Yes, I'm a wimp. The 150-foot walk from the front of the hotel to my rental car at 6 a.m. was absolutely miserable. There was a sideways rain blowing in my face. That's quite a wake-up call when it's 38 degrees. I fumbled around and dropped my car keys in a puddle of water just to add to the experience. By the way, I never perform well in those 3 a.m. (Pacific time) functions.
Mike Singletary went on with his press conference without me, so I don't have any details from that. However, I do know . . .
--Linebacker Ahmad Brooks cleared waivers, so I'd expect the 49ers to officially re-sign him officially. Receiver Chris Hannon, who was active for the game as an insurance policy, would be moved back down to the practice squad.
--Patrick Willis' ribs are fine. That poor guys has been banged up in recent weeks, missing practice time with injuries to his hip and ankles, as well as a sickness that kept him out for a day. He is expected to be back on the field, as usual, on Sunday against the Jets.
--Nate Clements is also expected to play, perhaps with a splint on his thumb. Not sure whether it's broken or sprained. But it could hinder his ability to catch punts.
--Arnaz Battle (mid-foot sprain) and Josh Morgan (groin strain) are still questionable with their injuries. Battle probably has a better chance to returning than Morgan.
--Safety Dashon Goldson is still iffy with his MCL knee sprain. Goldson has missed five games.
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Tight end Vernon Davis has been called to the principal's office again.
No, it has nothing to do with Mike Singletary coming up with some new form of discipline. It has everything to do with the personable
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Welcome back, Matt. Glad you made it back in one piece.
Matt, thanks for all of the work that you do. I learn so much about the inner workings of the 49ers by reading your blog.
I've noticed that on most road trips you don't get back on time to catch the Monday press conference. Seeing as how your blog is the only 49ers blog I get my news from, can you recommend a place where us Maiocco faithful can go to get Monday press conference news after 49ers road games?
Also, if you're planning on watching some of the film from the game, pay attention to how long Losman was holding the ball. I think he was getting up there past O'Sullivan even.
To me, Losman looked VERY unprepared. Even moreso than Dilfer was against the Seahawks last season when he came in for Smith. Clements made a comment after the game that the DBs locked everything down, but there were times when the Bills had guys open. Losman wasn't quick enough to react despite receiving little pressure at times. A better QB (or more prepared) would have made the play. I think Manusky picked up on this, as the 49ers stopped blitzing Losman after awhile, choosing to rush four lineman and confound him with zone coverages. It absolutely worked.
This game, although very fun to watch and celebrate because of the victory, seems like sort of a trap game in that the 49ers won by default because of Losman's poor play.
Matt, I've had it where I flew to DC on Sunday and sked my meetings on Monday to start in the afternoon. It was sweet. Back when the Niners were a dynasty and a marqee name, did you ever have an east coast Sunday game that started at 4 pm?
It was not uncommon. The last I can remember was late in the 2003 season when the 49ers played at Philadelphia. They've also played 1 p.m. (PT) games in Tampa, Dallas and Green Bay in the past. --Matt M.
Finalyst - you can get all the press conf info you need when MM is gone right here: http://www.sf49ers.com/multimedia/archive.php?cat=4
Matt,
After watching VD this weekend I have officially turned the page on him. If we need a physically blocking TE, there are bigger and better out there. If we need a pass catching TE, God knows there are better out there. If we wanted him for his speed and play making abilities how come Martz has never lined him up at WR? Better yet why in God's earth has Martz not tried getting VD the ball on a reverse?? You know where he doesnt have to actually catch it. Are they saving that play for next year or something?
Hey Mike Heard you on Fitz and Brooks, did you really lay over in so many places to get back? Good to hear that Willis will make it for the Jets game, gonna need him to stuff Jones. But from the list of his injuries, hope Singletary isn't riding Willis a little too hard atm. And that's a pleasant story with VD it's good to hear some positive stories about that guy because as undisciplined as he is he has so much passion and potential. hopefully once the O line becomes stronger, they can free up VD for some passing plays because when he gets the ball he's a beast.
Matt, like you, I travel a great deal for my job, and I know how old it gets after a while. I know it's your "job", but you are far and away the best reporter covering the 49ers, and that includes print, internet, TV, and radio. You never mail it in. I think its great how you share some of your travel adventures in the blog along with the most up to date news. I never look anywhere else when I want breaking info on the Niners. Keep up the great work. It is much appreciated.
There is a LOT to like about VD, I think Singletary could make this guy the star everyone thought he would be.