Niners tight end Vernon Davis said he wasn't trying to "call anybody out" or "put anybody down" on the Chicago Bears' defense. He said he was just expressing his confidence with his comments Tuesday.
On Tuesday,
Today,
* * *
Here's what
--"I wasn't trying to stir anything up,"
--Did he say it to create a spark? "I think we need a spark. As a captain. I'm here to help motivate my teammates (to get them) fired up and get ready to play. That's what it's about."
--Is he concerned this will be used by the Bears as bulletin-board material? "There's no concern. When you're a winner you want your opponent to come hard. You're looking for competition."
--I asked him if the 49ers are, indeed, going to "destroy" the Bears. He said we'd just have to wait to see when the game starts.
--Coach Mike Singletary and Davis spoke about the comments.
* * *
Veteran receiver Isaac Bruce, who has averaged about two catches and 24 yards over the past seven games, is not expected to be active for the 49ers' game Thursday against the Bears. The club reported that Bruce went through limited practice today with an ankle injury. He was listed today on the injury report for the first time this season.
Officially, Bruce is listed as questionable. But look for the 49ers to continue to make the transition to a younger receiving corps with Jason Hill taking over as the No. 3 receiver behind starters Michael Crabtree and Josh Morgan.
Here is the official injury report for tomorrow's game against the Bears:
49ERS
Out: CB Nate Clements (shoulder), RB Glen Coffee (concussion), DT Demetric Evans (shoulder), T Joe Staley (knee).
Questionable: WR Isaac Bruce (ankle).
Probable: G David Baas (shoulder), CB Tarell Brown (rib), TE Vernon Davis (shoulder), RB Frank Gore (eye lid), WR Jason Hill (ankle), WR Brandon Jones (knee), S Michael Lewis (quadricep), RB Michael Robinson (shoulder), LB Takeo Spikes (shoulder), S Curtis Taylor (shin), TE Delanie Walker (shin, knee)
BEARS
Out: S Kevin Payne (back), LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee), RB Garrett Wolfe (back)
Questionable: S Al Afalava (shoulder)
Probable: TE Desmond Clark (neck), DT Tommie Harris (knee), CB Charles Tillman (shoulder)
* * *
MM - any word on the league suspending Tommie Harris for this game? Have they decided either way? If he is out, VD will have a strong case to prove his point.
That's actual what I was wondering as well. When would they decide? Matt any info on this?
When you're a winner you want your opponent to come hard.
Wouldn't part of being a "winner" involve having a winning record?
Question: any word on the league suspending Tommie Harris for this game? Have they decided either way?
My response: Nothing has been announced. Whatever happens, it will not impact tomorrow's game. Harris will be available to play against the 49ers. --Matt M.
Mike - That's funny, I was thinking the same thing.
Vernon probably shouldn't have said what he did.
But unlike in previous years, his play has been exceptional. If last year's V.D. had made this comment, I would have joined the "knucklehead" brigade. But he's earned so much goodwill with his play and captaincy, that I think he deserves a pass on this one.
No disrespect to the Rev, but I'm kinda geeked about the young receiving corp getting their real first chance to shine in primetime. Let's go baby!
According to ESPN:
"Source: Harris won't be suspended"
http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/news/story?id=4645479
VD ,Tean Captain= Class-less.
Another questionable choise by the HD.
If Morgan doesn't start attacking the balls thrown to him by using his hands, Jason Hill should take his spot in the starting role. I like Morgan but he just waits on the ball and doesn't adjust if it is short or late. Watching Crabtree who uses his hands 99% of the time, should help the other receivers. One of the many reasons that set Jerry Rice apart from other receivers is that he caught the ball with his hands and not his body. Looking forward to tomorrow nights game.
OK I can't stand it any more, these guys need to focus on game film off the field and on the field they all need to stop celebrating first downs and touch downs. If the goal is the playoffs then wait and celebrate that, they look absolutely ridicules doing their little celebrations when they accomplish a first down or score a touch down. Its time to look like professionals on and off the field.
MM – I interpret this to mean Jason Hill is STARTING opposite Michael Crabtree. Thoughts?
-Q: How has Isaac Bruce practiced this week?
-SINGLETARY: He was doing fine. He was trying to work his way through it. Yesterday he rolled it and going to be questionable, doubtful for the game.
-Q: Does that mean Jason Hill is in the starting line-up at that spot?
-SINGLETARY: If that is the case, yes. If that is the case.
Looking forward to the future and our young receivers working as a unit. If we get an o line and we can be a good offense. Hopefully Smith will make some progress tomorrow night. I will be there!
The thing that I am worried about right now is the RB depth... MRob is second in line for touches, if he goes down they plan to use Norris...
Cut Bruce since he is not in the future of this team, give him a chance to play for a contender, and get another RB signed to the squad...
I will not be happy if MRob or Norris are carrying the ball... sure wish Sheets was available
Does anybody know if Michael Robinson will be the kick returner for week 10? And from here on out?
With Coffee out and Robinson a non-factor as a runner, it sure is nice to have a fast shifty runner waiting in the wings for his big chance.......forget it, they let that one slip away to the 'fins :0(
Hacksaw46, You are entitling to your opinion, however It would be nice if you spelled properly and refrain from labeling and insulting a Niner player because you do not agree with their perspective!!! It might even appear class less on your behalf!
I am tired of all this talk about what VD said! You know what if you do not like it jump ship and go root for another team. Give the guy a break; he is a competitor that has been dealing with losing close games despite his efforts. He did not disrespect anyone accept showing confidence in his OL while the rest of the world are pointing fingers.
ND Harry I completely agree with you, however all the celebration and posturing is due to frustration of the offense not performing this year. I hope we start to just play football and gain confidence by stop making silly mistakes and just scoring points.
It's a nice young trio with Crabs, Hill, and Morgan. I like that order. Something needs to happen with the QB. I'm just hoping that light turns on in Smith's head and he finally says "OH SNAP! NOW I GET IT!"
GO NINERS!
What's wrong with speaking the truth?
Thank you TheNinerFan! It is time for us to step up and beat a motivated bears team! Go Niners
Vernon's statements are not de rigueur ,but for goodness sake I hope they win as now Coach Singletary has promised we will see the 49ers come of age starting Thursday night.I can only imagine the fallout if they lose.I can"t bare the thought of having to witness Lowell Cohn stick it to Coach in public if that occurs, the guy is such an irritant(sorry Matt I know he is a colleague and is held highly by other media members-I just find him smug and rude).Come on team bring it!
It's Do or Die Thursday night! We're going to WIN Thursday night! Let's smash that weak D front of the Bears! Bears are going to get burnt by VD!
GORE CAN SCORE!
GO NINERS!
"You are entitling to your opinion, "
If you are going to criticize people writing on a blog it might help to proofread your own crap before posting... you look like a jacka$$ making this comment
Let VD say what he wants, at least he's not afraid of what will happen. They get ticked off? So what - bring it on. What do we have to lose? Get a little attitude! Maybe it will rub off on Smith.
LOL it never fails to amaze me when some total dou#%e calls another person out for failing to write properly but then makes the same mistakes while doing so.
He also used the word 'accept' when he should have used 'except' but then you know what he meant.. :-P
53Niner, I did not meant to criticize anyone! It is just shocking to hear all the crying about VD's comments when he only meant to motivate his team. GO NINERS
Yea motivating Da Bears.. SMART MOVE.
Jay Cutler out duels Smith 2 TD's to 1.
Bears win 30-21
Hester scores on a punt return
Vernon Davis "I think we can destroy their front."?
Ivan Drago "I will destroy you."
Just do it, Drago.
..this is it.....my fellow niners...
our season depends on this game.....
just got another txt from A.Smith...he wrote
.."i got this"
So pumped for tonight! This game is our season, playoffs, jobs, coaching staff, all on the line tonight. Whoaaa doggy!!!!!!
It's great that J. Hill is finally going to start which should have been the deal weeks ago! My only other question is why isn't their prize FA this past off season B. Jones not playing? The coaching staff has him returning punts? Clearly he looks very uncomfortable doing that. Is it just me or what? The guys should be catching passes not returning punts.
I put this one on you. You were the super Smith supporter of how he was going to take us to promise land! I'm hoping you haven't had beer goggles on the whole time! Just get it together Smith and hand the ball to Gore!
GORE CAN SCORE!
GO NINERS!
I put this one on you. You were the super Smith supporter of how he was going to take us to promise land! I'm hoping you haven't had beer goggles on the whole time! Just get it together Smith and hand the ball to Gore!
GORE CAN SCORE!
GO NINERS!
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/2009/11/martz-still-not.html?mi_rss=49ers%20Blog%20and%20Q%26A
Martz on Smith & Hill.
Does anyone think that Singletary is talking way too much about making the playoffs, turning it around, it will happen bravado? I know he has to be positive, but he keeps making these promises and if they lose tonight will it be more of the same? It kinda reminds me of when Nolan hung the banner outside the locker room "WIN the WEST". Really? are you sure we are that good cause so far we look like a team crumbling. Also, has the strenuous training camp taking its toll, I mean we always seem to fall apart late in the game, is that fatigue?
.....of course A.Smith is destined to take us to the playoffs...
don't worry ....have faith
you will see a preview tonite....:)
Borrowing from the World Series of Poker, it appears Singletary is "all in" on this game. Gonna get crucified if we lose and he knows it. Amazing stuff.