1) Is Mike Singletary going to be the head coach in 2009?
For the first time in the locker room today, I sensed a true appreciation of Singletary from the players. You can tell when guys are saying something because they feel they have to say it. But what I got today in speaking with a handful of players went far beyond the typical support for a coach.
There is genuine respect for Singletary in the locker room. But that kind of support alone is not going to secure him the job in 2009.
Singletary is not known as an X's and O's guru. Therefore, he is going to be very reliant on his coordinators. He has done a good job of reigning in offensive coordinator Mike Martz, making sure Mad Mike plays it more conservatively with the offensive approach.
It will be imperative that Singletary present a detailed plan for the 2009 season to Jed York and GM Scot McCloughan. Who would be his offensive coordinator? Does Singletary want Martz running his offense in the future? Heck, does Martz want to return? Those are questions we can't answer at this point. But those are important parts of the equation.
The thing that works against Singletary is that the 49ers might be in danger of repeating the mistake that was made under Mike Nolan. Because Nolan was a defensive coach, he was at the mercy of his offensive coordinators. Therefore, the system was constantly in flux as the 49ers were forced to employ four different offensive coordinators during Nolan's tenure.
The 49ers would like to avoid that problem with the hiring of an offensive-minded head coach. But they're created an atmosphere in which Singletary almost has to retain the job on a permanent basis if he manages to get the team playing good football over the final six weeks of the season.
2) Why wasn't Shaun Hill starting from Day 1?
If you watch Hill in practice, you probably won't come away impressed. In fact, in the week leading up to the
But Hill has the "it" factor. In games, he has an incredible ability to compete, as evidenced by his wild, helmetless run against the Cardinals. The guy is a leader, too. Only in a real game are you able to see all the stuff he can do for a team. In that sense, he reminds me of Jeff Garcia - not exactly a practice-field wonder, either.
So it's only natural that Martz was not impressed with Hill in training camp. Hill was the first one to be eliminated from the quarterback competition. It was Martz's decision all the way, and Hill was a clear No. 3.
Hill is the starter today only because J.T. O'Sullivan committed 17 turnovers in 7 ½ games and Alex Smith is out for the season with a shoulder injury.
Singletary was asked after the game why Hill wasn't starting from Week 1. Of course, it wasn't Singletary's call until Week 8, but Singletary said Hill was still learning the offense through the first part of the season.
Martz could only go off of what he saw in practices and the exhibition games. And from that standpoint, O'Sullivan clearly won the job over Smith and Hill. But Hill put himself in the position to succeed by devoting his full attention to learning the offense while being O'Sullivan's backup. That way, Hill was ready to play when called upon.
So, at least in this corner, there is no second-guessing Martz's decision to start O'Sullivan at the beginning of the season.
* * *
Here's the game story from the 49ers' 35-16 victory over the Rams.
and
here's the 49ers Notebook, leading off with the team's ability to rebound from the tough loss to Arizona.
* * *
Hmmm, probably shouldn't say this but Shaun Hill reminds me of a certain someone... The way he gets the ball out quickly and the way he finds the open man, combined with his physical attributes of a less than stellar arm but impressive accuracy and pocket presence. It presents an interesting situation for next year. Is Hill good enough to be the permanent starter? Well, very possibly, and hopefully the tail end of the season will reveal this. Worst case scenario, though, should be that he is good enough to start until any high draft pick we may or may not invest in the position learns the ropes. Alex should never have started in his first year. Wasn't developed enough and had NO supporting cast. The smart thing would be to groom a rookie 'til they show that they are ready, and at the least Hill should/could be good enough to facilitate this course of action. The impressive thing about Hill is that he has been sacked much less, and forced into far fewer mistakes than JTO behind essentially the same line...which we all know isn't the best. Plus, our WR's are not top notch, so this guy might be even better than we think, considering his supporting cast. Brees and Rodgers and Warner et al have all been making headlines, but look at their respective supporting casts. It'll be interesting to see what we do on draft day, as there should be a couple of high pick (top 5) QB's, and OT's and even the odd WR (Crabtree). Having said all that, it was only the Rams, so let's hope we don't revert to former woes next week lol
Hooker I can't agree with most of what you say. In hindsight we're all geniuses, but when you examine history you have to remember that people can't see into the future. 1. Alex Smith was the best QB on the roster, and like it or not, there are at least 3 rookie QBs doing just fine as starters in the NFL today. So your rule isn't hard-and-fast. 2. The 49ers were planning for the future way back when, not planning on winning many games in the present. So "Who gives us the best chance to win" took a back seat to "let's try to develop our rookies, whether or not there's a vet who can play better." 3. Sean Hill has proven very little. It's very possible that Hill is good enough to be the permanent starter--in the same sense, it's very possible that the economy will recover by Christmas. 4. Hill is not better than we think. Nobody's out doggin' him, nobody's really attacking or underrating him yet because he's still a nobody. There's no record, no body of work to underrate. 5. I'm sick of tired of hearing about supporting casts and continuity in the offense. GOOD QUARTERBACKS PRODUCE. I'm sorry, I've just had it up to here with talk about 10 billion mitigating factors that may or may not have kept our QB from performing at an average level. Our QB has been garbage for years. I'm pleased and encouraged that Hill has put together two strong performances. Let's not pretend the man is the second coming.
I think you both have great points...Hill did a fine job late last year, and he has done the same the last 2 weeks. It's hard to say how good he really is, but good news is we will have the rest of the season to find out.
About our supporting cast, I do not think we are as bad as Hooker says...one thing is obvious, quarterback play makes a heck of a difference.
Matt, I hope that the 49ers don't eliminate Singletary from consideration based on him being a coach with a Defensive background. There are some pretty good coaches in this league with defensive backgrounds, Jeff Fisher, Bill Belichick, Eric Mangini, Mike Tomlin, etc. It's not about hiring the coach with the right background (offense or defense), but the right coach period.
Some rookies can play but you seem to forget how bad Smith was his rookie season. He looked like a deer in headlights. Tim Rattay was a capable QB but Nolan traded him for no apparent reason. Smith still is not better than Rattay, which is not saying a whole lot. Loosing with Rattay while Smith could learn the Pro game could have have a totally different outcome. Then again maybe not. what we do know is the way Nolan chose to direct the team did not work.
You are right that some rookies can step in right away though. This season is rare to see so many rookies doing well. While Smith was the #1 pick there was a consensus that he was taken too high. I'm not saying he was a bad QB but he came from a college system that was almost exclusively Shotgun and he is just now as old as some of the rookies you rave about.
Nolan took a gamble to build for the future. At the time we were all hopeful, but unfortunately it did not work out.
Matt- Another question some of us have is how did the new guys do?
I will add a third to the mix - Mike Martz or Norv Turner in 2009. Its not a stretch of the imagination to know that Norv is on the hot seat in San Diego and very likely will be an available 0-Corridnator again next year. I would guess this time around he will not get another coaching gig for a number of years, but you never know. So guys – what do you think?
Matt, I'm with you on #2. As much as I'd like to blame Martz, you can't fault the coach for Hill sitting so long. If a player doesn't win the job in practice it's on the player, not the coach. The thing I like about Hill is that he appears to have outstanding pocket presence. He may not be a good runner like JTO but he knows how to step up in the pocket and deliver a strike. On several occasions yesterday, he made a simple step up in the pocket to avoid the outside rush. Those plays would have been fumbles by JTO.
On point #1, I think we need to wait and see what the next few weeks hold before we even contemplate Singletary as the coach next year. I really want an offensive coach as head coach but I do like Singletary.
Can you see any benefit for the team and Singletary getting a 1 year contract completed or would the HC position require multiple years in order to establish a good staff reorganization?
As Martz is under contract with the potential for a HC shot elsewhere, I can't see him being a high priority for anyone seeking a coaching change?
If the guys like Singletary and, are vocal about their support for him, is that enough to give him a longer look and perhaps, Scot assisting him with any desired staff changes.
Martz surely hangs onto his job with a contract in place?
Will be an interesting topic of debate as we conclude the season.
Matt,
The thing you are forgetting is that NoWIN was an IDIOT!! Idiots are going to fail no matter how many good people you put around them, especially idiots who think they are smart. Head coaching in the NFL isn't about X's and O's, it's about managing personalities, getting player trust, and creating a team concept and Singletary has done wonders with this squad already. The 49ers will be making a HUGE MISTAKE if they let him go. He can put together a good staff for the X's and O's. The move to make is remove Scott DUH YOU KNOW and hire Holmgren as GM.
NJ49er - No way a HC agrees to a 1 yr contract as he wouldn't be able to attract any decent staff without a longer term commitment.
The key to any successful HC is solid coordinators and coaches. Look at history and most Super Bowl coaches have spawned other great coaches from their staffs. Of course personnel is a huge factor as well and I believe the Niner personnel is average at best. Martz for all his faults has this offense playing better than any of us imagined but Manusky's unit has disappointed. If the Chargers continue to underperform, Ron Rivera might be available and I think he'd be a huge upgrade at Def Coordinator.
If they continue to play hard and are in games until the end, I think Sing gets the job.
JV1179 is correct.
Why do you think Rivera would be an upgrade over Manusky? Granted the 9er defense has been bad this year but so has the Chargers defense. If Singletary stays, I'd keep Manusky. They need to find an identity and stick to it. They also need a couple huge d linemen to eat up space in the middle and that will make the LB's more effective.
Hey Matt, I love the report cards you do. As an avid fan who really tries to improve his ability to accurately evaluate play at any position they're a great help.
I know you get requests all the time, but how about an All-Rookie report card? Not necessarily for every game, but here and there as an evaluation of their progress. A little extra detail on Ray MacDonald would be great, too; either I'm seeing things or this kid has been playing some solid football this season.
I was at first skeptical about Singletary – I compared him to Magic Johnson when he took over as HC for the Lakers... I was way off. Over the past three games, the real HC Mike has shown a lot of grit and poise, especially after the Cards loss based on Matt's key points.
I think he can be ALOT like Bill Cowher. Cowher was never a strategist or tactician ala the Belichick mold, but he was savvy enough to surround himself with a talented staff (Whisenhunt - OC, LeBeau - DC). This would mean kissing Martz and Holmgren good-bye, but I'm willing to take that risk, solely based on player lockerroom and media feedback on the HOF.
He's also putting his own stamp on the team – not in the Nolan, Walsh, Mooch, or Seifert mold.
Fratboy Jed York is going to be making the biggest decision of his young adult life – stick with Singletary, or wipe the slate clean with Holms. I'm leaning towards the former.
OK... the team has now shown two solid efforts for 2 straight games, eventhough the teams might have not been elite. Now we have to take on the Cowchicks, who should be fighting it at the end of the playoffs. Honestly, this is the thermometer game, and again we don't need to win. The team needs to show that its ready compete, and stay in the game (score and mentality). If the Cowchicks run us over, Singletary should be as good as gone for next season. If we stay close and finish the game fighting, Singletary should get a fair shot next year. Honestly, all I need out of a QB is toughness, intelligence and leadership. You don't find Manning in every box of Corn Flakes, but Shaun Hill has shown those 3 qualities so far. He showed growth from last weeks game. Now let's see if he can maintain his performance against a good team.
What do people see about Shaun Hill to make him unworthy of being the QB? I will not accept "not a strong arm" as a response. That's because I remember the same argument against Montana.
He's 3-1 as a starter. So what's wrong with him?
If Singletary makes this a though decision, meaning he wins 2 or 3 more games and the teams continues growing. Do you think this decision could be determined by the amount of money Holmgren might require. Jed trusts McCloughlan... honestly I don't think he will change him this season. So for Holmgren to come in at the end of the season, it would have to be as HC. I honestly think, Holmgren is seeking a rol as GM, if not he would have stayed with the Seahens. And the idea of Holmgren as GM and Singletary as HC is really exciting.
In the "why wasn't he starting from day one?" question, it should also be noted that it wasn't until Singletary told Martz how he wanted the game called that we had a game plan that suited Hill. Nolan didnt just give Martz free reign in QB choice, he also let him call his style of game.
This was one of the most cowardly choices of the Nolan era, as he hired the OC who is the anti-thesis to his personal style and gave him free reign, to avoid criticism for "conservative" play calling that dogged him. Meanwhile, the team was BUILT to compete conservatively (as you can tell by watching them now), and Nolan's "5 yards per carry won't kill us but a single 30 yard pass might" defense was horribly suited to the offense Martz was calling.
Matt, by the end of the Redskins game it will be clear whether Singletary should be the Head Coach.
Hill is a solid QB,one that might lead/fight his way to .500. Let's all keep in mind the competition that he's played against as well. This team, including the QB, is in the bottom 1/3d of the league. Hill should stay on as the starter. I don't think Smith should be resigned at any price. Let the guy move on with his life/career. If JTO wants to back up next year at a decent price, good. I'll say what I've said for a while. The 9ers need to draft a QB (not trade up to #1 overall, or sign a crap FA) and sit him for at least a year to learn the position. That way, when Hill's contract is up, there is a QB in place who can , hopefully, take us to the next level.
I always thought Hill was eliminated from the QB competition too early.
Overall, the play at QB is much better than Dilfer/Smith of '07 and Smith before that. That's not saying much.
Is Hill the QB for '09? Too soon to say. Let's see how he does against Dallas and the Redskins and some of those other teams. It'd be nice if he was because the 49ers could then use their high draft choice for another position. I do like the fight that both Hill and JTO have brought to the position.
Houston9er - Rivera replaced Ted Cottrell two games ago in SD as the DC. Prior he was on the staff as a position coach or asst HC. Two years ago he was the DC for Chicago when they went to the Super Bowl. He's smart, agressive, went to CAL and might be interested in coming back to the Bay Area. He's not the answer to all our problems but I think he'd be an improvement.
Houston9er - Rivera replaced Ted Cottrell two games ago in SD as the DC. Prior he was on the staff as a position coach or asst HC. Two years ago he was the DC for Chicago when they went to the Super Bowl. He's smart, agressive, went to CAL and might be interested in coming back to the Bay Area. He's not the answer to all our problems but I think he'd be an improvement.
With regard to quarterbacks, football experts are in love with athleticism and arm strength. It's almost as though they feel that decision making and pocket escapability and even accuracy can be developed, but arm strength and size can't. So the qualities of pocket presence and quick decision making are denigrated. But those are probably the most important qualities of all. College stats are often misleading because if you have a good offensive line and receivers who consistently get open, decision making and escapability never get tested. Joe Montana and Jeff Garcia were a couple of guys who had stronger arms than Shaun Hill, but not much stronger, and they both were great at decision making and pocket awareness. So my point is that the "experts" are using faulty logic when they feel that arm strength is more important than the ability to make good decisions.
If a really good quarterback prospect is available when the 49ers draft next year, go for it - but don't be surprised if he doesn't turn out to be as effective as Shaun Hill.
Matt, I suspect that you are a solid, businesslike, unemotional guy, and that you like those qualities in a head coach. That's why you appreciated Nolan, and initially at least didn't think Singletary was up to the job. I believe that you underestimate the power of emotion on a team. A fiery, intense coach like Singletary can make a team a few notches better than it would be under somebody like Nolan.
txniner, I did not know Rivera recently took over in SD. Didn't he leave Chicago on bad terms. Not sure on that but I seem to recall something ugly between Rivera and Lovie Smith.
After the run of the Cowboys, Bills, Jets, & the Fish..this should give us a clear enough picture to really judge Singletary's chances of being retained. I look forward to next week & if we're competitive I'll be pumped up for the next 3 all vs good teams who I believe have winning records. I think most of us are on the Samurai's bandwagon but to say after 2-3 games that he should get the opportunity to keep the job is just not enough evidence yet IMO.
I'm with Jon in SoCal that we need to DRAFT A QB in Rd 2 or 3. We just can't keep neglecting this & parking it to the curb. I differ about Smith though IF Martz stays on as OC. His hanging his head down & bad body language is what really bothers me but if we can sign him to the league minimum (is that possible?) or a 3rd string QB's salary on a 1 year contract I wouldn't mind seeing how he looks having a year studying Martz's playbook & watching from the sidelines. If he doesn't pan out we can always cut him in the off-season.
Why do people think Holmgren would make a good GM? He was HORRIBLE in that role in Seattle. I think he would be a great as an advisor/mentor for the GM but he just doesn't have a good track record to be the guy ultimately pulling the trigger.
good win, but if gore had kept his balance on his last carry against the cards last monday 'sing' would be 2-1. but it is, what it is. now its imperative for the o-line to continue to get better because given a little time s-hill is finding receivers who are making plays. i really like seeing m-rob on the field, he is a proven warrior and if the ball would have been on the 1 1/2 yard line last monday instead of the 3 1/2 he would have had a touchdown and once again, 'sing' would be 2-1. o.k. no more references about the monday night debacle. s-hill is getting the job done but i definitely feel the team needs to find a qb in next years draft. 'sully' will likely be gone next year especially if the team can find a way to keep a-smith. if s-hill finishes strong he will go into 2009 as the starter and a-smith will need a strong camp to warrant a look at second string. if martz is gone, guess what? we are back to square-one at o.c. again and this should bode well for s-hill who seems better prepared mentally to adapt to change.
Graham: You start your post with, "Hooker I can't agree with most of what you say"...and then you go on to say nothing very different from me.
What is it with people on this board, calling out others and having nothing new of substance to offer up themselves?