SB Nation - Mark Roman

49ers 24 - Cardinals 9: Fantasy glory for Fooch!

Fooch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:00:37 -0000

The only thing better than seeing the 49ers defense absolutely throttle the vaunted Arizona Cardinals offense on Monday Night Football? I found myself down 21 points in my first round playoff matchup heading into Monday night and I had the 49ers defense. 4 sacks, 5 fumbles and 4 2 interceptions later and I get 24 points from the 49ers defense. When you get that many points without a defensive touchdown, you know you got a dominating performance. I'm willing to argue that's one of the greatest comebacks in fantasy history!

It's an hour or so after the game and I am still without a computer. I'm sitting at a Fedex/Kinkos a little buzzed putting this post together and giddy as could be. Using a PC keyboard right now is actually making this a little more difficult than my Mac keyboard. But the important thing is that the 49ers won in fairly dominating fashion and left me highly entertained. For the next week, my posts will come from a variety of public Internet options, so they might be a little shorter than normal. I have access to the USF library so I'll do what I can, but bear with me for the next week or so.

We'll have plenty of opportunities to focus on the 49ers offensive performance. For this post though, let's focus on the defense. Some may argue that the Cardinals offense basically did whatever they could to hand this game to the 49ers offense. To those people I snicker. The 49ers defense put together a performance you will not see very often. First and foremost, we may have seen a breakout performance from Dashon Goldson. He hauled down a beautiful interception, while also providing a pair of huge forced fumbles. Maybe he didn't recover them, but he was a play-making machine. The much criticized Mark Roman had a pair of fumble recoveries. Given his performances prior to this season, that's simply amazing.

All in all, we saw a defensive performance that does not come along fairly often, even when you're playing a crappy team. The 49ers took on a hot Cardinals offense and absolutely shut them down. The dynamic duo of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin were held to 62 yards on 7 carries. Kurt Warner, who had been fairly dominant in his previous 4 games was fairly easily contained, throwing for 178 yards and 2 picks.

The 49ers need a lot of help if they want to make the playoffs, but we saw a defense perform on a level we haven't seen probably since the Rams game. Given the quality of competition, this was arguably the defense's best performance of the season. As the team heads into what is a monstrous battle in Philadelphia, will they be able to contain an explosive Philly squad, or will we see more inconsistency going forward?

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."

Max Unger Bullies Dre Bly as Justin Forsett Charges By

John Morgan — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:14:36 -0000

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

It took a lockdown by Chris Spencer, a cut by Rob Sims and pancake by Max Unger to score Seattle's second touchdown.

Browse more photos »

As Fox would have it, my broadcast didn't start until the second quarter. It's Seattle ball, third and one on the Seahawks 22. As fate would have it, the Seahawks drove down the field and scored to pull ahead 14-7.

Max Unger mostly did yeoman's work. He started with a modest single block. The next play he pulled out with better release than previously shown and was able to cut across the field and lead block for Julius Jones on the right. Unger ran a long way but never did block anyone. On the third play of the quarter, he single blocked the left defensive end and again held his ground. Seattle had converted two firsts on three plays and gained 26 yards.

Unger was uncovered. Chris Spencer took on the nose and Ray Willis the left defensive end. Unger pulled out and attempted to block out Takeo Spikes, but Spikes started right of center and read and reacted to the play before Unger could pull out and engage him. Spikes capped the hole and took part in the tackle of Just Forsett after a gain of one.

He put a glancing block on the nose tackle when the Seahawks line shifted left. Matt Hasselbeck rolled right and released before Unger could factor further. Hasselbeck found Burleson for eight and a new set of downs. Forsett ran behind right guard on the following play, and Unger teamed with Spencer to turn the nose guard. Seattle fought hard for three.

Finally we see Unger get beat, but unlike previous weeks, Unger wasn't beat back, discarded, thrown or knocked over. Nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin bested him off the snap, but Unger recovered, showing the tenacity he showed at Oregon, and getting stout when it mattered. Franklin pushed no further.

He double teamed the left defensive end on the next two plays. In the first, he attempted to slide off Isaac Sopoaga and block into the second level but never found his man. He held ground but didn't factor otherwise on the second play. Jones attempted a cut block on Manny Lawson, succeeded only in bouncing off Lawson, scrambled to his feet and caught Hasselbeck's outlet pass. The play went for -2.

Forsett curled, caught and unwound towards the end zone to score six and give Seattle the lead. He was in before a defender could touch him. Spencer pulled out immediately and wormed into Willis' body. Last season, Spencer slammed Willis but Willis slammed back, separating and tackling Jones after eight. This time, Spencer stayed with Willis, not attempting the knockdown block, but keeping on him, staying square and jogging the All Pro into the end zone. Sims pulled late but cut Mark Roman on a crucial backside block. Unger pulled cleanly, found Dre Bly and threw a schoolyard beatdown on the former Pro Bowler. He squared, coiled and blocked Bly into the air and onto his back. Touchdown.

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-Seahawks: Julius Jones vs. Justin Forsett

Fooch — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:30:13 -0000

I forgot to get yesterday's practice report posted yesterday afternoon, so I've posted it after the jump, along with the offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator press conference transcripts. I actually wanted to use the injury report to raise an issue about the 49ers defensive challenge this Sunday. As the practice report indicates, Seahawks RB Julius Jones has been a full participant in practice the last two days. I'd imagine at worst he'll be listed as probable when the injury report is published later today.

For fantasy purposes, the folks at Rotoworld seem to think this will likely end up as some kind of time-share in the backfield. In looking at that, I'm curious if this might end up benefiting the 49ers on Sunday. For the last three weeks, former Cal RB Justin Forsett has been the #1 running back for the Seahawks. If you check out his game log, he's had two fantastic games, and one solid game in terms of receiving:

Week 10 - @ Arizona - 17 carries, 123 yards, 1 TD, 5 rec, 26 yards
Week 11 - @ Minnesota - 8 carries, 9 yards, 1 TD, 8 rec, 80 yards
Week 12 - @ St. Louis - 22 carries, 130 yards, 2 TD, no receptions

And Julius Jones? He's gone over 100 yards once in nine weeks, and over 50 yards two other times.

For the 49ers this weekend, it will basically come down to containing the running game and seeing what you can get by with against TJ Houshmandzadeh and Nate Burleson. Does a running back by committee, or even Julius Jones as the clear #1 guy give the 49ers defense an advantage? Or does it really matter? I've read around where Jim Mora has said he'd go with the hot hand, which would seem to indicate Forsett. But what will really come of this?

After the jump, check out the injury report and the OC/DC press transcripts...

49ers
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
CB Nate Clements (shoulder)

Did not Participate in Practice
DT Kentwan Balmer (shoulder)
WR Isaac Bruce (ankle)
S Michael Lewis (quadricep)
S Mark Roman (not injury related)
DT Justin Smith (not injury related)
LB Takeo Spikes (hamstring)
T Joe Staley (knee)

Limited Participation in Practice
CB Marcus Hudson (back)
RB Michael Robinson (shoulder)

Full Participation in Practice
WR Arnaz Battle (ankle)
WR Brandon Jones (thumb)
DT Ray McDonald (shoulder)
T Adam Snyder (shoulder)

Seahawks
Did not Participate in Practice
DE Lawrence Jackson (groin)
LB D.D. Lewis (knee)
DE Cory Redding (concussion)

Full Participation in Practice
RB Julius Jones (chest)
C Chris Spencer (thumb)

Defensive Coordinator Greg Manusky
Post-Walk Thru - December 3, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

On his expectations for this week:

"Every time we go into a game plan, we want to go out there and perform to the best of our abilities and come out of the game with a win. I don't care how we get it, that's what we need to do."

On what he sees in Seattle going into Sunday's game:

"I think new offensive coordinator, Greg Knapp. I think the timing and the rhythm is there that they've had when he was in Oakland. Now, they feel a little bit more comfortable with the timing and the execution with the quarterback. It's a little bit quicker pace. That's what I see."

On how the team can improve its tackling:

"I think every time that, especially in team periods, you've got guys tagging off. I think that's the most important thing, make sure they come to balance and try to get their wheels underneath them and tag the runners off. We've been preaching that all week. We have all training camp, all OTAs, all regular season. We've just got to understand that we've got to take better angles to the ball carrier and make the plays when they're there."

On S Dashon Goldson's tackling:

"I think it's a little bit of his angles coming to the ball carrier. We've just got to keep on swarming as a defense. Sometimes, if you have a missed tackle, at least you have a chance to have other guys make it. So, if we're swarming, it's always better."

On whether Goldson gets into the mindset of wanting to really crush someone:

"I think sometimes you do. If you have a bead on him and you want to go out there and try to smack him as hard as you can, sometimes you've got to break down and let the posse come. And then other times, I think you've got to take your shot. So, it depends on the play."

On how Goldson has played this year in his first year as a starter:

"Very good. It's a long season. For any player that's out there as a rookie or a second-year player or a third- or fourth-year player, the first year that you start, it's a long season and you've got to keep on trying to get better each and every week, which he has at times."

On holding opponents to field goals:

"I think, especially from last week with our offense being up, it was good to have a lead. And, going into that situation, even though they got some yardage, we stopped them in the red zone. That's one of our primary goals every year, and I think we're doing a pretty good job of that."

On LB Ahmad Brooks starting in the nickel:

"Yes, he'll be starting this week in place of [LB] Manny [Lawson]. We're giving Manny a little bit of rest, but Manny will be switching in and out with [LB] Parys [Haralson] and with Ahmad. It's like a three-man rotation in there."

On how to correct Brooks not getting off the ball as quickly:

"Just looking at the ball. I think that's the most important thing. He just needed to time up the snap a little bit better and watch the ball being snapped and take off like he normally does in practice."

On whether Brooks was looking at the ball last week:

"No, I think he was. I just think he was tentative at times."

On whether he was happy with CB Dre' Bly's first start:

"Yes, he performed very well. He's a veteran player and we're looking for him to do the same thing this week."

On whether you've seen leadership from Bly in the starting role:

"Definitely, yesterday, and hopefully today. He'll make plays. He did a little bit yesterday in practice. It's good to see a veteran guy come out and take grasp of it and really go with it. So, we're excited about it."

On whether Lawson is viewing Brooks' start as a demotion:

"I don't think so. It's a long season. I'm going to rely on everybody, especially in pass rush situations. The more guys that you have, the better off you're going to be. I don't think it's a negative at all because he'll still be in there at times as well."

On CB Nate Clements' status:

"Looking forward, I don't know exactly what his status is. You've got to talk to the trainers about that. For right now, I guess he's been doing well. He's been in the meetings since he's gotten hurt. I'm looking forward to getting him back as well."

On whether he has a date for Clements' return:

"I don't know the status of where he is right now."

Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye
Post- Walk Thru - December 3, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

On the tandem of WR Michael Crabtree and RB Frank Gore on offense:

"I think that it's a continual growth of the young players that we have, the further maturation of the process of QB Alex Smith and the familiarity with the skill players that he is surrounded with. It's kind of an on the job training deal with the way it has unfolded because, as you know, a lot of those people weren't here early on when we were doing the same things that we are now doing in the games."

On the whether the change in formation and personnel can be an advantage going up against Seattle:

"I would think so based on where we have grown since the third week of the season or whenever we played them before. They cannot disregard the runner, so it gives us somewhat of an advantage that we have the contingency to take care of whatever defense they decide that they want to play."

On how WR Michael Crabtree and WR Josh Morgan complement each other:

"I think that it's an ongoing process. It's not spit-shined and polished by any stretch of the imagination, but I think that the growth has been good. I think that Michael continues to learn in every game. I think last week, even though the numbers statistically didn't bear out, Josh Morgan played his best game. I think he was sudden and fast. He is a strong player without the ball and he added on very well. I thought it was his best performance to date."

On the attributes that make WR Josh Morgan excel without the ball:

"I mean he plays all phases of the game: backside, convoy blocking, onside, or blocking when the plays are coming at him, helping the other receivers after the catch and blocking the people around him. I thought that he did a very good job of that."

On the importance of the WR blocking in the spread formation to make way for RB Frank Gore:

"Yes, it is important because you don't have a lead blocking fullback. I really don't like the term ‘spread', that a total misnomer to what we do, but you don't have a lead blocker, orwhen you're in the gun and the quarterback is taking the ball in the direct snap with a single back deal, so the wide receiver, particularly the ‘F', who plays the slot position or is the add-on guy in the 3-by-1 or 2-by-2 has to be a strong player without the ball."

On what is the actual term for the offense that resembles a spread offense:

"I guess it's the spread, I don't know. What we do is what we've been doing since I've been here. It's a formation shotgun for us. We don't have a quarterback running the spread offense in college like Tim Tebow. To me, that's what spread is and I'm not going to debate the merits of what it's called. If that's the name that's been given to it by the media then it's the spread."

On whether he prefer his offense called the shotgun:

"Yes, we just get in the ‘gun'. We're in the gun with either two backs or we're in the gun with one. We run the same offense that we ran with three wides as we run with two backs and I'd be interested what you'd call it when we put the two halfbacks in the game like we did last week. We're still in the gun- is that spread or not? I don't know."

On the offensive terminology of simply spreading out the WR in the ‘spread' formation:

"I guess. If it works, yes. I mean we opened the Chicago Bear game with [TE] Vernon Davis split out wide and two wide receivers away from him in the slot with two backs. Is that ‘spread'? I guess it's a play on words, so, ‘spread' is fine. We have fun with it inside because we don't know what that is, we just do what we do."

On what he thinks when he sees the reaction to the defense on what the 49er offense shows them:

"It's huge because he's an add-on guy and it makes a huge decision as we plan in the matchups. If they match us with their base defense, or like Tennessee chose to do and go nickel, what he brings on the field in Green Bay to the sub-personnel package of the team that we're playing or whether they stay base determines a lot about the plan going forward of what we do. We have a contingency for both, but it is a big part of what we do because he is a run-blocking tight end that has wide receivers skills. So, they have to make a decision or they, most of the time, make a decision either to stay with their base personnel, run-down personnel, or they sub and put in an extra defensive back, which gives us - as we think of it - five DBs on the field and one less run-stopping defender."

On whether Jacksonville was in base personnel most of the game:

"Jacksonville decided to play base, yes."

On whether that decision enabled Walker to be matched up on a linebacker at times:

"At times it did. It either got him on a linebacker or a safety, a down safety that's not used to playing out of the middle of the field or in the middle of the field. So, he is an important part of that, as opposed to being in 21, where it is [FB] Moran Norris."

On whether Walker can have a major impact on the game even if he's not catching passes:

"Yes, he should, particularly if they're going to play with five DBs and take one of the linebackers or down linemen out. We should have an advantage, in terms of he is masked as a run blocker against a defensive back, as opposed to a fullback blocking a linebacker."

On whether he envisioned his offense to look like this when the season started:

"I don't think I can remember as far back as September."

On the offense trying to do different things at the start of the season:

"I think the cast of characters were totally different. And, I think I said this when we started that the diversity of the offense that we install was to be able to take care of the contingencies of the defense. So, we haven't invented something here in the middle of the season that is different than what we did when we came and started. The evolution of what we've done has been based on the injuries, the changes, the personnel - all of that. But, in terms of what we are doing offensively, we didn't dream this up over the bye or start this three weeks ago. The contingencies of the offensive plan that we have in place the ability to plug in people with different abilities and different styles when it is warranted, in terms of being able to do what it is that we were trying to do, in terms of the plan."

On the offense taking a different direction than originally thought:

"You mean me personally?"

On how the offense's direction has changed:

"Yes, I would say so. I think we won three games with the offense that we started with, and we've won two with the one we're in now. So, yes, I would say we're going in a different direction."

On whether he has a good grasp on what QB Alex Smith can and cannot do:

"Yes. What happens is the feel and the flow of the play caller's purpose and understanding of where he is and where he's most comfortable through what he says or how he reacts in practice and in the install, you learn the internal feel of and you try to eliminate as much anxiety in the total plan or the calling of the game for the quarterback. That's a process that's going. I wish it was a year down the road. When we were starting, he and I, with eight months already under our belt, it would be a lot better I think because the exertion that he's shown and the way he's played, if that had been apparent in July and August, I think we'd be having a different discussion."

On what WR Michael Crabtree understands that most rookie receivers don't:

"He's a natural football player. He's a wide receiver that's a very good football player. He has a fundamental understanding of how to play football. He just happens to also have a great gift of exceptional hands, and he's learning how to become a stand-up, single, outside route runner in his maturation. But, I think the biggest thing is he has a natural intellect for the game. Instinctively, he's a good football player."

On whether RB Frank Gore can fit into a spread offense:

"I think most coaches would think Frank Gore is a pretty good fit for most offensive systems. I think the way the games have unfolded has led people to believe that he is not a part of it or he has been eliminated. You have to remember that the second half of the Green Bay game, the score was 23-3. And, in the last game that we had, the Chicago game, we were doing the same thing and he had close to 90-some yards rushing and a total offense, I don't know what it was, but Frank will still get his touches. The way that we play offense, they'll just come in a different style without a lead blocker in some cases, though we haven't totally gone away from that. Most backs and most quarterbacks relish a wide receiver complement that can unlock the box and slow the pass rush and give them some freedom to operate. I think, as we go forward, I think you'll see that happening. I would think his combined - Frank, the ball was thrown to Frank in the last game more than any other player that we have. He had 10 attempts that went toward him. The run total will complement that in terms of the touches that he has, based on the game and how the down and distance markers are turning. But, he will be very successful, in my opinion, in the offense that we're running that is being referred to as spread because it won't really change what he does. The only thing that basically is changed is he's not running into the line with a lead blocking fullback in front of him. The runs are basically the same, but they come out of a non-lead fullback arrangement."

49ers-Seahawks: Wednesday Injury Report

Fooch — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:16:01 -0000

The two biggest things that I see in today's injury report are first, that Joe Staley is no longer "definitely out." He's not expected to play this week, but maybe he'll get some time in practice tomorrow or Friday. Second, Julius Jones is a full participant in practice. Justin Forsett has been playing really well, so maybe getting Jones back in the mix can help slow down the Seahawks rushing attack. Just a thought...

I've posted Mike Singletary and Alex Smith's post-practice press transcripts after the jump.

49ers
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
CB Nate Clements (shoulder)

Limited Participation in Practice
CB Marcus Hudson (back)
RB Michael Robinson (shoulder)

Full Participation in Practice
WR Arnaz Battle (ankle)
WR Brandon Jones (thumb)
DT Ray McDonald (shoulder)
T Adam Snyder (shoulder)

Seahawks
Did not Participate in Practice
DE Lawrence Jackson (groin)
LB D.D. Lewis (knee)
DE Cory Redding (concussion)

Full Participation in Practice
RB Julius Jones (chest)
C Chris Spencer (thumb)

Coach Singletary's press conference transcript after the jump...

Head Coach Mike Singletary
Post-Walk Thru - December 2, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

Opening statements:

"Good morning. Just a couple of the injuries: [LB Parys] Haralson, thumb contusion; [DT Kentwan] Balmer, shoulder sprain; [WR Josh] Morgan, hip contusion; [WR Arnaz] Battle, leg strain; [RB Michael] Robinson, stinger; [WR Isaac] Bruce, ankle. We're getting excited about this week. We've got to have another great week of preparation to get ready to go up to Seattle and try and win a football game against a very good football team."

On whether FB Brit Miller's call-up is an indication that Robinson and Battle are iffy to play:

"No, I just think with [S] Curtis [Taylor] having his injury and going down, we just thought it would be a good move to bring him up. Brit has been working his tail off. We have an award for the special teams player of the week, whether it's offense, defense or special teams. And, he's the guy who has won them all. You could name him every week. So, I just think he's a guy who could really help us on special teams going forward."

On whether the noise of Qwest Field will impact the difficult of calling the snap in the shotgun:

"No, I don't think so. But, you can still run the spread and get him under center, however it works out. But, as far as the noise is concerned, that's just something that we have to continue to work on. Everybody that goes in there has to do the same thing. Thankfully, this isn't the first game that we've been in a situation like that. We just have to do a good job of managing it this week."

On how he can improve his team's tackling:

"It's just something that's an ongoing thing. We just have to get enough guys to the ball. Guys on the back end have to understand that we have to tackle. We just have to tackle. It's not that you've got a guy - I think I said before - like [S Dashon] Goldson. It's not a matter of him not wanting to tackle. It's a good problem. He wants to come up and knock everybody out, but he has to come up and settle down and tackle a guy. Going forward, it's just something that throughout the rest of the year, we just have to continue to focus on."

On whether the team still practices with pads:

"No."

On when that ended:

"A couple of weeks ago."

On whether that was because at this point in the season it's unnecessary:

"Negotiating with a couple of players. That's all that was."

On whether not practicing with pads has anything to do with the tackling issues:

"No. No, not at all."

On whether the players approached him or he approached the players:

"Both. I think one of the most important things in anything you do is relationships and communicating. I'm constantly looking for any type of hindrances or anything that can keep us from getting where we need to go, anything that might come up trying to head them off. I'm all about being proactive. I don't want to ever hear, ‘Well, coach, at that particular time, this was happening. You just didn't know it.' I don't want to hear that. I want to make sure that I'm asking, and, at the same time, I'm inviting them to talk to me, not that I'm going to agree with everything, not that I'm going to concede to everything. It's just a matter of, if that makes sense, then let's look at it. If not, then we won't do it."

On how he hears from players' grumbling and how he adjusts to make sure that everyone's voice is heard:

"I think, first of all, I'm always around the players. I'm always talking to the players. I think, when you have captains on the team, when you have leaders on the team, I talk to everybody, whether they're practice squad guys or not. Like I said, it really is all about seeing. Just opening your eyes and opening your ears and trying to see things and really reading body language. That's a huge thing. I just try to be proactive that way."

On whether cutting back on the padded practices was a discussion about wear and tear on the players' bodies:

"Yes. I think when guys come out here and they have the pads on, it's more of a psychological thing than anything else. The pads, how much to they weigh? They weigh a couple of pounds, but the fact that you have them on brings on the fact that you might hit. So, if the guy has sore shoulders, it's just a matter of when you don't have those things, you have the shells on, you just feel a lot better mentally. So, it's more psychological than anything else."

On whether any of the running backs have approached him about their concern of having lesser role in a spread offense:

"Absolutely. I think any great player, any great player that I've been around, whether it's Walter Payton, whether it's a great receiver, Jerry Rice - whoever it might be. When they're not getting the ball, they feel like they're not contributing. They feel like they're not a part of it. I've talked to all of our guys and had them understand that we need to understand that, going forward, everybody will have their part in the success. Everybody will have their part. It's really important that we're for one another. It's really important that we might as well, if we really want to win, If we really want to do this right, we need to be happy about the other guy. When somebody else has the ball, instead of me being upset about me not having the ball, go find a block and help free him up. So, whatever the situation, it's just important that at this particular time of year, not everybody is going to be happy. Once again, we talk about a family. I don't know one family anywhere in America or in the world for that matter where everybody is happy. I just think that it's all about being a team player. It's all about doing your best when you have the opportunity. But, I think everybody needs to know that the common denominator must be to win. It must be that. If it's not that, than we're thinking the wrong thing. We're going in the wrong direction. I think everybody understands that, but it doesn't take away the fact that I don't feel totally great if I don't feel like I'm making a contribution."

On whether RB Frank Gore has expressed with concerned:

"I've met with all of our guys. I've met with all of our offensive guys, just had some open dialogue about it going forward. Everybody is on the same page, including Frank, and I understand full-well when that happens. It's like when I was playing. If I didn't get 10 tackles, I'm sitting there and I'm thinking, ‘Daggumit. Man.' Somebody else got two or three picks, another linebacker, thinking, ‘I'm glad we won, but I've got to do a better job. How do I get another pick?' He's excited about it. I want to be excited about it. I can be excited about it for him, but at some point in time, I'm going to think about, ‘Wow, I need to do a better job to contribute more.' So, to me, that's what that is."

On whether Gore is more concerned with winning or his statistics:

"Frank is a team guy. But, it's like anything else. I don't know if you've ever been in a situation where it may be a family member, it may be a team member and somebody else does something great. You want to be happy for them, but it's a natural thing. You can't take away from the fact that you want to do well too. You want to make sure that you're doing everything that you can to make sure that you're a part of that. I don't think it's any more than that, but to ask someone not to be natural, to ask someone not to be human, I just think it's just a matter of everybody understanding where we're striving to go. It has to be family. It has to be team, knowing that not everybody is going to happy all of the time."

On whether the competition from wanting to do more is helping or hindering the offense:

"No, I think there's nothing like competition. You want a situation where guys are saying, ‘Man, I've got to do more. I want the ball.' If I've got receivers that don't want the ball, then something is wrong. If I've got a running back who doesn't want the ball, then something's wrong. But, I think there's a limit to it. There's a point to being competitive and wanting to contribute and being selfish. There's a thin line there somewhere, and everybody has to find that for themselves. But, I just think it's important that we all understand that in order for us to get where we need to go, everybody has to be on board. I do know that, and I think they understand that. Frank is not going to lose his mind if he doesn't get 100 yards because I think, at the end of the day, it's all about winning. He may be upset at the moment, but I know he's going to come back the next day and say, ‘Hey, you know what? I'm glad we won. I know I did contribute.' The thing I want them to understand is, if you're a running back and you've got wide outs that are making plays, that makes it easier. That makes your job easier. If you're a wide out or you're a quarterback, that makes your job easier. Everybody needs to understand that I don't care about that game. If you didn't shine that game, you're number is going to be called, but just understand that everybody makes everybody else's job better. So, to me, that's really the bottom line that they understand that."

On Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck:

"I'm sorry, who's this now?"

On whether Hasselbeck looks different on film since the last they faced him:

"No, he is still throwing the ball on the money. He is still doing a good job throwing the ball. The timing has been great. Hasselbeck is Hasselbeck. He sits back there and if he has time, he is going to get the ball out and he is going to hurt you. I don't see anything different."

On whether the offense will change week-to-week based on the opponent:

"Obviously, I would like to see more carry-over. But, where we are right now, I think the most important thing is you want to go into every game just like every other offense. You are going to go into the game thinking that you want to be balanced. You have a game plan, but if you are running the ball better, then maybe you are going to run 60-40; if you are throwing the ball better, maybe you are going to throw 60-40. I think you have a tendency, coordinators, they can't help it. You don't want to outsmart yourself. If your team is doing something well against that particular defense, then you want to try to do it."

QB Alex Smith
Post-Walk-Thru - December 2, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

On whether he is concerned that everyone on offense is happy:

"No, absolutely not. I am kind of a firm believer that you have to do whatever it takes to win the game. A lot is made out of stats in the NFL, with all the stuff that goes along with it and fantasy and things. Sometimes it can be easy to get sucked into that, but winning is winning. That's it."

On whether he has talked to RB Frank Gore about his comfort in the shotgun:

"I haven't talked to him specifically about that. My opinion of him is a guy who can do virtually everything out there. He is a guy who can run through the tackles in I-formation, can do a lot, can run out of one-back stuff, is a great receiver out of the backfield. Some of the great things about Frank is that he can do everything, very versatile."

On dealing with the crowd noise in Seattle:

"It kind of takes an extra level of focus, it does. You have to work with it through the week. You can't just dismiss it, but at the same time you have to deal with crowd noise everywhere you go. It is loud there, but I think it is just something you have to take into note, deal with it all week in practice then be sharp on game day."

On how he developed his quarterback voice:

"I guess you just kind of imitate it. You certainly don't want to go up there with a high-pitch voice or anything, so you try to lower it down as much as you can. I think it is something you kind of develop. You get practice in high school and especially when you go off to college. It is something you change as you go along. In different systems you have different cadences and different ways of using them, so it is something you have to switch to and be in tune to."

On whether he worked on calling plays louder when he entered the NFL:

"A little bit. Hopefully you aren't dealing with too much crowd noise in the huddle, the play hasn't even began and it gets louder as you approach the line. Even playing in really loud places in college, I can remember a lot of times playing in loud places and playing out of the shotgun and still using cadence, not going silent count very much. Now I get into some places, playing indoors in the NFL a lot, and all of a sudden, even under center, you have to use a silent count. To me, that seemed pretty bizarre when I first got to the NFL."

On what works best to simulate crowd noise throughout the week:

"In my opinion, I kind of just think pumping the noise out there works best. It is the most similar to the game situation - the guys really can't hear, it is loud, you have to focus without your ears. I think that simulates the game-time scenario the best."

On what he remembers about the last time he played in Seattle:

"I remember it has always been loud up there. I think it is similar to most places you go, especially indoor-type places. If you are in the gun, you are obviously going to be in silent count a lot. Under center, I think usually you can get away with it in times of big situations that might be difficult. If you are down in an end zone type, or a big short yardage situation, it can be difficult under center sometimes with things like that. I know last year I didn't make the trip and we had some problems up there with the crowd noise. I wasn't there, so I was kind of unfamiliar with that."

On how comfortable is he with the offense pertaining to his style of play:

"I don't know, I guess I have no idea. I take pride in making good decisions, throwing the ball accurately, and keeping us in good situations. Those are the things that I try to do and hopefully that shows up on film."

On how much the film on Seattle is useful being that QB Shaun Hill started that last game and that the offense now uses a spread formation:

"It's still very useful, they are a divisional opponent. The first game is always important. You see the different things they did to try to take away the first time, their opinion of you the first go-round, things that they had success in, things that they didn't, and things that might influence the second time. So, that's still definitely something important to look at."

On what TE Delanie Walker adds to the offense:

"Yeah, he's another playmaker and I think that he can be a challenge sometimes personnel-wise on how you treat him. To come in as the second tight end, you can treat him as a receiver, as a tight end, we can do a lot of blocking stuff with him as well, so I think that he's kind of a personnel match-up problem for a lot of teams as to how they view him."

On how Walker compares to TE Vernon Davis in terms of straight line speed:

"I'll let them answer that. I would be stirring up something if I said something there. They are both really fast, each would probably claim that they would win the race, but I don't know. I'll leave that one alone."

On how opposing defenses try to match-up against Delanie Walker:

"Teams have done different things. Some teams have treated Delanie in base when we brought him on and some teams don't match up as well in base and they bring a corner on and played nickel, so we've seen both for him."

On whether he would expect Seattle to defend the spread offense as they did against Indianapolis:

"I don't know, I guess we'll find out. We've got some good stuff on film with different looks. I guess a little bit of it is going to be just wait and see. We have to prepare for everything and just wait and see how they're going to defend us because the first game, I forget what we rushed for, we rushed for quite a bit against them and did a lot of good things in the run game. I still think that it's there to think about and that we've done some different things the last couple of weeks personnel-wise and formation-wise. But, I think that they will have a lot to think about."

49ers-Jaguars: Wednesday Injury Report

Fooch — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:16:48 -0000

Although tomorrow is Thanksgiving, the 49ers will be holding practice as normal this week, which means we get the normal injury report and coach press conferences. The most intriguing comment was that we might see Dre Bly starting over Tarell Brown. Brown struggled against the Packers so if he is demoted it's certainly a sign of accountability. Will we get to see an old school matchup between Dre Bly and Torry Holt?

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

Did not Participate in Practice
WR Arnaz Battle (ankle)
WR Isaac Bruce (ankle)
S Michael Lewis (quadricep)
RB Michael Robinson (shoulder)
S Mark Roman (illness)
DT Justin Smith (not injury related)
LB Takeo Spikes (hamstring)

Limited Participation in Practice
G David Baas (ankle)
CB Marcus Hudson (back)
S Curtis Taylor (knee)

Full Participation in Practice
CB Tarell Brown (knee)
S Reggie Smith (abdomen)
T Adam Snyder (shoulder)
LB Patrick Willis (shoulder)

Jaguars
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
CB Rashean Mathis (groin)

Did not Participate in Practice
RB Maurice Jones-Drew (knee)
WR Mike Sims-Walker (knee)

Coach Singletary's press conference transcript after the jump...

Head Coach Mike Singletary
Post-Walk-Thru November 25, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

Opening statements:

"[RB] Mike Robinson, stinger, day-to-day. [G David] Baas, ankle sprain, day-to-day. He is a lot better than we anticipated, but it is day-to-day. [WR Arnaz] Battle, same thing. [S Mark] Roman, rib contusion. Battle has a leg strain. [CB Tarell] Brown, knee contusion, coming along okay. [S] Reggie Smith, ab strain. [CB Marcus] Hudson, back spasm. [TE] Delanie Walker, forearm contusion. [LB] Patrick Willis, trap spasm. Most of those are fine and should not inhibit the game-day situation. There are just a few guys that are day-to-day."

On whether Baas has a high ankle sprain:

"No, I don't think so."

On LB Takeo Spikes' health:

"He is coming along. We are hopeful, but we don't know that yet. It will be a game-time decision, but we are hoping he will be okay. We are hoping for that."

On how many players will be game-time decisions:

"The rest of them are okay. The rest of them, so far so good."

On the importance of this game:

"The later it gets in the season, and when you are in November and December they are all important. I think going forward, the guys know how important it is, the coaches know how important it is. It is just a matter of getting out here and putting it all together, putting all three phases together - offense, defense and special teams. We need to stop killing ourselves. We just have to continue to work at that, continue to get better eliminating little mistakes here and there and we will get better."

On whether he would like the team to have more attitude:

"You know what, I think more so than attitude it is more of a - sometimes when you are in a situation where you put yourself in a hole, sometimes you get your back up against the wall and you kind of start looking around then, ‘Hey you know what? It's all in front of us.' Just settle down, continue to work on our technique, continue to do all the little things that we have to do because it is more about us than it is about anybody else we have played or are playing. As we continue to commit ourselves to eliminating those things that hinder us from putting a winning game together, putting a winning streak together, it will happen. I said it before and I talked to the team about that, it has to come soon. The guys are working hard; they are doing everything you ask them to do. We just have to eliminate some of the little things that come up at the worst opportune time in the game."

On the little things he was talking about that keep going wrong:

"Being a step off here, not being exactly where you are supposed to be on a particular drop and the quarterback finding that little window. Seeing things a little bit quicker and anticipating, getting there quicker, whether it be a linebacker or a DB. Those kinds of things. For me, detail is everything and it is just a matter of guys continuing to focus on those things. Making a call. We are getting in a situation where you are making the call but it is too late and the guy can't respond the way he needs to respond. Stuff like that. Nothing with effort, nothing at all with any of that kind of stuff, which is great. But at the same time, the end result costs you one way or another. We just have to continue working on those little things to play faster and play quicker and just get where we need to be."

On whether one of those things was when CB Tarell Brown missed a tackle against Green Bay that led to a touchdown:

"No, that's a big thing. That's a big thing."

On why the defense has missed so many tackles lately:

"I won't say fatigue. I think this past week, and really when you are in a situation where guys are tackling wide outs in the open field, sometimes that happens. We just have to continue to work on it, continue to get better at it."

On whether CB Nate Clements would be making some of those open-field tackles if he were healthy:

"The whole thing about Nate Clements is a whole other story. It has very little to do with tackling. Nate and I talked about that and discussed that back then and tackling was a small part of that."

On whether he will make any changes in the secondary:

"It is possible. We are just going to look at some things and see how it works out and go from there. We will look at it today and tomorrow and go from there."

On what he has told the defensive backs lately:

"Some of the things that I talked about earlier, it is just a matter of being on the same page consistently, making those little calls. To a secondary that has been playing together a while, you expect it to be quicker, you expect it to be. At times, it is not. We just have to continue as a secondary overall. We just have to continue to work better together and be on the same page, be sharper, be quicker, all those little things. It is not like they are covering the wrong guy. It is not like they are calling the wrong thing. I would just like for it to happen faster, that's all. We just have to play faster."

On whether he told his team he expects five turnovers every game after the Chicago game:

"I think for us as you get into the second half of the season, the Bears game was a combination of a number of things. That's why I don't get all tied into the stats of this team has done this and this team is there. I am always looking at the film and making sure we are where we are supposed to be and we are doing the proper technique because the better the team, the better you have to be on the back end. And if you're not exactly where you need to be, then it's going to catch you at times, and that's where we are. We're all about being exact, being exactly where we need to be. Our margin for error is very small. That's where we are."

On whether CB Dre' Bly will start in place of Brown or if he's looking at other changes:

"It's possible. It's possible."

On whether he means Bly for Brown:

"Yes sir. It's possible."

On how he would analyze the long pass play to WR Greg Jennings:

"I think there were two things happening there. When you see the play on film, Tarell Brown was behind the guy, chasing him, and I think [S] Dashon Goldson was seeing both of those things and anticipating that Tarell Brown was going to hit him and he had one shot to get him, and either you take it and take the risk of taking Tarell Brown out as well. So, you didn't. So yes, it was a bad angle, but I think that was the biggest reason for it. You had your own player in that same window."

On what he wants to see from QB Alex Smith and the offense this Sunday:

"All I want to see in our offense is just execution, just consistency in the execution. At some point in time, they'll have to put that together. I think they're getting better each week. I think Alex is getting better each week. I think the receivers - we just have to continue to work together, get the timing down. I think that something very special could be in the making in terms of getting everybody on the same page on offense, whether it be [WR Michael] Crabtree, whether it be [WR Jason] Hill, whether it be [WR Josh] Morgan. I think the guys are beginning to click a bit. The more we can be consistent, the more we can execute, I think that can be a good thing here in the second half of the season."

On whether the touchdown catch Crabtree made was indicative of the reason for drafting him:

"Absolutely. I think more so than anything else, when you saw him in college he was like a man amongst boys making plays. You're hoping that transfers at the next level. This game is certainly not too big for him. He is a rookie. He is working his tail off. He is doing some little things that he has got to get better at. But, I think everything that he's been able to do thus far has been really good. I know we are very excited to have him. When you have a guy like that, it takes your whole offense to another level."

On whether he will make any other personnel changes this week:

"At this time, we're just kind of looking at some things. I don't want to make any quick decisions, rash judgments. We're just kind of looking at some things."

On his thoughts on the Thanksgiving holiday and his traditions:

"Just try and get everything done that we need to get done here in terms of keeping the focus on performing well this Sunday and trying to come away with a win. And at the same time, taking that day to enjoy your family, finding the balance between the two. That's really it. I'm going to enjoy my family and encourage everybody else to do the same."

On whether he carves the turkey every year:

"I carve the turkey. I mess it up pretty much. My wife is still gracious enough to let me do it every year. Yes, I do. The biggest part I do is we just have a good time. It's my day to serve and try to get my wife to sit down somewhere. That's what that day is all about for me."

On LB Matt Wilhelm's performance in the Green Bay game:

"Well I'll put it this way, it's a work in progress. He got in there and he made some improvement based on what he's done before and some of the techniques that we teach. He tried to use those. Matt, he really is a work in progress. I think he can play the game. I think he can be a good linebacker. How good? I just think it's going to take some time. Going forward, we'll see how good he can become."

QB Alex Smith
Post Walk-Thru - November 25, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

On having any plans for thanksgiving:

"Just staying at home and the in-laws are coming over so we are going to do thanksgiving dinner at our house."

On who does the cooking in preparation for thanksgiving dinner:

"My wife, I really don't have time to do much or really help out."

On his opinion on the state of the offense as a whole:

"Probably like most scenarios: some good, some bad, some in between. I think that, looking back, consistency is the key. We've lacked consistency in our execution, that's the one area that I really see."

On the difference in his offensive performance being under center rather than taking snaps in a shotgun formation:

"I don't know. I don't know the numbers. I guess, just imaging what they're like, it could be the concepts that we're doing that are different. We tend to do more play action pass when we're under center, taking shots maybe, I don't know. I don't necessarily think that whether the gun or under center has to do with it as much."

On throwing one pass under center in the second half of the game against Green Bay for an interception:

"Really? I didn't know that. I guess when I look at that, in that one example, I don't see the correlation there. I understand that's what the statistics say but that was a unique deal. I think back on what happened and the decision that I was making, and it was a unique thing specific to that play and not necessarily me being under center."

On whether the offense is still looking for a solid identity with him starting at quarterback:

"In a sense of figuring it out - yeah. I think it's because we've lacked consistency. I think it's because of that reason. At times when we're going and executing and doing what we need to do, we look good and at times we don't and I think that's because when you are struggling, you've got change what you're doing sometimes. So yeah, all of a sudden, if we're struggling doing one thing and we're changing it up, it appears that maybe we're looking, but I think that's the nature of this game. Good defenses are going to take away what they want one dimensionally. If the defense wants to overload the box and stop the run they can do that. You have to be able to adjust and throw the ball. That's what good offenses do, you have to be able to do that. I think that, especially when you come up and face good defenses, you can't always impose your will, you have to be able to adjust. Be balanced, be multi-dimensional."

On whether it's frustrating to figure out what a defense is doing and making adjustments:

"It frustrates me in a sense because I don't think that it's just the adjustment, it's us executing. That's the biggest thing, too. We have to go out and execute it, to take a half of a football like we did last week, yeah it is frustrating. We've got to get going. That's on all of us."

On scouting Jacksonville's defense:

"They are similar to a couple of the teams that we've played in the sense that they have 3-4 personnel going in and out of running the 3-4 and then 4 down. Then you're going to get different looks up front, so you definitely have to be sharp with the protection and the run game and where we're going. So, I think they're similar to teams that we've played in the last few weeks."

On whether he views Jacksonville being a sacking team on defense:

"That's not something that I particularly look at. I think that it's more when you look that personnel, if you play a team with a defensive end that's really causing a lot of problems is that something that you maybe have to adjust your game plan to. My job is to get out there and disperse the ball. You have to adjust to pressure and things they do like that. I'm not really thinking about d-linemen."

On his reasons why no passes were thrown downfield in the first half of the game at Green Bay:

"I think that there were limited opportunities. We only had a limited number of opportunities in the first half. I think just a combination of things, a combination of maybe not getting it off or it wasn't there."

Packers 30 - 49ers 24: Hidden Nuggets

Fooch — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:18:30 -0000

I mentioned before that I get a press release with some of the positive statistical performances from the day's game. I'm thinking when the 49ers lose we'll call this Hidden Nuggets, since games like this sometimes require fans to look a little deeper for positives. And we can continue our gold miner theme on the site, right?

Frank Gore
One of the more interesting numbers came from Frank Gore. Gore's 42 yard rush pushed him over the 5,000 yard mark, making him just the fifth player in franchise history to reach that mark. With 5,051 yards, Gore now stands 484 yards behind Garrison Hearst (5,535) for fourth on the 49ers all-time rushing list. There are six games remaining on the season, and normally I'd think he could reach that mark, as he needs to average 80+ yards per game. He might need a big game like he had against Seattle given how the offensive line is performing in front of him. Throw in the lack of carries when the team falls behind and it will be interesting to see if that happens.

In addition, Gore scored a touchdown for the fourth consecutive game, which is a first for him. Prior to this season, he had rushed for touchdowns in three straight games from 9/7/08 through 9/21/08.

Vernon Davis
Davis finished with six receptions for a career high 108 yards and one touchdown. This was his second career 100-yard receiving game. Davis also set a new single-season career-high with 601 receiving yards on the season. He has 51 receptions on the season and needs 2 more receptions to break his single-season career-high of 52 receptions in 2007.

Additional random nuggets:

WR Michael Crabtree hauled in a 38-yard touchdown pass from QB Alex Smith for his first career touchdown. The 38-yard touchdown pass was the longest of the season for Smith.
For the second time this season, QB Alex Smith tied his career-high with 3 touchdown passes. He previously tied this mark at Houston (10/25/09).
K Joe Nedney’s 46-yard field goal in the first quarter moved him into 7th place on the 49ers all-time scoring list. He finished the day with 465 points, trailing WR Terrell Owens (502 points) for 6th place all-time.
Seeing his first action at kick returner in his career, WR Josh Morgan notched the longest kickoff return of the season for the 49ers on a 76-yard return in the fourth quarter that set up an QB Alex Smith touchdown pass. Morgan finished the day with 2 returns for 101 yards.
DT Justin Smith extended his consecutive starts streak to 133 games, which leads all defensive linemen. Arizona DT Darnell Dockett is second at 74 games.
S Mark Roman extended his streak to 106 consecutive games played. He ranks 2nd in the NFL among safeties with 104 consecutive games played (Deon Grant, SEA – 137).

Golden Nuggets: No, it doesn't make sense. Not at all.

Ninjames — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:00:18 -0000

It's Saturday and I'm pumped. The game tomorrow should be really good, I honestly can't wait. I really wish I had a dependable car so I could just up and take a road trip and talk a whole lot of trash to some Packer fans. Anyway, and I mean no disrespect to the 49ers, but from the time after I post this until tomorrow morning I won't be thinking about the 49ers a whole lot as I'm going to be busy tonight watching UFC 106. Still, I'm excited for the game right now and I should be plenty until it starts. I'm so starved for 49ers conversation I walked down to 7-11 about fifteen minutes ago so I could talk to the guy there who works overnight who I happen to know is a 49er fan. And yeah, it's 1 AM right now so that's dedication, mind you. I have a couple links for you, not as many as yesterday though. I'll get to 'em.

WR Michael Crabtree is legitimately bothered by his two drops this season. He says it keeps him up at night sometimes. That's pretty rough. (SFGate.com)

Four players were fined last Thursday, three of them from the 49ers. (ProFootballTalk.com)

No no no no no no no no no no no no no no, never. "Does the 4-3 make any sense?" For the 49ers? No, no it does not. Not at all. Don't want it, not ever. Also disagree with a lot of what is said within the article. (SFGate.com)

The 49ers have their eyes on a couple of Green Bay's key players on defense. (SacBee.com)

DT Aubrayo Franklin should be making the big bucks come next season. (PressDemocrat.com)

Teams Talk: Mark Roman on the Packers. (49ers.com)

The Niners hope to get back to .500 tomorrow with a win, all the while looking to get better. (SFGate.com)

After only a couple games, it must say something about Michael Crabtree in that he's already the 49ers top WR on the depth chart. (MercuryNews.com)

Friday Injury Report: 49ers at Packers

Brandon — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:26:28 -0000

It's a long list for each team this week. The Green Bay Packers have 17 players listed, and the 49ers 13. But most of the injuries are not serious, and nearly everyone is expected to play.

For the Packers, it's been a rough week of practice. Both RT Allen Barbre and OL Evan Dietrich-Smith were injured during practice, and I'm not expecting either of them to play. C Scott Wells reported a concussion on Wednesday, though the injury likely happened during the game last Sunday. Mike McCarthy expects Wells will start. RB Ahman Green injured his groin late Thursday during practice, and it's not clear whether he'll play. Every other player should be available to play, including three guys who didn't play last week: LB Brandon Chillar, TE Jermichael Finley, and RT Mark Tauscher.

Tauscher will start the game, but he will rotate with OL T.J. Lang, depending on Tauscher's endurance.

For the Niners, only CB Nate Clements and LT Joe Staley are out. Those are two of their big name players, but they missed last week's game too. Fooch said their replacements have played really well. The only other player who could miss the game is LB Takeo Spikes who's day-to-day with a hamstring injury.

Overall, both teams are relatively healthy and injuries shouldn't play a major role. The complete injury list for both teams is after the jump.

Player	Pos.	Injury	Friday Participation	Friday Status
Allen Barbre	T/G	Ankle	Did Not Participate	Doubtful
Desmond Bishop	LB	Ankle	Full Participation	Probable
Brandon Chillar	LB	Hand	Full Participation	Probable
Chad Clifton	T	Not Inj. Related	Limited Participation	N/A
Evan Dietrich-Smith	G/C	Ankle	Did Not Participate	Questionable
Jermichael Finley	TE	Knee	Full Participation	Probable
Ahman Green	RB	Groin	Did Not Participate	Questionable
Cullen Jenkins	DE	Ankle	Full Participation	Probable
Johnny Jolly	DE	Back	Full Participation	Probable
Brad Jones	LB	Concussion	Full Participation	Probable
Aaron Kampman	LB	Concussion	Full Participation	Probable
John Kuhn	FB	Hand	Full Participation	Probable
Clay Matthews	LB	Jaw	Full Participation	Probable
Brady Poppinga	LB	Quadricep	Full Participation	Probable
Mark Tauscher	T	Knee	Full Participation	Probable
Scott Wells	C	Concussion	Full Participation	Probable
Charles Woodson	CB	Hip	Full Participation	Probable


Player	Pos.	Injury	Friday Participation	Friday Status
Isaac Bruce	WR	Ankle & Elbow	Full Participation	Probable
Nate Clements	CB	Shoulder	Out	Out
Glen Coffee	RB	Concussion	Full Participation	Probable
Michael Crabtree	WR	Knee	Full Participation	Probable
Demetric Evans	DT	Shoulder	Full Participation	Probable
Aubrayo Franklin	NT	Not Inj. Related
Michael Lewis	S	Quadricep	Full Participation	Probable
Michael Robinson	RB	Not Inj. Related	Did Not Participate	Probable
Mark Roman	S	Knee	Full Participation	Probable
Justin Smith	DT	Back	Full Participation	Probable
Adam Snyder	T/G	Shoulder	Full Participation	Probable
Takeo Spikes	LB	Hamstring	Limited Participation	Questionable
Joe Staley	T	Knee	Out	Out