The 49ers snapped their four-game losing streak thanks to Jay Cutler's five interceptions. And the 49ers needed every one of them. Michael Lewis' game-clinching pick came in the end zone on the final play of the game.
As the press corps was waiting in the tunnel outside the 49ers' locker room, George Devine Jr. of Fox Sports Radio was speaking with another reporter. He observed that Cutler had five interceptions and could've had two more because he "lollipopped" a couple of other passes.
Well, as luck would have it, Cutler was squeezing past Devine on his way to a post-game interview. Cutler heard the remark and suggested Devine do something that - to my knowledge - is anatomically impossible.
Here are a few quotes that are fit for print . . .
Mike Singletary
"Turnovers on offense we want to eliminate. Turnovers on defense we want to encourage. I think we just have to continue. It's a work in progress. When I look at the offensive side of the ball, we did not come out and do all the things I thought we could or hoped that we could.
"I think the one thing we did do well, toward the end of the game, I think our offense put a drive together and came up short at the end of it. But (we) put a drive together and took a lot of time off the clock, gave our defense a chance to game-plan a little better and make some adjustments on the sideline before getting back in the game."
When asked if this victory was a relief, Singletary answered: "I'd hate to use the word 'relief,' but trying to think of another one is kind of hard right now. So, I will say, 'yes.'"
On his pregame trash-talking with Bears defensive end Adewale Ogunleye: "I was just trying to get my team fired up. I told him that he better be ready, that we're coming hard and we're coming to win." (
On the Bears' defensive effort: "They did a good job. They played some pretty good defense."
Alex Smith
"Of course, you want to be able to do more on offense. The defense definitely won this game for us. We'd like to do more in the red zone. If we had put one of those into the end zone, it doesn't have to come down to the end of the game."
"I'd like to not have it that close at the finish. I'm happy for the team. Obviously, the defense played lights out. They really played tough down there when the game was on the line. It was great to see."
"It's a step in the right direction. I think the important thing about tonight is getting us back on the right track. Losing four in a row, it kind of kills momentum. To reverse that and get us going back where we need to go is a big deal."
Dashon Goldson
"We came out there and showed what the defense is made of. In the beginning of the year in training camp, we stressed turnovers. Every day we practice turnover drills. Today was a great opportunity for us, coming out at home after four losses in a row. We know what we can do, and we showed it."
Aubrayo Franklin
On his interception at the goal line and 10-yard return: "I was pretty tired out there. It had been a long drive. I tried to run with it, but I didn't have the legs left to go anywhere."
Tarell Brown
"It was two physical teams. We take our hats off to the Bears. They came out and fought. We both were in a short week, by playing this Thursday and we both came out and fought hard. It was definitely a must-win for us and we got it."
Frank Gore
"It was physical. It was real physical. They came to play, but we kept fighting. When we needed to make plays, we made plays."
Mark Roman
On Cutler: "You take your hat off to a guy like that because he truly believes in himself and as a football player, that's what you have to have. I wouldn't sell him short on that. But it was just trying to make plays at a time when you have to make plays. Our coaches put us in a great position to make plays, and we made the plays. The calls were coming in, everybody was communicating well.
* * *
And from the Bears' side . . .
Adewale Ogunleye
On whether
Jay Cutler
"I have to apologize to the defense, and the offense as a whole has to apologize. They (the Bears' defense) played a great game. They kept us in there throughout all the turnovers."
* * *
Hi Matt, Most of us were sure we were going to lose when da Bears reached the red zone. Josh McDaniels is looking better and better each week with his trade of Cutler. This is a game we always lost in the past, maybe it's a turning point, I hope so.
I hate to keep on the beat-up Raye bandwagon, but will someone tell him not only is he predictable in his play calling, but that he his predictable in his game management.
He plays aggressive when we don't have any points or when we need points. But as soon as we get a lead (any lead), He pulls out the grind the clock out playbook.
That’s fine if you are up by more than two scores. But you just knew we didn't have the horses to grind out the clock at the end and we were going to give Chicago one more shot at pulling this thing out.
The defense played a great game.Hats off to them and Greg Manusky. I hope we don't lose him next year.
Only saw the last 3-4 mins of the game (I'm in Italy)...I saw the D harassing Cutler, which was good. I was ready to shoot Bly, though, he made a dumb contact play in the middle of the field well past 5 yds. He knows the rules...you just can't make stupid plays like that, especially when we would've stopped them on 4th down. I thought we were going to lose it at the end, but Cutler saved us.
The offense...well, what can you say, it was anemic, at best. Da Bears gave up 45 and 41 pts their last 2 games...and we get 10 pts and 216 TOTAL yds? Yikes. Even the normally reliable Nedney and Andy Lee didn't get it done. I'm tired of the excuses...tired of missed chances...tired of unimaginative playcalling. Even though this was a win, it just strengthened my conviction that Jed York needs to dump Singletary after the season and hire Shanahan. He'll FIX our dead offense...that's his thing. We won't beat Seattle and 'Zona playing offense like this...forget GB and Philly, maybe even the Jags. Sorry, fans, I see a 6-10 or 7-9 finish (best)...and that's just not good enough.
First is any win is a good win!
The defense played well, but the tackling was very poor. The Bears big plays came as the result of poor tackling. A better offense would have taken advantage.
They also play the screen horribly, teams are starting to see that and run them frequently.
Offense is so erratic. Great plays, bad plays. But too often it seems they are well set up to defend the play call.
But Alex was much more decisive tonight. Have to see that as a big positive.
Well I'll take the win, 10 days rest and hope for growth going into next week!
Absolutely right. One converted third down and Niners beat Minn. Our line isn't dominant enough to allow us to be predictable.
voiceofreason, I have to respectfully disagree with your assessment that Raye pulls out the grind the clock out playbook when playing with a lead. If he had done that in the previous 2 games in which the Niners held a lead (Indy and Tennessee) they may have kept the lead and come away with wins.
You are correct, however, that the playcalling overall predictable and lackluster at best. 4th and a foot goes for 3 inches? Really? With the way the offensive line was playing (allowing the entire D-line into the backfield most of the game) was that really the best call?
Oh well. A win is a win.
Matt, how are we doing penalty-wise vs last year or prior years? It seems as if we incur a LOT of penalties...especially false starts on offense...and I'm wondering if this is a disturbing trend or not. Basically, as I know it good teams don't get penalized while bad teams do.
Gore gets pretty beat up. Sure need another back. Mostly beatable teams left on schedule with big fat circle @ Arizona.
I just got home from the stick. It was an ugly win, but I'll take it.
I felt sorry for Alex Smith because the The O line play was horrible. Alex had to hurry his throws time and again. On his one pick I was not paying attention to Crabtree's route so I could not tell from the stands if Crabtree turned the wrong way or if Alex threw to the wrong side.
The missed Nedney field goal on the first drive was big. 3 points there could have
changed the entire tone of the game.
The front three of Franklin, Sopoaga, and Smith were great. The secondary played great. The only problem area was still the lack of a pass rush. Cutler had way too much time. Even a mediocre effort by Cutler would have won the game for Chicago. Good thing for us was downright awful. I guess Josh McDaniel knew what he was doing when he booted Cutler out the door in Denver.
Next year we better go out and get a kicker maybe a Matt Stover. Nedney is done in my opinion he cant get a fg over 40 yards look at Gould and he has kicked in Candlestick how many times?
Yes Frank the offense was anemic, i was at the game, however this whole talk about tossing coach singlatory and jimmy Ray does not make sense to me!!! Lets get another system again and change things up! For god sake this offense needs to be together for a few years. And yes, we do need a better QB in 2010. I truly hope Alex comes along but it just does not appear that way in the past few games.
Frank, you want to bring in Shanahan and ANOTHER offensive coordinator??? I think that would set some kind of record for number of offenses learned by players during an entire NFL career, lol.
I think the offense is finally executing plays fairly well as that seemed to started occurring in the Titans game. If that continues then we need the O-line to start playing a lot better and for Jimmy Rayes playcalling to start getting more dynamic. However, I'd be willing to bet that he has called some dynamic plays that either went incomplete or were botched by the O-line...it is so limiting when your front line is so poor at executing. I'm sure part of Jimmy Rayes playcalls are to not ask too much from the line which is why we seem fairly vanilla.
It's so funny that the two quarterbacks look like a mirror image of each other. Cutler tried to compete with Alex Smith in throwing the ball to opponents' hands. Only the two defenses were worth watching tonight while both offense looked awful. Hopelly, with 10 days, Jimmy Rayes will come up with a better game plan for the Green Bay.
Where has our offense gone? Oh ya, I forgot....Smith is QB again.
A win is a win, but watching these two teams play each other reminds me of "Dumb and Dumber".
Just got back from the game.
Our O Line is such a weak link. Smith never had any time to throw and their run blocking was poor. Coach Raye was very conservative in play calling but I understand why. He just can't do much.
But you have to be happy when you win!
Rick, I was at the game as well and the INT happend right on front of me! Crabtree was open, however the ball hung too long in the air and it was off target. If Alex would have led Crabtree with a laser he may have been able to take it all the way!
Rick, good to hear from someone that was at the game. Your observation regarding the o-line play is good info since we couldn't see every play watching from home.
Many on the blog were attacking Smith for bad passes or hurrying the passes. I could see some of the O-line play and they didn't look like they were giving Alex enough time. Seems they need to cool their jets and give Alex and the o-line a break until end of year.
Im calling out these so-called 49er fans. To see half chicago fans tonight filled the stadium, makes me sick. Primetime game at the stick and all we could do is fill up half the stadium? Ive seen other teams fans there before, but the Bears fans were louder than 9er fans. Im sick to my stomach! Maybe the 9ers would be better suited in Santa Clara.
I've come up with a new drinking game during Niners games: drink when Raye calls a run straight up the middle. In the spirit of full disclosures, you may pass out by half time.
ninermd, you are right on!!! i was shocked to see all the bear fans. It appeared that half of the fans in the staduim were chicago bear fans!!!! I have never so many of opposing teams fans in candlestick! And you are correct the crowd was not loud enough either
Nate,
I too respect your opinion. But we were leading in the Indy game when all of a sudden we went conservative.
We led at halftime. And then Raye thought he could run out the clock for an entire half. When we got behind, he got aggressive again.
I'm just asking the guy to mix it up a little. I'm just a football fan and I can tell what he's doing to do. I'm sure any DC watching film for two days can figure out his pattern. We are almost always in third down situations. That’s because he has a high tenancy to run on first or second down. The opposing defense plays their odds and shuts us down. It's no different than in baseball.
Lefty’s against lefty’s; What batter has a better average against a given pitcher.
When we run, we run up the middle. Try off tackle; try more pitches (they have worked). Dump the ball off to Gore more often, hand it off to Norris…anything but the predictable.
I'm not sure what everybody was watching but to me Alex played a decent game he was 16-23 69% 118 yards 1 int. I'll give you that the yardage was low but they only ran 1 pass route over 20 yards all game. I thought the biggest moment was when it was second and long at there own 3 and they called a pass play that was a huge drive even though they didn't get any points it helped change the field position. I can't remember the last time I saw the niners even attempt something like that. A win is a win everyone forgets that 4 of there 5 losses were by a combined 17 points and 3 out of 4 a second half lead was blown. This team is def on the rise, give the coaching staff a break. This is the same team that was getting smoked week in and week out the last few years.
Smith's interception wasn't too great of throw, but the main problem was that Crabtree stumbled and was not able to jump up for the ball. I am happy for a win, but I can't say that it has made me any more optimistic about about the rest of the season. 10 pts off of 5 interceptions is unacceptable!
Our Defense is S.I.C.K!!!
SCRATCH
ITCH
CRAWL
KILL
Our starting qb's this season:
Alex Smith (0-3)
Jay Cutler (1-0)
Were you there?
When you drop a few grand for tickets I doubt you'll CARE what some blogger thinks.
The Defense played great.
I was wrong on Cutler.
The D made him look terrible.
The DB's sniffed him out.
NICE JOB.
Josh McDaniel must be chuckling.
But the Offense was MIA.
What has happened to the speed Crabtree had at Texas Tech? He looks SLOW.
They better score more versus Green Bay.
Roegres V Smith.
The defense played inspired. Alex Smith was efficient with what he was asked to do. Gore had a very complete game. The Bears did a good job on Davis, which hurt our offense. We didn't execute close to the whole goal line, and we had a few costly penalties. Yet we found a way to win the game. I'm proud of the teams fortitude. Raye was conservative, but Alex and the team needed a win for their confidence. The Bears aired it out and opened the playbook up. I bet their fans wish they had a few more runs up the middle.
Also, this was a short week of prep time people. Those games are usually either shootouts or more often shutdowns. The teams have less time to heal and game plan. Thus more penalties and errors.
an interesting breakdown on Alex Smith's passes and Gore's runs.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest
Um. Anyone know where in the Jimmy Raye playbook the "play action pass" would be located?
"Play action pass" shares a page with the "screen pass".
Matt Wilhelm was big for us tonight in relief of Spikes. His 3rd quarter was unreal!
Vernon Davis is killing us with his mouth and especially these false start penalties. He needs to shut his mouth for the rest of the year and listen to his quarterback at the line of scrimmage.
For the 100th time, our o- line sucks bad.
Alex is back there panicking and not loking around. He's doing the same thing Hill starting doing. They are worried about the pass rush and not looking for open receivers. There are some guys open for sure.
We are definitely going to play to the level of our competition all year. Thats not the mark of a playoff team.
This maybe the only time I agree with you but this time you're right on. It's been like that for a long time even in the Walsh years. Pathetic!!!!! There's rarely a twelfth man home advantage for the Niners at the Stick. It'll be interesting to see if it improves if and when the Niners get a new stadium.
Where did our offense go? You meant the one that:
Almost cost us the game with the paltry 13 points it scored against the Cardinals? If it weren't for Rossum's KO TD, we'd have lost.
Or the total-luck offense featuring two gratuitous big-plays the Seattle run defense gave us when they blew their run blitzes twice, thus giving Gore a record-tying day -- only one of two backs in the ENTIRE HISTORY OF THE NFL to have two TD runs of 75+ yards in a game? Seriously, you don't think that freak-days = working offense do you? Because that isn't repeatable on a weekly, or annual frankly, basis... As you may have noticed.
Oh, the 17 points it scored against the Vikings? That offense? Is that the one you meant?
The ten points it scored against Falcons who sport one of the poorer pass defenses in the NFL? That one, right?
The absolutely NOTHING it scored against the MEDIOCRE TEXANS until Hill was benched? Is that the one you're looking for?
That's four-and-one half games where the sum total of the "offensive production," not including the two blown run defenses, was 36 points. The only bright spot in "production" was a 35 point 'blow out' of the putrid Rams.
In short, except against (arguably) the worst team in the NFL, this offense did PRETTY MUCH NOTHING under Hill. So, is that the offense you're talking about? The one that was generating, on average (and not including the Rams), about 8-points a game?
Because that's the offense you're talking about! One that couldn't drive the ball more than once a game. One that couldn't score. One that relied on special teams and defensive scoring to win games BECAUSE IT COULDN'T.
Whoops. Prior post should have said:
That's four-and-one half games where the sum total of the "offensive production," not including the two blown run defenses, was 46 points. The only bright spot in "production" was a 35 point 'blow out' of the putrid Rams
It's still approximately 8 points per game on sustained drive, non-freak/special-teams/defensive/against-the-Rams scoring.
Which is why Hill was benched. Because you can't win on 8 points of sustainable, repeatable offensive production a game.
Anyone calling for a coaching/oc change is ignorant. What we need is a new OL coach and at some point allow Nate Davis to come in to see how the offense responds. Alex Smith is still not the answer. How many more games do we have to endure before we realize this? If he does not show anything more than he has in these next few games bring in Nate.
A win is a win. I'm glad we won even if it was a poorly played game by both offenses. Thank heaven for Jay Cutler.
Matt or anyone,
I'm hoping you can help me settle a debate I'm having with a friend of mine who happens to be a Chiefs fan. Where can I go to find a stat which reflects the rankings of drive information by NFL Teams? Specifically, we are trying to find out which team in the NFL has the highest percentage of drives that result in 3 first downs or less. I say the 9ers are worse than the Chiefs in this stat based on the 9ers leading the league in 3 and outs. He believes the Chiefs are worse than the 9ers in putting sustained drives together.
Sando's comments on ESPN.com are spot on:
O-line shares a lot of the blame for the underwhelming offensive performance.
Niners played it safe for the most part.
Will need more from the passing game against GB.
also, Smith was 9 of 11 for 71 yds and a 93.6 rating from the shotgun. Paging Mr. Raye.
Is a new O-line coach going to suit up and play both guard positions and right tackle???? Instead, how about a new OC who doesn't try to sit on a 4 point lead the whole second half. Do you really want to get Davis killed?
With this OC and O-line it's going to be very hard to tell how good any QB is. How about getting a little speed out there opposite Crabtree with J.Hill or B.Jones instead of wasting time with Morgan just because he blocks well.
o-line has to play better...
what sucks is - i don't even think they can play better...
I am glad we have high draft picks next year to finally solve this o-line problem...
You have to give Smith credit. The O line play is horrible. Raye calls a three step drop and they just reach out and grab him. I thought the play calling was also poor. Our recievers don't get any seperation from the DB's. When you get 5pics and score only 10 pts its not a good thing.
All that being said hooray for the win and hopefully we will spend some $ on the O line next year.
Why don't we use B.Jones speed ?
I thought B.Jones was the best WR during camp......What is goin on?
i hope it is not the curse of 81
I am just glad we won.......4-5 baby
Next sunday...the cards play the seagrls
a win by the seagrls would be perfect...
Positives:
1) Frank Gore is great and we take him for granted. He puts 100 yards up and scores a touchdown and scarcely gets any praise.
2) Defense played well. 5 picks is great. Nice going.
3) Crabtree might be the best wr we have. Impressive after the long holdout.
Negatives:
1) Smith was "OK," Singletary said. Nothing special for the second straight week. Those who make excuses for him - or just want to proclaim they believe - are welcome to do so.
The debate will rage on and on until he loses his job again.
Matt, sorry to hear about your stolen computer. Hope you don't loose too much valuable information.
And hope that doesn't slow things to get us the great information you always deliver to us...
About the game... ugly, really ugly. We have better personnel than what we are showing. I hope it was the short week what made us play that way... really ugly.
Yes I was there. Were you? I do drop that kind of dough for these games. I don't know what you were watching, but the season ticket holders in my section sold their tickets to bears fans. In my opinion this isn't a business. Give up your season tix for fans that want to be there. Not to make money, or show up when they are winning. You might be cool with a half in half stadium, but this isn't a college rivalry game. So now you know I drop that kind of coin for my seats, your right I don't care what a blogger thinks. I wish SOME of you old so- called niner fans would just go away. I'm tired of hearing " I've been a fan since the seventies" and then turn around and sell your tix to opposing teams, when the niners are down. It's a new era and the new niner fans are the ones showing up to these games. SOME of these older fans are the reason the niner fans have the reputation of FAIRWEATHER FANS. I'm not saying all, but alot are. Btw great job from our d last night. I needed that game, now come on and smack the pack!
Our o-line is pathetic. There is no pocket to step up into - no time for routes to be run. There isn't a QB in this league that could effectively function behind them. The guards get beat like a drum consistantly.
The O-line is the single group holding this young team back.
ALEX SMITH WILL NEVER WIN A PLAYOFF GAME FOR THE 49ers! The answer is NATE DAVIS and once this team is eliminated from the playoffs in a few weeks I suspect we will see him.
I really thought the offense played poorly. But then I heard something on the post-game show that made sense to me. It was a short week for the 49ers and they couldn't really add that many plays to the plan and were using their base offensive playbook. And since Alex Smith hasn't been there throughout training camp as the starter it's hard to completely open up the playbook. I think as we move forward we'll see more plays and see the offense get comfortable with each other. GO 49ERS!!!
Crabtree doesn't look as fast as he did at t tech because this isn't college. He looked fine to me. He is not a blazer, but he has great Hands and runs routes with great precision. This kid is going to be good. Giving we build up the o-line and get a good qb in. He has to learn to make those critical catches. That drop near the goaline was big. He is still young and he will improve. When he starts getting the throws a little more downfield in the future, WATCH OUT! It's hard to gauge his speed when they have him finding windows in zone defenses. If you have noticed everytime he is thrown the ball. He is swarmed right away. As soon as we get out of this predictable offense, the better he will get.
And the funny thing is, I asked at least 100 fans there what the gsh stands for on their jersey. And most had no clue. Lol
"These 49ers don't look that different from Mike Nolan's squads."...- ouch
Well, sounds like nearly everyone, including myself, has grown tired of watching the Niners "PITIFUL" Offense embarrass themselves week in and week out! It surely doesn't take a rocket scientist to see what the problem is either. As many of you have already stated, the play, execution of the offensive line "STINKS"!!! Their ability to pass protect is so bad that the coaches are afraid to call a pass play longer than 15yds., knowing there's a 50/50 chance it will end with a int. or fumble by the pressured QB!! When the Niners come out in a obvious running formation on 1st. down or short yardage, the "O" line is not capable of getting any movement up front! Like the rest of us,opposing teams are well aware of this and play us accordingly on defense! Stacking the box, knowing they don't have to worry about anything deep!! At this point I think the Niners would be better served going almost exclusively to the spread formation with Gore in the backfield. It's the only way they can spread the opposing defense out, and they can still run Gore or pass out of it!! With the lack of execution of our "O" line, it doesn't matter who your QB or receivers are,"It ain't gonna happen"!!!.....At least not until the "O" lines play improves greatly!!!
Huge win to keep us alive. Our defense is the real deal, not just because of the picks but they have played some good offenses to date and have kept us in the games. The offense is a work in progress, for having a new coordinator, new personnel, and especially a new QB, you have to admit its not great, its not bad, its a work in progress. I think we can get by with it this year, but next year with some consistent continuity for a change, and some restructuring of the line, we will be good! Resign Aubrayo Franklin and how bout Wilhelm!
The offense isn't bad? What team are you watching? The 9ers were +4 (only +3 if you take out the last play of the game) in turnovers and were still outgained by 124 yards. That has to be some kind of record. Smith only threw for 116 yards with no TD's against a team that has allowed 5 TD passes in 2 of it's last 3 games. The offense isn't a work in progress - it's a train wreck. Exactly where do you see progress?
I saw the o-line have an ok night. Gore rushed for over 100 without the big run. Barry sims has shocked me. I thought for sure smith would be crippled by now. But simms has protected his blindside pretty well. This is the first game I've seen smith in for two years. And I still see the same smith. Happy feet, bad reads, bad throws. I really think raye doesn't trust smith to throw deep. When smith does have time in the pocket he still hasn't improved. The niners have alot of work to do next year with this offense. I hope they figure it out, because these things are for sure, bad qb play' smith and hill, spoty o -line play and bad offensive play calling it's hard to put a finger on who's at fault. It's a three headed monster. And nedney has got to go. He is falling further and further down, since that good year in 06.
@GNB, JAC, @SEA, ARI, @PHI, DET, @STL
we can win all this games.....
Rick,
The Smith interception was to the wrong side and under thrown. It was a pretty long throw. Hard to hit those when you never do it. Crabtree had the defenders split but Alex couldn't get it there. In all, I was encouraged with Smith's play (and Crabtree's as well).
I know this much-when the defense gets 5 turnovers and Frank Gore runs for over 100 yards and they still can only manage 10 points, this team is in a heap of trouble...
I think you need to consider some underlying factors. This is Rayes first year as OC with the team, he is still a work in progress in finding out what these guys can and cannot do. Your whole training camp offensive philosophy is out the door considering you have a new QB who can do different things, remember we are still learning about Morgan, 2nd year in the league, Crabtree, 1st year in the league, Staley out, Gore finally helathy. How can you not say its a work in progress. Dont expect our offense to be a well oiled machine until you look at the situation more closely. Its takes time man, this is a team game and teams need time to gel. Continuity is huge, look at Manning and the Colts, and then you look at Cutler and the Bears, they like us have an offense that is not clicking, does it mean Cutler is a bad QB, no, he just played bad along with his o-line and receivers.
Well we certainly see things differently. Statistically, the 9ers are one of the 5 worst offenses in the league and your argument is that the players and coaches are just fine. They simply need more reps to gel. More reps aren't going to help Baas & Rachal stop getting WHIPPED by bottom tier d-lineman. More reps aren't going to help Jimmy Raye become a better play caller. Alex Smith should get a bit more time but more reps may not make him an adequate starter. Time will tell but he simply still looks like a bust. We can agree to disagree but I see no progress on offense. If they end the year playing like they are right now then significant changes should be in order.
Cheer up everyone, just imagine if Olsen caught that ball in the last seconds of the 4th quarter. Yes the offense was bad last night but you have to believe its getting better. There taking chances down the field, their opening it up, with that comes the risk of int's. Its better than when Hill wa sin there where it was run, run, check down punt. I'm not happy with the turnovers but offensive game planning, new personnel, it will happen, you gots to have faith.
During a short week like this is the offense focusing on their basic plays during practice? I heard that the play calling is kept really simple and that is probably the reason the offense did not look that good. Not sure if it was an excuse or if there is any truth to that.
You realize just how bad this team is! There is no way we make the playoffs, unless some serious changes happen. AZ & Cincy look like al pro teams, us... Not so much! The coaches are scared to put the ball in Alex's hands thats should say enough! ZERO sacks, both the DL & OL are absolutely terrible. 5 INTs and you win by 4 points and almost lose the game?
It's not a bad team. Calling it a "bad team" can confuse the issue for weaker minds. The team is 4-4. It's an average team trying to squeeze out one of the last playoff spots.
I had them at 9-7 before the season and I still stand them behind that.
Those 2-14 years...that was bad.
The 49ers have done well against good teams like Minnesota and Indianapolis and lose at home at the Titans. We struggle to beat another average team like the Bears at home.
We looked ordinary against Chicago, inept offensively. But there is half a season to go.
For over thiry years I had season tickets and drove 90 miles to see the games. I did it beciase it was fun and I enjoyed the show. Two years ago I gave them up(great seats), nobody wanted to buy my extra tickets for full face value except Giant, and other teams fans when they visited. I got tired of waiting outside the gates and having to sell them at a 1/4 what they were worth.
BUT mainly I got tired of the crap the York's kept feeding us. $25 bucks to park, $100 a ticket, 5 straight losing seasons, mandatory purchase for pre-season junk, and a lousy game day experience! Try going to Lambeau and see how fans are treated.
I didn't like all those Bear fans last night, but I won't blame any season ticket holder for selling them. If you shelled out closed to $1500 per season ticket, cost inclusive, you would be tempted to sell your Thursday night ticket for $250 to a crazed Bear fan.
The issue is the Niners' play and what we get for our money. It is called Professional Sports. I promise you those players mainly play for the paycheck received on friday. Sure some are great guys, BUT none would play for free for the fans. NONE.
The O line the 49ers have is pathetic. That is the management's fault, not Sing, Raye, Alex, or anybody else. Look to who put it together.
I promise you in the 80's & 90's few sold their tixs
More observations:
Many of Gore's productive runs were out of the spread.
Smith was erratic but he did not get much time to throw. He needs to improve by end of year by putting together some consistent games.
QB coach Mike Johnson needs to get promoted before he leaves for another team - he seems to be on the "hot" list of up and coming coaches.
There are many holes on both offense and defense.
Another pass rusher that can take pressure off of DB's.
O-line has heart but need 2 more players through draft.
Vertical threat on offense is needed.
Much more speed at DB, KR/PR, and WR.
Again Ron Winter and Co. equals dirty laundry. This crew throws more flags, and Bly barely touched the guy. Hey Jimmy, how about some more runs from the 3 wide receiver sets? VD's shoulder must really be bothering him as he hasn't looked as beastly blocking as he normally does. Spikes is about done.
What has Mike Johnson ever done? He's coaching QB's who are at the bottom of the NFL in many categories. Has he helped to improve the play of Hill or Smith? He was unemployed last year. Wait, let me rephrase that, he was paid by the Ravens to NOT coach on that team. Why in the world does he deserve a promotion? If he helps build Nate Davis into a starter then maybe he deserves a little notice. Until then, "Don't Tell Me, Show Me".
Seems like Spikes is more interested in TKO TV. Wilhelm came in quicker and was all over the field. I like Spikes but he does seem like he is about through.
My thoughts exactly!
I wonder if the 9ers would still choose Crabtree over Michael Oher, if they could go back and do the draft over again. People make well-reasoned arguments why teams should take the best player available rather than draft by position. But man, life is really miserable for the whole offense without a decent O line.
Looks like the defenses have adjusted to Alex Smith last two weeks. He was barely average last night. Any other decent QB could have killed Bears D.
Look for a rough day at GB. I hope that Gore has another solid game in GB and defense plays well again to have any chance.
For once I agree with ninermd.. But it's not a big surprise to see. This always happens at Niner games, but this one was worse than any I have seen in a while, with the exception of the preseason Raider game. All the corporate cheese balls give away tickets and the so-called fans who buy season tickets just cause they can don't care about offing their tix to opposing fans. I had BEar fans to the right, behind me and in front of me.
Somebody please get the Niners out of that Sh--hole
They're 4-5, not 4-4.
Right. 4-5. I knew that after I sent it out. I didn't correct myself b/c I knew someone else would jump on it.
What about the rest of the post, some guy?
My TED showed up last night....
Bye bye Spikes - welcome Wilhelm
This is for anyone who went ot the game, I keep reading complaints about the amount of Bears jerseys at the game but when I watched on TV I saw a lot of them were Singletary's Bears jersey. Does anyone know if that might have had a lot to do with it? It just seems wierd that we would have a lot of Chicago fans in San Fran for a Thursday game.
Not going to bash to much today.
just want to point out that the offense although they suck right now, they are pretty young, josh morgan, crabtree, staley, davis, rachal, coffee. In the nfl you can have a few veteran players on defense and let the young guys fly around, but on offense being young doesnt translate into instant success. everything is slow and they take to long to get to the line and get the play off. another observation, why the heck do we huddle on the first play of the game? shouldn't we have the first play ready, quick snap guys, watch the saints.
As I have said over and over and over..
Alex Smith does not have "IT". We need to get some good, live looks at Nate Davis so that we can plan our Draft strategy. If Davis doesn't have "IT", let's start looking for who might have "IT".
and @OneNiner LMFAO - HAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH! Can you post a picture of you in your Alex Smith pajamas?
Black humor from the Chicago Tribune about the 49ers' offense:
"Here were two boring, evenly matched teams going at it like a pickup game at a somnambulist convention. The Bears' defense, so bad last week, couldn't give up 41 points to the 49ers in a best-of-seven series."
Not bad.
OK, guys. I gotta go to work.
Let's go, 49ers.
Alot of you people don't know what your talking about! I see alot of fans want nate davis in but lets be real here... i don't think he can do any better than what alex is doing. why? offensive line. i hear alot of questions like how come they don't throw deep or open it up? definitely alex can get it out there... but he can't go through all his reads and progressions when most of the pressure is coming up the middle. to run those types of plays your qb needs time. also alex played good he didn't make a big mistake he knew his D is rolling so he was careful w/ the ball. i have a feeling he'll be alot better when he goes on the road to play GB he'll be able to be more relaxed and able to cut it loose than he does at home.
Wow Alex actually broke 100 yards and met his 1 INT quota. Playoffs? Are you kidding me? Back to the drawing board...
NEED QB
NEED PASS RUSHER
NEED OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
I am just glad we got the win. I was at the game and can say that atmosphere was great. Surprisingly to me, lots of Bears fans. Best play of the game is Vernon Davis running through the middle, gets the ball and just runs over the linebacker.
Both teams defenses played well. When there were 8 seconds and they were in the red zone I could barely watch. I was at the edge of my seat and Michael Lewis came up with the pick, the crowd was loud. Not a pretty game, but a fun one.
MM, sorry to hear about your stolen laptop.
Dude, Alex played good??? 118 yards, no TD and 1 INT. That sound good to you? LOL
Your point about Davis is not good either. You said it would be the same as having Alex in there. No, actually, if Davis played just as good or bad as Alex, then we'd have a similar game result AND we'd know if Nate Davis is worth developing. That is VALUABLE info. When the season is over, we're going to dump Smith. We need to know if Davis is the QB of the future or are we pursuing one in the draft. Every pick will count, as we have so many other needs.
PS: When Alex Smith leaves San Fran, will oneniner go with him?
Dude you crack me up.. you should go on 49ersnews.com where there are plenty of people who think Alex is the savior. Hahaha.
Never been to 49ersnews.com, I'll have to go register and tell the simpleton-Alex Smith believers what's up.
u non-believers can cry as much as you want.....A.Smith is the QB for a looooong loong time.....better get used to it...
Bottom line is we won and alex didn't make a big mistake to lose the game for us. would you rather win ugly or lose pretty w/ all the nice stats? coming off a 4 straight losses i'd take the win.
Why are so many people reactionary? Last night was in no way a real example of how our team can play. A huge part of each game is game planning and implementation of that plan. This is how a week normally goes:
Sunday night - Coaches meet to discuss ideas
Monday and Tuesday - Coaches solidify game plan and what kind of offense and defense they want to run. Players spend this time watching game film and working out.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday- Implementing game plan in practice and getting use to the plays they will run.
.
This last week they had one day to game plan and one day to practice so the players themselves have said they had to basically reuse an old gameplan for this game. So of course the defenses are going to be more prepared because the offenses can't do anything new. Wait and see what they do against Green Bay next week with an extra three days of prep. Bottom line is we wont be that bad on Offense every week and we wont look that good on defense either.
If the Niners win the next three games against GB, JKV,and the Seachickens, that Monday nighter will be a playoff game.
The most important thing to come from this win is that we held our lead. We had the lead at the end and finished. That's what Sing wanted to do. That's what the Niners needed to do. Just win again! Alex wasn't pretty and didn't put up big numbers but we won. If he continues to improve we can be OK. He just needs to stay calm under pressure. It's really tough with this line! I believe he'll calm down once he can trust that his like will block. Once that happens, if that ever happens, then our QB can play too. Smith or Hill I don't care. JUST BLOCK!
not only was it a short week....we got injuries on the line......and the freaking grass was slippery wet......
if not for the field we would have had a td in the 4th quarter
when are we going to get a real stadium?...
..i am tired of this dump called candlestick park....
our field sucks....there is no home field advantage
> ... alex didn't make a big mistake to lose the game for us.
True. Even the INT gained 35 yards. Good for field position. Just like a punt.
I am not saying the INT was good. But most INTs are worse than that one.
not only was it a short week....we got injuries on the line......and the freaking grass was slippery wet......
if not for the field we would have had a td in the 4th quarter
when are we going to get a real stadium?...
..i am tired of this dump called candlestick park....
our field sucks....there is no home field advantage
Brilliant observations. Maybe you can make another astute deduction 2-3 years from now when all that stuff has occurred.
Why are so many people reactionary? Last night was in no way a real example of how our team can play. A huge part of each game is game planning and implementation of that plan. This is how a week normally goes:
Sunday night - Coaches meet to discuss ideas
Monday and Tuesday - Coaches solidify game plan and what kind of offense and defense they want to run. Players spend this time watching game film and working out.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday- Implementing game plan in practice and getting use to the plays they will run.
.
This last week they had one day to game plan and one day to practice so the players themselves have said they had to basically reuse an old gameplan for this game. So of course the defenses are going to be more prepared because the offenses can't do anything new. Wait and see what they do against Green Bay next week with an extra three days of prep. Bottom line is we wont be that bad on Offense every week and we wont look that good on defense either.
Sniffing the playoffs will be a bonus, this season has to be about determining if Smith is a viable QB for the future and whether or not Singletary can actually "motivate" for a whole season.
Does anybody remember that season way back into 2006 when Norv Turner had the foresight to move Alex Smith outside the pocket and dump passes off to Frank Gore to disguise an undersized and outmatched O-line? Nah, that's just crazy talk. Why would you want to put the ball in the hands of your most talented player in open space? Crazy talk.
vs Minn we lost 'pretty'
vs Chicago we won 'ugly'
I'll take the win regardless of how it looks
to me the shock of last nite...we can actually run Gore from a shotgun formation btw the tackles......Bass played extremely well in that run formation.....
"you would be tempted to sell your Thursday night ticket for $250 to a crazed Bear fan"
Nice young couple sat to my left last night, they picked up their tickets quite some time ago off craigslist. They were chicago transplants. They paid $5 over face. The people who own these seats rarely come to games, often arriving at the end of the 1st Q and departing at the start of the 4th--why bother?
I have vowed to those that sit around me that my seats will go empty before an opposing fan sits in them (on the extrememly rare occasion I do not attend).
It was an awful site to see so many opposing fans.
It is mind boggling how some of you can spew this crap out of your heads and into your keyboards, and actually believe it sounds intelligent. How can you determine that Alex Smith played poorly with a line like that? Did some of you even watch the game? He did everything that was asked of him. He made a couple mistakes but also made a couple really nice plays, and played well for the most part. He is human, he isn't perfect. He didn't put up Peyton Manning-like numbers, but it wasn't a bad performance either. I don't care who is back there, whether it's Smith or Manning or Jeff freakin' Brohm, we WILL NOT SCORE POINTS without a decent offensive line. How can you judge a quarterback, or receiver, or runningback, or anything involved with the offense when the line isn't doing their job? It is impossible to determine how good of a fit Smith is, and to a certain extent, how good of a fit Coach Raye is. You guys need to realize they are woking with what they have. It doesn't matter how much talent you have on offense if the guys up front aren't getting it done.
I'm not a huge fan of Raye's playcalling, but give the man a break. And calling for Smith's head because the offense isn't scoring? Did you ever stop and think that maybe it's hard to throw for 300 yards and 4 TD's when you're getting rushed every down and guys aren't getting open, or you don't even have time to find the open receiver? Do you guys understand how football works? Have you even played a single game of organized football in your lives?
I think some of you should just sign off this blog and never bother watching a football game again, because you obviously don't even know what you're looking at.
Singeltary needs to wake up and relealize this is not 1985. Offenses these days are to good to only score 6 points a game, unless something freakish happens like a QB throwing 5 interceptions. He needs to stop thinking about how he's going to controll the clock, and about how he's going to but points on the board.
Singeltary needs to wake up and relealize this is not 1985. Offenses these days are to good to only score 6 points a game, unless something freakish happens like a QB throwing 5 interceptions. He needs to stop thinking about how he's going to controll the clock, and ask himsel how his he going to but points on the board.
Most of these bloggers just dont get that simple concept that everything on offense revolves around the offensive line. Smith clearly does not get consistent protection, and Gore most times is bottled up, why? no holes, no blocking. However, the playcalling by an expereinced coordinator could help eliminate poor offensive line play, but I agree, most of the "kowabunga" you read on this blog makes little to no sense.
The TV guys were focusing on the Singletary Bears jerseys for obvious reasons. From my vantage point, The Bears fans were sporting Singletary, Payton, McMahon, Forte, Urlacher , etc jerseys in roughly equal numbers. I even saw a couple of Butkas jerseys. Interestingly there were no Cutler jerseys that I saw.
Talking of Jerseys, I wonder if anyone saw the stall just before the stairs of the ramp leading to the main entrance. The guy had a # 14 O'Sullivan jersey displayed prominently along with Montana and Rice. Somehow, I don't think he will be selling that one unless O'Sullivan's mother happens to be coming to the game.
I love Mike Singletary as a motivator. However as a head coach, I am not impressed.
He wants winners! Winners win games. A head coach needs to do what it takes to win games in this league, and Singletary's stubborness is the biggest obstacle facing this team right now.
A team needs to be "Fysical" with an F ... but a winning team needs to prepare week in and week out to win games. Running Frank Gore into defensive fronts that prepared all week and know exactly when Gore is going to run is not a winning strategy. Throwing against defenses that (SURPRISE) are prepared for them to pass in those particular situations are also not winning strategy, and by God it results in exactly what we have seen this season. It doesn't matter how talented (or not talented) our offensive players are, opposing defenses know exactly what they are going to do and prepare for it all week. That is why you never ever see the 49ers get into any sort of offensive rythm.
You win games in the NFL by scoring more points than the other team. Sure, you need your defense to minimize the amount of points the other team scores, but you still need to score more than the other guys. Mike Singletary needs to understand that. If he cannot find an offensive coordinator to make that happen, then he is going to lose.
If the front office needs to fire him and bring in a guy like Jon Gruden or Mike Shanahan, then so be it. They have an obligation to the success of the team that is superior to the one they have to Mike Singletary.
Hey Mike, guess what? The 49ers Faithful want winners too.
Head coaches that refuse to put a winner on the field? Can't support them. Can't root for them. Can't watch them. WE WANT WINNERS!
I love Mike Singletary as a motivator. However as a head coach, I am not impressed.
He wants winners! Winners win games. A head coach needs to do what it takes to win games in this league, and Singletary's stubborness is the biggest obstacle facing this team right now.
A team needs to be "Fysical" with an F ... but a winning team needs to prepare week in and week out to win games. Running Frank Gore into defensive fronts that prepared all week and know exactly when Gore is going to run is not a winning strategy. Throwing against defenses that (SURPRISE) are prepared for them to pass in those particular situations are also not winning strategy, and by God it results in exactly what we have seen this season. It doesn't matter how talented (or not talented) our offensive players are, opposing defenses know exactly what they are going to do and prepare for it all week. That is why you never ever see the 49ers get into any sort of offensive rythm.
You win games in the NFL by scoring more points than the other team. Sure, you need your defense to minimize the amount of points the other team scores, but you still need to score more than the other guys. Mike Singletary needs to understand that. If he cannot find an offensive coordinator to make that happen, then he is going to lose.
If the front office needs to fire him and bring in a guy like Jon Gruden or Mike Shanahan, then so be it. They have an obligation to the success of the team that is superior to the one they have to Mike Singletary.
Hey Mike, guess what? The 49ers Faithful want winners too.
Head coaches that refuse to put a winner on the field? Can't support them. Can't root for them. Can't watch them. WE WANT WINNERS!
I love Mike Singletary as a motivator. However as a head coach, I am not impressed.
He wants winners! Winners win games. A head coach needs to do what it takes to win games in this league, and Singletary's stubborness is the biggest obstacle facing this team right now.
A team needs to be "Fysical" with an F ... but a winning team needs to prepare week in and week out to win games. Running Frank Gore into defensive fronts that prepared all week and know exactly when Gore is going to run is not a winning strategy. Throwing against defenses that (SURPRISE) are prepared for them to pass in those particular situations are also not winning strategy, and by God it results in exactly what we have seen this season. It doesn't matter how talented (or not talented) our offensive players are, opposing defenses know exactly what they are going to do and prepare for it all week. That is why you never ever see the 49ers get into any sort of offensive rythm.
You win games in the NFL by scoring more points than the other team. Sure, you need your defense to minimize the amount of points the other team scores, but you still need to score more than the other guys. Mike Singletary needs to understand that. If he cannot find an offensive coordinator to make that happen, then he is going to lose.
If the front office needs to fire him and bring in a guy like Jon Gruden or Mike Shanahan, then so be it. They have an obligation to the success of the team that is superior to the one they have to Mike Singletary.
Hey Mike, guess what? The 49ers Faithful want winners too.
Head coaches that refuse to put a winner on the field? Can't support them. Can't root for them. Can't watch them. WE WANT WINNERS!
I love Mike Singletary as a motivator. However as a head coach, I am not impressed.
He wants winners! Winners win games. A head coach needs to do what it takes to win games in this league, and Singletary's stubborness is the biggest obstacle facing this team right now.
A team needs to be "Fysical" with an F ... but a winning team needs to prepare week in and week out to win games. Running Frank Gore into defensive fronts that prepared all week and know exactly when Gore is going to run is not a winning strategy. Throwing against defenses that (SURPRISE) are prepared for them to pass in those particular situations are also not winning strategy, and by God it results in exactly what we have seen this season. It doesn't matter how talented (or not talented) our offensive players are, opposing defenses know exactly what they are going to do and prepare for it all week. That is why you never ever see the 49ers get into any sort of offensive rythm.
You win games in the NFL by scoring more points than the other team. Sure, you need your defense to minimize the amount of points the other team scores, but you still need to score more than the other guys. Mike Singletary needs to understand that. If he cannot find an offensive coordinator to make that happen, then he is going to lose.
If the front office needs to fire him and bring in a guy like Jon Gruden or Mike Shanahan, then so be it. They have an obligation to the success of the team that is superior to the one they have to Mike Singletary.
Hey Mike, guess what? The 49ers Faithful want winners too.
Head coaches that refuse to put a winner on the field? Can't support them. Can't root for them. Can't watch them. WE WANT WINNERS!
I love Mike Singletary as a motivator. However as a head coach, I am not impressed.
He wants winners! Winners win games. A head coach needs to do what it takes to win games in this league, and Singletary's stubborness is the biggest obstacle facing this team right now.
A team needs to be "Fysical" with an F ... but a winning team needs to prepare week in and week out to win games. Running Frank Gore into defensive fronts that prepared all week and know exactly when Gore is going to run is not a winning strategy. Throwing against defenses that (SURPRISE) are prepared for them to pass in those particular situations are also not winning strategy, and by God it results in exactly what we have seen this season. It doesn't matter how talented (or not talented) our offensive players are, opposing defenses know exactly what they are going to do and prepare for it all week. That is why you never ever see the 49ers get into any sort of offensive rythm.
You win games in the NFL by scoring more points than the other team. Sure, you need your defense to minimize the amount of points the other team scores, but you still need to score more than the other guys. Mike Singletary needs to understand that. If he cannot find an offensive coordinator to make that happen, then he is going to lose.
If the front office needs to fire him and bring in a guy like Jon Gruden or Mike Shanahan, then so be it. They have an obligation to the success of the team that is superior to the one they have to Mike Singletary.
Hey Mike, guess what? The 49ers Faithful want winners too.
Head coaches that refuse to put a winner on the field? Can't support them. Can't root for them. Can't watch them. WE WANT WINNERS!
I love Mike Singletary as a motivator. However as a head coach, I am not impressed.
He wants winners! Winners win games. A head coach needs to do what it takes to win games in this league, and Singletary's stubborness is the biggest obstacle facing this team right now.
A team needs to be "Fysical" with an F ... but a winning team needs to prepare week in and week out to win games. Running Frank Gore into defensive fronts that prepared all week and know exactly when Gore is going to run is not a winning strategy. Throwing against defenses that (SURPRISE) are prepared for them to pass in those particular situations are also not winning strategy, and by God it results in exactly what we have seen this season. It doesn't matter how talented (or not talented) our offensive players are, opposing defenses know exactly what they are going to do and prepare for it all week. That is why you never ever see the 49ers get into any sort of offensive rythm.
You win games in the NFL by scoring more points than the other team. Sure, you need your defense to minimize the amount of points the other team scores, but you still need to score more than the other guys. Mike Singletary needs to understand that. If he cannot find an offensive coordinator to make that happen, then he is going to lose.
If the front office needs to fire him and bring in a guy like Jon Gruden or Mike Shanahan, then so be it. They have an obligation to the success of the team that is superior to the one they have to Mike Singletary.
Hey Mike, guess what? The 49ers Faithful want winners too.
Head coaches that refuse to put a winner on the field? Can't support them. Can't root for them. Can't watch them. WE WANT WINNERS!
Based on your argument then, you must believe McCloughan is responsible for the 9ers offensive troubles since he either signed or drafted every starter on the o-line.
Thanks, Pierre! Did you copy and paste your posts from the webzone?
Pierre is referring to an article on the webzone..Singletary basically admitting playing not to lose last night.. HASN'T HE LEARNED HIS FRKN LESSON??? lucky ars win... I'm so tired of this conservative crap it makes me sick.. Even after a win this coaching staff is driving me to wanna smoke crack!!! I can't even believe after the MIN/Indy loss that he would even go there... Coach Sing, with all due respect, WE Niner fans do not want to hear that! Cutler pulls that off at the end and I'm Jed York giving you your walking papers TODAY!! And I'll stuff Raye in your briefcase...
Still can't put anyone away and he still talkin playoffs... FRAUD!! AAaaahhhh, so pi$$ed off
Here are a few stats for you guys who are using the short turnaround on a Thursday night game as an excuse. The NFL scheduled 10 games on Thursday's in 2008. One of those games was the 1st week of the season so we'll throw that one out. So 18 teams participated in a Thursday game last year. The 9ers 218 total yards of offense ranks as the 3rd worst performance behind Oakland and Detroit. Alex Smith's 118 passing yards ranks as the 2nd worst performance behind Oakland. The offenses 10 points is tied for the 3rd worst point production.
I'm glad all you guys see reason for optimism. Unfortunately, I don't share your viewpoint and the numbers clearly back me up.
I love Mike Singletary as a motivator. However as a head coach, I am not impressed.
He wants winners! Winners win games. A head coach needs to do what it takes to win games in this league, and Singletary's stubborness is the biggest obstacle facing this team right now.
A team needs to be "Fysical" with an F ... but a winning team needs to prepare week in and week out to win games. Running Frank Gore into defensive fronts that prepared all week and know exactly when Gore is going to run is not a winning strategy. Throwing against defenses that (SURPRISE) are prepared for them to pass in those particular situations are also not winning strategy, and by God it results in exactly what we have seen this season. It doesn't matter how talented (or not talented) our offensive players are, opposing defenses know exactly what they are going to do and prepare for it all week. That is why you never ever see the 49ers get into any sort of offensive rythm.
You win games in the NFL by scoring more points than the other team. Sure, you need your defense to minimize the amount of points the other team scores, but you still need to score more than the other guys. Mike Singletary needs to understand that. If he cannot find an offensive coordinator to make that happen, then he is going to lose.
If the front office needs to fire him and bring in a guy like Jon Gruden or Mike Shanahan, then so be it. They have an obligation to the success of the team that is superior to the one they have to Mike Singletary.
Hey Mike, guess what? The 49ers Faithful want winners too.
Head coaches that refuse to put a winner on the field? Can't support them. Can't root for them. Can't watch them. WE WANT WINNERS!
You have lost your mind man!
I'm with you dude...
Smith should start every game regardless of how this plays out. He has the tools just needs the continuity and chemistry to build with the new weapons. Crabs, Morgan and Hill will come through. It's a process and once the line is fixed we're gonna be tough to beat
Thanks, Pierre! Did you copy and paste your comment from the webzone? Pierre is referring to Singeltary admitting playing not to lose last night (conservative) due to all of Cutlers mistakes.. This is becoming a joke! After the MIN/INDY game HAS HE NOT LEARNED HIS FRKNG LESSON?? If Cutler comes through at the goal line and I am Jed York - I am giving singletary his walking papers today and stuffing Raye in his briefcase with him... AAAAaahhhh, I'm so friggin PO'd..
There will NEVER be another 85 Bear defense... Coach Mike, with all due respect can you please realize that and productively pull your head out... Stubborn old-school!!
you forgot "CAN'T DO IT"
How so, Andre?? He is stubborn and obviously hasn't gotten it... Of course now thinking back, he did say he supported Rayes play-calling at the end of the MIN game.. So, it doesn't come as a total surprise; however, it's horsebleep!!
I don't even know what his philosophy is anymore?!?!
Ron is ST Pete, you are 100% correct, and I whole heartedly agree with that take..
Yes ano no. Was McC the reason Staley and Pashos got hurt? Of course not. They took gambles on Jennings and Marvel Smith, and unfortunately neither one paid off. Newberry would probably still be here if not for the injuries. Just a lot of bad luck. Injuries are a huge factor, it's not all the management's fault.
However, I am still angry that we failed to keep Smiley. That's a DEFINITE head scratcher. Also it was rather foolish that we wasted high picks on Baas, Wallace, Rachal, etc. Not necessarially all McC's fault, but maybe the guys in charge of scouting rookie linemen need to get the axe.
There's plenty of blame to go around for our offensive line troubles. I don't think McCloughan deserves all of it.
Yes ano no. Was McC the reason Staley and Pashos got hurt? Of course not. They took gambles on Jennings and Marvel Smith, and unfortunately neither one paid off. Newberry would probably still be here if not for the injuries. Just a lot of bad luck. Injuries are a huge factor, it's not all the management's fault.
However, I am still angry that we failed to keep Smiley. That's a DEFINITE head scratcher. Also it was rather foolish that we wasted high picks on Baas, Wallace, Rachal, etc. Not necessarially all McC's fault, but maybe the guys in charge of scouting rookie linemen need to get the axe.
There's plenty of blame to go around for our offensive line troubles. I don't think McCloughan deserves all of it.
Hey guys, I am really sorry about that multi-post.
Because I have nothing better to do and if your the same, watched the game again, specifically the o-line. Guys, Adam Snyder should not be playing, he whiffed on four or five blocks and he got manhandled the rest of the time. Wonder why Alex has been good and not spectacular, watch the game again and get back to me.
Come on man. McCloughan has to take full responsibility. To try and put the blame on some unknown scout for the wasted picks on Bass, Rachal, and Wallace is weak. Really a reach. Even McCloughan himself would be embarrassed to make that excuse.
As for injuries, that is even a bigger indictment of McCloughan. A good GM would ANTICIPATE injuries and have depth on his roster.
McCloughan is a wishful thinker who rather than accepting that a mistake was made and cutting the team'sl osses, keeps hoping against hope that his draft choices will make good. This means that every year the team has to carry players who are failures in the eyes of most objective observers around the league, but keep occupying a roster spot on the Niners because McCloughan drafted them.
You think Parcells would have kept Balmer around this year?
My sentiments exactly. I hope you remember the snake-oil that was sold us by Singletary and McCloughan in the pre-season about how well Snyder was progressing and how leaving him at the same spot would magically transform this bum into an all pro (please excuse slight exaggeration).
Those of us who remembered Snyder's terrible play from last year questioned this sudden and magical transformation, but were quickly shouted down by the McCloughan / Singletary Kool-Aid drinkers.
Actually, Rick, Parcells would love to have Balmer, who's playing very well but can't crack the rotation of one of best 3 man Dlines in the league. Parcells drafted Merling a few spots after Balmer, and that guy's doing nothing. His numnber one OT pick isn't setting the world on fire, either. Sheets is inactive. And Smiley's chronic bad shoulder has surfaced again. Calling Rachal a bust is a real stretch. He hasn't even finished a full year in the league yet. And Baas has been derailed constantly by injuries. And you don't know anything about Wallace except that he can't unseat the best center in the NFC west. And by the way, all you Oher lovers, he started pretty good but has been playing so badly lately that there's talk of benching him for awhile. As for snake oil, I believe we've played nine games and are still in contention for a playoff berth. I don't think that's been the case for quite a while.
HAHAHAHAHAHA!
You think they're going to win all three?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Far more likely they'll LOSE all three.
Dumb and Dumber got lucky last night. They should take the defense to a five-star restaurant over the weekend. The win was totally on the defense.
Ghod, I hope Jed pulls his head out and fires these clowns (along with McLoser) at the end of the season (which will be the Rams game), and hire Shanahan.
Why do I keep seeing people asking for Nate Davis to play??? IMO a rookie QB should NEVER see the field.
Why do people keep saying that Smith will be gone next year???? He is signed through 2010. I would imagine if any QB is cut it would be Hill, as he has proven he can't cut it and he is old. Davis will not be ready, and any QB they could possibly draft would not be ready. The only way he isn't the starting QB is if they sign or acquire a veteran QB that can outperform him. I took a look at the possible FA QB's and the only guy I would have any interest in would be David Carr.
Why do people keep calling for Singletary, Raye, and McCloughan to be fired???? Singletary is 9-9 so far... Not great, but not bad enough to be fired. The team plays with much more heart and intensity than it ever did in the 4 years with Nolan. Raye has been the OC for 9 games. 9!!!!!!! You have got to give the guy atleast 2 years and an OL to work with before you judge him. You could take any OC in the league and put him in Raye's place and the results wouldn't be much better. McCloughan has been the GM for less than 2 years and the talent level of the 9ers is getting better and better since he showed up. Terry Donahue was the donkey that made the 9ers suck for the last 6 years. If you consider that almost every area of the team was weak when he started and now they just need OL, pass rush, and QB I think he has done a pretty good job. Also, I have seen it posted on here that the 9ers have the 2nd or 3rd most drafted players on the roster.
I'm tired of the 9ers losing seasons, but I'm not an idiot. Be realistic in your expectations and have some patience.
Why do I keep seeing people asking for Nate Davis to play??? IMO a rookie QB should NEVER see the field.
Why do people keep saying that Smith will be gone next year???? He is signed through 2010. I would imagine if any QB is cut it would be Hill, as he has proven he can't cut it and he is old. Davis will not be ready, and any QB they could possibly draft would not be ready. The only way he isn't the starting QB is if they sign or acquire a veteran QB that can outperform him. I took a look at the possible FA QB's and the only guy I would have any interest in would be David Carr.
Why do people keep calling for Singletary, Raye, and McCloughan to be fired???? Singletary is 9-9 so far... Not great, but not bad enough to be fired. The team plays with much more heart and intensity than it ever did in the 4 years with Nolan. Raye has been the OC for 9 games. 9!!!!!!! You have got to give the guy atleast 2 years and an OL to work with before you judge him. You could take any OC in the league and put him in Raye's place and the results wouldn't be much better. McCloughan has been the GM for less than 2 years and the talent level of the 9ers is getting better and better since he showed up. Terry Donahue was the donkey that made the 9ers suck for the last 6 years. If you consider that almost every area of the team was weak when he started and now they just need OL, pass rush, and QB I think he has done a pretty good job. Also, I have seen it posted on here that the 9ers have the 2nd or 3rd most drafted players on the roster.
I'm tired of the 9ers losing seasons, but I'm not an idiot. Be realistic in your expectations and have some patience.
Some unknown scout? Umm, do you think McCloughan goes and watches every rookie in person and decides which players to draft all by himself? No way in hell.
I agree that he should have tried to add depth on the line. IMO the most important positions to have depth is on the offensive and defensive lines. I have no argument there. Failing to add depth on the offensive line through free agency is my biggest gripe about McCloughan.
I think McCloughan keeps some guys around because he hopes his patience pays off and the players will eventually realize their potential. I really don't think it's an ego thing. That's just a matter of opinion though.
Couldn't have said it better. Agreed 100%
Alex does not have leadership, his accuracy is subpar along with his pocket presence, arm strength average and a slow release. Nate has a canon arm, pocket presence with a quicker release. After the next 3 games we will know where we stand. If Alex starts to lead this team to victories-Great! If not and we do not have a chance for the playoffs it would defy commonsense to Not play Nate the last couple games to see how the offense responds and determine if we need to draft another QB. I personally do not think we will because I've watched Nate play at Ball St. his full career and I'm a believer in him to proven wrong.
Just spent way too much time reading the "experts"-thanks for a breath of fresh air!
Why not. Bill Walsh used to spent hours and hours watching game film on people he was looking to draft. That's how he found an un-known wide receiver from Mississippi Valley State who went on to become the greatest WR in the history of the game.
You and I are not that far apart. McCloughan has had some good draft choices (Willis, Gore, V. Davis) along with some mediocre ones. Nobody bats a 1000 in this game. I certainly don't expect McCloughan to either. But, it should not take more than a year or so to see that a mistake has been made and cut your losses. Every spot on the 53 man roster is precious. You just can't carry a person on potential unless you are in a total rebuilding mode.
"he found an un-known wide receiver" - NOT TRUE
"Rice had a record-setting 1983 campaign, including NCAA marks for receptions (102) and receiving yards (1,450) and being named first-team Division I-AA All-America. He also set a single-game NCAA record by catching 24 passes against Southern University. As a senior in 1984, he broke his own Division I-AA records for receptions (112) and receiving yards (1,845). His 27 touchdown receptions in that 1984 season set the NCAA mark for all divisions.
Rice was named to every All-American team (including the AP squad) and finished 9th in Heisman Trophy balloting in 1984. In the Blue Gray Classic all-star game played on Christmas Day, he earned MVP honors."
...........drafted in 85
From Sando on espn.com:
"The 49ers averaged 0.8 yards per carry on 10 rushing plays from their base offense featuring fullback Moran Norris."
Time to think a little bit more outside the box, Mr. Raye.
OK. You got me there. I should have said Division 2 instead of unknown.
However, I think you will agree that my point about Walsh spending hours looking at tape is still valid, right?
Walsh has also said that his "discovered" Dwight Clark back in 1979 when he was studying tape of Clemson QB Steve Fuller.
There's no substitute for studying film on players you are looking to draft. There are no shortcuts.
Exactly right Razoreater !
It is obvious that Raye and Sing know they can not trust Alex to win a game for them (at least not yet),even when the defenses are as bad as the Titans and the Bears(and they don't get much easier for a QB to pass against than those two !). The staff is afraid to let Alex loose because they know he will most likely do what he did in the titans game and what he almost did in the Bears game,give it away.(only 1 pick in the Bears game,but in reality Smith threw 3 interceptions,one was called back because of a penalty and the other was dropped by the defender. If either one of those were not "given back " to us,we would have lost the game).
Hopefully Alex can perform more like he did against the Texans a lot more often BUT in that 1/2 of play the defense was playing prevent with a 21 point lead and that 1/2 of play (Alex's best ever) can not be used as a true measuring stick of his real skill level at this time.
We all hope he becomes something special and great,but so far he has not shown all that great an improvement. Some improvement YES,but he will need to make much,much larger strides this season or it will be time to move on to see what we have in Nate Davis .
But let's not hate on any of our 3 QB's,they are all 49ers and whichever is on the field should be the guy we all cheer for !
The run and pass plays from the shotgun and 3 receiver sets seem to be working... maybe they can be Fysical with a F from a wide open offense?
Rick,
I think Walsh actually went to Clemson to work out Fuller and Clark was there and was asked to catch some balls from Fuller so Fuller would have someone to throw to during the workout.
Walsh remembered Clark on draft day because of that workout.
I think that is how the story was told by Walsh,not that he discovered Clark by watching film.
But Walsh certainly did watch film,but also counted on his scouts quite a bit.
McGloughan ,being a scout and personnel guy his whole career is also an avid watcher of video and the Niners have a great scouting group covering the Country !
In the mood for apple turnovers.
Good thing we get to see the Packers going against a 3-4 Dallas D.
Im glad to see the 9er D play like they did especially after Lil Jon ran around them the week before.
Hey, heres a question for the readers and bloggers. Which team would you rather see win the SEA vs. ARI game?
I don't know if anyone else has been watching Stanford destroy USC...
I get more and more impressed by Jim Harbaugh each week. If Jed does make a change after this season, I hope Harbaugh's name is high on the list. The man knows offense and runs a pro style offense instead of the gimmick spread garbage so many colleges have turned to in recent years.
There is no doubt in my mind that Jim Harbaugh will be a head coach in the NFL in a couple of years.
I'll answer for everyone for you. Seattle. Why would anyone want AZ to win if they're a niners fan? With a Seattle win that makes AZ 5-4. Niners are 4-5 and Seattle would be 4-5. We're 3-0 in our division, AZ would be 1-2 and Seattle would be 2-2. So I ask you ninermaniac, why would any Niner fan want Arizona to win?
You are so right!!! I have seats in section 33, row 25 right on the 40 yardline and so many of the season ticket holders seats were occupied by bear fans!!!! We need a new staduim so bad! what do you think about the small screen! It appears smaller than my screen in my house! Go Niners, please beat the pack.
I am cheering for any team that plays the AZ this year! yes even the cowboys!!! How sweet it would be to win in Lambo next sunday!
Can we all watch the games at your house?
Sure, it would be fun to get together with bunch of fellow niners since i live in chicago (the bear country)! I fly down for home games to root for this team and it is annoying to see fans of opposing not only showing up but acting like candlestick is therr home!
Three cheers for Chicago49er. Flying in for all home games, mark of a true 49er fan.
I lived in Clayton, Missouri (near St. Louis) for the couple of years in the late 90's, and I did the fly-in thing one of the years. My wife put her foot down and made me get by on NFL Sunday Ticket the following year.
I remember having to hurry to the airport after the Young to Owens pass which beat the Packers (1997?). The second best Red-eye flight I have ever been on. #1 was the return flight from Michigan after Super-Bowl 16.
Rick, now that was a great moment for this organization to beat the packers and advance to the next round. If only hearst did not break his ankle maybe we could have been the first team to win 6 super bowls! Man,I miss Steve Young as our QB.
GO Niners
I'm a little confused. I know Smith falls into the category of "ungood," but are we now going to knock him for hypothetical interceptions and mistakes too?
According to the boxscore, he had one interception. And if I remember correctly both of the partial-interceptions took place while Smith was being hit in the arm by a Bear defender.
I guess if we're counting Cutler actually had about 10 int's. Is there a way we could drop Smith's QB rating for all of the false start penalties? Since those too are a reflection on him. I mean if he weren't such a crappy QB, those quality linemen wouldn't have to get a head start right?
Wow, we're past the 150 mark and time for MM to make a new post on... I dunno... maybe some of his new recipes?
The bottom line is the niners should finish the season with Alex Smith, whether he throws five picks the next game, or if he can only guide his team again to 10 points.
Slim pickins' in the quarterback class next year. Yes, Tebow walks on water, but he was also blessed with Shaun Hill's arm strength. The niners should draft a DE and an OT with their #1 picks next year.
It was a short week. Short weeks are known for bad execution. Why can't you guys just enjoy a win. Its been a while since we had one. Also look at M Barrows take on Smith's performance.
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/2009/11/game-review-ale.html
Hi Matt . Rob Moseley from stoke ( here ) . I usually listen to the games , on 1077 the bone , but i decided to download the game & watched it last night - as I believed that this game Must be won . In your opinion ,, where has the passion (that was so evident in the second half against the texans ) Gone ? I dont get american newspapers , or live in the bay area ( but ive been to candlestick ) , so I cant form an opinion why we are still so "Tame " on offense . Are we waiting for Nate , or a first round pick next year , or will we recover the lost passion ? Our defense were superb , but we cant keep relying on them , and running the game play to " Hold Out " . We must attack , attack , attack .I saw the same play ( roll out ) more than once & other teams will soon spot this & counter it .Im happy about the win , but sad on the offense/play calling . bye from a cold & wet uk . Go 9ers
Hey up Rob,questioning our offense's production could start a riot on this blog(and maybe another 150 hits of response)-ranging "hey I'll meet you in my section buddy" to an expose on "ageism" or perhaps a longing for the good old days or a pining for the up and coming age of Nate Davis and the public flogging of Alex Smith and Coach Raye.Or perhaps more conjecture about a HC,etc etc.The closer we get to next level of play without quite reaching, the longer the blog hits.No mystery there.In the mean time forbearance is counseled while this team builds the pieces necessary to meet fan expectation.Until then have a pint for me and I'll raise a glass for you brother!
Hi hightop . I wasnt trying to insult our offense , but Asking the fans who visit this site = where is the passion , and do they ( fans like yourself ) believe that this current team can progress ? I really Believe that we can . I didnt sea the texans game , but the commentary team( gary plummer & co ) were going NUTS , the same as me whilst listening to the game .I suppose I am showing my age , as Alex just looked like Joe , when he rolled out ( I was screaming at the tv then = wow ) , but later on ( when we were running the clock down ), I missed the air attack & i kept saying to myself " God , theyre gonna score here" ( bears ) , but luckily they didnt .I like Alex , but I was just asking everyone here = what do they think was wrong with the attack , as I cant put my finger on it ( as we say in uk ) .Thanks for commenting on my post & lets see what we do agains the packers ( with over a week to get the offense firing on All cylinders ) . Bye for now from Rob
Andrew Luck...
Hey! I missed ALL you guys! Even the ones who don't like me and my comments! We're ALL FAMILY whether we like it or not! Just like real families, some of us rub others the wrong way and others are good to hear from!
I sure am glad we've got Frank Gore! The guys a BEAST! Crabtree looked good, but I'd like to see a little more breakaway speed! It'll come though!
Rick! I think you hit on something there! Harbaugh has one of those tough HC jobs where he, like Walsh did, has to get players who are little special when it comes to the grades! And yet look what he's doing down on the farm? And it hasn't taken him long!And that Andrew Luck kid at QB is really something special and is learning the pro offense Harbaugh has set up down there! And Luck is only a red shirt freshman!
It would be good for the 49ers to pick up a QB like that instead of having him play somewhere else when he's right in their backyard like other QB's they've missed on!
MM,
Did you make up that your laptop was stolen so that you could ignore us for 4 days?
Damn those Panthers!!! They won again today and that top 10 pick is slipping away.
You know chi. That's my neighborhood right there. But I'm lower down and that is season tix holder central. It's sickening.
None of us really expected Seattle to win with Mora and his OC he drags with him eveywhere he goes? Mora is NO HC! In fact he's kind of like a cancer that comes up and makes the team sick! He's not even a good DC! I have NO IDEA why he was given the HC job before Holmgren left? The guy really sucks!
He's kind of like his dad! Loses when all he has to do is close the door! Remember New Orleans when they were in our division! You ALWAYS knew they'd choke at the end!