IDK if you've heard, but the Packers are goin to SF tonight. And I've heard somewhere that there's something significant about their QB. I'm not sure, because there sure hasn't been enough media coverage about it, but I think there's something there.
I'll just say this- anyone who wants to compare Rodgers to Smith can STFU and GTFO. Maiocco (link also available to the right! Ooo, shiny) says everything I've been thinking, only in a much more understandable way. It's apples & oranges to compare them with the relative careers they've had to this point. If Nolan was Rodgers' coach, I really doubt the dude would be any good; but I'm a homer. I didn't know that Nolan, right after he selected Smith, was trying to trade him. How did we not realize this guy is a douchebag sooner? I guess I wasn't paying close attention.
About tonight's game: It'll be the Josh Morgan show on offense methinks. Limited Gore/ Bruce, no Lelie/Johnson/Battle. Could get ugly if Morgan can't beat the D. Oh yeah, and O'Sullivan at QB.... I have a more open mind now than I did earlier (back sliding in progress), but confidence not high right now.
Just so you know, here's the link again I used to watch the game last week. I'm hoping it works again tonight. It's got the New York Favres game on right now, but the chat room assures me it'll be the niners at game time...
Beet teh packurs pleez.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
WRs..and other stuff
So I'm watching some random old niner game I recently acquired ('97 MNF vs the Broncos- Rice's first game back after knee surgery), and it struck me- I'm a huge nerd who downloads and watches old niner games for no real reason. But something else made itself apparent too: the WRs that have been playing for the 49ers in recent years are truly awful.
Sure, that's not really a surprise to anyone. We all know the entire offense has been bad for years now, but seriously- JJ Stokes was better than any single WR we've seen on gameday since 2003. JJ. Stokes. The same JJ stokes that we all make fun of all the time for "r00fleez being teh su><0rz!!". I know Battle's been around a long time and has been a nice consistent target, but if he's anything more than a number 3 WR on your team, your team has very bad numbers 1 and 2 WRs. When you really step back and look at how bad the WRs have been, it's inexcusable.
Not to say that there's not hope- Josh Morgan sure looked damn good in his debut, and we've got Johnson and Bruce to look to for some much-needed improvement. But ModMatt made an excellent point when he said the offensive players that the 49ers release don't get acquired by any other teams- how is that possible? How can you have such high draft picks year after year and yet have such a terrible offense? I do not get it. And I don't see it getting any better, which leads me to:
One man's suggestion for making a truly terrible offense not so terrible:
And yes, I'm a hopeless homer on Alex Smith, but the dude got totally screwed last season. He deserves one more "real" shot before he's written off as so many people seem so eager to do already.
Sure, that's not really a surprise to anyone. We all know the entire offense has been bad for years now, but seriously- JJ Stokes was better than any single WR we've seen on gameday since 2003. JJ. Stokes. The same JJ stokes that we all make fun of all the time for "r00fleez being teh su><0rz!!". I know Battle's been around a long time and has been a nice consistent target, but if he's anything more than a number 3 WR on your team, your team has very bad numbers 1 and 2 WRs. When you really step back and look at how bad the WRs have been, it's inexcusable.
Not to say that there's not hope- Josh Morgan sure looked damn good in his debut, and we've got Johnson and Bruce to look to for some much-needed improvement. But ModMatt made an excellent point when he said the offensive players that the 49ers release don't get acquired by any other teams- how is that possible? How can you have such high draft picks year after year and yet have such a terrible offense? I do not get it. And I don't see it getting any better, which leads me to:
One man's suggestion for making a truly terrible offense not so terrible:
- Stop lying to us that this is a "3 way QB competition", pick a quarterback, and make him your starter; the last thing in the world a crappy offensive team needs is uncertainty at quarterback. Nolan must think he's being cute with this ridiculous charade he's been playing since the Raider game, but he is just making himself look even more clueless. What the hell is he doing making offensive personnel decisions anyways? Letting him do anything with the offense is like someone letting Brian Sabean run a baseball team....oh wait...
- Expanding on the theme, the starter needs to be Alex Smith. Even if he takes a couple weeks to learn the offense, what's worse: 2 weeks of a talented QB that doesn't quite know the offense well, or an entire season of a mostly untalented QB who knows the system a little better? That kind of thinking has "complete disaster" written all over it. You have to give Alex Smith this one year, because if he rides the pine, you have no idea what you're giving up when you have to cut him at the end of the season, and as Maiocco says: he may come back to haunt you. If he plays and is terrible, you at least know that you're not losing anything special when you let him go. One other advantage to this strategy: if Smith fails, the 49ers fail. If the 49ers fail, Nolan fails. If Nolan fails, he's fired, and us fans rejoice. But that's why we havn't seen this happen, right? It's because Nolan is too busy worrying about saving his job, not about what's best for the franchise. Which brings me to:
- Expanding on an earlier comment: tell Nolan to stay the hell out of any offensive decisions. Those are Mike Martz' decisions to make. If he really wants to save his job, then Nolan needs to realize that the offense is completely off limits for him. As I look back on his time in San Francisco, the only thing that I can really point to as a plus on offense is Frank Gore.... that's about it. The WRs haven't gotten significantly better, the O-line is still pretty bad, and we all see how he's now handling the QBs, not to mention how he totally effed things up with Alex last season. That's why this year is so important, and why he needs to leave the offense alone. He wants to save his job, but if he keeps interfering with the offense, he'll do just the opposite. It's true that we don't know the exact way those offensive decisions are being made, but that's the problem: we should. There's no reason to not let Martz talk to the media and explain what he sees in the QBs and what he wants to do. Didn't you know he's teh GENIUS??!?!?
And yes, I'm a hopeless homer on Alex Smith, but the dude got totally screwed last season. He deserves one more "real" shot before he's written off as so many people seem so eager to do already.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
*Shocked*
Brandon Moore got cut? Color me genuinely surprised at that. Too bad he never played as well as he did for that stretch in 06, though something tells me he wasn't given a very fair shot. Here's hoping the move doesn't hurt later on.
As for the (apparent) signing of Spikes, I really don't even know what to think there. Dude's old, but he was pretty dang good in his time. Probably an upgrade over Ulbrich, I guess. Justin Smith seems to think this makes the 9ers' MLBs one of the top groups in the league. Innnteresting.
Just another note on the PS game: I never mentioned the defense. Harris looked quite good on the 2 bombs he defended, and overall the first unit looked like it was generating pretty good pressure on the QB. I loved seeing a sack early on. I guess I didn't mention them because they are who I thought they were: pretty good.
Final note: I really hope Smith starts the next game. I know some of his throws were off, but he had that GREAT completion to Ziegler, which was promptly fumbled away, and then he was done. I'm being SUCH a homer here, but what can I say? I want to see him play more.
Dude's out!
Dude's in?
As for the (apparent) signing of Spikes, I really don't even know what to think there. Dude's old, but he was pretty dang good in his time. Probably an upgrade over Ulbrich, I guess. Justin Smith seems to think this makes the 9ers' MLBs one of the top groups in the league. Innnteresting.
Just another note on the PS game: I never mentioned the defense. Harris looked quite good on the 2 bombs he defended, and overall the first unit looked like it was generating pretty good pressure on the QB. I loved seeing a sack early on. I guess I didn't mention them because they are who I thought they were: pretty good.
Final note: I really hope Smith starts the next game. I know some of his throws were off, but he had that GREAT completion to Ziegler, which was promptly fumbled away, and then he was done. I'm being SUCH a homer here, but what can I say? I want to see him play more.
Dude's out!
Dude's in?
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Hrm...
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.)
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.)
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
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