a-computer at Fedex/Kinkos (more on that in the post for tomorrow I hastily put together). But for now I have some post-game notes and quotes to throw together. We'll start with stats on ALL the turnovers and after the jump we've got some more stats and quotes. We'll use this post to continue the discussion as Andrew's post-game post fills up.

The 49ers defense tied the franchise record as they forced five turnovers in the first half (3 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions). The last time the 49ers forced five turnovers in a half was September 14, 1997, vs. New Orleans (3 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries). It is the first time a team forced 5 turnovers in the first half since September 28, 2008, when the N.Y. Jets forced 5 turnovers vs. Arizona.
The 49ers defense tied the franchise record for most forced fumbles in a game (4). The only other times the defense forced 4 fumbles in a game were November 22, 1998, vs. New Orleans, and September 8, 1996, vs. St. Louis.
The 49ers defense registered three forced fumbles in the first half for only the 5^th time in franchise history. The last time was at Seattle (12/6/09). This also marks the first time in franchise history that the 49ers defense forced three fumbles in a half in back-to-back weeks.
S Dashon Goldson knocked the ball out of the hands of RB Tim Hightower on the Cardinals 9-yard line for his first forced fumble on the day. CB Dre' Bly scooped up the loose ball on the 8-yard line. It marked his first fumble recovery of the season, 6^th of his career.
LB Patrick Willis notched his 3^rd forced fumble of the season (6^th of his career) when he striped RB LaRod Stephens-Howling after a 12-yard reception. The fumble was recovered by S Mark Roman and returned 25 yards to the Arizona 28-yard line. It is Roman's first fumble recovery of the season and the 9^th of his career.
Goldson got his hands on another ball as he picked off QB Kurt Warner on the San Francisco 9-yard line. This marked his team-leading 3rd interception of the season and the 3^rd of his career.
CB Tarell Brown registered his second interception of the season (4^th of his career) as he intercepted Warner just before halftime.
LB Ahmad Brooks sacked Warner and knocked the ball out for his 3^rd sack of the season and first forced fumble. The ball was picked up by DT Justin Smith, marking his second fumble recovery of the season.
Goldson notched his second forced fumble of the game as he striped RB Beanie Wells deep in Arizona territory. The fumble was recovered by LB Parys Haralson, his first fumble recovery of the season and the second of his career.

TE Vernon Davis recorded his 11^th touchdown of the season on a 5-yard pass from QB Alex Smith. Davis becomes only the 9^th tight end in NFL history to register 11 touchdowns in a single season. He also tied the 49ers tight end record with his fourth consecutive game with a touchdown. He joins TE Ted Kwalick (11/12/72 through 12/4/72) as the only 49ers tight ends to accomplish this feat.

LB Ahmad Brooks set a single-game career-high with 3.0 sacks and 2 forced fumbles of QB Kurt Warner. He now has a career-high 5.0 sacks on the season

DT Ray McDonald blocked K Neil Rackers extra point attempt early in the fourth quarter. It marked the first time the 49ers blocked an extra point in the regular season since DT Junior Bryant blocked a PAT attempt by Detroit's K Jason Hanson on December 14, 1998.

RB Frank Gore rushed for 104 yards on 13 carries in the first half. This marks the second time this season that Gore eclipsed the 100-yard plateau in the first half (vs. Seattle, 9/20/09).

WR Michael Crabtree recorded his first touchdown in front of the home crowd on a 35-yard touchdown reception from QB Alex Smith. Crabtree now has two touchdown receptions on the season.

QB Alex Smith

Quickie - Quotes - December 14, 2009

San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals

On his impression of the game:

"A great win. You know, it was a must win for us. We came through. Defense played great. Tons of turnovers today, I don't know how many it was, but a lot. They shut them down otherwise. And then I think on offense...offensive line played great up front, we ran the ball. Frank played well. It was kind of a great team victory. We threw the ball well at times, just off a little bit at other times, but all the way around, I thought we executed in all facets of the game and that's why it came out the way it did."

On his two touchdowns passes:

"The first one, you know, defense got us the ball down there in tight, we ran on first down. Second down they were playing man to man, we had Vernon [Davis] isolated outside running a hook route, he did a great job winning, and I let it go, trusted it, and he won. It was tight coverage, he got physical and made the play. And then on the second one, there at the end of the half, we are driving down, rolling, and I hit [Michael] Crabtree on the dig with Vernon coming in underneath and Crabtree did a great job running in there and then made the great catch and finished it off with the run."

On his two interceptions:

"The first one, we were throwing three step drop and the defensive end didn't rush and he jumped to put his hands up and made a play on the ball. Just kind of a freak, unlucky thing. On the second one there in the second half, knowing we are up and trying to run the clock and done a good job there, I think we had a couple first downs and put a little post route in and had the coverage we wanted, it was man-to-man, and the guy jumped on Vernon [Davis] and I came up to throw behind him to Delanie [Walker] on the post and the guy read the coverage and jumped inside, made a good play. Obviously I would like that over again, but just trusted it and letting it go. We will look at on film and try and get better from there. Something we have to get better at. Almost for a second there let them back in and have a chance at the game, so we have to be able to finish there."

On the defense's performance:
"Six turnovers, they played unbelievable all night. Against a team with those receivers, the way they throw the ball, the quarterback there. To be making them in the pass game and the run game, to run up and be physical, causing all the fumbles they did, causing havoc in the coverage looks, they just played tough tonight. I think they were rolling, a lot of confidence. That was great to see. Those guys were flying around and making plays."

On the timing with his receivers tonight:
"I think we were amped up in the first half, we were roaring to go and were off a little bit. Look at the film, it just seemed like a couple throws here and there we were just off in the first half on both ends, my end and the receiving end. We settled down a little bit at the end of the second quarter and there at the end of the game and made some plays when we had to, but I think we are doing well. We have come along, we are maturing. I thought today we just had a lot of energy there to start and missed a couple."

RB Frank Gore

Quickie - Quotes - December 14, 2009

San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals

On how he felt on rushing for over 150 yards and helping his team to victory:

"It was great. The last couple of weeks I was very frustrated. I called coach Singletary and he told me to keep sticking with it and we're going to try to get it going. He told me to stay patient and it's going to come. My offensive line did a great job today to help us get in that rhythm and we felt like no one could stop us when we got in that rhythm."

On how he was seeing things out there on the field:

"I just told myself that whenever I get the ball not to press, just go out there and be myself. I told myself to be patient, let things develop and that's what I did."

On getting the win on Monday night football:

"It was great, especially after coming off of a loss last week. We played against a great team who had the chance to clinch the division tonight, but it felt good to get the win."

S Dashon Goldson

Quickie - Quotes - December 14, 2009

San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals

On the physical play of the teams' defense against Arizona tonight:

"We knew how physical we had to be and coach Singletary told us the same thing. If we went ahead and put our hats on them then we would create our chances and we did that today, both physically and mentally."

On his aggressive style of play:

"When I'm out there I play with no hesitation in my game. When I see my shot, I take them. Sometimes I miss, sometimes I make them but I'll tell you what, I going to make more than I miss, and I did tonight."

Week 12 Statistical Matchup Review: Jaguars @ 49ers

Florida Danny — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:00:16 -0000

Before I begin the matchup review, I just want to make a little bit of an editorial comment that seems pretty relevant in lieu of the past couple of weeks...

Some of you have been kind enough to give me kudos for practically writing a game recap before the game was even played the last 2 weeks. For sure, I've looked like Nostradamus with a blogging platform. However, I have to tell you, I'm reluctant to take much credit because it was the stats - not my wisdom - that resulted in my admittedly eerie accuracy.

What I will take credit for - and this is where I'd like to editorialize - is understanding that the stats, by themselves, are meaningless without proper application. Like "guns don't kill people, people kill people," the same can be said for statistics: "stats don't lie to people, people lie to people." Keep in mind that, each week, I'm looking at about 135 statistical matchups for the Niner game, almost all of which suggest one team has an advantage over the other. For instance, I could have easily told you last week that the Niners had an advantage on DEF given that JAX's OFF DVOA between the 40s was ranked 23rd, whereas SF's DEF DVOA between the 40s was ranked 5th. But what meaning would that have had? I'd say pretty much none. Sure they're two stats that are saying something, but what practical importance would they have had on the game as it was played? How could the 49ers have possibly exploited that matchup? By forcing JAX's OFF into the middle of the field? I mean, what's the DEF going to do? Let JAX gain yards when backed up deep in their own end just so they get them into their sweet spot?

So my point here is that the key to statistical analysis is in the practical application. The stats are just numbers; it takes the interpretation of a human being to prevent them from becoming lies. In general, interpretation is about looking at the stats, and seeing how applicable they are to the real world. In football, it's about viewing stats through the lens of Xs and Os, player skill sets, game plans, and everything else one would consider non-statistical.

In the context of game matchups, interpretation is about looking at each individual statistical matchup, and then determining whether there's a likelihood that a given pattern is going to have an effect on the actual game we're previewing. It's about detecting patterns of advantageous and disadvantageous matchups, asking oneself whether each team's wins and losses have been characterized by a given pattern, and asking oneself whether each team has the players and coaching style to exploit/nullify a given pattern.

This is what I try to do here on NN: give you the stats, give you my opinions based on the stats, and give you the non-statistical reasons why I don't think I'm hitting you with statistical smoke and mirrors.

With that said, let's begin with the 49ers-Jaguars matchup review...

After the jump, I'll write a tribute to myself chock-full of pats on the back and I-told-you-so's. Wait, no, um, inner voice, inner voice...What I meant was, I'll review the matchups...

TEAM MATCHUP # 2: PASSING IN THE RED ZONE

Before the game, I told you that the 49ers' OFF had a 111.8% DVOA advantage if they passed in the red zone, and the 49ers' DEF had a 156.6% advantage if the Jaguars passed in the red zone. Therefore, they needed to pass the ball in the red zone, and put JAX in passing situations if they reached the red zone. So how'd they do?

The Niners' OFF had 9 total snaps inside the red zone. Of these 9, they passed the ball 8 times, or about 90% of the time. Sounds like they followed my instructions. Of their 8 red zone passing plays, 5 were unsuccessful; but, of the 3 that were successful, 2 went for TDs. In other words, the 49ers scored a TD once every 4 times they threw the ball in the red zone. Taken together, I'd say both the frequency and success of their red zone passing suggests they indeed exploited their advantageous matchup against the Jaguars.

Meanwhile, JAX's OFF also had 9 snaps inside the red zone (none of which came during the first half, by the way). Overall, only 2 of these 9 plays, or 22.2%, were successful. However, both of their successful red zone plays came on runs, meaning that their success rate on red zone passing plays was 0%! Indeed, JAX's OFF totaled -2 yards, -26 net yards, 2 sacks allowed, and 2 fumbles when they passed the ball in the red zone. To say that the Niners' DEF exploited their advantage in this matchup would be putting it unbelievably mildly.

TEAM MATCHUP # 3: SHORT-YARDAGE RUNNING

In contrast to their red zone passing advantage on both sides of the ball, I mentioned before the game that the 49ers had a matchup disadvantage on both sides of the ball when it came to short-yardage running. Therefore, my remedy was that the OFF needed to pass the ball in short-yardage situations, and the DEF needed to keep JAX out of short-yardage situations.

Watching the game, there were 3 plays that made me say, "Wow, the 49ers are destroying the Jags today." All 3 had to do with this matchup:

On 4th and 1 from the JAX 37, Alex Smith hits Vernon Davis for a 30-yard completion.
On 3rd and 1 from the SF 13, Maurice Jones-Drew runs for -1 yards.
On the very next play, 4th and 2 from the SF 14, Justin Smith and Parys Haralson sack David Garrard, who fumbles.

So, the Niners' OFF nullified their disadvantage by passing the ball on 4th and 1, the Niners' DEF played better than expected by stopping MJD, which induced the Jags' into make a strategy-defying, matchup-ignoring decision (i.e., passing the ball) on the next play. When a team is exploiting their advantages and preventing the other team from exploiting theirs, it's a recipe for a blowout, and that's what we saw on Sunday.

PLAYER MATCHUP # 1: FRANK GORE VS. JAX PASS DEF

For this matchup, I noted that Frank Gore is one of the best pass-catching RBs in the league this year, and JAX's DEF is one of the worst at defending passes to RBs. Therefore, what I wanted to see was Jimmy Raye involving Gore heavily in the passing game.

It didn't take long for JR to make me happy: on the first play of the game, Smith completed a pass to Gore for 7 yards. Then, on the 2nd play, they threw it to Gore again! In case you're not counting, that's two plays, and two passes to Gore. In fact, 3 of Smith's first 4 passes, and 6 of his first 9, were to Gore! All in all, Gore was targeted on 10 of Smith's 41 passes, which means a full 25% of the passing game involved throws to Gore. Seriously, kudos to JR for reading my matchup preview.

Now, some of you might say, "Well, Gore only 2 yards per carry and 3 yards per target, so they couldn't have done that great in this matchup. Of course, you'd be right: only 2 of his 10 targets resulted in successful plays. However, in line with what I said in the intro, simply throwing the ball to Gore was what the pattern of stats (i.e., Gore's receiving advantage, JAX's run DEF DVOA, the OL's horrible ALY, SF's increased use of the shotgun, etc.), as well as Gore's skill set dictated that they should have done. Not to mention the fact that Gore lone TD in the game was of the receiving variety. So, there were both statistical and non-statistical ways that throwing the ball to Gore might have improved the 49ers chances of winning, and they did, in fact, score points using this strategy. Therefore, once again, I think they hammered a key matchup.

MISCELLANEOUS MATCHUPS

I'll keep these short and bullet-point style:

The 49ers had a matchup disadvantage against JAX in their nemesis, 1st-quarter OFF. I said they might have trouble again starting the game well. Turns out they did: 4.25 yards per play, 0 TDs in the 1st quarter.
JAX's DEF had been really bad when losing. I said this might offset how bad SF's OFF is while winning. Turns out it did: only 4.48 yards per play while winning, but 2 TDs to offset it.
JAX's DEF had been the worst in the league against shotgun OFF. I said the 49ers might want to use more shotgun. Turns out they did: 55.7% of their offensive plays were in shotgun, as compared to 40.0% going into the game.

BOTTOM LINE

Based on their performance in the key matchups during Sunday's game, here are the main reasons why the 49ers beat the ~~Packers~~ Jaguars:

They passed the freaking ball!
They passed the freaking ball in 3rd & short situations!
They made JAX pass the freaking ball in 3rd & short situations!
They passed the freaking ball to Frank Gore!
They passed the freaking ball from the shotgun!

Weird, that really looks familiar. Oh, right. It's what my before-the-fact interpretation of the stats said they needed to do to win. Like I said, no self-congratulaions in this post. ;-)

p.s. In the preview post, I threatened to apply for the 49ers' soon-to-be-vacant offensive coordinator position if they didn't throw the ball at least 40 times against the Jaguars. I'm seriously beginning to believe JR actually did read that post: SF threw it exactly 41 times, just enough to save his job...and keep me in mine.

*DVOA statistics used to produce this article were obtained from Football Outsiders.

Poll

Based on his Nostradamus-like prediction abilities the past 2 weeks, should Florida Danny buy a lottery ticket tomorrow?

Yes

102 votes

No

81 votes

183 votes | Poll has closed

49ers-Seahawks: Seattle opens as 1 point favorite

Fooch — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:50:41 -0000

Since both Seattle and the 49ers played already, the folks at Scores and Odds already opened the line, and have installed the Seahawks as 1 point favorites. We'll have plenty more to discuss about this game, but it's not surprising the oddsmakers consider the 49ers slightly better. The Seahawks get their 3 points for being at home, so this knocks it down a notch. Honestly, I don't think I would be surprised by any result next Sunday. Sure I would be angry with certain results, but even though the Seahawks are struggling, the 49ers have been so inconsistent that I'm preparing myself for just about anything.

I thought it was also worth noting that the Cardinals-VIkings game is off the board at this point, and I'm guessing it's because of Kurt Warner's lingering concussion issue. Apparently he's planning on seeing an opthamologist this week about continued post-concussion symptoms. On the one hand I want to win this game, on the other hand I certainly hope Kurt Warner ends up ok. I'm thinking Warner can take a few weeks to get better. After all, concussions are a serious thing so we wouldn't want him on the field potentially aggravating the issue.

After the jump I've posted the transcript from Coach Singletary's Monday lunch press conference. We'll have plenty more of this to discuss in tomorrow's Mike Singletary Approval Rating.

Head Coach Mike Singletary
Press Conference - November 30, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

Opening statements:

"Good morning. I'm very pleased with the victory yesterday, obviously. The guys played hard. The guys practiced hard all week. We had a good week's practice and we talked about playing like we practice, and that's kind of what we did on both sides of the ball. On the defensive side of the ball, I think, for the most part, we did a good job. I thought we went into the game thinking that we would attack a little bit more, particularly in the first half. We just have to continue to do a better job on the back end, tackling and the angles that we approach the tackles and the whole nine yards. We're doing a great job running to the ball and all of those things, but we just have to do a better job tackling overall. I think we've got to do a good job getting off the ball. There were a couple of times where we just didn't get off the ball for whatever reason. Maybe guys standing up versus getting down in the three-point or whatever, particularly a guy like [LB] Ahmad [Brooks]. He's normally standing up, and I think playing on third down, there were a couple of times if he had just gotten off. So, we'll do a better job there. He's only going to get better going forward.

I think, technique-wise, on defense, just a little thing that, going forward, in order to be successful we have to continue working on our technique across the board. Other than that, I think our defense did a good job. I think we went into the game and the No. 1 thing on our minds as we approached this game was to really stop the run. I think our guys did a great job of doing that. You talk about a team effort. I think the fact that our offense was able to create some first downs and move the chains and those sorts of things, that helped our defense stay off the field and get a little break here and there, and I think that went really a long way to helping us to be successful against the run.

On the offensive side of the ball, I thought our o-line, our o-line continues to work and get better. It's a work in progress, and I think on the right side, [RG] Chilo [Rachal] and [RT Adam] Snyder, for the most part did a better job passing off things, and that was very good to see. I think [LT] Barry Sims, and what he's been able to do to step in, there are a lot of guys, a lot of tackles - as a matter of fact, we were trying to look around and find some tackles that could come in in a back-up situation. And, a lot of backups don't want to come in and play. They want to come in and say, ‘Now, what do you expect of me?' Well, if something happens, I want you to play. ‘Well, really? How about I be your third tackle?' Here's Barry Sims, a guy who's been in the league a while, and he's excited about starting. He's a guy that's excited about playing. To have that, I really appreciate his effort and his work ethic, as well as the whole line. I think Chilo and Snyder, we talked about those guys a number of times, and that process of trying to work together and communicate amongst each other, I think they're really doing a good job. So, that's good to see.

[TE] Vernon [Davis], I think is having a tremendous year. He continues to get better. The thing I like about him most, I think the better he gets, the more he continues to stay after practice and work on his craft, both blocking and catching the ball. Of course, he had a couple of drops yesterday that, I guess for a regular tight end, you say, ‘Vernon, just do a better job.' But, I told him yesterday, I said, ‘The great tight ends catch those balls. It's a simple as that.' And, I know that's what he wants to be. He's having an outstanding year, but it's those things that I want to see him do a better job of is some of those other tight ends that are out in the league that are supposed to be great tight ends, Vernon is an outstanding tight end, and I just want every opportunity that he has. There should be no excuse for him not making the Pro Bowl this year because he is definitely, in my eyes, far and beyond any tight end in the league.

No. 15, [WR Michael] Crabtree, he's continuing to grow and mature. He dropped a touchdown yesterday. I think he's still asking himself what the heck happened. He has great hands and prides himself on plucking the ball out of the air, and I think he needs to join Vernon as well after practice and just continue to work on catching the ball. He does a good job, but sometimes he can get off track.

The other receiver, yesterday, I thought really did a great job. He did everything across the board, and that's Josh Morgan. Josh caught the ball well. He's blocking downfield well. He's doing a number of things. He's good with or without the ball. I'm really excited to see him continue to grow and mature.

[QB] Alex Smith, I thought, did a very nice job. I thought he took a big step yesterday. This is an offense that he talked about and envisioned and was able to step in and not just talk about it but produce, find receivers, have a blitzing linebacker or end coming right at him and still focus downfield and make a throw. He made some really nice throws yesterday. The one throw to Vernon on the fourth-and-one was outstanding. He didn't even break stride. Of course, the possible touchdown to Crabtree, that was an outstanding throw. So, he's really doing some things that are very nice to see.

I just feel like going forward, it's just a matter of continuing to look at our offense and look at what helps us win. I think there are a lot of philosophies out there. I'm hearing a lot about, well, the philosophy should be to throw the ball more. Sometimes, it's run the ball. The only thing I can say is this: My overall philosophy is to win. It's to win. I think that's the thing that I've said from the very beginning. I want to win. I think it's one thing when you look at this is what I'd like to do, but I think you have to look at what you have and go with that, make the most of it, and be excited about having it. To me, that's what I am. I talked many times about when we run the ball, I want to run the ball. I don't want to tip-toe. I don't want do any of those things. I want to hit people. I want to go forward and I want to run the ball. When we pass the ball, I want to do the same thing. I want to see our receivers going downfield and adding on, hitting somebody. Don't just look at the guy. Run with the ball. Go hit somebody. To me, that's what it's all about. That's football. So, that's not going to change. Any questions?"

On whether he is disappointed that it took this long to have such a complete performance:

"No, sometimes things take time. I know there are some coaches that have been waiting two or three years and it still has not happened. I think the thing I am thankful for here is all of the great coaches that we have and more so than anything else, the players. It is not just the talent, but it is the attitude of the players we have. These guys continue to go out week-in and week-out and believe. They are just working their tails off, they are doing whatever we ask them to do. Once again, the best thing about this week, or this past week, was for the first time since I have been here, there were a group of players, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, who stepped up. In the midst of all the different coordinators, there is a trust factor that has to be in place for a player to come forward and say, ‘You know what Coach, I think this would be a good idea. I think if we try this, that would be great. I think we would win.' That to me is very, very important because at the beginning of the week, one of the things we talked about was leadership. We talked about ownership and one really can't come without the other. The trust factor on the coaches' behalf, for those guys to step up early in the week and say, ‘This is what we feel. This is what we like.' For Alex Smith to echo those things, that lets you know something very exciting is on the verge because they believe. ‘If we can do this and that, we can win.' It's not: ‘If we could have a better offensive line. If we had a guy that could throw the ball, we could win. If we had another receiver, we could win.' No, we have it here. If we can do this, I think we can win. There is a big difference."

On how the players gave the coaches their input:

"During the Green Bay game, the guys got excited in the second half. Vernon came to the sideline and said, ‘Coach, I'm telling you, this is exciting. This is fun. I know we can do this. This is who we are.' Then, of course, we come in early last week and I had different guys in the office, just talking to them about what they felt. I talked to Alex Smith, even last weekend prior to the Green Bay game, and talked to him about what he was feeling and what he was thinking and told him how important it is to convey those thoughts to Jimmy Raye, not anyone else, not even me. Go to Jimmy Raye and sit down and say, "Jimmy, Coach, if I may, I'd like to express some ides, some thoughts.' I think those kind of things are extremely important and as the week went on, there was no town meeting, there was no rally, there was no boycott. The guys just basically said, ‘Coach, this is what we like. I think this would help.' The thing that I have been talking about all year is ownership. When you talk about ownership, that is a huge word, it comes with a lot of responsibility. If you are willing to ask for something, if you are willing to come up with a solution, then it is on you to make sure that you carry through with that. That's what leadership is. Leadership is not stepping up every week and saying, ‘Hey, I don't like this; I like that. We could do a better job if we did that.' That's not leadership. That's just a bunch of opinions. But, when you have players stepping up saying, ‘I believe if we did this, we would get the results that we want,' that's leadership. Now it's up to the coaches and the people in charge to make those decisions and go from there."

On the benefits that come from Smith talking to Raye directly:

"I have always believed all of my life that if someone has something to say, be man enough to convey it. Don't come to me and tell me, ‘Coach, I don't like this; I don't like that. Jimmy is doing this; he is doing that.' That's not going to fly. All that is going to do is get me upset because that concerns me that you are not man enough to do that. The most important thing to me is we have 53 men, not a bunch of boys, not a bunch of guys sitting in there waiting for something to happen. I went to Alex, he didn't really come to me. I went to him because I know what he has been through. Sitting down and just asking him, ‘What do you think about this? How do you feel about that?' To hear those ideas and to hear those thoughts, that is great. That is outstanding. Now we'll tell Jimmy. I didn't want him to tell anyone else, just go tell Jimmy because that relationship is critical. I don't want to go to Jimmy and tell Jimmy, pull a ‘I'm the head coach, you're the coordinator. Just do what I tell you to do.' That's too easy, that's easy to do. I want Alex to do the difficult thing, to go in there and take a risk and say, ‘This is what I like. Can we do this?' because that is where the relationship is. That is where the team gets better other than me pulling a power card. That's no good in the long run."

On the challenge of keeping good practices going from week to week:

"The practices have been good. It's just a matter of - there's a difference in when you go out and practice, it's not like you don't believe in something. Jimmy Raye has a great plan. Every coordinator, if you were to sit down and talk to every coordinator, defensively or offensively, he's going to have an array of plays that are just outstanding. You look back and you go ‘Wow, look at those plays, we could do this.' Okay, look over here and say, ‘Hmm, we can just eliminate all of that. This is what we have here and this is what we have to do.' That's the difficult part. So, I think when you look at our offense, Jimmy has just kind of been putting things here and you've got a tackle that goes down over here, maybe your best offensive lineman, he goes down and you've got another one over here and he's going to - he's down. Okay, now your running back is - and by the way you've got a quarterback change. Every time you turn around, I'm trying to put another piece up here. So that's where he's been. I tell Jimmy week-in and week-out, ‘I'm really proud of you for what you've been able to do. I'm proud you haven't run over me in the parking lot,' because I go to him and say, ‘Jimmy, I think we have to think this way,' and he's done nothing but doing what I've asked him to do. So, I think that's the interesting thing about this team. I think that's the best thing about this team. You have a lot of unselfish players, as well as coaches, where the bottom line is to win and that's why I'm excited about this team."

On whether there is time to get what he wanted to get done given everything that's gone on with the team:

"I told the players last week, it's all in front of us. Everything that we want is in front of us. I don't want our guys to start looking around, thinking about this and hoping that. We had a game yesterday that we had to win against a good football team. We go out there and we win the game and by the way, Arizona loses the game. That's pretty cool, but guess what, we've got to do the same thing next week and the week after that and the rest of the season. So forget about anything else. I think we have the time to get done what we need to get done."

On the difference in Chilo Rachal from September to now:

"Maturity, experience, working together, relationship. I mean it's huge when you talk to that guy and you trust that guy. It's one thing to say, ‘This guy does that and then you and I have to switch off,' and when that call is made you have to make sure that you have each other's back and I think that's a work in progress. That's why the offensive line anywhere in the league, if they are a good offensive line, chances are they are very close. When you see one, you are going to see all of them and I think our guys are just continuing to gel, continuing to spend time together and watch film together and do all of those things. Now, they also have to interact with the quarterback as well because they can do a great job here, but if that quarterback is stepping right where he's not supposed to, then they can do a great job, but they look awful because the quarterback just jumped right in the way. So, it's vitally important that all of those pieces come together when you have an offensive line and a quarterback that trust each other and that's really the biggest difference, time."

On why the defense has played so erratic:

"I think you start the season, you have a formula in place that you are going to win by. You have the running back in place and you have the quarterback in place. So, the defense knows that the way we are designed, our offense is going to eat up the clock because we are going to make first downs. So the offense goes out and we're not turning the ball over. That's the formula, we're not turning the ball over, there's not a whole lot of opportunity to turn the ball over. We are going to run the ball and we are going to let Shaun Hill dictate to us, how much we are going to throw the ball. So the defense over here, we are playing 45-50 plays, maybe 55. Now, you change that formula and you've got another quarterback in and those tackles that were there in place to allow you to run the ball the way you were trying to run it, now they're not there so you are changing it a bit, so now you have to throw the ball more or you're not getting as many first downs, you're not eating the clock the way you were, so now you are playing about 80-85 plays. So that's almost like playing two games. So, when you look at the defense, there's a lot that goes into it. You kind of get sloppy after awhile. We're not at that place yet. One day I hope to be in a place where we are a dominant defense where it doesn't matter what the offense does. They can go out there and throw an interception. We are going to go out there and one, two, three out. We may even get you the ball back. We're not at that place yet. So, when I'm talking about technically and all of those things, it's just a matter of guys, just like that offensive line playing together, the defense, they have to play together and have people in place and just be sound technically across the board."

On the Atlanta game and how the defense was still having problems even with Shaun Hill as the quarterback:

"That's when it became apparent to me that a change had to be made because we were not moving the ball - In order for me to talk about the defense, I have to talk about the offense because if I don't talk about the offense and just talk about the defense, solely, then I need to go to the games where - as far as tackling, we have to do a better job tackling, it's as simple as that. Not that it's horrible, but for where we want to go, it's not good enough. It's simply not good enough. Our angles to the ball, we've got a lot of guys flying to the ball, that's the one thing that we pride our defense on. Guys are relentless on going to the ball, but we have to take better angles of getting to the ball and we will do that because guys are working at it, we will do that."

On his evaluation of watching the development and maturation of the team during the season:

"I think that guys have matured a lot this season, I just think that we've been through a lot together and it seems like we've been through a lot early. The most important thing that we've done is we've continued to stay together and grow through it. Adversity only brings you together or it tears you apart and I think that it brought us together and when guys have to overcome things and still be in the fight, it builds a lot of character- that's the things about this team that's very exciting."

On the technique of S Dashon Goldson's playing style:

"Two things about that - the one thing that it tells you about Dashon is that he is a headhunter. The guy just wants to annihilate everything that's back there and the thing that I want to get him to do is that he's got great speed and he wants to hit everything that moves and it's just a matter of ‘okay Dashon, let's settle down a bit, gather yourself and make the play,' and he will do that. That's a great problem to have for a DB because most of them may run 4.3s or 4.4s but they are awfully slow getting to that tackle. That's another problem that you have with a guy that doesn't want to tackle and we don't have that issue."

On figuring out the team's offensive system while contending for the playoffs:

"The thing that's exciting to me is that I think in the next five weeks, really in the next couple of weeks, a lot of those questions will be answered. That's why it's so exciting to be 5-6 and still be in the hunt, still be in the chase. You are right. There are things that are out of our control, but the fact is that there are five games that remain and we still have a chance to do things that we want to accomplish. I believe that to the core of my being."

On being able to accomplish team goals without making it to the playoffs:

"I'll hold off on that one. Because coming into the season - I'll just hold off on that one, I'll answer that in a couple of weeks."

On whether T Barry Sims is one of the best five offensive linemen, even after the return of starting T Joe Staley:

"Ok, now you're talking about the left side of the line versus the right side of the line and I won't go there for right now but I will say that I think that [RT Adam] Snyder and [RG] Chilo [Rachal] on the right side are very solid right now and they're working together and they're getting things done. When Staley comes back, Staley is the left tackle and those will be our five best guys."

On whether he expects T Joe Staley back in time for the Monday Night Game vs. Arizona:

"Possibly, hopefully he'll be running this week, lifting, squatting, and doing some things like that. But hopefully he will be back."

On the status of CB Nate Clements return:

"Nate Clements, in all likely hood, would be back maybe the last game of the season."

On Player Injuries:

"One thing that I neglected to do - did I go over the injuries? [WR] Josh Morgan: Hip contusion, taking it day-to-day he should be fine. [DT] Kentwan Balmer: Right shoulder sublex, his shoulder went out, went back in and that's day-to-day. [LB] Parys Haralson: thumb contusion, I have no idea what the heck contusion is. It just sounds good, and [S] Curtis Taylor is having an MRI today: hip strain."

On elaborating on his coaching philosophy:

"If you look at the Pittsburgh Steelers from last year, you don't have to go very far to know that is a physical team. They're a running football team first, but they couldn't run the ball last year and if they couldn't run the ball and if everyone else was saying ‘well, they've got to be able to run the ball' or they started saying in maybe mid-season ‘if they can't run the ball well then they're not going to go to the super bowl.' Okay, they were in the Super Bowl and they didn't run the ball, so they got there. What was the philosophy: to win. Tony Dungy goes from Tampa Bay, where they were a run oriented team, Tony's philosophy is ‘guys look here, we're going to run the ball on offense, we're going to eat up the clock.' That's the same kind of thing that I believe here in my core because I'm a defensive guy. Tony goes to Indianapolis - does he take [QB] Peyton [Manning] and sit him down, bring somebody else in and get a better line and say we're going to be physical? No. you take one of the best quarterbacks of all time and leave him back there. If that's what you do, then that's what we're going to do. Tony wanted to win and I think that it's important - being stubborn can be a good thing, but I think most of the time it's a foolish thing. I do want to win, but it's not about me. It's not about what I think and feeling like I've got to go back on my words. The most important thing that I want for this team is to win. I want this team to win and to win big, so in order for me to do that the most important thing is that I'm always true to the personnel and we'll go from there."

49ers 20 - Jaguars 3: Hidden Nuggets

Fooch — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:28:23 -0000

I suppose that when you win games, the "hidden nuggets" are not quite so hidden. We remember the positives and forget some of the negatives. Nonetheless we'll keep people's spirits up with some of the positive minutiae from today's game. Also, after the jump we've got a whole assortment of post game press conference transcripts.

Vernon Davis
Not so surprisingly we're starting with The Disease. The tainted twosome (Davis and Crabtree) has been running wild lately, and Davis continues his breakout season. With his 3-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, Davis tied the franchise-record for most touchdown receptions in a season by a tight end (9). With 6 catches on the day, Davis set a new single-season career-high with 57 receptions. His previous single-season high was 52 receptions in 2007.

Pass Rush
The defense certainly found it's groove against a Jaguars team that just couldn't get out of its own way today. The 49ers defense registered a season-high 6 sacks on the day, all in the second half. This marks only the second time since sacks became an official stat in 1982 that a 49ers defense notched 6 sacks in a half (vs. St. Louis on 9/8/96). Manny Lawson sacked and stripped David Garrard, with the fumble being scooped up by DT Justin Smith. Lawson now has 4.5 sacks on the season as well as 3 forced fumbles, which tied a franchise record for most forced fumbles in a season by a linebacker. Lawson became the first 49ers linebacker to register 3 forced fumbles in a single season since LB John Johnson and LB Larry Kelm each recorded 3 forced fumbles in 1993.

Additional random nuggets:

The 49ers offensive line did not allow the Jaguars defense to sack QB Alex Smith on any of his 41 attempts. This marks the first time that the 49ers did not allow a sack since November 10, 2008, at Arizona (QB Shaun Hill - 40 attempts).
QB Alex Smith set first half career-highs in attempts (29), completions (18), yards (169) and he tied a career-high for touchdowns in the first half with 2.
The 49ers were only flagged for 1 penalty on the day for 5 yards. It was the first time the 49ers only committed 1 penalty a game since December 2, 2001, vs. Buffalo. Only 4 other teams have committed only 1 penalty in a game this season, which is the fewest in the single game in the NFL this season.
RB Frank Gore extended his career-long streak of consecutive games with a touchdown to 5 with a 4-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. He is the first 49er to score a touchdown in 5 consecutive games since WR Terrell Owens from November 4, 2001, through December 2, 2001.

Don't forget, after the jump we've got post-game press conference transcripts.

Head Coach Mike Singletary
Post-Game Quotes - November 29, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
FINAL

Opening Statement:

"First and foremost, I'm very thankful. I thank God for our guys, I really do. I'm very thankful for how they continue to fight. I was very excited about this game simply because of the way we prepared this week. The thing that we wanted to accomplish - the thing that we have not done all year - is put a collective win together, where the offense is doing the things that they have to do, taking time off the clock, the defense holding them, or trying to get turnovers, trying to get something. Special teams did their part. I think today collectively it was getting headed in the right direction in terms of the way we have to win. It has to be a total team effort. We can't have the defense playing lights-out and the offense not executing. We can't have the offense doing a good job and our defense giving up big plays. We just have to continue to work together and, I guess, really come up with the team effort. That's what we're really preaching right now. That's the thing that we've got to have - a team effort. So, very excited about what happened today and our guys are working."

On whether if his season-long goals are still within reach:

"You know what, for me, all I know is everything is in front of us and we have an opportunity to continue to week-in and week-out just to try and win football games, just to try and find our formula as we go offensively and get in a rhythm. The best thing that happened this week... The absolute best thing that happened this week was I saw leadership on the offensive side of the ball in terms of, ‘Coach, this is what I think would work. This is what I think we need. Can we do this? Can we do more spread? Can we put it on us, the receivers. Not that we're going to lose our minds and throw the ball every down, but can we do that direction?' To me, that's leadership. That conversation could go to the parking lot, it could go in the bathroom, it could go to their homes, but it came to us. It came to me. [Offensive coordinator] Jimmy [Raye] and I sat down and talked about it, the offensive staff, the entire team, about what we need to do going forward. I think we just have to find our balance each and every week depending on what that team does. I thought today... I thought the offense handled it well. I thought our offensive line did a good job blocking for [QB] Alex [Smith], giving him the time that he needed. I thought our receivers did a good job. We just have to continue to learn how to finish, just close it out, close the game out."

On whether the 49ers are a better passing team than a running team:

"I would say, right now, I would think as far as the run is concerned, I think we have more playmakers in the passing game. I think for the first time in a long time we have a lot of playmakers that we can throw the ball to, as well as [RB] Frank [Gore]. I think if we continue to do that, the run will still be there. Like I said, week-in and week-out we have to find a balance that works for us and not go out there and lose our mind and put it all on Alex and the receivers and say, ‘Let's go get it done.' So, I think we have to be smart and every week to figure out exactly what we have to do to win football games."

On who was showing leadership on offense:

"Well, [TE] Vernon [Davis] would be the number one guy, Alex a close second. Even the young kid, as much as I hate to say it, [WR Michael] Crabtree. I keep telling him he needs to be quiet, but he's getting there. Good kid. Those guys are leading the pack."

On RB Frank Gore's value as a pass-receiver:

"Well, I think Frank definitely has good hands and he can catch the ball and hopefully more times than not he can make that first guy miss and make extra yardage. I think you when have to look at a [WR Michael] Crabtree and [TE] Vernon Davis and [WR] Josh Morgan down the field, then it certainly opens up an opportunity for Frank coming out of the backfield in check-down situations. So, I just think it all works together and our offensive line continues to be a work in progress. But we will be able to run the ball. Before this season comes to an end, we will be able to run the ball and we're working on it. But right now, we're trying to open it up as much as we can right now so there's not an overload somewhere else and make it work."

On TE Vernon Davis tying TE Brent Jones' record today:

"Vernon has been spectacular all year. You know, today, last week, week before that. I mean, pick a week. Vernon continues to work his tail off. He continues to stay after practice and do all of the extra work. He's still an excellent blocker. The thing I like about it is he's not all of the sudden becoming a good go-to guy. He also continues to work on his craft in terms of blocking. And, to me, he's still the best blocking tight end in the league. So, I'm very excited about where he's going."

On QB Alex Smith's performance today:

"I thought he did a good job. I mean, obviously, there are some plays he'd like to take back. It's a work in progress, but I'm very proud of what he's been able to do and the decisions that he's been able to make. He and Jimmy Raye continue to work together, continue to build a relationship. Alex continues to let Jimmy know, ‘Hey, this is what works. This is not as good.' So, I'm excited about that, because the more that relationship develops, the better our offense is going to become. So, I'm excited about that."

On how players are developing on defense:

"You know what, I do [see that]. [LB] Manny [Lawson] stepped up. I hate he missed the one ball. He had it, he was running before he had it, obviously. But we have a few guys on defense that are playing well. [LB] Takeo [Spikes], it was good to see him back this week. He adds a lot to our defense, he really helps [LB Patrick Willis], great mentor, but he's the guy on that defense that really makes it go. So I'm very excited about what he was able to do. [CB] Dre' Bly I thought did a nice job today. You know, a lot of experience, he has a better grasp of our defense. Going forward, he adds a lot to what we're doing."

On whether the defenses' season-high sacks were due to the hard work this year:

"You know, it happened for a number of reasons. Yes, those guys upfront have been working their tails off. I think [defensive coordinator] Greg Manusky, [defensive line coach] Jim Tomsula, [pass rush specialist] Al Harris, everything that comes down to the pass rush and trying to figure out the protection and how to get guys to the quarterback. They just continue to work at it. I think they have a great system in place, breaking down protection. [LB] Ahmad Brooks, I think, you'll see more and more of, getting him in the mix. It was great to see Manny Lawson just come off the ball and explode and make the play he did in the fourth period. [LB] Parys Haralson has been applying pressure all year. But I'm excited about what we're able to do and the other thing that makes it great is our offense was able to chew up the clock so our guys were fresh when they were going out there and that makes all the difference in the world."

On whether [LB] Ahmad Brooks has replaced [LB] Manny Lawson as starting nickel-pass rusher:

"He did start today, but it's one of things where you wanted to see what he had as a starter and I think it'll go back and forth. They'll both play a lot at that position."

On how good the 49ers defense was today:

"Well, obviously when you have a team like Jacksonville and they have three points coming in here with a lot of confidence, I think the defense did very well today. Of course, going forward, we want to continue to keep the pressure on and do all of the little things we have to do to keep them from marching down the field, and clamping down later on. I thought the defensive plan was really good today."

On whether the line judge didn't see him when he was trying to call timeout:

"I was going to go all the way to the huddle. I tell them that, ‘Whatever I have to do...' I mean, I'm yelling on the sideline and they always say, ‘Mike, just come all the way and do whatever you got to do to get our attention.' So, I was sprinting out there. So, whatever I have to do to do that, I'll do it every time."

On the Arizona Cardinals loss:

"That is very exciting. One of the things that I don't want our team doing is looking at what Arizona is doing, but you can't help but... If a situation works out like that, that's fantastic. We just have to make sure that we earn the right to look at what they're doing and we've got to take care of business on our side."

CB Dre Bly
Post-Game Quotes - November 29, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

On his first start with the 49ers:

"It felt good. The first half, I didn't get much action or get dirty. I wanted to get going, just get a tackle to get going. But for the most part, it was good. Defensively, we played well. We were flying around, pressuring the quarterback, forced turnovers-and that's the 49ers defense that everybody have seen. And that's the defense we expect to be. We played well."

On the difficulties of playing the Jaguars offense:

"They had long drives, and they were trying to keep us off-balance, going no-huddle and trying to catch us in different personnel defensively. And throwing screen plays, getting the ball into [Maurice] Jones-Drew's hands, those little bubble screens to the receivers-all those things were trying to keep us off-balance. But, when our backs were against the wall...this is what you want as a defense, when your backs are against the wall, don't fold. We were able to keep them out of the end zone when they got close, and unfortunately for them, they missed that field goal-fortunately for us. The key is, trying to keep them out of the end zone, we did, and giving up three points-that's reaching all defensive goals at the end of the day. I don't know what the yardage looked like, but we have to feel good about the points we let."

WR Michael Crabtree
Post-Game-Quotes - November 29, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

On being able to spread the offense against Jacksonville:

"We really did the same plays that we did last week, we just did a good job of executing our plays and just came up big when it was time to make big plays."

On talking to WR Isaac Bruce on the sidelines when the offense was making adjustments:

"Isaac is like my big brother on the field so I'm always going to talk to him about anything, every play, and every release that I did. I'm always going to be talking to Bruce.

On what he felt he contributed to adding to the team leadership on the field today vs. Jacksonville:

"Just by playing fast at practice is something that I preached to my teammates in college, so I just carried it on and brought it up to the NFL and it's working."

On describing the team's intensity and execution in today's game:

"I think that all three sides of the ball played good today. That's what it takes for a team to win and we did a good job."

On whether he feels that the team is in the playoff hunt with a 5-6 record:

"We just have to take one game at a time. This next game we really need to be focusing on that and trying to win. One game at a time."

TE Vernon Davis
Post-Game Quotes - November 29, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

On the performance of the offense:

"Our playmakers made plays-we got the ball in the hands of our playmakers. And we've got a lot of them-you could see [TE] Delanie Walker made some plays. And that's what it's all about. Green Bay, when we played them, I saw how they got the ball in their playmakers' hands. Everybody had some nice stats. That's what you need in order to win."

On if he senses a change in the offense:

"I am, I am. But I still think we have to run the ball-we have to keep Frank [Gore] involved, because he is one of our playmakers as well. Everything will be all right from there."

On the playoff picture:

"We have five regular season games left. Our goal is to win each and every game. We can only do that by practicing hard and staying together. It's not over, we're still in it. Anything can happen."

On going for it on fourth-and-1 play in the second quarter:

"Coach [Singletary] believes in us. We always talk about how good our offense is, and we believe in him. So, it's fourth-and-1, he called a play. Then we have to go make it."

LB Parys Haralson
Post-Game Quotes - November 29, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

On whether that was the cleanest game the team has played:

"I don't know if that was the cleanest game, but I know that we won and that's all that matters to me."

On whether it was the most mistake-free game:

"I guess it was a mistake-free game. Like I said, we've emphasized that during the week, not beating ourselves. We always emphasize that, creating some turnovers and not turning the ball over, getting off the field on 3rd down even though they are making some plays on us and basically just keeping them out of the end zone on defense and the offense scored some points to win the game."

C Eric Heitmann
Post-Game-Quotes November 29, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

On starting fast offensively:

"We talked this week about being more explosive as an offensive unit. We did spread it out a little more and put the game in the hands of the playmakers and they did some amazing things for us today. They made some really big plays for us. As an offensive line, we knew we had to pass protect. We knew they were going to be coming, going to be blitzing and we had to give Alex [Smith] time to get the ball into the playmakers' hands. Everybody stepped up today. It really was a great win all the way around."

On holding a large lead at halftime:

"We had a nice cushion going into halftime, but when you come to halftime you know that any NFL game can turn. So for us, the score was 0-0. We knew we had to come out in the second half, be physical, run the clock, make some more plays. I think we did that. The defense played great, the special teams played great and it was a great win."

On the importance of not turning the ball over:

"You have to play mistake-free, flawless-execution football if you want to win in the NFL, and turnovers are huge. If we are going to be successful as an offense, you cannot turn the ball over and we did that today. That's one of the main reasons why we won this game."

QB Alex Smith
Post-Game Quotes - November 29, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

On if he felt that today was his most complete game ever:

"I don't know about that. Probably the best I felt out there. I guess I don't know, specifically speaking, it was the best I felt out there. Seeing things, reacting to it, making good decisions, and being accurate."

On his role as a leader:

"Yeah there's always been open communication, especially with [Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye]. I've always said that from the beginning. I think, it's just one of those things, the more you play the better grasp you have on what we're doing. As the quarterback, there is a little more insight that you can put in to talking with Jimmy on what we're doing and what I like and things like that."

On specifically what he likes:

"I mean we're talking details here, of things, you know, things we have in the game plan. Whether or not they're up or down and what situation you may like them in or not, things like that."

On his confidence level from earlier in the year:

"I was confident that, and this the NFL, confident that my opportunity was going to come at some point. That's just the way it works. I didn't know when it was going to come, how it was going to happen, the circumstances of it. I was confident that, yeah, this is the NFL and at one point or another I'm probably going to step out on the field and help the team win. I didn't know when it was going to happen but the important thing is that you're constantly ready, constantly standing ready because you don't know when it's going to happen."

On the plays:

"I don't know. I don't know if it's my bad, I think it's the open communication. You know, it's not that I'm marching up there like, ‘hey this is how...' it doesn't happen like that. It's just open dialogue. You're talking, ‘I feel a little better about this, and maybe that.' It's not like I would walk up there with a list of things I don't want."

On whether not he told Raye he wanted to emphasize certain plays:

"No, not like that. It's always changing. You know? It's based on what we see on film and what we like. It's a fine line there. Ultimately it's my job to go out there and play well. The little input I can have, that's up to Jimmy whether or not he wants to."

On if he backed Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye into a room:

"No, I can sense that and that's not how it happened. I can definitely tell you."

On if he felt that his input was well received and used:

"Absolutely. No question. Jimmy's always had an open door and I think, like I said, it's a combination of the more I play the more we're growing as an offense I think that the more input you have. The more comfortable you feel talking to him about things. Whereas before you're just trying to get your job done."

On whether or not he's more confident than before:

"Absolutely."

On why and how he shows his newfound confidence:

"I just feel better about seeing what I see out there. Understanding it, trusting it and pulling the trigger. If that makes sense, you know. Reading and reacting. What are they doing? Seeing it and pulling the trigger. Before, when I was younger, sometimes you don't see things clear, don't trust it and hold on to the ball a little longer. You're tentative, things like that. I have a better grasp of seeing things, reacting to them and cutting loose."

On how this resembled his days in college:

"I'm getting there. I look back on college and it's different. I think you're headed there. That feeling you get when you're in the center of, people talk about things slowing down but, for me it's really understanding what you're seeing, trusting what you're seeing and cutting the ball loose. Not second guessing yourself, not hesitating and trusting what you see and letting it go."

On how he'd like to play the offense the rest of the season:

"I'm a pretty firm believer that there is no formula, like that to win. You got to do what it takes to win the game and each week is different. Next week we might come out of I formation and run the ball forty times to win the game. If that's what the defense is giving us and that's what we think we can expose them doing then we got to do that. We've got to do what it takes to win the game on offense and I don't think you can say, concretely ‘this is what you have to do every single week to win a game.' Every defense presents different problems and we have to find a way to attack them and expose them where we think we can."

On the cause and affect between your input and the game plan:

"I don't think so. No."

On what Jacksonville's defensive did that dictated this style of offense:

"We just thought - we felt like that. Their starting corner was out, [Rashean] Mathis was out. We knew they were banged up back there with some young guys, and we felt like we could do some good things throwing the ball. No doubt about it."

On what he thought about TE Vernon Davis' catch and run on fourth down and the play call:

"I love both of them, looking back. I love it. I think that's the mentality you start to grow into on offense too. The more comfortable as a unit we get, the more confident we are. We want it. Let's throw the ball on fourth-and-short. Let's get after it. Vernon made a great play, a great play on the sidelines. That's this offense growing and being more confident."

On whether he smiled when he received the game plan earlier this week knowing the offense was going to be more wide open:

"We talked about it, but you still don't always know what that's going to look like come game day, how things are going to unravel, how the play calls are going to come out and the circumstances you might be in. I thought we did a great job today, top to bottom. I thought [Offensive coordinator] Jimmy [Raye] called a great game. We did a lot of good things out there. I still think we left a lot out there. That's for us to take a look on film and improve on."

On how much stringing wins together counts with Arizona losing today:

"To be honest, it's not really about putting - it's about winning one game at a time. You can start getting ahead of yourself thinking about streaks and doing too much. We were thinking about beating Jacksonville. I think that singular focus, that's one of the reasons I think you saw success today. When you start looking down the line in this game, you're in trouble I think. So, now it's move on. We've got to learn from this game and we play Seattle. So, it's moving on from there."

On whether he feels either meek or humble:

"I don't feel meek. I think that's a good thing to be humble, in my opinion. I don't think that's a bad thing. I don't want to be cocky, if that makes sense. You want to be confident, step out on the field and play the game, feel good about what you're doing. But, I'm always going to be humble. I've been through too many ups and downs to understand what it takes to win games in this league, and it's not about you. A lot of things have to go right. There are a lot of pieces in place around you to have a chance at success. You learn that along the way."

On how it feels to be starting again:

"It's been great playing again, no doubt about it. To sit out the amount of football I did, you lose that feeling. You forget it. You miss it, what it's like to go out there and compete on game day, to work together all week as a team for one goal on Sunday to go out there and play well and to be tested every week. You miss that feeling, so it's great to be back out there."

On which was his best throw today:

"It's hard to say from where I was at."

On which throw he was most proud of:

"I don't know. It might not have even been a completion. I thought maybe the ball in the corner - I didn't get to see it very well - the ball in the corner to Michael Crabtree. I got it up on time and I thought I put it in a good place. At this point, it's hard to say."

On whether he was hit at all today:

"No idea. No idea, handful of times I guess."

On whether the players comfortable telling the coaches what they see during a game:

"I think it's a fine line there. Coach is a coach. Player is a player. That's a big deal. That's what it is. I think, this week, you maybe saw some guys go up there and voice their opinion, but in the end, we're not putting the game plan together. We didn't call the plays. It's out job to go out there and execute them and make them work. It's that partnership, that relationship, that I think leads to success. I think you saw we had some more input this week, but in the end, I think it's our job as a unit. Coaches have got to put their game plan together and what they think we can do best to go out there and win. And, we've got to go out there and make it work. As players, it's our job to go out there and play well, in the end. As much input as we have, it doesn't mean anything if we don't make it work."

On having no sacks, no interceptions and throwing crisp passes:

"Well, I think it's a part of the growth of this offense. In the NFL, you have to be balanced. You have to be able to do it different ways to find ways to win. You're never going to be able to always impose what you want to do on a defense. You play good defenses in this league, and if they want to take away one thing, they're probably going to be able to take it away. You've got to be able to find another way to get it done. That's just the way it is. So, you have to be balanced. You have to be able to do things, have multiple looks, different personnels and you have to be able to attack defenses a lot of different ways in this league. I think that's part of the growth of this offense. I think we're taking a step, be able to throw the ball a lot , ball control and make good decisions and execute better in the passing game."

On whether this team could have done this in the season opener:

"I don't know. I have no idea. I wasn't back there. That would probably be a better question for Shaun [Hill], but I think we're fully capable of it. There's a learning curve with it. First year together doing things there's always going to be some type of learning curve."

On what he was thinking on the fourth-down play:

"Exciting, thinking about where I was going to throw the ball. To come up in the look they gave us, bringing pressure. They had a man on Vernon [Davis]. We took the shot. We liked the call. Obviously, at the time, I liked the call and I was going to be aggressive."

DT Justin Smith
Post-Game-Quotes November 29, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

On picking up a game in the division:

"We just have to take it one at a time. We can't really control what happens with them, we can only control what we do. Now we have to come back and get ready for next week."

On the defensive effort today:

"They just went to their no-huddle offense. Usually anytime a team goes to that you play a little deeper and they are able to move the ball. They did move the ball but when we really had to, we made the plays. They are a talented offense and we were able to get off a couple times and make them pay for it."

On the pressure the team applied on QB David Garrard:

"I think everybody got pretty decent pressure today. We mixed it up a little bit, but the biggest thing was getting them into predictable situations where we knew they were throwing the ball and that a screen or draw probably weren't a possibility, which have hurt us all year. So that was good."

T Adam Snyder
Post-Game-Quotes - November 29, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

On the offensive line playing together in unison against Jacksonville:

"It's nice to have the ball in your hands at the end of the game and be able to kneel on it. It's something that we haven't been able to do the past eight or nine games, so to finish it out like that was nice."

On QB Alex Smith's performance against Jacksonville:

"I thought that he played great. He stayed clean and got the ball out when he needed to and we did well up front protecting him. Our backs were also good in protection. That's what we have to keep focusing on which is to keep getting better as an offense."

On the offense not beating themselves with penalties and turnovers:

"Those are huge when you win the game, you can see how it affects it when you don't have many penalties and turnovers. You get to keep the ball in your hands and keep moving the chains. It's a good thing for the offense."

LB Takeo Spikes
Post-Game Quotes - November 29, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

On the pressure they were able to get on [QB David] Garrard:

"We had the opportunity to beat the 1-on-1s. We got 1-on-1s a lot and that's what it boils down to. All sacks are not going to come free so we have to beat the 1-on-1s."

On the team's mentality knowing that Arizona lost:

"It's truly a one at a time mentality. One eye is focusing on the next game and the other eye is focusing on the big picture. If we continue to do that, I think at the end of the day when we look back in December it's going to take care of itself, I guarantee you that."

LB Patrick Willis
Post-Game-Quotes - November 29, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

On what led to the win:

"Our coaches during the week put in a good game plan. We knew that No. 9 [QB David Garrard] and No. 32 [RB Maurice Jones-Drew] basically ran their offense. We knew that we had to tackle well against No. 32 when he gets the ball and we knew they were going to try to come in and run it on us because that is what they like to do. We knew we needed to stop the run and once we stopped the run our offense started putting up points and we knew they had to throw the ball then."

On LB Takeo Spikes' post-sack dance:

"That means we are out there having fun. When he did that, I just knew the game was almost over. It is something the coaches talked about, don't go out there saying, "We have to win we have to win.' Go out there and have fun and let the chips lay where they are going to lay. Just go out there and have fun and that's what we were doing."

On tackling Jones-Drew:

"He is stout. When you tackle him you have to grab him. If you can get to his legs and stop his legs then you have him, but if you grab his upper body and have no leverage he is just going to keep on running."

49ers-Jaguars: The World According to Madden

Fooch — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:00:27 -0000

Fooch's Note: This post was written by mountaindew77 and I am posting it for him.

Hello Niners Nation. After a hectic week last week, I was unable to get the Madden simulation done. Thankfully, we have our good man Ninjames and he was able to fill in and do it. But now I'm back and hopefully I will be able to get it done each week from here on out. So here is how this works. I make sure I have downloaded the most updated rosters, I check the injury report and only take out the players from the depth chart that are going to miss the game for sure. I also update the depth charts according to how they are in the real NFL.

The game is Madden 10 for the PS3. I set up this week's matchup in Madden with 14 minute quarters and 25 second clock run-off for a more realistic amount of plays. I set the difficulty on All-Madden, sit back, and watch the matchup and give you guys a play-by-play. Let's get this thing started.

1^st Quarter

Niners win the toss and elect to receive. Robinson returns from 5 yards deep in the end zone and gets it out to the 49er 20 yard line where the Niners will start their first drive. The first play from scrimmage is a pitch to Gore to the right who gets dragged down by Justin Durant for no gain. On 2^nd down Smith drops back and feels pressure quick, but dumps off to Gore on a designed screen and Gore makes the first tackler miss and has room breaks it for a 24 yard gain to the 44 and a Niners first down. Crabs and Morgan are lined up out left Gore is the single back on the next play. Smith drops back throws a short curl route to Morgan who gets tackled immediately for only a 2 yard gain. The next play we see Smith drop back out of a 4 WR set but gets sacked almost instantly and it's now 3rd and 12. Smith drops back and again almost gets sacked, but dumps off to Gore once again on a designed screen. Gore has room, gets a couple nice blocks, makes a spin move to make a guy miss, but gets dragged down just 1 yard short of the 1st and the Niners have to punt. Andy Lee kicks it into the endzone for the touchback.

David Garrard drops back on the Jaguars first play from scrimmage and delivers a nice pass to Mike Sims-Walker over the middle who has room to run and does for a 27 yard gain. Garrard found a hole in the 49ers zone defense. From his own 47, Maurice Jones-Drew gets the handoff on the stretch play to the right but Michael Lewis comes up from the secondary and stops him for only a 3 yard gain. MJD gets the ball up the middle for another 3 yard gain before he gets tackled by Isaac Sopoaga. 3rd and 4. Spencer with the very light coverage leaves Sims Walker able to catch an easy pass and run for a 15 yard gain and another 1st down to the 31 yard line. Jones-Drew up the middle bounces off a couple tacklers and fights for a 9 yard gain. MJD gets it up the middle again but this time Manny Lawson breaks through and stuffs him for no gain. A big 3rd and 1 coming up. Garrard drops back to pass and Marcedes Lewis is covered by Lawson who cannot keep up with him and Garrard finds him for a 19 yard gain and the Jags are at the 49er 3 yard line. Jaguars come out in the goal line formation. Rashad Jennings gets the handoff and appears to be stopped, but no one seems to want to tackle him. He cuts out to the right and runs in for the touchdown. 7-0 Jaguars

Coffee kneels down in the endzone on the kickoff for the touchback. Smith drops back on first down, gets all day to throw, doesn't like what he sees, and scrambles. But he slides down to avoid getting hit for a 2 yard loss and a Jaguars sack. Gore gets the ball up the middle, but finds nowhere to run, no gain. Niners come out in the Shotgun, 4WR set. Smith gets good blocking again from the line, but again cannot find an open receiver. He proceeds to chuck it down field, but gets hit as he throws. Gore almost catches the lob, but it gets knocked down. A three-and-out for the 49er offense.

Lee with a decent punt, but the Niners punt coverage cannot get to Witherspoon and he gets a 15 yard return. Ball on the 49er 47. Niners blitz one corner on each side, and Garrard can only throw the ball away. MJD up the middle on 2nd down, but Lewis stuffs him for just a 2 yard gain. On 3rd and 8 Garrard drops back feels almost immediate pressure from Manny Lawson, and throws it quickly to Torry Holt on the left side but Dre Bly with the blanket coverage knocks it down. A three-and-out for the Jaguars.

Adam Podlesh punts it into the endzone for a touchback and the Niners start on the 20. Niners once again line up in the Shotgun, 4WR formation, with 2 WR's on each side. The Jags drop back in zone coverage, Smith throws a bullet to Crabs on the quick read for an 18 yard gain and a 1st down. Out of the Singleback 3WR, Smith drops back splits the defenders, and finds Arnaz Battle on a crossing route over the middle for a nice 14 yard gain and a first down. Ball on the Jacksonville 48. Smith drops back again, gets great protection, but can't find a receiver and throws it away. On 2nd down Smith has Delanie Walker behind the defense, but throws a terrible ball way short and way behind him. Justin Durant turns around and picks it off with ease and returns it to midfield.

David Garrard drops back and throws it out to the left for Holt, but Bly has him blanketed yet again, he turns around and jumps for the pick! The Niners get the ball back right away.

Niners ball on their own 42. Gore up the middle, shakes off 2 defenders and runs for a gain of 4. Out of the Shotgun, Gore gets the draw, finds room out to the left, sheds a tackler, and has no one to stop him. He is finally met by Reggie Nelson, but he shakes him off too and is finally brought down at the 13 after a beautiful 41 yard run! What a way to end the 1st quarter!

2^nd Quarter

Gore gets the ball up the middle on the dive play for a 2 yard gain. Smith tosses out to Gore out right, but the Jags are not fooled and stuff Gore as soon as he catches it for a 5 yard loss. 3rd and 12 at the 15. Smith drops back, has Gore open on the screen, but gets hit as he throws and the ball falls incomplete. The Niners disappointingly settle for a Joe Nedney field goal. 7-3 Jaguars

Witherspoon catches the kickoff at the 3, and returns to the Jacksonville 34. Jones-Drew on the stretch to the left, but Takeo Spikes stuffs him for a 1 yard loss. Garrard feels pressure from Spikes on 2nd down and has to throw the ball away quickly. 3rd and 11. Garrard finds Holt on the in route for 11 yards, and after a measurement, it's a Jacksonville 1st down. Gotta love that 3rd down 49er defense. MJD finds a hole up the middle for a 10 yard gain and yet another 1st down. MJD with a run, cuts to the left and gets a 3 yard gain. Niners bring the house on 2nd down, and Garrard just gets the ball off before getting pummeled by Haralson. The ball floats downfield intended for Mike Thomas, but Dashon Goldson catches up to the lobbed pass and nearly makes the pick but it bounces off his hand. 3rd and 7 at the 49er 41. Garrard drops back, throws it to MJD on the screen to the left, and sees daylight. He gets all the way down to the 10 before getting brought down by Lewis. Garrard hands off to Jennings up the middle who gets stuffed by Spikes for no gain. Garrard drops back, and the Niners drop back in zone coverage. He thinks he has Thomas wide open for the TD, but he doesn't see Spikes drop back into coverage, and he picks it off at the goal line! He is forced to bring it out, and the Niners start at their own 3. What a drive for Takeo Spikes.

Gore with the stretch to the left for a 5 yard gain. Gore gets the handoff, cuts out right, finds a hole, shakes off Reggie Nelson, has no one in front of him, and never looks back! He... could... go... all... the... way!! Touchdown 49ers on the 91 yard run by Gore! 10-7 49ers

Witherspoon returns from the 1, and poor kick coverage yet again. Jaguars starts on their 35. MJD gets the hand off, but Sopoaga breaks through the line and stuffs him for a 1 yard loss. MJD with another run, and this time no one is there to stuff him and he gets an 8 yard gain. 3rd and 3 on their own 42. MJD gets the ball up the middle, sees a gap, but it closes quickly and Franklin/ Spikes drag him down for only a 1 yard gain. 4th and 2 and a three-and-out for the 49er defense.

Jones on the return gets the ball to the 24. 5 minutes remaining in the half. Smith takes a 7-step drop, stands in the same spot for about 7 seconds, and gets sacked by Terrance Knighton. Out of the 4 WR spread single back formation Smith drops back, Crabs has his man beat by a good 5 steps, but Smith feels the pressure and overthrows him by a mile. 3rd and 18 at the 16. Out of the Shotgun, Smith gets good protection again but cannot find an open man, so he dumps off to Gore who gets tackled as soon as he catches it for no gain. Three-and-out.

Jacksonville starts on their own 48. Garrard drops back, finds Marcedes Lewis over the middle for a 12 yard gain and a first down. MJD gets a nice 6 yard gain up the middle. MJD on the toss breaks a tackle, finds room and breaks it for an 8 yard gain and a first down to the 49er 26. The clock runs down to the 2 minute warning. MJD runs to the left for a 7 yard gain. Garrard drops back and sees Willis coming at him unblocked. Afraid for his life, he throws the ball away but still takes the hit from Bam Bam. 3rd and 3 at the 18. Garrard out of the shotgun finds Thomas on the quick pass for a 9 yard gain and a 1st down at the 9. Garrard drops back, Lawson sheds a defender, gets pressure on Garrard and he throws it out of the end zone incomplete. Lawson punished him though as the 49ers have been doing this whole first half. Jennings up the middle for 1 yard. On 3rd and goal from the 8, Garrard finds Thomas wide open in the back of the end zone who makes a nice leaping catch for the TD. 14-10 Jaguars

With 1:03 on the clock the Niners start on their own 25. They come out in a shotgun, and it appears they will try and get a quick score before the half. Smith hits Gore up the middle for a 13 yard catch. Smith gets hit as he throws and it falls incomplete. Smith overthrows Jones for an incomplete pass. On 3rd down Smith finds Battle down the left sideline, but he fails to get both feet in and it is ruled incomplete. 4th down and a three-and-out.

Jaguars start at their 30 with :33 left, and will run out the clock to the 2nd half with a handoff to MJD.

Halftime thoughts

So far it has been a back and forth game. Gore has had 2 huge plays and that is what has given the Niners all 10 of their points. The defense came up big in the red zone with that Spikes INT which likely would have been more points for the Jags. Garrard is feeling pressure almost every time he's dropped back to pass and has taken a beating so far. Despite that, the Niners defense cannot make plays on 3rd down when they need them and it has cost them the lead. On the other side, the O Line has been playing surprisingly well, but Smith has not taken advantage of it well enough. Gore has though, racking up 139 rushing yards already and 188 total yards. He is once again the one man offense of the 49ers.

3^rd Quarter

Jaguars get the ball to start on their own 31. The Niners special teams has played subpar today. MJD gets the ball up the middle, and Lawson finally brings him down after breaking 2 tackles and getting a tough 4 yard gain. Garrard finally gets some protection and time and finds Lewis out to the left for a 16 yard gain and they are at the 49er 49 yard line. Once again Lewis gets open and catches a 12 yard 1st down pass. MJD gets the toss to the right, but Willis is just too fast and chases him down for no gain. MJD up the middle and finds a huge hole for a 10 yard gain and yet another Jags first down. Ball at the 49er 27. Garrard splits two defenders with a pass to Holt, but he gets hit as he catches it and the ball pops out incomplete. Garrard drops back and hands off on the draw to Jennings for a 4 yard gain. 3rd and 6. Garrard gets plenty of time, and finds MJD on the streak route down the right side wide open and Spencer can't keep up with him and it's an easy catch for a TD. 21-10 Jaguars

Coffee gets hammered on the return and the Niners start on the 27. 3 WR Singleback set and Vernon Davis catches the patented pass over the shoulder for a nice 15 yard gain and a first down. The Niners spread out in a 4WR formation and Smith gets good protection which gives Davis time to get open on a deep post route and catches another pass, this time for 24 yards and the Niners are in Jacksonville territory. Ball on the 34. On the play action to Gore, Smith gets it out quickly to Moran Norris on a 4 yard catch. On 2nd down, Smith connects with Morgan who gets his first catch today on a short slant route for 6 yards and just enough for the first. Ball on the Jaguars 23. Another play action to Gore and on the same play, Norris gets another catch on the screen route and runs for an 8 yard gain. On 2nd and 2, Davis comes in motion to the right, Gore gets the handoff, breaks one tackle and sprawls the ball out across the first down marker as he gets dragged down. First down Niners and they are knocking on the door at the 13. Smith gets all day as the Jags only bring 2 rushers but he still cannot find a man and throws it incomplete on a pass intended for Gore on the curl route. Gore gets the ball on the draw, and finds a hole and fights his way for a 7 yard gain. 3rd and 3 at the 6. Smith on the play action stretch to Coffee, he rolls out to the right. He finds Davis wide open in the end zone... Touchdown Niners!!! It's called the Vernon Zone for a reason. The 9ers line up to go for 2, in hopes of bringing it within a field goal. In the I-Formation, Coffee gets the ball up the middle, gets met at the goal line, but he got the ball across the plane! 21-18 Jaguars

Witherspoon returns to the 21 as the Niners finally get good special teams coverage. MJD gets dragged down by Lawson and Willis for a 2 yard gain. Garrard takes a 3 step drop and throws to Sims-Walker on the hot read who runs for a 15 yard gain to the 37. Out of the shotgun, Garrard throws out to Thomas on the short slant, but he did not get 2 feet in and it's ruled incomplete. On 2nd down, Marcedes Lewis burns Michael Lewis and gets wide open and with some nice YAC, gets the ball to the 49er 35 on a 28 yard completion. On first down Garrard throws to Mike Thomas on the out route. He has a step on Haralson, but he under throws him and Parys jumps the route and picks it off! He then gets the ball back into Jacksonville territory to the 38. That is Garrard's 3rd interception thrown this game.

Niners in 4WR Shotgun formation, it's a draw to Gore who gets pummeled for a 5 yard loss. Smith gets hit as he throws on 2nd down and almost gets picked off but it's dropped. On 3rd down out of the shotgun, Smith has all day to throw, throws it for Battle, but it is a terrible decision as it's thrown into heavy coverage and Witherspoon picks it off, and no one is in front of him to stop him from going all the way and getting the pick-6. 28-18 Jaguars

Robinson on the return to the 27. Handoff up the middle to Gore who gets 8 yards. 2 WR set Smith drops back hits an open Walker out to the left for an 8 yard gain and a first down. With just 4 seconds left in the 3rd quarter, Smith drops back and hits Battle over the middle in tight coverage who gets brought down right away for a 7 yard gain.

4^th Quarter

Niners out of the shotgun, 3 WR set and Smith hits Battle yet again who's wide open over the middle for a 12 yard gain. The ball is now on the JAX 37. Out of the shotgun, Smith throws to Crabs who has his man beat downfield, but it's underthrown and gets knocked down. Smith hits Battle over the middle again for an 8 yard gain. 3rd and 2 on the 30, Niners in Shotgun, Smith drops back, has Vernon downfield open, but he gets hit just as he throws and lobs it up and the ball gets knocked down by Reggie Nelson. Joe Nedney kicks, the ball hits the upright, and barely falls through. 28-21 Jaguars with 12:30 left in the game.

Witherspoon returns the kick to the 29. MJD with a 2 yard run up the gut. Garrard drops back, can't find a WR, and gets sacked by Lawson. On 3rd and 14, the Jags don't want to take any chances and give the ball to MJD who gets 2 yards and the Jags have to punt on the three-and-out.

Brandon Jones gets a 5 yard return to the 34. Gore rushes up the middle for 5 yards. Out of the Taser, Gore gets the direct snap and gets stuffed for 1 yard... On 3rd and 4, Smith throws into double coverage for Davis and it is nearly picked off. What would we do without that Taser?

Jacksonville starts on their 36. Garrard to Greg Jones on the flat route for 7 yards. MJD on the draw, but Lawson meets him 4 yards in the backfield for a nice stuff. 3rd and 7. Garrard out of the shotgun, has a man over the middle, but Spikes sneaks in there in the zone and bats it away for a much needed big 3rd down play. 7:25 remaining after the three-and-out.

Jones returns the punt to the 22. Gore up the middle, sheds 2 guys, and gets 6 yards. Niners in the bunch formation on 2nd and 4, Smith drops back, and it's a draw play to Gore. Gore fights his way for 4 yards and after a measurement, it's a Niners first down! About 6 minutes remaining. Ball on their own 33. Smith gets all day, steps up in the pocket, but holds on for entirely too long and gets sacked for a 4 yard loss. On 2nd and 14 Gore gets a hand off, sees no holes in the line, and breaks out to the right. He leaps over a downed defender and makes a nice gain out of nothing for 13 yards. On 3rd and 1, we see the Taser again. Gore with the direct snap up the middle, and he barely gets the first. Niners ball on their own 43. Coffee with a run on first down up the gut for 3. 3 WR Singleback, Coffee gets another handoff towards the right for a 1 yard gain. Only 3 minutes remaining and a big 3rd and 6 coming up. It's a 4WR set with Davis split out with Jones and Morgan out to the left and Crabs on the right. Play action to Gore, Smith rolls out left, throws a deep pass to Morgan who has his man beat... and he comes down with it! He gets tackled by Nelson as he does and it's the Niners ball at the Jacksonville 24 with 2:10 remaining. Smith drops back and throws it to Gore on the flat route to the right and he gets brought down after a 6 yard gain. That brings us to the 2 minute warning and the Niners are officially in the Vernon Zone. We see another 4 WR singleback set, Smith throws it to Morgan on the short out route, but he cannot get his right foot in bounds, and the refs rule it incomplete. 3rd and 4. Out of the gun, Smith hits Davis on the curl route, who appears about to be brought down short of the first, but he trucks the guy, runs, and trucks yet another defender and runs all the way down to the 3 where he is brought down! Davis comes up big in his zone. Niners come up in the hurry up, for some reason. There is still about 1:40 on the clock. Out of the gun, Smith tries to throw, but gets hit as he does and it falls incomplete about 1 yard in front of him. Clock stopped at 1:32. Niners in the Split back formation. Smith drops back, Jags with the blitz, but Smith sees Jones over the middle running free...and hits him for the touchdown!!! Joe Nedney hits the game tying extra point and it's all square at 28! The Jags still have 1:29 left on the clock though.

Jennings on the return to the 27. 1:23 after the kickoff and all 3 timeouts. Garrard drops back, hits Sims-Walker in tight coverage on the curl route for 12 yards and a first. In the hurry up, the Jags in shotgun, Garrard catches the snap over his head, nearly gets sacked by Willis, but he just got the ball off as it falls incomplete. 1:05 left on 2nd and 10. Garrard drops back, gets very good protection from his line, and throws a very deep ball. It's a lobber though, and the Spikes has time to get back and swat the pass intended for Thomas. 3rd and 10. Garrard throws a quick pass over the middle, Willis jumps the route, and nearly picks it off for what surely would have been a game winning INT. The Jags have to punt with :53 remaining.

Brandon Jones on the return. He trucks one guy and gets a decent return to the Niner 36 with :43 left. Do they play for OT or try and score? They do have all 3 timeouts. It appears they choose the latter as they come out in the shotgun. Davis in motion to the left... Alex throws it for Morgan who jumps up for the catch, but it bounces off his hands. 2nd and 10. Niners in shotgun again. Smith drops way back, throws it very deep before he gets hit, but just as Garrard's pass, it's a lobber and it gets knocked down. Intended for Battle. :32 remaining. Niners come out in the Gun again for one more try for this first down. Smith dumps it off to Gore over the middle, who gets stopped 6 yards short and the Jags call a timeout. Witherspoon returns the punt to the JAX 25.

On 1st and 10, it's a false start on the Jags. 1st and 15 from the 20, and they just hand off to MJD who gets stopped for no gain, and they let the clock run out and we're headed to overtime!

Overtime

The Jags win the toss and get the ball first. Witherspoon returns the kickoff to the 27. Garrard hits Sims-Walker on the quick pass for an 18 yard gain and they're on their own 45. Another quick pass this time to the right to Lewis, who has a 15 yard gain, another first down, and he has now passed 100 yards receiving on the day. Ball on the Niner 41. Out of the gun, Garrard throws the slant route to Jones who runs out of bounds after 6 yards. 2^nd and 4. Garrard dances around in the pocket, no pressure at all. After seeing nothing, he scrambles up the middle. But he doesn't slide, and instead he takes a HUGE hit from Patrick Willis, and he fumbles! Parys Haralson picks it up and the Niners have possession! Ball on the Jaguars 35.

Smith hands off to Gore up the middle for a 3 yard gain. Gore again up the middle for 5 yards. 3rd and a little more than 1 on the 44. Gore fights up the middle for a nice 3 yard gain and a first down. Gore up the middle for a 2 yard gain to the 49. 2nd and 8. On the screen play, Smith gets smashed as he throws and the ball flies up and nearly gets picked off by Daryl Smith. 3rd and 9. In the gun, Davis moves from the TE spot and motions out to the left next to Morgan. Smith takes the snap, has Crabs on a deep out post route, but he waited a bit too long as he catches it out of bounds. 4th and 9.

Lee punts it into the end zone. Play action to MJD, who goes out for a curl route, catches the pass, but then gets plowed by Bam Bam but holds on for an 8 yard gain. MJD up the middle on 2nd and 2 for 3 yards and a first down. Garrard with the fake to MJD, throws it out left, but Bly comes up and knocks it down. 2nd and 10. Out of the gun, Garrard gets the snap, has some time, and throws a deep ball. Thomas is the intended receiver and somehow got matched up with Parys Haralson who just can't keep up and has no help from a safety. Thomas comes down with the wide open catch on a perfectly placed pass, and has room to run, and he does. Touchdown Jags on the 69 yard TD reception. What a heartbreaker. Jaguars win 34-28

Post Game Stats

JAX - 7 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 6 - 34

SF - 0 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 0 - 28

Jacksonville -- Stat - San Francisco

448 - Total Offense - 423

95 - Rushing Yards - 197

353 - Passing Yards - 226

18 - First Downs - 16

4 - Turnovers - 2

7-12 (58%) - 3^rd Down - 5-15 (33%)

34:12 - TOP - 32:51

Alex Smith -- 65.6 RTG 22-42 (52%) 241 YDS 2 TD 2 INT David Garrard - 82.9 RTG 20-36 (55%) 359 YDS 3 TD 3 INT

Frank Gore - 22 ATT 195 YDS (8.8 YPC) | 6 REC 59 YDS Maurice Jones-Drew - 24 ATT 81 YDS (3.3 YPC) | 3 REC 61 YDS 1 TD

Arnaz Battle -- 4 REC 41 YDS Marcedes Lewis - 6 REC 101 YDS

Brandon Jones/Vernon Davis- 1 REC TD Mike Thomas -- 3 REC 86 YDS 2 TD

Manny Lawson - 5 TK (3 TFL) 2 Sacks Terrance Knighton - 5 TKL (3 TFL) 2 Sacks

Takeo Spikes - 4 TKL 1 INT 3 knockdowns Justin Durant - 8 TKL (1 TFL) 1 INT

Dre Bly/Parys Haralson -1 INT Brian Witherspoon - 2 TKL 1 INT (TD)

Post-Game Thoughts
Well this game definitely did not disappoint as far as exciting goes. These teams were back and forth all game trading blow for blow. But even 256 total yards from Frank Gore, containment of Maurice Jones-Drew for the most part, and 4 turnovers from Garrard could not lead the Niners to a victory in this one. The defense did not make plays when they needed to in key situations; mainly on 3rd down and the offense could not take advantage of the chances Garrard was giving them left and right. The big plays made the difference in this one, and the Jags had just one too many. Let's hope tomorrow brings us a different result.

Titans 34 - 49ers 27: Jason Hill returns from the dead

Fooch — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:30:33 -0000

More photos » by Marcio Sanchez - AP

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This post is sponsored by Comcast and their NFL RedZone channel. If you want to see every touchdown from every NFL game as it happens as well as live look-ins to all of Sunday's games in key situations hurry up and get yourself Comcast's NFL RedZone Channel.

Normally this is a late week post, but due to the early game this week I'm bumping it up. Yesterday's game featured quite the bonanza of red zone opportunities for both teams. Each team finished 3/5 in the red zone, with three touchdowns and two field goals apiece. The most heart-breaking Titans red zone touchdown came on Chris Johnson's touchdown run with 3:44 left in the fourth quarter. We all saw Parys Haralson forcing him outside, but somehow Chris Johnson fought Haralson off and scampered in for a touchdown. I predicted 80 or so yards from Johnson and can certainly man up to admit I was impressed by what he did. I still think the 49ers have a quality run defense, but every once in a while you're going to let a quality rusher have success.

During the game thread we were discussing turning the red zone into the Vernon Zone. After yesterday, maybe Jason Hill wants to claim ownership of the red zone. The team had made a change to start the game, going with Josh Morgan and Michael Crabtree as the starters, an moving Isaac Bruce to the #3 receiver spot. However, Bruce continued to struggle and was subsequently benched in favor of Jason Hill. Hill had appeared to be in Coach Singletary's doghouse much of this season, but stepped up yesterday, finishing with 50 receiving yards and a pair of red zone touchdowns.

I still contend that Vernon Davis is the biggest red zone threat on this team, but having Jason Hill potentially back in the fold is a very intriguing proposition. Coach Singletary will have his 11:45am press conference today (we'll have a link to it), and hopefully he'll address the status of Jason Hill going forward. I know some folks aren't big Hill fans, but I have to say I'm kind of excited to see a Crabtree, Morgan, Hill trio out there on Thursday night. Throw in Vernon Davis and suddenly you've got quite the mix of weapons.

Obviously the Alex Smith issues remain out there, but Smith definitely has some intriguing weapons at his disposal.

49ers-Titans Wednesday Injury Report and practice transcript

Fooch — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:44:42 -0000

There's nothing all that shocking in today's practice report. The 49ers are banged up as expected in certain areas, although they might be getting Reggie Smith back this week. Given the depth issues at cornerback, I'd imagine Smith might get to move around a bit on the field if he's healthy. He's listed as a safety, but he does have plenty of corner experience.

I've also attached the post-practice transcript for Mike Singletary and Alex Smith. Earlier today somebody made a comment in a FanPost about Parys Haralson being a disappointment. I know that there has also been plenty of grumbling about Ahmad Brooks. Coach Singletary commented on that issue directly:

On LB Parys Haralson's lower sack numbers than last year and LB Ahmad Brooks' decreased playing time against the Colts:

"First of all with Parys Haralson, what teams have done since maybe the first four games that we've had is begin to do more max protection. Those are things that we have to work through. It exposes us on the back end a little bit more. Guys have to be more disciplined, stay with their receivers longer and make sure they don't lose track of that. Parys Haralson, I think, will do just fine. I think that's just where we are right now. Teams, they're trying to protect their quarterbacks too. But, the max protection, that's one of the main things that has happened, for all of our guys. But, we're still trying to find a way to get there, and we will. Something just has to get better. Ahmad Brooks has done a great job on special teams and he'll see more time on the third down situation. He has to because he's a talented guy and he's just kind of getting back healthy from the knee and everything else. We'll definitely see more of him."

On whether there was any other reason Brooks played less:

"No. As a matter of fact, he's earned the right to play more. You will see more of him."

49ers
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
CB Nate Clements (shoulder)
DE Demetric Evans (shoulder)
OT Joe Staley (knee)

Did not Participate in Practice
DE Justin Smith (not injury related)
LB Takeo Spikes (shoulder)

Limited Participation in Practice
SS Reggie Smith (groin)

Titans
Did not Participate in Practice
OT Mike Otto (knee)
RB Javon Ringer (back)
LB David Thornton (hip)

Limited Participation in Practice
CB Nicholas Harper (forearm)
DE Jevon Kearse (knee)

After the jump we've got Coach Singletary and Alex Smith's post-practice transcripts.

Head Coach Mike Singletary
Post-Walk Thru - November 4, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

Opening statements:

"Once again, another tremendous opportunity this weekend. We're very excited about the game that we have coming up, excited to be back home again. The Titans are a good football team, as you well know, but we feel we're a good football team too. We're just out here working, continuing to put the pieces together. As far as who's up this week, in terms of what was different than last week, obviously [CB] Nate Clements is down. [LT] Joe Staley is down. [DT] Demetric Evans is down. [DT] Ricky Jean-Francois will be up. [S] Reggie Smith, we have a chance to get him back, and [T] Chris Patrick is up. Any other questions go right ahead."

On whether he has any concerns about depth on offensive line:

"I think we'll be fine going forward. That's where we are. That's what we have. I'm very thankful that Patrick was able to come in, and that's going to help us with our depth."

On whether Patrick is the backup at both right and left tackle:

"Yes."

On whether T Barry Sims remains at left tackle:

"Yes, for right now."

On whether he has to remind himself that the Titans are the same team that went 13-3 last season:

"I don't ever really look at the record. We can't afford to be letting our guard down. We're trying to get somewhere. I'm not really thinking about their record. I just look at the film. The film is always the thing that is telling you the truth. So, for us, we know we're playing a good football team. They're a very talented team. They're big and physical. They've got their quarterback back, Vince Young, who's excited to be starting again. They've got a tremendous running back. They've got a defense that's very talented - quick, fast. Trust me, we have no problem getting sidetracked here. We know exactly what we're getting in to and we're excited about the opportunity and the challenge to play before our fans and continue to get better and take strides where we need to go."

On how Titans QB Vince Young has looked on film:

"He can make some things happen with his feet. He's a better quarterback than he was before, and I thought he was a good quarterback before. Whenever a quarterback has a chance to sit down and watch another quarterback, it does something to them. It helps them develop. It helps them study. It helps that inner drive and all those things. But, Vince is definitely a good quarterback and poses a lot of different threats. It's going to give us, defensively, all that we can handle. So, we're excited about the challenge."

On whether he's pleased with QB Alex Smith's development:

"Yes, I was. I was very excited about what I saw. I think the entire team was, but not surprised. I just think it's one of those things where he's ready. He's just going to continue to get better - the more things that we can do to surround him with the tools and have the guys in front of him - the o-line continued to protect him. They did a pretty decent job last week. I think the right side of our line took a big step last week, and I think they're on the road to getting better. We're just continuing to fight and continuing to go forward and get where we need to go."

On whether he has more trust in Smith to give him more responsibility:

"That's every week. Week-in and week-out, as the quarterback, there are a lot of other intangibles that go into it. But, absolutely. As I sit down and talk with [offensive coordinator] Jimmy [Raye] and [quarterbacks coach] Mike Johnson, it's just a matter of this guy is ahead of schedule. He's working his tail off. He's making the reads, and that just shows that when he wasn't playing, he was doing some of the things that he had to do to continue to get better instead of sitting back and pouting and doing some of the other things that he could have done. So, I'm excited about him. I'm excited about his growth. I'm excited about where he's at. I'm excited about where he can go."

On whether he will expose Smith to a more wide open offense in practice:

"Well, once again we talk about the trust factor. I think he is going to show us day-in and day-out what he can and can't do and when he's ready. Sitting down and talking is one thing. Going out there and doing it is another. I just think that we have to take it a step at a time and realize that this is his second start of the season. We just have to let him continue to let us know where he is."

On whether he thought Jeff Fisher could be a future coach when they were both rookies for the Bears:

"No, I didn't because Jeff didn't want to coach. As a matter of fact, when Jeff left football, he went back to the computer business, and that's what he wanted to do. He and I talked about it a few times. Jeff wanted to be a business man and raise a family. Buddy Ryan was relentless talking to both Jeff and myself. He wanted one of us to go with him, and Jeff ended up being that guy."

On whether he ever regrets not coaching earlier:

"No, not one bit. I know my kids. I know my wife. I feel very good about who I am, and I had some very good lessons that I learned in the time I was out of football - best thing that ever happened."

On how the toughest period he's experienced as a head coach has been for him:

"Couldn't be any better. If it's going to happen, happen right now. Happen right now. Give me all we can take, and we've had about all we can take. So, I don't wish for any more, but it couldn't be any better. All it's doing is it's developing this team from the inside out. All of the guys that were on board at 3-1, are still on board now. I love times like this because I know we're going to come out of it. I know we're going to go forward. So, I'm very thankful for these times because this game is so much like life, it's amazing. You have to rise up when things are not going the way you want them to go. You have to find a way to work through it, get around it, go over it, go under it - whatever it is. That's where we are. With the character of guys on this team, I'm very excited about that."

On where the punt returner position stands:

"Well, that's going to be a day-to-day thing. Thankfully, we have two. I think [WR] Brandon Jones, obviously, he's a guy that can do it, and [WR] Arnaz [Battle]. I still trust Arnaz to do a great job. We have both of those guys and that's where we are."

On LB Parys Haralson's lower sack numbers than last year and LB Ahmad Brooks' decreased playing time against the Colts:

"First of all with Parys Haralson, what teams have done since maybe the first four games that we've had is begin to do more max protection. Those are things that we have to work through. It exposes us on the back end a little bit more. Guys have to be more disciplined, stay with their receivers longer and make sure they don't lose track of that. Parys Haralson, I think, will do just fine. I think that's just where we are right now. Teams, they're trying to protect their quarterbacks too. But, the max protection, that's one of the main things that has happened, for all of our guys. But, we're still trying to find a way to get there, and we will. Something just has to get better. Ahmad Brooks has done a great job on special teams and he'll see more time on the third down situation. He has to because he's a talented guy and he's just kind of getting back healthy from the knee and everything else. We'll definitely see more of him."

On whether there was any other reason Brooks played less:

"No. As a matter of fact, he's earned the right to play more. You will see more of him."

On how to prepare in practice for a running quarterback like Vince Young:

"I think the biggest thing is you definitely can't emulate Vince Young, but I just think we have to make sure what's really important is on the back end. Our guys, when Vince is running, can't lose track of the guy that they're on. We have to make sure that our guys are very disciplined downfield and stay with their guys. I don't care what happens. If Vince breaks loose, we just have to rally everybody together, the fronts, the linebackers and try to make a play. We have to make sure that we're very disciplined on the back end. That's the biggest thing."

QB Alex Smith
Post-Walk-Thru - November 4, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

On his camaraderie with Titans QB Vince Young:

"I've met Vince a few times a various events around the league and had the chance to meet him and talk to him."

On contrasts and similarities between him and Vince Young:

"Every situation, especially for early draft pick quarterbacks, they are all different. Every circumstance is different from the next and I don't think that you can judge any two alike. Every guy walks into a different locker room with different pieces around him and things in place and you have to adjust to that. Obviously, I think with that you still have ups and downs that you have in common as well."

On the comparison to Vince Young in getting a second chance at a starting QB role:

"If that's what they want to make of it in the end, this isn't cliché but, it is really about what each of us can do to help our team win. In the end that's all that matters, especially from the quarterback position. That's all anyone is going to remember about this. What can we each do to help our team go out there and win on Sunday."

On learning patience when he wasn't starting:

"I think you do, I think you get that. I think that, at least in my case, you try to make too much happen when you watch a lot of the football. You see that good quarterbacking is making good decisions with what the defense gives you, getting the ball in the hands of your playmakers and letting them make plays. I think just not trying to force things and letting those things come to you. A lot of times you might not even know the play that made the difference in the game, but then you look at the film the next day and it was just because you were playing football you look back and say ‘hey, I did this and this really gave us a good chance to win.' You might have not known it at the time, but you were just doing your job. I think that those are the things that I look back on."

On how he would evaluate the balance of both the running and passing game:

"You right now it's hard to say. Maybe at the end of the season, we'll look back and reflect on it, but right now you move on. You play on Sunday, you go over those mistakes, you correct things that need to get corrected and move on. There's not a lot of time in the week to reflect on where you are at in the season. But everything, obviously, is all a work in progress. Over a 16 game season, it's always moving one way and it works together - both of them go hand in hand."

On what are the strengths of both the running and passing game:

"I think that we do good things with both. Consistency is what we're lacking. In the few times we've put ourselves in bad situations, in third-and-longs, especially this last week and that resulted in not moving the chains. I don't care who you play in the NFL, in that many third-and-longs, it's hard to convert. I think that's the thing that we are lacking. We need more consistency in both areas."

On his reaction to offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye's use of the offensive personnel:

"No different, I guess. In a sense you're still going out there and doing your job. I think that, obviously, more is going to get put on your plate as a quarterback if that's the scenario. But, there are games like that, you play quarterback and sometimes you get down and all of a sudden you're throwing the ball 40 or 50 times. You don't like to be in that circumstance when you do it, but it happens. You have to be ready for that. We could face a team where that is what they are going to do. They are going to do everything they can to take away the run and we are going to have to step up outside. So, you are ready for anything."

On whether he would like to be a passing team or running team:

"Winning. Honestly, whatever it is, whether it is [RB] Frank [Gore] running for a bunch of yards, or us throwing for a bunch of yards or both. In the end, that is what is going to change things around here."

On whether he prefers the shotgun or lining up under center:

"If there's no run threat, then I'd probably rather be in the gun. But, it's that balance we have with Frank in the backfield and when you're under center, all of a sudden, you give a defense multiple things to think about. They have to worry about if it is a run or pass. They have to be thinking about both things and that will help us."

On playing at home:

"It will be nice not to deal with crowd noise, that's for sure. No crowd throughout the week has saved my voice. It is nice to come home for a home game. That does allow you do to some things on offense, especially with cadence to mix up some things and give you a little edge."

On whether it is possible to stay in a two-minute offense for most of the game:

"I mean, I guess we could do anything out there. I don't know if that is something you would want to do for an extended period of time. It could be something you may go in and out of to mix things up. It is something we work hard at and we obviously will continue to work hard it because it is such an important part of the game. So many games in the NFL come down to two-minute situations, defense or on offense. When you look at last week, if you are good at that, there are ways to steal points before the half. Those are ways to change a game."

On his comfort level on Sunday:

"It is not something I consciously think about. You are preparing yourself to go out there and play a game and everything you need to go out there and make decisions. In a sense, it is slowing it down. That's what it appears like. The more prepared you are to go out there on game day, the quicker decisions you are going to make, the better you are going to see things, the better the ball is going to come out, the more accurate you are going to look, all those things. The better timing you are going to have, all those things play into it. I think that comes from preparation and you going into game day feeling good about what you are going to do."

On whether he is surprised with the performance of WR Michael Crabtree:

"I'm not surprised. I didn't have any expectation level. It was just kind of wait and see in a sense. I think over the past few weeks getting to know him, it is not surprising. The thing I love about him is his approach to the game. He doesn't let the game get too big. He just goes out there and it seems like he keeps it all on the same level, keeps it in perspective. He just goes out there and does his job. For a guy who has only been here a few weeks, missed all of training camp, to come in and compete the way he has and to go out there and make plays for us has been big."

On Crabtree's strengths:

"He is very natural. He is a very natural receiver. He has great instincts with the ball in the air, coming back to balls, being friendly for a quarterback. His body language is easy to read. Also, he has the ability to go out there and compete on such a short notice, to be learning the playbook as he goes and to go out there and play fast and compete."

On whether Crabtree is the type of receiver he likes throwing jump balls too:

"Yeah, to a guy that you know is going to compete for a ball in the air and come back and protect you. Those are all things that give you a lot of trust."

On whether he could develop a real connection with Crabtree for many years:

"I'm excited about the opportunity this offense has. I'm excited about all the pieces we have in place and our potential to grow together. That's what this is, it is potential. You have to go out there and do it. It is everybody on offense and our ability to go out there and really work together."

On the Titans defense:

"I think they give a lot for a quarterback to think about. They present a lot from the defensive side, especially for the secondary. They give a lot of different looks, play multiple different coverages from multiple formations. They don't play one or two coverages. You may see every coverage there is in the book. You have to be ready for it and have answers for all of it."

Lambasting the cheaters: More from Colts win over the 49ers

BigBlueShoe — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:23:32 -0000

More photos » by Michael Conroy - AP

about 1 month ago: San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Singletary watches from the sidelines in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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Well gosh, it looks Colts radio announcers Bob Lamey and Will Wolford weren't the only ones who caught the San Francisco 49ers cheating on Sunday. From Niners Insider, the San Francisco Chronicle's special section devoted to 49ers football, and their writer Kevin Lynch [emphasis mine]:

Colts Drive: Joseph Adai just threw a TD pass to Wayne. Great play by Wayne with a diving catch which looked good and the 49ers aren't challenging. Manning missed on the two-point conversion. Jeff Ulbrich made the trip. Nate Clements is out with a shoulder contusion. The last time they said shoulder contusion, it was Tony Pashos who's on injured reserve with broken scapula. The 49ers might have just faked a cramp by Parys Haralson to prevent being in the wrong defense

...

Colts drive: Another fake of a cramp, this time by veteran linebacker Takeo Spikes. Big pass play to Dallas Clark, 40-yarder. The Colts did the same thing that the Texans did last week on a 42-yard TD pass to Owen Daniels - play action with a throw across the field. This time Clark just beat Michael Lewis on man coverage I believe.

I wonder if some of the same people who were "disappointed" with me and others in this thread will saunter on over to Kevin Lynch's place and tell him he shouldn't write such things unless he has full, definitive proof... like, I guess, a signed confession from Mike Singletary, or a player acting as a "Deep Throat" informant, providing quotes from the early week meetings: "OK guys, if Peyton and their offense start getting on a roll, we want you to CHEAT!"

Honestly, folks. That's now two separate sources, both covering two different sides of the game (one the Colts announcers, the other a writer for the SF Chronicle) who saw the same thing: Cheating. If you need more proof than that, then I don't know what to tell you. Maybe you think the Earth is flat as well.

Mike Singletary is a cheater. Thousands of fans at Lucas Oil saw him cheat, and booed. Three members of the media are on record as seeing him do it. He did it. He tried to cheat to win a football game. Say that to yourself, and if you are STILL defending the actions of the 49ers head coach, then you are someone who lacks any kind of moral compass.

Obviously, if the "cramps" were real, then I will apologize to Singletary and the 49ers and take my lumps accordingly. However, the "cramps" didn't look real to me. They didn't look real to thousands of fans at The Luke. They didn't look real to Lamey and Wolford. They didn't look real to the SF Chronicle.

Here at Stampede Blue, we have no tolerance for cheating. None. And I defy anyone who says "It's part of the game." No, it isn't. People who cheat belittle and demean the game. Cheaters spit in the faces of John Unitas, Bart Starr, and the greats of the great. More importantly, we fans do not pay over $100 a seat, $30 for parking, and ungoldly amounts for hot dogs, popcorn, beer, and soda just so we can watch cheating.

We pay to watch football. REAL football. And real football does not involve cheating, like what we saw Singletary attempt Sunday.

Again, if you don't have the stomach to read this blog when we call a spade a spade, read something else. I'm serious. I am not someone who will hold your hand and softly explain why we chose to call an NFL head coach a "bum." If you don't get the reasons by now, I really can't help you. At this blog, we call it as we see it. We don't hold back, ESPECIALLY when cheating is involved. And since Kevin Lynch saw what Lamey and Wolford saw, 49ers fans can't simply dismiss the claim, saying "it's only the other side that's saying it." Hell, I heard even one commenter say that it wasn't Singletary who cheated, but it was likely the 49ers defensive line coach.

Really? I mean... honestly?

Make no mistake about it people, and loyal readers of this blog know this is true, if Jim Caldwell had tried to do what Singletary did during this game, I would call him a bum as well. I'd call my friends at West 56th Street and scream at them "WHEN DID IT BECOME OK TO HIRE BUMS AS THE HEAD COACH!"

Thankfully, Jim Caldwell is not a bum. He is someone who believes in the integrity of the game. Mike Singletary doesn't. Throw him in the same category as Bill Belichick, a man we Colts fans lambasted for years because he used to do the same cheap tactics with the New England Patriots. If Belichick was a cheater for doing that (and other things), then so is Singletary. If Belichick is a bum for instructing Willie McGinest to take a dive in the 2003 regular season game at Indy, then Mike Singletary is a bum for doing the same (or allowing the same) to happen yesterday with Takeo Spikes.

A spade is a spade.

Don't like it me writing that? Read something else. We call it as we see it here. If you'd prefer something else on the Internet that dodges or glances away from the truth, kindly venture to Google.com, type in "Colts blog," and have fun. I'm sure you'll find something that suits you. For everyone else here, we prefer our truth honest and without pretense. No sugar coating. No white washing. A spade is a spade.

And yes, Mike Singletary is indeed still a bum. Go Colts!

Texans Five on Five: Week 7

Jake — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:04:35 -0000

More photos » by David J. Phillip - AP

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This week's contest against the San Francisco 49ers will have huge implications for the 3-3 Houston Texans. If they win and establish the first streak (winning or losing) of the season, the Texans will be in the driver's seat heading into Buffalo and then a string of four pivotal division games. If they lose, then the chances will be high that the club will be .500 heading into the aforementioned AFC South gauntlet and all the momentum from the Bengals game will be lost. Here are the five matchups that I think are most pivotal to keeping the momentum going.

1. Antonio Smith vs. Adam Snyder/Tony Pashos/Chilo Rachal - Contrary to what seems like popular opinion on this blog, Antonio Smith has played well this year. This will be his game to prove it. Rachal recently lost his starting job at RG because of terrible play. Snyder, who is taking Rachal's place, lost his job to Pashos because of his bad play. Pashos was let go by Jacksonville in favor of two rookie tackles. The 49ers offensive line has given up 3 sacks to defensive tackles and 4 to left defensive ends, both of which Smith will play during this game.

2. Owen Daniels vs. Manny Lawson/Parys Haralson - You can never tell what a coaching staff is focusing on until the game, but the San Francisco media is certainly zeroed in on Andre Johnson. After the way that Roddy White torched this secondary, I would not be surprised at all to see double coverage on ;Dre all day long. This takes a safety away from helping with OD, who is having a career season. I know that Niners fans love Lawson because of his speed, but Daniels is in the class of tight ends with Antonio Gates and Dallas Clark that simply cannot be covered by a linebacker. If San Francisco chooses to do so, I think Daniels and Matt Schaub will make them pay.

3. Brian Cushing vs. Frank Gore - Don't be fooled by the Crabtree hoopla. Gore is the focal point of this offense by a long shot. Even if Crabtree is the second coming of Jerry Rice, Shaun Hill has a 56% completion rate, which isn't quite on par with Montana or Young. Gore's 6.2 yards per carry looks great because of his 207 yards on 16 carries against Seattle, but his 23 rushes for 34 yards outside of that game shows the other side. If Cushing continues his high level of play that he has shown in the last few games, it is possible to contain Gore (notice I didn't say stop).

4. Glover Quin vs. Michael Crabtree - I haven't heard whether Quin will continue starting this week or if Jacques Reeves will step back into the lineup, but believe it or not, I'd rather have Quin on Crabtree than Reeves. I think Reeves is a better cover corner, but I believe that Quin is better sniffing out and stuffing bubble screens and swing passes, which is exactly what I expect the 49ers to do with Crabtree. Isaac Bruce isn't much of a deep threat any longer, as shown by his 12.8 yards per reception (the lowest of his long career), so Eugene Wilson could be readily dispatched to help Quin if he needed help over the top.

5. Texans fans vs. tailgating - I've never been to a game at Reliant because I've been away from Houston since 2002, but I've heard from multiple sources that the parking lots around the stadium are a great place to be on Sundays whether the Texans win or lose after the games. This team needs every bit of a homefield advantage this week that we as fans can give them. I really hope that this week we can keep the house packed and LOUD.