***UPDATE: ESPN reports Michael Crabtree and Eugene Parker are coming to the Bay Area to reopen contract talks with 49ers. Actually, they're opening talks because there has been no negotiations up to this point.
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Game balls all around for the 49ers!
Well, almost all around.
The team had something very close to a complete-team effort in yesterday's 35-0 victory over the Rams. But the offensive line did not perform up to expectations. Coach Mike Singletary said he plans to sit down with offensive line coach Chris Foerster to kick around some ideas for kicking that unit into gear.
It's pretty clear where the problems originated on Sunday in the 49ers' 35-0 victory over the Rams. Singletary said left tackle Joe Staley is continuing to mature. He said Eric Heitmann is working his tail off. He said the right-tackle combination of Adam Snyder and Tony Pashos did a good job.
Uh-oh. He did not heap any praise on guards Chilo Rachal or David Baas.
"They did not play up to par," Singletary said. "I know that whatever it is, we'll just have to figure it out. Baas still could be banged up a little bit, I just don't know. We'll get to the bottom of it and figure out what it is, because both of those guys . . . we have the whole offensive line in sync, and we'll get there.
"Hopefully, we'll be able to work it out because we do feel our best five guys are on the field."
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Check out the latest installment of the Press Democrat's 49ers Recap with yours truly, with John Burgess' masterly touch with the photos and production.
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The defense had a tremendous effort. Everyone across the defense played exceptionally well. Singletary said the No. 1 trait of the defense is its unselfishness.
That segued into a question about Michael Crabtree, who has declined to accept the 49ers' offer of $16 million guaranteed as the No. 10 pick in the draft. Singletary said he still wants Crabtree on the team.
"Any guy who can play and can help us win, I would never say, 'No, we don't need him,'" Singletary said.
"I met him. I talked to him. I have a good feel for him. I haven't been wrong too often. I think he's a great kid."
When told that Crabtree mentor Deion Sanders hinted quite strongly last night on the NFL Network that a resolution could be coming soon and Michael Crabtree could end up with the 49ers sooner than later, Singletary said, "I hope he's right. It would be great."
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The 49ers seem to be really taking hold of Singletary's message. He said the less he has to say, the better. Singletary didn't have to say much at halftime.
"Yesterday I saw a lot of guys disappointed in the way the first half went," Singletary said. "There were no shouting matches. It was just a matter of guys, 'Just remember what we said we needed to do,' and they took it from there.
"The coaches really didn't have to talk a whole lot. Whenever you have that situation, you know you're going in the right direction."
Singletary said he's going to say what has to be said, but he added that he wants the players to say it first. And who are the guys who are saying it?
"You pick any guy on defense," Singletary said. "The leadership on the defensive side of the ball has really picked up, whether it's Justin Smith or Patrick (Willis) or Takeo (Spikes) . . . whether it's Michael Lewis. All those guys are talking.
"On the offensive side of the ball, primarily Shaun Hill. Shaun Hill has really stepped up and been a real bright spot in terms of the leadership, and 'Hey, guys, we got to do this' or 'We got to do that.' That's great to see. And the offensive line, Joe Staley, (Eric) Heitmann. It's great to see those guys step up."
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There were no injury updates today beyond what was reported yesterday.
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What about Crabtree???
Craptree is headed to bay Area
Here is the link.
http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/news/story?id=4534306
CRABTREE!!!
hahahaa
looks like Deion was right.... even though he's made a bad decision by waiting this long. I REALLY can't wait to see what he does on the field!!!
about time.
Are the Receivers taking any hits (or could you tell anything on rewatching the game)? Seems like when Hill actually has time, he is still getting sacked or just dumping off. Are the WR's not getting open or is Hill just not seeing them.
I think it is fair to allow Hill to get more comfortable, hopefully we're not still talking like this in Week 10.
Crabtree's coming?
Rats.
Maybe he should visit the office of his GM, who believes sigining talent at guard should be the least of a team's worries. Let's see, how did the Dolphins do with our rightful talent, Justin Smiley? They made the playoffs.
i agree ... why didn't McGM sign Smiley??
"Hopefully, we'll be able to work it out because we do feel our best five guys are on the field."
Matt, who exactly does the coach consider are his best five guys? I am suprised you guy's let this slip. Thanks for the blog
Contract tampering on the part of the Dolphins?
I was a football coach and I am going through tape of the 49ers last 4 football games. and I have to play them this week. YIKES, I am bringing extra medical staff. The progression over the last 4 weeks have been "Extreme" to say the least. The 4 man pass rush has been exceptional!
The defense is wearing people out!
You better watch out NFL "The Singletary's" are coming to town, hide the women and children, it's not going to be pretty..
- Staley
- Heitmann
- Pashos
- Snyder
- Rachal
- Baas
In that order
In my opinion we should move Snyder back to G and let Baas and Rachal fight over the remaining spot
I think Baas is done! If not then he needs to be. He is getting blown up on a regular basis. I would like to see Snyder inside and Pashos at tackle. That would give us the best possible line (at least in my opinion).
I know they told Snyder he would stay at RT but something needs to be done about the guard spot. The cant rely on Heitmann to always bail them out. I know many people on the blog dont want to see crabtree but I think this will allow us to more things Offensively.
If you look at his college films a lot of his catchs are short to intermediate routes and he is taking them to the house. I say bring hime on. Good game niners.
If crabtree signs great... if not who cares...
If he does sign, McGM and Jed better not bend in their offer....
at this point I think they have all the leverage and should be able to add on a six year no problem since they only get 5 1/2 years in reality. I think if the deal gets done they probably have to make the incentives reachable
I read that as him thinking Wragge should get another shot. Always one of my team favorites. I thought his strength was run blocking.
Hope the defense doesn't wear itself out over the season!
Great timing for Crabtree, with the Bye week, he would be in uniform vs Houston, in time for his family and friends watch him in action. I am glad he is coming around.
great news!!! Good sign that the niners are becoming relevant again in the NFL.
go niners!!!!
i remember Murphy and Mac interview with Coach Sing., before the vikings game, and Murph asked Coach Sing, "it looks like a daunting task vs the Vikings?.." and Coach just said "daunting?". enough said.
this team can do great things, if the coach is fearless.
On Crabtree headed to the bay area....I'm all a-flutter
I dunno I saw a play where heitmann didn't pick anyone up and totally missed a guy slipping inside the pocket. Yea the guard play has not been very good, but if that's the case heitmann needs to help them stuff the rushers. It looks like the guards are taking the DTs all the time and heitmann picks up the LBs, maybe they should pull guards so rachal can blow dudes up.
If he does sign by the November deadline hopefully this is a good thing for the 9ers longterm. I don't see any real impact from him this year except that someone else gets bumped from the roster.
Excited about Crabtree, he can return punts until he catches up. Then maybe add some YAC to our offense. This weekend will be a good test for our D. I came into Cal with Tony Gonzalez, he's my boy. But we need to shut him down this weekend. If we control him and Turner, we win the game.
If McGM increases the incentives (which they will probably have to do) the 49ers should insist that Deion and whoever else they can get gives them all the info on the tampering that they have (Parker won't play ball because he still has to deal with those teams). That way we get Crabs and 1 or 2 bonus picks, depending on how many teams were really tampering. Looks like Deion really is on the inside.
Maybe he can return punts and kick offs ? Did he ever do that in college ???
And I believe that Baas sprained his ankle a week ago and played on it against the Rams. Sing said he believes in THIS o line and knows thay will get better under Forester and also said THEY NEED TO GET HEALTHY. So obviously there are lingering injuries with Baas and Staley etc etc.
As I said before,I have believed for a while that this offense can go as far as this O line can take it. It's on the O line's shoulders to make it possible for Hil to have time and for the RB's to have holes to run through.
I'm good with Crabby and hope Samurai Mike will work him into a contributor for the playoffs. Let's see if he can live up to his own hype. Sure would be awesome to have a playmaker on O besides Gore and I think with his size & athleticism he could work great for Hill on quick slants, bubble screens...etc and tack on some YAC. Might open it up for VD as well who is starting to make plays. We are shaping up to have a formidable O if we can get the line to perform better. Next years draft should add depth there and in the Pass Rush. (I have to admit I like what I'm starting to see with Lawson and Brooks, I guess coach knew something us fans didn't) Gotta tip your hat to the HC, we are definitely getting better.
Where's pukeniner!?? He's usually commenting 24/7! I just want him to ask Josh Morgan if he thinks Shaun Hill can throw the deep ball!?
I know one thing about Alex. He would have run to the right sideline and threw the ball out of bounds!
Shaun "The Leader" Hill!!
Hopefully the 49ers can finally get Crabbs signed so they can move on & get better on offense with more weapons. Anybody who thinks this will be a lost season with no production from Crabbs doesn't know much about football. By the time the 49ers come back from their bye they can have Crabbs ramped up to play a few snaps & even design some "steak & potatoe" plays for him to get some production quickly. At that point there would still be 12 weeks left, plenty of time!
yea that thing was a thing of... ehhhhhhhh. let's be real here VERY good play, pass looked like garbage. let's not ask morgan anything, he needs more hands work. dropped the better of the two deep passes. and it's not like hill throws a heavy ball...
I agree. I can picture the scene from the Godfather when Michael, after telling Carlo he had nothing to worry about, asked which family approached him to betray the Corleone family. Jerry Sullivan can play the part of Clemenza.
I think we should lower the deal. Forget this guy! Crabs thought the Niners stunk. Didn't sign right away because we'd be 0-4 by now and desperate to sign him. Go back to Texas! Sing wants WINNERS! NO WINERS!
Matt:
What exactly do you mean by stating there have been no negotiation up to this point.
We know that Jed said several times(the last time a couple weeks ago) that Paraag is in daily contact with Parker.
Does Paraag just call Parkers office and say hello and then Parker says how is the weather and Paraag says it is fine ,and then they hang up ???
How can they be in daily contact and never even have any form of negotiating? Even if it is only such things as talking about what Parker expects to be in the contract,like what type of incentives etc etc.
Surely they can't be in contact daily and never negotiate anything at all?
You are not saying Jed is lying ,are you ?
More likely ...they have not had any meaningful negotiating sessions because Parker has been like a stone wall.
TheNinerFan: Sure am glad you are not making any decisions for MY team !!!
Scott McGloughan is doing a great job !
Sing says he likes Crabtree and thinks he's a solid guy...good enough for me - coach's judgment has been pretty good so far and look at VD post Nolan after The Samurai set him straight. It would be fun to see how Crabs get treated at practice by the Coach and vets..."Hi Mike, welcome to the 49'ers, now let me introduce you to the hill of pain and a few nutcrackers with Mr.Willis and Mr. Spikes" I hope he has been staying in shape cuz his entourage won't be there to practice for him. I hope he becomes a HOF'er for the Niners. I know Texas Tech isn't the NFL, but Crabs dominated at that level like never before.
They probably weren't talking but it showed that Jed didn't want to demonize Parker and Crabtree, which is solid negotiating tactics. And I'm sure Parker was ok because he's doesn't want the rest of the market (new players coming up) to think he's not working to make something happen.
I heard they had Crabtree and Parker take BART.
I'm glad that Crabtree is headed back to the Bay area but it doesn't guarantee that he's gonna sign. Parker may have a counter-offer that's still totally out of whack with what the slot deserves. It is encouraging news, however and the Niners can still pursue the tampering charges against the Jets reglardless of whether Crabtree signs or not. So best case could be that they get the kid and they get compensation as well.
Well this could be a total ploy on Parkers side to put pressure on the Niners. For all we know they don't want to do ANYthing but get people excited for the next 45 days to put pressure on Jed to come up with more money.
Does this make sense? Of course not, which is why I worry that's what's happening :)
This is why Shaun Hill is better than Alex Smith:
"Singletary said he's going to say what has to be said, but he added that he wants the players to say it first. And who are the guys who are saying it?"...
..."On the offensive side of the ball, primarily Shaun Hill. Shaun Hill has really stepped up and been a real bright spot in terms of the leadership, and 'Hey, guys, we got to do this' or 'We got to do that.' That's great to see..."
" Sing wants WINNERS! NOT WINERS! Very eloquently said...
MATT, it was good bumping into you this morning at the 49ers Press Conference! Also for introducing me to Matt Barrows. I did not realize he was such a small person...with a big mind! I enjoy you both.
I was watching NFL Network when Deion Sanders made those comments about Crabbybaby. I guess it's a good thing that this nonsense is coming to some conclusion, but I'm wondering if MC will get any more time to play (to make a DIFFERENCE on our O) than Jason Hill has had! We have the talent, but we can't seem to GET THE BALL to the talented WR's we already have. (I hope we don't lose Jason Hill in the process.)
Raye seems to be concentrating his attention on the TE's and only 2 WR's (when he game-plans for them at all). It's so frustrating when I KNOW we have more talent now but are not using it properly.
I dropped off a note this morning to Coach Raye, hoping to catch his ear (or eye). All I can do is try!
I wasn't satisfied with our FIRST half of the game Sunday, either. It's discouraging when we keep banging our head against a brick wall instead of trying out some OTHER way of killing ourselves and our rookie RB (sarcasm). Somebody here suggested that Sheets could be tried out to be the PR/KR because right now, we are getting nowhere with that position. That might work; he is quick and elusive. Let Spurlock go!
It was nice seeing our 3 main 49er beatwriters today at Sing's Press Conference! I hope the "boys" enjoy my baked goodies.
Niner MOM
Jan: We certainly ARE using our talent much better now than when Nolan was running things.
Relax and hope that the o line gets better at both pass blocking and run blocking. then you will see more passes to WR's.
It is a new offense and it's in it's infancy still. Give Raye and the O line some time and it will improve.
I am glad you are not the GM ,lol !!!
It doesn't matter if he returned kicks in college. Rookies do what teams need them to do. He is elusive, has good vision, great hands, and is good at breaking tackles. All things that come in handy while returning kicks. Arnaz Battle and Michael Robinson were throwing touchdowns in college, they weren't asked to block or catch! We can also come up with a small package of plays for him during this bye week. Special teams will allow him to earn his stripes with the vets, and contribute immediately. It also makes it easier to release Spurlock or Rossom.
I forgot who made the comment about Justin Smiley (Miami?), but he left the 49ers because he wanted a LOT more money--evidently more than the Niners felt he was worth. Or else he just wanted to go to a different team. Or wasn't giiving us his BEST effort. You can't MAKE a player stay when his feet are itching to go elsewhere (or his pocket is itching for more $$$.)
Sometimes when I read some people's comments, I wonder if they do much research or watching of videos on the 49ers website. It reflects ignorance--and I am short in patience when it comes to laziness in not keeping oneself informed about our Niners.
HINT: do our homework, guys, and bone up on team news from www.49ers.com on a daily basis. Then for second helpings and dessert, read both MATT's (Maiocco and Barrows). Good stuff!
Niner Mom
TT...The 49ers will not"get" multiple picks if the Jets are proven to have tampered with Cashtree..All the bears were awarded last year was a swap of 3rd round picks with the Niners (they jumped 5 spots) and WE lost a 5th round pick.
if it is true...MAYBE just MAYBE if the 49ers attorneys can prove this actually hindered them signing thier pick we might get an additional low round pick...but dont bank on it...it would be the Jets getting slapped on the wrist...not us getting awarded compensatory picks....but nothing wrong with dreaming.
Jan:
I much prefer to get the REAL story from Matt(and several other unbiased sites) before I go to the propaganda site that is the Niners main site. I enjoy it there but it is sort of like reading the company newsletter,you don't expect to get the truth,just a one sided view oif how great things are.
What is your connection to the Niners besides being a disgruntled fan?
Perhaps it is laziness, but you can't pick too much on ignorance. Seeing your comments about Raye focusing on TE and 2 WR's suggests that you're certainly ignorant of the intricacies of running an offense in the NFL or the challenges we're having on the offensive line.
But you're free to make these ignorant comments and that's ok, we're all here to share our thoughts and if you don't find one interesting just skip it.
Ninerman:
We certainly would get much more than the Bears got from us. They lost nothing of Brigg's playing time ,but we have already lost at least 5or 6 games of Crabtree's services. Not to mention that if he does not sign,the Jets have destroyed our 1st round pick and would therefore need to replace it.
The goal of the inquiry would have to be to make the team that was wronged whole. The Jets would be fined and the Niners MUST be compensated fore ANYTHING they lost. Wheather that is the 1st round pick or if he signs ,another pick to compensate for what we lost in playing time etc etc.
We already have a solidified punt returner on the team. His name is Nate Clements. Very good punt returner. The problem is that he's not allowed to return punts. We pay him too much money! Makes no sense to me. He's our starting CB. Inflicts vicious hits on opponents. I've suited up. It doesn't feel much better whether you're the one inflicting or receiving the punishment. He might get hurt returning kicks. Get out of here. That's a bunch of you know what. This is football!
As far as Raye's calling I understand your feelings of LET'S GO! If you are a real Niner Mom then PASS this message along to Raye. Let my boy Hill go. Let him GO! I have trust in Hill. I've watched the Niners for the past 26 years and I almost have faith in Hill like Montana and Young! (I am going to get blasted by fans for that one!) Hill WINS! When the game is on the line that man get's it done! Look at his record. I know it and so should everyone else. Even oneniner knows that he wins. It might not be pretty, but he comes through. He throws DUCKS on the money! The ball flutters where it should go. I don't know how he does it, but he does. I have faith Hill. I have faith in NINERS!
GO NINERS!
Although I was angered by Crabtree's holdout, I must say I'm excited to see him possibly joining the team soon. I will reserve judgment on him until I actually see how he performs in a game this season.
Rogers looks damn good tonight. MAN I wish we would've drafted him instead of the BUST!!!
How can that pass "look(ed) like garbage" when the ball falls right into the receivers hands??? What do you want Hill to do? Run down the field and give Morgan the ball?? The pass was perfect! You must need glasses! Your love of Smith is blinding you!
Of course this will end up being anti-climatic. There was more drama around the draft excitement, then the non-signing. If he does sign he'll show up, play a little here and there and maybe catch a few pedestrian catches here and there. Snzzzzz.....
ninermann: After the Briggs episode the NFL issued a statement that said that future tampering would be met with more severe penalties than the briggs case brought. They wanted to make it clear that from that point on, that ANY tampering would be dealt with severely. In essence they were saying that the 49ers punishment was a slap on the wrist since they hadn't publicly warned everyone yet. Now tat they were warned the punishment will be way worse than what happened to the 49ers.
That does not mean we will get a first. It just means the punishment will be worse.
Niner Jan I too was blown away last October at the 9ers/Giants game in the Meadowlands when Matt dropped by our tailgate with Matt Barrows in tow!
The picture hangs proudly on my '49er Wall of Honor' in my Game Room.
Matt Maiocco is a gracious guy and has gone out of his way several times over the years to stop by and visit with us when our Team played here in NJ against the NYG.
Both of my Sons were amazed that the guy I blog with came out into the ocean of Giants humanity to spend a few pregame minutes with us and have a bite to eat.
Someday I hope to enjoy a football swason visit to the West Coast and look forward to an opportunity to tailgate with my Peeps in an ocean of Red and Gold!
Kudos to Mr Maiocco! Blog on Matt!
Meant for that line to read Football Season, not swason.
Who was the #3 writer?
You mean like the way the commissioner made whole the teams hurt by losing to the Pats because of Belicheck's cheating?
Right.
Right now the Defense is carrying this team. The O Line needs work? They are ranked 30th in pass protection! Statisically weighted despite Gore's two great runs(Removed) they rank 30th in power rankings on runs. See Football Insiders Stats.
I am impressed by Hill & VD. Outside those two the offense production is poor to medicore, but it is the same old sorry OLine we have seen for the last 4 years
Defense is the name of the game in SF
Realfan49 replied to comment from TOP_CAT | October 6, 2009 1:26 AM | Reply You mean like the way the commissioner made whole the teams hurt by losing to the Pats because of Belicheck's cheating?
Right.
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Exactly ! That is why I say I hope there is fairness in this inquiry and in the punnishment.
No East Coast bias!