Matt, I would love to hear about your political survey. I am also curious if there was a candidate preference based on offense vs defense team position.

Hey Matt
Great Blog I read it every day. My question is if Coach Sing stays for next year, who do you think will be his coaching staff? I read somewhere he had a list of coaches that he would want on his staff if he ever got hired as a head coach, any idea who might be on that list.

First I want to hear about the political survey.

Is Singletary going to make any changes to the Offensive ine, they don't seem to be doing a very good job of protecting the QB, I think some of the mistakes made by o'Sullivan was because he had pressure before he could do anything with the ball.

Matt,

I was curious is this song about you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncgkfTPGbL4

If it isn't I think it should be your theme song or something. I swear she is saying "Matt Maiocco". Just curious. Keep up the good work.

Nolan and McCloughan tried their best and blew it. Nolan, being the coach took the first bullet. My question is : With so many draft and free agent personnel mistakes, why isn't McCloughan under more criticism from the press and the fans?
My vote (short of new ownership) is a total house cleaning by a Parcell's kind of hire. Holmgren or ?

I'm curious about the survey as well, thanks.

Also, did this really happen? Pretty funny if it did...

Matt, I think your blog is one of my favorite things now. Thanks. I was wondering, do you know if the players are showing any difference in attitude or work ethic under Mike Singletary? From the outside looking in, Nolan seemed super passive and "go thru the motions" whereas Sing seems like a Bill Parcells "Take no S*** from anybody" kind of coach, even without the passionate press conference. Is there anything you can give me to support my theory that hasn't been made public already? I emailed you a couple weeks ago, and asked you if the Yorks care at all about winning, or not. Even if they were incompetent, the fact that they cut Nolan loose(right move or not, time will tell) makes me feel a little bit better about that. I am also kind of excited about Jed York taking a stronger role. He is really young, like myself, and I think with experience, he will make a good owner for us fans. Your thoughts? Thank you.

Matt - Thanks for taking questions again.

With all the intensity that Singletary is calling for at practice, is he still giving the "older" veterans a practice day off? I'm thinking of Walt Harris as one who got Wednesdays off. Has the changed?

I don't think Nolan was a passive coach who took s*** from anybody (he seemed to have a quick trigger with players actually). It's just that he didn't make the right moves as a coach. Bill Walsh once said that the bottom line with players WILL be the coach's competance AS a coach. How much does he help the players do well individually and win as a team? Also, with the absolute LOOUSY personnel aquisition from McNolan, any coach will fail. Bill Parcells was very no nonsence AND he made the right moves as a coach. A winning combination. See Lombardi, Landy, P Brown, etc. BUT you gotta GOTTA have the players. When Don Shula started screwing up BIGTIME in getting players, all of a sudden he wasn't even sniffing a super bowl. Capiche?

If they're looking to get Brooks on the field at one of the end positions, who's playing time is that most likely to cut into?

Oh yeah, Obama all the way!

Matt, regardless of quarterback preference, everyone pretty much agrees that JTO really fell apart in the last few games. I thought he looked rattled and out of sync even before he threw the first pass in the Giants game. My question is, based on your years of covering QBs and coaches, was he being asked to do something (in a desperate-for-a-win situation)that was unreasonable in view of his experience, the high risk nature of the Martz-style offense, and the degree of pass protection available? Should there have been more pre-season snaps, more development time, or a different play package for a new starter no matter who the new starter was? Any comments you can make will be welcome. THANKS, SURE ENJOY YOUR POSTS.

Hi Matt,
What are the chances Chilo Rachal and Reggie Smith get more playing time? Also, are they talking about Brooks being a starter at DE or only on passing downs?

Thanks!

So knowing Spikes contract is up in one year, I am wondering if it is a safe assumption he will have proved himself valuable enough to get a contract with a more competitive team next season, leaving us with a spot for Brooks or a newcomer? I think his play has been better than we could have hoped for on short notice, and I wonder if we will lose him.

Over the years, which player was the most incisive, most compellng interview?

Other than football, which sport would you love cover?

As a youth, did you aspire to become a writer, or is it something you just stumbled upon?

If you weren't a sports writer, what would you be doing with your life?

Have you ever considered getting into broadcasting?

Is the Pen mightier than the sword?

When is the next instant 49ers get together? (I missed last years)

I'm sorry to get personal, but I think its time to get to know the man behind the pen or laptop!

Norm!

P.S. Avoid HWY 4 at all costs!

Matt,

What is it that the 49ers do on their respective Road Trips that make them play like garbage? I realize their home record this year is garbage at 1-4, but has Singletary evaluated what they do on road trips from start to finish to see if there is something that they could do differently to help make for a more positive outcome on Sunday? Your thoughts?

Hi Matt- Thanks as always for the great work. I was going to ask how much of Mike Silver's article do you think is actually true and how much is questionable info being fed to him by people with their own agenda? Parts of it smell a little funny to me. But now I REALLY want an answer to Randy in Santa Rosa's question! Actually, both would be great. Thanks!

Matt, I read that Scot removed his tie for Nolan, will he wear a TShirt for Mike?
And a follow up;
If Jed cried when he fired Nolan, will he cry when he fires Scot?
AND.. Bust out the Tommy Bahamas for First Take again PLEASE! Tell Dana its the Cali thing to do. Thanks Matt, You Rock!

Matt, thanks for the great work as always. With the bye week, do you think Singletary will sit Roman and have Goldston replace him. If not for this coming game, do you think this is the likely scenario by season's end?

Matt, IDK if you saw this in the other post, but I'm curious to get your reaction to this article. I'm not sure if I should really take it that seriously, since no sources are named, but there is a lot of stuff in here that would explain a lot of other stuff. Thanks.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AqwI4kAUIlN8KFIcla6q69w5nYcB?slug=ms-morningrush102708&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Has Brooks played DE before?, and why not
put Lawson there since that was his original position? I'm curious to know if
you have since changed your mind about
Condaleeza Rice joining the franchise as
a distinct possibility? Is McCloughan to
be evaluated at the end of the year on
job performance? No I for one do not care
who our players are backing politically, however I do care that they come out Monday night and instead of embarrassing
me they bloody Arizona's nose with a dominating, physical and victorious performance. I am Razoreater and I have approved these questions.

Matt- Vernon Davis is an unusual character and talent. Despite his oversized paychecks, speed, size, etc., his potential as a receiver is unrealized, except maybe as a decoy. As you have pointed out, he is a good blocker. How would you or others rank him in relation to other TEs around the league? I can't help but think how much better any of the Niner QBs would look if Davis was a good, reliable receiver.

PLEASE no politics! I have sick and tired of the last two years.

What I want to know is when do the 49ers fly out for away games? Bill Walsh always left on Friday for Sundays games. Is that still the rule.

Matt - any news of other possible position changes? Reggie Smith to FS would be a good one.

What do you think of McCloughan so far as a GM? Obviously he has had some bad picks like the others, but compared to other GM's in the league, how is he doing? Is some of the talent he has drafted being wasted because Nolan didn't use them? Any info on all of this would be much appreciated.

Hi Matt:

Do the 49ers keep Alex Smith next year, or is he gone along with JT O Sullivan? To me, Smith should be kept.

If Singletary has 'problems' and the team winds up fizzling, does he get pulled? Now...I prefer we keep Singletary in some capacity...so why not sack Manusky and replace him with Singleatary on DC? I don't want Singletary gone.

Does McCoughan get sacked by the end of the year?

Thanks.

Now that Nolan has been relieved and Scot is left to carry on the duties, do you see the attitude of Best Player Available taking any new direction?

Is this roster stocked well enough in depth to perhaps allow more focused position of NEED selections?

Is there really a plan to build a 3-4 vs 4-3 and if so, who's plan was it?

Does Singletary favor a 4-6, 3-4, 4-3, Big Sub, all/none of the above?

If the article regarding the Singletary and the Full Moon Speech is true,

Boxers or Briefs?

Thanks Matt, this is fun for BYE week boredom.

thanks matt!

What's your midseason record prediction for the end of the season? Tied in with that who do the niners take with their top 5 pick? Thanks!

Also...i vote for hearing the political stuff

Matt - this just in from Mike Lombardi's site: I am surprised that no one has claimed or signed Anthony Davis, the former left offensive tackle from the Bucs. He might not be the best left tackle in football, but he has experience and he is healthy. He is much better than Max Starks of Pittsburgh at left tackle.

He can play both sides. He's 28 yrs old, started all 16 games in 2006, & has played 47 career games with 32 starts.

Sounds like he could be an upgrade to Sims + Jennings is due to come back after the Bye so he could sit & get acclimated for a while.

Could we be interested?

As another option couldn't we also just add him to the roster & waive someone else where we have some decent depth?

What about DT? It seems like they need to go to a 4-man D-line because Franklin is such a pathetic NT (the other week he was pancaked by a running back); what are your thoughts for a band-aid to this issue. Also, I here people (on the radio) say the 9ers should throw their top pick(s) next year at D-line and O-line, the D-line I am on board with, but they never seem to have any luck with O-line at the top of the draft, even Staley is stinking it up this year. Don't you think they should just leave O-Line for rounds 3 and lower?

Mike I laugh at all the press our 9ers get for guys playing out of position and I'm always reminded of Damane Duckett, now on IR I believe?

Let's not sign a bonafide OT, let's convert a DT?

Only at 4949 Dysfunction Jct.
You can't make this stuff up.

I will like to know the political poll.....I have a feeling Obama is leading in all living things polls

What are your thoughts on this: With the team giving up 30 points per game why is Manusky not on the chopping block?! The defensive line needs to be overhauled. Why in the world did McNolan/Nolan give Soap a $20 million contract? The guy makes next to no plays and gets thrown around on the field repeatedly (despite being the "strongest" guy on the team). Roman at free safety is a joke; the man NEVER gets an interception and makes no plays. Get Goldson in there when he is healthy or Kieth. You agree?

Seeing as you have concluded the '08 season already a washout and I completely agree, I have too quick questions for you. (1) Who do you see as hot candidates for the head coaching position? (Browns are having a subpar year so do you consider Chudzinski a contender). (2) With the college QB class the weakest in maybe decades and Matt Stafford (if he comes out) probably getting snapped up by the Lions in the top 3, what plans do you think the 49ers would have for getting a signal caller?

Sorry- meant two questions

Hey Matt,

I keep hearing from various sources that Coach Singletary dropped his pants down to his ankles before addressing the team in the locker room during halftime on Sunday when the team played Seattle.

Any truth to that?

Check out this link:
http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/DanBickley/37299

Any word on Singletary making changes to the defensive secondary? The defense has been burned on some deep plays this year. Michael Lewis was (supposedly)booted from Philly for poor pass protection and Mark Roman has only one pick to his credit over a very long period of time. Does Reggie Smith have any chance of being moved back to safety? How about Dashon Goldson's chances of finally getting a shot at starter?

Thanks.

Matt- i think my comment was erased, in a nutz shell when are we going to see a change at FS, Roman might be "solid" but he just doesnt make plays!! (and i know we have NO pass rush and it does start there, but one pick in 40 plus games... COME ON.. you would think there would be more on accident!! look at spikes!)

Matt, can you comment on the job David Baas did at LG last week. Any news on when Jonas "Crystal" Jennings might come back to play RT? Do you feel Synder replaces Sims takes over at starting RT?
On the pass rush, Green looks a step slower, why not try Banta-Cain who looked good in preseason?

Why does a lot of the media have to create stories, in a way that makes them liars. I'm speaking of the so called issues between Martz/Singletary that keeps getting pub. Why don't they go after Culpepper? I feel S. Hill is as good as Kerry Collins. So the most pressing needs are DT & QB, I say they draft one of each and also get one of each through F.A. Haynesworth & Cassell are F.A. Maybe even draft two QBs.

If Singletary is really dropping his pants in the locker room, he better remember what city he is in. Frightening!

Matt, Is the team required to give the players so many days off during the bye week? It seems to me that considering their recent play, they could use a lot more practice days. Even "light" practices and extra coaching at various positions would seem to be helpful.

I know the quarterback we should choose is none other but Nate Davis! Matt do you agree he could be had early 2nd and would
make an excellent QB for the Niners?

What is the SF future at QB? Personally I don't see any solution other than drafting another QB which translates into 3 years of losing. There are no free agents QBs out there because any team would not let go of the most valuable commodity, a good QB. Frankly I still think when McCloughlin is fired, a New GM will have to solve that problem. It will still be JTO, Hill, or Smith.

Can you rate these scenarios by placing a % probable next to each:
Team still ends with a losing record under Singletary
Team does not retain Singletary as HC. Singletary leaves.
Team does not promote Martz.
Martz leaves.
We get new HC (offensive minded I hope).
McCloughan is let go due to lack of talent on team.
Holmgren takes over GM.
Cowher or Bellick takes over HC and defacto GM.
We go with an unproven coordinator as HC.
We get a college coach, Weiss or Carroll.
Thanks

Matt- I know this seems like old news, but with all the coverage Singletary's press conference got I think this got glossed over.

In either the 2nd or 3rd quarter a punt (or kickoff, my memory is hazy) to the Seahawks bounced at about the 2 or 3 yardline. The Seahawks return man tapped the ball as it bounced up. When he did this he was at the 2, running backwards. He then caught the ball at the 1, and momentum took him into the endzone and it was called a touchback. Am I the only one who thought this was close to a safety? He tapped the ball at the two, and he didn't have possession. At that point isn't the ball considered live? What did you think of this play?

Matt - I'm also curious about the player preferences for President. But be careful yourself about mixing sports writing and politics. A local (Sonora) writer made an attempt at some humor with a critical piece about Obama and the s--- hit the fan. See http://www.uniondemocrat.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=27963

Hey Matt, i read your articles all the time and you do great work. I know it's just been one game but what are the chances you think singletary will be coach next year? what is the short list of coaching candidates you believe can turn the 49ers around? thank you.

Marc-NJ 49er..don't get me started on these "projects". Sometimes I wonder if Scott's asleep at the wheel or what?

Why didn't we go after Shaun Rogers? Grady Jackson? Instead we keep beating our heads in the wall & staying with Franklin who's useless & a backup AT BEST.

Throw Roman in there while we're identifying these "problem areas". Any Joe Blow can stand back & see these 2 eye sores shouldn't be on the field.

Hi Matt,

With moving LB to DEs, it seems like the niners are further moving away from the 3-4 to the 4-3. It seems like the niners personal fits the 4-3 better. With Nolan gone, will we see more 4-3?

BRIAN DE LA PUENTE
Matt,
I read today that the Chiefs waived him, do you think the Niners will get him back? I think they were hoping to stash him on the practice squad. Is that right?

Make with the political survey already!

Hi Matt,

I know Martz prefer the vertical pass plays but 49ers clear don't have the players to do it. Shouldn't Martz adjust his play calls based on the personal if he is a great OC? What is his biggest goal for the remainder of this season? prove that he is still a great OC(genius) in NFL?

Hi Matt, keep up the great work . . . I read somewhere that Singletary prefers the 4-3 to the 3-4. What are you hearing re whether the 49er D will play more 4-3, and less 3-4 or 4-2-5, in the second half of the season. . . . Is Mike Manusky fully versed in the 4-3, or he he a 3-4 expert?

Moving from 3-4 to 4-3 without Nolan? Exactly the opposite! This season with Nolan we were playing mainly 4-3 with some (or a lot of) 4-2 and 4-1 thrown into the mix. Last game against SEA without Nolan we started to use 3-4 to a noticeable extend.

If the racial composition in your survey conforms to the 49ers overall racial composition, I'll be surprised if Obama gets less than 83%.

Have you heard Vermeil's name lately? Think he might be interested in a GM/President job?

Vermeil? I dunno... didn't he handpick Herm Edwards? yikes