But, more important to Singletary . . .
"He's a gentleman," Singletary said. "He's been to my home several times. We've had conversations -- not about football but about life. He's a quality individual. That's what I know about him."
How does Singletary know so much about the Rams' franchise player? Atogwe is dating Singletary's second-oldest daughter, Jill, who plays volleyball at Academy of Art University in
Jill Singletary attended Illinois Institute of Art in
She accepted an offer from former 49ers tight end Jamie Williams, the athletic director of
* * *
Atogwe is playing this season with a one-year contract as the Rams' franchise player. He is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. On Sunday, it'll be all business as he faces the 49ers. Former teammate Isaac Bruce will be the focus of a lot of his attention.
"The ageless one," Atogwe said of Bruce. "To me, he's still playing at a very high level. I don't know if there's a guy who runs routes better than Isaac Bruce. He's real crafty. I tell the corners that all the time, how he's able to set you up for a play, five plays before it happens.
* * *
Defensive lineman Justin Smith was fined $5,000 for his hit on Vikings quarterback Brett Favre that drew a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness. Smith was fined for "striking the quarterback in the knee area," the NFL said. The onus is on defensive players, even if they're on the ground, to get up and hit a quarterback above the knee. Just call it the Tom Brady Rule.
However, Smith said he did hit Favre above the knee, and the film review confirmed it, he said.
"The thing that made me mad was it cost us 15 yards," Smith said. "That, and the penalty on (Shawntae Spencer) hurt us a bunch. . . . I thought I hit him in the thigh. Any time you get around the quarterback's knee, the way the owners put the rule in, I believe, is to protect the guy where they have all their money."
Smith said he would appeal the fine.
Meanwhile, Spencer was not fined for his taunting penalty, which came later on that drive and led to a Vikings field goal.
* * *
--Singletary said he thought the 49ers had a good week of practicing in getting prepared to face the Rams.
--Singletary did not divulge the team's plan with receivers Brandon Jones or Jason Hill. "Either can be up or both of them," Singletary said. Both players expect to suit up for the first time this season.
--Adam Snyder and Tony Pashos are both expected to see playing time at right tackle again. But Singletary said Snyder will likely start seeing more playing in the future, as he's "doing what he has to do."
* * *
INJURY REPORT
49ers
Out: RB Frank Gore (ankle/foot) and S Reggie Smith (groin).
Probable: G David Baas (ankle), TE Vernon Davis (shin), T Adam Snyder (thumb), CB Shawntae Spencer (shoulder), LB Takeo Spikes (shin), T Joe Staley (thigh) and LB Jeff Ulbrich (thigh).
Rams
Out: S James Butler (knee).
Doubtful: T Jason Smith (knee).
Questionable: CB Ron Bartell (thigh), QB Marc Bulger (right shoulder).
Probable: T Alex Barron (thigh).
* * *
Hmmm... does this give us an edge up on signing him as a free agent next year?
Can we be considered to have tampered?
Does giving ones daughter constitute bribery and tampering?
I hope in the future, Jimmy Raye would adopt Isaac Bruce's personality/mentality. Mr. Raye should keep his mouth shut and just do his job.
Thats a damn creepy thing to say
Wow guys.............! We're a tough crowd on this blog!
How many of us on our jobs would like to be held to the same standards that we sometimes hold the players, coaches and GM to? Whooooooo-WHEEE!
Yea shawnte didn't get a fine because THERE WAS NO TAUNTING! thank you fat official for costing us, in part, the game.
smith... you're probably going to pay more appealing the fine than anything else... I guess it's the principle...
I was glad to see that the NFL Network questioned the top-dude ref on the Spencer penalty. I wasn't all that satisfied with the explanation. He said that they take a harder stance when the 'taunting' player is standing over the 'taunted' player. Rod Woodson din't buy into it either.
Can you imagine the first meeting between Atogwe and Coach? As the father of two daughters I tried to keep that air of intimidation just as long as I could.....my job was not to be ther friend.
I'm glad that MS sounds like he is taking this game seriously. This is the kind of game that can set a team back big time. We have to hope the team is up 110% after that fluke loss to the Vikings.
Through out the 49ers history the team has not done well against fill in QB's. That includes the Walsh and Siefert years. Maybe lack of film on the backup or just not ready to play because the players psyche isn't in the game.
This is also a bookie's dream game. And could be a bettor's nightmare.
I hate games that are supposed to be a cinch win! Every other week some heavily favored team drops these kind games.
These are the kind of games you need to pound the other team into submission. And get a rest for the starters. Go get 'em 9ers!
Lets just call it collusion........
Marr, aren't the niners going into the Rams game a little light at running back? It looks like they will just have Coffee, Norris and Robinson, and I have never been really impressed with Robinson running the ball. I thought Clayton was a better back, but Robinson made the team because he is "wildcat" option who plays special teams. Shouldn't Sheets be activated in case Coffee needs a blow?
This could have been a good game to see what Sheets could do and how far he's come in his blocking. The one thing he can give in this game is the quickness that Coffee and Robinson don't offer. He can get to the outside fast and would be a threat in the open field for short passes.
If there's one thing the running game seems to lack to me is quickness. I really love Gore and Coffee and think they can be a good tandem. But they both don't seem to explode to the line as quickly as other good backs in the league. It could be the OL not openning holes for them. But Quickness is what I mean. The ability to get to the outside and turn that corner!
As I say I love Gore and Coffee! But Sheets could add more quickness when getting his hands on the ball. They should have given him a chance this week!
Only partially buy the can't block" reasoning behind not using Sheets. Swing out and you take out an outsider backer & maybe a D end. Another way to block IF you have a sophisticated offense.
I would like to see Sheets activated too.Sure there are blocking issues,but one could make the same case for keeping Percy Harvin on the ps.Harvin is incomparable,but Sheets could contribute many of the same skills.Maybe this kind of player is just not part of the vision.
Matt,
I am a first-time poster but have been following your blog for years. I am a die-hard 49er dating all the way back to 1980 when I was 7 years old and Joe Montana brought the 49ers back against the Saints down like 35 points.
I just wanted to inquire if the 49er beat writers are intimidated by Mike Singletary and are afraid to ask the hard questions that most fans have regarding the offense.
With 3 weeks into the season, the offense looks like it has regressed terribly under Jimmy Raye and this season is kind of reminding me of 2007 with Mike Nolan in charge and the stubborness and unimaginitave play-calling. It seems like Singletary is so stubborn that he is willing to ignore that his approach not only may not be successful, but may end up hurting the team by (1. blowing opportunities to put teams away by being more wide-open in passing game instead of predictaby running and getting stuffed, causing 3 and outs. (2. with his physical, stubborn approach, getting our guys injured from the offensive line to our running backs because of the physical pounding they are enduring with everyone knowing we are going to run.
Can you please address these issues? The 49er faithful need a voice and the team including the head-coach and management, need to listen!
It's all part of the "play not to lose" philosophy. Sheets may fumble, or give up a sack. In their minds that's way, way more important than him possibly making a 50 yard run & a winning touchdown.
Play safe baby.
I'm excited.
I'm a tad curious why the safety can't date someone closer to his own age. 28 years old and a girl only a year or so out of HS. Not crazy about that. By the way, scared of Sing, he ain't. he's a current NFL player, he could take Samurai Mike with one hand behind his back.
All guys knocking Raye are overlooking something. Who do you think called the plays on those 4 qtr Hill TD Drives. Do you think Raye goes off to the bathroom and some other guys sits down and starts calling pass plays? I think Raye can do it, it's just that his boss tells him not to.
Bringing up sheets could be dangerous. What do you do with him if he shows he is exceptional? Do we really have the room on the roster to keep him there for the season if he preforms great? Once Gore is back you risk putting him on the PS again right? Or does he just go straight there?
Yeah, that's a great reason for not playing him - he might be too good.
Question: I just wanted to inquire if the 49er beat writers are intimidated by Mike Singletary and are afraid to ask the hard questions that most fans have regarding the offense.
My response: Can't answer for the other beat reporters, but I'm not afraid to ask anyone any pertinent question. (And, perhaps, not so pertinent, as my questions to Singletary about his daughter dating O.J. Atogwe might suggest.)
In fact, if you've been following the 49ers over the past week, I'm sure you've read quotes from Singletary and Jimmy Raye explaining their offensive philosophy. They did not just offer up those comments on their own. There were questions about the offensive approach that prompted those answers. --Matt M.
That's odd that the Academy of Art has an athletic director. What other schools are in their conference? University of Phoenix? DeVry University? Mail Order U?
That Justin Smith penalty was bogus. Are players supposed to be able to defy the laws of gravity and physics? How's he supposed to stop himself mid-falling forward? J.Smith was falling down, with a lineman pushing him if I recall correctly. The officials on these road games have been garbage. So far, it cost the Niners one game. Hopefully this doesn't become a trend.
And the head officials explination on NFL network was whack. He said Spencer was looking at the player as he was waving the incomplete signal. The replay CLEARLY showed his face, Spencer was looking at the ball bounce away! Idiots.
Geez, Stanford and Northwestern? Atogwe sounds like a pretty brilliant dude. I have a feeling Sing the Dad approves.
Ender, that is some hilarious stuff. As far as Sheets goes, I suspect that the Niners would have to cut someone to do it--and they are not ready to do that. I would like to see them cut Spurlock or Rossum. Dime a dozen type of players.
Matt i gotta say that last brett piece i didnt get a chance to comment on it but it was just extremely painful and the title was dead on lol
Onto Roman. you know he does seem like a nice guy, ill give him that but he SUCKS as a football player. there was some quotes in there where i had to come back to the computer half hour later to type this so i cld cut the cursing out. one that sticks out, he was looking to make a play, talked about getting a pick? WHAAT? why wld we need a pick at the "buzzer" that is outragously stupid! knock that guy outta bounds! i wlda RATHER had interference n made them stuff it down our throats at the 1 than what happen on that play letting favre be the hero. and im not bashing sticking up for the team. i thought Manuskys comments were professional but we all know they were crappy answers. that was no less than 99% Romans fault! and shld a guy knock him outta bounds? his answer: depends on the play. no (****) sherlock!!! why wld you go for a pick there. the guy was running outta Romans zone? look at the play! there is no reason he shldnt be stickign with that guy. favre let that ball go while lewis was in Romans zone and he got beat. lets face it. ok it happens but knock his ass outta bounds!!!! God im still sick about that
wont sleep 2nite... thanks matt! .... just kidden bud!
There is no reason the 9ers shld lose this game on sunday.
to me there is really only 3 main issues:
Can coffee step up? well find out sunday
whats going on at WR: are we actually gonna see Hill play as he deserves to (i still just dont see how he isnt a Sing kinda guy) and how will Jones look?
RT: i dont like this roatating tackles thing personally. I think for Synder to get a fair shot he needs to be in there ful time. it helps the whole line to play as a unit as well> D-line is different. all the best O-lines in football i wld agrue dont have the BEST individual linemen but have good linemen that play together.
GO 9ers!!
Stampede, I was going crazy when the ref nailed us with taunting call! I only hope niners have filed a complaint with the league. Refs are suppose to manage the game not unfairly punish a team due to assumptions! Oh, I know oneniner it was Shaun Hills fault.
I am.
From a fans standpoint it does not sound like a good reason to not play him but from a teams business standpoint it could very well be a reason. If he is good enough to be retained on PS by us thats saying something in my viewpoint and a few teams could use a him to be their #1 or #2 if he was allowed to show more.
If the 49er roster was already so tight with who is on it that we choose not to sign another FB or TE then who will they cut that they must so desperately need to make room for him?
You I and everyone else on here who is outside the org could pull a couple names to cut for sure...but we are not as knowledgeable about their current rosters stregnth and weaknesses as they are. Also why risk a player like that if the teams coaches feel they can get by with what they already have.
Oneniner agrees with me.
Perhaps it would be more constructive to apply one's own principles to one's self before advising others. All of this nonsense about Coach Raye's statements belying some intellectual shortcoming or lack of football acuity are ridiculous. I suspect he would rather not be bothered explaining himself to the public but is asked to do but his superiors and therefore fulfills that task (without tipping his hand, as one would expect from a cagey veteran of the wars). This is not an apologetic for his "philosophy",but rather a response to a lack courtesy leveled in the public forum. The man is in his first year with our team let's give a few games before "we" decide which way our thumbs are pointing.
I'm with Hightop. It is still early in the season. It is unreasonable to expect the offense to gel immediately with a new OC. Raye gets a pass until after the bye week. Then, I think, we can begin to assess whether he is too predictable, ineffective, whatever. Some of the 3-and-outs have looked pathetic, but at the same time, some of the drives have been things of beauty--unless those throws to Davis and Bruce were accidents. Give the guy time to make adjustments and tune the engine a little!
Even funnier Stamp is the no call when the great Farve was 2 1/2 yards over the line of scrimmage when he threw a pass! My God! There's NO refs on the sideline at the line of scrimage! And there has to be a replay in the booth!!?
C'mon!!
> In fact, if you've been following the 49ers over the past week, I'm sure you've read quotes from Singletary and Jimmy Raye explaining their offensive philosophy. They did not just offer up those comments on their own. There were questions about the offensive approach that prompted those answers.
And those answers do explain something. I do not like the offensive philosophy. But I understand in-game decisions better than I did before reading the answers.
Et Tu Matt. One of the reasons your 49er blog is my favorite is because we talk about football here. We don't get into human interest garbage about which player is dating Singletary's daughter and what advise a player's mother gave him when he was about to go off to college etc.. Let's leave that sort of non-sense to the Gwen Knapps and Ann Killons of the world.
Chicago - Ha! If the Niners had anyone but Hill, they wouldn't have to worry about bad calls on the defensive side of the ball. I'm glad you finally see the light!
Terry - That no call was ridiculous. I can't believe that cost the Niners a challenge. When the tv commentators are making the penalty calls before the refs ever even think to, somethin ain't right.
Had drinks with a buddy at Sino last night at Santana Row...
Next thing I know at the table next to us is Coffee, Goldson, Spikes and Willis... crazy thing was Goldson seemed bigger than everyone else. Takeo said about the Rams... "we're ready to go"
Dude thats awesome!!!! living in NY sucks! lol im ready to get crazy 2morrow!!
go 49ers!!!
Last game is what I call a win without a W. The ref crew was horrible, just like last time when they were calling a 9er game. its also too bad that WR was out of bounds, they definitely need more camera angles for plays like that. Oh well.
Anyways, The Rams are probably hungry for a win and should be confident on defense thinking that the 49ers O is now 1 dimensional (Tee off). I dont think Bulger is playing either, but Boller may play better than Bulger. So basically same game plan for 9er D they probably can get to the QB easier, just keep an eye out for their tall WR. The O has to stick with the run if they want to open up the passing game, Coffee and Robinson gotta get their reps in right now also. They also cant rely on their D so much and keep them fresh throughout the season. This is the game where the 49ers fuse the chemistry and solidify, just whoop em. Hill has gotta act like hes gonna jack a homerun. This team has a chip on their shoulder now and lickin their chops.
That's pretty sick.
It was cool man... they were talking about Farve and the play with some friends. Couldn't really tell about what though... Dude... Goldson is a BIG dude... I could only imagine what it must feel like to get hit by that guy.
Oh yeah... Takeo told me Hank is the man. i guess that's what they call Shaun Hill LOL
I love the nickname Hank Hill.I don't think it was originally intended as reference to the genius TV series but it works there so well. Goldson looks bigger than Spikes and Willis? That IS a surprise. Love our team fellas-Go Niners!
Exactly right you ae Hightop !
Raye has said things in response to questions that we know he didn't really mean,just to be evasive but polite(sort of,lol). I think he likes pulling the media's chain. Remember he said the Niners will be a 60-40 run-pass team ,LOL ! Some of the more slow writers and commentators in the media are still talking as if that were the ratio the Niners have been using . BUT as we have all seen after 3 games,we have passed more in every game than we have run.(58% PASS in the Cards game and overall this season 83 pass plays,80 run plays,very well balanced !).
As I have been saying for weeks,lets give Raye at least until mid season to judge his offense. Most newly installed offenses with new OC's,don't get up to speed until AT LEAST mid season. It is obvious that he has been experimenting with different things(several Taser plays,toss plays wide to the RB's, etc etc ) .If his O line could be what Sing immagined them to be and get a push up front on demand and could pass block on demand,I bet we would see all sorts of different things,that Raye is afraid to use now,because the O line is not performing consistently.
Give Raye a little more time,as most new OC's need(not to mention the players needing more time in a new system and the O line needing more time together etc ). Hopefully things will evolve and the offense will catch up to the defense by PLAYOFF TIME !
Why do they call him Hank ? And since I have never heard of that tv show you referenced,who is Hank hill from the Genius tv show?
First I have ever heard of S. Hill having a nick name of "Hank".
Did you ever hear that name used for Hill ...(MATT?)
Other people call them moral victories. Coach calls them losses.
Lucky bugger! Good the hear the rook is hanging with the good guys on this team. Good to hear they're hanging with him before he starts the biggest game of his life.
Hank it is. Anyone calls him different gets booted off this board.
Question: Why do they call him Hank ?
My response: Shaun Hill's nickname with the Vikings was Hank . . . because the QBs with the Vikings thought he looked like a Hank. --Matt M.
Comment: One of the reasons your 49er blog is my favorite is because we talk about football here. We don't get into human interest garbage about which player is dating Singletary's daughter.
My response: Before the Rams slapped the franchise tag on Atogwe, there was a lot of talk about whether the 49ers would go after him in free agency. Atogwe will be a free agent at the end of the year. I don't think it's "human interest garbage" to find out that one of the hottest potential free agents has an outside-of-football rapport with the 49ers' head coach. --Matt M.
Matt: The QB's on the Vikes thought Hill looked like A Hank or a specific Hank? How can someone look like a generic "Hank"? There HAS TO be more to it than just they thought he looked like a Hank . Was there someone in the Minneapolas area that was named Hank and was famous in the area,that resembled Hill ? Does Hill look like a famous Hank?
Come on Matt,we need to know.
Genius is colloquial hyperbole on my part-but the reference is to King of the Hill, an animation series which ran new episodes on the Fox Network from 1997 -2009. The main character is Hank Hill who lives in a small town (Arlen,Texas) and sells propane for a living.He's an old school straight shooter who is at odds with the modern world,a kind of aw- shucks anti antihero.Very funny and dry humor permeates the show created by the very talented Mike Judge!
He reminds of Hank from King of the Hill!!! LOL
Hi Matt,
Your point is well taken. I missed the significance of Atogwe being a potential free agent next year.
I over reacted to the subject because over the years I have seen football coverage in the Bay Area newspapers moving away from Football and becoming more and more focused on personalities. I long for the days of Ira Miller when we would get straight forward football coverage on Mondays. There would be actual X and O diagrams of key plays, and the focus would be on the technical aspect of the game. Now it seems to be all about personalities.
I guess the newspapers are trying to appeal to the broadest demographic which includes people who have never played the game at any level. That is why blogs such as this one are a refuge for those of us who love football because it is the ultimate team game, and love to get into the technical intricacies of football.
Hmm, Atogwe or Roman? Roman or Atogwe? I just can't decide. Let's hope the Rams don't Franchise him next year cause I believe we have a shot.
This is a "GPS" game if I ever saw one. It's very difficult for mediocre teams to win the games they "should" win. If we win this game convincingly then we have taken a step beyond mediocre. If we squeak one out or lose this game then its back to the drawing board. Let's go Hank!!!
Matt- Hope you see this. Last year when the Bears filed tampering charges on the Niners how long between the filing and the ruling? How long has it been since the official filing for the Niners on the Jets? I am very curious to see the outcome. Any rumblings with your contacts on this subject?
Thank you!
Hightop:
Thanks,I think I have caught a few minutes of that show a few times.
Mike in Sac: I think it was severl months before the ruling was handed down,after the charges were filed. I wouldn't expect a final ruling until after we know if the tampering is going to cost us Crabtree or if he is signed by us. Once the Commish knows if there was tampering or not he might fine the Jets but I wouldn't expect a final ruling on what compensation the Niners might get until after the Commish knows if Crabs signed with us or he was traded by us after March 5th ,etc etc.
When he knows what we lost because of tampering,then he will know what to award us to make it right. (if he even knows there is a west coast team out here).
Roger is likely pulling every punch he can behind the scenes to have this hammered out by the Nov 17 deadline just to avoid having to get involved.
This is gonna be the most convoluted investigation in the history of Draft Negotiations IMO.
Why sign for 20 when he can get 40?
Draft pick or Free Agent? I'm confused Roger.
I throw the flag on Deion for taunting, what say you Pereira?
Maybe that's what we need? An official review?
J-O-K-E,, that's what they think of our situation.
How to pronounce "Oshiomogho Atogwe"?
Marc you are correct, this whole thing is a joke! I truly hope NFL investigates this matter fairly since the overall impact of this situation not only affects niners but it may create issues for other NFL teams in the future. Go Niners
Can we just call him Hank?
Brekkon: I see what you are saying about Sheets proving possibly too valuable for the PS, but I really don't think that is their ultimate reasoning. And if he proved to be really valuable, well, I don't see a predicament there either. I mean, what if he showed Chris Johnson type talent in the open field? I'm sure both Raye and MS would be think we should have such problems.
Being an armchair coach, I would have activated him and tried a few series with him as a primary target. Because one thing that Sheets does have, is speed. As they say, you can't teach speed.
Hightop & TOP_CAT: The more I think about it, the more I realize how irrelevant the responses to the press can be at times. And it is only 3 games into the season. It is inevitable that there is a period where the coaches are learning what it is they really have.
The preseason is for filling the roster, getting the basic strategic pieces in place, and figuring out the starters. Not much more can done. The early part of the regular season is putting the strategy to work, and seeing what does, and doesn't work. The true test for them is still to come. If we are still talking about unimaginative 3 & outs and an over worked defense half way through the season, well, then we'll know. But as fans we are sometimes too quick on the draw. I guess in the end I really don't care what they say, just what they do.