Bucs-49ers second half film review

-Kellen Winslow is an elusive tight end, but Nate Clements should be able to cover him in a short zone. Winslow shook him for a first-down catch early in the third quarter.

-What was missing in Troy Smith's performance was decisiveness. The Bucs contributed by playing coverage and only rushing three at times. Smith was also tackled by his shoe strings a few times which didn't help. It seems the best way to defend him is lay back, not blitz, and force him to find an open receiver.

-On a critical down in the fourth quarter, the 49ers used a new personnel group, four receivers, one tight end and no running back. Smith had Dominique Zeigler open on the far sideline, but he didn't have time to look over there because the O-line failed to pick up a delayed blitz. Smith instead threw to Vernon Davis who wasn't looking for the pass.

-Tampa confused Troy Smith all day, especially on the interception. Smith expected Rhonde Barber to jump the short route by Delanie Walker, but instead he fell back and made the easy interception. That's just inexperience by a quarterback making his fifth start.

-What happened to the 49ers secondary? They were tackling guys while they were running their routes. Nate Clements, Shawntae Spencer and Reggie Smith all did it, but only Spencer and Smith were called for penalties. Read More 'Bucs-49ers second half film review' »

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | November 23 2010 at 07:01 PM

Bucs-49ers: First half film review

-Vernon Davis said after the game that his offense should throw the ball more. What Davis means, I believe, is that they should throw to HIM more. With the prevalance of two- and three-man routes over the last two games, Davis is staying in to block much more often.

-I don't know if it's because Patrick Willis is so good, or because the rest of the defense looks mediocre, but he stands out. Partially what makes him so good is his hands. He's adept at tripping up ball carriers down low with his hands.

-Anthony Dixon is a dynamic player. For a man his size, he is so explosive. You could see it when he knocked down a pass on the fake punt attempt by Tampa Bay. Once Michael Spurlock started to throw, Dixon left his feet quickly to knock down the pass.

-One consistent theme over the last several years has been a lack of pass protection. Troy Smith, or anybody playing quarterback, is going to have a difficult time being a pocket passer because of it. On one of his first throws from the pocket, both defensive ends collapsed, causing Smith to step up. Chilo Rachal then whiffed on rookie defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and the usually reliable Frank Gore also missed him. McCoy sacked Smith. It was McCoy's first sack of the season. After 10 games, you don't see the protection getting better. Read More 'Bucs-49ers: First half film review' »

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | November 23 2010 at 11:49 AM

Bucs-49ers: First half film review

-Vernon Davis said after the game that his offense should throw the ball more. What Davis means, I believe, is that they should throw to HIM more. With the prevalence of two- and three-man routes over the last two games, Davis is staying in to block much more often.

-I don't know if it's because Patrick Willis is so good, or because the rest of the defense looks mediocre, but he stands out. Partially what makes him so good is his hands. He's adept at tripping up ball carriers down low with his hands.

-Anthony Dixon is a dynamic player. For a man his size, he is so explosive. You could see it when he knocked down a pass on the fake punt attempt by Tampa Bay. Once Michael Spurlock started to throw, Dixon left his feet quickly to knock down the pass.

-One consistent theme over the last several years has been a lack of pass protection. Troy Smith, or anybody playing quarterback, is going to have a difficult time being a pocket passer because of it. On one of his first throws from the pocket, both defensive ends collapsed, causing Smith to step up. Chilo Rachal then whiffed on rookie defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and the usually reliable Frank Gore also missed him. McCoy sacked Smith. It was McCoy's first sack of the season. After 10 games, you don't see the protection getting better. Read More 'Bucs-49ers: First half film review' »

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | November 23 2010 at 11:49 AM

Troy Smith to start again; Singletary's bad coaching continues

-A relatively defiant Mike Singletary began with a lengthy opening statement saying that he was thankful to be the 49ers head coach, and then he said that everything that happened in the team's 21-0 loss to Tampa Bay was his fault. He was asked if he was doing a good job, and he said, "Am I doing good job at 3-7? No. I wouldn't dare say that. But it's not over yet."

-Singletary said Troy Smith would get the start against Arizona next Monday night in Arizona.

-Even with his defiant statements, Singletary doesn't appear willing to make lineup changes. He was asked about replacing right guard Chilo Rachal with Adam Snyder and he said no, despite Rachal's break downs.

-Singletary admitted that his team didn't react well with the changes the Bucs made.

-The 49ers have given up eleven sacks in last two games.

-Singletary said he led the team, and he motivated his players, but that he didn't prepare them. He also admitted that the Buccaneers didn't do what they expected. He also said that the coaches didn't adjust well. He admitted that receivers ran wrong routes. In the Buccaneers locker room, linebacker Niko Koutouvides said they knew when the 49ers were going to throw and when they would run. By his own admission, Singletary is saying he hasn't coached well. Can anyone argue with that? Read More 'Troy Smith to start again; Singletary's bad coaching continues' »

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | November 22 2010 at 12:21 PM

Post game

-Linebacker Patrick Willis probably had the quote of the day when he said, "You all write about it, we have to live it."

-There were no delusions in the locker room, no talk of playoffs. Here's tight end Delaine Walker: "We had our game plan set, the coaches told us what was going to happen. They did it and we just didn't pick up like we should have." Walker said the offense just inexplicably lost momentum.

-I spent a fair amount of time in the Bucs locker and talked to r

unning back LeGarrette Blount. He was very close to signing with the 49ers, but then at the last moment signed with Tennessee. Blount said the Titans simply gave him a better offer. The Titans cut him and then he signed with Tampa Bay. Blount gained 82 tough yards on 26 carries, including big hit on linebacker Parys Haralson. Buccaneers linebacker Barrett Rudd said when he heard the huge thud while on the sideline, he stood up to see the replay of the big screen.

-Bucs linebacker Niko Koutouvides said he knew when the 49ers were going to pass and when Troy Smith was going to roll out by tells given away by the offensive and Frank Gore.

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | November 21 2010 at 05:33 PM

Sun setting

This 49ers team this year was just way too imprecise. Troy Smith gave them a spark for a couple of games, but he couldn't mask the constant inability to execute. Here they play 31st defense again the run and with 2 minutes left in the game, they could only muster 71 yards rushing. They played a defense they had gotten eight sacks coming into the game and they sack Troy Smith five times. My question is, are the 49ers not as talented as everyone thought? Or is it just they aren't coached very well. By the way the stat of day, the 49ers haven't been shut out at home for 33 yards. It looks like they might get shut out today. With a minute left, I'm headed for the locker room.

Bucs drive: Uh oh. Look at the missed tackle on Cadillac Williams after a big gain. "Regrets, I had a few, but then again too few to mention."

49ers drive: The 49ers can't get a first down after throwing the ball deep on 4th down. This might be the uninspired effort of the season. Wow. "I did what I had to do and saw it through without exception..." -Sinatra "My Way"

Who wants to sing "My Way" to Mike Singletary. They won't fire him after this game, but what are the chances he's coming back next season after what appears to be another loss. "And Now I face the final curtain."

Mark Purdy just told me that the local teams (Raiders, 49ers) have been outscored 56-3.

Bucs cont: Touchdown on tackle eligible. Donald Penn scores on 1-yard pass on third down. 21-0 Bucs.

Bucs drive: Taylor Mays was in the game, and was apparently in the wrong spot. He was being yelled at by Sopoaga. He was in for one play and then checked out. Great stop by Takeo Spikes on second down. Bucs called their third timeout

49ers drive: Rhonde Barber intercepts Troy Smith and this game is likely over, he returns it down to the 7. First turnover for Smith

Bucs drive: What a speed rush by Patrick Willis to drop Freeman on third down.

49ers drive cont: Pass to Vernon Davis and he wasn't looking, so the 4th down fails. This was after the 49ers called time out after the half the punt team was on the field with the offense. Herky-jerky plays, miscomnunications. This looks like it should be Troy Smith's first game instead of his fourth.

49ers drive: 49ers aren't running, instead they are going with a lot of shotgun and roll outs. They are going to go for it on 4th-and-3.

49ers might try and run it on this drive. Rod Brooks of KNBR said coaches went to the offensive line and asked if they can run the ball and they said yes. Gore apparently also chimed in.

Bucs drive: Touchdown for rookie wide receiver Mike Williams. Bucs lead 10-0. Is the sun setting on 49ers? Absolutely no Taylor Mays from scrimmage.

49ers drive: Three and out. The 49ers are going with two and three man routes deep down the field, but the Bucs are covering well and Smith has nowhere to go.

Bucs drive cont: Bucs get it down to the 25. Big hit by Goldson on third down and then Robert Malone missed a 41-yard field goal. The 49ers get a break there.

Bucs drive cont: Anthony Dixon was waving a towel on the sideline and got the crowd going.

Bucs drive: What's Tremaine Brock doing. He grabbed a rolling punt at the 6. That could have rolled to 3 or the 2. And the 49ers cut Michael Robinson to keep him?

49ers drive cont: The 49ers opened it up more in the first drive, going with shotgun formations and empty backfields, but the drive stalled at the 33. They probably would have tried a 50-yard field goal if Joe Nedney was healthy. Replacement Shane Andrus showed plenty of leg in pre-game warmups, but wasn't accurate.

49ers drive: Josh Morgan is down after 17 yards on the first play of the second half. He's now standing on the sidelines. I think he has a stinger. But that's just a guess

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | November 21 2010 at 03:45 PM

Offense stalls again

First half summary: The Buccaneers are doing what the 49ers want to do; running the ball and monopolizing the clock. The team inducted Morabitos the first owners of the team, into the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. Hall of Fame. New stream for the second half.

49ers drive: This offense is completely different than last week, very little personnel group variation, but that's probably what they should do against this Bucs defense. Smith doesn't go through his progression as fast as Alex Smith, but he really buys times in the pocket. Even though the Bucs are horrible against the run and have 14 interceptions, OC Mike Johnson might want to get more variable. So far, four punts and fumble.

Bucs drive: Three and out; blitz on third down forced incompletion.

49ers don't have a third down conversion in November. They didn't have last week are they are 0 for 3 today.

49ers drive: Great design on third down but Frank Gore dropped the ball. Troy Smith not only staying in the pocket, but he's throwing short and just seems he's bottled up.

Bucs drive cont: TD Cadillac Williams. They went for a draw out of the shotgun and William went right through a Willis tackle for the 6-yard touchdown.

Bucs drive: Haven't seen Taylor Mays yet from scrimmage. Wow, Parys Haralson got blown up by LeGarrette Blount. Bucs are driving; they are at the 9 yard line with a 2nd and 3.

49ers drive: Troy Smith throwing in the pocket more often and it's not working. Smith had Michael Crabtree open over the middle and missed the throw. It was almost picked off.

Bucs drive: Fake punt fails, Anthony Dixon broke a pass from former 49er Michael Spurlock, who used to be a quarterback. If Dixon had not of deflected the pass, Reggie Smith might have picked it off. Aubrayo Franklin is really gumming things up in the middle; he got a lot penetration. 49ers will have a first down at the Bucs' 47

49ers drive: Morgan is back in. The 49ers go three and out after 2-yard sack on first down. The 49ers are doing plenty of deep drops and play action, like they did last week, but the Bucs are covering deep.

Bucs drive: Tampa Bay goes three and out. Quick decision by Kyle Williams to let the ball hit inside the 10 and then skipped into the end zone. Not enough returners allow the ball to drop. That's right Kyle Williams as the return man. Ted Ginn Jr. wasn't getting it done.

49ers drive: The 49ers had it going with short passing, but then Josh Morgan fumbled after popped by linebacker Gino Hayes. Trainers are looking at his arm.

Alex Smith is back and will be the second quarterback.

Punter Andy Lee said rain was OK, but wind is not. He's not getting wish. It's windy here at Candlestick Park with flags above the stadium really whipping, but the skies are relatively clear. Here are their inactives: K Joe Nedney (knee), CB Tremaine Brock, CB Will James (concussion), LB Keaton Kristick, LB Thaddies Gibson, Joe Staley (broken leg), and T Alex Boone.

This might be the most interesting game of the season in terms of game plan. The 49ers threw everything out in the last game and went with max protection, deep drops, bootlegs and long passes. Now they play a team that loves to cover and doesn't blitz, but is last against the run. That means plenty of Frank Gore and pocket passing from quarterback Troy Smith. The question is, can Smith play in the pocket. He's only six-feet and part of the reason for roll outs and deep drops is his height.

The 49ers might be wise not to alter their game plan too much because of the success they had.

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | November 21 2010 at 02:11 PM

Shane Andrus - Named part-time kicker

The 49ers went with the familiar in signing Shane Andrus to replace Joe Nedney and his bruised knee. Andrus worked with two other kickers Wednesday morning, Garrett Lindholm and former Raider Swayzey Waters. But Andrus's experience as the training camp kicker and his signing for the season finale when Nedney was shelved with a groin strain carried the day for him.

Signing the right kicker could be crucial since the five of the 49ers nine games this season have been decided by three points or less. As the kicker last year in St. Louis, Andrus converted all his extra point opportunities.

-No decision has yet to be made on left tackle, Singletary said.

Bucs running back LeGarrette Blount committed to the 49ers right after the draft. He then backed out at the last minute and went to Tennessee. Singletary had no issue with Blount changing his mind. "The thing I told him was, I appreciated that he called me back," Singletary said. Blount called personally to say he had reservations about the crowded field at running back. The Titans cut him and he has since been running wild with Tampa Bay.

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | November 17 2010 at 10:55 AM

Joe Nedney likely out for Tampa Bay

An MRI on kicker Joe Nedney's right knee revealed a bone bruise and a strain. It's unlikely he'll play in this weeks home game against the Bucs. That's probably the reason the 49ers released wide receiver Jason Hill. It opens up a roster spot to sign a kicker.

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | November 16 2010 at 01:43 PM

49ers-Rams: Film review; Jason Hill released

UPDATE: The team released WR Jason Hill. Could that mean they're going to sign another tackle with the Joe Staley injury? We shall see.

This is the first half film review. This week is hectic, so I might not get to the second half.

The 49ers had a good answer for the Rams four-receiver formation. They went with a dime defense by bringing in rookie Phillip Adams as the sixth man (because Will James was hurt on the opening kickoff). The defense neutralized the four-receiver set.

The 49ers came into the game really wanting to help their offensive line. Often they went with seven and eight man protections. They also had a good plan. Offensive coordinator Mike Johnson lured the Rams into eight-man fronts by going with heavy run personnel groups. He then went with play-action and deep throws. Troy Smith was good by slightly under throwing his receivers on long passes to make sure the pass was completed.

Frank Gore is playing with more emotion. He's dancing around kicking his leg after good plays. He has really stayed healthy this year with no ankle injuries that dogged him in the past. I hope I didn't jinx him.

Troy Smith does like the hold the ball but that might change once he learns the offense better.

Anthony Davis doesn't work well with his hands, they're constantly getting knocked down. Read More '49ers-Rams: Film review; Jason Hill released' »

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | November 16 2010 at 12:16 PM