After a decade out of the game, Mike Singletary and his wife, Kim, decided the time was right for him to pursue a coaching career. Understandably, he made contact with the Chicago Bears to see if the organization would be interested.
Singletary, a Hall of Fame linebacker with the Bears, called then-Bears coach Dick Jauron as a courtesy.
As he recalled today during his weekly press conference, Singletary told Jauron, "I'm not asking for a job, but I'm telling you this year or in the very near future I will be coaching. (I) don't know where and don't know when."
Jauron responded, "Mike, let me get back to you and see what's happening here.'"
Said Singletary, "He (Jauron) got back to me (and said) the way things are here, it looks like it's going to be a tough situation to work out. I said, 'Fantastic, thank you.'"
And with that, Singletary said it let him know that he was not destined to coach for the Bears.
Singletary began his coaching career as inside linebackers coach with Brian Billick's Baltimore Ravens in 2003. Jauron's final season with the Bears was 2003.
The 49ers play the Bears on Thursday, and Singletary said he feels no special emotions facing the team for which he played.
"I'm just excited for the game," he said. "No emotions outside of the emotions for facing any other team."
Here's what else Singletary said at today's press conference:
--"This is not the most exciting time in the world," Singletary said of the 49ers' four-game losing streak.
--"The offensive line, for the most part, did a decent job."
--"I thought Alex did a good job throwing the football." Singletary said on Smith's first interception the ball took an unlucky bounce. On one of the other turnovers on a pass to Josh Morgan, he said the defender got there a little early and Morgan could have come back to the ball.
--Singletary said he thought there was one interception that was "on" Smith. He said Smith misread the defense, thinking it was a cover-4. "And the guy made a nice play."
--He called it "one of the better offensive performances since I've been here" - other than the turnovers.
--Singletary was asked if Smith's locking onto a receiver with his eyes was an issue on the interceptions. "I really don't think so," Singletary said.
--Is this the end of the line for veteran receiver Isaac Bruce?
Singletary was asked if it makes sense to continue to play Bruce or try to build with the young receivers. "I think it makes sense for us to get together as a staff and figure out the best thing we need to do, going forward," Singletary said. "We'll do that this week. We'll do that today.
"I think right now we have to meet as a staff and really look at our receiver situation. It's a good situation. We have to figure out the right combination."
--Defensively, Singletary said, the 49ers "didn't do a good job of getting off blocks yesterday,"
* * *
The 49ers ran 38 of their 69 offensive plays from the shotgun formation. Half of those plays (19) were in two-minute situations at the end of the halves.
In non-2-minute settings, the 49ers attempted eight run plays and 10 pass plays out of the shotgun.
Frank Gore ran the ball 7 times for 41 yards in the shotgun, while Glen Coffee had one rush for 4 yards, and Alex Smith picked up 3 yards on a scramble.
Overall, Alex Smith was 17 of 28 for 155 yards with two touchdowns, two interceptions and a sack in the shotgun. That includes the stats he compiled in the 2-minute drill when he completed 12 of 18 for 115 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
Singletary said there's not much illusion to any run plays in the shotgun because there is no fullback.
"I think we just have to see how much of the shotgun look we'll keep going forward," Singletary said.
"I like the things that work. I don't get into a 'look' or whatever. I look at, How does it fit with our personnel? It's something that we have the tools to do."
Singletary added that the 49ers might want to add more to their shotgun attack and cut back on "some of the other things we're doing."
* * *
Rookie running back Glen Coffee will not be available for Thursday's game against the Bears with a concussion he sustained while blocking on a fourth-quarter kickoff. Safety Michael Lewis is day to day with a left quadriceps strain. Singletary said tight end Delanie Walker is also day to day with a left knee sprain.
There were no further injury updates from Sunday's game, though Singletary said receiver Isaac Bruce has been bothered by an ankle injury. He was not listed on the injury report.
Here's the remainder of the injury report from the game: G David Baas (right shoulder stinger), CB Tarell Brown left ribs contusion), TE Vernon Davis (left shoulder contusion), RB Frank Gore (right eye contusion), RB Michael Robinson (right shoulder stinger), and S Curtis Taylor (right shin contusion).
* * *
--Singletary was asked if Smith's locking onto a receiver with his eyes was an issue on the interceptions. "I really don't think so," Singletary said.
I really wonder why he would say this. Looking at the replays, Smith DID lock, the safety drifted over and jumped the route. Good play by the safety, no doubt. But I can't see that a look off or pump fake would not have helped.
Maybe he is trying to publicly stand behind Smith. If that's the case well then, fine. But behind the scenes I hope the QB coach and Raye are getting Smith to unlearn this dangerous habit.
I think its important to let these next 8 games play out with Smith at the controls and then evaluate. I think Smith will get better each game and its a bad habit he has forcing things but after seeing the replays, Morgan could have helped him out. I am still choked at that 4th and goal where all Haralson had to do was push Johnson out of bounds, or Roman get off his block and make a tackle. That woukld have kept the game at 20-17 and time for us to milk the clock and/or establish better field position.
we are going to the playoffs.....we just need this win on thursday...i believe
still....:)
I am not advocating that Smith be pulled. Rather he has to lose the tendency to telegraph. I don't blame the loss on him either. Nor do I blame it on the Defense, even the play you refer to.
It was a team loss that had contributions from Smith, WR's, and the Defense. There were good plays but it's just hard to see them sometimes because we want them to win soooo badly.
I will say that if Smith gets this chance and stinks it up, then at the end of this season we need to see what Davis can do heading into the draft next year.
When we are either winning or losing big, it's time to get Nate Davis into the game and see if he has "It". We have known for years that Alex Smith doesn't have "It" and we need some good looks at Davis live so we can make some decisions about next year's Draft/
I agree with allowing Smith to play it out. Nate Davis looked good in the preseason, but I think there is more of an upside for Smith to play it out and see where we need to go. We have 2 first round picks and if Smith doesn't pan out, we could spend a pick on a QB. No doubt we need to pick up an offensive linemen in the draft and maybe in free agency if anyone is available, but that's a long time away! We need to win on THURSDAY!
How many more games are you giving Smith to prove himself? I am giving him the entire year. Everyone's talkin that if he stinks it up against Chicago, he is done. I totally disagree, he needs the entire year even if we dont win another game. I agree with you about the entire team losing the game, but sometimes there are monumental plays that change the outcome of the game and deflate you, that 4th and goal was it.
2 questions:
1) if Singletary has a losing season this year, would you replace with Holmgren, Cowher, Shanahan, Gruden?
2) QB rating for Hill vs. Smith this year and career.
Thanks.
Do you really believe, I mean seriously, in your mind, not your heart, do you really think the Niners will make the playoffs?
I give Smith until the Eagles game, if he continues to not get better and the team continues to lose, I would put Davis into QB for the final two games of the season.
It doesn't seem the team has any other choice than to play the season out with Smith! If the coach puts in Hill again, then you've got a musical chairs thing going on at the QB position! And that creates nothing but chaos!
Can't play Davis until at least the end of the season! No use playing with the kids head this early in his career!
Just stick with Smith and let what's going to happen, happen!
I agree cause then your changing the offense again, one for Hill and then again for Davis. Each QB is so different but maybe Davis and Smith are more alike as they have the arm strength but maybe not the intelligence. All the Smith haters you have to realize something, if you continuously change QB's, you change what plays you call and you start simplifying things too much and that plays to the other teams defense. Unfortunately, we are stuck with Smith for the entuire year to see what he and the rest of the offense are made of. Its the only thing they can do.
Exactly. Last couple of games of the year once the year is proved a complete loss, and we know what he truly have in Smith.
I will say this. I am completely willing to accept that I was wrong if Smith proves to be a good QB. Those that support him though must -- at some point -- accept that he is a bust if he doesn't get the job done.
"Singletary was asked if Smith's locking onto a receiver with his eyes was an issue on the interceptions. "I really don't think so," Singletary said."
For the first time, I have to disagree with what Coach Sing said. Other than Phillip Rivers, no other top level QB has "laser face". I cannot imagine how looking off of your intended receiver would not have helped with those interceptions.
Stop with your Guru Crystal Ball! You have NO IDEA if we are or aren't going to the playoffs!
You've already proven yourself a dreamer! So don't jinx the team with your prophecies!
PLEASE! And this comes from ALL 49er fans!
MM - Trying to read between the lines at the Press Conference, do you get the sense that Jason Hill might leap frog Isaac Bruce AND Josh Morgan? Coach Sing always seems to point out Morgan's struggles and how he "hasn't arrived yet". Let's hope our young corp steps up this Thursday night against a shaky Bears D.
I like Sing as a person. I think he would be a hell of a d-cord. But when he answers questions like this. I can't help but to think he doesn't have a clue. He may not be offensive minded. But his answers to Smiths play are mind boggling. Maybe he doesn't want to shake his confidence. Or he really doesn't have a clue. If he has any hope to continue to coach beyond next year. He is going to have to really search for a O-cord that can take complete control over the offense. Two things on my Christmas list are; Holmgren as a GM, and Turner or shanahan as our O-cord. And yes I know Shanahan would be a long shot. But maybe just maybe the fat guy in the red suit can come through for a brotha one time.
Terrry – Do you come to this blog just to criticize Oneniner’s latest post? I bet (hope?) there is something a little more productive you could be doing with your free time. Not sure what you are hoping to accomplish. For the record: Coach Sing still thinks we are going to the Playoffs. So you can talk prophecies and jinxes with him.
NinerMD: there is zero chance of Gruden or Shanahan coming here as OD. They are both Super-Bowl-winning coaches and no team could convince them to be anything but head coaches. IMO, other than Rathman, the entire coaching staff needs to go. They should snag Dwaine Board from the Raiders to coach D-Line and go from there. But Gruden, Holmgren or Shanahan here as anything but HC is a fantasy.
I think Coach Shanahan is salivating at the opportunity to become HC of the San Diego Chargers. He won't be coming. Also, the reality is, Coach Sing will be back next year with his puppet, yes-man Raye-Raye by his side. We may get a coaching change after the 2011 season. By then all the good ones will be gone and will be offering the position to either Eric Mangini (yikes!) or Charlie Weis.
Go Niners!!!! (so this never happens)
I have hope that we might still make the playoffs. It is possible, even though not highly probable at this time. Lets just wait to see what happens Thursday.
Maybe we will need one of those young and upcoming guys like some of the other NFL teams are doing! Somebody that tweeks the different systems and is innovative! Kind of like Walsh was during his time. The Saints sure look like they landed an offensive genius!
Unless they're directed at you skip them! A lot of us are sick of this guys constant attacks against any and all of us! It's time he realizes his feet are on the ground like the rest of us! And I'm going to write it!
Time to start giving the kids more playing time. from now until the end of the year, I'd like us to start the players that Sing thinks will start in 2010. Leave in Smith because I think he will still be the only choice next year. Davies and anyone we may draft will be a year or so away.
I understand your logic that a QB change is not one to be made lightly. I was hopeful that Smith would have improved on his deficiencies during his two-year absense, but I saw a lot of the old Alex yesterday. The rest of the season with what we saw yesterday? I hope not, and I doubt it, I don't see Coach being afraid to make another change.
And for those talking play-offs--I had hopes of taking the NFC West, but then figured we go out in the first round. I was thinking we may be good enough to take the West, not good enough to compete further. While we are not eliminated, we would need a lot of help...I wonder how many more 5 INT games Warner has in him?
Sing is not going anywhere so all the talk about a coaching change is silly. He will be given a t least a couple of years to see if he can turn it around. And frankly, he deserves it IMO.
As for Raye as OC, I have taken a step back and am chilling about this. What do the following eight teams have in common, DET, STL, SF, TB, BUF, KC, CLE and OAK?
a) They are the bottom eight offenses in football
b) They all have new offensive coordinators
c) all of the above
Raye may not be the long term solution, but the simple truth is that we do NOT have the talent yet to really say for certain. This team will not be good without a controlling OL and DL. Ain't. Gonna. Happen.
The other thing in common was they were all at the bottom last year too.
At least some people get it!
You don't speak for me when you say "This comes from all 49er fans."
I happen to enjoy Oneniners post so don't include me in your little rant. You don't now nor will you ever speak for me so get off your self-made thrown and go help Houston shovel some cow**** that you want to throw at Oneniner.
Mike in SF #2 -- well said!
Know that Sing promised a playoff & all. Be kind, remember he had a stint as a motivational speaker. This experience rots the mind.
Know that Sing promised a playoff & all. Be kind, remember he had a stint as a motivational speaker. This experience rots the mind.
I personally haven't seen any attacks toward anyone by oneniner!! He voices his opinions and he stands by them!! What's wrong with that? That's what the blog is for.. the personal attacks come from other places.
Sorry for dbl post. Is anyone else upset every time they watch Desean or Harvin return punts or catch bombs. Crabs good, but....
Those who are asking for coaching changes and for Nate Davis to start, are just wasting their time. It's not going to happen. Except for the scenerio when both Hill and Smith are injured, and Davis has his chance. Singletary now has no choice but to stick with Smith. McCloughan needs to do his final assessment on Smith before he makes draft decision for next year (the 49ers have two 1st rounds.) Singletary has to do whatever he can to remain upbeat and to maintain the team morale. The OL really sucks. Even with only 3 men rush, the Titans were able to chase Smith run for his life. The defense, known for speed, made Johnson looks like Usain Bolt on Sunday.
Alex Smith ~ I think you mis-read my post, for that was EXACTLY my argument in the first place and was directed at Terry NOT Oneniner. I was actually defending Oneniner against Terry's comment about him for the same reasons you are attacking me for. Before you reprehend somebody, make sure you know what you are reprehending, even if it means setting down the beer can for a moment to make sure you understood what you are reading. Cool?
ding ding ding ding, we have a winner
I was not attacking you at all I was agreeing with your post!! Defending your post!! And once I get out of work I won't be putting down the beer I will be raising it.
Then I apologize ... didn't necessarily read like that though. Cheers! I raise my glass of wine to your beer.
I understand your logic that a QB change is not one to be made lightly. I was hopeful that Smith would have improved on his deficiencies during his two-year absense, but I saw a lot of the old Alex yesterday. The rest of the season with what we saw yesterday? I hope not, and I doubt it, I don't see Coach being afraid to make another change.
And for those talking play-offs--I had hopes of taking the NFC West, but then figured we go out in the first round. I was thinking we may be good enough to take the West, not good enough to compete further. While we are not eliminated, we would need a lot of help...I wonder how many more 5 INT games Warner has in him?
No worries, I guess I just replied to the wrong post. Cheers!
Just blame it on Oneniner, right Terry? :~)
Hey guys,
I enjoy football and I enjoy having a place to voice my opinions. It is pretty cool to have a place with knowable people to play with. How about giving every one a little respect and honor their opinions. I certainly do not agree with every thing said here but so what. It is a diffcult season , lets not make it any harder on each other with personal attacks.
Alex Smith has played 2 full games and you are evaluating him like he has played the whole year. Nate Davis isn't the answer and the big-hearted Shaun Hill definitely isn't the answer. Let's give Smith the rest of the year and then we'll see if we need to go in that direction during the draft. We know we need lineman, a great pass rusher, and a safety. Ranting and spewing doesn't do anything but make *you* feel better. Personal attacks against other posters to prove you are "right" is immature. If your life is only about the 9ers winning or losing you need another hobby or you need to get married and have kids so you can put things into real life perspective.
I agree.
So it's fair that HIll only got five games? And now Alex is going into his third. If he has another game like last. Is it fair to pull out smith and throw hill back in or start Davis for some gametime seasoning? If Smith has another bad game and we lose to da bears. What do we have to lose or prove? Get the young kid some seasoning atleast by the end of the year.
Barley, I appreciate reading your views on this blog since they are logical and you are a true fan. You have been rooting both qbs while so many trashed both of them! I agree, alex needs to play the reminder of the season to determine if he has a future with the 49ers. it was so frustating watching this team blow another winable game. Go niners
Somewhere along the line, Alex Smith is going to have to have at least ONE big game, you know - an "A" game, where he goes 24 for 35, 330 yards, 4 tds,no ints etc. At least ONE of these, and/or a BIG WIN. Where he really comes through in the clutch in a big way. Just to show that he CAN do it. Almost every other starting QB (ALL the good ones for sure) show an A game relatively early on. I'm not even talking about the very elite ones. All the good ones - Carson Palmer, Rivers, Romo, etc. Even Sanchez has already had one (and a big win). frankly, if Smith cannot do this relatively soon, he probably doesn't have "it" and we're just spinning our wheels with him. I'm not for or against him. It's up to HIM to display the skills and the poise and clutch come through. He's obviously got physical skills, but ...... I'm still waiting, so we'll see on Thursday.
I have been a a Jimmy Raye detractor since Sing hired him and I thought that this was a hire only because no one else would buy into Sing's program. At first, it was "smash mouth physical with an "f" football and it proved to be predictable and boring. But the last few weeks, even thoigh they were losses, changed my mind. Sing and Raye are working with they've got..a poor o-line, uncertainty at quarterback with Hill's deficiencies and Smith's lack of experience/comfort level/self-confidence, etc. Since Raye opened it up with Smith due to his superior athletic ability, I've seen that he does have the vision and experience to "mix it up". I don't know where we go for the rest of the year but I am comfortable with Sing and Raye.....for now.
Ok...let's throw Nate Davis in for seasoning!! We did the same with Alex behind a very bad line in 2005 and he was on the run for a year and a half until he went out with a shoulder injury. Do you really think throwing Nate Davis to the wolves is the answer even if Alex is gone from the team or not. Walsh put Montana in for DeBerg and shared time only when Montana would look good and could succeed with certain plays to build his confidence. He would have never thrown him to the wolves to mess with his head. Again, when you can't debate things with intelligence you get personal and nasty.
Four years of the legacy of McNolan is enough and we see it in the O Line they failed to produce.
Jed should hire Homlgren as team President. Jed of course would remain Owner and work on a new stadium. Not a bad gig?
With Homlgren as Team President chosing a New GM and keeping Coach Sing and his staff they will take us to the playoffs.
Hi Matt, Think about it, if you were headhunter in the job market and saw an ad that read, Pro Football Team Northern California seeks General Manager - no experience necessary and Head Coaching position - no experience necessary. The message this team sends out is that it will not pay for those positions. Keep in mind the key is experience in the job description. A Bill Walsh comes along once in a lifetime.
He Matt, everyone is going crazy!!!!!!!!
1)new QB, started 2 games
2)new starting rookie WR
3)gore getting back healthy
4)new OC
5)line trouble (played pretty well on Sun)
We need to keep Alex in as see what happens for the rest of the year. Raye must stay and continue to build the Offense.
It sure would be nice if the defense could create some turnovers!!! Not much pressure no spped in secondary.
Thanks,
Mac
I'm with ONENINER 100%... I still believe and I believe in Smith. We're still making the playoffs
Kezarmike, you are correct, it is up to Alex to shine now! However, he has several things going against him that may affect his overall play:
- Confidence in his ability to win games
- Trust and timing with the young recievers
- Mastering the new playbook so he can react faster to what the defense is showing
I truly believe coach sing did not blame Alex for the trun overs becuase he understands how to deal with his players. this would have been the worst time to bash Alex and completely shatter his confidence. However, you are correct, Alex needs to just show up and play and forget about the rest.
Unfortunately...Alex Smith looks so good and then he does something bad that fans shake their heads at! And it's always bad!
He reminds me of a QB years ago named Steve DeBerg! He played under Bill Walsh and made so many worst time mistakes that Walsh replaced him with a guy named Joe Montana.
When asked why he replaced DeBerg, Walsh answered: "He plays just well enough to lose!"
Unfortunately Steve and Alex have that in common.
"Do you really think throwing Nate Davis to the wolves is the answer..."
Don't know if you saw it last year but there was an article in the Dallas paper before the Dallas - Green Bay game interviewing Mike McCarthy. It was about him being here when Alex was drafted instead of Rodgers and then ending up as Green Bay HC with Rodgers as his QB.
The one statement he made that stood out was that he personally wouldn't have started Smith as early as Nolan did especially against Manning and the Colts.
Young QBs need a chance to develop by sitting and learning as Rodgers did, not being thrown into a no win situation with an unstable O-line and new OC still trying to figure things out. I agree, let's not stunt the growth of another QB prospect.
Matt,
I just read your colleague's (cohn) article about his heated exchange with Singletary during today's media presser. Were you there? What was your impression of the exchange?
You forgot two important differences Terry, DeBerg got to play behind a McKittrick coached O-line with Walsh as the OC, Smith hasn't come close to having those kind of luxuries, so let's hold off on that comparison for awhile.
OK! I get it! Smith is Montana with a lousy OL and he doesn't have Walsh as OC and HC! YEA RIGHT! Walsh wouldn't have had Smith on his team. So get real!
Oneniner I wish you were right about going to the playoffs. But the only way we could make it is if we win every last game. If we do that the cardinals will probably lose to Minnesota and we would have the tiebraker, assuming we beat them again. It is just stupid that we lost to the titans, even with the turnovers, they are one of the worst teams in the NFL. Why didn't we play defense like we did against indy?
OK! I get it! Smith is Montana with a lousy OL and he doesn't have Walsh as OC and HC! YEA RIGHT! Walsh wouldn't have had Smith on his team. So get real!
Every day is a new day. First they have to stay with Smith, they determined Hill won't work so you go with Smith till the end.
Something to consider; part of maturing is going through a bad spell. But now he has a tough coach who also understands people and how to motivate. Perhaps what Smith really needs is that bad game and then experience the support of coach Sing getting in his face and saying "I beleive in you!".
There is an incredible difference when you have true confidence, and I honestly don't think Smith has fully recovered from the Nolan years.
I respectfully disagree. No matter what, Smith is not a rookie. He's been with the team for years. He was treated horribly by Nowin. But he's had the time to watch from the sideline and study with the other QB's since he was hurt.
Alex is just Alex. I don't think he's a bust. I just think he's not what the 49ers need at this time or the coming time. Understanding is not what he needs. He has that. Listen to Singletary and what he says.
What he does need is a new team in a new town and maybe he can manage a career. He throws a great ball. His delivery is late and he stares down receivers when he has to complete that one important pass. These things are the same things he brought with him from college ball. Five years ago.
lets quit blaming alex. 25 1st downs, 29 completions, marched
team up and down the field all day long! 2 of inter were not his
fault. ran well, looked confident, and most of all showed good
connection with vernon and j hill. they will just get better with
time. lets give this young offence time to grow. look how much
improvement has been made in last 2 weeks.
Question: I just read your colleague's (cohn) article about his heated exchange with Singletary during today's media presser. Were you there? What was your impression of the exchange?
My response: I'm not sure it was "heated." I think it was done with a dash of humor. At least that's the impression I got when Singletary and Lowell pointed at each other with smiles on their faces at the conclusion of the press conference. --Matt M.
I think people who keep trashing Smith are reflecting their own mentality. Smith is playing well for a QB who hasn't had reps with the first time in years! And with an ever-changing OL that is up & down each week.
Now Alex has a walking-wounded army of players to support him. How easy do you think that is for a QB to achieve what he is called upon to do? Remember that he has lost his job for 2 years and suddenly he has been thrown back in to take over.
What kind of miracle are you expecting, folks? I think he is doing remarkably, considering all that he he has been fighting against.
I was thrilled with the 2 TD's this Sunday by Jason Hill. If you want to complain about someone, aim your remarks at Bruce, who has dropped more balls than he has caught. Don't pick on Smith for those!
The more practice that Alex gets with his GOOD receivers now, the better results we will see.
As far as playoffs, if we just make the NFC West Title, I'll be happy. I think our team is too beat up with sprains, strains, contusions, concusssions, stingers, and what not--to be able to play well enough to go beyond the NFC West title. So, don't blame Smith for that, please!
Some fans make me see RED--and it's not the color on our guys' uniforms that I'm seeing!
I want to see Brandon Jones in the WR mix instead of returning balls! He's a burner (WR)!
Niner Mom Go Niners!
(Don't listen to these whiners!)
One good thing that has to be said about Alex's play on last Sunday (Titans) is that he gave the Defense chance to rest. He had some long stretches of plays at a time--not a GIFT! He earned it and deserves our respect for that.
I knw that the D appreciated it! And YOU should, too.
It's just a shame that so many of our guys are badly banged up. And this week, they have only 4 days to heal between games.
Remember that on Thursday when hey play the Bears!
Niner Mom
Thanks for your response, Matt. Amazing what body language reveals in a conversation versus just reading dialogue. I just saw the video of the presser and I agree with your assessment that there was a tinge of humor in the exchange.
Just watched Chronicle Live with Papa and he had Romo and Bono discussing Smith's play yesterday. Their impression is that they are missing a big play vertical threat. With Morgan and Crabtree, the speed is average on the outside with only VD as the vertical threat. I noticed this watching the game again tonight that the 9ers never went deep with the WR's. The Titan DB's played tight to the short passes and that is where most of the tips and interceptions occurred. Against the Bears, in the 1st or 2nd series on 1st down, they need to throw deep (even it is an overthrow) to open up the short and mid range passes. Defenses are playing tight. Romo also mentioned that the 9ers seem like they have very average team speed. Only Gore and Davis on offense and Willis on defense have the speed, but not enough overall players.
Excellent comment about A. Smith needing to have an "A" game. I don't dislike him and in fact I would like to seem him succeed. However, he has always shown not great feel and instincts for the game. I don't think that that was all just because he was a young player on a bad team, or that there have been so many O coordinators during his time with the 9ers. Maybe he will develop into a better QB, but can you see him out dueling a Manning, Rothlisberger, Brady, Brees, etc. for a superbowl win? I want to see him do well, but worry that we have already given him chances over 4 years and maybe it is time to move on. A lot of that just comes from where he was drafted and how much $$ he was paid, but should it? If A. Smith was picked in the middle of the third round, would there be such an effort to keep his career afloat? I think the messed up draft system and rookie costs are hurting teams like the 49ers. You need to be able to get young players in and see if they can play the game at the pro level without mortgaging team's future for multiple years. Its bad for the game because the fans want to see that their team has a chance to win.
Rich Gannon quoted during yesterdays game, "5 Offensive Coordinators in 5 years is insane...lucky he (Smith) can remember the snap count."
To quote Coach Mora
"PLAYOFFS? PLAYOFFS??
DON'T TALK TO ME ABOUT PLAYOFFS
ARE YOU KIDDING ME...
PLAYOFFS?"
This is NOT a playoff team.
It is NOT a .500 team.
I see them going 3-5 the second half.
At best 4-4
Being realistic about a team does NOT make you a bad fan.
Being optimistic doesn't make you a better fan.
What is a contusion...we have so many of them?
Is it a bruise?
I believe it is one less then a con-three-sion
and we should be remarkably thankful..
its all roses and rainbows for some people..
63 wins this decade....
63 wins in this decade.
123 wins in the 90's
104 in the 80's ( counting a 3-6 strike season so the win total may have been 7 more)
If only Sing had been hired by the bears. We probably would have Shanahan as coach.
your right, everything is slow, on top of having average speed at most positions, the o line is very very slow, to slow to pull a guard, to slow for athletic pass rushers at tackle, remember Justin Smiley? look at how he plays with Miami. he is a key piece of their "wildcat" offense. so if the o-line is slow, wouldn't that mean they were extremely strong to make up for it? well in the 49ers case that is a resounding NO! last year was a tease, we played with nothing to lose, and now were slowly starting to look a little like a mike nolan team, but with more heart, but just as many losses.
wonder if the 9ers will continue running out of the shotgun (outside of the hurry-ups). but they do offer limited flexibility, as singletary correctly pointed out.
i've been saying all along that a playaction offense offers a better balance. maybe we'll see more of it, with bruce's demotion & j-hill's chemistry with alex.
QUITE FRANKLY I FEEL THAT IF THE BALL IS GETTING TIPPED AND NOT CAUGHT BY THE RECEIVERS , IT MAY HAVE TO DO WITH THE FACT THAT SMITH IS FORCING IT, (THROWING TOO HARD TO CATCH) AND THE FACT THAT HE IS STILL HTROWING INTERCEEPTIONS...WE'LL SEE FOR THE NEXT 8 GAMES, EITHER WAY WE WIN, IF HE STINKS WE'LL HAVE A PRETTY GOOD PICK TO GET A COLT MACKOY OR SAM BRADFORD, IF HE IS GOOD THEN WE'LL BE SET FOR NEXT YEAR AND MAYBE THIS TIME WE'LL GET THE PREMIER PASS RUSHER WE'VE BEEN NEEDING FOR THE PAST 8 YRS.
So now you're going to tell us what Walsh would do, are you in contact with the spirit world too? Wow, we are so fortunate to have you set us straight! LOL!!!!!!
PS: don't let all the facts cloud your opinions. You're obviuosly such an astute football expert, a legend in your own mind. LOL!!!!!!!!!