SB Nation User Blog: Ninjames

Golden Nuggets: Transition all you want, just win a game!

Ninjames — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:01:37 -0000

So after a full day of playing my new video game until it hurts to keep my eyes open, I'm ready to do some thinking about my Niners. They're troubling thoughts, this season honestly felt different from seasons past. It however, isn't looking so good. Still, I'm not going to give up. I'll be leaving very early for the game tomorrow and I'll be rooting just as hard as everyone else in that stadium. Also, I just thought I'd throw this out there--if any of you readers are attending a game this season and want to meet up or anything like that--I have season tickets so I'll be at every home game. I bring this up because every now and then I find myself looking around during a game and wondering if any of you are there. I'm seriously hoping none of you are the guy a few seats to the right of me who will not stop with the "COME ON ALEX, DON'T BE SHY. HIT YOUR TIGHT END OVER THE MIDDLE!" on every single play, even like... when the punter is out there. I think he said it a few times while the defense was out on the field to. Anyway, on to the links!

I'm all for the offense being in a transition, so long as it's a positive one. If more shotgun will help, then bring on more shotgun. I'm not a coach, so I can't really say what I think will work the best, I just want whatever it is to actually work. (Scout.com)

A good look at WR Jason Hill and his rise into the starting lineup. I've been all for Hill, ever since Zeigler got put on the practice squad again I've been a staunch supporter of Hill. He's explosive, has great speed and has the route running skills akin to Isaac Bruce. (PressDemocrat.com)

Ex-49ers head coach Steve Mariucci breaks down Thursday's game against the Bears. (49ers.com)

Hm, another midseason report card for the 49ers. That's two sources and two times the coaching staff has received a C grade. (Scout.com)

QB Alex Smith is moving on and concentrating on the game against Chicago. He'll need to be incredibly focused to win this one. (Yahoo.com)

Davis had some words concerning the Bears; and also some quotes from Alex Smith. (PressDemocrat.com)

Seriously, props to who made this video, it's every pass that Nate Davis threw in the preseason, and it's.. impressive. (49ersWebZone.com)

Specifically, Vernon Davis thinks that the 49ers could "destroy their front." I certainly hope so. (MercuryNews.com)

I'm pretty pessimistic myself, but this article DOES say it best: "Too Early To Say It's Over." (49ersFancast)

LB Lance Briggs harbors no hard feelings towards the 49ers after all that tampering nonsense took place. (PressDemocrat.com)

RB Glen Coffee will for sure miss tomorrow's game. (NFL.com)

How about a midseason analysis? I didn't read it, but you may want to. (SFGate.com)

How about another midseason report card while we're at it? Always a good read, in my opinion. (Examiner.com)

Breaking Down The Bears, a preview from the official website. (49ers.com)

Mike Singletary says the loss on Sunday can't be attributed solely to QB Alex Smith, in fact he said Smith didn't have much to be at fault for. (SFGate.com)

WR Jason Hill is making the most out of his chance. (SFGate.com)

Golden Nuggets: Bad taste in the mouth, to be sure..

Ninjames — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:35:03 -0000

Gooood morning everyone. First off, thanks to Fooch for covering for me yesterday, something came up and there was just no way I'd be able to get the Nuggets up in time. Back today though, and my disappointment from the loss on Sunday is numbed by the fact that we've got a game coming up in just a couple of days (also maybe because of the fact that I've been playing Modern Warfare 2 until my eyes bleed) and I'm just looking ahead to that game. If this game doesn't go well, it's time to stop thinking playoffs and start either thinking A) Coaching staff or B) quarterback because something is not going right in 49erland. When the approval ratings topic goes up this week I'm going to be voting "no." Because I do not approve, this loss was unacceptable and we can't take many more of them. I suppose I'll just get to the links right now.

Mike Singletary remains optimistic. The 49ers are at crossroads right now, and optimism wont get us everywhere. We need to win, not feel like we can win. (SacBee.com)

Barrows has a 49ers midseason report card. I haven't read it yet, but I'm willing to bet there wont be a whole lot of As. (SacBee.com)

This team needs to regroup in a hurry, the Bears come to Candlestick on Thursday. (Yahoo.com)

There were some fireworks in Singletary's press conference yesterday--namely with one writer in particular. (SFGate.com)

That writer was Lowell Cohn--somebody I've disliked immensely for about five years now. Just putting that out there. (PressDemocrat.com)

The game against the Bears will be just like any other game the 49ers have played under Singletary. (PressDemocrat.com)

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

Titans coach Jeff FIsher had nothing but good things to say about Patrick Willis. (PressDemocrat.com)

Here's The Wrap Up for the Titans game. (49ers.com)

HB Glen Coffee wont be playing on Thursday, he's out with a concussion. (ProFootballTalk.com)

Coach Sing says this is when he's at his best. (49ers.com)

Maiocco has his video recap of Sunday's lost to the Titans. (PressDemocrat.com)

The blame for the loss is being attributed to the four turnovers the 49ers made--and with good reason, it's where the blame should be. (SacBee.com)

Makes me wonder... are the Titans a better team than the 49ers? I don't really know. I guess so. (SFGate.com)

TE Vernon Davis is close to his personal best season already this season. (SFGate.com)

How about some post game reactions? Always good stuff, here. (49ersFancast)

Golden Nuggets: Should be a good one..

Ninjames — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:01:30 -0000

Morning everyone. Well, it's gameday. Today the Titans come to San Francisco to lose... I mean play the 49eers in what should be a slaughter... I mean good game. Still, I'm excited, though kind of in a hurry considering I have to rise very early so I can make the two and a half hour drive to SF and get there early enough to pull out the BBQ, table, ice chest and of course the laptop for parking-lot tracking of the other games. So I'll make my introduction rather sort. Oddly enough, right this very second is the first I've thought about the game in the past 24 hours, I've been too excited for Strikeforce. Well my two guys won, though I'm not nearly as passionate for MMA as I am my 49ers--I sincerely hope the streak continues for my favorites with a Niners victory today. Without further ado (again, I will somehow ban anybody who tells me it is adieu instead of ado) here's your links. Oh, and GO NINERS!!!

Titans RB Chris Johnson is the biggest threat to the 49ers today--he should be a challenge, he's not exactly the same type of back as the team has faced this season. Still, I figure we got him. (SacBee.com)

The 49ers offensive line continues to shuffle. I'm seriously so surprised how this season went as far as the o-line goes. The second Marvel Smith retired I just got this gut feeling that the line would not be a good one this season. I was right. (MercuryNews.com)

Alex Smith is returning to the Candlestick spotlight--and I'll be there to cheer him on. Yes, I've been heavily opposed to Alex Smith for a couple years but if he's the starting QB then he's my favorite QB on the roster. I'm not a fan of "root for the backup." (PressDemocrat.com)

This game isn't a must-win, but it's real close. (PressDemocrat.com)

A good preview article from the Chronicle with many notes, odds and opinions. (SFGate.com)

TE Delanie Walker is ready to bust out. I've always liked Walker... as a side note, does anybody else absolutely hate the new look of Maiocco's blog? He's probably my favorite beat writer but Christ almighty I can't stand his new layout. (PressDemocrat.com)

The team remains upbeat regardless of three straight losses. This is key, I fully would expect this team to rollover today if we still had Nolan as our coach--but under Singletary I find myself optimistic as well. (SFGate.com)

Be sure to check out the NFL Game Center for tracking the game today as well as a preview before it and a wrap-up afterwards. (NFL.com)

Be sure to watch Gameday Morning to see a video of Vernon Davis' workout routine. This is obviously for the ladies. (MercuryNews.com)

As stated before, ex NFL QB Rich Gannon thinks the 49ers are on the right track. (SFGate.com)

Why not check out the blog for the opposition and read their preview of today's game. (MusicCityMiracles.com)

And here's one last preview to round out the links. (Examiner.com)

Golden Nuggets: Gannon? Meh.

Ninjames — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:49:54 -0000

Hey there everyone. Today I don't have very many links for you. Well, that's wholly dependent on what you'd call very many but still, I may not even be using the jump today. There's no news, or rather, I think there isn't any. You've got your obvious injury reports and all that, the only other articles are previews for the Titans game and a bunch of Alex Smith/Vince Young articles. I'm really sick now of hearing about how they both were drafted as starters, benched and are now making their way back--we get it. Or at least, I hope you all get it, I don't want to start doubting the intelligence of my readers, now! I wont be thinking about football for the rest of today as I'm going into hype mode for Strikeforce tonight. Onto the links, my friends.

You know there's not a ton of links when I start out with Singletary's Notebook. (49ers.com)

Rich Gannon supports Jimmy Raye. I suppose one person had to. (MercuryNews.com)

He also says it's underestimated what Alex Smith went through his first few seasons in the NFL. (PressDemocrat.com)

Comeback QBs.. Alex Smith...Vince Young... etc. (NBCBayArea.com)

Teams Talk, in this one S Curtis Taylor talks about the Titans.. (49ers.com)

Pro Bowl voting is going on presently, make sure to send some of your favorite 49ers to the game. (49ers.com)

The Titans will be testing the 49ers run defense. (49ers.com)

I'm not interested either in being the Titans' latest headline. (SFGate.com)

Golden Nuggets: Testing the run defense

Ninjames — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:15:07 -0000

Good (insert time of day here) everyone. Got a couple links for you today, though not as many as yesterday. In fact, I'm going to start leaving links out! From what I can tell, when I have more links in the Nuggets I actually get very little comments on the links. Of course, I'm like a little preteen girl checking her MySpace Photo Album when it comes to comments, I love 'em. ESPECIALLY if they're singing my praise, really brings me up. (Been having a really rough couple of days, hint hint.) So instead I'm only going to give you a couple! In actuality though, I just simply don't have a whole lot because well... nothing happened yesterday and it doesn't look like anything is happening today. Still, should be able to come up with a couple previews and what not for you. Enjoy.

Coach Mike Singletary has reached a critical point in his first season as the 49ers head coach. (SacBee.com)

The team is in no hurry to change its offensive philosophy. (PressDemocrat.com)

Jimmy Raye specifically, says the team will stick to its blueprint as far as offense goes. Call me unconvinced, and if they do--well, I think we'll be screwed. (MercuryNews.com)

Ricky Jean-Francois is looking to get his first regular season action on Sunday and Kentwan Balmer is looking to have an increased role. This is all of course because of the injury to Demetric Evans, a player I've been (rather vocally) against. (PressDemocrat.com)

The Titans will come in hoping to test the 49ers run defense. (49ers.com)

The 49ers need to go to the spread... but sloooooowly. (SFGate.com)

Jimmy Raye has some thoughts on the spread and the running game. (PressDemocrat.com)

Here you can listen to the audio of a couple of the conference calls from the Titans. (SFGate.com)

Frank Gore is having a weird year as far as rushing is concerned. I'm not sure exactly how to look at it, good or bad. (SFGate.com)

Didn't get a chance to read this article but it has to do with the 49ers and their third down woes. (SFGate.com)

Alex Smith and Vince Young are returning from some pretty rough roads as far as quarterbacks go. (MercuryNews.com)

The team seems confident in Barry Sims. Oh God. I'm not. Not in the very least. (SacBee.com)

Golden Nuggets: Oh no, not Sims!

Ninjames — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:55:49 -0000

Morning everyone. So I've finally got my new laptop, the one I really wanted and man, I've been eager to do the Nuggets like all day. I just like using this thing, seriously. To continue to stray for a moment, if any of you have Vista and you are disappointed, I implore you, upgrade to Windows 7 and you will NOT be disappointed. But back to football, there's not much going on in 49erland today. As far as I can tell there's no personnel changes, no new injury updates--mostly just previews and looks ahead at the game against Tennessee. I experienced my first in-person loss when the 49ers played the Falcons and I can say it felt about a million times worse than it did when I watched a loss on TV. So if we lose to the Titans you're going to see a very angry Nuggets writer come Monday morning. On to the links!

This is the most interesting matchup to me in Sunday's game: the 49ers second ranked rushing defense versus the Titans second ranked rushing offense. I feel like the 49ers can contain Chris Johnson, but I'm sure I'll flip-flop on that prediction a few times. (MercuryNews.com)

So is QB Alex Smith gearing up for a huge fantasy performance? I'm not going to be picking him up, but some of you with a less than stellar quarterbacks may want to consider him. (Yahoo.com)

Run for the hills Niner fans, Barry Sims looks to be in the starting lineup for some time. (PressDemocrat.com)

NT Aubrayo Franklin is getting some recognition--and it's well deserved. At the beginning of this season I mentioned Franklin as a player the 49ers sorely needed to replace. I believe I said "just good enough to keep around." Now I'm hoping he stays for a long time. (49ers.com)

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

The 49ers offense is looking to get on track. Not back on track, just on track. (Yahoo.com)

A summary of yesterday's goings on. Most notably (to me) is Ricky Jean-Francois replacing Demetric Evans in the lineup. I've been very much opposed to Evans being on the team, he brings absolutely nothing to this team. Maybe the fact that he's a veteran makes him more important than RJF but I feel the experience and maturity of playing games will help the young guy more than Evans will help the team right now. (SFGate.com)

CB Tarell Brown is looking to do some hitting of Vince Young--something he never got to do for three years in college as they were on the same team. (SacBee.com)

Here's another summary of things from yesterday, this one from Maiocco. (PressDemocrat.com)

The 49ers signed a tackle to their practice squad, once again filling it up. (49ers.com)

Here's a preview of the game on Sunday. (CBSSports.com)

Be sure to check out the NFL.com game center for a preview and stats. (NFL.com)

Alex Smith isn't the only quarterback looking to redeem himself on Sunday--another early pick in Vince Young has come back from the bench recently. (PressDemocrat.com)

Titans coach Jeff Fisher says the 49ers formula is working and they shouldn't change it. (PressDemocrat.com)

The team can sell the naming rights to Candlestick Park yet again. Thrilling. (ProFootballTalk.com)

Ratto has some thoughts on Singletary's first year as a head coach. (SFGate.com)

As it stands (is likely to stand) the game on Sunday will be decided on the ground. (Examiner.com)

Why not head over the our resident Titans blog and answer any 49ers related questions they may have here or visit their thread here for any Titans questions you may have. (MusicCityMiracles/NinersNation.com)

Golden Nuggets: Back again

Ninjames — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:19:37 -0000

Hey there everyone, back from my.. well, absence from the Nuggets. Had, once again, some things to do that were rather.. complicated. Still, I'm back, again. Hopefully this time for good. A lot of things going on for the 49ers of late--the most notable of which are the injuries (bad) and the releasing of WR Micheal Spurlock (very good, maybe?) considering he was doing literally nothing for this team. I feel bad too, because at the beginning of the season I thought he was going to be a solid edition to the team. Oh well, live and learn, right? Still, his replacement doesn't look to factor in much but still. I'll just get to the links.

The 49ers did indeed release Spurlock, and signed a CB to make up for Nate Clements and his injury. (MercuryNews.com)

The defense seemed to be a hit last Sunday. (SFGate.com)

Some moves were already made due to injuries such as the CB signing, but others may be forthcoming. I'm personally excited for Ricky Jean-Francois, that is, if the 49ers aren't still upset with him. (SacBee.com)

Here's the Wrap Up for the Colts game. (49ers.com)

Coach Singletary can lead, that's for sure. But can he coach? (NFL.com)

Because it now seems like he has to change. (SFGate.com)

Maiocco has his every player review from Sunday's game and also takes a look at the offensive line in particular and how it played. (PressDemocrat.com)

Here's the most recent edition of Singletary's Notebook. (49ers.com)

Here's a look ahead at the Titans game. (49ers.com)

Golden Nuggets: Pass oriented sounds good to me

Ninjames — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:37:40 -0000

Hey everyone, James here. Same deal as yesterday, I'm in a hurry yet again and my commentary will (thankfully fr you) be kept to a minimum. Not sure exactly what I have for you today as I'm writing this before actually checking what I've got for you. Most everything I saw had to deal with the offense and what we can expect from it. I'm not even sure I'll be watching this game but man am I excited. I'm getting more and more excited for what this team can do, but I have the sneaking suspicion that I'm just setting myself up for disappointment again. As usual. Oh well, I'll get to the links.

The 49ers offense suddenly is looking more pass oriented. I'm not complaining. (PressDemocrat.com)

It certainly seems as though the team will adjust to their passing weapons as opposed to their running. (Yahoo.com)

WR Michael Crabtree sums up his NFL debut. He believes he can do a lot better and seemed a little disappointed at his own performance. (49ers.com)

The Niners respect Peyton Manning, or rather, the challenge of containing him. (MercuryNews.com)

Jimmy Raye plans to correct problems with the two minute drill. Well, I certainly hope so. I'd hate for the article to be titled "Jimmy Raye says penalties and game-ending interceptions are OK." (MercuryNews.com)

Here's what Raye had to say on it, and a bit from Crabtree as well. (PressDemocrat.com)

Still kind of unclear however, if we'll actually see more passing or not in this offense. Jimmy Raye seems to be.. stubborn. (MercuryNews.com)

The Indy Influence, or something or other about other teams needing to emulate Peyton Manning and the Colts offense. (SFGate.com)

Here's a bit on Alex Smith which I didn't have enough time to read. (SI.com)

Golden Nuggets: Liking the extension

Ninjames — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:14:55 -0000

Morning folks. Once again we have a good bit of news coming out of 49erland. The Niners made some changes and I did nothing all day but sit and reflect on said changes. Unfortunately right now I'm in a bit of a hurry so I'll keep my amazing and thoughtful commentary to a minimum. The most notable of the news concerns CB Tarrell Brown, who received an extension despite doing... well, nothing this season. Still, he's my favorite defensive back on the team and I've been clamoring for him to get more playing time so we'll see what happens. I've got more news for you concerning the safeties and of course some articles about quarterback Alex Smith and more than likely a couple more concerning WR Michael Crabtree. So without further ado, how about some links?

Maiocco feels that his initial prediction for the 49ers may not hold up. He's definitely second guessing himself. That prediction? That the 49ers would go to the playoffs. Ouch. (PressDemocrat.com)

The 49ers signed OT Chris Patrick to the 53-man roster and also signed a TE to the practice squad. (49ers.com)

CB Tarrell Brown got an extension, it was for three years and a good amount of money. Good luck to the kid. (49ers.com)

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

Alex Smith has been waiting patiently for his chance to start. He is more confident and mature these days. Call me unconvinced. (Yahoo.com)

He's got unfinished business. Well, I certainly hope he can finish it. (49ers.com)

FS Dashon Goldson will be wearing the radio helmet on Sunday, not Patrick Willis. Interesting choice, if you ask me, but I'm suspicious by nature. (MercuryNews.com)

Because I'm awesome, I recapped some of the recent 49ers moves, find it here. (NFLTouchdown.com)

Were the 49ers better off with Allen Rossum on the team? Well he's a [site decorum] sight better than Micheal Spurlock and Arnaz Battle, that's for sure. (Examiner.com)

Be sure to check out the game center for Sundays game. (NFL.com)

The offense is striving for balance as a unit. (49ers.com)

Could Alex Smith and Michael Crabtree be the revival of the 49ers this season? I hope so, I'm about to lose a whole lotta hope. (CBSSports.com)

Here's Maiocco's player-by-player review, along with dispelling some myths about the team's performance. (PressDemocrat.com)

Hey, it's the guy who scares the crap out of me: Dwight Freeney, and he's got a fastball. (SacBee.com)

I hate linking to this guys' articles. I don't know if he even knows what he's talking about because I never read beyond the first few sentences, I learned better than that a long time ago. Still, I suppose some of you might like him. Something or other about Alex Smith. (SFGate.com)

The Niners defense is riding on a Smith as well as the offense--Justin Smith. (SFGate.com)

Some of the 49ers players made their World Series picks. Baseball is about the only sport I don't really pay attention to. (49ers.com)

Once again if you have any questions for Colts fans head over to the thread here, and check out the thread over there and answer any questions they may have for us. (StampedeBlue/NinersNation.com)

How about um.. an injury report, to finish? (NinersNation.com)

Golden Nuggets: Looking for an o-line, any o-line..

Ninjames — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:27:36 -0000

Well, maybe not the Packers o-line. Anyway, the 49ers made some moves yesterday, though I'm not sure how to take them. Or rather, I'm not sure how I feel about losing T Tony Pashos to IR. I mean of course it's never good to see somebody hurt but at the same time I feel that he wasn't playing so well at RT and his promotion to starter came because he was simply there. Still, does this mean Barry Sims gets the start? If so, I doubt I'll even watch the Colts game because I have zero faith in him whatsoever. Still, the team did promote a certain linebacker to the active roster, a certain linebacker that I happen to think can be really good when it all comes down to it. So I've got some links for you, should be a good day news wise but I'm still not optimistic about the game on Sunday and I doubt I will be at any point.

The 49ers lost Tony Pashos to injured reserve yesterday with a shoulder injury. (PressDemocrat.com)

They then signed a tackle from the Chief's practice squad who I've never heard of. (SacBee.com)

LB Marques Harris was released yesterday as well, and the 49ers elevated Diyral Briggs from the practice squad. This move I have a small bit of optimism for, seeing as how I believe Briggs can be a great LB of the future. (49ers.com)

Here's a look at the 49ers wide receivers, or rather, who the receivers will be for the future of the franchise. (SacBee.com)

There are those who think QB Alex Smith can play. There are those that think he will be very good. Then there are those like me and well.. I'll not get into it. (NFL.com)

I mean, it really will be hard for me to adjust. Can Alex be a different quarterback this time around? We'll see. (SFGate.com)

How about some Insight on Indy? A look at the team that the 49ers are playing on Sunday. (49ers.com)

Here's The Wrap Up for last Sunday's game against Houston. (49ers.com)

QB Shaun Hill says fellow signal caller Alex Smith has improved over the four years he's seen him. (PressDemocrat.com)

The team seems to be playing it safe with S Michael Lewis, which is a good thing to me. He's a good player with good instincts and I'd hate to lose him for the season and possibly his career by throwing caution aside. (SFGate.com)

What all do the 49ers have to worry about? A lot more than just the quarterback situation, it seems. (MercuryNews.com)

There's a bit of an update on the 49ers new stadium, but I didn't take the time to read this article, I confess. I just don't follow it with much interest, is all. (MercuryNews.com)

Why don't you head over and answer any questions Colts fans have for us Niner fans at SBNation's resident Colts blog? While you're at it, if you have any questions for them head over to their thread at NN here. (StampedeBlue/NinersNation.com)

Why not head over to NFL.com and do some pro bowl voting? Of course if you feel like any 49ers deserve it, vote for them, I try to keep mine realistic. I voted for TE Vernon Davis, ILB Patrick Willis and C Eric Heitman. I hate this though, how early this voting is. It's pretty much a joke at this point, but oh well. (NFL.com)