Well, I really don't know what to think after that game. I sure was expecting more from the offense, I know that much. Lemme first say: I like Josh Morgan. A lot. I was not expecting him to look THAT good. Also: Jason Hill cannot effing catch anything. Off the top of my head I can remember 1 perfect TD pass over coverage that he dropped, and another first down that he dropped- both of which hit him in the hands.
19 runs, 37 passes- that's a lot. Hill had over half of them, though. Here's one person's opinion on the QBs:
O'Sullivan- Really? This guy has the best understanding of the offense? From what I saw, he did not look all that comfortable. The INT was pretty horrible, and the fumble...well I guess he's just not mobile. And his arm sure didn't look very strong. That said, he did have some nice completions to Morgan down the field.
Smith- Am I just being a stupid homer for thinking he looked pretty OK? I was wishing he could have stayed out there longer. He escaped pressure very nicely a couple times, times when he probably would have taken a sack in previous years. But again- I could be being a stupid homer here.
Hill- Is he allergic to throwing off his front foot? Some nice quick passes, but we all know he doesn't have a strong arm, and that's what caused the INT.
I have to admit, I was not paying 100% attention to the game, what with Zito pitching for the Giants and everything, so my takes may be off by quite a bit, but the offense did not look markedly improved to me. No TDs. In fact, the 49ers are the only team in the NFL to not score at least 10 points in their first preseason game. That is not encouraging right now.
We did know that there would be growing pains while the new offense was put in, but on the very first effing drive they ran a dive play on 3rd and 1- that is classic Hos shyte right there. I, sir, am not impressed. Let's see what next week brings, please.
BTW, if you're like me and don't have access to the live games, this guy will be streaming niner games all season, at least that's what he told me. Worked pretty good last night. (May only be availble during the games, though.)
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
Thiz tyme it countzzzz zzzzzzz....
Ok! So, I just read Maiocco's blog post talking about how unbelievably important this preseason game is, more so than any other. Sure, preseason games don't count, but "THIS TIME IT MATTARS!!!!" and "JOBS ARE AT STAKE!!11!!!!!!" he says, dramatically.
And I call bull doodoo. And it ain't just him sayin' it, either.
Obviously, there is a competition going to decide on a starting quarterback. But if it's going to be decided based on what they do without 2 of their top 3 WRs (and Bruce may not even play) in a meaningless game, then what exactly are we learning about these QBs tonight? O'Sullivan has the gritty, gamery, intestinal fortitude of a leadery "untangibility" we hear so much about, so he gets the start. Let me back off a little on what I said yesterday: I think he may be pretty good, actually. Maybe.
HowEVAHHH, I'm assuming his WR corps tonight will consist of Isaac Bruce for 3 plays, then Arnaz Battle, Jason Hill, and (rookie) Josh Morgan. Really? You're going to judge the future of a team based on how a QB performs with those targets? I'm sure we're all hoping those guys become all-pros, but come on. Also: Frank Gore will (probably) not be playing. So your 2 (maybe 3) biggest WR threats won't be playing, and the most dynamic player in your offense won't be there either. BUT YOUR JOB IS ON THE LINE!!!
And hey, Alex and Shaun? You're not even going to get the 2nd team WRs! You have to perform with all the camp bodies we signed off the street!
It really seems to me that the coaching staff shouldn't have to be relying on these friggen preseason games to decide a starter. You run the plays in practice, you see who sucks- it's not that difficult. Don't act like the entire season hinges on the outcome of these games, you're just massively overselling them when you say that. And if you really are placing that much importance on these ridiculous exhibition games, well, then you're just a stupid as we all think you are.
Oh yeah, and LOL Jets. It's gonna be fun watching you suck this year. Also: GDIAF, Brett. I have the Jets game circled multiple times on my calander.
COUNTDOWN TO (niner) FOOTBALL BEING PLAYED ON AN ACTUAL FIELD: a few hours!!11!!11!!1!11!11!1 Get pumped! It's go time
And I call bull doodoo. And it ain't just him sayin' it, either.
Obviously, there is a competition going to decide on a starting quarterback. But if it's going to be decided based on what they do without 2 of their top 3 WRs (and Bruce may not even play) in a meaningless game, then what exactly are we learning about these QBs tonight? O'Sullivan has the gritty, gamery, intestinal fortitude of a leadery "untangibility" we hear so much about, so he gets the start. Let me back off a little on what I said yesterday: I think he may be pretty good, actually. Maybe.
HowEVAHHH, I'm assuming his WR corps tonight will consist of Isaac Bruce for 3 plays, then Arnaz Battle, Jason Hill, and (rookie) Josh Morgan. Really? You're going to judge the future of a team based on how a QB performs with those targets? I'm sure we're all hoping those guys become all-pros, but come on. Also: Frank Gore will (probably) not be playing. So your 2 (maybe 3) biggest WR threats won't be playing, and the most dynamic player in your offense won't be there either. BUT YOUR JOB IS ON THE LINE!!!
And hey, Alex and Shaun? You're not even going to get the 2nd team WRs! You have to perform with all the camp bodies we signed off the street!
It really seems to me that the coaching staff shouldn't have to be relying on these friggen preseason games to decide a starter. You run the plays in practice, you see who sucks- it's not that difficult. Don't act like the entire season hinges on the outcome of these games, you're just massively overselling them when you say that. And if you really are placing that much importance on these ridiculous exhibition games, well, then you're just a stupid as we all think you are.
Oh yeah, and LOL Jets. It's gonna be fun watching you suck this year. Also: GDIAF, Brett. I have the Jets game circled multiple times on my calander.
COUNTDOWN TO (niner) FOOTBALL BEING PLAYED ON AN ACTUAL FIELD: a few hours!!11!!11!!1!11!11!1 Get pumped! It's go time
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
BREAKING NEWS!!1!!!!!1111111111
O'Sullivan to start preseason opener!!!11!1111!1!!!
I guess this makes the most sense, since he knows a little bit about what he's going to be doing, but am I alone in thinking that Smith should be getting more work in? It just seems like he actually has the most talent, and that he needs more work in order to not be "non-functional".
One thing I know: I sure as hell don't believe the reason Nolan gave:
Seriously, is it so hard to just tell the truth once in awhile? "Well, my job is on the line this year, and if I run a QB who has little experience in this complex offense out there to start a game, and he looks like crap, I'll look like a complete tool. Also: I am incompetent". Wouldn't that be nice to hear for a change? It may be a little thing, but I can't even read a quote from the guy without getting pissed off anymore. He is so full of crap.
O'Sullivan in his natural habitat.
I guess this makes the most sense, since he knows a little bit about what he's going to be doing, but am I alone in thinking that Smith should be getting more work in? It just seems like he actually has the most talent, and that he needs more work in order to not be "non-functional".
One thing I know: I sure as hell don't believe the reason Nolan gave:
Nolan said O'Sullivan will work with the first team for the first quarter to quarter-and-a-half because he is less familiar with O'Sullivan than Alex Smith and Shaun Hill....
"We have experience with Shaun and Alex in game situations, and we do not have that experience with J.T. O'Sullivan," Nolan said.
Seriously, is it so hard to just tell the truth once in awhile? "Well, my job is on the line this year, and if I run a QB who has little experience in this complex offense out there to start a game, and he looks like crap, I'll look like a complete tool. Also: I am incompetent". Wouldn't that be nice to hear for a change? It may be a little thing, but I can't even read a quote from the guy without getting pissed off anymore. He is so full of crap.
O'Sullivan in his natural habitat.
Fantasy Football11!1111!11
Posted this on the furom, but got zero response. Any of you peeps interested in doing FF again this year? It was a blast last season, so I figured it would be fun to try out again. Lemme know.
I love el jeffe, but...
would it really be a great idea to have him play here? I'm sorry, but I do not understand this at all:
Not sure about anyone else, but when I read this, my first reaction was "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE GOD NO!11!1!1!"
Like I said, I love Jeff Garcia and everything, but the niners ain't the Vikings. It's not a case of "get yourself a decent QB and you probably go to the super bowl". The upside of getting Garcia would be extremely small- you're basically destroying your future to have a chance to maybe win 2 or 3 more games this year. This is a move Brian Sabean would make.
This is Alex's pivitol now-or-never season. Why in the world would you trade for a 38 year-old QB who has, at most, 2 seasons left? Who has zero experience in this very complex offense? I havn't ruled out the fact that Maiocco is just being sentimental here, but it's still worrying, especially with the monkeys in charge of the team. :0
Also: how pathetic are the Raiders and their fans? Sure, it's only preseason, but you seriously couldn't sell the game out? Good grief. Maybe Javon Walker will retire in shame. Not sure about anyone else, but I'll be hunched over my computer listening to Starkey. And desperatly trying to find someone who's streaming the game, if at all possible.
COUNTDOWN TO (niner) FOOTBAL BEING PLAYED ON AN ACTUAL FIELD: 3 Days
At 38, Garcia would have to cram but he could get up to speed in Martz's offense in relatively short order - enough time for the regular-season opener against the Cardinals on Sept. 7.
Not sure about anyone else, but when I read this, my first reaction was "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE GOD NO!11!1!1!"
Like I said, I love Jeff Garcia and everything, but the niners ain't the Vikings. It's not a case of "get yourself a decent QB and you probably go to the super bowl". The upside of getting Garcia would be extremely small- you're basically destroying your future to have a chance to maybe win 2 or 3 more games this year. This is a move Brian Sabean would make.
This is Alex's pivitol now-or-never season. Why in the world would you trade for a 38 year-old QB who has, at most, 2 seasons left? Who has zero experience in this very complex offense? I havn't ruled out the fact that Maiocco is just being sentimental here, but it's still worrying, especially with the monkeys in charge of the team. :0
Also: how pathetic are the Raiders and their fans? Sure, it's only preseason, but you seriously couldn't sell the game out? Good grief. Maybe Javon Walker will retire in shame. Not sure about anyone else, but I'll be hunched over my computer listening to Starkey. And desperatly trying to find someone who's streaming the game, if at all possible.
COUNTDOWN TO (niner) FOOTBAL BEING PLAYED ON AN ACTUAL FIELD: 3 Days
Monday, August 4, 2008
Sick of fav-rah
Seriously dude, STFU already. We all hate you. And hope you die soon. (Is that just me? Or everyone?)
Anyways, joint practice sounds like it was a ringing success. The scuffles are always fun. Good thing Lelie is showing his great durability, too:
Awesome. Sooo glad the ofense sounds like it'll be ready to roll on day 1. I know there will be inevitable horridity to start the season, but if it's at least watchable after a couple weeks it won't be that bad. I think.
The HOF game has got me totally pumped for football now. There it was! Being played! Live! On TV!!!! FOOTBALL TIIYYYYMMMMEEEE!!!! (in america)
COUNTDOWN TO (niner) FOOTBALL BEING PLAYED ON AN ACTUAL FIELD: 4 Days
Anyways, joint practice sounds like it was a ringing success. The scuffles are always fun. Good thing Lelie is showing his great durability, too:
But he was limping with his left calf wrapped in ice as he made his way to a team bus. Lelie said his calf was feeling "fatigued." He status for tonight's practice is also in question.
Awesome. Sooo glad the ofense sounds like it'll be ready to roll on day 1. I know there will be inevitable horridity to start the season, but if it's at least watchable after a couple weeks it won't be that bad. I think.
The HOF game has got me totally pumped for football now. There it was! Being played! Live! On TV!!!! FOOTBALL TIIYYYYMMMMEEEE!!!! (in america)
COUNTDOWN TO (niner) FOOTBALL BEING PLAYED ON AN ACTUAL FIELD: 4 Days
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Training camp: Week 1
After a 2 week out-of-towness, with only my cellphone's connection to Maiocco's blog to feed me niner info, I'm back and ready to talk some foosball. This is when it gets exciting.
Impressions from camp:
Overall, it sounds like the defense is going to be pretty good. It also sounds like the QB situation is going to be a total disaster. I'm firmly on Smith's side, but not exactly giddy at his prospects to do anything soon- he should be getting the majority of the reps, since he's the one who needs to internalize information to be effective.
Whatev, if last year taught me anything it's that you don't make any kind of predictions at this point in the year. I'm approaching everything with EXTREMELY measured optimisim, but I'm expecting at least mild disappointment.
COUNTDOWN TO FOOTBALL BEING PLAYED ON AN ACTUAL FIELD: 5 days
Impressions from camp:
- This QB thing is being handled with typical Nolan effectiveness: "Yeah, it's a 2 person race." "What? I never said it was a 2 person race!" Anyone else have zero confidence that this will end well?
- Justin Smith is a defensive end. He played that position for like 7 years. Don't move him to OLB now. That's not his position- it's defensive end.
- Vernon Davis/Delanie Walker: there is now an offensive coordinator in charge who knows how to take advantage of these guys, and who won't leave a fullback on the field every time he runs them out there.
Overall, it sounds like the defense is going to be pretty good. It also sounds like the QB situation is going to be a total disaster. I'm firmly on Smith's side, but not exactly giddy at his prospects to do anything soon- he should be getting the majority of the reps, since he's the one who needs to internalize information to be effective.
Whatev, if last year taught me anything it's that you don't make any kind of predictions at this point in the year. I'm approaching everything with EXTREMELY measured optimisim, but I'm expecting at least mild disappointment.
COUNTDOWN TO FOOTBALL BEING PLAYED ON AN ACTUAL FIELD: 5 days
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Alex must do it this year
A comment I saw on Matt M's blog got my attention and I checked into the details of Alex' contract. He has to perform this year or he can be easily dumped for the remaining two years (2009, 2010). He is scheduled to make $9+mm in 2009 and $15+mm in 2010 in base salary. His remaining unamortized bonus going into 2009 is under $6mm so cutting him after this season would result in substantial cap savings for both years.
I was inclined to not believe the "QB competition" thing we have going, but frankly this puts it into perspective. Every time I come across one of these tidbits it reminds me what a great job the front office in general and Marathe in particular has done. Maybe they need to get Marathe on the New Stadium team.
I was inclined to not believe the "QB competition" thing we have going, but frankly this puts it into perspective. Every time I come across one of these tidbits it reminds me what a great job the front office in general and Marathe in particular has done. Maybe they need to get Marathe on the New Stadium team.
Training Camp tickets
I don't know if any of you guys are local, but I have tickets to training camp for all four weekend practices. Let me know if anyone wants to meet up.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
You tell me
Is going from Sean Salisbury to Trent Dilfer an upgrade? I say yes. A thousand, million, trillion times yes.
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