San Francisco 49ers

By Fooch One final tidbit from the ESPN preview.  Scouts Inc. came up with every team's favorite play.  For the 49ers, based on the Mike Martz offense, the play is the Play-Action Deep In.  This play has Isaac Bruce lined up to the left running a go route, while Vernon Davis is lined up as the tight end and r...

By howtheyscored New York Giants Los Angeles Rams 1-1 1-1 Chicago Bears 1-2 2-1 Detroit Lions 1-3 4-0 Chicago Bears 1-4 4-1 Detroit Lions 1-5 6-0 Los Angeles Rams 1-6 2-5 Green Bay Packers 2-6 2-6 Philadelphia Eagles Baltimore Colts 4-5 Green Bay Packers 4-7 Baltimore Colts 4-7 Head Coach: Frankie Albert

By Fooch Nolan was asked about the starters for this Friday's game against the Chargers.  Josh Morgan is out with what sounds like a really bad illness.  Must be a nasty flu bug or something.  On who would start otherwise: On how much time Johnson and Lelie might see:

A little pratice with the Raiders before the “real deal” - nfl-49ers(mvn.com)

Barry Sims signs with the 49ers: Impact? - Niners Nation

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By Fooch Any other sleepers you'd consider "sleepers" on the 49ers for fantasy purposes?  If we're to believe Mike Martz, Delanie Walker could be a possible bye week TE option.  It sounds like he'll be lined up all over the field, like the Duke, so that opens up some options.  Isaac Bruce is always a sa...

By Fooch Additionally, and I know this is stating the obvious, but Vernon Davis is just a physical beast.  The team was running a red zone drill and Davis ran a corner pattern.  I think it was O'Sullivan (not 100% sure) who threw up a pass and Davis went up over the corner covering him to make the catch.  He...

By Fooch Anyways, Johnson and Battle have spent much of training camp dinged up.  From earlier reports, Johnson was performing quite well in camp before going down with a hamstring injury during the combined practice with the Raiders.  Battle on the other hand seems to be nicked up every offseason...

By Fooch As we approach the last game of the preseason, it's all about keeping guys healthy.  The 49ers have done fairly well in keeping healthy (KNOCK ON WOOD) and they're taking serious precautions this Friday against San Diego.  The first-team units will apparently only play a series or so.

A little pratice with the Raiders before the “real deal” - nfl-49ers(mvn.com)

Barry Sims signs with the 49ers: Impact? - Niners Nation

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By Rishi EDITOR'S NOTE 8:00PM: I'd been meaning to mention something about this but never got around to it.  If you're somewhere else in the Bay Area (or anywhere in the country) and want to try and organize your own bar to watch games with other 49ers fans, feel free to use this thread.  Consider it the...

By Fooch Fooch: Before training camp started, Coach Martz was talking about the excitement of having a guy like Delanie Walker.  He hasn’t really been featured a whole lot.  Is it just a matter of implementing more of the game plan? Fooch: With his big performance against the Bears, do you know what y...

By Fooch vs. Green Bay Jordy Nelson - 114 yards on 2 returns - Nelson is listed as the THIRD TEAM returner for the Packers. Fooch: The starters are certainly getting more entrenched, but the 49ers coaching staff does not seem to have a problem with motivating players.

By howtheyscored Los Angeles Rams Cleveland Browns Chicago Bears 0-3 Detroit Lions 2-2 0-4 Chicago Bears 2-3 2-3 Detroit Lions 3-3 0-6 Los Angeles Rams 3-4 5-2 Washington Redskins 3-5 5-3 Green Bay Packers 3-6 5-4 Baltimore Colts 3-7 Green Bay Packers 3-8 6-5 Baltimore Colts 4-8 Head Coach: Red Strader

By Fooch It is now official, both Maiocco and Barrows are now reporting that Nolan announced O'Sullivan as the starting QB. Its interesting that  one of the reporters asked him if Alex is considered a bust and Nolan shut him down by saying that he is improving everyday.

By Fooch 3. Practice Squad/Cut QB Kyle Wright, WR Cam Colvin, LB Shaun Richardson, S D.J. Parker, S Lewis Baker, WR Jerard Rabb, G Brian De La Puente, DE Louis Holmes, G John Booker, TE J.J. Finley, P Ricky Schmitt, WR Robert Ortiz, OT Ramiro Pruneda

Final, final 49ers' 53-man roster projection - INSTANT 49ers

Projecting the 49ers 53-man roster #2 - Niners Nation

By Fooch QB I think it's safe to say that barring injury or an incredibly bad performance, "Just Touchdowns" O'Sullivan will be quarterbacking the 49ers week 1 against the Cardinals.  This has been one of the more bizarre quarterback competitions in recent memory, but we have no say in this, so tha...

By Fooch Michael Walter (1984-1993): After being drafted by the Cowboys and spending one season in Big D, Walter left for the Bay Area, where he played for ten seasons and on three Super Bowl squads.  Walter was a relatively low key, but integral member of those Super Bowl squads.  He led the team in ta...

By Fooch Packers Packers According to Mike Sando, the NFC West divisional blogger at ESPN, the 49ers have kept an average of 9 offensive linemen in the three years of Mike Nolan.  Injury issues aside, the 49ers roster right now would probably include Joe Staley, Adam Snyder, Eric Heitmann, David B...

By Fooch 2008 Regular Season Schedule DateOpponentTime (PST)NetworkSept. 7vs. Arizona Cardinals1:15 pmFOXSept. 14@ Seattle Seahawks1:05 pmFOXSept. 21vs. Detroit Lions1:05 pmFOXSept. 28@ New Orleans Saints10:00 amFOXOct. 5vs. New England Patriots1:15 pmCBSOct. 12vs. Philadelphia Eagles1:15...

By Fooch Well this is certainly getting rather interesting.  After starting the preseason opener against the Oakland Raiders, J.T. O'Sullivan has worked with the first team in every practice since.  Additionally, Shaun Hill has not played at all since the Raiders game.  Maiocco put together a run d...

By Fooch Special teams is an area that be underrated and wildly overrated all at the same time.  The Chicago Bears roll out Devin Hester and his home run potential, while the 49ers rolled out the quiet consistency of Maurice Hicks in 2007. Early in free agency, the 49ers added Allen Rossum in a deal tha...

By Fooch QB (3): Alex Smith, Shaun Hill, J.T. O'Sullivan RB (3): Frank Gore, DeShaun Foster, Michael Robinson WR (5): Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson, Arnaz Battle, Jason Hill, Josh Morgan TE (3): Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Billy Bajema LT (2): Joe Staley, Barry Sims

Final, final 49ers' 53-man roster projection - INSTANT 49ers

49ers first roster cut down date approaching - Niners Nation

By Fooch Keasey factored into several of my problems with the play-calling.  Smith had a nice little drive going at the end of the second quarter and on 3rd and 3 at the Raiders 5, the 49ers ran Keasey from the deep spot right up the middle for one yard.  In that situation why not run a little play-action?...

By Fooch The plan is to run this poll in the days leading up to each exhibition game.  Everyone will have their own opinion of how a given QB performed.  This will give us a very unscientific way of seeing where the collective public opinion lies. Poll How would you rank the three QBs heading into the Raid...

By Fooch Mike Nolan quotations: Huh?????  My biggest concern is in the timing.  I'd imagine there is a bit of a difference between chucking passes to Jason Hill, Ashley Lelie and Josh Morgan versus Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson and Arnaz Battle.

By Fooch Just for the hell of it, with all these rule changes, here's a point for discussion.  Do you find any particular rule in the NFL particularly stupid?  If you're a college football fan, maybe you'd prefer the NFL adopt 1 foot in bounds for a reception to be allowed.  Or maybe you'd prefer a varia...

By Fooch 3. QB numbers. Maiocco has been so kind as to provide his unofficial pass statistics for the 11-on-11 dills: Alex Smith is 65 of 99 (65.7%) with 1 TD and 3 INTs.  Shaun Hill is 60 of 94 (63.8%) with 1 TD and 4 INTs.  A couple things to keep in mind on those statistics: 1) The 49ers have worked inside the re...

By Fooch Kicking Joe Nedney: With only 19 field goal attempts, Nedney was not a viable fantasy option.  If the 49ers can move the ball a little more, he's consistent enough to be worth a look.  Until then he's a better real kicker than fantasy kicker.

By Fooch I can honestly say at this point that I'd rather add Morgan to the roster and cut ties with Lelie.  Realistically, Lelie would be no more than the #4 receiver on this roster behind Bruce, Johnson and Battle and maybe ahead of Jason Hill.  All things considered I'd rather just roll the dice with...

A little pratice with the Raiders before the “real deal” - nfl-49ers(mvn.com)

Barry Sims signs with the 49ers: Impact? - Niners Nation

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By Fooch Barring multiple injuries, I don't see how Zeigler can possibly make the 53-man roster.  Based on Mike Nolan's comments yesterday, it's pretty unlikely that the team will carry 6 wide receivers.  So that battle for spots 4 and 5 would be between Jason Hill, Ashley Lelie and Josh Morgan.  Dom...

By Fooch Walt Harris was held out of practice just because that’s the way we’re doing it. Just like we’ve done the last two years with him: one a day. That is the case with certain players. Jonas Jennings is one of those and Walt Harris, Isaac Bruce, Arnaz Battle – those are the four that come to mind. Joe Sta...

By Fooch The event included a variety of players, many of whom spent time with both the 49ers AND Raiders, including Ronnie Lott, Jerry Rice and Tom Rathman.  Some other ex and current Raiders were in attendance including Marcus Allen, Tim Brown, Darren McFadden and Nnamdi Asomugha.  As this defin...

By Fooch Keena Turner (1980-1990): Turner spent 11 seasons with the 49ers serving as a standout linebacker on four Super Bowl teams.  Turner's finest season came on the dominant 1984 defense that led the league in points allowed at 14.2 per game.  Turner earned a trip to the Pro Bowl behind 4 intercep...

By Fooch Best Case Record: 11-5, division champion.  While I'm not expecting this by any means, I think if things break the 49ers way and players develop like some of us hope, this is not out of the realm of possibility.  The 49ers face a tough schedule outside of the division but there are some upset po...

By Persiflage “I know what it feels like to be a 49er now.” - Terrell Owens “To me, Terrell Owens is the kind of kid who, if you say something he doesn’t like, he’ll punch you in the face. He’s got a nastiness to him like John Taylor, and I like it.” - Steve Young Niners 28, Bengals 21

By Fooch While a lot will be on Smith, the receivers will certainly have to make plays as well.  While the 49ers don't have spectacular receivers, this is probably the most depth they've had since Nolan took over.  Isaac Bruce knows the Martz offense and as a former QB Arnaz Battle should be able to pic...

By Fooch Frank Gore (2005-present): Gore has only been a 49er for three years, a starting running back for two of them.  In that time he has set the 49ers single season rushing record and twice led the team in receptions.  Gore currently stands #10 in the 49ers all-time rushing list.  Considering he's...

By Fooch Steve Wallace (1986-1996): My favorite memory of Steve Wallace came in the game where his "helmet shell" came off and Steve Young had to put it back on for him.  I think it was in 1994 when they won the Super Bowl, but I honestly can't remember.  I'm not sure why I so easily recall it, but I guess I'...

By Fooch What teams are ranked behind the 49ers fine stable of young guns?  The Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs.  Just for balance, the three teams ranked ahead of the 49ers are the Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings.

By Fooch Smith seems like a prototypical Nolan player in the way he grinds it out and busts his ass.  Smith practiced quite a bit at outside linebacker and will be one of the more flexible players on defense.  Tully Banta-Cain is better served coming off the bench and a reduction in his playing time wil...

A little pratice with the Raiders before the “real deal” - nfl-49ers(mvn.com)

Barry Sims signs with the 49ers: Impact? - Niners Nation

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By Fooch In looking over the numbers, there isn't a whole lot to be discerned at the moment.  The 49ers were 5-11 overall, and 5-10-1 against the spread. If you bet against the 49ers, you did rather well last season.  Of course aside from the usually ridiculous preseason bet on the team to win the Super B...

By Fooch They state that aside from Frank Gore, "there's just not much here for public leaguers to draft."  I guess that leaves the door open to consider Vernon Davis.  In ESPN's scoring system, Davis finished 15th among tight ends.  Personally Davis is a guy I would take this year to be my #1 tight end j...

By Fooch Jonas Jennings Jennings is immensely talented, but unfortunately quite injury-prone.  If Sims has a good camp, this could very well be the end of Jonas Jennings as a 49er.  He has never been guaranteed a spot in 2008 and this gives the 49ers some more options.  Cutting Jennings could open up a...

A little pratice with the Raiders before the “real deal” - nfl-49ers(mvn.com)

Semi-rational irrational prediction: 49ers defense will be ranked in the top of the NFL - Niners Nation

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By Fooch Walker is definitely a fan favorite of many and his potential has folks rather excited.  Vernon Davis is the future of the 49ers at tight end, but Walker is a guy who can definitely make an impact.  The 49ers seem to think the same thing with this extension.  Furthermore, Mike Martz has been imp...

By Fooch Not surprisingly, Frank Gore and Vernon Davis were pointed too as two extremely important guys for the offense, alongside Alex Smith.  Gore is a dual threat as a rusher and receiver, while Vernon Davis had one of the quieter 52-catch seasons in recent memory.  I think that goes to show just h...

By Fooch LG: I'm a happy guy.  I'm a very happy guy.  You know I just appreciate the fans that I do have out there.  I appreciate all the support that you give to this 49ers family and we're all truly blessed to have y'all.  And we need you out here every game this year.  I just want to thank you for everything an...

By Fooch Arizona Cardinals Seattle Seahawks St. Louis Rams Looking at those three drafts, my personal opinion is that the Cardinals had the best draft, the Rams are second and closing and the Seahawks bring up the rear, although it's a pretty packed bunch.  Every team certainly added some talent, s...

By Fooch 4. Reggie Smith will be returning kicks and/or punts.  Maurice Hicks was quite solid on special teams, but the 49ers have not had the game-breaking kick/punt returning in ages.  It'd be pretty sweet to see Reggie Smith develop that aspect of the 49ers special teams.

By Fooch In the meantime, Matt Miller has put together his list of the 50 best players remaining (in the link above).  I think this will kill our chances of getting Jerod Mayo, for those who wanted him.  However, there are still plenty of talented players left.  The second round starts up tomorrow and i...

By Fooch So after the various discussions about wide receivers in the draft and DeSean Jackson in particular, is there a consensus on him?  If you continue the Santana Moss comparison, Moss is slightly shorter, but outweighs Jackson by 20 lbs.  Considering Jackson's speed is his biggest asset, d...

By Fooch Last year the 49ers two big targets were Nate Clements and Adalius Thomas.  1-for-2 worked out ok, although I know most of us would have loved having Thomas lining up with Patrick Willis.  This year, Justin Smith is one of multiple targets for the 49ers and so I thought I'd get what info I could...