SB Nation - Derek Smith

San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts: A Prospector's Guide

Fooch — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:00:37 -0000

Well, as some of you pointed out, we've truly come full circle. Alex Smith makes his first start in two years, but more interesting is the fact that he made his first career start in the last matchup between these two teams. Smith was 9/23 for 74 yards, 0 TDs and 4 interceptions in that start. Let's hope for something just a little bit better than that.

The 49ers travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts in what will be the 42nd meeting between the two teams, dating back to 1953. The last time San Francisco traveled to Indianapolis was in 2001, when they defeated the Colts, 40-21. QB Alex Smith made his first NFL start the last time the two teams squared off in San Francisco, in 2005.

The 49ers look to snap a two-game losing streak after falling to the Texans, 24-21, in Houston last week. After trailing 21-0 heading into the second half, Smith entered the game and sparked the 49ers offense in what was his first action in 28 regular season games. He completed 15 of 22 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns, all of which were
caught by TE Vernon Davis, who set a career-high with the three scores and became the first 49ers tight end to record 3 receiving scores in a game. Davis now leads the NFL in touchdown receptions with six.

The 49ers have a perfect 3-0 record against division opponents this season and enter this week’s game having won 8 of its past 13 contests, dating back to 2008.

49ers-Colts Connections
Coaching Connections
• 49ers offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye coached alongside Colts defensive line coach John Teerlinck with the Los Angeles Rams in 1991.
• Colts Senior OL Coach Howard Mudd was OL Coach for San Francisco in 1977 while Raye was WR coach. Mudd played for San Francisco from 1964-69.
• Special Teams Coordinator Ray Rychleski served as the position coach for TE Vernon Davis at Maryland (2003-05).

Players
FORMER COLTS - Offensive line coach Chris Foerster served as tight ends coach for the Colts from 2002-03 ... Secondary coach Vance Joseph played with the Colts during the 1996 season ... Director of college scouting David McCloughan was drafted in 1991 by the Colts with the 69th pick overall in the NFL Draft ... Director of Pro Personnel Tom Gamble was a college scout for the Colts from 1998 - 2004.

FORMER 49ERS - Colts DB Terrail Lambert spent training camp with San Francisco after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009.

INDIANA TIES – 49ers WR coach Jerry Sullivan served in the same capacity at the Indiana University in 1983 ... 49ers tight ends coach Pete Hoener was an offensive coordinator at Indiana State from 1978 –1984. Hoener also served as offensive line coach at Purdue University from 1989 – 1991 ... 49ers QB Nate Davis played at Ball State in Muncie, IN.
from 2006-08.

CALIFORNIA TIES – Colts DB T.J. Rushing played for Stanford University from 2002–05.

TARHEEL BRED – 49ers CB Dre’ Bly played and Colts C Jeff Saturday were teammates for two seasons at the University of North Carolina (1996-97).

TROJAN TIES - 49ers G Chilo Rachal and Colts DT Fili Voala were teammates at Southern California from 2005-07.

PANTHER PRIDE - 49ers LB Scott McKillop played with Colts LB Clint Session at Pittsburgh from 2004-06.

Series Highlights
Matchups: 41
Series Record: Colts lead series 23-18
49ers Away Record vs. Colts: Colts Lead Series 1
First Meeting: 11/29/53, 49ers win, 38-21
Last Meeting: 10/9/05, Colts win, 28-3
Current Streak: Lost 1
Longest 49ers Win Streak: 5 (10/26/69-9/10/89)
Longest Colts Win Streak: 13 (11/4/62-10/13/68)
Most 49ers Points: 45 (12/13/53), 45-14, at San Francisco
Most Colts Points: 45 (11/22/59), 45-14, at Baltimore
49ers Shutouts: None
Colts Shutouts: None

INDIANAPOLIS 28, SAN FRANCISCO 3
At San Francisco, CA, October 9, 2005

The San Francisco 49ers stayed on par with Indianapolis for three quarters of the game before a 14-point 4th quarter pulled the Colts to a 28-3 victory. Rookie QB Alex Smith made his first start, finishing with 9 completions and 4 INTs. He was also sacked 5 times and lost a fumble on one of the sacks in the 4th quarter. The first of his three 1st half INTs was returned 24 yds. for a TD by LB Cato June early in the 2nd quarter. Head Coach Mike Nolan did credit Smith’s mobility as a factor in the 49ers ability to open up the running game. RB Kevan Barlow paced the 49ers with 99 of the team’s 133 yds. on the ground.

Indianapolis took its first possession and marched 72 yds. in 7 plays before RB Dominic Rhodes scored on a 6-yd. run for a 7-0 lead. The Colts had a chance to go up 14-0 early in the 2nd quarter, but LB Jeff Ulbrich forced Rhodes to fumble at the 1-yd. line. The ball rolled into the end zone where S Mike Adams recovered for a touchback. Smith was intercepted on the 49ers next three series, including June’s 24-yd. TD return. Down 14-0 with just over two minutes to play in the 1st half, LB Derek Smith intercepted a QB Peyton Manning pass to give the 49ers a first down at the Indianapolis 47-yd. line. The 49ers scoring threat ended when Smith was intercepted by the Colts when he attempted to hit WR Arnaz Battle at the Colts 15-yd. line.

The 49ers tried to swing the momentum in the 2nd half with a successful onsides kick that was recovered by RB Terry Jackson at the San Francisco 41-yd. line. A 2-yd. run by RB Frank Gore on a 4th-and-1 play from the 50-yd. line, combined with a 20-yd. run by Barlow, helped set up a 30-yd. FG by K Joe Nedney for the 49ers only points of the day. The 49ers failed to convert their second attempt at an onsides kick on the kickoff following the FG, allowing the Colts a first down at the San Francisco 39-yd. line. CB Bruce Thornton stayed step-in-step with WR Marvin Harrison on the next play and intercepted a pass in the end zone to prevent a TD. Alex Smith threw his 4th INT of the game on the next series after the 49ers reached the Indianapolis 37-yd. line. The Colts scored 14 points in the 4th quarter to put the game out of reach. RB Edgerrin James scored on a 4-yd. run to start the 4th quarter, and then Manning connected with WR Troy Walters on an 18-yd. TD pass to make it 28-3.

2009 Statistics

49ERS (rank)		COLTS (rank)
3-3 (2nd NFCW)	Record	6-0 (1st AFCS)
22.2 (t-17th)	Points per game	29.8 (2nd)
272.0 (29th)	Total Offense	402.5 (4th)
98.3 (22nd)	Rushing Offense	91.7 (27th)
173.7 (24th)	Passing Offense	310.8 (1st)
29:32 (18th)	Possession Avg	28:57 (22nd)
20.3 (15th)	Points allowed/gm	12.8 (2nd)
291.7 (14th)	Total Defense	324.8 (9th)
88.8 (6th)	Rushing Defense	111.8 (19th)
179.8 (21st)	Passing Defense	236.0 (6th)
13 (t-20th)	Sacks	16 (t-8th)
47.6 (5th)	Punting Avg (Gross)	44.5 (17th)
+4 (t-8th)	Turnover Differential	+4 (t-7th)

San Diego Chargers' Roster: 2009 vs. 2008

John (obviousman) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:02:57 -0000

More photos » by Dave Martin - AP

3 months ago: San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson (21) and quarterback Philip Rivers (17) watch from the sidelines during their NFL preseason football game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Saturday Aug. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Browse more photos »

With the San Diego Chargers' 53-man roster set, I want to compare where the team is today compared to where they were one year ago. How do the position groups match up to each other? On talent alone, has the team gotten better or worse?

QB (2009): Philip Rivers, Billy Volek, Charlie Whitehurst

QB (2008): Rivers, Volek, Whitehurst

Verdict: Equal. There's been no change, but Rivers enters 2009 with no questions about his health (as he did in 2008) and a year of learning how to carry an NFL team on his back. Volek looks more polished as he gets even more comfortable with Norv Turner's offense. Still, any improvements here have more to do with time and chemistry rather than any talent improvement.

See the comparisons and verdicts of the rest of the position groups after the jump.

HB (2009): LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles, Michael Bennett, Gartrell Johnson, Jacob Hester, Mike Tolbert

HB (2008): LT, Sproles, Hester, Tolbert, Andrew Pinnock

Verdict: Better in '09. The Chargers went into 2008 thinking that Hester could fit the role of power RB and backup to LT. He has shown himself to be a fine FB, but not an NFL-caliber running back. So, based on the fact that there is at least one decent backup to LT in 2009 (Bennett) and possibly another (Johnson), 2009 wins.

WR (2009): Chris Chambers, Vincent Jackson, Buster Davis, Malcom Floyd, Legedu Naanee, Kassim Osgood

WR (2008): Chambers, Jackson, Davis, Floyd, Naanee, Osgood

Verdict: Equal. Same players, same result. Jackson, Floyd and Naanee may be better than they were at the start of 2008, but there's really no way of predicting that. The expectations for Chambers and Davis have dropped in the last year.

TE (2009): Antonio Gates, Brandon Manumaleuna, Kris Wilson

TE (2008): Gates, Manumaleuna

Verdict: Better in '09. Kris Wilson offers great blocking and good hands out of the 3rd TE position. Having a player like that on the end of the line (possibly next to Manu), offers a great improvement for goal line packages. Expect a lot of "Off Tackle" runs to his side when the Chargers are inside the opponents' 5 yard line.

OT (2009): Jeromey Clary, Marcus McNeill, Brandyn Dombrowski

OT (2008): Clary, McNeill, L.J. Shelton, Corey Clark

Verdict: Better in 2008. Although I really like Dombrowski, I'd certainly prefer to have 2 legitimate backup Tackles and a veteran mixed in there (like Shelton) makes me more comfortable as well. Shelton did a decent job filling in for McNeill in 2008, and it's always nice to have a proven commodity sitting on the bench should anything happen.

G (2009): Kris Dielman, Louis Vasquez, Tyronne Green

G (2008): Dielman, Mike Goff, Scott Mruczkowski

Verdict: Better in '09. Dielman is healthier than he was going into 2008, Goff was a train-wreck last season and has since flopped in KC, and Mooch is still on the team. Louis Vasquez brings a massive presence to the right side of the line that should eventually help balance it out.

C (2009): Nick Hardwick, Mruczkowski

C (2008): Hardwick, Jeremy Newberry, Cory Withrow

Verdict: Better in '09. Hardwick is healthy, which is the biggest improvement here, and Mooch is a better blocker than Newberry and Withrow combined. The reason the Chargers were able to go with only 8 offensive linemen is because Mruczkowski and Green can both play Center and Guard. Dombrowski can also play either Tackle or Guard.

Defense

DT (2009): Jamal Williams, Ogemdi Nwagbuo

DT (2008): Williams, Brandon McKinney

Verdict: Equal. Both McKinney and Nwagbuo are young and have shown themselves to be capable in the preseason. Regular work in the season will let the team know if Nwagbuo is ready to fill that backup NT slot long-term.

DE (2009): Luis Castillo, Travis Johnson, Vaughn Martin, Jacques Cesaire

DE (2008): Castillo, Igor Olshansky, Cesaire, Ryon Bingham

Verdict: Incomplete. For as bland as Igor was as the Chargers' DE, he stayed healthy and was consistent enough to almost never get bowled over. Cesaire's health will help determine if this group has been improved over 2008, as well as how well Travis Johnson can transition back to the 3-4 and if he's improved work ethic. Since neither is a starter, I'll call Martin and Bingham a tie.

ILB (2009): Kevin Burnett, Stephen Cooper, Tim Dobbins, Brandon Siler

ILB (2008): Dobbins, Siler, Matt Wilhelm, Derek Smith, Anthony Waters

Verdict: 2009, better by a long shot. Cooper wasn't on the initial 53 man roster from 2008 because he was serving a 4 game suspension, so that's a big improvement. Burnett has shown himself to be a major playmaker in the Chargers defense, which puts him leaps and bounds ahead of Wilhelm, Smith and Waters.

OLB (2009): Shawne Merriman, Shaun Phillips, Larry English, Jyles Tucker, Antwan Applewhite

OLB (2008): Merriman, Phillips, Marques Harris, Jyles Tucker

Verdict: 2009 wins. A healthy Merriman (remember, the Chargers knew he was planning on playing 2008 on a bad knee), plus a first-round draft pick, makes this an easy choice.

CB (2009): Quentin Jammer, Antonio Cromartie, Antoine Cason

CB (2008): Jammer, Cromartie, Cason, Cletis Gordon, DeJuan Tribble

Verdict: Tie. Gordon and Tribble don't bring anything to the 2008 group. Figuring that out helped the Chargers to take the risk and go with only 3 CBs in 2009.

FS (2009): Eric Weddle, Paul Oliver, C.J. Spillman

FS (2008): Weddle, Oliver

Verdict: 2009, but just barely. I don't know that Spillman will see a lot of time as a FS in '09, but he should be a force on special teams and could eventually develop into the backup FS or a starting SS.

SS (2009): Clinton Hart, Steve Gregory, Kevin Ellison

SS (2008): Hart, Gregory

Verdict: 2009, but just barely. Ellison brings something to the table in goal line situations (where he can't get burned deep), and I hope he can do something for special teams, but that's about it right now. If he continues to develop, keeping him this season will pay dividends in the future.

Special Teams (LS/K/P): David Binn, Nate Kaeding and Mike Scifres are rocks in this group. The Chargers, and their fans, are hopeful that this trio stays together for another five seasons.

Do you have a question for next week's mailbag? Don't hesitate to e-mail me directly with your question and I'll make sure to answer it before next week's game.

Canal Street Chronicles: Fleur-di-Links 8.13.09

Saintsational — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:00:23 -0000

Sorry for the lack of a training camp update yesterday. There wasn't much coming in the way of news until later in the day. So here is everything I've collected. The boys are off tomorrow in preparation for the game on Friday. Ooooooh, I'm so excited!

Twitter

SupaFreak69 Gettin ready for the Bengals to come in town...why must people shout loudly bout wat they know not....I tell ya what I Love training camp.

jeffduncantp FYI: Saints are $4.9 million under the salary cap so signing Brooks won't be a money issue.

jeffduncantp My guess: He'll take Simoneau's spot. Reserve WLB/MLB in 4-3, w/1st unit inside in 3-4. @BigandEasy Jeff, will Brooks start?

JeremyShockey got some friends in town for the game fri... its another wet day in new orleans..

CPT23 We're ready to rock the dome Friday! I hope all our fans are ready to rock it with us!!

MalcolmJenkins between practices... bout to catch a quick nap... Get ready to see the Saints this friday!!!

drewbrees We have a great coach and a special group of players. I am so proud to be a part of this team. That's all I have to say.

usama_young28 I'm Focused

jeffduncantp Derrick Brooks not @ the start of practice today. No official word yet on where the situation stands. Will update after practice.

jeffduncantp Boxer Jeff Lacy also visiting practice. He and Roy Jones Jr. were introduced to the team before the workout.

jeffduncantp The Saints will make no signings of any kind today, according to a Saints spokesman.

FletcherMackel Play of the day so at saints afternoon prax; Chris reis tipped passe, int malcolm jenkins.

FletcherMackel Sean payton says saints did not offer dbrooks a contract. Will make a decision about a new LB sat/sun. Gregg will. says brooks inpressive.

jeffduncantp Rookie FA Reggie Jones went down with left Achilles injury. No official diagnosis, but didn't look good. He'd recently switched to safety

SupaFreak69 sittn around...got meetings and then a deep sleep.

JeremyShockey gong to get some rest.... redy to play a game fri night... .night everyone

saints83 Roy Jones Jr at practice today getting ready to fight Jeff Lacy who was also there. Great to meet people who at one time where the best

CPT23 I'm gonna be dreaming of those Friday Night Lights!! It feels like high school football again. No butterflies yet though. G'night ya'll

SupaFreak69 layn up at da hilton. less than a week left in telly. Then off to houston for a week.

Linkage

New Orleans Saints rookie cornerback Malcolm Jenkins is trying to catch up in a hurry - Times-Pic

Shockey Q&A: Full speed at all times - Yahoo! Sports

Video: Cody: Not signing Brooks yet says two things - WWL

Saints hold final workout before preseason opener - NewOrleans.com

Saints work out Brooks, Smith; don't make move on either yet - WWLTV

Updated with video, Wednesday New Orleans Saints post-practice report - Times-Pic

Training Camp, Day 14: Bush doesn't practice; final Bengals prep and more - WWL

New Orleans Saints' Charles Grant refuses to wear purple and gold - Times-Pic

Derrick Brooks works out for New Orleans Saints, leaves town without a contract - Times-Pic

Saints vs Bengals Entertainment Schedule - New Orleans Saints official website

McCray Thinking Big - New Orleans Saints official website

"He is putting me into position to make plays," he said. "I don’t have to drop back now, instead I get to do what I do best."

-Bobby McCray, on Gregg Williams

"Bobby has great length, speed, and more power than people think. He’s a great player for our team."

-Bill Johnson

"He is a good, complete football player," Johnson continued. "Some people think of him solely as a good pass rusher, but that’s just not true. He can do it all."

-Bill Johnson

"I can definitely see the difference with Coach (Gregg Williams) here," McCray said. "He’s a great coach. With him, the sky’s the limit for this team."

-Bobby McCray

"With the aggressive mentality that Coach Williams has brought," McCray continued, "I have a great opportunity to make plays."

-Bobby McCray

Dig The Connections - New Orleans Saints official website

"It’s a bit weird having an association with a team and then getting an opportunity to face that team in your first game with your new team,"

-Digger Bujnoch

"I grew up learning about all of those people and hearing about it from people because I grew up and attended high school (Elder High School) in Cincinnati," he said. "My parents didn’t really harp or talk too much about it growing up, but other people would so obviously I was interested to learn more about my dad’s career, which I have a lot of admiration for."

-Digger Bujnoch

"Each day I’m working on going out and trying to hold my own and make a name for myself," Bujnoch said. "It’s about getting the mental and physical parts down and executing and not letting there be a drop-off in productivity from the first team to the third team."

-Digger Bujnoch

Roy Jones Jr and Jeff Lacy Stop By Saints Practice - New Orleans Saints official website

"Hey, we have an early morning practice on Sunday, so we won’t be there for the fight, maybe you guys can give us a round or two before it gets started."

-Sean Payton

Video

Jeff Duncan's New Orleans Saints training camp video log, Day 13 (Aug. 12, 2009)

Video: New Orleans Saints practice August 12, 2009

Audio

Here is audio from WWL's Sports Talk. The first three are from Tuesday and the second three are from yesterday, including Scott Fujita.

Sean Payton Press Conference Transcript

From NewOrleans.com

Opening Statement:

"We pretty much have the same injury list that we've been operating off of. Adrian Arrington took limited reps; we're still resting Tracy Porter's hamstring along with Courtney Roby. We sat Billy Miller in this afternoon's practice just to get him off his feet and give him a breather. His knee has some swelling but he should be fine. Mark Simoneau is going to have his surgery tomorrow. Chip Vaughn already had his surgery. In regards to playing time for Friday night, the two guys that just had surgery will be out, Courtney Roby won't be ready to play, I'll probably hold Tracy Porter in this first game. We'll see where we're at D'Juan Woods; he got some reps today and looked better. We'll see where we're at with Malcolm Jenkins, just being that he has just joined us."

Can you tell what happened with Reggie Jones out there today?

"They think it's his left Achilles. We won't know until the doctors take a peek at it, but that's the early prognosis."

Will Lance Moore play Friday?

"We'll hold Lance back this week. He's the one guy I forgot to mention. Reggie Bush should get some snaps. He should be ready to go; we backed off his practice reps today but he should be fine."

How did the workouts with Derrick Brooks and Derek Smith go today?

"They went well. Those guys are both in great shape. We're not going to do anything right yet. I talked to both players and we're going to get through this game on Friday and into the weekend and then make a decision in regards to what direction we want to head."

What would trigger a move there? Would it be something you see Friday night?

"No, I think it's just a matter of timing. The obvious first thing is that we wouldn't expect either player to play in this game so there's no urgency in signing a player right now two days prior to a game. We'll see after Friday's game where we're at."

What did you do as far as working them out?

"Just linebacker drills. It was a pretty extensive workout that Joe Vitt and Adam Zimmer put them through."

Would contract terms be an issue?

"I don't think so. I think that both players are hungry and looking for an opportunity. I don't that would be a big sticking point."

What would prompt either one of them getting signed?

"With the loss of Simoneau, we felt like we wanted to take a look at a couple of veteran linebackers. We're going to get through this game Friday and see where we're at, discuss it some more, and then one way or another make a decision by Saturday."

Do you feel like there might be another team coming in for one of these players?

"It's hard to tell. I wouldn't know. You never really can tell. Certainly two players of their caliber are on the short list of a number of teams."

So is it less of an if than a when?

"I didn't say that. I said that we're going to make a decision by Saturday whether to sign a player or not and we'll get through the game."

What role would Derrick Brooks fill on this team?

"In either player's case, they would be a guy that could come in and initially give us depth because there would be a learning curve that's pretty significant this late in the process. That being said, both of them are in real good shape; both of them have played a long time and had successful careers. You wouldn't want to necessarily at the very beginning define a role but we understand that they're both experienced players that have played a long time in this league. We would only sign one of those players if we felt like they were going to play a role that we felt that we needed."

How long will the starters play on Friday night and how will you split the reps between the quarterbacks?

"Typically in this first preseason game we go about a quarter with the starters. The second wave goes the second quarter into the third quarter and then the third group will finish the third quarter and play the fourth quarter."

Will it be Mark Brunell and then Joey Harrington at quarterback?

"No, what I'll do is probably get Drew Brees some work and then get Brunell in there some with the first group and take him through somewhere in the third quarter and get Harrington about half of the third quarter and into the fourth quarter."

How much has Jonathan Vilma meant to this team since he's been here?

"Quite a bit. He's a guy that works extremely hard at his position. He's a quick study. He's one of the leaders on defense. He has been an important acquisition for us."

He said that it meant a lot to him that you guys stuck by him this offseason. Can you talk about that?

"Those are tough decisions that you have to make. They don't always favor the player but certainly with his age and where he is in his career, we felt that he was a priority guy for us to re-sign. When we made the trade for a player with one year left on his contract, we were hoping that he would be able to play and have success and if that was the case - which in his situation it was - we felt pretty good about re-signing him."

You've had people that have excelled in other sports speak to your team over the years in Avery Johnson and Roy Jones, Jr., etc. What does the team get out of something like that?

"I said this in the introduction of both of the boxers that these guys have won a lot of fights. When you look at Roy Jones, Jr.'s career, it's unbelievable. We can't have enough of those guys around our players - guys that have been competitive and in the arena. They understand the battle. It should be an interesting fight Saturday night; I haven't followed it much, but there will be a little bit more focus on our part now having had a chance to meet these guys."

Do you have a pick for the fight?

"No, I'm smarter than that."

Will you go to Biloxi to watch the fight?

"No, we have film to watch and meetings scheduled so we'll watch it on TV."

What is your schedule for tomorrow?

"The schedule tomorrow is much like a Saturday before a game. We'll have a brief walkthrough, go through the mechanics of pre-game for all these guys because it's the first time. We'll hold practice here inside and it will really be more of a walkthrough."

Are you leaning toward putting Simoneau on injured reserve?

"That's a question that we haven't really answered yet. We have discussed it, but a lot of it is going to be determined based on how we think the surgery went and the doctor's prognosis."

From what you saw from Brooks today, could he play outside still you think?

"That's his position. He moved around well. He was nicked up with a hamstring last year and another injury, but prior to that he was playing at a good level. We'll see, but that would be the position that we would start him at."

Outside of Vilma and Marvin Mitchell, who would go into the middle linebacker spot on Friday?

"Our plan initially is to start with Vilma and play Mitchell. Jo-Lonn Dunbar is a guy that could take snaps in there."

Would you move Anthony Waters inside at all?

"We'll probably leave Waters outside right now and we'll see how it goes."

Gregg Williams Press Conference Transcript

From NewOrleans.com

Q: Can you give us a snapshot of what you thought of the defense's performance at the scrimmage?

A: I thought they had fun playing. I thought we played with good enthusiasm. I thought we were pretty good around the ball. Great defenses are great around the ball. We were able to get some takeaways. You guys documented sacks, but we had several others where guys were pulling off. We were doing well in that area, as far as the younger guys. The older guys kind of grasp what we're doing, why we're doing it and have bought in pretty well. Four preseason games are going to be important from a fundamental standpoint. We're not going to try to do a whole lot defensively from packages and scheme. What we're going to work on is the fundamentals of the game. We're going to block, tackle, those type of things and try to get good evaluations for our pro personnel department.

Q: Were you present when Derek Smith and Derrick Brooks worked out?

A: I did. I was impressed. We worked both of those guys very hard by design. Anytime you come in at the middle of a training camp, there's physical catch-up more so than mental. Both those guys are pros. Both of those guys have played under a lot of different systems. They understand the game of football but they had to do a conditioning check along with that. I was very impressed with both of them. They had fine workouts.

Q: How far along is Malcolm Jenkins?

A: Mentally he did a lot of studying. He really did. He's a smart kid. I went through a lot of different testing procedures and maneuvers before we said he was who we wanted. He's done a great job of staying on top of things. Right now, behind the scenes, there's no such thing as time and a half. He's making pretty good money. He's meeting us at 6:30 in the morning. When I have staff meetings with the coaches, one of the DB coaches is in a staff meeting with me, the other is with him. They're finding him and the thing about is they're coming back to me with smiles on their faces saying he's got it and is doing a pretty good job. From a mental standpoint, pretty amazing and impressive. The physical part of it he's doing through. Day one you saw the heat get to him, day two he's as sore as all get out, day three is the hump day, you're the sorest, day four you start to come out of it a little bit and day five you get over the hurdle. From a physical standpoint you could see he was in good condition but he's going through that physical downtrend he won't come out of until the middle of next week.

Q: What was your initial assessment of Roman Harper before you were able to break him down and work him out?

A: I liked him coming out. I scouted him a lot coming out. He was a very physical football player, very similar to some of the guys that I coached before that were real stout and physical in the box. He knew he had to make some improvements in playing the ball. I think he's had a good camp in terms of playing the ball. He still has a long way to go, but he's improved those skills. I've had a lot of safeties that we haven't put in the back end. We wanted them there as a versatile undersized linebacker to be able to go down and hit. There's no doubt in my mind he can do those things. He's a good blitzer. I think he's a good tackler and now the next step to be an elite player at that position is that you have to be able to make plays on balls down the field.

Q: Do you agree that you have safeties who want to make the big hit and ones that want to make the big pick and can you mesh those?

A: I've always liked those ones that wanted to hit. I had a good one in Sean Taylor, who flipped over to wanting to make plays on the ball, LaRon Landry, try to get him to make plays on the ball, Blaine Bishop, Marcus Robertson. It goes way back. I've had some good safeties that were really physical, but the difference in making a good defense is when they understand when a play on the ball is so much more important than the big hit. Playing pass defense is alsmo making sure that if you catch the football, you have to pay a price. Roman fits in very well. All of our guys do now.

Q: What do you hope to see from your defense in the preseason?

A: Fundamentals. I really want to see them play fast, play confident. I really would like to see them do the things from a communication standpoint. That was one of the things when I came in that a lot of people talked to me about. There were guys here who were players and coaches on the staff now where we needed to improve our communication. Those were things, basic elements of solid defense. I'm not trying to trick. We're just trying to play sound, hard nosed, defensive football.

Q: Can you talk about your foundations' event tonight?

A: It's going to be a neat thing. Sean (Payton) bless his heart has had me sequestered through most of training camp. I really appreciate the Nacho Mama's at Elmwood having a great thing tonight and tomorrow. A lot of the proceeds are going to my foundation. I'm a sucker for kids. I have three children of my own, but have a lot of kids across the country I help also. It's going to be a great event. Who knows, one of the prerequisites for Derrick Brooks and Derek Smith if they want to make the teams is if they go over and sign autographs tonight. Some of our guys will be over there that are out of the meetings. It's a good partnership with those people who I met when I first cam into town. The city has embraced me and has been very friendly. It's a fun place for me to be right now and appreciate them getting involved in the foundation because I really care for the kids.

Q: Can you talk about the progress of Rod Coleman and DeMario Pressley?

A: Rod has done really well after the year off now that he has really caught his second wind, you'll start to be able to see some things he did in the old days. We need him to be able to teach and mentor these young guys in what it's like to rush the passer from the defensive tackle position. He's playing probably more solid inside against the run than before he got hurt. I'm getting that report from Bill Johnson who was coaching him at that time. Pressley's having a very good camp. What you guys need to see is that you kind of need to keep track. When we play, you'll see some players play multiple positions. Pressley is one of those players you'll see at the defensive tackle position and at the defensive end position. He shows some very good agility, some very good explosion. He really like him there on the run downs against tight ends. He's had a real good week of practice. He's one of those players you want to give as much time as you can to watch him play this weekend.

Q: What do you compare the level of your installation to?

A: The only think I could compare it to is the pace of the installation. Because of Sean's (Payton) tremendous organizational skills and also because these guys want to, they're volunteering to be here all offseason, as of next week we'll start on the fourth installation of the book. We've put the book in three times already at the conclusion of this game right here. That's pretty impressive. There's an awful lot to learn at a pretty fast pace. For the first installation, we had a high level of participation and then for the next installation was in the OTA's and minicamps and now leading up to the minicamps and the first game we've done it a third time. From that point of view, I think the players and the coaching staff have done a very good job of putting it in. Now there's an awful lot of refining to be done. There's some slowing down. There's an awful lot of verbiage and the language. Now we have to a better job with techniques and that's what we hope to see in these games. As we try to simplify now and not overload and put clutter in there. Let's simplify it.

Q: Can you talk about Will Smith's camp?

A: He's had an excellent camp. Him and Charles (Grant) have both come back and had an excellent camp. It's been great for me to see what they look like this summer, what they look faster and both of those guys have had an excellent camp to date.

Q: Is it fair that Derrick Brooks gets more attention than Derek Smith?

A: Derek Smith was coached by one of my closest friends in the league. There is a pretty tight fraternity and hotline in the league. One of my friends who coached him in two places he played at is one of my two closest friends so we've talked about him. It's really an even race in that respect. Both those guys you have to treat with great respect. They worked out very well, both of them.

Q: Is there any concern that in terms of building camaraderie of bring a new guy in at this point?

A: There's always a concern of bringing a guy in to your locker room at this time when it is so strong. I laugh and I grin and they talk about bringing him.

NFC West Position-by-Position: Inside Linebackers

Hawkwind — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:28:48 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

Arizona Cardinals' Karlos Dansby (front) warms up with teammate Ali Highsmith (left)before practice. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Browse more photos »

Our weekly breakdown of the NFC West moves to the inside linebackers today where the Arizona Cardinals boast two of their most experience and accomplished defenders. Karlos Dansby and Gerald Hayes have combined to start 124 games for the Cardinals in the past three seasons and they will be a huge key to this defense being an improved unit in 2009. With the loss of Monty Beisel to the Chiefs in the off season, the Red Birds are left without a veteran backup but there is some youth in the pipeline, but how do they compare to the rest of the NFC West?

Arizona Cardinals

For at least one more season the Arizona Cardinals should boast an inside linebacking crew that well above average, at least as far as the starters are concerned. I say for at least one more season because it's pretty clear that Karlos Dansby is ready and waiting to jump into what he hopes is a very lucrative free agent pool in next year's uncapped NFL. He's quietly become one of the better inside linebackers in the league and there's no reason to think that this season couldn't be his best yet. As you'd expect from an inside backer, Dansby is capable of making plays from sideline to sideline and he can deliver a significant blow once he reaches the ball carrier. What sets him apart from many backers though is his ability to rush the pass just as well as he plays the run or drops into coverage. There are a certain faction of fans that even champion moving him to the OLB spot in the Cardinals new 3-4 defense since he'd likely be the pass rusher on the team from the outside. Despite the backwoods campaign though Dansby isn't moving and the Cardinals are expecting big things out of the 27 year old backer, especially considering that they're paying him almost ten million dollars this season.

The unsung hero of the Cardinals defense for the past several years is Gerald Hayes. Since missing the entire 2005 season with in injury, he's played in 46 of 48 games and averaged 93 tackles per season. He isn't flashy or dynamic but he's the proverbial 'thumper' in the middle of the Cards defense and he'll jar a couple of fumbles loose every season with his punishing hits. He's at his best when he can diagnose a play in front of him and move downhill towards the ball and along the same lines he's a decent pass rusher, although he'll prefer to run over a defender as opposed to running around or spinning around them. He's not necessarily a 'two down' backer but the Cardinals use Adrian Wilson like a linebacker on passing downs so Hayes will come off field at times in those situations. You won't find Hayes on Sportscenter but he's one of the 'glue' guys that hold this defense together.

The Cardinals lost their top backup LB, Monty Beisel, to the Chiefs in free agency so their depth is a bit thin. Ali Highsmith and/or Victor Hobson should get the first shot at backing up Dansby and Hayes. Highsmith, an undrafted rookie last year, showed promise during the preseason last year and was making a name for himself on special teams before a torn ACL ended his season prematurely. The biggest question for him will be his health and how much size he's put on during his first season of professional ball. Hobson is a veteran of the 3-4 defense and had a 100 tackle, six sack season in 2006, but since then he's been cut by the Jets, Patriots and Bengals. He played on the outside in 2006 but the Cardinals think that with his size (6-0, 254) he'll be better utilized on the inside. Also on the radar is Pago Togafua but his lack of size (5-10, 240) suggests that he's nothing more than a special team's contributor. Two undrafted free agents are also in the picture, Reggie Walker and Chase Bullock, but it's hard to tell how much of an impact they will make. With the lack of quality depth anything is possible though.

Overall the Cardinals have a very solid starting duo (dare I say A-range) but the depth leaves quite a bit to be desired. Taking that into consideration I can't go any higher than a grade of B.

San Francisco 49ers - Niners Nation

The 49ers probably don't have a ton of depth at inside linebacker. However, the players they go with put them in a great position to succeed. The 49ers start Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes at the two inside linebacker positions. If you don't know what Patrick Willis brings to the table, you've missed out on some impressive football. Bamm Bamm (labeled by pre-Ocho Cinco Chad Johnson) is a tackling machine. Obviously he's played with some sorry talent at times, but even still, he set the single season record for tackles as a rookie (since tackles have been recorded). He seems to have a nose for the ball combined with great closing ability. There have been countless instances of Willis tracking down a running back just as they're about to turn the corner for a big gain. That closing ability (and never say die attitude) was shown on a national stage his rookie season when he ran down Cardinals WR Sean Morey in overtime to save a touchdown (leading to a missed Rackers FG). The one area he can improve on is his pass coverage, but even that has been improving. I could write for days about the greatness that is Bamm Bamm, but I'll just leave it with that.

Takeo Spikes was signed at the beginning of training camp last season to compete for the Ted position in the 3-4. The previous Ted had been Derek Smith who put up decent tackling numbers, but was clearly running out of gas when the team drafted Willis. Spikes was coming off a season-ending injury in Philadelphia, but you never would have guessed it by the end of 2008. Spikes tied for second on the team in tackles and was tied for the lead in interceptions (probably not a good thing). He's brought an outspoken veteran leadership to the defense that complements the blue collar quiet leader Justin Smith. Spikes will eventually lose a step or two, but at this point, at the age of 32, he's still running strong. It probably helps that he doesn't have to be the key playmaker. Defenses will game-plan around Willis, leaving Spikes to continue making plays.

There is a significant drop-off after the starters, at least for now. The team drafted Scott McKillop in the fifth round out of Pitt to basically be the Ted linebacker of the future, once Spikes is put out to pasture. I'd imagine 2009 will see McKillop get a lot of time on special teams, and the occasional bit of mop-up duty (hopefully the good kind) on defense. He's a tough tackler who would seem to eventually fit in nicely next to Patrick Willis.

Jeff Ulbrich was going to be given a chance to compete for the starting Ted position last season but never really had the chance once Spikes was brought in. Ulbrich is a senior 49er, entering his 10th season with the team. He actually took a pay cut to avoid getting released, which is important because of his special teams prowess. He's a blue collar linebacker who does the little things for the team. He'll never be a flashy stand-out, but the 49ers don't really need that at this point. Aside from Ulbrich, Ahmad Brooks has spent some time as an inside linebacker, but will likely have his best crack of joining the roster as an outside linebacker. Beyond that, the 49ers have some roster fodder in guys like Mark Washington and Justin Roland; guys who might have a chance at the practice squad, but likely not much else.

The 49ers don't have a ton of depth at inside linebacker. If Patrick Willis were to go down, the team would be in a whole heap load of trouble. Nonetheless, Willis is a tough guy who has played through pain in the past. Additionally, guys like Ulbrich and McKillop will be able to spell an older veteran like Takeo Spikes. That helps the grade, but the talent that is starting for the 49ers alone gives me sufficient reason to grade them out as an A unit.

St. Louis Rams - Turf Show Times

In a division trademarked for its linebackers, the St. Louis Rams were embarrassingly substandard last year, thanks to poor decision making that left Will Witherspoon in the middle and arrogantly allowed an emerging Brandon Chillar to flee for greener, more frozen pastures. Addressing the situation at linebacker has been a top off season priority for the defensive-minded new regime led by head coach Steve Spagnuolo and defensive coordinator Ken Flajole.

The Rams made their first big move of the off season when they announced that Will Witherspoon would be moved back to his natural position on the weak side. That move was deemed so important, it happened before the free agent free for all and well ahead of the draft. The move will free up the athletic Witherspoon from having to take on huskier linemen and lead blockers in the middle, where he was long miscast with the Rams. Besides giving the team a more effective LB in coverage and pursuit, Witherspoon's presence on the outside gives them another threat to rush the passer. He won't likely top his career high 7 sacks from 2007, but he'll get plenty of work in the attack-first system. He's also being reunited with Ken Flajole, his linebackers coach with the Panthers.

The Rams have desperately needed a true middle linebacker and snagged their man, James Laurinaitis, with their second round pick. He has the size and ability to read and react well to action in the gaps in front of him, and displayed real talent against the run and in coverage. Most importantly, Little Animal has the intelligence and football acumen to be the "field general" that Spagnuolo has traditionally asked his middle linebackers to play. Laurinaitis won't be known for bone crushing hits like Rey Maualuga, the other top MLB in this year's draft, but he's a solid tackler and a tough player. Lots of draft pundits felt like NFL success early on was a realistic expectation for Laurinaitis. He's currently working out with the second team, but no one expects him to stay there. Early reports have been very positive.

On the strong side, the picture gets muddled after the release of Pisa Tinoisamoa, deemed a less-than-perfect fit for the new defensive scheme. Though Pisa was a contributor, it's easy to forget that he battled consistency from week to week and often had trouble with blown gap assignments and bigger, more physical blockers. Right now, three players are vying for the SLB spot in the starting lineup. Veteran Chris Draft tops the list at the moment, but his ability to play all three positions likely keeps him in the all-important utility role. Larry Grant, a 49ers cast off picked up to bolster special teams last year, is another candidate for the job thanks to an impressive work ethic (a commodity valued immensely by the new coaching staff), a good spring and strong, yet unheralded performances with the team last year. Don't discount the something-to-prove factor at play here as Grant gets the chance to see the 49ers twice a year. He was also a teammate of Laurinaitis at Ohio State. The third entrant in the SLB sweepstakes is last year's Mr. Irrelevant, David Vobora. The former Idaho Vandal saw action on special teams last year and in the LB rotation for 8 games. He ended up starting a game down the stretch - partly for an audition, partly out of need - and racked up 5 tackles, 4 solo, in a tight game against the Dolphins.

Vobora and Grant should both make the roster, regardless of who gets the starting job. After those five, the depth chart is rounded out by Quinton Culberson and Chris Chamberlain. Culberson was tapped to start on the strongside at the beginning of last year, but was promptly replaced. He has talent that needs to be honed into a more consistent product. He'll have the chance to do that in camp this year, but if he can't put it together Culberson will be another casualty of regime change. Chamberlain is another seventh round pick from last year. He may get some work in the rotation given his play in coverage, but he'll be counted on to step up his strong special teams play from last year. There are a couple of other names in the mix from undrafted rookie pool, the most intriguing among them being Mississippi State's Dominic Douglas, who led the SEC in tackles last season.

The Rams are in a much better place with their linebackers than they have been in a long, long time, thanks mostly to the addition of Laurinaitis and Witherspoon's move back to his natural spot. There are still very real concerns about depth here, and it would surprise no one to see the team pluck a roster casualty when teams start making cuts this fall. Spagnuolo and Flajole have reputations for finding diamonds in the rough among defensive players and their success with linebackers is being counted upon here.

Seattle Seahawks - Field Gulls

Middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu started his career with three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. His fourth season was shot to s--t to by injuries. Tatupu badly bruised his knee in week three of the preseason. At the time the diagnosis was a relief, but a bone bruise is painful and can linger for months. Tatupu was listed as probable for the first two weeks of the season. He broke his thumb against Buffalo and didn't have surgery to repair it until January. As of April 9, 2009, he was still wearing a cast. In week seven at Tampa Bay, Tatupu suffered a concussion in the second quarter and missed the remainder of the game. He played in week eight against San Francisco, but was again forced out of action in the first half. This time Tatupu suffered a strained groin. Tatupu appeared as "questionable" in week nine and didn't play against the Philadelphia Eagles. It was the first missed game of his career.

To some-and most confoundingly so-that validated their belief that Tatupu is overrated. It's a label that started at the 2005 NFL Combine. Tatupu measured an eighth of an inch shorter than six feet and weighed a stocky, but small for a linebacker, 238. His forty time, 4.83, is surpassed by some linemen. That led Tim Ruskell's decision to trade up to acquire Lofa Tatupu in the middle of the second round to be widely criticized by draft pundits and those that ape their opinions. His early success and quick fame fueled the backlash.

Now, Pro Bowls are not a particularly keen measure of talent. Many scouts are dubious that Tatupu is an elite middle linebacker. His range isn't exceptional. Even in his better seasons, his tackle numbers are pedestrian and that's always going to be the money number for linebackers. It shouldn't be.

Some players produce tackles all over the field. Others are just cleaning up. Oakland Raiders Kirk Morrison and Gibril Wilson ranked fifth and sixth in total tackles for 2008. Their team ranked first in opponent rushing attempts and 27th in rushing yards allowed per attempt. Their run defense sucked. Morrison and Wilson converted the tackles others didn't.

Tatupu makes productive tackles. He doesn't get too far outside the tackles box, but the ball carrier doesn't get too far from the line of scrimmage either. In 2007, he was involved in 63 fewer plays, but had the same number of defeats* as Patrick Willis: 30. He stopped 66 runs and those runs averaged just 2.2 yards.

Tatupu also excels against the pass. He has nine interceptions and 29 passes defended over four seasons. He is smart and disciplined in a zone and makes up for his average speed with great decision making and precise angles. Tatupu is mostly a support blitzer: Bating the lead blocker or pressuring and sometimes hitting, but rarely converting the sack.

What makes Tatupu special though is his leadership. I shy from celebrating what is often a media creation, but Tatupu isn't a presence or a legend, he's player that smartly audibles stunts, picks out routes and points out plays before they happen. That is, he isn't the kind of leader that contributes swagger, he's the kind that teaches, directs and maximizes the talent around him. Kind of like Mike Singletary...

Mike Singletary the player, that is.

Seattle's depth is debatable. D.D. Lewis is a serviceable starter at all three linebacker positions that has improved as a run stopper and is capable enough in pass pro. David Hawthorne is a hard hitting run stopper that's not yet ready for Sunday. The wild card is Aaron Curry. A player that probably could play middle linebacker in a pinch, and like almost everything football related, would be damn good at it. But no one expects Tatupu to miss time, and so because Seattle is starting a Hall of Fame-potential middle linebacker in his prime, I'm giving the Seahawks an A+ -- rules be damned.

The rankings were tough, as you could imagine, with several high quality linebackers in the division but in the end it came down a neck and neck top two, a close third and a distant fourth.

Seattle
San Francisco
Arizona
St. Louis

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's a tough competition with Tatupa, Willis and Dansby in the middle but all three are very good linebackers and should have their best days ahead of them. The Cardinals were hurt by a lack up depth but hopefully someone like Highsmith or Hobson can step up and become a dependable third option. How would you have ranked the units? How far would the Cardinals fall without Dansby?

NFC West Roundtable: Inside Linebacker

John Morgan — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:15:51 -0000

Middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu started his career with three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. His fourth season was shot to shit to by injuries. Tatupu badly bruised his knee in week three of the preseason. At the time the diagnosis was a relief, but a bone bruise is painful and can linger for months. Tatupu was listed as probable for the first two weeks of the season. He broke his thumb against Buffalo and didn't have surgery to repair it until January. As of April 9, 2009, he was still wearing a cast. In week seven at Tampa Bay, Tatupu suffered a concussion in the second quarter and missed the remainder of the game. He played in week eight against San Francisco, but was again forced out of action in the first half. This time Tatupu suffered a strained groin. Tatupu appeared as "questionable" in week nine and didn't play against the Philadelphia Eagles. It was the first missed game of his career.

To some—and most confoundingly so—that validated their belief that Tatupu is overrated. It’s a label that started at the 2005 NFL Combine. Tatupu measured an eighth of an inch shorter than six feet and weighed a stocky, but small for a linebacker, 238. His forty time, 4.83, is surpassed by some linemen. That led Tim Ruskell’s decision to trade up to acquire Lofa Tatupu in the middle of the second round to be widely criticized by draft pundits and those that ape their opinions. His early success and quick fame fueled the backlash.

Now, Pro Bowls are not a particularly keen measure of talent. Many scouts are dubious that Tatupu is an elite middle linebacker. His range isn’t exceptional. Even in his better seasons, his tackle numbers are pedestrian and that’s always going to be the money number for linebackers. It shouldn’t be.

Some players produce tackles all over the field. Others are just cleaning up. Oakland Raiders Kirk Morrison and Gibril Wilson ranked fifth and sixth in total tackles for 2008. Their team ranked first in opponent rushing attempts and 27th in rushing yards allowed per attempt. Their run defense sucked. Morrison and Wilson converted the tackles others didn’t.

Tatupu makes productive tackles. He doesn’t get too far outside the tackles box, but the ball carrier doesn’t get too far from the line of scrimmage either. In 2007, he was involved in 63 fewer plays, but had the same number of defeats* as Patrick Willis: 30. He stopped 66 runs and those runs averaged just 2.2 yards.

Tatupu also excels against the pass. He has nine interceptions and 29 passes defended over four seasons. He is smart and disciplined in a zone and makes up for his average speed with great decision making and precise angles. Tatupu is mostly a support blitzer: Bating the lead blocker or pressuring and sometimes hitting, but rarely converting the sack.

What makes Tatupu special though is his leadership. I shy from celebrating what is often a media creation, but Tatupu isn’t a presence or a legend, he’s player that smartly audibles stunts, picks out routes and points out plays before they happen. That is, he isn’t the kind of leader that contributes swagger, he’s the kind that teaches, directs and maximizes the talent around him. Kind of like Mike Singletary…

Mike Singletary the player, that is.

Seattle’s depth is debatable. D.D. Lewis is a serviceable starter at all three linebacker positions that has improved as a run stopper and is capable enough in pass pro. David Hawthorne is a hard hitting run stopper that’s not yet ready for Sunday. The wildcard is Aaron Curry. A player that probably could play middle linebacker in a pinch, and like almost everything football related, would be damn good at it. But no one expects Tatupu to miss time, and so because Seattle is starting a Hall of Fame-potential middle linebacker in his prime, I’m giving the Seahawks an A+ -- rules be damned.

San Francisco 49ers
Blogger: Fooch

The 49ers probably don't have a ton of depth at inside linebacker. However, the players they go with put them in a great position to succeed. The 49ers start Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes at the two inside linebacker positions. If you don't know what Patrick Willis brings to the table, you've missed out on some impressive football. Bamm Bamm (labeled by pre-Ocho Cinco Chad Johnson) is a tackling machine. Obviously he's played with some sorry talent at times, but even still, he set the single season record for tackles as a rookie (since tackles have been recorded). He seems to have a nose for the ball combined with great closing ability. There have been countless instances of Willis tracking down a running back just as they're about to turn the corner for a big gain. That closing ability (and never say die attitude) was shown on a national stage his rookie season when he ran down Cardinals WR Sean Morey in overtime to save a touchdown (leading to a missed Rackers FG). The one area he can improve on is his pass coverage, but even that has been improving. I could write for days about the greatness that is Bamm Bamm, but I'll just leave it with that.

Takeo Spikes was signed at the beginning of training camp last season to compete for the Ted position in the 3-4. The previous Ted had been Derek Smith who put up decent tackling numbers, but was clearly running out of gas when the team drafted Willis. Spikes was coming off a season-ending injury in Philadelphia, but you never would have guessed it by the end of 2008. Spikes tied for second on the team in tackles and was tied for the lead in interceptions (probably not a good thing). He's brought an outspoken veteran leadership to the defense that complements the blue collar quiet leader Justin Smith. Spikes will eventually lose a step or two, but at this point, at the age of 32, he's still running strong. It probably helps that he doesn't have to be the key playmaker. Defenses will game-plan around Willis, leaving Spikes to continue making plays.

There is a significant drop-off after the starters, at least for now. The team drafted Scott McKillop in the fifth round out of Pitt to basically be the Ted linebacker of the future, once Spikes is put out to pasture. I'd imagine 2009 will see McKillop get a lot of time on special teams, and the occasional bit of mop-up duty (hopefully the good kind) on defense. He's a tough tackler who would seem to eventually fit in nicely next to Patrick Willis.

Jeff Ulbrich was going to be given a chance to compete for the starting Ted position last season but never really had the chance once Spikes was brought in. Ulbrich is a senior 49er, entering his 10th season with the team. He actually took a pay cut to avoid getting released, which is important because of his special teams prowess. He's a blue collar linebacker who does the little things for the team. He'll never be a flashy stand-out, but the 49ers don't really need that at this point. Aside from Ulbrich, Ahmad Brooks has spent some time as an inside linebacker, but will likely have his best crack of joining the roster as an outside linebacker. Beyond that, the 49ers have some roster fodder in guys like Mark Washington and Justin Roland; guys who might have a chance at the practice squad, but likely not much else.

The 49ers don't have a ton of depth at inside linebacker. If Patrick Willis were to go down, the team would be in a whole heapload of trouble. Nonetheless, Willis is a tough guy who has played through pain in the past. Additionally, guys like Ulbrich and McKillop will be able to spell an older veteran like Takeo Spikes. That helps the grade, but the talent that is starting for the 49ers alone gives me sufficient reason to grade them out as an A unit.

Arizona Cardinals
Blogger: cgolden

For at least one more season the Arizona Cardinals should boast an inside linebacking crew that well above average, at least as far as the starters are concerned. I say for at least one more season because it's pretty clear that Karlos Dansby is ready and waiting to jump into what he hopes is a very lucrative free agent pool in next year's uncapped NFL. He's quietly become one of the better inside linebackers in the league and there's no reason to think that this season couldn't be his best yet. As you'd expect from an inside backer, Dansby is capable of making plays from sideline to sideline and he can deliver a significant blow once he reaches the ball carrier. What sets him apart from many backers though is his ability to rush the pass just as well as he plays the run or drops into coverage. There are a certain faction of fans that even champion moving him to the OLB spot in the Cardinals new 3-4 defense since he'd likely be the pass rusher on the team from the outside. Despite the backwoods campaign though Dansby isn't moving and the Cardinals are expecting big things out of the 27 year old backer, especially considering that they're paying him almost ten million dollars this season.

The unsung hero of the Cardinals defense for the past several years is Gerald Hayes. Since missing the entire 2005 season with in injury, he's played in 46 of 48 games and averaged 93 tackles per season. He isn't flashy or dynamic but he's the perverbial 'thumper' in the middle of the Cards defense and he'll jar a couple of fumbles loose every season with his punishing hits. He's at his best when he can diagnose a play in front of him and move downhill towards the ball and along the same lines he's a decent pass rusher, although he'll prefer to run over a defender as opposed to running around or spinning around them. He's not necessarily a 'two down' backer but the Cardinals use Adrian Wilson like a linebacker on passing downs so Hayes will come off field at times in those situations. You won't find Hayes on Sportscenter but he's one of the 'glue' guys that hold this defense together.

The Cardinals lost their top backup LB, Monty Beisel, to the Chiefs in free agency so their depth is a bit thin. Ali Highsmith and/or Victor Hobson should get the first shot at backing up Dansby and Hayes. Highsmith, an undrafted rookie last year, showed promise during the preseason last year and was making a name for himself on special teams before a torn ACL ended his season prematurely. The biggest question for him will be his health and how much size he's put on during his first season of professional ball. Hobson is a veteran of the 3-4 defense and had a 100 tackle, six sack season in 2006, but since then he's been cut by the Jets, Patriots and Bengals. He played on the outside in 2006 but the Cardinals think that with his size (6-0, 254) he'll be better utilized on the inside. Also on the radar is Pago Togafua but his lack of size (5-10, 240) suggests that he's nothing more than a special team's contributor. Two undrafted free agents are also in the picture, Reggie Walker and Chase Bullock, but it's hard to tell how much of an impact they will make. With the lack of quality depth anything is possible though.

Overall the Cardinals have a very solid starting duo (dare I say A-range) but the depth leaves quite a bit to be desired. Taking that into consideration I can't go any higher than a grade of B.

Turf Show Times
Blogger: VanRam

In a division trademarked for its linebackers, the St. Louis Rams were embarrassingly substandard last year, thanks to poor decision making that left Will Witherspoon in the middle and arrogantly allowed an emerging Brandon Chillar to flee for greener, more frozen pastures. Addressing the situation at linebacker has been a top offseason priority for the defensive-minded new regime led by head coach Steve Spagnuolo and defensive coordinator Ken Flajole.

The Rams made their first big move of the offseason when they announced that Will Witherspoon would be moved back to his natural position on the weakside. That move was deemed so important, it happened before the free agent free for all and well ahead of the draft. The move will free up the athletic Witherspoon from having to take on huskier linemen and lead blockers in the middle, where he was long miscast with the Rams. Besides giving the team a more effective LB in coverage and pursuit, Witherspoon's presence on the outside gives them another threat to rush the passer. He won't likely top his career high 7 sacks from 2007, but he'll get plenty of work in the attack-first system. He's also being reunited with Ken Flajole, his linebackers coach with the Panthers.

The Rams have desperately needed a true middle linebacker and snagged their man, James Laurinaitis, with their second round pick. He has the size and ability to read and react well to action in the gaps in front of him, and displayed real talent against the run and in coverage. Most importantly, Little Animal has the intelligence and football acumen to be the "field general" that Spagnuolo has traditionally asked his middle linebackers to play. Laurinaitis won't be known for bone crushing hits like Rey Maualuga, the other top MLB in this year's draft, but he's a solid tackler and a tough player. Lots of draft pundits felt like NFL success early on was a realistic expectation for Laurinaitis. He's currently working out with the second team, but no one expects him to stay there. Early reports have been very positive.

On the strongside, the picture gets muddled after the release of Pisa Tinoisamoa, deemed a less-than-perfect fit for the new defensive scheme. Though Pisa was a contributor, it's easy to forget that he battled consistency from week to week and often had trouble with blown gap assignments and bigger, more physical blockers. Right now, three players are vying for the SLB spot in the starting lineup. Veteran Chris Draft tops the list at the moment, but his ability to play all three positions likely keeps him in the all-important utility role. Larry Grant, a 49ers cast off picked up to bolster special teams last year, is another candidate for the job thanks to an impressive work ethic (a commodity valued immensely by the new coaching staff), a good spring and strong, yet unheralded performances with the team last year. Don't discount the something-to-prove factor at play here as Grant gets the chance to see the 49ers twice a year. He was also a teammate of Laurinaitis at Ohio State. The third entrant in the SLB sweepstakes is last year's Mr. Irrelevant, David Vobora. The former Idaho Vandal saw action on special teams last year and in the LB rotation for 8 games. He ended up starting a game down the stretch - partly for an audition, partly out of need - and racked up 5 tackles, 4 solo, in a tight game against the Dolphins.

Vobora and Grant should both make the roster, regardless of who gets the starting job. After those five, the depth chart is rounded out by Quinton Culberson and Chris Chamberlain. Culberson was tapped to start on the strongside at the beginning of last year, but was promptly replaced. He has talent that needs to be honed into a more consistent product. He'll have the chance to do that in camp this year, but if he can't put it together Culberson will be another casualty of regime change. Chamberlain is another seventh round pick from last year. He may get some work in the rotation given his play in coverage, but he'll be counted on to step up his strong special teams play from last year. There are a couple of other names in the mix from undrafted rookie pool, the most intriguing among them being Mississippi State's Dominic Douglas, who led the SEC in tackles last season.

The Rams are in a much better place with their linebackers than they have been in a long, long time, thanks mostly to the addition of Laurinaitis and Witherspoon's move back to his natural spot. There are still very real concerns about depth here, and it would surprise no one to see the team pluck a roster casualty when teams start making cuts this fall. Spagnuolo and Flajole have reputations for finding diamonds in the rough among defensive players and their success with linebackers is being counted upon here.

2009 San Francisco 49ers: Worst Case Scenario

Fooch — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:00:11 -0000

Yesterday we got everybody excited about the crazy potential of the 2009 San Francisco 49ers and what the best case scenario might result in. 11-5 isn't a sexy record, but given where the 49ers have been, I bet any 49er fan would take that in a heartbeat. Of course, just as we had a post for the optimists on the site, so we bounce back with a slam dunk of a potentially ugly reality for the pessimists.

Again, as a reminder, this is a look at a realistic worst case scenario. As with last year, I have not factored injuries into the equation. While a worst case scenario would in fact involve some injuries, injuries are simply too hard to predict. Wear and tear is allowed in this prediction, but not something that knocks a player out for weeks on end, or the entire season. And, I can guarantee you I won't predict an 0-16 record given some of the potential slop on the schedule. As with this morning, feel free to post your own worst case scenario, or critique mine for being too harsh or too easy.

Worst Case Scenario
The QB situation simply does not resolve itself. Shaun Hill wins the job in training camp, but Hill's production in limited opportunities the last two years really does not actually project out to a full season. I actually don't think in a worst case scenario he's exactly god-awful. Rather, defenses are able to game-plan around his limitations and rather than him making stupid mistakes, his mistakes are simply a result of a lack of the necessary talent. Hill finds himself benched before the halfway point of the season and Alex Smith steps back into the saddle...and proceeds to fall on his face. Maybe he has some of the physical tools, but he's just not able to put it all together like an NFL quarterback can do. Of course, the team is not going to throw Nate Davis too the wolves (we hope), so the team struggles behind the Hill/Smith duo, with the two QBs getting second and third chances in the starting lineup.

The rest of the offense is never really able to click behind the less than creative offensive gameplan of Jimmy Raye. Frank Gore and the running game get the chance to control the game, but Gore continues to show signs of wear and tear. He has managed to stay away from catostrophic injuries, but the nicks and bumps and bruises keep him at less than 100% most of the season. In this worst case, he finishes in the 900 yard rushing range, with another 200 or so receiving yards. Glen Coffee gets more and more carries, but shows why he was no better than a third round pick. Behind a struggling offensive line, the running game is not able to develop as hoped and teams can spend less time keying on Frank Gore and more time keying on the 49ers receivers.

Of course, in this worst case scenario, the receivers aren't a huge threat. Isaac Bruce falls off the cliff (figuratively) and is unceremoniously benched for the youth movement. Unfortunately, the youths regress. I think Josh Morgan does show some improvement in year 2, but it's more like a 10-20 catch improvement, and not the big leap many fans are hoping for. Michael Crabtree does get on the playing field and stays healthy, but he really struggles in the move to a more conservative offense. On the quick, short pass routes he gets blasted by bigger, more physical corners, and on the deep routes his speed is not enough for NFL-elite corners. And Vernon Davis? Well, he's still a solid blocker and that's about it.

All of this comes about due to some shoddy work by the offensive line. Marvel Smith's back gives out again and Adam Snyder/Barry Sims clearly are not the answer. Chilo Rachal continues starting but isn't quite able to step up as hoped. I actually think that even in the worst case scenario Eric Heitmann will be perfectly solid for the 49ers. He's 29 and playing as well as can be expected. I'm not concerned about the center position. Other than Heitmann, it's pretty simple figuring out what the worst case scenario is for the 49ers offensive line.

After the jump, we assess the defense and the coaching staff in this worst case scenario, and project out a worst-case record...

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, oh it continues...

There are actually a lot of easier predictions to make in this scenario. Manny Lawson will get some sacks just because of the increased opportunities. However, he had 3 this past year, so I'm guessing he shows he's not much more of a pass rusher and finishes with 4 or 5 in a worst case scenario. I have the increased sack total because of the increase in opportunities he'll see outside of the big sub. On the other side, I really don't think Parys Haralson completely drops off in a worst case scenario. Rather, he sees his sack total come down to 6 or 7.

Patrick Willis continues to excel but teams are able to game plan even further around him, helping to take him more out of the picture. This is furthered by Takeo Spikes hitting the veteran wall. I'm thinking a Derek Smith type of wall, only with more trash talk.

As for the secondary, Nate Clements is not able to rebound from last season and struggles even as the #1 guy. On the other side, Bly proves to be a waste of a one-year deal and Tarell Brown just can't unseat him for an every down role. And Shawntae Spencer? I'm tempted to say he gets injured, even in spite of what I mentioned above. However, I'll just say he contributes but clearly doesn't have it in him to be more than a 3rd or 4th corner at best.

Even if Dashon Goldson stays healthy in the worst case, I could see him struggling to make plays on a consistent basis in the regular season. I could see a guy who gets a sack and an interception in one game, but then gets burned for a touchdown and a lon run in another game. His worst case, in my opinion, is inconsistency more than anything. Again, that's assuming he stays healthy. I'm not sure if that worst case leads to his being benched in favor of Mark Roman, who continues to not intercept the ball.

As for Michael Lewis, he's another guy who, even in the worst of times, continues to take care of his business. He might not be a flashy, superstar playmaker, but he takes care of business. Even if the team struggles, I think he'll be fine.

Worst Case Record: 3-13. First off, if some of what Football Outsiders said comes true (specifically about the Rams), it's entirely possible this drops to 2-14. If the 49ers struggle this season, the schedule could prove to be very unforgiving. The wins in this scenario include 1 over Seattle, 1 over St. Louis and 1 over Detroit. That 1 over Seattle could be interchangeable with 1 over Arizona. So consider the worst case a range from 2-14 to 4-12.

I would say Detroit is a guaranteed win, but it's not such a simple proposition. While they did go 0-16 last season, they made enough significant changes that I think they won't be a pushover this season. Of course, if Stafford struggles that might not be the case. Either way, I've got it as a win, but it proves tougher than expected.

Aside from a poor start, the backbreaker would be the 7 games following the bye week. In reality I don't see it happening, but 0-7 is not out of the realm of possibility. If Jacksonville rebounds this season, the AFC South is absolutely stacked in 2009, meaning a particularly bad inter-conference run.

So, to the pessimists AND optimists, stick that in your pipe and smoke it. My personal best case to worst case scenarios feature a 9-game swing. Was I too negative for a worst case? Is it possible I was actually too positive? If you haven't hung yourself in misery yet, feel free to let me know.

Poll

In a worst case scenario, how many wins do the 49ers finish with?

0

11 votes

1-2

25 votes

3-4

165 votes

5-6

216 votes

7-8

85 votes

9+

64 votes

566 votes | Poll has closed

Caption This: Scott McKillop Voting

ProfessorBigelow — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:00:15 -0000

The time has come to vote on the best of the best! We previously opened up the comments of this article to the Nation with one simple task; create the best caption for this picture:

So Nation, which of the following captions best captivates what is going on in this picture? CAPTION THIS!!!

Poll

Which is the best caption for the picture above?

"Yeah, I watched that new Wolverine movie. I won’t lie—it was inspiring. I grew the beard—and I’m having the adamantium grafted into my skeleton this Friday, which will really complete the look."

71 votes

"Dang, Erin Andrews is over there interviewing Crabtree…Oh man, would love to get 1 on 1 with her."

135 votes

"I don’t always drink beer, but when I do, I prefer … ahhh hell, I wish I were that interesting."

26 votes

It’s never too early to start on the playoff beard.

42 votes

"Who is Derek Smith?"

40 votes

After being asked if he has a role model: I’ll just say this: There is no chin behind Chuck Norris’ beard. There is only another fist.

38 votes

"What’s that, Beard? You want me to…kill?"

44 votes

"If I relax my eyes like this, those reporters all look really blurry."

15 votes

411 votes | Poll has closed

Will the Pioli/Parcells/Haley Connection Bring Any Remaining Free Agents to the Chiefs?

Joel Thorman — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:37:19 -0000

Note: Primetime did the leg work on the tables and I did the writing. -Chris

If you're been reading Arrowhead Pride for a little while now, you know that Scott Pioli and Todd Haley are big on bringing in coaches and players that they've worked with before. Which makes perfect sense. It's a natural human instinct to take the known over the unknown.

It's gotten to the point where as soon as we hear of a new player the Chiefs have signed or are interested in, we look for the Pioli/Parcells/Haley connection and it's inevitably there.

Why look for a Bill Parcells connection in addition to a Pioli/Haley connection?

Well because the legendary coach has had some big time influence on the Chiefs current GM and head coach.

Todd Haley began his career as the New York Jets' wide receivers coach under Parcells in 1997. Haley also coached under Parcells from 2004 to 2005 as the wide receivers coach for the Dallas Cowboys, while Parcells was the head coach.

Todd is the son of Dick Haley, who is the current Player Personnel Analyst for the Miami Dolphins and former Director of Player Personnel for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets. Haley, his father Dick and Parcells all worked together in New York from 1997 to 1999. Haley was the Jets wide receiver coach; Parcells was the head coach; and Dick Haley as the Personnel Director.

Haley and Scott Pioli worked together from 1997 to 2000, when Pioli was the Director of Pro Personnel for the New York Jets.

As far as Parcells and Pioli go, both worked together in New York for the Jets in the late 1990s while Parcells was the head coach there. Oh, and Scott Pioli also married Bill Parcells' daughter. They're probably pretty tight.

So it's one big happy family over there at One Arrowhead Drive nowadays.

Every single coach hired by the new Kansas City Chiefs' brass has had some sort of Scott Piloli/Todd Haley/Bill Parcells connection.

Special teams coach Steve Hoffman (Parcells)
WR coach Dedric Ward (Haley, Parcells and Pioli)
Defensive quality control coach Pat Perles (Haley)
Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast (Haley)
Offensive line coach Bill Muir (Pioli and Haley)
LB coach Gary Gibbs (Parcells and Haley)
Joel Collier (Pioli)

It's the same thing with the free agents the Chiefs have signed this off season:

LB Monty Beisel - Played for Arizona in 2008 under Chiefs' DC Clancy Pendergast
QB Matt Cassel - Former New England Patriot under Pioli
WR Terrance Copper - Signed to the Cowboys by Bill Parcells when Todd Haley was working with the wide receivers
CB Travis Daniels - Former Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel, who coached under Belichick and Pioli in New England, traded for him prior to the 2008 campaign
WR Bobby Engram -Played for the Bears when Todd Haley worked with wide receivers
LB Darrell Robertson - New England practice squad in 2008 and a former Georgia Tech player under Chan Gailey
TE Sean Ryan - Played last year in Miami for Bill Parcells and for Haley and Parcells in Dallas from 2004 to 2005
TE Tony Curtis - Played for Haley and Parcells in Dallas from 2005 to 2006

Is that enough evidence that these guys prefer working with people they've worked with before?

It makes sense to take a look at who the top remaining free agents and see where the Pioli/Haley/Parcells connection is. It's likely that any future free agent signings will come from this group.

The top offensive and defensive free agents connected to Pioli, Haley and Parcells are after the jump.

Offense
Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Age	Pioli	Haley	Parcells
Rex Grossman	QB	6'1"	222	28		CHI 03-04
Lorenzo Neal	FB	5'11"	255	39		NYJ 97	NYJ 97
Marty Booker	WR	6'0"	212	32		CHI 01-03
Kelley Washington	WR	6'3"	218	29	NE 07-08
Jerame Tuman	TE	6'4"	255	33		AZ 08
Brandon Gorin	RT	6'6"	308	30	NE 03-05
Rob Petitti	RT	6'6"	347	26		DAL 05	DAL 05
Terrence Metcalf	G-T	6'3"	325	31		CHI 02-04
Evan Mathis	G	6'5"	304	27			MIA 08
Grey Ruegamer	G-C	6'4"	310	32	NE 00-02
Matt Lehr	G-C	6'3"	300	30			DAL 03-04
Edgerrin James	RB	6'0"	219	30		AZ 07-08

Back on Monday, I asked you what was the biggest positional need for the Chiefs after the draft. You responded by saying that wide receiver, offensive tackle and outside linebacker were the Chiefs' biggest needs.

WR Marty Booker has already had a workout with the Chiefs and left without a contract offer (We assume).

Former 3rd round pick Kelley Washington is an option too I guess, although I'm not sure what he would bring to the table considering his poor career numbers.

At best, I think any of the offensive line free agents out there would be back ups to our current crop of linemen.

The defensive free agents are pretty slim pickings as well. Check them out.

Defense
Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Age	Pioli	Haley	Parcells
La'Roi Glover	DT-NT	6'2"	285	34		DAL 05	DAL 03-05
Chris Cooper	DT-DE	6'5"	275	31		AZ 07	DAL 04
Vonnie Holliday	DT-DE	6'5"	290	33			MIA 08
Rosevelt Colvin	DE-LB	6'3"	250	31	NE 03-08	CHI 01-02
Ebenezer Ekuban	DE	6'3"	265	32			DAL 03
Derek Smith	ILB	6'2"	245	34			MIA 08
Junior Seau	ILB	6'3"	250	40	NE 06-08
Willie McGinest	OLB-DE	6'5"	270	37	NE 00-05
Mike Brown	S	5'10"	210	31		CHI 01-04
Rodney Harrison	S	6'1"	220	36	NE 03-08
Lawyer Milloy	S	6'0"	210	34	NE 00-03
Roy Williams	S	6'0"	235	28		DAL 05-06	DAL 03-06
Keith Davis	S	5'10"	193	30		DAL 05-06	DAL 03-06
Terrence Holt	S	6'2"	208	29		AZ 07
Cameron Worrell	S	5'11"	199	29		CHI 03-04
Mike Green	S	6'0"	195	32		CHI 01-04
Deltha O'Neal	CB	5'11"	194	32	NE 08
Jason Webster	CB	5'9"	187	31	NE 08
R.W. McQuarters	CB	5'10"	198	32		CHI 01-04
Lewis Sanders	CB	6'1"	190	29	NE 08
Aaron Glenn	CB	5'9"	185	36		NYJ 95-00, DAL 05-06	NYJ 97-99, DAL 05-06
Roderick Hood	DB	5'11"	198	27		AZ 07-08
Travis LaBoy	DE	6'3"	250	27		AZ 08

Considering that the top remaining linebackers are all over 34-years old and that the Chiefs have already signed two veteran LBs, I don't see the Chiefs signing Junior Seau, Willie McGinest or Derek Smith. McGinest could theoretically fill at defensive end in addition to linebacker but his age prohibits most investments in him.

S Keith Davis left KC without a contract offer after a private visit to KC back in March.

DE Travis LaBoy, like Primetime wrote this morning, really does seem to be the most viable option for the Chiefs on this list, although I'm not sure what the odds of him coming to KC truly are.

Last year, we would have crossed off any one on this list that was over the age of 27 but that's no longer the case. Now, with the draft over and compensation for many of these players at a minimum, we could be looking at more signings.

Would you like to see any of these free agents signed by the Kansas City Chiefs?

Poll

How many of these free agents will the Chiefs sign?

0

52 votes

1

108 votes

2

212 votes

3

154 votes

4

71 votes

5+

86 votes

683 votes | Poll has closed

San Francisco 49ers @ New York Giants: A Prospector's Guide

Fooch — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:00:06 -0000

vs.

First off, thanks to grantmp for the suggestion of "A Prospector's Guide." It fits in well with our Golden Nuggets links when they're rolled out.

The 49ers travel to New York to face the defending Super Bowl Champion Giants in what will be the 27th regular season contest between the two teams, dating back to 1952. The regular season series is tied at 13-13, but the two teams also have a storied history during postseason play, with the 49ers holding a 4-3 advantage over the Giants. Head Coach Mike Nolan’s ties to the Giants organization run deep, having served as the team’s defensive coordinator from 1993-96. His father, Dick, played nine seasons for the Giants (1954-57, 1959-61).

The upcoming game marks the second consecutive year that the 49ers have made the trip to New York. Last year, the 49ers fell to the Giants, 33-15, after New York scored 24 of its points on four San Francisco turnovers.

San Francisco is looking to snap a three-game losing streak after falling to the Philadelphia Eagles, 40-26, last week. San Francisco held a 26-17 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but three turnovers in the ﬁnal quarter proved costly. RB Frank Gore rushed for 101 yards on 19 carries with one touchdown, marking his second 100-yard rushing game this season. He now has scored a touchdown in ﬁ ve-of-six games this year. TE Vernon Davis caught a season-high six passes for 75 yards, including a career-long 57-yard reception. LB Takeo Spikes posted an interception for the third straight game.

After the jump, we've got a recap of the last season's matchup, along with some facts and stats about the teams...

LAST MATCHUP
Giants 33 - 49ers 15
The San Francisco 49ers fell to a 2-4 season record after a 33-15 loss to the New York Giants at Giants Stadium. The Giants scored 24 of their 33 points on four 49ers turnovers. Three of San Francisco’s turnovers occurred inside their own 30-yard line. The other turnover happened when QB Trent Dilfer lost a fumble on an eight-yard sack by DE Osi Umenyiora after the 49ers reached the Giants 15-yard line early in the third quarter. Umenyiora scooped up the loose ball and raced 75 yards untouched for a touchdown.

After falling to a 19-7 halftime deﬁcit, the 49ers took the second half kickoff and appeared to have things in place to get back into the game. A 47-yard pass from Dilfer to WR Ashley Lelie got the 49ers into Giants territory. The team reached the Giants 15-yard line before suffering their most costly turnover of the game to end the scoring threat on the Umenyiora sack play.

The Giants opened the game with a 13-play, 86-yard drive that was culminated with a four-yard touchdown pass from QB Eli Manning to WR Amani Toomer. The 49ers caught a break when the Giants missed the extra point attempt. The Giants moved the ball with ease on their next possession to the San Francisco 20-yard line before LB Derek Smith intercepted a deﬂected pass to end a Giants drive. The 49ers responded by moving to the Giants 18-yard line where RB Frank Gore converted a fourth-and-one situation to set up a 17-yard touchdown pass from Dilfer to WR Arnaz Battle. PK Joe Nedney’s successful extra point attempt gave the 49ers a 7-6 lead early in the second quarter.

The 49ers turned the ball over on the ﬁrst play of each of their next two drives, leading to ten points for a 16-7 Giants lead. Dilfer and Gore fumbled the exchange on a handoff on a play from the San Francisco 30-yard line, and the Giants took over and scored a touchdown for a 13-7 lead. Then on the next series, Dilfer was intercepted, positioning the Giants for a ﬁeld goal and a 16-7 advantage. The Giants were backed to their own 11-yard line with 1:35 to play in the ﬁrst half when Manning and Toomer connected for a 24-yard gain to get to midﬁeld. The Giants moved to the San Francisco 21-yard line with 21 seconds to play to set up a field goal and a 19-7 halftime lead.

The Giants extended their lead to 26-7 on the fumble return early in the third. The 49ers had another scoring chance after FB Moran Norris blocked a Giants punt out of the end zone for a safety, but the 49ers failed to capitalize on the ensuing series following the free kick. The 49ers ﬁrst drive of the fourth quarter ended when Dilfer’s pass was intercepted by the Giants at the San Francisco 33-yard line, setting up a two-yard touchdown pass from Manning to TE Jeremy Shockey for a 33-9 lead. San Francisco added another touchdown on a one-yard throw from Dilfer to WR Darrell Jackson with 16 seconds to play for a 33-15 ﬁnal.

2008 Statistics

49ers (rank)		Giants (rank)
23.5 (t-12th)	Points Per Game	28.2 (t-5th)
307.2 (19th)	Total Offense Per Game	419.4 (1st)
113.7 (17th)	Rushing Yards Per Game	181.2 (1st)
193.5 (19th)	Net Passing Yards Per Game	238.2 (9th)
28:36 (23rd)	Possession Average	32:14 (3rd)
27.8 (28th)	Opp. Points Per Game	16.8 (5th)
350.2 (26th)	Opp. Total Offense Per Game	279.6 (6th)
124.2 (22nd)	Opp. Rushing YPG	94.4 (12th)
226.0 (20th)	Opp. Net Passing YPG	185.2 (9th)
-5 (t-30th)	Turnover Differential	-2 (t-21st)