Day 12, practice 22: Defense holds
The afternoon practice had one of those dog-day feels to it. The team concluded with the two-minute drill.
. . . or in this case, the 1-minute-53-seconds drill. That's the amount of time Alex Smith, working with the second-team offensive line had to drive the offense 70 yards against the first-team defense.
Kentwan Balmer had a sack for a 7-yard loss. He and Justin Smith move inside to defensive tackle to rush the passer. Smith came back to find Vernon Davis for 17 yards and a first down on the next play.
Smith hit Dominique Zeigler for 15 yards on a third-and-10 with :07 remaining. The 49ers had two shots to get the ball in the end zone. A pass for Micheal Spurlock went out of the end zone, and Dashon Goldson broke up a pass lofted for Arnaz Battle in the end zone as time expired.
Then, it was rookie quarterback Nate Davis' turn to take over. It was young guys vs. young guys.
Shaun Hill did not get a crack at the two-minute drill, but in the afternoon he completed 6 of 7 passing attempts.
Smith had a lot more attempts, completing 15 of 23 passes. (That number includes two spikes to stop the clock in the two-minute drill.)
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The 49ers have a light day of work Thursday. They will go through a "mock game," when the practice some of the procedures, such as game substitutions at 11 a.m. Then, they'll have a short practice at 1:30 p.m.
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INJURY REPORT
Here's an updated list of the injuries (and dates the injuries occurred) that will likely keep the following players out of the exhibition opener Friday against the Denver Broncos:
CB Tarell Brown (L toe sprain) - Aug. 1
LB Patrick Willis (R ankle strain) - Aug. 3
G David Baas (L foot strain) - Aug. 4
RB Michael Robinson (groin strain) - Aug. 4
TE Delanie Walker (concussion) - Aug. 5
WR Brandon Jones (R shoulder fracture) - Aug. 6
DE Ray McDonald (R knee) - On PUP list after offseason surgery to repair ACL. Barring setback, team expects his return for regular season.
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Matt,
It both Alex and Shaun are doing so well in practice (which is great to hear btw), wouldn't that mean that Shaun is a lock as the starter?
Even in the past when he was a horrible practice player, he was much better than Alex in the game. So now that he's a good practice player all of a sudden, and equal to Alex, doesn't that mean he'll likely be even better than Alex in a real game?
OR does it mean that Shaun is now a good practice player but crap in the real games???
If Alex makes a strong showing with both the 1st, and second team squads during pre-season he will win the job.
The way we're switching things up, matching 2nd team offense with 1st team D seems pretty clear that Singletary/Johnson/Raye are looking for a guy who can work with anybody on the roster throughout the entire season without a 'one-player' crutch (this definitely prepares a QB for injury setbacks on his line).
Snake" Really ? How do you figure that Smith wins the job by just having a strong showing in preseason ? Sing has already said that Hill has the edge and comes into camp as the starter. If Hill out practices Smith (as he has been doing every day),and plays at least as well as smith in the preseason games,then Hill will not lose his job,or at least should not.
And of course if Hill plays better than Smith in the games (as he has ALWAYS done in the past) then it would be a slam dunk win for Hill.
It will be fun to watch the next 2 weeks of games to see if anything surprising happens (like smith playing well or Hill not playing well).
...I guess anything is possible.
I just hope that if a miracle happens and Smith does win the job that he just keeps on winning every Sunday ! GO NINERS !
Hahahaha actually TOP_CAT I wrote that in a hurry before getting a bite to eat! -What I meant by that is that in order for Alex to separate himself from Shaun (who's clearly done nothing to lose the starting position), Alex is going to have to show some mad skills with squads A&B during pre-season to convince the coaching staff that he's the real deal. (But also, both Qbs must show that).
It's amazing to actually hear for once out of a 49ers camp that we have 2 quarterbacks that are neck-and-neck within positive circumstances! -Whoever wins it will definitely deserve it.
Matt,
what happened to the practicing with the raiders?
That happens next week in Napa, I think it's on Wednesday or Thursday.
oh thanks man! i thinks its a great idea to practice with another NFL team
Thanks, Matt. I love the detailed reporting.
Certain players (David Baas) seem like they always have issues. First he couldn't beat out a couple of players (Smiley/Wragge). Then when Smiley is traded and Wragge stinks it up, Baas comes in and does ok, but rips his pectoral muscle working out (lame). Now he is in a contract year and its his time to shine, but he hurts his foot. Maybe it is bad luck, but with some guys it seems to be a pattern. This just has the feel of J.Jennings all over again. Unless he plays lights out this season please dont resign him coach Sing.
Also, I forgot to mention, we should deduct a half year of pay from the original Crabtree offer since he will be worthless for at least half a season. Seriously, I wish we could work a trade with some week team this year for next years first round pick. How about Detroit? They seem to love recievers....oh wait, Matt Millen is gone...shoot...:-(
The sentiments that Crab's value diminishes the longer he holds out are not ill-conceived, but won't hold up in the NFL World. He'll get a pile of money and a signing bonus (assuming he signs), and yeah, he'll be a tit on a boar all season and not nearly earn his keep, but there isn't much the team can do.
About all we can do as fans is Boo his sorry butt every time we see him during his rookie season. Even if he signs, my choice would be he isn't allowed to even suit-up for the Opener or Home Opener. But ya' know what?
That ain't how its going to go. I'll Boo him though, self-centered little snot that he is. Does he deserve to wear the same uniform as Rathman and Lott and Rice and Roger Craig and Dave Wilcox and Joe or Steve and Paul Hofer or Jimmy Johnson or Bob St Clair or Bryant Young? He doesn't even belong in the same uni as Jeff Garcia.
Boooooooooo MF. Boooo!
He'll need a couple of Pro Bowl appearances just to break even in my mind.
what do we know about crab's foot. This thing is smelliing more and more like a smoke screen. when was the last time the 9ers docs looked at it? when things don't add up, usually someone is lying....parker
The 9ers are not looking for Montana. They are a running team, who want a qb who will not turn the ball over or take a sack if he can unload. Their next criteria is for the qb to hit the deep seam regularly enough to keep the safeties off Gore.
Ball security first, then the deep seam(ofter using a tight end) that's what Raye did in KC and that's what sing wants
What ever happened to the combined 49ers/Raiders practices this year? Are they still going to happen?
Dirk2,
A friendly word of advice....if you're going to post questions on Matt's blog make an effort to read other fan's posts so that way we don't have reduntant questions that have already been answered. Your question was answered 7 posts ago. :)
What ever happened to the combined 49ers/Raiders practices this year? Are they still going to happen?
Matt,
I have a carryover question from your last entry. Will the winner of the QB competition impact the receivers who make the team? It sounds like the coaches are high on Spurlock but Hill and Hill have great chemistry on the field. They really worked well together last year.
....seventh different offensive scheme in the past seven seasons.......this is a huge hurdle...
I understand the desire for our team to do well but the NFL is a cutthroat business. Teams cut you when they want, witness Montana, Lott, Craig, and Rice. Crabtree's agent is only doing what is best for his client. Truthfully success in the NFL is fleeting for most. SI reported than after 5 years of retiring 50% of all NFL players go bankrupt. For the first round, it is get as much as you can now. Tomorrow's paycheck may never be larger after 5-6 years.
If you look at the recent signings, Curry & Jackson, Crabtree's agent was correct to hold out for more. Heyward-Bey's agent, Ben Dogra, might have short changed him. I bet he is sweating that move.
I know, the compensation is ridiculous, but so are the ticket prices. The system is what the NFL & NFLPA agreed to, for a reason!
Eugene Parker is a very successful agent. Last year he had 9 pro-bowlers and with his partner represent 40 NFL players. There is lots of anti-agent and Crabtree spin coming from the 49ers and the NFL and I think we should examine this impasse and what is really happening instead of demonizing Crabtree.
Matt,
About the WR's. It is interesting that Spurlock is looking like he's got a roster spot. Ziegler is playing better than Hill as well. However, last year Hill looked very polished during games. On many occasions not only I, but those in the broadcast booth mistook Hill for Bruce after a catch was made.
So the question is, if Spurlock and Zeigler make the team, does Battle go? I can't see us releasing Jason Hill who will surely be picked up by someone with all of his game footage out there. So its hard for me to see the aging battle making the team if Spurlock does.
Is that a fair assessment?
Is the game tomorrow being televised? If so, does anybody know how to watch over the internet if out of area?
Marco your not REALLY Eugene Parker are you!!!???
seriously im not a basher, and i always respect someones opinion, but i will counter offer with the fact the 49ers are doing whats best for their organization and the NFL. There is a system in place on how guys recieve money and Crabtree and his A-hole agent want to break that system. Keep in mind this isnt a guy JUST asking for more money. i dont think it would be as big of a fuss. (it doesnt seem like any of the other undrafted rooks are getting this much attention) its cuz there is a guy tryin to set a new presedent that he wants be paid higher than he was drafted. That just cant be, that opens up the flood gates to letting guys that have never played a down control the NFL.
2nd: the fact that 50% of players go bankrupt, it is my opinion that is its their own faults. These guys sign MULTI-MILLION dollar deals. Thats nonsense. They go broke cuz they buy 6 houses 20 cars and 1.5 million dollar gangsta earings! You ever watch cribs? these guys deserve to go broke! I am a finacial advisor for a living and i can honestly tell you with that kinda money and a reasonable gameplan NONE of these guys should go broke.
Lastly and most important i think EVERYONE!!!! shld read this article on the crabtree situation... hands down the best article i have read on that situation. and if you dont think Crabtree and his camp are the dumbest ppl alive after reading this, ill never change your mind!!
http://www.49erswebzone.com/content/commentary/view.php?id=753
One more time: EVERYONE shld read this (if you havent already) crabtree is a dumb individual!
http://www.49erswebzone.com/content/commentary/view.php?id=753
LMAO @ "booooo mf booooo!"
Although, I don't think this Crabtree thing is nearly as out of hand as it could be. I wouldn't consider this an "out of control" situation until he enters the 2010 draft. For now, it's just business. This kid is going to be like MJ; pretty much carrying the family. You see how many MF's was on stage w/ him at the draft??? Best BELIEVE every last one of those folks got they hands out. Poor kid.
What ever happened to the combined 49ers/Raiders practices this year? Is that still going to happen?
...I just couldn't help myself...
While I agree that a player must take personal responsibility for their financial future, I also think the agent's must realize that they are dealing with young adults that probably don't have the education and training that you have as a financial advisor. I know not all agents are full service agencies. Some, such as Drew Rosenhaus, only negotiate contracts. If I were an agent, I would use this information to attract clients. If you can say something like, 50% of Agent X's clients are broke 5 years after their playing days. I would think that would be a huge selling point. It just seems like these young guys are chewed up and spit out when they stop making money for their agent.
I can't picture them getting rid of Battle, He has been a good go to guy for the niners. And it seems like he is having a good camp as well. if i had to guess, id say zigg probably wouldnt make the team. never thought it would be a problem to have too much talent at WR that it would be hard to choose who stays and goes.
Nah, I bet Francies, Bradford and Collins get the chop before anyone. Zeigs is too good.
i agree, these kids get the wrong idea that all these agents are their best friends. They are sharks ( i know there are always exceptions) but look at this parker guy, does anyone really think he actually cares about crabtree, he wants more money for himself, which is why i think he is dumb. if they dont sign he doesnt make anything either n it doesnt look like the 9ers will crack (which they shldnt) This whole thing as become a mess for crabtree, and my only concern now is that wont sign just to save face. i hope thats not the case and then how will parker look next yr. if i was an agent i wld rip him apart for that.
Houston 9er, its a good point and i think the only real solution is for Crabtee to just sign and hell, throw some of that money my way to manage his portfolio and he will be fine!!! lol
Yes, the game is being televised live, nationally on the NFL network, at 10pm EST, or 7pm California PST.
@stampede yea thats a given. but that would make 6 without crabtree. i cant see them having 7 WR on the roster.
Question: What ever happened to the combined 49ers/Raiders practices this year? Is that still going to happen?
My response: Yes, the 49ers practice against the Raiders on Tuesday and Wednesday in Napa. Then, they'll play their exhibition game Saturday, Aug. 22, at Candlestick. --Matt M.
If we don't get NFL network, is there anywhere on the internet where the game will be shown live?
Internet, I don't know about that. Might just wanna head down to your neighborhood Hooters.
maybe the agent is betting that the rookie salary cap will be instituted next year, this is the year to mess up the pay system.
From this whole mess, i think Crabbie is pretty naive, and the people around him(including his agent) are pretty stupid.
Read an artcile 2day that the Broncos are treating this like a regular season game, including game plans, schemes, and leaving the starters in to play for extended periods of time. Now it states that this is partly due to a new coaching staff and wanting to implement what they wanna do, but how much is Nolan loving that. Me personally i dont care... good make our team better, i love it. and it will be that much better when our 2nd string team kicks your starters asses Nolan and your sh*tty scheme... i really hope that D is terrible!
Matt, what's the deal w/ P. Willis? Is there an ETA for his return? Last I heard it was a mild sprain, but it's been a while.
i hear ya bro.(hope u liked the article) this sucks, how excited were you when we drafted Crabtree?? ill be the first to admit i went from six to midnight!! i was thinkin wow Crabtree, morgan, bruce, hill, jones... gore, S. hill getting a chance, o line comming together, we cld look like a real NFL offense for once! i still feel that way but after all this contract stuff, Crabtree has def lost his luster.
Sterl: from what i heard/read it seems everyone feels P-willie is fine, he is just getting the old L. Tomilson treatment and they are keeping him healthy... lets hope we get the LT results from 3-4 years ago not the last couple years!!
ShaneO, i never thought that one player will make that much of a difference(unless his name is Montana or Rice), but a coach will. I feel very good about Coach Singletary. There are 33 players that determine the outcome of a game. I can't wait until the Niners unleash the "nutcracker" on their opponents. They won't know what hit them.
sounds good brother.... starts Friday!