There will be no changes to the 49ers defense, coach Mike Nolan said today during his Monday press conference.
"No, I'm looking for us to play better," Nolan answered when asked if changes were coming.
The 49ers have a veteran defense. How can a veteran defense make these kinds of mistakes? Nolan said the same as a young defense, by not paying attention to detail. He said the 49ers need to be more consistent.
Has the coaching staff put together good game plans?
"I think they'vre OK, but at the same time that's been part of our issue," Nolan said. "We're looking at the whole package." He said they need to look at every part of their preparation.
Nolan defended cornerback Walt Harris and Mark Roman. When asked if Dashon Goldson should get more action at Roman's expense, Nolan said he would stick with Roman.
"Mark's a good football player," Nolan said. "He helps us win and helps people around him, and makes the players around him better. They feel assured he'll do his job. . . . Not to take anything away from Dashon. Dashon's a good player. Will he help our stealing the ball? I don't know. In the 'Big Sub,' he was in every down. He has been playing, and I don't recall seeing him get turnovers at that time."
--Nolan said he is not looking to take defensive play-calling duties away from coordinator Greg Manusky. "We collectively discuss a lot of it," he said. "There's not a whole lot of calls that I would've changed, but at the same time we look at where can we do our part to assist the players?"
--INJURY UPDATE: Fullback Zak Keasey will be placed on injured reserve with a torn biceps tendon in his right arm. The 49ers probably would've called Moran Norris, however, he just signed last week with the Detroit Lions. The 49ers are discussing what to do with the roster spot. Delanie Walker, Billy Bajema and Michael Robinson can all help fill Keasey's role in the offense.
Linebacker Manny Lawson's return this week after missing two games with a hamstring strain is "probable," Nolan said. He said he was not sure about the status of tackle Jonas Jennings, who has been out since Sept. 14 with a right shoulder injury.
--Nolan said the loss of Bryant Young is not the problem. He said he has confidence in the guys who are playing right now.
--Nolan said the team's system for challenges is a good one. He said it's a collective decision, but Nolan gets the final decision.
On the Eagles' second drive of the game, the 49ers missed an opportunity to hold Philadelphia to a field goal when Hank Baskett appeared to drop a third-down pass. The Eagles scored a TD several plays later.
I watched that sequence today. From the time the replay was shown on TV, a full 15 seconds elapsed before the Eagles ran another play. I asked if Nolan had his headsets on at that point.
"That's a good question," Nolan said. "I didn't get anything said to me until later. . . . I can't recall."
Is there a system in place so that if you don't have your headset on, they can get to you?
"Yes there is," Nolan said.
--Nolan called the criticism of offensive coordinator Mike Martz's fourth-quarter playcalling as hindsight. Nolan said the thing the 49ers' offense was able to do throughout the game was keep the Eagles off-balance. Nolan said the 49ers felt like they had the Eagles off balance at the start of the fourth quarter.
--With the trade deadline looming, Nolan said he has not had any discussion with GM Scot McCloughan.
The 49ers do not appear interested in making any trades, especially for a receiver. The Lions contacted them to gauge interest in Roy Williams. The 49ers were not interested. Williams was not known for putting in a lot of time to learn Martz's system.
--Nolan was told that there's a lot of disappointment, anger and frustration from the fans -- a lot of directed at him. Can he understand why the fans are so upset?
"Sure, we're losing," Nolan said. "We've lost three in a row. . . . The only thing I'm concerned about is winning and trying to win.
"Fans want to win and I want to win, and everything we do is geared toward winning. And it'll stay that way. Everything else is peripheral."
* * *
O’SULLIVAN’S FOURTH QUARTER TURNOVERS
Week 1 vs. Cardinals: Fumble with 1:57 remaining.
Week 2 vs. Seattle: None
Week 3 vs. Detroit: None
Week 4 vs. New Orleans: Interception with 9:48 remaining
Week 5 vs. Patriots: Interception with 2:55 remaining
Week 6: vs. Eagles: Interception with 6:23 left; fumble with 3:11 left; interception with 48 seconds left
Nolan needs to go, now. It's too bad because he seems like a good guy, but this is getting ridiculous. We can still salvage the season. Personally I'd like to see Singletary get the call, because I think the players respect the heck outta that guy. Come on Jed and John, it's just like pulling off a band aid...
Everyone, needs to back off JTO a little. That last INT WASN'T he's FAULT! A.Battle was the hot read, a slate route and had A.Battle ran the RIGHT ROUTE, it would have been a nice gain. LOOK at the replay, Battle runs straight up field, JTO called a hot route before the snap. The problem with this team isn't JTO, it isn't the talent (admitted the talent could be better!), it's the coach and the person that hired the coach JOHN YORK! It all starts at the top my friend! Let's keep our eye on who REALLY is to blame for ALL the losing. -Die hard Niners fan, 'til the bitter end - Jason S. From San Leandro
oneniner you are a lonely broken record. If you think this debacle is because of JTO, you are even dumber than we all thought. Nolan is this team's cancer, and needs to go. Not only did Nolan screw up Alex Smith's career, but he passed on countless FA's and draft picks to find another QB. I once read that Ron Wolf drafter a QB every year, because you never know when you might hit on a Brady or Montana. If Nolan's ego wasn't the size of Texas, he would have realized a long time ago that the QB position was in trouble on his team. I'm not a big JTO fan, but given his experience, he's doing ok - surely not the reason for the losses. If the defense of Mr. Genius could hold a team under 25 points, we would probably be 4-1, and JTO would not be put in so many catch-up scenarios.
Hi, I read your articles every day. This is my first post because I can't answer something.
Why didn't we try to go for 2 after our last 2 touchdowns? We could have easily lost by one for most of the second half..... I don't get it.....
Also, I haven't seen anyone mention that longer pass(maybe 20 yrds) by the Eagles and after the catch our backs were still 10 or 15 yrs behind the receiver. Talk about playing loose, jeesh!.....Mike
The ONLY CHANGE will be YOU Nolan after these next 2 games!!!
Everyone, needs to back off JTO a little. That last INT WASN'T he's FAULT! A.Battle was the hot read, a slate route and had A.Battle ran the RIGHT ROUTE, it would have been a nice gain. LOOK at the replay, Battle runs straight up field, JTO called a hot route before the snap. The problem with this team isn't JTO, it isn't the talent (admitted the talent could be better!), it's the coach and the person that hired the coach JOHN YORK! It all starts at the top my friend! Let's keep our eye on who REALLY is to blame for ALL the losing. -Die hard Niners fan, 'til the bitter end - Jason S. From San Leandro
How about moving the corners up to the LOS and pressing once in a while? It's sickening to see these guys sit 10-12 yards off the line play after play, just waiting to get beat. "Read and react" should be renamed "sit and die" -- cuz no team wins with such little sense of urgency, when you let the opposition simply run its patterns unfettered and undetered.
last year it was Hostletler's fault...
this year its Manusky's fault...
when is it Nolan's fault?
wsmith... amen to that. Oneniner, no need for those stats, we've all seen the games, and enough of the man crush on Alex Smith already. He's on IR. Nolan is the problem. Period.
Matt, Posters, Anyone: What is the case for keeping Nolan another day? I've heard the cliches (e.g., "firing Rich Kotite wouldn't save the Jets"), but no one has explained why keeping Nolan gives the Niners a better chance now. Home game v. Seattle is a must-win. An interim coach would get a tune-up in Sunday's beating by NYG and fair prep for Seattle. Waiting for the Bye to sack Nolan is senseless. And he's such a lame duck now, only a replacement can ignite the team.
oneniner,
Why don't you bring up Alexcuse's stats? I've seen better play out of JTO in a few games than I've seen out of Alexcuse in 3 years. Please...
oneniner, I appreciate the research. However, who would you suggest we play at QB right now? In addition, since I've seen you be so upset with the number of coordinators that Alex Smith had to deal with, I'm sure you won't be a supporter of him coming back under yet another one right? Because let's face it, Martz will be gone, so will Nolan, so a new coach will be here with a new OC.
Nolan stated that there is no defensive change for the upcoming game. Does he think an 0-3 record and giving up 30+ points for three consecutive games is acceptable? The more I hear Nolan try to explain things, the more I want him gone. His ego would not allow for change... *see big sub package. He must go, along with his vanilla defense and Mark (30 yards deep) Roman.
Don't credit OneNiner for research. He copy/pasted from another blog.
Surprised by JTO critics, just "from the standpoint" of being resigned to his limits. Never figured he'd be an upgrade over Alex. He's made some plays that a healthy Alex wouldn't, and had plenty more gaffes. I don't think Alex ever had this spate of TOs and sacks, esp. with Gore leading the NFL in yds. Tradeoffs. So what? If Nolan needs a better QB to win more games than Erickson, he's gonna get a pink slip waiting for Tom Brady to run out of that tunnel.
Matt, is there a way to have us logged in, even if we quit the browser? It's a bit annoying having to log in every time.
Oh and when you see the Yorks please tell them to make that change!
Matt,
Curious Question, why are the York's waiting?? Why keep Nolan aboard the rest of the season when he will be fired at the end??? They are wasting time and prime years of Frank Gore's career, it makes no sense does it?? Is it completely about MONEY and paying him and the coach to replace him???
All things considered, we are exactly where we were projected to be before the season started. Losses to superior teams, Philly, NE, and NO. We new those teams would beat us as soon as the schedule came out. Now, the disconcerning thing about those loss, as we look back, is the fact that those teams beat us with 2nd and third string offensive players. New Orleans: No Colston, no Shockey, gimpy McAlister. New England: No Brady. Philly: No Westbrook, no Reggie Brown, no Kevin Curtis, no Andrews. Some would argue that the 9ers have had the most talent on the field that past three weeks. Now lets look at the coaches we faced. New Orleans: Payton, a "real" offensive guru, and coached his team to the NFC Championship game. Advantage NO. New England: Bill Belicheck (sorry!), three SuperBowls. Nuff said! Advantage NE. Philly: Andy Reid, seven or eight winning seasons and a trip the big game. Advantage Philly. My point is the 9ers are being out prepared, out game managed, and quite simply out coached every single week. I know that a midseason coaching change will not get us into the playoffs, but with the overt mismanagement, and poor judgements made weekly by Nolan, a new coach could come in an simply manage the game better and be more successful. At least give our "talented" group of players a fighting chance. BTW, it is such a pleasure to watch Frank Gore play. I love that guy.
you guys are a bunch of whinners....if you are so smart how did coach nolan cost us the game?......"Everyone, needs to back off JTO a little. That last INT WASN'T he's FAULT! "...WTF..lol..are you kidding me....why would he throw a hot route under a 3-man pressure?...can you explain that me?....who freaking throws hot routes with no-timeout and less than 50 seconds to go?....who throws a hot route against a prevent defense?...JTO is the reason we lost this game......coach nolan didn't lose or win it....
I cant explain what the problem is, i think most of the schemes are correct, the players are in the right spot but just not making the plays. The D seems like they dont want to get beat deep (taking out the big play) leaving underneath routes, Walt was a total mismatch against Basket. The run D should be alot better, there is no staple of what the D does best, its just a little bit of everything. The front 4 still hasnt stepped, if you look at the eagles the caused the JTO fumble with a front 4 and put pressure. The O, JT O snaps is being taken out of a rhythm easily and the Offense. This reminds me of those teams that are suggested to do really well like the Panthers over the years but dont succeed cause of the hype or lack of confidence because of all the mistakes and dont realize what they have until its too late. So far the 9ers got buffed pretty good the last few weeks, but when gold gets buffed it shines.
oh no.... Darren/oneniner/guest9er is back! That means more A Smith talk..
Hey Norm, take a look at what oneniner just said about JTO: INTs one after another. Didn't Tim Rattay do that also in the 4th quarter of games we could've won?
Norm, who's to say that Alex Smith won't take a pay cut? What if he does? What if Alex Smith wants to return to the team if other teams are not jumping up to take him? What are you going to do then if we bring in Mike Holmgren, then Holmgren brings in somebody that brings back our West Coast OFfense, and Smith could excel in it, what then?
I'm willing to accept if it's not Smith, then draft a QB next year. We may go 4 and 12 now because of Nolan's inability to coach us to any wins!
And Norm, this is a new blog. There's no trolling!
you guys are afraid to face the facts....Coach nolan is not always the problem the players have to execute, we have talent on this team, its just that our QB really really sucks......why won't you all accept the fact JTO really sucks....i mean cmon, it wasn't Nolan fumbling the ball, it wasn't nolan missing vernom for a wide open td, it wasn't nolan throwing a hot route into a prevent defense....cmon lets give credit where it is due...JTO is not a starting QB in this league, he his a career backup for LIFE.....:)
Did anybody catch the Chicago/Atlanta game? What was it that made Atlanta win that game with 11 seconds left? 11 seconds to get a LAST SCORE and a win? Answer was players wanted to play/work for their coach. The coach believed in his players. Mike Nolan is not and never will be a believer. We won't have a win like Atlanta had over a team like the Eagles because Nolan cannot dial up a defense and we don't have a WR to rely on.
Someone said it right, it all starts at the top, and since you cannot fire the owner, you have start with the HC. At no point in the last four years have the Niners tried to establish an identity. I know there was a lot of cleaning up to do after the Donahue era and the turnover of the coordinators was a set back, but it is the HC's job to say "This is who we are!" and for the GM to go out and get the pieces to make it work. They started drafting the best players available, a very good idea when you have a team lacking in talent. The problem is, after about the second year of that, the team needed to define who it was going to be and to start drafting players to fit that definition. Are they going to be a running team, a west coast team, a run and shoot team? Are they a 3-4, 4-3, 5-2? All things to this day that I don't think we can answer. From my perspective I look at their personnel and think they are better off running a West Coast offense and 4-3 defense. The HC's job is to motivate, manage, and put his players in a position to succeed and I see little of that from Nolan. His double-talk to the media (which is indirectly to the fans), mis-handling of player issues, in game decisions/adjustments and failure to establish an identity for the team have shown that he is not qualified for the job. It is time for a change, waiting until the off-season or bye week will accomplish nothing but prolonging the agony.
look at the 6 games.....when is enough - enough.....We have never had a QB has reckless as JTO...never in the history of the NFL have i seen a QB perform like this in 6 weeks and he still keeps his job......are you freakin kidding me..the guy leads the league in turnovers...even A.Smith in his rookie yr was not this bad...enough is enough...put M.Rob as QB.
Well said, oneniner. I still feel if we kept WCO, ALex SMith can excel, but nobody wanted to try it.
OMG - oneniner is a genius! If we only had another QB we would be Super Bowl champs!!! I can't believe 99% of the public, including myself, is too blind to see that Nolan is a mastermind, a genius!!!
The last INT was definitely JTO's fault, but it was due to his inexperience more than skill. The Eagles showed an all out blitz and then fell back into a 3-man rush. It appeared the receiver noticed this, which is why he wasn't even looking for the ball. JTO just had his mind made up that he was going to throw the hot based on his pre-snap read. Also, his INT goes back to the 'awkward' motion that Matt has pointed out. If he had the ball up higher, preferably holding it with two hands, he wouldn't have gotten it knocked out. He should have felt the pressure, another thing that HOPEFULLY will be 'cured' through experience.
The stat that startled me the most listening to Plummer? The Niners are giving up the most points in the league. That is COMPLETELY unacceptable. There is no way the talent on this defense is worse than that of Cinci, Detroit, Atlanta, etc. If the talent is there, but results aren't forthcoming, there's only one explanation. Good to see Nolan doesn't plan any changes on that front. The only team they've stopped is Detroit. That's pathetic.
I was at the game, and I could swear that on one of the Eagles kick offs, their return man fielded the ball in the field of play...and then proceeded to take a couple steps back and kneel down in the endzone for the touchback. It was pretty subtle, and I could be trippin', but did anyone else catch that???
I saw that too... It looked like he was right on the goal line when he caught it. I wasn't that impressed with the ref's calls yesterday. There were definitely some questionable ones.
Wait wait wait.... did he just say "Mark Roman helps us win games?" WHICH ONES?! This farce must end. Mike Nolan must go down and he must go down hard.
Matt,
I have always thought that Martz was the worst coordinator in the league. He is sure proving it this year. He has no grasp on how to run an offense. After watching his disaster of an offense for 6 weeks now, what is your opinion on Martz and his offense?
ha ha ha.."another thing that HOPEFULLY will be 'cured' through experience."....he his not going to cure anything, ...ha ha ha.....he keeps making the same mistakes over and over......dude he has been in the league for over 6 yrs.....you don't teach a QB how not lose games....its like there is no need for us to even think comeback.....GUYS HE HAD 2 CHANCES TO DO GOOD, ACTUALLY 3 IF YOU INCLUDE THE MISSED TD. HE FUMBLED and WHEN WE WERE DOWN BY 7 HE COULD HAVE TIED IT UP BUT GUESS WHAT HE THREW A FREAKING HOT ROUTE IN A PREVENT DEFENSE - EVERYBODY KNOWS YOU USE THE SIDELINES IN THAT SITUATION ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE IN MID_FIELD....i mean cmon guys how many times do we blame nolan for playing a prevent defense where an average qb makes nolan look bad?....JTO was facing a prevent defense and he could not win the game....this is not the first time teams in the NFL thought he was a loser.....HOW MANY TIMES HAS HE BEEN CUT???
it does not matter if your defense is struggling, or your coach is dumb.....its unacceptable if your qb is not even gonna make it on a college football roster.
Who kidnapped Mike Martz and replaced him with Jim Hostler towards the end of the 3rd quarter. Great Game plan until they completely abandoned it. If Nolan can't manage a game he most likely can't create a decent game plan. Please fire him Yorks..... The losing is embarassing enough having a complete moron explaining his moron logic after the game is rubbing salt in the wound.
I think yesterday was a new low for me as a 9er fan since '79. When Nolan missed that challenge and not one of the other 9ers, players or coaches bothered to tell him to challenge the bad call, that was it! The offensive line seems incapable of forcing the other team off balance and our defensive line also seems unable to make the next step; winning games and beating the crap out of other teams! Something needs to be done now!
Matt – If I’m not mistaking TBC was called for offsides on the Desean Jackson catch that Nolan decided to challenge. Essentially it was a free play for Philly, Donavan recognized this, and he heaved the ball down field to Jackson who made the catch. So – If we win that challenge, Philly accepts the penalty and they move the ball five yards down the field and our challenge is wasted again. Am I missing something here? This clearly makes Nolan challenge of that play 10 TIMES WORSE then it already was, yet no one seems to be asking him about that. During the Challenge time out, TV cameras caught Nolan berating TBC on the sidelines. So Nolan was WELL AWARE that he was flagged for that offsides. If you have a minute can you or someone else on this blog please clarify. Thanks and keep up the great work.
You are correct. If the challenge succeeds, the Eagles accept the penalty on Banta-Cain and would've had a first and 10 at the 49ers' 28, as opposed to first and goal at the SF 6. --Matt M.
Wow. A Nolan press conference must be a difficult thing to cover. Everything is fine and there is no need to panic, we just have to play better. The press conference is almost worthless.
Seems like Nolan likes to protect his defensive players that aren't doing a good job: Roman this year, D Smith last year. Roman is virtually invisible out there. Maybe this is a major cause for the problems in the defensive backfield this year. Would you trust Roman to be there if he was supposed to be giving you help? Just saw a Nolan sound bite( his presser today) on sports where he said they just lost to three quality teams but he forgot to mention that all three offenses were about as crippled as you could ask for to give your D a major advantage. What would the scores have been if they had all been healthy Mike? I think he's either in denial or he's actually starting to believe the crap he's been feeding us. As far as the his challenge system, it speaks for itself in the number of questions he's had to answer about his challenges for almost 3 1/2 years now. Like I said before, is there any doubt why the defense seems to play confused.
Well, if the Giants go on to lose tonight, the blowout for the 9ers will come next week in NY. Traveling East, to one of the best teams in the league....the blowout is coming.
My prediction -- blowout next week, so bad that Nolan is finally and mercifully fired on Monday. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but I seriously think he is getting the axe soon.
This whole thing stinks worse than last year. Nolan, you will be fired. This Team under his direction and okay the call it leadership will not turn around. Defense which was supposed to be our strong suit with him is like what happened and what is happening???
This is like Groundhog day. Same old stuff from Nolan.
Can we entice BY to come back (Just Kidding) he is not stupid. At least Nolan try and make some changes in scheme,personel or both. Nolan please think that you may want to hurry.
This defense is your Team now. No excuses!!! You might be fast talking but I think you are a dim witted Coach who is out of flavor with the fans and worse yet your Players, as it show up every Sunday. SM now is time to show us that you really are GM material, not just some preppy that has never played this game. The Yorks please sell off some raffle tickets and let some lucky bastard try their hand in this mess. This once proud Team that held a once strong foundation makes my weep as I look at my collection of past 49ers.
I presume many of you are watching this game right now... The Niners have a MUCH better defense than the Browns, personnel-wise (sans Rogers, I'd love to have that guy anchoring the middle), yet they can't shake up a quality offense like this. Difference? Coaching. Blame JTO for the turnovers (I do, too), but until the coaches can amp up the defense, JTO is the lesser of two evils.
Nolan's problem may be that his relationship with the players is simply not the kind that inspires extra effort and superlative performances. He is getting mediocre minus performances out of players that most seem to agree are better than that. Knowledge is important, and I think Nolan knows a lot, but a lot of coaching is also chemistry. Not sure that it is fair to judge his player relationship skills by what we see in his responses to reporters, but if it is--the chemistry sucks. BOOT THE SUIT!
What's sad is, if Seattle wasn't in the mix between the Giants and Cards, we'd have a legitimate chance at losing 6 straight. I'm at the point where I'd almost rather see it happen. Anything that helps Nolan get fired quicker is ok by me. They can't remove this stooge from my TV screen soon enough!!!!
Do you and/or your peers ever have access to Niner owners? If so, instead of a steady diet of Coach Nolan's inane dribble, could you provide us, every so often, on what ownerships comments or views are on the 'state of the team.' I tend to chart my own path, but I can no longer stay off the "Nolan-must-go" bandwagon. True this was his first stint as a HC, but NOTHING about this man has changed or imrpoved. Absolutely nothing. He is just as 'in the dark' now and clueless as he was on day one of his hire. Tell me, tell all of us that these people (owners) are at least 'aware' of the debacle this man has created and continues to breathe life into. Please!
I heard last year that some guys got together and flew an airplane banner over the stadium that said "Fire Nolan". I looked on ESPN that night but they never showed anything about it. For any of you guys who were at those games last year, is this true? And if so, what are the chances this happens again this year? I would love to chip in for such a cause. Let the York peppermint patties know WE ARE TIRED OF THIS STOOGE AT THE HELM!!!
I remember listening to an interview with Scotty at the beginning of the season. The impression I got from the interview is that even Nolan was on the hot seat, but he didn't want to go down that path as it was premature given it was still August. I have to imagine he must be considering firing Nolan. So my question is two fold. Is it Scotty's decision to make and do you think my impression of the interview was correct (if you know the one I'm talking about).
Just to jolt your memory it was the one where he said he thought Smith had more talent than JTO.
did anyone notice how JTO managed the clock ...even after turning it over previously...pathetic......this guy is another tim rattay.........i actually thought the defense played ok.....they did get a three and out in the 4th quarter when it was mostly needed.....so whatz the fuss about nolan......again if our qb had a brain (like A.Smith) we would have won this game.......
I'd like to see us talk Brady Quinn out of the browns, but that's not gonna happen so I say we draft Nate Davis QB. We need a coach the players will rally around and play for and I'm interested to see if it is Singletary. He needs to be made interim and as far as Dr. Martz I'd like him to either commit to a lengthy term as OC or hire a proven up and comer as long as there is continuity there. I would also like to see Mr. Holmgrem brought in as GM.
Anyone traveling to the New York game?
Typical Nolan..."Let's stay the course". The Giants lost big time tonight on national television and will be hungry for a win next week. I wonder what Nolan is going to say after the Niners lose by 24 points next week.
I'm checking with some Giants friends regarding signs at the Meadowlands. I'll carry a Boot The Suit sign if allowed, trust me, NO PROBLEMS for me.
Anyone going to the Meadowlands on Sunday, stop by 12C, I'm still a fan, hoping for an upset, but expectations have all but disappeared the last few weeks.
I'm wondering if it would be better for our game planning efforts if they told Nolan and Co that no one was injured and everyone will be playing for the GMen?
So long as Roman helps us win games I'm gonna drink his Kool Aid, 2 out of 6 ain't bad huh Nolan? He's learned the Off Technique really well, just like Nate and Walt, I'm guessing we should line them up on the Goal Line in Michelin Man suits and give them Gladiator-type battering bars to keep them from crossing into the end zone too?
Also, I'll be high in the end zone upper deck opposite the tunnel if you want to check with me for any scoring challenges too. I'll be wearing either a Lott 42 or Willis 52 so you'll know I'm on your side, happy to help in case Parage is indisposed or the headset becomes a collarstay. I know having timeouts late in the game is just too much to think about with a hostile crowd and lots of things to worry about.
Oh, by the way, nothing personal, you did the best you could in terms of bringing a new attitude to SF, but I agree with Gary Plummer, Jonas,Nate,Justin, Alex and Vernon alone account for way too much cap money for the nonsense schemes you run. Might want to think about moving Justin to the goal line with Walt and Nate too, just in case a Big TE like Boss tries to cross the Goal Line.
I love my 49ers, I still dream to become the first franchise to win 6 SBs, but, something tells me it won't happen with you behind the curtain?
Call me delusional, but I'll still be in the parking lot surrounded by Giants fans calling me names for wearing my colors, but make no mistake, I'll defend my colors before I defend what you're doing to them.
I gave Nolan the benefit of doubt as long as I could.
BOOT THE SUIT! BOOT THE SUIT! BOOT THE SUIT!
After the Niners' last score, it looked to me like a superior team imposed it's will on an inferior team. Their defense just completely shut down the Niner offense at the exact same time their offense turned on the jets. And there was nothing the Niners could do about it.
So, what does this mean? It means that in his fourth year Nolan has not been able to build a competitive team on either side of the ball. He's had his chance and he has failed. Blow it up and start over with a couple of the quality pieces, like Gore and Willis. And a new head coach, which should be obvious even to the Yorks at this point.
Matt, would you agree with some of my points below regarding the O-line?
Some things I notice from video of the game:
1. Opposing O-lines dominate our defenders, and our pass rushers display poor technique during games. It looks like the primary technique being taught/emphasized is the bull rush and the spin with no speed (do the initials TBC remind you of this?). Stunts are ok but typically work well when the secondary has the receivers covered enough to delay the QB's throw.
2. On opposing rushing plays our D-line ends up pushed back 5 yards each play.
3. Our O-line seem to be typified as run blocking, unathletic meatballs that all seem to have slow feet, and have a disturbing tendency to get stood up by defenders when pass-blocking which then allows them to be pushed back into the QB. We don't get properly developed pockets for JT to throw from.
4. On sweeps where the guard pulls to block for Gore, our guards are too slow (see prior slow-footed comment) to get in front of Frank and block meaningfully for him. On the flip side, Frank is so fast on those plays he is right on the lineman's behind and is constantly tripping over their feet or running up the blockers backside. Frank can't wait for the slow guy to get in blocking position. My kingdom for Guy Mcintyre or Jesse Sapolu...guards who could really pull and get out in front of their runners. It seems to me that we need more athleticism brought into the O-line. If smaller and more athletic is so bad, why does Denver do such a good job with their smaller line????
5. Lastly, counter plays for Frank seem to be very effective because he can then pick whichever hole is available and then explode thru it.
6. If the O-line could block better than Vernon could go out on primarily passing routes and get huge yardage. Boy, that Philly game he is a monster when he gets the ball and has room to run. Too bad we can't get him the ball more.
7. The secondary is playing too tight up because the first levels can't bring down the runners. Thus this opens up field for deep strikes behind our guys. Any team with a big running back and a QB who can heave it will make this into a very long season for our D.
8. Prediction: if the O-line can get their act together then this offense will tear up the league.
9. Nothing is wrong with the Defense??? We're giveing up an average of 27 points per game. 'nuff said.
"My point is the 9ers are being out prepared, out game managed, and quite simply out coached every single week." - this poster sums up Mike Nolan's tenure to a T
Big J, Scot and Nolan appear to have more of an NFC East running game in mind, 325LB OLmen, with Frank hitting the crease.
Martz on the other hand leans a little to the WCO with more motion. We'd do very well with I formations and 2 TE sets where Frank could follow Vernon into the hole where his speed would suit Franks'. The problem is Vernon has a major problem hitting a moving target. He's strong enough to man up or face an End, but I've noticed him whiff on chips and pulls a little too frequently. He's too slow to develop, I'd favor MRob in the FB slot and Delaney on the edge but we'll see? He's collected so many odd parts it's hard to figure just what the ideal model really is? Guessing Nolan doesn't know either.
Like you and many others here, I've seen about as much as I need to see of the Nolan Plan. Promote an assistant, or start the replacement search now, before MN,Cleveland and STL get ino the mix.
Singletary is already here and won't cost anything to evaluate for 10 weeks. Martz is also under contract, so see what he continues to do with the roster and plan accordingly.
Could Martz and Schottenheimer coexist? Would Marty want more options? I'd say highly likely, most guys want to pick their staffs, so it wouldn't be a major issue.
We have owners who are clueless, but, they want a new venue, so I'm willing to bet they have to pull the trigger at the BYE. Even if Nolan wins the next 2, he's proven how predictable his gameplans are, and we wouldn't get past a first round playoff game if someone got him a free pass in anyway.
Look at Romo and realize that JTO isn't even considered an NFL QB yet. Romo shows up and leaves in Rd 1. The QB makes the difference in this league, winners have swagger, and typically they aren't on the sportswire everyday of the week making news. They win on Sunday and prepare for the next one, whine after losses and make apologies. We aren't there yet, not even close. I was just hoping for a fun offense to watch and an improving defense to surprise some people this year. However....
We're standing in place with Nolan and the parts he's accumulated to get this team built. Best players available and high priced vets are moving us back into cap hell and we still look lost on game days.
No more excuses, the mission failed, we are restocked with younger guys now, but BOTH lines are grossly mismanaged. Once we learn to execute the Martz offense and force other teams into early deficits where passing for points is necessary, then maybe Nolan can afford to play his prevent coverage. Right now we fail to challenge WRs and can't stop the run when it matters, so the forecast doesn't look too promising for anything meaningful to happen anytime soon.
Matt, following a re-read, Mike just needs the team to play better. The Nolan Plan at it's finest?
OK Team, let's get out there and play better! How could they have named the prized jewel after Lombardi?
It's so damn simple. Just play better.
I'm thinking he told Dr York he could coach better so he got the job.
If only I was smart enough to think of it first, I could be coaching my beloved team, wearing nice clothes and losing football games for pay. WOW am I Clueless.
Mike Nowin on suffering 3 straight defeats, "It's not as if we've been blown out" (SF Chronicle)
If Mike Nowin remains as HC for the rest of the season, the best we can hope for is 5-11. That's assuming that we sweep the Rams, after this weekends games, that's no guarantee. He's taken us nowhere in nearly 3.5 seasons. Why continue down that path? We all know it lead's nowhere. If we don't get a new HC in soon, another season will be lost. If we can Nowin, maybe a new HC (Singletary) can light a fire under some of these players asses and get the team overachieving, as opposed to this chronic underachievement Nowin has produced. Can't manage, can't inspire, can't adjust...can't be much longer before the Yorks/Scotty M. realise this...
Yeah don't get me wrong, I'm not passin' the buck on this one, because the coaching was definately horrible, globaly. But even the challenged field goal, which wasnt' even challengable, cost the niners a challenge AND a time-out. Really strange game.
There are many such strange games with Nolan.
Nolan makes the case that even though he has three losses this year, at least the 49ers were in the game so to speak for these losses.
Let me tell you something Nolan; your last three losses (that you were "in the game" for) came against three badly injured and hamstrung teams.
You were "in the game" with broke down teams, and still lost.
Everyone is complaining about Mike Martz and his play calls during the 4th quarter of the Eagle game. Does anyone remember the NFL championship game between Dallas and the 49ers when Dick Nolan was coach and John Brody was the quarterback. They were ahead in the 4th quarter and had the game won until Dick Nolan went from what got them there, the pass, to what lost the game for them, run the ball and run the clock out. I think that Mike Martz made the right calls and I think that the execution sucked. Walker was caught for a loss because a block was missed, not because the play was bad. If the block is made that would have been a good sized gain. I have been a fan since Frankie Albert was quarterback and the first game the 9ers played. I have seen the best and the worst that they have to offer and I think that Martz could have a great offense if he had the players that can execute the schemes that he has for them. Just one mans opinion.
onetone- Good point, except I don't think that was a missed block. To me, it looked like a double reverse that was blown up before the last hand off. If Martz designed a play where a small WR is expected to effectively block a DE then shame on him. If somebody did miss a block it sure shouldn't have been the WR. Whether it was a reverse or a double reverse, what happened there was the DE sniffed out the play early and destroyed it. Sometimes you just have to give credit to your opponent fo making a great play.
"In Menlo's (Atherton, Calif.) 29-26 victory over Terra Nova last weekend, the backup quarterback completed nine of nine passes for 108 yards and ran 21 times for 178 yards and two touchdowns. His name -- Jerry Rice Jr."
Berger... I believe the DE blew Sims off the ball on that reverse. If you watch sims, he's getting owned out there on just about every play. I still don't get why they wouldn't line V. Davis on the right side to help Sims out. He needs to be on the right side for every snap until Mr. "I sprained my finger" Jonas Jennings gets back to the lineup. Both the O and D lines don't play with fire and are getting blown off the ball every game. We need a someone to coach some nastiness back into the lines.
9erDino- I believe you are correct about Sims missing the block. Ususally a team will run a reverse when they see the outside containment pinching in(except Hostler). This DE was playing contain, which is another reason I beleive it was a double reverse. Usually when a DE pinches you just let him go. He might've snhiffed out the play when he was suddenly blocked on a reverse. I'm just guessing. I would like to know what actually happened because it was a curious call.
Matt, you mentioned earlier this season or in the preseason that the CBs had the option of either pressing or playing soft and that Clements liked to mix it up so the QB couldn't get comfortable. Is that still the case? I'm not able to watch the games, but from what everyone is saying, the CBs are playing soft coverage more often than not. Wondering why they would have changed their strategy and if the D staff stepped in and told them not to press.
sims misssed blocks on a couple of running plays.....it still does not excue the fact that my so called QB who has been in this offense for two yrs and has been in the league for more than 6 yrs, can't run a hurry up offense.....How come nobody is talking about JTO's QB ratings?......maybe because he sucks....this guy is worse than an in-experienced A.Smith......Hey Matt, what the chances A.Smith becomes the QB (if he his healthy this season)?...this is a legitimate question, we need a change at QB!!!
What we know: The 49ers have a 2-4 record for the third consecutive season.
What it means: Good luck making the playoffs. You'll need it. The following information, provided by ESPN Research, reflects NFL teams since 2001 that have started 2-4.
Number of 2-4 starts in NFL since 2001: 52
Number of 2-4 teams to make playoffs: 3
Average number of victories for 2-4 teams: 6.4
Average number of defeats for 2-4 teams: 9.6
Teams that made playoffs after starting 2-4: 2002 Titans (11-5), 2002 Browns (9-7) and 2004 Packers (10-6).
This is all from Sando's NFC West blog about our 2 and4 that does not bode well for Nolan's job status.
Let's look down at who else we have:
Giants, 0 and 2 overall
Buffalo, got blown out 4 years ago
Miami, edged us, and it's @ this time
NY Jets, got Brett Favre that dominates us constantly.
Dallas: Edged us, TO probably motivated
Redskins: Blew us out 3 years ago
Rams: Ususally lose @ to them
Arizona: Took out 2 QBs already at home I believe. Is JTO next on the IR?
Seattle: COuld be healthy
Fans, out of all this, how do you see another win? We could be looking at maybe 3 and 13 now! HOw is that improvement?
Marc, if they let you bring a sign, state:
Boot the Suit
Local Blackouts for 49ers please
Boot the Suit
Sell the team
I hope it happens. I'm tired of this 'improvement.' If Lowell Cohn can say there's no improvement, I agree. Real improvement is you WIN the ball game.
People - just don't respond to Darren and OneNiner - they are both sick love for Alex...
It's odd that no one has brought up the play of our WR's. I have to say, it sure didn't look like Bruce wanted to be playing football on Sunday. He was running lazy routes, didn't come back for 2 balls - one of them being intercepted- and then not even attempt to make a tackle? He ran a weak, very rounded out pattern that JTO trough to the right spot but Bruce was slow out of his cut and a 4th down ensued.
now how about Josh Morgan? Are you kidding me? he shouldn't be on an NFL football field with the way he plays. First drive of the game he tries to catch a slant with the defender all over him with his hands? When in a situation like that you turn your hips while in the air, get your butt in the defenders face and catch the ball with your back shoulder. NOT with your hands (6 points instead of 3)... That is something I teach my 8th grade team! They all know how to do it... he doesn't not look like a pro WR...
Matt, What happend to Bryant Johnson? was he hurt? suspended? Only saw him out there for a handful of plays...
However, JTO missed to sure fire passes - one was the toss back to VD with 3 lineman blocking for him... would have been 6 instead of 3.
Second one was when he airmailed it over VD who had about 3 yards on the closest defender.
Isaac Bruce needs to figure out if he wants to play another game to win or for his paycheck? Josh Morgan needs to learn the basics of playing WR...
I have been a major proponent of Nolan for his tenure - but I will finally agree - it's time for him to go... Time for Snyder to step back and let Baas at least try... Time for Roman to fade away and Goldson learn... Time for Walt to give way to Terrell Brown... time for for a 4-3 defense anchored by Sopoaga and Balmer with Franklin leaving his jersey at the door... time Parys to start every week and TBC to take a cab... Time for Isaac to get the fat lady to sing and let Morgan learn how to be a WR in the NFL...
It's time to start with the younger guys for the remainder of the season - get them as much experience as you can and evaluate their talent this year so going into next year we know exactly what we have and those kids have a chance to prove it...
Go Niners!
Marc-NJ49er, good points about having Vernon be a lead blocker for Gore, but you're right about his blocks in motion/at speed vs his line of scrimmage blocking. I think you're right about having created an NFC East O-line yet I'm not sure that suits Gore's strengths which seems to be athleticism and open field running/making tacklers miss. My real beef with the O-line is their pass-protection and slow-footedness as they can't seem to form a proper pocket for JT to throw from. They're always being pushed back into the QB who then has to move.
JT is only into his 6th game and I think he is doing well. We have to remember that when he gets sacked or touched by a defender it is the O-lines fault. When he throws an INT we have to account for whether the pick is a result of him having to escape the rush/collapsing pocket or not. If he has time to throw and simply makes a poor choice then that is on him. However, it seems like most of the turnovers we have comes from JT having to try and escape the pass rush. Otherwise I like the guy and he has made more throws in 6 games than we saw with Alex and Trent in like 3 years. We fix the O-line problems (aka pass-blocking) and all of a sudden this offense will dominate.
The defense is a whole another story but the facts are clear.
I think I would like Manusky to be the next Head Coach. The moere I think about Singletary is that just because someone was a great player does not necessarily mean they will be a good coach.
People are being WAY too hard on JTO -- he's only
started 6 games! Mike Nolan, on the other hand,
is ready to go... again... please. just. fire. him.
WHAT!!!!.....What games have you whinners been watching?....Otis4949 is blaming everyone else but the guy costing us games in tHE 4TH QUARTER .....Big J is coming up with "JT is only into his 6th game and I think he is doing well" excuse...hey moron, he has been in the offense for 2 yrs and the league for 6yrs...He his playing way worse than A.Smith ever played....DUDE...are freaking Kidding me......The rookie in Atlanta is playing way better than JTO...."People are being WAY too hard on JTO "...let me guess you also think a PIG with lipstick can run the United States of America....
Matt, any chance the 49ers pick up Dre Moore from Tampa Bay's practice squad? He wont help right away but it would be a steal since he was a 4th round pick this year.
Two thoughts: one on the "D".. insanity is doing the same things over and over expecting different results. Nolan is so concerned with the explosive play tha he's willing to keep his D on the field giving up long drives and scores while conceding time of possesion to the other team. THe offense: the difference between a good starting QB and a backup is throwing a lot more TD passes than turnovers. JTO's been given a rookies pass so far but the problem is he's been in the league way too long for that.
What i dont get is...WHY ARE YOU MAD AT NOLAN WHEN YOU KNOW THE QB IS NOT EVEN WORTH STARTING FOR A NFL TEAM....I mean you already know JTO will not win you games so whtz the point of blaming nolan.....IF we had the best defense in the whole world, the best Coach, the best Owner, we are still going to lose because our QB sucks...its really that simple!!!!
And Alex Smith is worse then JT O'Sullivan... No, ifs, ands or buts about it...
Just for the sake of argument... if Nolan were fired, would we go for a permanent replacement if available or should we select and interim that will give us no benefit for next year unless he is staying? If Nolan goes right now, will the rest of the coaching staff be fired at the end of the year? What should we select with our first round pick next year?