Exhibition: 49ers vs. Broncos
Regular updates from tonight's 49ers-Broncos exhibition opener at
Prior to tonight's game, 49ers president Jed York revealed an until-now unknown fact: Today the deadline passed to trade an unsigned draft pick. That means that receiver Michael Crabtree will either play for the 49ers this season or he won't play at all.
"We'll get it done,"
FIRST QUARTER
--Niners win toss and elect to receive.
--Bear Pascoe muffs a short kickoff, but he recovers it. Niners take over at the 22.
--On second down, Shaun Hill hits Vernon Davis for 23 yards and a first down.
--Zak Keasey gets steam-rolled by Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil. But Hill hits
--Hill scrambled for 9 yards to the Broncos 29-yard line.
--Hill holds it waaaaaay too long for a sack and an 8-yard loss.
--On second-and-18, Glen Coffee picks up 15 yards, but Coffee gets stuffed on third-and-3.
--Alex Romero enters to attempt a 38-yard field goal. Joe Nedney is not in uniform tonight. Romero nails it, and it's 49ERS 3, BRONCOS 3 with 7:53 remaining in the first quarter. That was a nice, long drive, but not a great call on third-and-3.
--Manny Lawson gets taken down on a cut block on a pass that resulted in 9-yard gain. On next play, he did a good job vs. the run for no gain on second-and-1. But the Broncos get the first down on a third-down run.
--Broncos have the ball at the 49ers' 49. Offside on Lawson, lined up neutral zone, that's a 5-yard penalty.
--FB Zak Keasey, who started this game, is questionable to return to action with a right elbow injury.
--Another pass to Clements' side, to Chad Jackson. Mark Roman was closest man in coverage. It's third-and-1 at the 11.
--Royal with another catch on Nate Clements for a first down.
-Clements gets in the last word. He picks off Orton in the end zone on a pass intended for Daniel Graham. He'll stay in the end zone. Niners take over at the 20 with :56 left in first quarter.
--Smith doesn't get rid of the ball. He takes a sack, and a 7-yard loss. And that's the end of the first quarter.
SECOND QUARTER
--Smith throws to Josh Morgan for 14 yards on third-and-15. Champ Bailey had a chance to pick it, but Smith squeezed it in there. Still, Niners have to punt. Andy Lee with a 61-yard punt. Broncos take over at their own 37.
--INJURY UPDATE: Zak Keasey is out with a forearm injury.
--Some of the 49ers' defensive starters are no longer in there. Ahmad Brooks is taking over at OLB, Rookie Scott McKillop is in there, too. Lawson remains in the game, and Sopoaga takes over at nose tackle.
--Broncos are driving again. But Marcus Hudson with a pass broken up on throw to Brandon Stokley, that sets up a third-and-6.
--New 49ers' CB Dre' Bly just picked off his former teammates, and he's lovin' it.
--It's third-and-7 for Smith, with Micheal Spurlock in as the third receiver (with Morgan and
--McKillop and Justin Roland are the ILBs, while Brooks and Marques Harris are OLBs.
--Second-year player Reggie Smith makes the pick of an Orton pass. That's his third pick. He returns it to the 6-yard line. A
--Smith throws to FB Brit Miller for the touchdown. Miller played linebacker last year at
--Marcus Hudson and Shawntae Spencer at cornerback spots to start series. Marques Harris makes stop for 3-yard loss.
--Tough matchup for McKillop, as he can't hang with Eddie Royal for a 19-yard gain.
--Bly with a run blitz off the right side. He stops LaMont
--Smith throws low to Coffee on a blitz. If he had gotten it to him, it could've gone for a long gain.
--On third down, Smith completes 9-yard gain to Josh Morgan for a first down. There's 1:04 remaining in half.
--Now, Niners are just going to run out the clock after Arnaz Battle's false start. Coffee gains 8 to set up third-and-5. Broncos call a timeout with :15 remaining in half. Coffee gets the first down with 12-yard gain.
--That's the end of the first half. Coffee got a lot of action. He has 67 yards on 14 carries for a 4.8 average.
--So the halftime stats were Shaun Hill 2 of 2 for 41 yards; Alex Smith 5 of 7 for 33 yards and a TD. Hill was sacked twice; Smith was sacked once. Based on the first half of this game, I'd say whatever inclination Mike Singletary had before this game is unchanged.
And because of newspaper deadlines, I will not be able to do this live-blogging thing in the second half.
Thanks for tuning in, and check back after the game.
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Quick thought....
Does anyone think Sing will take his time naming a starter bcuz if he names one guy the starter and then that guy gets hurt in the preseason it will damage the psychie of the person who didnt get picked when its time to step up???
just a thought
This D is already making me mad. Still playing it safe with the DB'S!!! Get in their face and play "fhysical"!
Memo to Channel 5 - giant , lingering graphics of players when there's action on the field, not cool.
Memo to Channel 5 - long boring chats about Broncos quarterbacks, not cool.
Couldnt have said it any better K49er! Also why is Roman on the field play one at SS......get him off the field. They have two very good corners. Let them play in your face.
I see our O-Line has improved...
A few nice catches by Davis. Clements playing too soft - nice pick though, actually most of the DB's were playing soft on that first drive.
Coffee needs to put his head down and just run, though the O-Line is not doing him any favors.
1st game, get the kinks worked out, need some blocking though or it's going to be another long year.
Without Willis the middle of our DEF is a big soft hole. Spikes was making some nice plays on the first drive, Ulbrich just got smoked on that swing pass.
Hill has outplayed Smith so far. They both held onto the ball too lung but Hill actually moved the team. Hill is UGLY to watch but effective. Smith is not as effective.
The pass rush looks non-existent. Hopefully, the scheme will free up some pass rushers when the real action starts since they certainly aren't putting pressure based on their individual talent.
Now Mr. Coffee is hitting the holes a bit better. Glad to see McKillop in there, I like that kid think he might be pretty good down the road.
Man Orton, 2 picks, going to suck to have to go back to Denver, McDaniels may go down as the biggest flop HC ever or he is just a crazy mad genius, I am guessing the former.
what's the status on crabtree?
I generally agree Hill has looked better. Smith made a couple of nice throws but hasn't been as effective.
Meanwhile, I wonder how quickly buyers remorse will set it with Denver when it comes to Kyle Orton.
Ouch 3 picks, lol!!
Go Reggie Smith, finally making some noise!!
Agree with you Houston, Hill will be the guy, not pretty but can do just enough to get us down the field. We have some solid offensive tools, if we can get some decent QB play and the line can hold up we will be all right.
Sorry to break the Hill lovefest, but for those not able to see the game, Alex Smith has no looked bad at all. He looks very comfortable in the pocket. On the sack he held onto the ball a little long. but Shaun Hill did the same. I think Smith has actually raised his stock. This is his first live game in over a year and he is looking like he belongs. Just my two cents.
WTF? Its the preseason and we need to eluate our QBs. This is live practice with live bullets. Why not see what Alex can do with 80 seconds and 80 yards? Baffling...... Is Mooch calling the plays?
Sorry - I meant Evaluate.
Boy! really liking the looks of RB Coffee! Can't believe Smith missed that screen play with 1min to go...would have gained a lot of yards! Noticed Staley was in for a whole half..not so sure he needs that!
3 Interceptions is very acceptable!!
go niners!
BTW - I think Vernon will have his break out year finally. Manny needs to show more with Brooks nipping at his heels for that other OLB spot.
All I want to see from the next game is a couple of sack at key moments in the game..that's what has been missing from this D!
Triple3jrb - Coffee stats are padded. When it looked like we were going to run he was stuffed every time for short gains. When I saw him get big gains it was draw plays when we were running out the half and the D was in a classic Nolan prevent dime.
DUDE!!!!! Where the heck have you been?
Don't go there, its Gametime.
Was that playcalling that had the DBs playing so soft?
Yeah, we need more pressure from the BUFs up front too! Kentwan, where you at?
Do you think the Denver fans are happy with Orton? Ouch!!! Glad we have this Smith/Hill debate as both are playing well.
I was very excited to see Davis look so good in that first series. Not sure if he was even on the field when Alex came into the game. I'm not sold on Coffee. I had high hopes for him based on his college career but he simply doesn't seem to have burst or speed.
I freaking HATED that 3rd and 3 run up the middle call by Raye on the first series that was stuffed to force a field goal. Also hated the - lets play not to lose - play calling by Raye on the final series of the first half. I have been encouraged by his approach in practice thus far but his play calling in this first scrimmage has left alot to be desired IMHO.
noticed after every sack or penalty that Raye will call a running play! Hope he is not this predictable in the regular season!
Raye is making a lot of stupid calls. -Who the hell calls running plays on 2nd and 18? -Our receivers are hungry, come on Raye.
Also, our defensive line sucks, welcome back big nickel!
Bend but don't break...WITH AN F!!
Thomas Clayton, NO!!!!!!!!
guess that answers the question if clayton will get a spot
Alex looked like he's always looked -- like nothing comes easy, like he needs a lot more time than other QB's. Of course Orton looked very fluid & he ended up with 3 picks.
If one thing is DEFINITELY CLEAR, it's that Zac Keasy and Mark Roman met everybody's early predictions of being first-day cuts. :P
We should air it out the next game, cause this game didn't really prove a lot for either QB (as to who should be the starter). -It seems like all we did was test our running game against a defense we could've bruised bad with the pass!
-Come on Raye, nobody does big nickel like Nolan, our RECEIVING CORE IS HUNGRY! -We could've beat the crap out of Denver with Morgan/Ziggy for that entire first half!
Matt earlier tonight you asked us to be objective, Here is what I saw. Best QB – Damon Huard, he looked the most consistent and composed. The other QB’s – It’s hard to evaluate Hill on two passes, but his strike to Vernon Davis was very nice. He held the ball too long on the sack, but later admitted to that in an interview. I want to see more. As for Smith I saw some new improved things and some same old things. He definitely has the stronger arm, but the missed screen pass to Coffee is unacceptable. I don’t think Nate Davis even threw a pass.
The RB’s – Coffee showed signs that he is indeed a good addition to the team, but I never saw him really move the pile. If Gore goes down it will make for a long season. He had his best success on the draw plays up the middle. I feel really bad for Thomas Clayton, I wish him a speedy recovery. Kory Sheets also showed signs of excellence. I do like that he was still running hard on the last play of the game. He seems like a guy that needs more sweeps and tosses, through the tackles might not be his best route.
The Receivers – Josh Morgan’s adjustment against Champ Bailey was very impressive. Michael Spurlock is definitely now in the hunt for a spot. Vernon Davis looked great, I hope it lasts. No new opinion on Jason Hill or Battle. I wish Zeigler would have had more targets.
The Secondary – They did a good job of keeping the ball in front of them. I thought they gave Denver receivers too much of a cushion, but perhaps that’s how the defense was designed. The bottom line is that they capitalized on the opportunities they had and didn’t give up the big plays. (except word daniels)
The D Line – Looked Bad! I didn’t see pressure on the quarterback all night. I like our players, no I love our players, but if this is what we can expect to see then we are going to get picked apart by any team with a decent QB. The secondary can only cover for so long before someone gets open. This is the area of biggest concern in my opinion.
Other notes: Nice job by Mckillop sticking his nose in and making the tackles. Bear made that point after happen. Ricky Jean looked good. #60 caught my eye too, not sure who that is. Word Daniles is definitely a rookie. Zak Keasy is still a special teams ace and still a liability in pass protection, Spurlock had nice yards after the catch, The uniforms looked good and Maiocco’s blog is the best spot for niners news on the web. Matt please tell your announcer buddy next time you see him Ray McDonald is still on the 9ers and Ronald Fields went to Denver.
criticizing play calling during during a exhibition game is like pouring bacon grease into a Ferrari...
My quick take: Love the energy by all the players. The DL gets pushed around & controlled too much & there was hardly any pass rush. (The 2 highest needs on D IMO is a stud franchise NT & pass rusher. As RJF gave his opinion on NT's having to have fundamental technique I think Franklin could be a very effective 3-4 DE.) 1st team OL looked good except for the sack..I believe it was the back not able to make the block. (Was it Keasey? Would have to check the replay.)
I like the action & athleticism of some of these younger DB's. With more developing there could be some players there. Of course they all would be better if we had a pass rush. My man REGGIE SMITH had a great game. I've been saying all along we should be putting him at the position he played most in college. He could be a potential very good upgrade to MLewis in the making. Still need to see his run support skills. Jason Hill looked sluggish (Overweight? Need more conditioning? Need to learn & follow Gore's example)
Good game by....
1) VD - a very good welcome sign to see him making plays early. Keep it up!
2) Morgan made a few catches. Very encouraging to see him get separation on Champ Bailey who announcers said he muscled to make that separation. Helluva statement..awesome Josh. Let's keep seeing it.
3) Coffee - I'm not all the way sure on but he's physical & hits the hole fast.
4) Reggie Smith (repeat) - Man I hope he keeps developing. He seems to be COMFORTABLE at that Safety spot. I see him at SS & has solid instincts & ball skills vs the pass UNLIKE Lewis. I don't think Lewis makes that INT in coverage..great ball skills/athleticism. Nice ball skills with the INT in the end zone to save the W.
5) Dre Bly - nice inside positioning to get the INT. That's just a great play by a smart experienced savvy VET. The question mark with him is that he knows WHEN to take those chances & not give up too many big plays. I'm sure Coach Sing will keep him straight here.
Young players I liked & noticed....
1) Britt Miller - at his size he needs to replace Keasey ASAP who I never thought belonged. An undersized player from Princeton..pleease. There's no ball players from Princeton.
2) Jahi Word Daniels - with a little experience & work on technique I like him as a nickel or dime CB.
3) Spurlock - I like him vs another teams nickel or dime corner.
4) RJF - he's got solid SIZE. MO is he has athleticism & can cause havoc. How stout is he I'm not sure. But he's got the proto 3-4 DE we badly need on this team.
5) Kory Sheets - almost broke the last run of the game for a TD. HE NEEDS TO GET THE BALL OUT IN SPACE. I really hope he makes the cut. WE NEED MORE GAMEBREAKERS PERIOD. He can make things happen. Could be a great change of pace scat 3rd RB. A potential steal in the making given to us on a silver platter..another solid priority FA pickup by McCloughan.
6)Curtis Taylor - he's got size & athleticism. Has potential to be a contributor down the road. If he continues to show more I'd be tempted to keep youth over Roman. (Probably still too early & would make many mistakes. Definite PS at worst.)
OTHER NOTES
1) Jay Moore looked like he had some explosion out there although it was vs the 2nd or 3rd teams. More of a speed rusher with only an outside rush. Didn't see any other pass rush moves. Kind of a straight line guy.
2) Offensive execution - kudos to Raye/Sing. I dunno Raye's history if he practiced to execute plays to close to perfection as possible. I have a feeling that Singletary might have stressed that philosophy to him. Whatever the case it looks like it's paying off. They look good & will only get better.
3) Hope it's not too serious on Clayton. Man's been working his a** off for a couple years now. Whether here or for another team he deserves his shot to get on a roster. (I want Sheets who's WAY more talented IMO.)
I meant RJF saying that NT's have solid technique & could easily make a successful switch to DE. I agree for the most part. (Unless the NT is strictly a run plugger who's not that quick or athletic. Franklin is.)
Ditto the vote for Sheets. The burst speed is scary. He may not yet have the rest of the package, but we need some scary on the o-side, even if he is just a situational player.
Some early observations... Shaun Hill was only give one series and 2 pass attempts before they benched him. Does that mean, that's all the coaching staff needed to see? I thought Alex Smith looked jittery and "happy-footed" when under pressure, which brought back memories of 2 years ago. Your thoughts? I was hoping to see more of Ziegler and Jason Hill. Did J. Hill even play? I'm afraid Thomas Clayton's injury looked like it could be serious. Worst case scenario, I think we could place him on Injured Reserve and make Kory Sheets the 5th RB on the 53 man roster. I say pass on Keasey and keep FB Miller on the practice squad. We have a backup FB in Michael Robinson and even Delanie Walker. I would like to see more of Spurlock, especially against a better Defense/Special Teams or hide him from other teams in hopes that we can store him on our practice squad. Rossum saves a roster spot by being able to play Return Specialist and CB in emergency situations.
Lol! Really tho, its preseason folks need to get a grip.
Btw, Sheets is a beast!
Just feel bad about the Thomas Clayton injury While there has been a lamenting group (myself included) for A. Smith' seemingly 'perfect storm' career, this man has been a top performer when given an opportunity (albeit preseason). I have always been taught that you are rewarded for good performence unfortunately this has not been applicable in Clayton' case. Hope Clayton can be back soon from this injury and be given an chance to help another team, he has at the very least earned that.
I didn't see Smith the same way as you! He still is shaky from the snap to the pocket. And then he still hurries the pass when players are wide open. Miller's catch in the end zone saved Smith the embarrassment of throwing the ball into the ground to a guy wide open, again He really didn't look much different than he played before. Sorry,this is what I saw.
I think Hill, for the little he played did fairly well, but he looked almost the same as last year. He still seems to hit the wide open guy more consistently than Smith. I really don't care who starts. I just want to win.
I think MS purposely stuck Smith in there right away to see how he would react to an injury to Hill in a game.