Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Gore, Zeigler on IR

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UPDATE: Running back Frank Gore (fractured hip) and wide receiver Dominique Zeigler (torn ACL) were place on season-ending injured reserve by the 49ers.

I just yelled to kicker Joe Nedney from the press room window. Nedney was getting in his truck to leave. He indicated that he'd be ready for Sunday's game in Green Bay after a two-game absence because of a knee bruise.

The 49ers will now have a more pressing question to answer - how do you replace 40 percent of your offense? Head coach Mike Singletary confirmed Monday that the team's leading rusher and receiver, Frank Gore, fractured his hip in Monday Night's 27-6 win over the Cardinals. Tests assessing the severity of the injury are still pending.

Singletary said he'll go with a combination of Brian Westbrook and rookie Anthony Dixon, which may necessitate taking Dixon off some special teams units. As of last week, Dixon was among the leaders in special teams tackles with 9.

Singletary has other concerns than just Gore. Also, David Baas sustained a concussion and might have to sit out this game based on his response to diagnostic tests.

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | Nov 30 at 12:46 PM

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Monday, November 29, 2010

Fractured right hip for Frank Gore

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With running back Frank Gore out for the year, now the focus of this offense will shift to Brian Westbrook, and he proved there's little drop off when he's in the game. Here are some other observations.

Before the game, Patrick Willis apparently gave a rousing, emotion-filled speech. Then, tight end Vernon Davis, tears streaming down his cheeks, told his teammates that he needed everybody to play. After the game, running back Brian Westbrook seemed a little surprised at the emotion. Mike Singletary said he found the emotion, "interesting." What will be interesting is, can the 49ers main their intensity and their emotion in a short week going to Green Bay? In terms of adjusting, the 49ers knew the Cardinals would emulate Tampa Bay on defense with eight-man fronts. But in this game, the 49ers offensive line obliterated the Cardinals. That was the story of the game.

"Words can't explain what the offensive line did," quarterback Troy Smith said. Smith also said the team wanted to come out with a win for Gore.

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | Nov 29 at 09:45 PM

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49ers win, 27-6

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The 49ers will now have some injuries to deal with as the team goes in victory formation. Frank Gore has his hip injury. Dominique Zeigler was injured, so was David Baas. Chilo Rachal didn't finish the game. Both Baas and Rachal were on the sidelines for the rest of the game, so the injuries might not prevent them from playing Green Bay on a short week.

49ers drive: 49ers have held the Cardinals to 13 yards rushing.

Cardinals drive: Three passes, three incompletions by Anderson, and Ken Whisenhunt will punt. The Cardinals only have eight first downs, to the 49ers 24.

49ers drive cont: 49ers burn some time before they punt. 4:18 left.

49ers drive: Adam Snyder is in at right guard for Rachal. Linebacker Lennon is down for the Cardinals. This has turned out to be a long game.

Cardinals drive: 49ers stop the Cardinals on 4th down. The 49ers will take over on downs. Expect a lot of runs.

Dominique Zeigler is down after the kickoff. Ziegler is able to walk off the field.

The play is reversed. A good call. But it took entirely too long. The NFL should just review everything in the booth. It's ridiculous.

The play is being challenged. David Baas is out with a head injury.

49ers drive cont: Tony Wragge is in the game at center. Fumble, Troy Smith tried to get rid of it and ended up throwing it backward, which is a lateral. The Cardinals recover. They still have life.

49ers drive: Westbrook is over 130 yards. About 100 of those yards belong to the offensive line. 49ers get the ball at the 50, instead of the 10. But they still have a chance to put it away.

Cardinals drive: Spikes picks, he laterals to Nate Clements for a big gain. Plus a personal foul on right tackle Jeremy Bridges. Arizona will challenge the ruling that Spikes was down by contact. That's why you keep Takeo Spikes on the field even on passing downs. Clements on the lateral really covered up the ball, probably remember Atlanta.

49ers drive: Andrus makes a field goal. The first of his career. More importantly, it extends the lead to 24-6

Cardinals drive: Three and out, and C.J. Spillman partially blocks punt. 49ers get good field position.

49ers drive cont: Fittingly the ball was blocked by Rogers-Cromartie.

49ers drive: Sloppy drive with lots of penalties on both sides. The 49ers had to call timeout. Another score here and you would think it's over. Josh Morgan got popped by Kerry Rhodes and Morgan is out of the game. He sprained his shoulder last week

Cardinals drive: Holding call on rookie Daryl Washington, negating a return to the 49ers' 10. The hold was away from the ball. 49ers are also getting some breaks. 49ers get a three and out and Cardinals are booed. Parys Haralson was in on that drive.

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | Nov 29 at 08:39 PM

Listed Under: Game Updates | Permalink

49ers end half leading 21-6

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New stream for the second half

Best half of football of the year for the 49ers. And it should be noted, the offense was very conservative. They went mostly out their "red" formation, which is a I formation. You can be conservative if you execute.

49ers drive: Westbrook gets a few yards. The 49ers run for 128 yards for the half.

Cardinals drive: Crucial three and out by the 49ers off turnover.

49ers drive cont: Crabtree dropped a pass over the middle and it was picked. Crabtree took a peak ahead of him just before the ball arrived that contributed to the drop.

49ers drive: Holding call on Spillman costs them 40 yards. Two-minute warning.

Cardinals drive cont: Feely gets a 40-yard field goal to draw within 20-6.

Cardinals drive: Parys Haralson got rolled up on his ankle and he hobbled to the sideline

49ers drive: 6-yard touchdown by Brian Westbrook. Fantastic block by Anthony Davis on the right side. He cleared out the whole side. 49ers lead 21-3.

49ers drive: Ted Ginn Jr. ran it right up the middle and nearly scored. They'll have great field position.

Cardinals drive: Reggie Smith is having a good night. He's tackling much better. On third down, rookie Phillip Adams nearly picked off the pass.

49ers drive: 49ers try a little bit of trick on second down a screen pass to Anthony Dixon. The Cardinals had it read. 49ers go three-and-out.

Cardinals drive cont: Arizona forced to punt after a pass to that ends eight inches short.

Cardinals drive: Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky has blitzed the safety often over the last few weeks, but they always miss the tackle on run plays. Not this time. Reggie Smith hit the running back and dropped him for a loss. First quarter over. Good quarter for the 49ers.

49ers drive cont: Great cut and drive for a touchdown for Anthony Dixon. A lot of plays for fullback Moran Norris and he's blocking well

49ers drive: Gore had his right hip wrapped and is back. Gore is back out, but the 49ers are getting down the field with good play calls and two nice throws by Troy Smith. They had to call time out to avoid a penalty.

Cardinals drive: Beanie Wells got a long completion against Beanie Wells, and that put them in field position. Jay Feeley makes the 30-yarder.

49ers drive: After the fumble a strike to Michael Crabtree off play-action to Michael Crabtree. Great pass and catch. The 49ers fake a power run with Mike Iupati pulling and that provided Smith with plenty of time to go down field. Crabtree beat Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Frank Gore, however, went to the locker room.

49ers drive: Productive drive ending with a miss of a 48-yard field goal. Why try it? Shane Andrus was inaccurate in warm-ups. Can't believe they can't find a better kicker. Troy Smith started poorly on the drive missing three throws. But the 49ers look to be destroying the Cardinals up front.

Both cornerback Greg Toler (foot) and defensive end Calasis Campbell will be out for the Cardinals. 49ers kicker Shane Andrus was inconsistent from over 35 yards out. Former 49ers quarterback Steve Young picked the Rams to win the division. Safety Dashon Goldson will start. They just showed Vernon Davis trying to inspire team with what looked like tears coming down his face. 49ers will receive.

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | Nov 29 at 06:59 PM

Listed Under: Game Updates | Permalink

Cardinals-49ers Preview

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Congratulations to Eddie DeBartolo Jr, Roger Craig, Charles Haley, and Deion Sanders for their candidacy for the Hall of Fame. They're all deserving.

A name popped up on the injured list Saturday - cornerback Will James with a concussion. I was at practice Friday and Saturday and didn't see any collisions with James. Coach Mike Singletary was also asked Saturday if there were any surprises on the injury report and he said no. Nevertheless, James is listed as doubtful.

Two Cardinal starters, defensive end Calasis Campbell (ankle) and cornerback Greg Toler (foot) are game time decisions.

PREVIEW

When schools under perform, the state steps in and takes them over. Maybe that's what should happen with the NFC West. The 49ers should be assessing their team and putting thoughts together for a new head coach. Instead they are a game out of first and preparing for tonight's critical game against the woeful Arizona Cardinals.

This game shouldn't matter but it does. So here's a preview:

-Arizona is much like the 49ers with a number of players under performing and not just at quarterback. Pass rusher Joey Porter, defensive end Calasis Campbell, safety Adrian Wilson and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie have all had off years. Wilson admits he's been bad and last week he took a veiled shot at Rodgers-Cromartie who looked like he was giving up on plays.

-The offensive line has also struggled, particularly left tackle Levi Brown (who former general manager Scot McCloughan wanted dearly in the 2007 draft). Elected as a Pro Bowl alternate last year, the 49ers should take advantage of his slow feet.

-Wilson likes to play the slot receivers in nickel packages. The 49ers could have a mismatch because they like to put Michael Crabtree in the slot.

-When the 49ers faced the Dolphins last year, they ran at Joey Porter. He lines up over left tackle and has shown little interest in stopping the run. Keep that in mind tonight.

Read More 'Cardinals-49ers Preview' »

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | Nov 29 at 10:56 AM

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Saturday, November 27, 2010

Eric Heitman - Considering his options

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Eric Heitmann is an outstanding human being. He's the type of guy you root for and you are concerned about when he sustains a neck injury. Heitmann was poised to start his sixth straight season as the team's starting center when he got stepped on late in training camp.

The injury broke his fibula and knocked Heitmann out for the first six games of the season. However, a neck injury he sustained two days before that is now what's most concerning. While the leg healed, the neck has not, and Heitmann is hoping that more rest and treatment will "calm down" the nerve that's apparently impinged.

The other option is surgery, Heitmann said. With one year left on his deal, his future with the team is a question, which is too bad. Heitmann has probably been the 49ers' best linemen since his first start at center in 2005.

Heitmann continues to be a resource for the line and he's a daily presence at the team facility and on the sideline during games. "I still help the team any way I can," he said. That will never change.

McDaniels Mc-staken:

Was Josh McDaniels thinking, "This is the perfect place for a caper" when he surreptitiously filmed a six-minute segment of the 49ers practice at Wembley Stadium the day before the 49ers defeated Denver 24-16 on Halloween? Maybe. The fog, the trench coats, the cloak-and-dagger history of British espionage; he couldn't help himself.

The Broncos apparently turned themselves in after the filming the 49ers defensive walk-through. San Francisco only practiced a few defensive plays that day. Nevertheless, McDaniels was fined $50,000 by the NFL for his exploit. The story is much ado about nothing to quote a famous English writer.

However, it does thin the ice McDaniels was already skating on in Denver and it probably alerts coaches, already a paranoid lot, to potential peeping by the opposition.

Troy Smith has got to get to the edge.

Troy Smith has got to get to the edge.

The 49ers want to do with the situation. Here's the statement they released: "The San Francisco 49ers organization is aware of the results of the league's investigation involving the Denver Broncos. The situation has been addressed by the NFL, therefore, the team will not be commenting any further."

SMITH ON THE EDGE: I did some more checking around about the challenges of Troy Smith's ventures outside the pocket. He just seems so much better when he's out on the edge on bootleg passes and rollouts. First, it cuts the field in half for him, so he doesn't have to make as many reads. Secondly, without offensive linemen in front of him, it allows him to see the field. Thirdly, it takes advantage of his movement skills.

Read More 'Eric Heitman - Considering his options' »

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | Nov 27 at 11:46 AM

Listed Under: O-line | Permalink

Interpol alert: Broncos cheated?

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So, let me get this straight:

According to the Denver Post today, the Broncos are being investigated by the NFL in an international spy case where they "allegedly" videotaped the 49ers' Saturday walk-through at Wembley Stadium before their Oct. 31 game in London ... using a video man who came with Broncos coach Josh McDaniels to Denver from New England ... where both were employed during Spygate ...

And still lost the game ...

Despite "allegedly" getting a sneak peek of the 49ers walking through key elements of their game plan ... which consisted of running Frank Gore inside a whopping 29 times ... and not letting third-string quarterback Troy Smith, you know, throw the ball until late in the third quarter.

In other words, the 49ers put together the most predictable game plan in all of Europe, intended to play it safe with a new starting quarterback, and the Broncos "allegedly" felt the need to cheat to figure that out?

Frank Gore up the middle. Who knew? And was Interpol "asleep at the wheel" on all this? (That last one was a joke. We'll be here all week).

(UPDATE: McDaniels has been fined $50,000 by the league office, per ESPN. Given the weak state of the dollar, I'd have been more impressed if he was fined 50,000 pounds, given the location of the crime).

By the way, for random daily updates on all things 49ers, follow @bydavidwhite at a Twitter near you.

Posted By: David White (Email, Twitter) | Nov 27 at 08:45 AM

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Friday, November 26, 2010

Brian Westbrook: Why he's not used

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Offensive coordinator Mike Johnson gave his most complete answer to why he doesn't use running back Brian Westbrook more. Johnson said in order to get Westbrook in, you have to take either Frank Gore or Delanie Walker out. Gore is once again leading the team in receptions and rushing. As Johnson explained, Gore is the soundest player on the team in terms of pass protection. Take Gore off the field and most the offense's production goes with him.

The Brian Westbrook question arises again.

The Brian Westbrook question arises again.

Walker is having a career year, and new quarterback Troy Smith has said he looks for Walker when he's in trouble. Smith's job is tough enough, why take a guy out that he relies on?

Johnson went on to say the offense has worked on their two tight-end package since training camp, honing it, augmenting it, refining it. Westbrook arrived 12 weeks ago and Johnson just isn't as comfortable with him in the offense. Nevertheless, Westbrook is gaining more playing time. He was in on 10 plays against Tampa Bay, even though he didn't touch the ball (his one run was called back because of a holding call). In fact during that drive, Westbrook was supposed stay in the entire time. But the drive dynamics changed after the holding call; team was saddled with a second down-and-17 situation. Johnson then went with a three-receiver, one-back formation, with which Westbrook was unfamiliar.

I realize there's a big drive to get Westbrook on the field from fans and media. Personally, I'd rather have Gore. He's younger, he knows the offense better, he's probably the better back at this stage of his career and as Johnson says, he's integral to what the team does. Taking out Walker is also a problem because he presents a unique matchup difficulty. Walker said today he doesn't know what the Cardinals will do when he and Vernon are in the game together. They might be forced to counter with a nickel defense. That doesn't happen with Westbrook in the game. Here are some other developments from the day in sports at the 49ers:

Read More 'Brian Westbrook: Why he's not used' »

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | Nov 26 at 12:55 PM

Listed Under: running backs | Permalink

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Singletary confirms obvious

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It's not often 49ers coach Mike Singletary admits a specific mistake, but he's finally done that in regards to two lineup decisions of his on the defensive side of the ball.

Singletary acknowledged today what's been suspected all along -- that rookie safety Taylor Mays and rookie inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman simply weren't ready to be NFL contributors, and that's why he mostly benched them Sunday against Tampa Bay.

(Mostly, because Mays played a few fourth-quarter snaps at goal line, and both played on special teams).

"I think Taylor Mays, as the more we pressed him, I think is just not all the way ready," Singletary said. "There are some things that he can do well. There are other things that he is not quite ready for. So, the last thing that I want to do is to lose him. We have some more time, we have just one week at a time here, and I think when I look at Bowman it's the same situation. And you have to understand that these rookies, sometimes rookies are at different places when they come in the league. Sometimes they're ready to go, and then there are other times when there are other things that take effect and they handle them differently.

"I think both those guys are going to be great players. I'm very excited about them, and it may come this year."

So why won't Singletary do the same thing with rookie right tackle Anthony Davis, and struggling young right guard Chilo Rachal for that matter? Read More 'Singletary confirms obvious' »

Posted By: David White (Email, Twitter) | Nov 24 at 06:07 PM

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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Bucs-49ers second half film review

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-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) | Nov 23 at 07:01 PM

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