SB Nation - Joe Nedney

Golden Nuggets: Clueless

Ninjames — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:00:38 -0000

Good morning folks! Welcome to today's edition of the Nuggets. Guess who has two thumbs and doesn't know what he's talking about? James Brady, nice to meet you! What I mean by that is I started typing out an introduction and proceeded to rant about how the 49ers had a game tomorrow and how I'd be going and all that jazz and then I realized... well, that it wasn't Saturday. I suppose that's a clear indication on the kind of Christmas I'll be having this year? Either way.. 49ers talk, 49ers talk um... We signed a kicker, a lefty too which I think is pretty cool, I'd never have thought of doing that to keep all the schemes the same and the holder constant. The side Andy Lee has to be on for holding, I wonder how much of a difference that really makes? I mean, I'm not keen on throwing him on the other side just to find out, but I wonder if another kicker had higher credentials that the 49ers considered before going with the lefty? Then again I didn't read into it ant maybe that info is readily available... Must be a testament to how much I research things. "Whoops." Here's some linkage.

Backup C Cody Wallace will get some playing time on Sunday, which is surprising to me. I mean, I guess it's cool to see what we have, but Heitman is consistently the best player on the line under just about any circumstance and I hope we don't get rid of him or something along those lines. (SacBee.com)

The 49ers need to finish strong, yet again. Alex Smith also needs to finish strong or the 49ers may be in the market for a new quarterback. (Yahoo.com)

Jed York is definitely disappointed... like all of us, but he still wants continuity, which I think is pretty important. (PressDemocrat.com)

Make sure you check out the re-airing of "The Catch" today on the NFL Network! (NinersNation.com)

A look at how the teams in the NFC West fared in the draft with their first round picks. I think the 49ers are pretty well off in that regard. (ESPN.com)

The 49ers have plenty to accomplish against Detroit. (49ers.com)

Check out some of the conference calls concerning the Lions. (49ers.com)

Yes, the 49ers signed a kicker to fill in for an injured Joe Nedney. A left footed kicker. (MercuryNews.com)

So, looks like there will be no Nate Davis this season. Bummer, I'd like to see some of him. (MercuryNews.com)

Here's yesterday's edition of Singletary's Notebook. (49ers.com)

Jed York confirms there will be no major changes this offseason as far as coaching staff goes. (PressDemocrat.com)

I sincerely hope Ahmad Brooks develops as a pass rusher. I like the guy a lot. (MercuryNews.com)

49ers-Lions Wednesday Injury Report

Fooch — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 23:56:34 -0000

Not much in the way of big news today. Nate Clements did not participate in practice today, but he's been removed from the Out (definitely will not play) category, which is a step forward. I believe I read somewhere that he would potentially be back for the final game of the season. We'll see. Some interesting news for the Lions. Matt Stafford will be out, but Drew Stanton will get the start over Daunte Culpepper. Stanton is a Michigan State product so I'd imagine he gets a little love back in Detroit.

After the jump I've posted the daily press transcript for Coach Singletary and Alex Smith. Also, check back at 5pm as we'll have an open thread for the Poinsettia Bowl featuring Cal and Utah. Drew K has put together a list of players to keep an eye on for draft purposes.

49ers
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
K Joe Nedney (left hamstring)

Did not Participate in Practice
WR Isaac Bruce (ankle)
CB Nate Clements (shoulder)
RB Glen Coffee (hamstring)
DE Justin Smith (not injury related)
LB Takeo Spikes (hamstring)

Limited Participation in Practice
OT Joe Staley (knee)

Full Participation in Practice
CB Marcus Hudson (back)
RB Moran Norris (toe)
RB Michael Robinson (shoulder)
CB Shawntae Spencer (ankle)

Lions
Did not Participate in Practice
CB Phillip Buchanon (shoulder)
LB Larry Foote (foot)
QB Matthew Stafford (left shoulder)

Limited Participation in Practice
S Louis Delmas (ankle)
DT Grady Jackson (knee)
WR Dennis Northcutt (groin)

Full Participation in Practice
DT Joe Cohen (knee)
WR Calvin Johnson (knee)
LS Don Muhlbach (concussion)
DE Dewayne White (toe)

Head Coach Mike Singletary
Post-Walk Thru - December 23, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

On K Joe Nedney:

"Joe Nedney, the MRI revealed that he had a little bit of fluid. It was more than we expected, so he's going to be down this week, and we're just going to take it day-to-day from there. [K] Ricky Schmitt will be the guy that we bring on and see how it goes this week. We'll evaluate that as we go forward."

On Schmitt being here two years ago:

"Yes."

On whether Schmitt has a powerful leg:

"Yes. It's just a matter of controlling it, yes."

On whether it was a priority to bring in a left-footed kicker:

"Lefty, righty - just as long as it goes through the deal, I'm good. I really don't care."

On what the focus is going into this week's game:

"Finish. With everything that we have, finish. That's the most important thing, and not so much the two weeks, but this week. Let's go out, Detroit, when we look at Detroit, Detroit is a blue collar team. They're playing hard and trying to make the most of what they're doing. I think here, for us, once again, it really isn't about Detroit, it's about us. It's our last home game. We want to make a good showing. So, we're going to go out and we're going to finish the football season at home."

On whether the team is under pressure playing a team that the 49ers are expected to beat:

"It's like this: Expectations to me, I don't know about everybody else, I expect to win every game that we play. Obviously, it hasn't happened that way, but there's no pressure on us. The thought process, the reason you play football, is to win games. So, if we're thinking, ‘Wow, we've got to win.' What the heck is that? We're in the wrong place. We're in the wrong business if that's our thought process."

On whether there is any thought to playing some of the young players like C Cody Wallace:

"Cody will be up this week. I want to get a chance, hopefully the game allows an opportunity to see him a series or so, depending on how the game will dictate that. But, I really do want to get a chance to see him and if he can do it or if he can't."

On whether Wallace will play center or guard:

"Center."

On whether LB Scott McKillop or DT Ricky Jean-Francois will get playing time in the last two games:

"It's not likely."

On whether there are any other young players who he wants to see specifically:

"I think right now, Cody is the main focus when I think of the younger guys. He really knows, he knows what he's doing. He knows the system. It's just a matter of having the opportunity. I want to get a chance to see if - really, hopefully the game dictates that where we can get him in there and get a chance to see it."

On whether CB Nate Clements will back off as the season ends:

"No, Nate will come out here and work a little bit, maybe some individual or something like that. We're not going to get him back, try and get him back out here - no. We'll just continue to stay on the plan that we're on, let some of the younger guys that are getting a chance to play play it out."

On whether WR Isaac Bruce is shut down for the year:

"Yes sir."

On whether there is any thought to dressing him for the final game at St. Louis:

"I think it's like this: When I think about Isaac Bruce, maybe some other people might want to see it, but I think Isaac knows who he is and he knows a final hurrah and all that stuff, I don't think it's that big to him. I think he's done his damage. He's done a great job. He's a great pro and a future Hall of Famer. We're just fortunate enough to have him in the capacity that we do, continuing to build into our young guys. That means the world to us."

On the importance of a winning record:

"It's very important. We always have to set goals. Week-in-week out, it's always important to have some direction in terms of where you're trying to go and what you're trying to achieve. For our team, to finish 8-8 would be good for us. It's something to build on and go from there. It is important, very important."

On whether QB Nate Davis will play in the final two games:

"No."

On why he won't get in:

"That would be because it would be different if [QB] Alex Smith was a proven veteran player, got everything under control. I want Alex to get all the playing time he can get. I want to see every drop of everything that he has, and I think it's very important for us and for him just to get - he hasn't played for a year-and-a-half before he had a chance to get back in there. Every situation that he can possibly be in, I want him to learn every lesson that he can possibly learn. So, that's where that stands."

On whether QB Nate Davis has practiced:

"He gets an opportunity from time to time against the first-team group. But, he'll have to wait for this offseason and kind of go from there."

QB Alex Smith
Post-Walk-Thru- December 23, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

On whether he likes to hear head coach Mike Singletary say that he wants Smith to be exposed to all situations in the final two games:

"Yes, no question. Yes, I want to be out there. Absolutely. It's definitely what I want to hear."

On what he hopes to accomplish in the final two weeks:

"Playing good football. I think that's it. Play winning football. Nothing crazy, just go out there and do my job. Offense go out and do our job as a unit and put us in a situation to win the game."

On whether winning football means limiting mistakes:

"Yes, it's that fine line of making plays and not making mistakes, yes. Going out there and - we're not going out there to not make mistakes. We're going out there to win a game, and within that, play good football, as error-free as possible, especially mental mistakes and things of that nature."

On how important these next two games are in terms of professional development:

"I'm really not thinking about that right now. I guess really focused on playing good football this week, bouncing back from last week and playing well this week, playing well against Detroit. I think in a couple of weeks I'll have plenty of time to think about the rest of that stuff."

On whether anything surprised him about Philadelphia's defense after watching film on Monday:

"No, I think more apparent than anything was the amount of self-inflicted wounds we did. Yes, they were bringing a lot of pressure and caused some problems for us, but we did a lot to ourselves as well. I think that's kind of the thing that showed up on film for me."

On whether the comment that head coach Mike Singletary made about owing him an apology surprised him:

"I don't know. I didn't really feel like he owed me an apology. We talked after the game. It was an emotional time. There was a lot on the line there. You work so hard all off season, on camp and all season for that and all of us were disappointed to lose and have the playoffs hopes die. It's hard. It's tough when you put that much time and commit so much of yourself to that and to have it end. It's hard, and you get emotional. We talked the next day, and I kind of understood that at the time."

On what he can learn from that experience:

"I think for this team, since I've been here, we've never played in a game of that magnitude this late in the season. To be mid- to late- December and playing for playoff contention, for your playoff life, this team has never done that, at least since I've been here. I think that it's a good experience."

On what he learned from it:

"I think it helps change expectations in a sense, and it's something I think we've been doing a lot this year, especially Coach Singletary has been trying to do since he took over is to change that expectation level, and I think that we're moving there. I think that kind of taste in our mouth right now is still there, and I thnk it will help us moving forward."

On whether the 49ers teams that he played with in the past didn't have the expectation to win the NFC West:

"Obviously, that is an expectation. I'm talking about, I guess, more the feeling, the unspoken element of it. Not talking about it but really the collective expectation level for all of us, and really talking about it but doing it."

On possibly taking snaps from C Cody Wallace in the game against Detroit:

"I've taken snaps with Cody at practice, all offseason, training camp, and through the first part of the season."

On what it would be like to have the same offensive coordinator for two straight seasons:

"Ask me that question in a couple of weeks, right now, honestly I think it's easy to get distracted and start thinking about this offseason and next year. I think we have two important games ahead of us and, most importantly, this last home game here and really trying to focus on that. But, obviously, stability is a great thing to look forward to. We're really trying to stay focused on Sunday and not think about this offseason or next year or anything like that."

On the difference in personnel on center exchanges:

"Yes, it's a different feel, different timing sometimes. There is a little adjustment there."

On how did T Joe Staley fair in his return against Philadelphia:

"I thought that he played well. I'm far more self-critical when I watch the film, so I'm not really evaluating the other guys. I thought that he did well though. I thought that he came in and didn't miss a beat."

On watching his former college team playing in a bowl game tonight:

"Yes, definitely. It's the longest post-season win streak on the line tonight, the Utes. I think that it's eight or nine bowl games that they've won. I'll definitely watch once I get out of here."

On the type of challenge that the Lions defense presents:

"I think watching them they play good football. You turn it on and, yes, they're a 2-12 football team. You may expect to see some lopsided games, but you turn it on and they are playing good football. They play sound football. They play tremendously hard, I think the team's been in a lot of games this year and that their record is little deceiving. I think that they've gone after some people on the defensive side of the ball. Kind of a mix of some young players with veteran guys over there, but I think that they are going to pressure you like any team, any other defense. The thing that I see is that they are playing really hard and really sound defense over there."

49ers sign K Ricky Schmitt

Fooch — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:30:44 -0000

The 49ers announced the signing of kicker Ricky Schmitt to the 53-man roster. Kicker Joe Nedney injured his hamstring against the Eagles and the team was awaiting the results of an MRI to determine the next step. The injury is apparently not so bad as to end Nedney's season (even though there are only 2 games left). In order to make room for Schmitt, yesterday the team released defensive tackle Baraka Atkins. Atkins had originally been signed December 9 when Kentwan Balmer was placed on the injured reserve list.

Schmitt (6-3, 210) originally signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent following the 2007 Draft, before being release at the end of training camp. He signed with the 49ers in January of 2008, and was released on the final roster cut down of training camp. Schmitt was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad on October 28, 2008, and was later released on November 1. The Oakland Raiders signed Schmitt to their practice squad on December 15, 2008, and he was with the team until the final cuts of the 2009 training camp.

Schmitt, a 24-year-old native of Virginia Beach, VA, played collegiately at Shepherd University, where he holds school records for scoring (250 points), field goals (33), extra points (151) and points in a season (80 in 2005).

Golden Nuggets: Heeeeeere's... me.

Ninjames — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:00:20 -0000

Guess who's back... back again... Ninja's back... alright, lame song reference aside I've fixed my computer troubles (seems to be spreading around NN, guessing Fooch got jealous and gave me a virus) and am back on Nuggets duty on a daily basis. Looking around I see nothing but doom and gloom around this site, all these "I told you so" and "OMG false hope" I say to you folks: man up. Sure we're not making the playoffs even though Singletary said we would, but I for one would prefer a coach who wants it NOW and is confident in his team like this man. No, you're not a genius for saying your favorite team isn't going to make the playoffs oh ye of little faith. This season has hurt as far as the closes losses went, but the highs were so much better than they were under a Mr. Mike Nolan, wouldn't you agree? That's just my personal beef, I guess. I for one am looking forward to slapping around the Lions and the Rams and the upcoming stacked draft. Anybody want to make any predictions right now? Anybody want to step up and say the 49ers won't make the playoffs next season? Go for it, I'll screencap it for you so you don't need to make a fanpost if it happens and save us all some trouble.

Now, that was probably a little bitter of me but I've been gone for a few days, give me a break! That being said, mad props to the two users who texted me today and totally solidified my position of loving this site. This is officially Ninjames appreciates NN day, though there are no prizes or gift giving unless of course, you're sending them my way. Also, you don't get to take off work for this holiday. Actually, scratch that, give my number to your boss and I'll explain it all. To business, shall we?

I'll start with perhaps the most upsetting piece of news I've ever read EVER. The banjo guy... has had his banjo stolen. It's a travesty and I'm depressed now. Also, I had no idea this guy has his own company in which he sells pinwheel beanies, you all know what Ninjames wants for Christmas. (NBCBayArea.com)

Don't expect big changes for the 49ers in 2010... I prefer it like this. This was not a terrible 49ers team this year and said team can only improve with continuity. (PressDemocrat.com)

Sando has an in-depth look at the 49ers offense. (ESPN.com)

How about Monday's Locker Room Talk? Not sure what to expect here (not reading it right now, obviously.) (49ers.com)

Here's yesterday's edition of Singletary's Notebook. (49ers.com)

Matt Stafford could be starting when the Lions come to the 'Stick. Not sure how I feel about this, after all, John Gruden says he leads the league in grit. In other news Gruden also would wet his pants out of giddiness if a matchup ever showcased Ryan Leaf and Akili Smith quarterbacked teams going at it. Grit central. (NFL.com)

What the [site decorum] is THIS, 49ers?! I leave for TWO days and I come back and there's talk of an Oakland stadium again? I feel betrayed. I will most definitely not buy any tickets to a 49ers game in Oakland, and I was just about to become a holder for life. Anyone wanna bandwagon to the Chargers with me? (psst that's a joke, that last part, I do that) (NBCBayArea.com)

Coach Singletary hits rewind on the 49ers loss to the Eagles. (MercuryNews.com)

K Joe Nedney got himself a hamstring injury and had a pretty awesome thing to say about Eagles fans. (SFGate.com)

You can watch "The Catch" in its entirety on Thursday on the NFL Network. (NFL.com)

How about some silver linings from Sando concerning the 49ers game against the Eagles? (ESPN.com)

Why does Coach Singletary believe in Smith? Good question.. (SFGate.com)

If the 49ers play in London in 2010... well, as a season ticket holder I'd be upset if the Niners lost a home game over it, and either way I'd do everything I could to go to that game. (SacBee.com)

Takeo Spikes went out and himself a pretty good game against his former team. I wish I could justify buying a Spikes jersey, seriously. I love the guy, probably my favorite 49er but you know, only two seasons and all here. Tough choice. (SFGate.com)

One of the bloggers over at our resident Lions blog is of the opinion that Drew Stanton should get the start over Culpepper against the 49ers. (PrideOfDetroit.com)

Oh jeez, understatement of the year alongside "Avatar is a terrible movie" and "Redskins suck" : Andy Lee's punting is and has been impressive. REALLY? (SFGate.com)

Maiocco has his report card for the team which I'm sure you've already read, but in case you felt like being depressed, here you go. (PressDemocrat.com)

Mike Singletary press conference transcript

Fooch — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:20 -0000

Coach Singletary had his customary day after press conference today and I've pasted the transcript after the jump. There's nothing exactly shocking about this press conference. For those wondering about some fourth down attempts by the 49ers, Joe Nedney had his hamstring tighten up on him, so his availability become much more limited. He was going to get an MRI today and depending on the result, we could be seeing a new kicker. My favorite question of the day whether Andy Lee could handle kicking duties. We got a quick I don't think so on that one.

Beyond that, Singletary was quick to point to these next two games as a chance for the team to get some wins, as opposed to throwing out second and third stringers for "evaluation purposes." I understand their is value in a higher draft pick, but as I've said before, I'll take two more wins and a .500 record for the first time since 2002. I realize teams can often learn from losing, but I just don't see learning coming from losing to Detroit or St Louis. Or at least not enough to make up for the potential psychological damage of those kinds of losses.

Head Coach Mike Singletary
Press Conference - December 21, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

Opening statement:

"Good morning. After looking at the game film, I felt a little bit better, after looking at the film. Overall as a team, I thought we played pretty hard. We just didn't play very smart at times. When I looked at the offensive side of the ball, I thought [QB] Alex Smith did some nice things. As a matter of fact, I owe him an apology. I talked with him after the game and we had a conversation where I really kind of challenged him on some things, some of those throws or whatever. After looking at it, I have a better perspective. The first interception that he threw, he was throwing the ball to [TE] Vernon [Davis], and to be honest with you, I just think Vernon has to make a better play on that ball. I think the ball was there. It's just one of those situations where Vernon either has to make that play, or either he has to stop that DB from making that play. He's got to help the quarterback as well. Vernon is going to be a great tight end one day, but he's got to put the whole package together. That was the first interception. The second interception that Alex threw, it looks like the defense was playing two-man. The same sort of thing happened when we played Tennessee, where they had sort of like a four-man, where when the tight end takes off up the field, the safety is going to take off with him, and then the quarterback is getting back in a rhythm and it's like, the ball is out. So, when you have a quarterback that's as efficient as Alex can be and is getting the ball out and getting it to the receivers, then what you do from time to time is do a trap two. It's a trap coverage where you're throwing the ball on timing, and it looks like the receiver, or the defender is going with that receiver, and about one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, you come back and get in front of the second guy that the quarterback is going to try and throw the ball to because he feels that either the corner or the safety has run off, but they come back. So, that's what happened last night on the second coverage. I know that doesn't make any sense to you, but I'm trying to explain it within the time frame that I can. But, I can understand why it happened; you just don't want it to happen. The last interception he threw was just a poor decision. He's trying to - the guy has him, he's trying to make a throw to [RB] Frank [Gore]. It's a bad decision. So, when I look at his play other than that, he's getting the ball out, he's throwing the ball where it needs to be. He threw some nice balls, out patterns - wherever you want it. He was making some pretty good throws.

I thought the o-line, overall, did a pretty decent job. The guys were physical on the run. I thought we did a pretty decent job on the run. As far as the passes were concerned, a couple of times protection broke down. When that happens, it's not going to be a good situation. We had hoped to be able to run the ball a little bit more than we did, but when we got behind, obviously we had to take some chances and throw the ball down the field a little bit more. Otherwise, we would have liked to have stayed with the run a little bit.

I thought Frank ran the ball well when he had the opportunity. It's a shame we couldn't have gotten him the ball more last night. That's kind of the way we were built in thinking this week, running the ball a little bit more this week because they're a smaller front. When we got behind - which is what they're built for, coming from behind, rushing the passer, stunting, those kinds of things - they got to do what they do more than we did. That's kind of the situation there. I thought the receivers played pretty decent. Josh Morgan really did a nice job. The receivers did a good job blocking downfield. So, when I think about the offense overall, that's pretty much it for the offense.

On the defensive side of the ball, I thought our guys - once again - I thought they played pretty well. Once again, they did not play very smart at times. A few coverage breakdowns, communication breakdowns rather. Whether or not you're going to be on top of a receiver or underneath him, that happened a couple of times, and one time it got us. But, it happened twice. Linebackers, underneath coverage: One time a tight end was going across the field, the guy has to stay with him. The communication has to be there, ‘I'm done here. You pick him up.' That didn't happen. All that is is just when you get behind, guys are trying to make plays. Guys are trying to do something more than just their job, and you can't do it. You just can't do that.

I thought the d-line did a pretty decent job. I thought the guys were playing hard. I thought Philly, their idea, their thought process when they were passing the ball was to either play action or max protect. I don't think the play action worked very well because they didn't get to run the ball very well. Play action runs better when you run the ball well. They didn't do a good job of that, so they did a better job max protecting, which means just keeping all of your people in and sending out maybe a couple of receivers and hoping you have time to hit them downfield. When it wasn't there, our DBs were covering, did a good job getting their hands on the guys for the most part. When it wasn't there, [QB Donovan] McNabb just threw it out of bounds. A couple of times, he threw it to us. There were other times where either the d-line got their hands up and batted the ball down, but, like I said, they were playing hard.

Special teams, [K] Joe Nedney had a hamstring. Hamstring got tight on him, and a field goal was not possible last night, so we had to go on fourth down a couple of times when we would have maybe opted to kick a field goal. Other than that guys, questions?"

On whether he is planning for QB Alex Smith to be the starting quarterback in 2010:

"I think right now the thing that I want to do before I start talking about who's going to do this and who's going to do that, I want to finish the season. I want to play this game this week. I want to see how our offense and defense and special teams respond this week, knowing there is definitely no chance that we're going to go to the playoffs. I think they'll respond fine, but I want to get through. It's going to take everything to get our guys ready and focused to get ready and play a good team coming in here. So, that's the first thing I want to do. Right now, before there is a temptation to start thinking about, ‘Well, who's going to do this? What changes do I need to make there and to start meeting with [general manager] Scot McCloughan about this and that.' I can't do that. We've got to focus on the two games that we have left. We're going to finish. We're going to finish this season and let everything else take care of itself."

On whether he is pleased with Smith's growth each week:

"Yes, I am. When I look at Alex, I think each week he's continued to grow. I think he's done a lot in a short amount of time. There are some quarterbacks around the league, and I'm not going to get into that, but that's been playing a while, and I don't think as efficient as he is right now. So, to me, when I'm looking at him and some of the things that he's been able to do, and some of things that he did last night, some of the decisions that he made, I think some of the things that have been happening right now for him, it's just that experience factor. It's just getting the timing down with the receivers more, and those little trap plays there whether it's a two or four, he's going to have a better feel for if that safety is really going to go with that tight end, or is that corner really going to go with the No. 1 receiver. All that is is just seeing it long enough, going through it long enough so you have a feel for it. But, I'm comfortable with what I'm seeing right now."

On the areas of the team that he has questions about:

"It's like this: I think, for our team, it's a situation where I think the most important thing for us to do, when everything is all said and done, is to look back at the problem areas and try and address those. But, when you look at the defense, there was a time that I was maybe a little more concerned about the back end, but I think our DBs have done a better job of getting their hands on guys and being more physical with their receivers. I think on the offensive line, I think there was a time that I had a lot of questions about the offensive line, but I think they've worked through some things and have gotten to a point where they're a pretty decent offensive line. There are just parts of the team that we have to address. We're constantly evaluating talent. We're constantly evaluating our players and coaches. I think we just have to sit down and really take a close look at it. I think it's a good situation to have when I can't just sit here and go, ‘Oh, we've got a problem here. We've got a problem there.' I think we've got to sit down and look at the film and, as a staff, kind of go through it and really look at we have to address this issue and that issue and move on."

On whether he will play backups the rest of the season:

"I think first and foremost, the last message I want to send is: we want to evaluate before we want to win. We want to win. Every time we step on the field, I want our guys to know we want to win and we want to compete. But at the same time, if we have a guy that hasn't had a chance to play, or we haven't really had a chance to look at him and we think maybe there is a chance he can play, to send him in for a series or maybe two and see how he handles that, that gives you some idea of where he is. It doesn't mean you have to play him the whole game or a whole half. I just think if there are spots where you feel you can do it, then do it. If you feel you can't, then it's just not going to happen. But we are going to try to win first."

On teaching the team how to win on the road:

"After the season we have to sit down and evaluate it. We have to sit down and evaluate what we can do better, what we need to do better. Was it the road? Was it just the team? Was it that week, or whatever? I think when it is all said and done, we just have to evaluate it and go from there."

On why 49ers quarterbacks have started well and hit a wall the last couple of seasons:

"First of all, I have not seen Alex hit a wall. I have to be very honest there, that is why I am looking forward to the next two games. I have not seen him hit a wall. I think he has been consistent. We can go back to the Tennessee game and you say, ‘Hey, he had four turnovers.' No, no he didn't. There was some help that he had in that game, and it was the same in this game. It is a shame to me that every time a quarterback throws an interception that automatically it's him. The guy is off, well he stinks. I think it is very important, and you have to evaluate it as the coach and make sure that you are looking at that quarterback and not destroy him and forget about the other parties involved. Is it the line, are they giving him enough protection? Is it the receivers, are they getting where they are supposed to go? Is there a trust factor, that receiver, can he trust him? There are a lot of different issues, which is why when I look at the film I am very encouraged. I don't have a situation in here where I am sitting back thinking, ‘Man, I thought Alex was making progress and now I don't know.' I'm not there at all, I promise you. I feel very good about his progression and the fact that he has only played a month and a half, maybe two, I am very encouraged by what I have seen in a short amount of time for a guy who has been out of football for a couple of years."

On the inconsistencies on deep passes in the past two games:

"I don't know about that. I would have to go back and look at that. That is something you have seen and I need to pay more attention to it. I will look at that and address it. But I think overall, with most quarterbacks, it is the same scenario, when you are throwing the ball within 10 yards, 15 yards, that intermediate route, you have more room. You have more room to throw, you have the crossing routes, you have that kind of stuff which is easier to hit. When you start talking about the accuracy downfield, that is something, for a quarterback, that is a little more difficult for most of them. I have seen Alex throw the ball downfield and hit the receivers, but I guess the consistency factor, I need to go back and look at the ratio and see what that is because I really haven't seen enough to say, ‘Good under and not good up there.'"

On how he feels about missing the playoffs:

"Let me ask you this: Give me some idea, if you have any idea, you have been sitting in this chair for a little bit, how do you have any idea how you think I might feel?"

[I would imagine you feel deeply disappointed.]

"That's putting it mildly. Yes, I am very frustrated. There are a lot of adjectives, some that I can't say, but I feel. This is a team that, it is unfortunate, it is a team that is good enough, they have to play perfect every week, the margin for error is very, very small, but this is a team that is very close to being that playoff team. I am saying very close because now we are not going to be in there. I think a lot of the pieces are in place. The most important thing in place, I think, is the work ethic and the belief that we are a step away, or however you put it. But I don't really want to go there either because you start talking like, ‘Oh, but next year.' I don't want to go there either. All I know is this group of guys, I am very proud of what they have been able to accomplish. Closing out the season is very important, in terms of how we do that because everything we want to be about going forward has everything to do with how we finish. If we want to call ourselves a good team or a decent team or an average team, to me not being able to go to the payoffs, and it is for them because they have worked hard enough, but we just weren't smart enough, for the most part, to make it. But very frustrating, very frustrating."

On any new injuries:

"I think [RB] Glen Coffee has a thigh strain and [K] Joe Nedney, they both will have an MRI today and we will see from there. I think [T Joe] Staley came out OK, I will get more information on that later on. But I think everything else is okay."

On Nedney's status for next week:

"If he can't kick the ball, if he can't kick field goals, then we will possibly try to look at someone to see if we can solve that issue."

On whether the person he would look at would be from outside the team:

"Yes sir."

On whether P Andy Lee could handle the kicking duties:

"I don't think so."

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)

San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals: A Prospector's Guide

Fooch — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:00:32 -0000

vs.

While this game lost a lot of its luster with the Sunday's 49ers loss and Cardinals win, it still should provide an entertaining football experience. As folks were trying to develop a legit 49ers-Seahawks rivalry, the 49ers quietly developed a rivalry with the Arizona Cardinals. Even though there have been numerous sweeps of the series, the games usually are highly competitive, if not going down close to the wire. Even if the 49ers are all but eliminated from playoff contention, this game provides a chance for the team to take a step forward in execution and build towards 2010.

The 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals in what will be the 37th meeting between the two teams, with San Francisco holding a 20-16 advantage in the series. In the season opener earlier this year, the 49ers defeated the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium, 20-16.

San Francisco enters the upcoming game following a 20-17 defeat in Seattle. In that game, QB Alex Smith connected on 27 of 45 passes for a career-high 310 yards, which included a 33-yard touchdown pass to TE Vernon Davis for his 10th receiving touchdown on the year (tied for 1st in NFL and a new single-season record among 49ers TE’s all-time) and a 22-yard touchdown reception by WR Josh Morgan to mark his third score of the season. It marked the second week in a row that the 49ers defense had posted at least 5 sacks in a game, having had 6 sacks against the Jaguars before notching 5 sacks against the Seahawks.

The 49ers have won 7 of their past 9 home games and have a 38-24 overall record on Monday Night Football.

49ers-Cardinals Connections
Coaching Connections
• 49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky was a teammate of Cardinals assistant head coach/OL coach Russ Grimm with the Washington Redskins from 1988-91. Manusky played linebacker, while Grimm played offensive guard.
• 49ers TE coach Pete Hoener has had coaching stints with the Cardinals in both St. Louis (1985-86) and Arizona (2001-03).
• 49ers WR coach Jerry Sullivan spent 3 seasons as the Cardinals offensive coordinator from 2001-03.
• 49ers special teams coordinator Al Everest coached in the same capacity for the Cardinals from 1996-99.
• Cardinals LB coach Billy Davis was the 49ers defensive coordinator from 2005-06.

FORMER CARDINALS - 49ers K Joe Nedney spent three seasons with the Cardinals from 1997-99 ... 49ers G Tony Wragge was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cardinals in 2002. Wragge spent 2 seasons (2002-03) with Arizona.

PANTHER PRIDE - 49ers CB Shawntae Spencer and Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald were teammates at the Univ. of Pittsburgh from 2000-03.

FORMER 49ERS - Cardinals DE Chike Okeafor spent the first 4 years of his career with the 49ers after being drafted in the 3rd round (89th overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft.

HAIL THE VICTORS - 49ers G David Baas played at Michigan alongside Cardinals DT Gabe Watson, DT Alan Branch and WR Steve Breaston.

CARDINALS NOR-CAL CONNECTIONS - Cardinals RB J.J. Arrington played 2 seasons at Cal.

Series Highlights
Matchups: 36
Series Record: 49ers lead series 20-16
49ers Home Record vs. Cardinals: 49ers Lead Series 11-8
First Meeting: 11/15/51, Cardinals win, 27-21, at San Francisco
Last Meeting: 9/13/09, 49ers win, 20-16, at Arizona
Current Streak: Won 1
Longest 49ers Win Streak: 5 (9/14/80-10/18/87 | 10/24/93-12/21/02)
Longest Cards Win Streak: 4 (10/6/74-12/2/79 | 10/2/05-12/24/06)
Most 49ers Points: 50 (12/7/03): 50-14, at San Francisco
Most Cardinals Points: 34 (Two Times): Last (10/6/74), 34-9 at SF
49ers Shutouts: None
Cardinals Shutouts: None

SAN FRANCISCO 20, ARIZONA 16
At Glendale, AZ, September 13, 2009

Head coach Mike Singletary delivered a very simple message to his team in advance of their season opening matchup against the defending NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals … "Believe." His players did just that as they battled through a tremendously physical game highlighted by impressive defensive efforts from both squads. After being stymied on offense for more than 3 quarters, the 49ers embarked on a 15-play, 80-yd. drive that consumed 7:26 of clock time en route to a 3-yd., go-ahead TD pass from QB Shaun Hill to RB Frank Gore. On the drive, offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye scrapped the run game that he had dialed up all afternoon and left the contest to Hill’s right arm. The QB responded going 9 of 13 for 72 yds. and the TD to Gore. On the series, Hill utilized his playmakers, including TE Vernon Davis who hauled in 4 passes for 35 yds.

The 49ers opened the scoring in the 1st quarter after All-Pro LB Patrick Willis intercepted a QB Kurt Warner pass to set his team up at the ARZ 36. Six plays later K Joe Nedney connected on a 37-yd. FG. Nedney later connected on a 50-yd. FG to give the Niners a 6-0 lead entering the 2nd stanza. The Cardinals finally got some offense going in the 2nd quarter as K Neil Rackers drilled a 44-yd. FG on their first possession. As the 49ers run game continued to struggle, Hill aired the ball out to All-Pro WR Isaac Bruce on a 50-yd. bomb, setting the offense up at the 6-yd. line. With a tired Arizona defense, the 49ers called on Gore the very next play. He hit pay dirt plunging through a massive hole into the endzone.

With the momentum in their favor, CB Nate Clements capitalized on another Warner mistake, as he hauled in his first interception of the year. Clements’ effort, and those of his defensive backfield mates, limited one of the game’s best WR tandems in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, to a combined 8 recepts. for 90 yds. and 1 TD. The 49ers were unable to capitalize on Clements’ pick, as Hill was sacked and forced to fumble on the next series. The Cardinals jumped on the opportunity, posting another Rackers’ FG this time from 29 yds. San Francisco left the field at the half with a 13-6 lead.

The Cardinals carried momentum into the 3rd quarter, and on their 2nd possession, Warner led his team on 69-yd scoring drive that resulted in a 5-yd. TD pass to Fitzgerald, knotting the score at 13. After a 49ers 3-n-out, Arizona again moved the ball to post points, a 43-yd. FG by Rackers just seconds into the 4th quarter, for the Cardinals final points of the game. The Niners would then embark on their game-winning drive and back it up with a defensive performance that paralyzed the Cardinals.

2009 Statistics

49ERS (rank)		CARDINALS (rank)
5-7 (t-2nd NFCW)	Record	8-4 (1st NFCW)
20.4 (19th)	Points per game	24.8 (9th)
285.4 (28th)	Total Offense	360.9 (10th)
91.3 (28th)	Rushing Offense	94.1 (26th)
194.2 (22nd)	Passing Offense	266.8 (5th)
28:55 (20th)	Possession Avg	30:41 (12th)
19.4 (t-10th)	Points allowed/gm	19.5 (12th)
346.4 (20th)	Total Defense	362.6 (24th)
95.8 (5th)	Rushing Defense	104.8 (12th)
250.6 (27th)	Passing Defense	257.8 (30th)
30 (t-7th)	Sacks	35 (3rd)
48.3 (2nd)	Punting Avg (Gross)	47.4 (3rd)
+1 (t-11th)	Turnover Differential	-3 (t-21st)

49ers return game: Putting the "special" in special teams

Fooch — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:00:28 -0000

Hopefully nobody takes offense to "special." I came close to posting a short bus graphic because that's how far Brandon Jones and Arnaz Battle have pushed me. As ugly as yesterday's game was, the biggest momentum change aside from Gore's fumble was probably the screwed up reverse attempt on the first quarter punt. The 49ers had the Seahawks on the ropes and could have sent them to the canvas on that drive. Instead, the drive doesn't even start and Seattle gets the shortest of fields to convert a touchdown.

As much as that reverse bugged folks, the special teams woes go beyond just that one bad play call. Special teams encompasses kicking, punting, returning, and coverage associated with all of that. For the purposes of this post, we'll ignore kicking and punting, because Andy Lee is God and Joe Nedney is sufficiently reliable as the kicker. Rather, I wanted to focus on the return game. I don't even know if you could call it a return game when you're either losing yards or fumbling the return.

Before getting into the ugly, I would like to say that I think Josh Morgan could be on the verge of entrenching himself as one of the team's primary kickoff return men. He's only returned 5 kicks, but he's put together a solid early body of work. His five returns have resulted in 174 yards, good for an average of 34.8. One return was for 76 yards, but his remaining four returns have still been solid enough. While touchdowns in the return game are great, it's really simply a matter of getting some decent starting field position. Thus far, Josh Morgan has done that on a consistent basis. The final four games will hopefully help us determine if he can become a long term return option.

The same cannot be said for the punt return game. I don't think it's even good enough to call it bad. At this point, the best term would probably be abysmal. Arnaz Battle did have a 31 yard return, but it was negated by a block in the back call against everyone's favorite pariah, Mark Roman. The 49ers final punt return numbers yesterday? 5 punts for -3 yards. Really?

I know people have been complaining about the release of Allen Rossum. While he was awesome last year, clearly the team saw a reason to get rid of him, and were somewhat justified by the Cowboys also releasing him. That's not the best reasoning, but it'll have to do for now. However, the point of this post is to consider how the 49ers can improve their punt return game going forward. Battle struggled mightily yesterday, but part of that was due to not getting much in the way of blocking in front of him.

I'm not arguing for bringing Battle back in 2010, but I also think there are other issues to consider. Rather, it seems like the team needs an influx of talent that goes beyond just the return men. Would that be a few low profile signings in free agency? Guys that excel in special teams work (aside from returners) tend to be rather low profile, so I can't see the signings generating a lot of buzz. Honestly, I'm not sure how the team can best go about approaching this in the offseason. Any thoughts?

49ers records to keep an eye on going forward

Fooch — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:00:15 -0000

Although the 49ers are certainly struggling this season, some individuals are looking to break some franchise records, or at least approach some of them. I thought I'd throw some out there for folks to keep an eye on.

Frank Gore
Gore needs three more 100-yard games to tie RB Joe Perry for the most in 49ers history. He also ranks 9th in team history with 6,696 total yards from scrimmage for his career. With 115 yards he'll pass Dwight Clark for 8th on the all-time list, and with 259 yards h'll surpass RB Hugh McElhenny for 7th on the all-time list.

Joe Nedney
Nedney is currently tied for 40th all-time in scoring with 1,037 career points, and needs 7 points to move into 39th place on the NFL’s all-time scoring list.

Vernon Davis
As great as Brent Jones was at tight end, folks might be surprised to know that he only had one 100-yard receiving game in his distinguished career. On the other hand Vernon Davis is currently tied with former TE (and Fooch favorite) Eric Johnson with two 100-yard games in his career (both being this season). One more such game and Davis will own the franchise record.

On top of that, Davis needs one more touchdown to tie Brent Jones and Ted Kwalick for most touchdowns by a tight end in franchise history. Also, Antonio Gates holds the NFL record for most touchdowns in a season by a tight end with 13 (set in 2004). Finally, Davis needs 225 receiving yards to surpass Eric Johnson (825) for most receiving yards by a tight end in franchise history.

Davis has clearly dipped into the well of talent he possesses, going beyond just scratching the surface. The question going forward is what kind of numbers can we expect from him over the course of his career (assuming he signs an extension soon (he's a free agent after NEXT season)? The addition of Michael Crabtree will probably cut into his numbers. As long as the 49ers are winning I don't care who's catching what. However, I'm curious how a guy like Crabtree (and even Morgan if you want to include him) will affect the numbers of The Disease. One could argue having another good receiver opens up Davis, but I'm sure some will counter that.

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.