The NFL announced the exhibition schedules for all 32 teams this morning. Dates and times have not been set. But this is what we know:
Week 1 (Aug. 13-17): Broncos at 49ers
Week 2 (Aug. 20-24): Raiders at 49ers
Week 3 (Aug. 27-31): 49ers at Cowboys
Week 4 (Sept. 3-4): 49ers at Chargers
* * *
Also . . . the 49ers announced the official signing of offensive tackle Marvel Smith, whom agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the club on Friday. If Smith is healthy and playing, he could early a little less than $10.5 million during the course of the deal.
The contract is structured so the 49ers will not be out a whole bunch of money if Smith is unable to play. The difference with his deal and the Jonas Jennings contract that the 49ers terminated on Friday is that Jennings got all of the money due to him over the first four years of the contract despite playing in just 23 games.
* * *
Haven't (yet) gotten into the Twitter thing, but I do manage to provide updates on breaking news and radio/TV appearances via Facebook.
* * *
Matt: Why don't more contracts have conditions about playing time due to injuries? Is it the players union? Like most fans, I'd like to see the guys who do the heavy hauling get the most rewards.
Comments: Why don't more contracts have conditions about playing time due to injuries?
My response: Because if a player has options of where to play, he's going to sign with the team that gives him the better deal and more security.
Also, I don't have a problem with that aspect of it. These contracts are not guaranteed. So, as long as a player is healthy, the team can release a player at any time and, in most cases, not owe him another dime. The window for players in the NFL is so small, and the risk of injury is so great, they need to get all the money they can while they can. --Matt M.
Why do so many mock drafts have us picking Mark Sanchez?
Is this basically copycatting? Do they have a better,
more objective view of the niner's situation? In order of
probablility, can you give us a choice of 3 possible first
round picks for us?
Matt, how would you guess the 49ers draft board looks 1-10 (ie, who are THEIR top 10 rated players in this year's draft)?
The latest Kirwan mock draft on NFL.com has us taking Jeremy Maclin. Not a bad idea I guess. I feel confident we will get a solid player at #10.
Re: Why do so many mock drafts have us picking Mark Sanchez?
Because these people don't know anything about the team other than a quick scan of the roster.
Re: Why do so many mock drafts have us picking Mark Sanchez?
Mock drafts go by need instead of best player available. Someone thinks the 49ers biggest need were a QB. So they take one in the mock draft.
What's the minimum amount of money Marvel Smith will receive? If he spends 32 games on IR?
I would like to shred Denvers' defense.
Matt, just curious, but is there some significance to the Niner/Charger preseason game, or is it just conveneience/geography thing?
Question: but is there some significance to the Niner/Charger preseason game, or is it just conveneience/geography thing?
My response: This is the 23rd straight year the teams have met in the exhibition season. It makes sense for the convenience/geography reasons you asked about. They don't play in the same conference, so they play during the regular season once every four seasons. Also, this isn't even an overnight trip for these teams. They fly in day of game and then fly back home after the game. --Matt M.
Wow, I didn't realize that's been goin on so long. Makes sense though, it is only an exhibition. Thanks Matt.
A RAIDER NINER GAME? YEEEEAAAAAHHHHH!!!!
I like the fact that we play the Cowgirls in week 3 when our starters will play the longest. Yeah, it's preseason, but it should be a fun one :)
Speaking of Twitter, I'm finding out that it's a great way to promote your blog, Matt. I get a ton of hits on mine every time I post an update ;-)
Comment: Speaking of Twitter, I'm finding out that it's a great way to promote your blog, Matt. I get a ton of hits on mine every time I post an update ;-)
My response: Guess who is on Twitter now? --Matt M.
(^_^)