Where the heck did this come from? I didn't see Spencer do anything in the preseason while Bly looked great.

I don't particularly like this move at all.

I'm not too bugged, this guy will probably be injured after the 3rd defensive series against the Cards this Sunday, lol!

I must say that is a surprise. I didn't even hear Spencer's name in the preseason. Weird. But hey I'll trust coach. He's not a playmaker, so this must be because he gambles less. So who's our starting nickle corner, I wonder?

Bly has been solid.... I don't like this move going into the 1st game.

Matt... I can tell you are going to be quiet on this one.

Won't last. Kid can't stay healthy. Happy for him though, he had to of worked his ass off.

In our division, there will be plenty of opportunities for all of these guys to get on the field and prove themselves. If we're just looking at preseason performance, it's the other CB we need to worry about.

Is Spencer a draft pick from the Scotty M era? If so, that explains it. If not, then we just discovered the 8th wonder of the world. How the heck did this happen? I have a feeling Scotty is calling the shots on personel and Sing is calling the plays. Either that or Spencer has some major dirt on someone high up. Good or not, he is too injured to often be a starter.

! was surprised.but he was playing his career-best football when injured.Another level completely.

Plus, I think it clears the way for either Bly and/or Brown to start working out behind Nate. If Nate continues to struggle, he'll sit for a week or two with an "undisclosed injury that he was trying to play through". I am surprised that Green got cut too, we need more CB's than safeties. I may have sent Roman packing and kept Green

I like Spencer. He was playing very well before he got hurt. He did have a good game in the extended time against San Diego. I'm just wondering who is gonna play in place of the 80 million dollar man when he gets fried against Arizona! He looked useless in the preseason games. I can't believe that he can all of a sudden turn it on against Fitzgerald. I guess we will see.
He needs to be moved to free safety, Lewis needs to be a backup, or take an injury settlement behind those concussions. What the hell is Roman doing still on this team???? He'll probably start Sunday!!!

Let's look at this from a trully defensive point of view. If our pass rush isn't any better than last year and pre season this year, it doesn't matter who starts where in the defensive backfield. Too much time to pass destroys any defensive backfield no matter who you have back there!
Unless our offense eats up time to keep the opposing team's offense off the field, it'll be pass, pass, pass!

Matt, who gets the nickel spot?

In response to being challenged that Gore is an average back. In 2008 Gore rushed for 1,036 yds. This was 13th in the league. We have 32 teams. So ok he is just slightly better than average. 16 backs ran for over 1,000 yds. One was just shy. To me being a 1,000-yard rusher is not all that special. Give me 1,200 plus and you are now doing something. BTW he was 26 in TD's scored. That is bad. Now you are going to tell me it was because of the Martz offense. B/S Faulk had no problem scoring TD's in the Martz offense.

Last time I checked backs have short careers and typically don't suddenly get better. This is a what have you done for me lately league. Oh and quoting that he ran for 1,000 three years is a row. Who cares! I would trade that for three years of 10-6 with some playoff appearances tomorrow. Running does not = winning. SCORING = winning. Preventing scoring = WINNING. To this point we have not demonstrated we are very good at either.

If the team kicks ass it will be wonderful. I will be happy to eat crow. That is why the games are played.

Spencer was pretty solid before the injury and since it seems he is back to 100% then great !
As I said before,maybe they moved Brown behind Clements because they are worried,as we are,that Clements was not just dogging it because preseason is boring ,but really might be losing it.
We will all be watching Clements this sunday !
And Bly did have a few good looking plays but it seems to me that the radio announcers were quite often saying he was out of position etc.
I hope Brown is the nickle back !
Glad we have depth !

The Niners don't want to play a "high risk" defense and that is what Bly has always played. Contrary to what has been said on this blog, Spenser did, in fact, have a good camp and has played extremely well. The coaching staff has been complimentary all along. He has very good cover skills.

It was pretty clear that Singletary wasn't sold on Bly during the pre-season and that is why he kept saying the position wasn't settled yet. Bly might give you more potential for interceptions but he also might give you more risk for a big play over him. Spenser is more of a conservative cover guy. Brown has more speed, is extremely quick and is a hard hitter. Personally, he is my favorite and I wouldn't be surprised to see him starting soon.

I think the coaches really like Brown but since he was injured throughout training camp he didn't get enough work. We have a pretty good CB group and with Goldson and Smith showing some good potential at Safety, our DB in general seem to be upgraded from last season (just through experience and putting Goldson in for Roman). Also, Walt Harris seemed to be slowing down last year. Now, let's hope Clements gets his act back together so this unit can perform at its peak.

Spencer is a solid back, but im surprised he beat bly out. Id almost rather have bly and spencer starting after the way clements has been getting burned. And its not just this preseason. T.O. burned him last year and a couple other big plays went by him too..

Great post Johnnie ! I couldn't agree any more !
Brown is also my favorite and I thought he was a lock to get the starting job. But as I said,it's great to have depth.

gHurst: Some of those big plays that went by Clements was because he let them go,thinking he had a competent FS back there that was supposed to be covering for him deep. Even this preseason Clements let a WR go in the Raiders game and there was the FS coming over late,as usual.Who you might ask was the FS that seems to always be late,you guessed it ROMAN. If I was Clements I would be very glad that Goldson is finally playing FS !

I feel vindicated in suggesting that Spencer was also a candidate to start at CB. For the newer 49er fans, he was a starter his first 3 years on the team and only missed 4 games during that stretch. He hasn't really been healthy the past 2 years, however, playing through a quad injury in 07 before tearing an ACL last year.

Hopefully, he will be able to remain healthy this year. He's a quality DB, and at 6'1 matches up better against bigger WRs than Bly or Brown.

When healthy, Spencer is the more disciplined corner. Bly is a bit of a river boat gambler – he's won more than lost early in his career, now it's the reverse in his twilight years. Go with Spence, but I agree it's nice to have this kind of depth.

BTW, Barrows gives full credit for this scoop to Maiocco. Way to go, Matt!

Gary Plummer nailed it. He opined on radio more than once that Spencer basically outplayed Clements this preseason. In that context, I suppose he was talking up a possible demotion at LCB (eventual) but still....

Spencer will be fine, and you keep Bly fresh for later in the season. Bly does not have a full 16+ game season left in his legs so there is no reason to start him now...he'll be useless come December if you did that. Spencer played well and deserves the spot, and you have Bly and Brown in relief. Works for me!

Very good point on Spenser's height. It is nice to have one taller CB, particularly if he is a good cover corner. I really like our debth and it looks like our nickle and dime packages are going to be much improved.

I am still a little frustrated that Roman is the 1st Safety off the bench in place of both SS and FS. Smith sure seems like the logical choice, but I suppose I have to trust the coaching staff on this one.

This is exciting. The defense's Taylor Jacobs is back. I can't wait to watch him fall down while his receiver turns an int into a TD.

BTW, if Clements has lost a step or two, does anyone see a possibility of moving him to safety ala Ronnie Lott? He is a hard hitter, loves to play the run and the pass and seems to be a smart player. He also reads the QB quite well.

I know it is far too early to be thinking that he has lost it since the season hasn't even started.... LOL

Matt any news on Crabtree? It's been very quite for a few days. Will McCloughin ever talk about wats going on?

Mike in Sac - The biggest flaw to your argument is you fail to recognize that since 2006 only 1 player in the NFL has more yards from scrimmage than Frank Gore, and that is the other #21 that plays in San Diego. Yes – Gore is #2 on that list. That is an impressive stat, it proves longevity, and ignores a “flash in the pan” type season. While you chose to look at one down year, I, and anyone else with a rational brain, will choose to look collectively at the sum of all parts. That is why a player is judged by his career and not one good year here or there. Since 2006, Frank Gore is barnone a top 5 running back in the NFL, and the stats prove it. By your logic, we should also look at Isaac Bruce’s stats from last year and we would concluded that he is not even average NFL wide receiver. That’s a first ballot hall of famer.

top cat.. i see what you mean, and overall nates done a pretty good job, but he does bite on the double move at times

Hi Matt, Spencer is ok, the other dbs will be on the field because most teams don't run 60-40. This team looks like last years model and the talk by coaches seems similar. Our main hope is if the defense takes it to another level. I wonder if Nolan called Stoops and advised him to have Bradford start lifting weights.

Aaron: McGloughan is too smart to negotiate through the media and Paraag is not allowed to speak for the team. They will keep quiet on any details until the deal is done, and then they still might keep quiet. Business is business ,between the team and the Agents,not for the fans.

And Gore is average??? LOL ! I guess playing through several injuries last year doesn't count,huh? Why do you think they were so obsessed with getting a RB to give Gore a break? Even the best lose effectiveness if they wear down and have injuries,like Gore's ankle last year,where he could hardly walk but still played. Along with being one of the very top RB's in the League,he is also the biggest team guy on the team.He played because he knew they needed him.Now he can take a break if he is injured or just worn out.
This FortyWhiner stuff is getting old.In your view(fortywhiners,you know who you are) is there nothing good about this team all the way from the owner ,down to the water boy etc?
There are 31 other teams out there so choose one you like.But lay off my team ! (unless you are going to be balanced and not JUST critical,then ok,tell it like you see it. GOOD and bad ! ).

Ill tell ya man that isnt a bad thought at all... well have to see what the reg season brings as far as if clememts keeps getting burned... however i also wanna remind of last year what Top-cat said. Lot of the times he got burned last year wasnt really his fault! it was really Roman-Nolan. Nolan rarely had guys in the right position and Roman sucks.

Top-cat: thank u for the help i lost my head earlier, but i absolutly want whats best for the team and hope this is the right move!

None of this matters unless we get pressure on the QB.
Crabtree is going to sit out the season.
Mark Sanchez is going to set a rookie record for QB's and lead the team to the Super Bowl.
49ers are going to win 10 games.
Alex Smith will be the QB by the 4th game of the season. However it will be Shaun Hill who leads us into the playoffs.
Vernon goes to the Pro Bowl along with Shante Spencer.
Mike Singletary gets coach of the year.
Last but not least Green Bay wins the Super Bowl
The money pick Mark Roman picks of 2 passes this year........you heard it here on Roller Derby!!

Interesting point on Gore's yards from scrimmage. Does this mean Gore is that good or the rest of the team is that bad? Or our QB's can't find a WR and have to dump off all the time? Or does it mean or WR's are that bad and they can never get open (thought Bruce was still all that? where are his 1,000 seasons in SF?)? Bruce WAS a great receiver, now who knows. Or maybe the 0-line is bad and the QB is running for his life. Bottom line is we still have an underperforming offense based on the 1st units performance last year and through preseason. It all count's for real in just a few days so we will know the truth very soon.

here is what makes me so nervous about this move....

Spence has been injury prone and i cant remember the last time he got significant time, specially in a starting role, so there is always a question of uncertainy. Also there are a number of ppl all of a sudden comming outta the woodwork sayin they have heard good things about him all summer long... WHEN?? your full of it. at best he got a "Spence is doing a good job" i LOVE the 9ers and read prolly ten different sites a day. there was hardly any talk of this guy. realisticly Bly has gotten all the praise and the staff talked very much about taking a look at brown when he came back. so he might have looked great i pray that he has but this was obviously an under the rador move.

Next so what does this mean for brown?? (my fav as well as many others as future CB) they bring in bly and he will play nickel and now Brown is 4TH on the depth chart?? that sucks! and i dont wanna hear all this we play in the NFC west we need the corneres. NFC west or not we wont be playin 4 corners the majority of our snaps this season. the way we wanna use our 3-4 i dont even think 3 CBs will see as much time as ppl think. so future?

Also i know spence gives us less risk but also LESS reward. i though we were suppose to be more aggressive this year? all preseason we seen CBs playin 15 yards off WRs and now this. are we REALLY gonna try to cause turnovers??

I will put my trust in the coaches and hope for the best but i need some more help off the ledge here boys cuz there seems to be a lot of unanswered questions here!!

How could Bruce have thousand yard seasonS, when he has only played on year with us ?
Come on man !
Some people can't wait to cry,they complain even before we lose one game ,lol
Then if we win ,it will be that we didn't win by enough.Or it will be that the coach made some mistake or whatever. WOW,things look really bright for the Niners future with this owner and this GM and this HC and this roster and the roster that will improve again next year etc. Be happy that we don't have papa John and Donahugh and Erickson etc.
Smile a little ! Or do what I do,yell at the referees,they do suck !

Don't jump ShanO,things are looking up ! Win or lose,the team is getting better and being run correctly now. The future is bright and you will be rewarded for your patience and suffering over the past several years.

....spencooo....niceeee....He his healthy..........yessss

We will need all 4 of our DBs.

What's the SS situation?

thanks brother, i agree. im no stranger to devils advocate but if ppl are gonna just cry n moan all the time what is this all for. I know i am JACKED for sunday. there is no way we dont come outta zona with a win...

Just got done with my FF draft picked up Gore with the 6th pick overall... run franky run!

picked up davis in the 14th rd... thats sad. cant wait to shock the world!

PS: first series of the game Spence runs back a pick 6 ill try to be the first guy on there praising the hell outta him!!! lol

John – please save some of that kool-aid for me in the fridge? As well as a few tums after the heartburn and ache of another 6-10 season.

I know. I know. {sound of head banging on my computer desk}. Think positively... think positively...

Franchise: If I recall back to my childhood days,Koolade is pretty tasty stuff !
We true fans always say we live and DIE with our team,so drink up brother !,lol

lets hope that Spencer will be in the same shape and form that Walt Harris was if he is not Bad move Bly should be the starter playing al;ong side Clements GO NINERS........

> I didn't even hear Spencer's name in the preseason.

That's the very best you can say about a DB! Zero passes thrown his way result in zero INTs. Noone sees him. Except the QB who throws elsewhere.

Clements was mentioned repeatedly for getting beaten. Hearing a DB's name is negative.

please everybody thats been negative about this season lest be the 49erhopeful that we have been maybe this season is not a superbowl run but who knows? 6-10? com'n now lets hope a 9-7 wild card bet. GO NINERS....

Wild card?? How bout NFC West? Hey, it could happen.
I am SO looking forward, attending my 1st away game, going to the season opener.
9ERS!!!!

Can anyone say 9th o.c next year. TWO THINGS TO BET ON, Crabbs will sign on sept 14th and Mike Holmgren will be in San Fran next year. Niners go 3-0 and lose 8 straight. Its a tradition lately. And if Im wrong. Then I win anyways.

Why would Crabtree sign on the 14th ninermd? After Sat he misses a game check if its not before Sat then I dont think it will ever happen.

Deion plays mouthpiece for Crabtree camp and basically tells everyone that the price is 40mil.

If the League found records tying us to Briggs, expect Scot/Jed to demand similar evidence from Parker/Sanders.

Deion not only crossed the negotiating line, he is on record suggesting collusion occurred.

This is more fun then waiting on Crabtree to show up. Personally, he can play somewhere else. I would love for this chirade to turn into a multiple pick penalty payoff for us, but having back the pick we spent will be just fine too.

Sit on the couch, take your allowance from Deion and, we'll work on a plan to deal you wherever you want to go next March. Just don't expect us to accept anything less then a 1st Rd pick.

What would be great fun to see? Jerry J.O. stepping up with that offer pre-Draft, thinking someone would snatch Crabtree before the end of Rd 1.

It's a match made for the Cow-Pattie Dome.

I'm beginning to think that the Hermit Crab has no intention of being a Niner. The cowgirls and Jones have a deal all worked out with him to get drafted next year or traded for before the draft. He's supposedly making all that money from the endorsements and things. What a dummy. The cowgirls can do that then lowball him when nobody else wants him. lol.

Something irked about that little sneaky comment Jones made at the Niners- dalllas game regarding "helping" the Niners any way he could and helping the fans get a new stadium. That turd -eatin' smirk on his face makes sense now. Dirty.

I hope that's all wrong. It does sound a little extreme. lol.

First of all, Spencer was relegated to a backup role when the team acquired Nate Clements from free agency, not Harris.

Any chance that Clements lose the starting role? Base on preseason performance, Bly and Brown should be ahead of Clements.

Shawntae was the answer to AZ getting Fitz. They played together at Pitt and our philosophy was that their college experience provided an automatic familiarity benefit to us I'm sure.

Until we move Nate to FS, we'll have to continue enjoying our indigestion meds, while watching him and his patented Nate & Bait CB practices.

Allow them the reception, then try to strip them from behind before they cross the goal line.

Let's just hope Goldson gets over to help him faster then Roman could.

Felt that way along 81,

Crabtree is all about the 'Boys and since he isn't getting paid his due I've felt the uncapped year was an attractive alternative.

Wait it out have Jerry J.O. write you an invitation to the Cow Pattie Palace and Columbia's Team next year.

Find evidence of tampering and we could get more then 1 pick for troubles? I'd settle for that.

Hey let's get some nice, clean, IQ-lowering, slobberknocking hits on Warner this weekend and it won't matter who's in the secondary! Sacks are best, but hurries and delivery hits will get the job done too. Anyone remember what a weasel Warner was last winter? C'mon Justin & Parys, its ON!

Keeping him on the sidleine watching us beat down their Defense would be just as sweet.

So long as we have 1 more point at the final tick it'll all be good.

I suspect this is coach Singletary motivating bly and brown trying to make them hungry for plays. he's only been part of the unit for the preseason, whereas spencer has been here for quite a bit longer. it takes pressure off bly and brown while at the same time keeping them hungry for plays.

The Commish is taking questions on the NFL today at 2PM. Ask about Deion and the tampering allegations and wht Aiello dismissed it so quickly -

Flood the field People!

http://chat.nfl.com/front/index/416

Wow. Just wow. And I don't mean that in a good way.

Spencer has always been a classic Donahue player: Looks pretty on paper, plays well against scrubs, shows flashes of athleticism, but gets his butt kicked on the field against NFL-caliber competition because they lack professional-level football abilities.

Don't jump ShanO,things are looking up ! Win or lose,the team is getting better and being run correctly now. The future is bright and you will be rewarded for your patience and suffering over the past several years.

Ah, ha ha ha ha hahaaaaaaa.....

No, seriously...

Ah, ha ha ha ha hahaaaaaaa...

You must be smoking that stuff Singletary is smoking.

Hats off to Shawntae...he's obviously worked hard coming back. Coach likes to reward players with top work ethics, and Spencer's getting that recognition. To answer one blogger's question about who drafted him, well it wasn't SM, it had to be Donahue, as it was in 2004. Anyway, good for him...and really, good for the secondary, because we're deeper at CB now than we've been in a long time. Bly and Brown will see the field plenty themselves.

.....:)

.....i have feeling this guy became a fan of the niners after they drafted N.Davis..

....he his totally cluesless...

Who cares who starts at CB. The positive thing to look at is that we have 4 average to above average CBs. Maybe Nate C. could be a little more then above average. We'll see how the year plays out for all of them.

You can plug a CB in and they will adjust to the game situation within a series or two. Definitely by the following game. So if we need to make a change it is all good. With our nickel and dime package we should be formidable. However, without a pass rush WE ARE DEAD IN THE WATER.

CB, S, ILB, and DE are all solid on the 9ers. OLB and NT are extremely suspect and will be exploited by other teams. This needs to be addressed. We will need some clever defensive schemes to stay competitive.

One indication of a good player who is close to losing it is that they only play well against superior opponents -- it's the only thing that can get them up. If this describes Clements, then he should play well against AZ but the remainder of his season will be inconsistent.

Good for Shawntae. Coming back from such a devastating injury to win a starting job shows alot of character. I hope he holds onto the job. The other guys will get a huge number of plays so hopefully they step up and maximize their reps as well.

Yeah, I hope Nate Davis' play encourages the crab to sign. He probably has been told that this is a dead end for a wr because we have no qb.

I wouldn't mind proving a tampering case and getting some draft picks if thats what it comes to, but it would really be nice to have a top 5 type, play-making receiver on our squad. That way, even if Davis doesn't pan out, other young qbs will see coming to the Niners as a good situation for them.

I think he could be that good, maybe not though. It's hard to tell with wr's. Personally, I will boo him for a while even if he does sign. Until he starts making some big plays. lol.

They should put Crabtree on the MUP list (Mentally Unable to Perform)

I hope Briggs makes it the P-Squad. At least they got OT T.P. which will go perfect against the House of Cards.

Add me to the growing list of 49er fans that would love to see Clements lose his job. I've been saying for the past few seasons now to my friends, that Clements is not worth the money. This preseason just made my friends aware of what I was saying.

This should not of been a competition for RCB, should of been for LCB. I do not know if Brown or Spencer would be the better fit at LCB but Bly is the right fit at RCB!! This is a mistake and if anyone can prove it quickly, it will be Arizona...too bad the 49ers have to start another year off like this.

Just put the players on the field that give you the best chance to win!

Wonder if the size matchups between the big Arizona receivers versus the 49ers corners had anything to do with the decision? Does Spencer match up better against a big physical receiver than Bly would?

Matt: Are going to do an 09 projection piece for team and individuals?

ninermaniac-Thx for the MUP post. literally lol

call me a lemming, but Coach Sing has demonstrated an ability to bench those that need it. Maybe Coach is not moving fast enough for you but if Nate is not getting it done and Coach feels a change is necessary, a change will take place.

Ryan, San Jose, CA
02:38 PM ET
Regarding the whole Deion Sanders/Michael Crabtree fiasco - The 49ers say they haven't been contacted by any teams regarding Crabtree, but Deion says he knows of two teams who would for sure give Crabtree $40 million. Who are these two teams and why are they making offers to a player, his agent or representatives directly when the 49ers are the only ones who can negotiate with him?
Roger_goodell_hs_08_40x55
Commissioner Roger Goodell, NFL.com
This is not tampering, but it may be a conflict of interest. It is not permissible for other teams to get involved or express an interest in signing Michael Crabtree. This negotiation should be between the player and the 49ers and hopefully they will find a resolution so Michael can begin his NFL career as soon as possible

I dont get how this doesnt fall into the tampering category.

NFL's Definition of tampering is:

The term tampering, as used within the National Football League, refers to any interference by a member club with the employer-employee relationship of another club or any attempt by a club to impermissably induce a person to seek employment with that club or with the NFL.

The commish is a idiot who has a Vendetta against our franchise. What other reasonable explanation is there?

I call BS on the Commish's response. The answer is a deflection and goes to show he has no intention of following up on this issue whether it has merit or not. He is probably sitting back and laughing and figuring this is in addition to the punishment we already had dealt to us and we deserve it.

Yeah, he was stepping all over himself there. I think he went too far to say definitively that it is not tampering. I know Crabtree isn't under contract, but how does this differ from the Briggs situation?

I’m not sure how much misdirection is utilized in the preseason, but is it possible that NC feels he can handle Fitz and as such Sing had him intentionally slip his stats in preseason to influence AZ’s game planning? After all, if they game plan to target Fitz when Nate is lines up man on man, and Nate shuts him down. Then their game plan is out the window and we can jump to an early lead in the division against the #1 rival. Just a thought.

Spenc did nothing outstanding to earn this in preseason games - this really seems like more of a demoting of bly and brown than a promotion for him. Bly was giving some attitude in sideline interviews in the third preseason game that made it seem like things weren't going his way, perhaps he just isn't meshing well. Brown really lost out on the chance to get the step and speed for his role and I'm guessing their just sitting him for a game or two (especially since they like the size matchups that spenc offers vs. Az) until they feel more comfortable about his comfort in the role. No rush will be doom no matter what though, Manny just seems to have the wrong talents to find a contributing role with this team - I'd be happier with a surprise promotion over him.

Matt, do you get the sense that they have known it would be Shawntae for awhile, and sort of sandbagged it so that our week one opponents would be studying the wrong guy?

What we know is that Deion shot his mouth off. For all we know he made it up. While the commish's comments were very brief, I don't sense that the commish is agreeing that other teams are involved, as a matter of fact his second sentence, "It is not permissible for other teams to get involved or express an interest in signing Michael Crabtree." tells me that if other teams have expressed interest then it would be tampering. I say that 9er management should see this through and when it is complete, and they feel that there was tampering, then they should get very loud demanding an investigation.

Crabtree is just playing the devils advocate, you know its Peon im mean Deon behind this fiasco 40 million is what Stafford got which was the highest in NFL history.

I mean I understand the NFL and their franchises make alot of money off the players, but its all under a salary cap so basically your skimping your own teammates future.

I wonder what the Hermit Crab scored on his wonderlic test? Maybe the guy just isn't a problem solver. lol

I mean, maybe he's got some J. Russel in him. lol. I'm about to start calling him JaMichael Crabtree.

Unfortunately this is the ME, ME, ME league

I guess it is just my impatience coming out from the standards that the last few coaches had. We should all be patient to see what Sing does but it is hard when we have all hurt for so long now.

Hey man, I do understand, every year I attempt to keep my expectations in check, trying to be realistic, under Nolan (when I was a Nolan guy), my expectations were just for the team to be competitive; of course, this ended in disappointment. My expectations are higher this year due to Coach. One thing we can be assured of; there is no one on the team that intimates him and no one that could never be benched if it were for the improvment of the team.

No doubt. But if he's acknowledging that it is not permissible for teams to interefere that to me implies that he knows that these "2 teams" don't exist; fine. But does that also imply that the 49ers wouldn't have a case if they did try to submit some sort of grievance?

I agree with both statements.
1. That the commish knows of no proof of teams tampering.
2. That the 9ers would be within their rights to demand an investigation if they had reason to believe (not proof, merely suspicion) that tampering had taken place.

I also think that it is in their best interest to keeps their collective mouths shut at this point in the negotiations. I believe that they want Crabtree signed and would not want to jeopardize the negotiations.

And BTW, the reason I think they still want him? If they did not, they would have come out reducing their offer and/or placing deadlines.

Crabtree's for next year, like I said before, the longer he holds out the longer we keep another player who might contribute this year.

Guys! Jimmy Raye is right! He's EXACTLY right! He knows our defense is weak, or at least "vanilla!"
He knows, and I believe he's right on, if we don't have 60% run and 40% pass, our defense will spend too much time on the field. In other words, the opponents QB's will be pass happy and points will go up like a basketball game!
You're exactly right on Jimmy!

Terry: But Jimmy Raye has said many times that his offense is and will be balanced,nearly 50% run and 50% pass.
He said ONE time that he wants to run 60% of the time(probably with a wink,because the media never seem to listen and he is probably tired of them not reporting the 50-50 statements and lieing about him wanting to be 3 yards and a cloud of dust,lol).
We will SEE with our own eyes starting this Sunday. After a month or so,we can look at the stats and SEE the truth.
But keep in mind that according to what I have heard,there has NEVER been a team in modern times that have EVER run the ball 60% of the time,ever. (I don't know that,I just heard several so called experts say it more than once).Anyone want to do the research,be my guest,I would be interested.

And about Crabs and possible tampering charges.
Perhaps the Niners are just laying low until Crabs signs and then will file tampering charges?
Whatever the situation really is now,I think we can be assured that IF Deion was saying something true,there WILL be tampering charges filed sooner or later.IF Deion was tellin a lie he made up or a lie that Parker told him,there will not be tampering charges files because there was no tampering.
If the Niners now know there was tampering,if I were them I would contact Parker with that information and tell him that if Crabs signs now they will NOT file charges against HIM and the teams,but if he does not sign now,I will make sure the Commish sees to it that Parker is banned for life from doing business with anything to do with the NFL.
If there was no tampering and Deion and Parker were just negotiating with baloney in the media,then the Niners front office is probably just laughing at how pathetic Parker and his stooge Deion are.
Wouldn't it be sweet IF the charges are true and after the investigation the two teams are ordered to both give their 1st round picks to the Niners in 2010 and Parker is banned and we trade Crabs next March to the Bengals etc,or we actually sign him to our original offer.
We get 5 1st rounders in 2010 ,lol! (but I wonder where the Yorks would get the 80 + million dollars in cash to pay all the signing bonus'? lol).
Oh well,that is the Niners front office business.For the fans,there are actually real games starting on Sunday,without Crabs.

...wish the niners would pick up Richard Seymour for a 2nd round pick next yr....

As they were just talking about on the radio,IF you can't get in the face of the opposing QB ,OR you can't protect your own QB from the other team getting to him,then you won't win all that many games.If you can't do BOTH,then you are done before the season starts.

I think we will be more than adequate at protecting our QB,not great but good enough. But as I have been complaining about for many years as my pet peave,we have not been able to put pressure on the other teams QB's. Will we be able to scheme and stunt and blitz enough,or will a player or two emerge that can dominate, to turn around that huge problem this year? I think THAT is the key to the season.
I think Sing will be great and Raye and the offense will do alright,if not better than alright. But can Manusky find a way to have his troops get in the face of the QB's ?
As I have said for several years now,THAT will be the change I am looking and hoping for.

Diyral Briggs cleared waivers. He's listed on the practice squad on the niner home page. Still only 7 there, so looks like we cut Khalif Mitchell.

Why cut Mitchell ...unless they know Crabs is on the way soon and they will need to have a place on the PS for a youngster being moved from the 53 ? Wishfull thinking,probably,but I still wonder why they needed to cut Mitchell when they had the spot for him? Maybe they add someone else later today,but then again I ask,why didn't they wait until they needed the spot before they made the spot ???

Langston Walker just got released from the Bills. He's been the starting RT & they tried to switch him to the left side but he didn't pan out. He's a massive 6-8, 366 lbs, 30 yrs old, 8 yrs in the league, & has started in all 16 games in the past 3 seasons. In 2007, he was part of the offensive line that allowed only 26 sacks, the fewest allowed by Buffalo since sacks became an official NFL statistic in 1982.

Too bad he can't also play LT. I was thinking maybe we could try & get an upgrade to Sims.

If he is willing to come into this situation and is content to possibly be a backup,why not try to get him to replace Sims. Sims is still a weak spot and if two tackles go down and Sims ever needs to play,we are in deep do do.
I am sure Scotty is investigating .

Why? because the 49ers office is a stand up group of guys. They figure if they release the guy now he might have a chance to get on with another team. So rather than make an enemy because they waited too long to release him they let him know immediately so he can go get a job.

Plus why pay the extra 8,500 per week in these economic times if you dont have to.

As far as what you said about waiting that is probably true. Once he comes onto the team we can easily get him to crack and spill the beans on who contacted him. But why stir the pot before he signs? We prob wouldnt get 2 first round picks in the same year if at all. If they did give us their picks for tampering then they would probably be spread out over the next couple years. If not I could easily see us trading picks to move up in the draft or trade them for future picks. In that sense it would be a case of too many picks owned and we would almost have to trade up. to get rid of some picks.

I know that when Raye made the statement about 60%-40% he was stating what he thought was a strength of the team...running. Of course I believe that Raye will do what is necessary to move the ball if that means 40% run and 60% pass. But what I think he is trying to say is that our basic strength will be in the run and we won't be passing 75% of the time like the disaster Martz brought here.
I also think that MS, being here during the time Martz was OC, saw the defense on the field 60 to 70% of the time in some games and saw the exhaustion it created. MS doesn't want to see that anymore, or at least until the defense can be a dominant factor.
I think Raye knows what the team needs right now and is on the same wave length as MS. It's all a matter of what the team needs at each moment of the game.
I like it. And I think I'm on the same wave length as you are.

Hey Cat! Check out the stats of the Green Bay Packers under Lombardi in the 60's. I remember that Green Bay sweep run against the Browns when I lived in Cleveland! I'm of course exaggerating, but it seems like Jim Taylor, Paul Horning and Jim Grawbowski ran that sweep 90% of the game. Because NOBODY could stop it.
I saw team's defenses with 8 man fronts not stop it. Then Bart Starr would go back to pass and hit a wide open receiver for TD's
But maybe I'm too old bringing it up or you're too young to remember.

Common Brekkon. Why would they negotiate and sign him to the practice squad yesterday only to release him today? That's a total waste of everyone time unless: There is something in the works and they need that extra P-Squad spot. Its that simple. Look for something to be announced in the next couple of days. Hopefully Crabtree? Or more than likely a blocking TE.

Terry: I did say"in modern times" lol. I am 58 years old,so I know about Lombardi and the sweep (and even remember the modern Niners,when the fans were yelling "NO MORE SWEEPS" etc.
But I meant in recent decades there has not been any team run for as much as 60% of the time(or so I have heard).Raye was pulling the chain of the media.
But I agree with you that we are on the same wave length on this issue and on the offense Ray will run.

Terry, the Browns ran a bit, too, and they didn't need a sweep. #32 swept his own path and according to Sam Huff it was not a good thing to be in his way.

This was a topic of discussion among 9er fans yesterday at our barbecue and would would like to hear some your thoughts:

Kentwan Balmer

1.) Still developing will be a Pro Bowl DL
2.) Still developing will be a good player, but not of Pro Bowl Caliber.
3.) A waist of a 1st round pick.

All reports from camp this year were that Balmer waas progressing very nicely and was a beast at times that could not be stopped. There were a few instances in preseason where Balmer got through to tip a ball or tackle a runner behind the line etc etc. BUT Balmer has also been handled at times and has been out of position other times.
I think they are happy with him and his progress but want him to become much more consistant.I think #2 on your list is most probable for this season anmd who knows,if the "Beast" comments are valid,perhaps he gets to that #1 option? I doubt he is in any danger of that #3 option.

I'm dancing between 1 and 2. But I'm a Niners homer so what do I really know.

D linemen usually bloom in their 2nd or 3rd year. This is Balmer's 2nd year.

What I remember about Spencer was that he was great at staying with his man and horrible at knowing when to turn his head with the ball on the way. Sort of like how Clements handled the San Diego touchdown. Maybe he's learned that skill since his injury but I'm skeptical.

Let's get to #2 before discussing #1. I do not believe he will go into the record book as a #3. Everything I read says he's got the potential and the drive; he was embarressed by his impact last year. Let's see.

Wilson: Sure you are not thinking of Webster ?

Oh Yea! Jim Brown ran the ball without pads, except for shoulder pads! The man was a beast and a joy to watch. I know the players weren't what they are today, but no pads, ouch!
He wasn't a very good blocker, though!

your ignorance is glaring. Average???? First off any back that can rush for 1,000 yards in our pathetic offense is something. Everyone knows week in and week out that Gore is our only real blue chip player and he still get's yards. As far as your arguement about faulk, yeah faulk ran for one of the best pass games of all time. if Gore played for those Rams he wouldn't be as good as Marshall out of the backfield, he is a better rusher than faulk. He would prolly have 2,000 total yards in that offense. Think about 2006, Gore had no real help. No recievers. shaky qb play. We were down in almost every game. Yet he broke the 49er rushing record and had over 2,000 yards all purpose. Martz's offense was the worst fit for us and he still had 1,400 yards all purpose. That is why ANYONE WHO KNOWS FOOTBALL shows Gore respect. Don't ever let me hear you talk with your mouth full again.

Browns girlfriends should have worn the pads,less bruises that way. You hit women,you lose any admiration I had for your great football skills.

MM - Can you get the scoop from Dilfer on how Crabs is looking? Is he in Shape? Would love to hear more about their day playing catch together:

In the meantime, Crabtree has been staying and working out in the Bay Area. His father, Michael Sr., said his son was “just working to get bigger, stronger and faster.” The elder Crabtree, who said his son recently spent a day catching passes from former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer, declined to talk about the contract.

Latest from Yahoo Sports on Crabtree:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-crabtreeholdout090809&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

.

He was known for throwing them off the balconies of apartment buildings! In those days you could cover up crimes for the rich and well known. He had quite a few covered, if you know what I mean?
If he was playing today, OJ and Jim would competing for news space!

This team would be better with Clements at FS, Roman Cut, and Spencer, Bly, Brown as the top 3 corners. Probably don't like the idea of having a 80 million dollar free safety but the defense would be better.

Once again, Crabtree will be a Cowboy in 2010 with their #1 pick and get paid between 25 and 30 million dollars in guaranteed STRAIGHT CASH HOMEY!

JVI: I heard that Crabs was guaranteed $50 million to play on another planet. lol.(but then Jerra Jones does sort of look like an alien,now that he had all those face lifts.).
Are you saying that you think Jones will trde his #1 pick to us to get Crabs or that you think he will somehow rig the draft next year so that Crabs miraculously falls to the Cowboys spot? LOL

JVI: I heard that Crabs was guaranteed $50 million to play on another planet. lol.(but then Jerra Jones does sort of look like an alien,now that he had all those face lifts.).
Are you saying that you think Jones will trde his #1 pick to us to get Crabs or that you think he will somehow rig the draft next year so that Crabs miraculously falls to the Cowboys spot? LOL

I just came across an excellent article on the great Bill Walsh and his ideas about leadership. Jed should make it required reading for everybody in a leadership position with the 49ers.

http://views.washingtonpost.com/leadership/guestinsights/2009/09/the-bill-walsh-way.html?hpid=smartliving

TOP_CAT,
Simple, he will fall to their spot. Noboday else is going to draft him given his salary demands and the fact that he already sat out an entire season on an NFL Franchise. Plus, there will be hesitation to take him with the year off. He doesn't need the money right away, that is his leverage. He gets a bigger payoff sitting out a year than signing with the 49ers. The Cowboys could win the Super Bowl and take him at 32 because he will be there, we won't have to worry abou that though. Just continue to watch....and learn the power of the almighty dollar in today's professional sports.

Read the article and it sure sounds like this kid could really be flakey, way more committed to the money than actually playing football. He sounds like a very risky investment for anybody.

TOP_CAT,
He may not fall to the Cowboys because the 2nd team that GM Sanders was referring to is the Washington Redskins.

JVI" Then we can trade him to the Bengals in March ,lol!!! For a 5th rounder.He has no control over that !
If we just threaten his agent today with doing that,he will come pleading to make his client a Niner !!!

Honestly the 49ers did get a steal in the draft getting Crabtree although the other teams may have not picked him for a reason, but the Raiders have to screw everyones heads up. The highest i think the 49ers should go is a 5 year 32.5 M with 19.5 M guaranteed

Rick: Singletary talked to bill walsh several times over the years about what it took to be a great HC etc etc .Walsh was somewhat of a mentor to Sing,even before Sing came to the Niners.
So Sing can give his staff that talk already !

JVI: Maybe if Sing promises to never make Crabs cry again,he will sign ? lol.
Maybe Sing scares him ?.lol

I've been saying Clements would be alot more effective at FS since last year, he's got all the tools. I think his concentration would improve as he would be more involved on every play. It sure didn't hurt Lott's game. Play him where he would help the team more, so what about his paycheck amount. Cut Roman and resign Green if he's still available. It would be a much stronger defensive backfield.

And back to that 60% run quote from Raye the other day. I just heard Sing asked about that quote and he said that he and Raye are together on the idea that they will do whatever it takes to win ballgames. If it takes 75% passing,then they will do that !
I told you that raye was just pulling the media's chain with that 60% nonsense.

Cat! I wouldn't care if we ran 90% of the time and made the playoffs! I've gotten used to heading to the game and knowing who was going to win! I'd love to bring back the days when I'm nervous wondering who'll pull out the win!
WIN!! No matter how! Just make me excited about going to the games and winning!

Exactly Terry,
you sound like Sing !

Has anyone seen USC's Safety Taylor Mays? 6' 2 1/2' and 235 lbs. He's a monster and Lott is his favorite. This kid can knock 'em out with a forearm, plus he has the speed to stick with outside receivers! Stayed one more year to polish his game for the NFL. Could have been drafted 1st or 2nd round but decided to stay, get his degree and help USC try to get the NCAA Championship! This guy is a solid first round pick! And he sounds mature! Just right for us next year!

Where is Matt?? he is slipping! no post today AARRGGG!!!??
Matt its going to be a long season isnt it? and i dont think crabloser is going to sign.

He genius that was 2006. What is it with all you people living in the past. If Gore runs wild again this year great, but chances are he won’t. If you were an opposing D coordinator how would you game plan the niners right now?? Think about it; 1) Stack eight in the box 2) go aggressive at the QB and 3) play press coverage and make the WR’s beat you 1 on1 with over the top passes. What are the chances we can consistently beat this type of coverage based on what you have seen so far? No excuses because if you have not done it in preseason it is hard to flip a switch. It could be tough to beat this type of game plan and this will continue to make it tough on Gore to have another year like 2006. I like Frank and dude lives football, but he can’t control the opposing team stacking the world against him! Bruce is not what he once was and Morgan is still not proven. Hill also does not have the arm strength to zip it into tight places or long distances. He can anticipate well but that probably won’t work so well in those situations. Lastly, if Gore gets all the yards again this year for the niners we will be looking at another loser of a season because that means we could not get the ball to anyone else. Maybe you should quit talking with your mouth full.

Sure Terry-fab pick for us but as of right now looks to be a high first round pick-which may preclude him landing with our team!

Can I get an Amen too on this kid?

It was Mark Sanchez for me in 2009. It will be Taylor Mays in 2010. Unfortunately he will be long gone within the top five, unless the niners do a 2fer with their two 1st round picks to trade up.

Methinks it will be Price, the wrecking ball UCLA DT (if he has another big season, he'll come out early as a Junior), or Corey Wootton the 6-6 DE from Northwestern.

Thanks for the link. Interesting article. Looks like making the "value pick" was not the best call and we must have lost the "character" research as well. Crabs makes T.O. seem sane.

The longer this drags on the more the front office looks bad. Scot M. better hope Everett Brown does not look great. If Crabs never signs and Brown turns into a stud. Scot will have a lot of explaining to do.

Mike in SF #2. Nice link, thanks. If crabs never signs and Everett Brown winds up being a stud its offical that Scot M must go.

We can't afford to not sign Crabtree. I am convinced he is a potential superstar. He played QB in High School and has only played receiver for two years. He run crisp patterns, has the ability to separate, uses his hands well away from his body, attacks the ball at it highest peak, and runs for yards after the catch. The only question remaining is how fast he is. It is also clear from preseason Darius Bey isn't as good. So far he can't catch anything he has to reach for. So I understand Crabtree's point.

Next year is uncapped anyway and the salaries that are going to be paid will be unbelievable.

You original argument was that Gore was average and had average numbers in 2008. Now you’re saying that right now you would beat the Niners by stacking the box and making the QB and WRs beat you over the top. Well obviously you haven’t been watching the team since 2006 because that is exactly what they have been facing every game. Gore was dinged up and still finish above the 1,000 yard (1,400 all purpose) mark with this horrendous offense. Not to mention that playing catch up last year (and the previous years) took reps away from the running game. Your arguments contradict each other by saying Frank was average, yet his supporting cast is well below average and he has to face 8 and 9 in the box every game to get his numbers. I mean come on… You are proving our point that he is not average because he can come up with his numbers despite the odds being stacked against him. Dude, just drop it and admit you pulled that out of your @$$ for attention. Talking for the sake of talking or argument is just plain silly…

By the way the NFL trend seems to be if you can run the ball, control the clock, limit turnovers, and play good defense you have a very strong likely hood of making the playoffs. (Titans, Ravens, Falcons, Giants, Steelers, Dolphins, Vikings, Panthers) All those teams listed seem to rely heavily on the run game so you may want to re-evaluate that comment you made about running and winning… We all have our opinions and I just don’t agree with yours about Gore…

j-jerk: Mike in sac has been proven wrong on this issue several times by the logic and facts from several posters(actually everyone else dissagrees with hom).Don't waste your time,he just wants to believe what he wants to believe .His mind is made up on this issue and he is not letting the facts get inhis way.
Maybe he is the only one who believes about gore what he believes,but it is his opinion and he has a right to it ! Sort of have to admire him(in a funny sort of way) for standing alone and sticking to his beliefs !