Kirtman is familiar with the 49ers' offensive terminology, having spent the summer with the Chargers. But coach Mike Nolan said he is not sure how long it will take Kirtman to put himself in a position to be part of the 45-man game day roster.
* * *
PRELIMINARY INJURY REPORT: Safety Mark Roman (knee) and tackle Jonas Jennings (shoulder) are not scheduled to practice today. Linebacker Manny Lawson, as of now, is slated for limited practice. He has missed the past two games with a hamstring strain. Cornerback Donald Strickland (hip) is also scheduled for limited work. Cornerback Walt Harris and running back Frank Gore will take their usual Wednesday rest, though Gore is expected to see some action. The 49ers have yet to replace cornerback Shawntae Spencer, who underwent season-ending ACL surgery several weeks ago, on the 53-man roster.
* * *
Nolan said he expects a physical game Sunday against the Giants, who have an offensive line that Nolan says is one of the best in the league. They also have 264-pound running back Brandon Jacobs. This remains a big question . . . if the 49ers are physical enough in their front seven to slow down Jacobs.
Nolan said the Giants' offensive line -- tackles David Diehl and Kareem McKenzie, guards Rich Seubert and Chris Snee, and center Shaun O'Hara -- is so good because they play well together, they're good technicians and they used their eyes and hands well.
* * *
Matt, how soon will this guy be able to be utilized and what are his attributes of strength vs. weakness?
Wow, "if the 49ers are physical enough in their front seven to slow down Jacobs." We havent been physical enough to slow down the local highschool team it seems.
Matt, are you still having to monitor each comment and toggle visiblity even though we need a login etc? Makes it very boring on game day not seeing peoples comments etc. Just curious.
Bad week to play the Giants. Just coming off a national TV embarrassment. JTO "just turn overs" will look real baad instead of just bad this week. I hate to be a pessimistic but......
So that's our big signing? Wonderful, that should make losing a lot easier. Rather then lose by 36, we may lose by 30, way to go Nolan you phony suit you! Boot the Suit! TOo bad Meadowlands bans signs, some 49ers fans going to the game want to promote boot the suit.
Franklin is gonna get owned like he usually does. We need to run blitz frequently to make up for the soft middle of our DL. Cleveland showed how to beat Eli. .. Blitz, blitz, blitz.
Of course, I'm sure we'll come out in our big nickel... If we do, it's gonna be a long day.
Razoreater - From FootballsFuture: "Like most fullbacks, David Kirtman has not put up anything of note in the stats column, but he has been a key member of USC’s success the past two seasons. As a part time starter as a junior, Kirtman had 19 grabs for 161 yards and a touchdown to go along with 45 yards on eight carries. As a senior, he hauled in 19 balls for 220 yards and a touchdown in addition to his 26 yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Kirtman is an excellent all around fullback. Originally recruited as a tailback at USC, his size and all around skills brought about a move to fullback. Kirtman displays the ability to run the ball tough between the tackles and pick up tough yardage. His best asset though is his receiving ability. Kirtman is a legitimate threat as a receiver, not just a dump off option.
As a fullback, most look at blocking ability first. Kirtman is decent as a blocker, but he is nothing special. He has decent size, but he’ll need to bulk up a bit and get stronger to be a better interior blocker at the next level.
The devastating lead blocker has seemed to disappear from the league over the past few years. With Kirtman’s all around offensive ability, he should find a role on a team in the NFL. The ability out of the backfield and talent to be a backup as a tailback and fullback will attract quite a few NFL teams. He only looks like a late round option if he is drafted, but do not be surprised to see Kirtman on an NFL roster next season."
That sentiment was echoed by Rotoworld today, "Kirtman isn't a traditional lead blocker at 6'0/238, but offers some pass catching ability for Mike Martz. He was Seattle's fifth-round pick in 2006."
Matt, based on what I just posted, why would the niners bother signing him rather than simply using Robinson in that role? That would free them up to bring someone like clayton up to the 53-man and sign someone else to the practice squad. Doesn't make much sense to me...
Can you put things in perspective? How have other
recent coaches fared? I know it has to do with
talent as well but were Crennel and Lovie Smith
hired that year? What are their records?
McCarthy had Fauvre. Disregard Kiffin. Linehan
was just fired. Just curious about their records.
Randy in Santa Rosa,
We just need to "stay the course" and "execute better". There's no need to blitz or else we might get burned on third downs. Oh wait we are already toast on third downs. In all seriousness, I don't think anything will change. Nolan will stick with his big sub package vs. a 260 lb running back. It's going to be a long day. I will DVR the game so that I'm able to fast forward some of the agony. No need for a slow painful death. Nolan pointed out the Giants talent on the O line yet he'll come at them with a four man rush. The sad part is that everyone is expecting this to be a blowout. The only good that can come from that is that it's one more nail in Nolan's coffin. Hopefully next week will be the last.
Man it's slow. Give us some quotes Matt!
just put robinson back there and lets run a couple of FB draws & direct snaps
PLAY Brandon Jacobs, Eli Manning, and Plaxico Burress in Fantasy Football this week as always against a Nolan coached Defense!
Matt, just curious, but why did Keasey win the FB job in the first place. He doesn't seem to have the bulk for the position.
What a bad time play the Giants. Coming off a national tv loss. Here comes a train wreck for the 9ers. At least the Browns gave us a blueprint on how to be them, not that we'll be able to execute it, but did you see how the tight end dominated the nickel corners and the linebackers. The Giants will mix up the man and the zone defense, but mostly man. Heck, I can't even name the Browns tight end. At the very least we should see a decent game from Walker and Davis. Well, maybe.
Matt
What do you think of the idea of moving Waggle out to R. tackle and using one of the many guards at r. guard?