Let me guess what Oneniner is going to say:

"Just because Hill is in the top 5 in the NFL on 3rd downs and in the 4th quarter means Hill sucks and I want Davis (since I've been exposed as an Alex homer)."

now how long until he posts??

I can't wait to see more Hill to Davis this Sunday!!! He only keeps getting better and better with each week.

I'll be sporting my #13!!!

...lol....:)

MM- you know i have faith in you......

..i guess playing one good quarter is the threshold of a good niner QB this days.....

"But it certainly is time to put a little more on Shaun Hill's plate. After all, he has proved he can handle it."

.....I agree its time to put more on his plate....

obviously i dont think he can handle it....

..against the rams - sure......

I guess we will see....

I was getting pissed at I think it was Crumpackers questions about Davis at the press conference, but i guess there are people he actually writes too.... So sorry Crum, i guess you are just doing your job, writing to the misinformed.

I agree with you Matt, I want to see what Hill can do when its on his shoulders. Any word on Staley? I cringed when I seen turnstile Sims in the game in the 4th. That one false start play, I hope he heard the whistle and thats why he didnt get off the line, cause the other 4 linemen were on the same page, Sims was still in his stance when Hill set his feet.

The playcalling our last two drives was among the worst, most unimaginative, least go-for-the-throat, pantywaisted, limpdicked playcalling I have ever seen. Is Mike Nolan wearing a Mission Impossible Jimmy Raye body suit?

...why do i get the feeling if Hill craps as usual...the O-line and Raye will be blamed....

Can we hear Question Lady's thoughts on this weeks match up between the Niners and the Rams? Will the passing game indeed need to be a little more of a factor in the Rams and/or Falcons game?

Hey, Matt...

based on what you know inside the organization... do the 49ers/Singletary consider Jimmy Raye a long term solution, or an interim considering his age. I know his playcalling/philosophy is condusive to Sing's style... but have there been internal discussions about the eventiual promotion of say Tom Rathman, or someone they have on their radar?

Also-do you think having Raye as OC factors into Parker/Crabtree's reluctance to sign?

I know this probably all too nebulous for you to answer in any great detail, but I'm curious if you had any personal thoughts on the matter?

Matt,

Would love to hear your thoughts on Manny Lawson and whether he's fulfilling the potential the team management see's in him?

"...i won't lie ....i am excited about the presumed 4 - 1 record before the bye...."

Even though it will cost you the $2,000 we bet? Now that's a real fan.

"Why not trust him to exhibit those qualities when the 49ers need a first down to win the game?"

i have my answer...love to know wht the coaches answer to the question......

In Singletary I trust.

"Winners let it go. Winners move forward. Losers just sit there and wallow in it. And talk about it all week, and screws you up for the next opportunity going forward."

Stop whining and start believing and rooting for Shaun Hill. I feel sorry for the Rams this weekend.

"...why do i get the feeling if Hill craps as usual...the O-line and Raye will be blamed...."

Why do I get the feeling that regardless of how well Hill plays, you will find fault with it???

Matt, after being at the game Sunday, I have a new respect for how loud a domed stadium can be and how disruptive it can be on the visiting offense: audibles, hearing officials etc. Could the question lady ask for other areas of the game where the home team can get an advantage other than noise, and then ask you to rate some of our frequent opponents for home field advantage.

Ronnie, I love you man, you're a great Niner and always will be. But what's all this "interim" talk? If Raye couldn't handle the job based on his age, he wouldn't have taken it, oh I don't know, 7 months ago!

Folks, fans, people, whatever you want to call yourselves, PLEASE cool it with the reaming of the O-Coordinator. He just started working with this team. We're 3 games into the season. RELAX!

*stepping down from soap box*

Matt, with the emergence of ESPNboston and ESPNdallas, I only expect that it is a matter of time until there is a ESPNbayarea. Please do not go to the dark side. I might lose respect for you.

...not true....if he Hill plays above average 4 quarters....i will be cool with him.....

i just believe the niners deserve better than a QB that can only play well in one quarter....

oneniner is a fraud who changed his identity on this site from Darren. He tried to use two ID's at the same time to post comments and bolster his "fan base" for Alex Smith. Pathetic.

....what a tough week and its only tuesday

first it was favre.....now the First Public Option Amendment Fails With Five Dem No Votes.....

God help us....

Matt,
If the 49ers do not sign Crabtree by Nov 17th, can they still sign him in March or is it mandatory that he goes into the draft.

Matt,

I'd really like to see a 1st Quarter Grades report after next week; basically going player by player (all the starters) and grading them out.

I've been super impressed by Goldson and Spencer this year. I did not expect either to play at this level thus far this year and both have been instrumental in giving this defense it's identity.

Matt

I agree with you 100% on Shaun Hill. He should shine against St. Louis, the 49ers Pass offense
Needs to open up against a weak opponent. This could be a break out game for S. Hill, if the game
Is out reach by 3rd Qtr maybe we see Alex Smith clean up in 4th Qtr. This should make Oneniner
Happy ? Oh my god I can’t believe I said that

But I don't want to be a socialist...

I thought you agreed to stay off politics?

You already ruin this blog with your nonstop whining

Josh...

They can still sign him... he just can't play this year

I agree... I think that Spencer could potentially be a #1 corner for our team or may already be with the way he has played through 3 games

"...He just started working with this team. We're 3 games into the season. RELAX!..."

I agree, it's troubling to see them SO conservative but Raye is still getting used to Singletary. And Sing is still learning to be the head coach. If coach asks the players to be accountable, you know he's consistent enough to do the same with Raye. I'm sure he's sitting next to him making sure he gets better with this personnel and team.
Plus if you've ever changed jobs it takes awhile to get comfortable with a new boss. At first you interpret everything at face value, but through the games Raye will have the opportunity to see how Sing reviews the play calling and make adjustments to what Sing wants/expects.
And then as they get more comfortable with Hill they'll use him more. Seeing him go 5-5 on a drive to score is now part of their history, they didn't have that before. Its is a process, and it's not how you start, but how you finish.

Stampede: you know... you're right. let's give the coaching staff a few more games before we start grading them out. Gore's injury might be a blessing in disguise: it comes at as good a time in the season as you could hope for, and it might allow the OC to start opening up the playbook. He and Sing must have a fairly good feeling about Hill so far.

oneniner? You mean "onewhiner" What a tool!

Matt:

after three games, what do you think are the major differences between Singletary and Nolan? they basically have the same roster.

I feel, from all the interviews, radio show, your blog, etc... Singletary comes across as someone who really cares about the players. He does not give any favoritism to anyone. And he expects only the best effort.

Niners: 10-6 record this year.

Spencer will get a huge payrise with his next contract.

Matt,

1. Can you ask if Raye has a QB rollout like Steve Bono did for 76 yards?

2. Can you do 98% of us a favor and get rid of oneniner?

....if webster defined the meaning of a socialist to you - you will still believe the world is flat....

@sandip - i am with yu on the Goldson and Spencer

@SonofCochise - you right that will make me happy...not just for A.Smith but cuz we destroyed the sorry rams again,...

Why do the 9ers keep Roman around??

I admit that I didn't know much about the guy so I figure alot of you probably don't know much about him either. So here is a brief synopsis of Roman:

32 year old safety
10 year veteran
9 career INT + Forced Fumbles
5'11'' - 205 (below average size for a safety)
He is slow and can't cover 5th WR's

This man has proven over a 10 year period that he does not belong in the NFL and I can't understand why he ever gets on the field....
I would rather have a rookie S with some ability to make plays in the game (Curtis Taylor or Reggie Smith), or young promising CB (Tarell Brown)
Come on Singletary this guy has got to go... give the young guys a chance to prove they can make plays because Roman has proven that he can't

Hall of Fame-nominated wide receiver Jerry Rice is making his professional golf debut next year as a tournament host and player at a Nationwide Tour event in northern California.

The Stonebrae Classic announced Tuesday that the Jerry Rice 127 Foundation has been named the primary receiver of the tournament's charity proceeds. Rice agreed to be tournament host, and he received a sponsor's exemption.

The tournament is scheduled for April 15-18 at the TPC San Francisco Bay at Stonebrae.

Fer reel...when was the last time a 49ers QB rolled out? Hostler as OC and Smith as QB? Its embarrassing how vanilla our playcalling is. Someone buy Raye a PS3 and the new Madden.

MATT STATES:
"After all, Hill is at his best on third downs and in the fourth quarter with passer ratings in the top five in the NFL in those situations.
On third downs, Hill has completed 22 of 29 passes (75.9 percent) for 238 yards with a passer rating of 111.
He's been even better in the fourth quarter, completing 23 of 30 passes (76.7 percent) for 235 yards with two TDs and no interceptions and a passer rating of 120.8."
As they say in court: CASE CLOSED!

A couple positives I have noticed (besides the previous statement of Spencer and Goldson):

1.) Ray McDonald seems to be blossoming into a solid defensive lineman... 1 big play per game with the 2 sacks and the huge FG block... I hope we see more of this playmaking ability from this guy

2.) Abrayo Franklin really seems to have stepped his game up as well and has become a disruptive force in the middle...

I like what I see from these guys

Hey Matt - Love the Twitter summary in the blog. I try to follow you on Twitter, but only have so much time so often can't. Great to get your tweet highlights and consistently awesome blog all in one place.

MM ...."After all, Hill is at his best on third downs and in the fourth quarter with passer ratings in the top five in the NFL in those situations.

On third downs, Hill has completed 22 of 29 passes (75.9 percent) for 238 yards with a passer rating of 111.

He's been even better in the fourth quarter, completing 23 of 30 passes (76.7 percent) for 235 yards with two TDs and no interceptions and a passer rating of 120.8."

...i think this is a typo....

those 3rd downs stats are just in the 4th quarter...

by implying in the 3rd paragraph that "He's even better in the fourth quarter".....you already wrote about the 4th quarter in the previous paragraph

no way Hill has completed 22 of 29 passes overall on 3rd downs ....he was just 0 for 8 on 3rd downs last sunday....

Hill is spectacular on 3rd down...

...if you like not converting 3rd downs.

Say what you will about Jimmy Raye's playcalling, but you'd think Hill could convert at least ONE 3rd and 8. Seriously.

Also, as oneniner already mentioned, being good in the 4th quarter is great, if the game is close. Hill has been lucky that thus far, his subpar play in the first half hasn't come back to bite him. He's lucky that the games have been close enough. However, one good drive a game isn't enough.

hey oneniner, I think ESPN has a blog you should go argue with as they are really pushing how great Shawn Hill is. Please go over there, now, forever.

..dude where have you been.......we miss you on here

Differences between Nolan and Singletary?

Nolan is 3-0, Sing is 2-1.

:-)

Hill wasn't 0 for 8 on 3rd downs in the Viking game. You are talking about converting 3rd down not completing passes. Hill was 6 of 8 on 3rd down in that game but they came up short of a first down.

Of course, we don't actually expect you to pay attention to detail with regards to your hatred of Hill.

Michael Vick is on the trading block. Looks like his comeback is ending with barely a thud.

Walsh played to win.
Martz played to win.
Holgrem played to win.
Shanahan played to win.

Raye plays not to lose.

But no surprise, we knew that before he was hired.

If Coffee is hurt and Robinson is the backup, we lose the Rams game.

They'll start by running Jackson at us and stack 8 in the box plus run blitz against Coffee. If Coffee is hurt they take the 8th man out the box and shut down our rather anemic passing attack. Rams win.

BTW, funny how MM started the season saying what a strong group of WR's we have and now he says they're only #2's & 3's. Reality does catch up, doesn't it?

Reason Hill is inactive? Doesn't matter if he can run & catch. Nope, not important in a Niners receiver. He doesn't block so he sits. Sigh.

Let's not lose our way right into the Superbowl. Yeah, I'm excited.

They are playing Singletary’s/Nolan’s SF-Raven’s ba11... We have a better leader and motivator, but over all the man changed not the philosophy. No problem as long as it works!!! I’ve always loved smash mouth football…

I get some of the questionable play calling bits about taking the ball from Hill, but are we really going to slam Raye for calling 3 runs when the Vikes had 3 timeouts on the final drive of the game? Yeah, I screamed at the TV when we ran on 3rd down too, but the truth is, Lewis made an incredible catch with 2 seconds left. 2 seconds! With an extra timeout, the Vikes could have saved a lot of time by not having to spike the ball on their inside the hash marks plays. In that final drive, 3 runs was, and will forever be, the right set of calls. Those run plays, coupled with our defense forcing their offense to the middle of the field, left the Vikings with nothing but 2 hail mary plays. Unfortunately for us, they didn't need the second one.

I see on USA Today's web site that they just released Garcia to make room for Trotter. What's your source for Vick being on the trade block?

Random thoughts... If Coffee goes down, do you want MRob or Sheets running the ball? No brainer -- it's Sheets. If Pennington is lost for the season -- and the Dolphins have any hope of saving their's -- don't they need a QB with some experience leading the way, especially after watching Henne play last week? Wonder what Alex Smith would look like in a turquoise uniform? If Singletary "wants winners," then why did he play "not to lose" when one first down would have iced the game? If Rossum is back there returning kicks because he won't make rookie mistakes, why did he muff one kick and let another roll out for 30 yards while a rookie named Harvin took one to the house? Wonder what Sheets would look like running back kick-offs, and what Battle would do returning punts. Of course, that would mean cutting Rossum and Roman and activating Sheets and Jason Hill... But who would want to do that?

Matt writes:

"After all, Hill is at his best on third downs and in the fourth quarter with passer ratings in the top five in the NFL in those situations.
On third downs, Hill has completed 22 of 29 passes (75.9 percent) for 238 yards with a passer rating of 111.
He's been even better in the fourth quarter, completing 23 of 30 passes (76.7 percent) for 235 yards with two TDs and no interceptions and a passer rating of 120.8."
Sounds like a closing argument for Hill! So just like in Court: CASE CLOSED!!!!

MM, I'm sorry but Hill is NOT at his best on 3rd down this year.

You cited his completion percentage on 3rd down but did not notice that most of those completion DID NOT GO FOR FIRST DOWNS!

There are few passes easier to compete than a short checkdown on 3rd and long, because absent 1-2 missed tackles, you are promising the defense a punt. They'll give it to you all day.

I think Hill does an ok job, but saying he excels at third down when 3rd down conversions have been this team's biggest flaw for 3 games, and most of the attempted conversions have been passes, is completely disingenuous.

realfan: last time i check, Nolan is an assistant. and broncos got lucky on that last second tipped passed, so they should have been 2-1.

the niners lost the vikings game because of official's bogus "taunting call". they should be 3-0.

keep a tab after 8 games. the niners will have a better record than the broncos. too bad they don't play this year.

once the niners make it in the playoff, the regular season record is a mute point.

j-jerk-n-em:
False claims?....hmmmm I wonder if your just "He who should not be named" using a different ID?

You are the idiot. I never COMMITED TO THE THOUGHT OF PASS ONLY. You need to take an english class!!! I will explain it to you then you say whatever you want because I refuse to reply to you further unless you prove your lies. You are making claims that are not true.

The only time I said anything about a pass is if we had a "WIDE OPEN PASS" Let me repeat a few times so it gets through your thick skull.

"WIDE OPEN PASS"

"WIDE OPEN PASS"

"WIDE OPEN PASS"

Here is my Quote "I never said we needed to pass instead. However if a "wide open" pass presented itself since the other team committed to an up the gut on the bootleg then yes we should've tried. Even if it meant an incomplete. Otherwise Hill should've gone for the first to the point of not risking losing the ball."

A Bootleg does not mean Pass. It means the misdirect with a run up the middle and then Him scrambles with ball in hand away from the scrum. He would then Have Morgan as a lead blocker that is also an eligible receiver.

If the One safety that was left passed Morgan that would have left him WIDE OPEN WIDE OPEN WIDE OPEN then yes pass it. Because ZERO PERCENT INT probability for a wide open pass. There would have been nobody around to intercept it. So turnover probability DOES NOT DOUBLE.

DOES NOT DOUBLE
DOES NOT DOUBLE
DOES NOT DOUBLE

That is not guessing at a hypothetical because the only safety left would have had to commit to either the QB or Morgan and releasing Morgan with no one to stop him wouldve = WIDE OPEN PASS FOR TD OR INC NOT AN INT. So he wouldve needed to engage Morgan until hill crossed the line or someone else caught up to the play. EITHER WAY MORE TIME OFF THE CLOCK MINIMUM.

A bootleg can be a designed play to allow multiple options for the QB it also allows the quarterback in that scenario to err on the side of caution.

Saying "well if a different play was called he couldve turned it over". Is a way to justify a poorly called play.

Lastly you are a complete Moron. No where did I contradict myself in that post. If you think I did prove it otherwise you are just trying to incite me. SO Screw YOU & STOP TRYING TO TWIST WHAT I AM SAYING!!!

Realfan49: Did you notice that the 49ers only put Robinson in for one play in the Seattle game when both Gore and Coffee were on the bench with injuries? Then Coffee came back in and played with his hip pointer. This decision by the 49er brass means that they would prefer to lose the game rather than hurt one of their favorite guy's feelings by cutting him, IMO.

oneniner, its pass completions, not down conversions.

thats right.

Hill was not 0 for 8 on 3rd downs
The team was 0 for 8 on third down conversions.

As I tried to explain it to him earlier Hill 6/8 in completions on third downs Sunday they just were never for enough yards to get the first down. 1 of the INC was a throw out of bounds because no one was open and he had to get rid of it or get sacked the other was a defended pass that was thrown to Issac Bruce.

So as I said before Hil was 6/8 on third down completions so he had a 75% Completion percentage.

But don't tell HE WHO SHOULD NOT BE NAMED that because he will just laugh and say you are stupid or that's so funny as if you made it up or something.

That brings up an interesting (and OT) point about stadium size/noise, etc. With the new behemoth that is Dallas stadium, and its > 100,000 capacity, doesn't it seem like this now becomes a huge advantage for the home team? Granted, it won't work all the time (see Giants, 9/20/09), but it has to in the long haul help them as a home team more than a 70k stadum would.

That said, are teams going to have to build bigger and bigger stadiums to stay even, so to speak? Am I over exaggerating the advantage of noise. Can I possibly hate Jerry Jones and the cowpukes any more than I already do?

Let me clarify what I said. The 49ers were 0 for 8 on 3rd down conversion attempts when passing on third down.

Here we go...

PFT just reported there is a rumor going around saying Parker knows a team willing to offer Craba$$ a 4 year, 40MIL deal next year.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/09/29/all-silent-between-crabtree-niners/

I CALL BS!!!!

I suggest that the 9ers offer Crabtree 60 Million over 6 years with base salaries of league minimum...

Make the incentives clauses trigger at 130 catches every year....

If Parker wants to act like a child and stomp his feet then we should make him feel like a child...

also if craptree thinks he will be the best reciever of all time then he would have no problem earning that money

hahahaa

I don't know who I would rather hear nothing from again....

Crabtree
Parker
Deion
Oneniner

I vote for E: All of the Above

Hill can only shine if Singletary allows him to shine. When push came to shove last week Singletary had more faith in his Defense stopping Farve from going 80 yards in 90 seconds as opposed to Hill completing a pass for 6 yards to put the game away. I don't care what is said in public, privately Hill has to be p***ed at the lack of respect / trust shown him by Singletary and Raye. I don't know what more Hill has to do to win Singletary's trust.

In my opinion Singletary is still living in the past in the Walter Payton / Jim McMahon days. He is convinced that the only way to win is by keeping the QB under wraps and stubbornly running the ball. The fact is the Bears in the 80's won just one Super bowl and were crushed by Bill Walsh/ Joe Montana / Jerry Rice on the one ocassion the 49ers played them for the NFC championship in Chicago. Think about it, with probably the best defense in the history of the NFL, and a hall of fame running back, Singletary's bears teams won just one Super Bowl. With Montana and Young running the west coast offense, the 49ers won five Super Bowls during the same period. Which style is better?

With this new rumor of another team offering 40mil,is there a possibility of a second tampering charge being pursued by the 49ers?

Sadly though, oneniner has you on this one.

While the completion pct is what is reported and looked previously, all that really matters in terms of quality of play for helping the team win is "DID YOU GET THE FIRST DOWN".

I'd happily see Hill's completion pct lower on third down if more of those completions moved the chains.

I used the Football Outsiders rankings that are statistically weighted. I found found them to be an accurate predictor over the last four years

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol

So what is our ranking for O Line?

Passing Protection - 30th in the NFL
Running Rank - 30th in the NFL

We are winning because of Coach Singletary and I think Raye is doing a great job with what he has. If Staley is slightly injured then expect offense trouble without Gore.

But why are we winning? Defense!

Philadelphia Daily News is the source for the Vick trade rumors.

How about Alex Smith for Vick???

I am so tired of hearing the negativity from Oneniner. I think everyone understands you are not a Shaun Hill fan. You have gotten your point across....multiple times. Move on, he is the starter. He is making plays and the niners are 2-1. We lost last weekend, but it isn't the end of the world. I would be worried if we lost to the Rams, however I have confidence in my team that is not going to happen.

Also, MM. I keep hearing Gores ankle injury is unrelated to last weeks injury. However, I really think there is a correlation. When you hurt a part of your body, you are going to favor a position that does not hurt. If I hurt my ankle I am going to walk on it in a way that hurts the least. While doing that I am exercising different muscles and ligaments that I do not use as often. So when Gore sprained his ankle he strained his ankle when he tried to play on it by using muscles that aren't as conditioned. Either way I hope he gets better soon.

Is anybody sick of seeing Jerry Jones treated like a god every football season?
Is anybody sick of the constant talk about him and his team on the NFL Net, ESPN and just about EVERY NFL show on TV?
Is anybody sick of seeing his ugly puss every 5 minutes during the Cowboys games!!?

The Gore injury is a blessing in disguise. The 9ers will be forced to develop a decent passing game sooner rather than later. I think Hill and V. Davis are definitely up to it, I'm not sure about the other aspects.

On the Crabtree situation, it's sure difficult to fathom Parker's thinking. I just can't see how there could be any rational motive here.

Is anybody sick of seeing his ugly puss every 5 minutes during the Cowboys games!!?

Count on it.

The Crabtree stuff is bluff. Parker is a wad. MC signs October 12th.

Funny the publicity building a one billion dollar stadium gives you...

Funny the publicity building a one billion dollar stadium gives you...

The NFL and ESPN keep trying to sell everybody "America's Team" and their owner. So much hype for a team that hasn't won a playoff game in what, 11yrs now. The Niners have won a least one playoff game since the Cowboy's last playoff victory. However, I am glad he's such an egomaniac otherwise he probably would have never fired Jimmy Johnson and the Cowboys most likely would have a few more SB trophies

Oneniner how do you call yourself a Niner fan. I have stood in the shadows and read nothing but negative remarks regarding the Niners. Regardless of Hill's winning record not just this year but last year as well. Regardless of stats Hill is a "proven" winner. Your negative about Coach Sing who has yet to coach a full season but has turned the team around with less "talent" if you wanna call it that but I don't and less time. He is a "proven" winner. Look at all the coaches after Mooch and prior to Sing...HORRIBLE. Where there are so many positives for the Niners you take cheap shots all day long and it is pathetic to say you are a fan. You are a fare weather fan and very delusional. When the Niners make the playoffs and they will I would love to see you give the team you say you are a "fan" of some due credit. But seeing how negative you are, most likely you will cut them down with comments on how they didn't win the super bowl. if I was Matt I would block you from he sight.

Matt: here's another stat on why they should let Hill do more.

335 yds on 80 carries for the running game in 3 games.

Take out Gore's 2 long runs and you have 176 yds on 78 carries for a 2.26 yds/carry avg. For those that can't do the math, that's 6.77yds/3 plays and slightly over 9yds/4 plays and once again they can't get a first down even running on 4 downs. For those that want to include those 2 long runs, that's one long run/40 rushing attempts. You're not going to win many games against good teams with those stats.

"Sadly though, (He who shall not be named) has you on this one. "

Not so. "He who shall not be named" Blames the 0 for 8 solely on Hills shoulders because he hates Hill.

Sometimes you just need to get the ball to a guy and hope that other guy makes the play. So blaming it on Hill isn't right when he did all he could to get those conversions with the 3rd and longs he had been dealt.

You are 100% correct though with the rest of your statement.
All that really matters in terms of quality of play for helping the team win is "DID YOU GET THE FIRST DOWN".

But again keep in mind Hill can not be solely blamed for every play that doesn't succeed, as he doesn't get solely credited for every play that does succeed. There is a team on the field & it takes more than the QB to get that first down.

You also said: "I'd happily see Hill's completion pct lower on third down if more of those completions moved the chains."

Amen to that. A lower completion % and more first downs on those 3rds wouldve been a good trade.

Sorry, forgot to add IMO those stats are pretty pathetic stats for a power running team.

We lost the game so Raye was wrong.

If we'd won, he'd have been right.

shoulda woulda coulda

I hear you. Same with Battle over Hill.

What is the status of Jason Hill? A local kid with lots of potential, he just fell off the radar. What's up?

First I want to say I am very happy we are 2-1, but still think there is lots of room for improvement. You all bashed me earlier for stating I felt Gore was an average RB. I like Gore but I am not ready to proclaim him elite. I think he had a great game #2, but game #1 was nothing to write home about and the thing that really gets me frustrated is he is starting to be a mini Jonas Jennings. I have not done the math, but it sure seems like he has been bothered by a bunch of ankle injuries. They have either cost him games or you can see that in some games an ankle has slowed him. As the phrase goes "you can't make the club in the tub." It makes it tough to build you offense around a guy who each year winds up missing games. I think this emphasizes a point everyone is making and that is we have to see how much S. Hill can do and open it up more. It will make everyone better if we can have a successful passing game.

On the Raye topic. I would rather go down fighting with aggressive offensive play and aggressively trying to win without any doubt versus conservative running and hoping the defense can stop a team. If you are that confident in your defense to stop the team are you not obliged to try and put the other team away by getting that first down any way possible? If you fail you have the fallback plan of relying on that good defense you have? So I feel like you have to try for that 1st down with at least one shot on a high percentage pass play.

Cant argue with any of that. I agree that a certain poster is a non rational h8er.

It just so happens in this case that I didnt like Matt's choice of stat, or the conclusion he drew from it.

Our biggest problem on converting 3rds is how long the needed yardage is. Its not all on Hill, but he could do better.

I totally agree with you and when you're only averaging 2.2 yds/carry the whole game, why don't you try something different?

Also Raye has been keeping the defense on the field too long in the 2nd half with his ultra-conservative play calling as well as conceding poor field position. It's weird too because when the Niner's need to score, he opens up the passing game and they move down the field.

Rayes runs the air Coryell offense. This relies on a power running game and deep passes. We have the running game, we just don't have the pieces in place for the deep passes. In design, the "d" has to guard for the run and the deep pass leaving the middle open. I don't think the "d" is really paying a lot of attention to the deep ball right now. You can say what you want about shaun, but he does not stike the fear needed to run this offense effectively. Shaun can make things happen and win games. Thought he was very good in the last game. But the "d" is stacking the box and are not worried about the deep pass. I think raye has had to settle for this and is calling plays accordingly.

Maybe I'm being unfair, and maybe I'm harping on the same thing over and over, but the Coryell Offense relies on the combination of a power running game that focuses on attacking on the inside as well as mid and deep passes to forces the DBs to pull back off the line of scrimmage. Thus, if one of those pieces isn't working, it would only be logical to switch to the other aspect rather than sticking to what isn't working and praying for a miracle.

The other thing is, while the Coryell Offense may work and win games, it doesn't seem to be working well with our players. Mayhaps it's time to take a step back and re-evaluate what the coaches wants to team to do, and what the players on the team can do.

The problem is raye is a true believer of the coryell. With Hill as the starter, we have the wrong cordinator. He will make some small changes for hills arm, but the offense will never work the way it is intended.

That's exactly what I think may be the case.

While I think the Niners defense is quite good, considering that the team's won two games on the back on defensive performances and lost one close game on bad offensive playcalling, I also worry that Jimmy Raye may turn out to be Mike Martz 2.0, only this time with the run instead than the pass, and that can't be a good thing.

Singletary says he'll turn this loss into a learning experience, but only time will tell whether he does. However, considering that Raye has been calling three straight dives when trying the run out the clock in the last two games, only to have them fail and be forced to send in the punt unit, I wonder why Singletary hasn't already picked up on this failure already.

Now, I don't claim to be a coach in any capacity, but, looking at the offensive personnel and their performances this year, I would think the current Niners are better suited for Walsh's West Coast Offense, possibly modified to include a power running game, rather than a Coryell-style West Coast Offense, modified to take Shaun Hill's less-than-desirable arm into account.

But that's just me. What could I possibly know?

Indiana Jim! You sir are correct. This is another case when stats are misleading. I don't care how many passes Hill completes on 3rd down. All I care about is GETTING BEYOND THE MARKER and actually converting every once in a while. Jeez, you guys act like Hill is a God because he can complete multiple 6-yard passes.

WC Offense, digit, Coryell or whatever you call it...they all have the same plays. So bottom line, assuming you are not playing the all-time all-NFL defense if they take away the run with 8 in the box they are giving you something (flats, play action, outs, middle mid to deep) and chances are you do not have to throw a bomb pass to get something. I blame the play caller for not taking what the defense will give you. Raye, its on you man. Call they plays and then it will become clear real fast if Hill and the gang has it or not!! Being a play caller is a big game of cat and mouse and doing one thing to setup another. With power running you are setting up play action. It does not have to be deep ball play aciton. You just need the LB's to freeze for a split second so the reciver can zip past them and get into that open middle space. The play action holds the LB's just a bit to open that middle or preventing them from cutting off the lane on the slant pass. It sure ain't that hard. No bombs necessary!

....a true niner fan is never rational............"emotional" is the word.......

Hey give me six yards per pass and all I need is a 66% completion percentage and two out of three plays completed. Last time I checked that is 12 yards and a frst down!

Give me first downs. I don't care how you get them, just get them.

Run, pass... it doesn't make any difference how you score; all that matters is that you score more than your opponent.

Anyone see Sando's post at ESPN.com? We are 10th in scoring but our total offense is tied for 28th? What the heck is going on here??? Either we better put up more yards or I am guessing our scoring average is going to go down. This just does not seem sustainable.

If were only that simple. In the west coast the short passes set up the run. In the coryell, the run and the deep pass set up the short pass. They go hand and hand. The "d" is giving us the long ball. Either raye is not calling the right play? Or he does not trust that the long ball can be completed. Or hill is not throwing the ball to the open receiver down the field. This has happened. What ever the case, there has to be at least a threat of the long ball for this offense to work and hill does not have that. Alex or Nate do. Raye had grbac in K.C. Grbac had 3,400 and 4,100 yards in 1999 and 2000. So it is not like raye will not throw the ball down the field if he has a qb that is capable.

Mike it seems to me Scot was way ahead of the curve on Gore and smartly utilized said picks to get Coffee and Sheets on the roster.

If Gore is kept 'Fresh' for the stretch run and we maintain some momentum, it could prove to be a pretty smart plan.

Coffee is the exact shadow of Gore in running style and certainly is earning his stripes quickly.

Looking around the League it's pretty easy to see that multiple backs are needed to survive a full season.

I may not be a coach but I disagree. If there are 8 in the box it does not have to be a long pass for success. Just like breaking through the front 8 on a run all you have to do is get past the front 8 on a pass. The front 8 is stacked in the first 7 or so yards from the line of scrimmage. Do you call a 10-15 yard pass long? If you truly hold the backers due to play action that is all you need. BTW, if it is short passes to setup the run....how the heck does that work? You will still be fighting the 8 guys up front.

Go study a playbook for a minute. Ideally you have plays in sets of three or four that with formation and the initial reads they look almost identical. This is where Jerry Rice was brilliant and good teams make it very hard for the defense. Nobody could key off his routes. For example, you have a power run off RT that looks just like a play action pass off RT and then a straight pass set in the same formation. This is how Walsh used to run one play early then learn how a defense would react, note it, then send a similar set and action at the defense later in the game but do something slightly different and hit with success.

Agree. We were doomed with the RB backup we had last year. Would love to see WR Hill active and this bozo Spurlock and the taser out of here! We need perfection with the regular playbook not some lame gimmick. If not WR Hill then at least Sheets.

Not a coach either, and not trying to disagree. I was just sying that their has to be a threat for the deep ball. That is how the offense is designed, from my understanding. That is what allows you to complete the 10-15 yard pass, by streching the "d". I think that 25+ yards is a deep pass. And I do see your point, with 8 in the box something is open. We just have not completed it yet, the deep ball.

Philosophically, the WCO opens up the run by stretching the defense horizontally with short passes; while there may be 8 defensive players within the 7 yards of the line of scrimmage, they're not stacked in the middle because the passes aren't designed to just go in the middle, meaning a runner can go up the middle for some yards before the defenders converge on and tackle him.

I do, however, agree with you on how Walsh used to call plays in order to anticipate and prepare for opponents; however, coaches like Walsh are few and far between, and while coordinators may mimic him, their success will undoubtedly vary.

The notion of passing when you need to pass seems flawed.If the pass is an element of surprise and a matter of taking what's given,then it would seem to me that there be fewer need-to-pass situations as the run benefits from being less predictable.Still about imposing one' will,still about 40-60,just not Ravens-style offense that always stunk because of no pass threat.

HE - Great point. I will expand further...most WCO coaches force you to cover horz and vertically.

For 559, I guess Jones should be playing if the D is going to respect the deep ball (sounds like last year with Lelie). To me if a team goes 8 in box and if they truly are trying to box up run plays then any good play action should burn their ass good.

Bottom line, there are passing options available for us, and Hill has done a pretty good job when he has been allowed to pass. I just want more passing at key moments. This last weekend I was looking at my dad and calling the play correctly almost every time before the snap. I am an armchair hack so if I can do it the opposing coaches must be guessing correclty as well.

While it seems counterintuitive to pass when you need to pass, it's also game theory. Basically, it goes something like this: Due to the down and yardage, the most logical play to call would be a pass. However, the defense knows this, and would therefore adjust to cover the pass. Knowing this, however, means you could very well run a running play to take advantage of a defense prepared to defend the pass and not the run, but the defense knows this as well, meaning it's a battle between opposing offensive and defensive coordinators.

Mike I took a quasi-rational look at what Sing/Raye may have been trying to do in the final minutes like all of us likely did.

It seemed like Coffee was getting closer to busting loose and perhaps they thought the back-breaker was on the way?

One benefit, even in the loss, is having 'Crunch-time' film of the line play now against a formidable Run Front? Something to think about? Loss sucks, but I think they felt the D had 1 more good series in them?

We sent notice that we aren't push overs anymore if nothing else. As Sing mentioned, could be a challenge for the Team to have this experience if the Playoffs indeed are on the horizon this year?

I think too many are assuming Coffee won't be able to fill Gore's shoes...and I think that's a little premature. He'll get all the reps for the next couple of weeks...and I'll bet he has a good game vs the Rams. It's also a good bet Hill will be given more opportunities to get the ball downfield. We can whine about the missed opportunity in Minn...or we can do as Coach suggests and put it behind us and look to this Sunday. I'd venture a guess our guys will come out strong and bury the Rams...just a hunch.

I think many are assuming Coffee won't be able to fill Gore's shoes, which I believe is a bit premature. He'll get all the reps for the next couple of weeks...I'll bet he has a good game vs the Rams. I also think Hill will get more chances to get the ball downfield. Forget last Sunday...we can second guess 'til the cows come home and it won't change a thing. I believe Coach learned a lesson...that he's got to do whatever it takes to close out games, as he said, "play for the entire 60 mins".

We are 10th in scoring but our total offense is tied for 28th?

That's because the Niners have a very good defense that gets the ball back for the offense and an offense that was able to score in the AZ and Minn when Hill was allowed to throw the ball more. Like I said before, the offense seems to be able to move the ball when Raye opens up the playbook and includes the passing game.

Wonder how much freedom Hill has to audible out of a run play when he sees the box stacked? I remember pre-season Hill and Smith both expressing relief to be in an offense that they could audible in, but I haven't seen much of it yet. Is it rust or reigns?

Thank god Hill can open up more. Enough games we need to see what this team is made of on offense. After the bye week we have brutal schedule where we will have to score and relieve the defense.

I'm not sure why Sheets is staying on the PS? Who is going to be the third tailback? Spurlock, VD, Rossum. I don't see the need of keeping Rossum and Spurlock at this point. One of them should go to make room for Sheets. Sheets can give a good change of pace back, third down back and run make kicks/punts.

you know what's funny? tim kawakami over at the mercury news said on knbr that he'll take jamarcus russell over shaun hill if he had to pick a qb. he said that russell has more upside. give me a freaking break! russell is in his 3rd season and he still can't throw a ball even if you're standing right in front of him! kawakami lost all credibility with me when he said that. i forgot which sportcaster he was on with. i think maybe ralph "the razor", but i remember the person was kind of giggling and couldn't believe he would take russell over hill.

this is the 3rd season and he seem to be getting worse. if you have "it", you have it, but russell is a total bust! even alex smith look better than him!

i'm looking forward to the rams game and see hill light them up like last year. GO NINERS!!!

you know what's funny? tim kawakami over at the mercury news said on knbr that he'll take jamarcus russell over shaun hill if he had to pick a qb. he said that russell has more upside. give me a freaking break! russell is in his 3rd season and he still can't throw a ball even if you're standing right in front of him! kawakami lost all credibility with me when he said that. i forgot which sportcaster he was on with. i think maybe ralph "the razor", but i remember the person was kind of giggling and couldn't believe he would take russell over hill.

this is the 3rd season and he seem to be getting worse. if you have "it", you have it, but russell is a total bust! even alex smith look better than him!

i'm looking forward to the rams game and see hill light them up like last year. GO NINERS!!!

"you know what's funny? tim kawakami over at the mercury news said on knbr that he'll take jamarcus russell over shaun hill if he had to pick a qb."

Consider the source...

Shaun Hill is a garbage qb!!!This franchise goals right now is just to decent.....Thats all!!! There is no point of watching my beloved 49ers anymore until Shaun Hill is not the starting qb anymore....I pray that we get a top 5 pick from carolina and get either Sam Bradford or Jake Locker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shaun Hill is a garbage qb!!!This franchise goals right now is just to decent.....Thats all!!! There is no point of watching my beloved 49ers anymore until Shaun Hill is not the starting qb anymore....I pray that we get a top 5 pick from carolina and get either Sam Bradford or Jake Locker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Garbage is a harsh word. Everyone agrees we need a franchise qb. Why not take Hill for what he is... a winner. The odds are against Hill from turning into the #1 QB we need. He has limited tools and is in Raye's offense. Don't worry we have a prospect in Davis and if a QB is attainable in the draft we will grab one. I'm sure of it. Again garbage is harsh. And if you are a true "beloved" 49er fan than you should be happy about what is going on with our QB. It could be much much, worse.

It is worse....We still have no franchise qb!!! They are wasting time playing this garbage qb in Shaun Hill. let your #1 overall pick in Alex Smith play,let see him play...if he falls on his face then let the garbage qb play the remaining time of the season. Then get a franchis qb in the draft next year! Shaun hill should not be playing, they are just wasting time !!!!! Its about winning championship not winning games to save face!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Agreed. "Garbage" denotes something you'd want to get rid of right away, and Shaun Hill certainly isn't that, particularly since he's been able to hold the team together enough (somewhat) to not really lose games on the basis of his performances.

I think a better term for Hill would be "expendable". He's functional as is, but he's not irreplaceable, and there are definitely others better suited for the position than him.

Agreed. "Garbage" denotes something you'd want to get rid of right away, and Shaun Hill certainly isn't that, particularly since he's been able to hold the team together enough (somewhat) to not really lose games on the basis of his performances.

I think a better term for Hill would be "expendable". He's functional as is, but he's not irreplaceable, and there are definitely others better suited for the position than him.

Agreed. "Garbage" denotes something you'd want to get rid of right away, and Shaun Hill certainly isn't that, particularly since he's been able to hold the team together enough (somewhat) to not really lose games on the basis of his performances.

I think a better term for Hill would be "expendable". He's functional as is, but he's not irreplaceable, and there are definitely others better suited for the position than him.

Please Mr. Matt Maiocco,
Stop sucking up to Shaun Hill to get interviews just because he is the starting qb! He is not a nfl caliber qb, call it like it is!!!! He is a backup qb, either Alex Smith or Nate davis should be playing...If Shaun Hill is not going to win teh 49ers a championship within the next 3 years, he should not be playing. West coast media people are very soft!!!!!

- The Ravens won a Championship with Dilfer... enough said.

- The Ravens last year almost went to the Superbowl with a QB that didn't make too many mistakes and was limited in opening the playbook (this year if crazy different with him, crazy... they will be sick all year)

- A. Smith is like a timid dog. He doesn't have what it takes to be a NFL QB. If you are a superstar, then STEP UP. Alex is weak mentally, doesn't have the it factor, from a great gimmick offense in Utah, and from a week conference. He should have been a second or third round pick PERIOD. It is unfair for people to keep putting pressure on a guy who SIMPLY is NOT a 1st round elite QB.

- Over the past three years Shaun Hill has NOT been consistently bad. He has done nothing to warrant a seat on the bench behind A. Smith. Nor JTO.

Like it or not Hill is a decent QB. Maybe he ultimately is a back up QB, but he's atleast he's a top of the line back up. He's got more wins than losses under Hostler, Martz and Raye so the guy has some talent. Let Smith sit and learn for now, we'll probably get a chance to see him play later on this season if Hill falters or gets nicked up. If he does, hopefully Raye won't have him handing the ball off 90% of the time.

As far as franchise QBs are concerned, look around the league and you'll see there are way more teams without than with. Why is that? It's because QB is the most difficult position in pro sports to play and teams no longer give these young guys a chance to sit and learn the pro game. Most of the immediate success QBs came to a team where one of the weakest positions on the offense was the QB spot. That means winning games wasn't dumped squarely on their shoulders only, you know, what Nolan did to Smith with a very weak supporting cast.

Completely agree. The Niners screwed up any chance of having Smith the franchise QB. Hopefully he gets a chance to learn and develop. It will have to be with a different team. He can't keep wasting time with him. I don't dislike the kid but both parties need to move on.

Basically the Niners failed with Smith. However, I see we are on the right track now with Sing. We must keep winning and improving overall (front office, team, coaches, players).

As for Rayes boring offense. Let him stick around here for 2-3 years and provide a balanced attack. If it looks like the team has the players to move to a more dynamic offense than move Raye out and bring someone it to assist in that area. Just needs to be good timing though.

Anyone is wondering why we're not trying to sign Jeff Garcia ?