Niner News Thread
- Thread starter Chree
- Start date
The practice was interesting, because the it was slanted somewhat to preparing for the game against the Bears Friday night, and working against the Bears’ “looks”. Bryant Young and Arnaz Battle were held out of the morning practice, and instead practiced at 4 PM so they could be part of preparing for the game. Both looked good, though Battle didn’t really have to test his knee to any great extent, so we’ll see Friday night if he’s limited by it. Larry Allen practiced too – presumably for the same reason – he usually just does conditioning in the afternoon. Mike Nolan said he and the Coaches would decide in a 10 PM meeting tonight if Trent Dilfer would play Friday or if Alex Smith would get his reps to let get Alex more time and to let Dilfer continue to heal. Dilfer didn’t practice (though he was there helping) at 4PM, so it’s reasonable to assume Nolan is leaning toward sitting Trent for this one.
Antonio Bryant, Battle, Vernon Davis, and Marcus Maxwell all had nice catches, but the most consistent receiver was Eric Johnson. Nothing thrown to him hit the ground today. (Note to Nolan: EJ’s contract is up after this year – now would be a great time to lock him up for another few years and either create an excellent tight end duo, or (if Delanie Walker continues to develop quickly) be able to get value for him in a trade. If he has another great year and we don’t have him signed – well, we’ve seen how that works…..
The afternoon practice was spirited, with coaches often getting on players if they didn’t like what they saw. This included: – Norv Turner getting in Alex’s face a few times to get him to make the right reads – Norv getting on the defense once for not giving enough effort (in giving the Chicago look). I couldn’t tell if he was yelling at one person in particular or the defensive line in
general, but he yelled, “That’s just not good enough!” – Norv having Kevin Barlow run a play a second time with more effort – Nolan jumping in several times to demonstrate a technique to one or two of the young linebackers – Pete Hoener (Tight Ends Coach) yelling instructions to Vernon Davis – Hoener and Norv Turner getting on Delanie Walker to be in the right spot (Walker continues to look great by the way).
These were isolated incidents, and exactly what the coaches should be doing to help the players learn. Great to see!
Antonio Bryant, Battle, Vernon Davis, and Marcus Maxwell all had nice catches, but the most consistent receiver was Eric Johnson. Nothing thrown to him hit the ground today. (Note to Nolan: EJ’s contract is up after this year – now would be a great time to lock him up for another few years and either create an excellent tight end duo, or (if Delanie Walker continues to develop quickly) be able to get value for him in a trade. If he has another great year and we don’t have him signed – well, we’ve seen how that works…..
The afternoon practice was spirited, with coaches often getting on players if they didn’t like what they saw. This included: – Norv Turner getting in Alex’s face a few times to get him to make the right reads – Norv getting on the defense once for not giving enough effort (in giving the Chicago look). I couldn’t tell if he was yelling at one person in particular or the defensive line in
general, but he yelled, “That’s just not good enough!” – Norv having Kevin Barlow run a play a second time with more effort – Nolan jumping in several times to demonstrate a technique to one or two of the young linebackers – Pete Hoener (Tight Ends Coach) yelling instructions to Vernon Davis – Hoener and Norv Turner getting on Delanie Walker to be in the right spot (Walker continues to look great by the way).
These were isolated incidents, and exactly what the coaches should be doing to help the players learn. Great to see!
some more notes from the afternoon practice from Wednesday 08.09.06
1) The practice was interesting, because the it was slanted somewhat to preparing for the game against the Bears Friday night, and working against the Bears’ “looks”. Bryant Young and Arnaz Battle were held out of the morning practice, and instead practiced at 4 PM so they could be part of preparing for the game. Both looked good, though Battle didn’t really have to test his knee to any great extent, so we’ll see Friday night if he’s limited by it. Larry Allen practiced too – presumably for the same reason – he usually just does conditioning in the afternoon. Mike Nolan said he and the Coaches would decide in a 10 PM meeting tonight if Trent Dilfer would play Friday or if Alex Smith would get his reps to let get Alex more time and to let Dilfer continue to heal. Dilfer didn’t practice (though he was there helping) at 4PM, so it’s reasonable to assume Nolan is leaning toward sitting Trent for this one.
2) Antonio Bryant, Battle, Vernon Davis, and Marcus Maxwell all had nice catches, but the most consistent receiver was Eric Johnson. Nothing thrown to him hit the ground today. (Note to Nolan: EJ’s contract is up after this year – now would be a great time to lock him up for another few years and either create an excellent tight end duo, or (if Delanie Walker continues to develop quickly) be able to get value for him in a trade. If he has another great year and we don’t have him signed – well, we’ve seen how that works…..
3) The afternoon practice was spirited, with coaches often getting on players if they didn’t like what they saw. This included: – Norv Turner getting in Alex’s face a few times to get him to make the right reads – Norv getting on the defense once for not giving enough effort (in giving the Chicago look). I couldn’t tell if he was yelling at one person in particular or the defensive line in
general, but he yelled, “That’s just not good enough!” – Norv having Kevin Barlow run a play a second time with more effort – Nolan jumping in several times to demonstrate a technique to one or two of the young linebackers – Pete Hoener (Tight Ends Coach) yelling instructions to Vernon Davis – Hoener and Norv Turner getting on Delanie Walker to be in the right spot (Walker continues to look great by the way).
These were isolated incidents, and exactly what the coaches should be doing to help the players learn. Great to see!
4) Running Backs coach Bishop Harris was absent for the third time in the last 5 public practices. Hope he’s ok. Pep Hamilton Coaches the running backs when Harris is out.
5) Scot McCloughan, Lal Heneghan, and Parag Marathe from Football Operations all watched a lot of the practice – the first time I’ve seen them at a public practice. The next few weeks are a key time for them to evaluate some of our players and look for upgrades as players are released from other teams.
6) Alex Smith looked good, Jesse Palmer looked ok, and Shaun Hill continued to look surprisingly awkward and inaccurate.
7) The offense ran a lot of two tight end sets, putting four receivers on the field, often with one in motion. Is this sounding a bit more exciting than last year??
8) The defensive backfield looked good, breaking up a number of passes and generally in tight coverage. Parys Haralson also did a great job breaking up a pass. Good to see him having success dropping in coverage – it would help the team if he progressed quickly enough to win the OLB spot opposite Manny Lawson, or at least to be a major part of a rotation at that position.
9) After practice: – Eric Johnson and Vernon Davis went to the juggs machine to catch passes. Davis spent about 5 minutes there, and Johnson about 15 minutes – The younger linebackers (Lawson, Haralson, Smith, Dixon, Maxwell, Williams and maybe one more) worked with OLB Coach Jason Tarver on techniques for 20 minutes – Mike Nolan joined the 6-8 players signing autographs for the crowd. Nolan spent over 20 minutes patiently signing autographs! (Wonder how often Parcells does THAT). – Eric Johnson signed autographs after he finished on the juggs machine.
1) The practice was interesting, because the it was slanted somewhat to preparing for the game against the Bears Friday night, and working against the Bears’ “looks”. Bryant Young and Arnaz Battle were held out of the morning practice, and instead practiced at 4 PM so they could be part of preparing for the game. Both looked good, though Battle didn’t really have to test his knee to any great extent, so we’ll see Friday night if he’s limited by it. Larry Allen practiced too – presumably for the same reason – he usually just does conditioning in the afternoon. Mike Nolan said he and the Coaches would decide in a 10 PM meeting tonight if Trent Dilfer would play Friday or if Alex Smith would get his reps to let get Alex more time and to let Dilfer continue to heal. Dilfer didn’t practice (though he was there helping) at 4PM, so it’s reasonable to assume Nolan is leaning toward sitting Trent for this one.
2) Antonio Bryant, Battle, Vernon Davis, and Marcus Maxwell all had nice catches, but the most consistent receiver was Eric Johnson. Nothing thrown to him hit the ground today. (Note to Nolan: EJ’s contract is up after this year – now would be a great time to lock him up for another few years and either create an excellent tight end duo, or (if Delanie Walker continues to develop quickly) be able to get value for him in a trade. If he has another great year and we don’t have him signed – well, we’ve seen how that works…..
3) The afternoon practice was spirited, with coaches often getting on players if they didn’t like what they saw. This included: – Norv Turner getting in Alex’s face a few times to get him to make the right reads – Norv getting on the defense once for not giving enough effort (in giving the Chicago look). I couldn’t tell if he was yelling at one person in particular or the defensive line in
general, but he yelled, “That’s just not good enough!” – Norv having Kevin Barlow run a play a second time with more effort – Nolan jumping in several times to demonstrate a technique to one or two of the young linebackers – Pete Hoener (Tight Ends Coach) yelling instructions to Vernon Davis – Hoener and Norv Turner getting on Delanie Walker to be in the right spot (Walker continues to look great by the way).
These were isolated incidents, and exactly what the coaches should be doing to help the players learn. Great to see!
4) Running Backs coach Bishop Harris was absent for the third time in the last 5 public practices. Hope he’s ok. Pep Hamilton Coaches the running backs when Harris is out.
5) Scot McCloughan, Lal Heneghan, and Parag Marathe from Football Operations all watched a lot of the practice – the first time I’ve seen them at a public practice. The next few weeks are a key time for them to evaluate some of our players and look for upgrades as players are released from other teams.
6) Alex Smith looked good, Jesse Palmer looked ok, and Shaun Hill continued to look surprisingly awkward and inaccurate.
7) The offense ran a lot of two tight end sets, putting four receivers on the field, often with one in motion. Is this sounding a bit more exciting than last year??
8) The defensive backfield looked good, breaking up a number of passes and generally in tight coverage. Parys Haralson also did a great job breaking up a pass. Good to see him having success dropping in coverage – it would help the team if he progressed quickly enough to win the OLB spot opposite Manny Lawson, or at least to be a major part of a rotation at that position.
9) After practice: – Eric Johnson and Vernon Davis went to the juggs machine to catch passes. Davis spent about 5 minutes there, and Johnson about 15 minutes – The younger linebackers (Lawson, Haralson, Smith, Dixon, Maxwell, Williams and maybe one more) worked with OLB Coach Jason Tarver on techniques for 20 minutes – Mike Nolan joined the 6-8 players signing autographs for the crowd. Nolan spent over 20 minutes patiently signing autographs! (Wonder how often Parcells does THAT). – Eric Johnson signed autographs after he finished on the juggs machine.
ESPN's John Clayton reports the Jaguars and 49ers have expressed interest in free agent WR Freddie Mitchell.
Mitchell, 27, has reportedly gotten his forty time down to 4.5. Clayton expects Fred-Ex to sign with a club at some point during camp.
lol
yall remember this
"I Just Wanna Thank My Hands For Being So Great" - Freddie Mitchell
lol
oh and WR Derrick HAmilton was cut........
Mitchell, 27, has reportedly gotten his forty time down to 4.5. Clayton expects Fred-Ex to sign with a club at some point during camp.
lol
yall remember this
"I Just Wanna Thank My Hands For Being So Great" - Freddie Mitchell
lol
oh and WR Derrick HAmilton was cut........
sum1 gimme a ticket lolSome Notes/Analysis from 8/11/06 SF Vs Chi From Scout
--- A misdirection rollout strike to a closely-covered Antonio Bryant for a first down on the 49ers’ first offensive play of 2006. And then another completion to Bryant for a first down on the next play. Yes, you could say that’s a good start for Alex Smith and the San Francisco offense.
--- Two incompletions and then a forced fumble on third down. That’s a pretty good way for San Francisco’s beleaguered defense to begin 2006, too.
---- The Bears certainly are no offensive juggernaut, but they had more lost fumbles (2) than first downs (1) after one quarter against the Niners’ front-line defense, which either forced a turnover or a three-and-out on four of Chicago’s first five offensive possessions.
--- He moves better, he throws better, he leads better, he feels pressure better and he makes better decisions. For Alex Smith, that’s called not only progress, but also presence.
--- Smith never consistently saw time in the pocket like that last year -ever.
--- Anybody doubt that Smith can throw on the run now?
--- Perhaps the biggest number from Smith on his fine 16-for-21, 137-yard evening: Zero interceptions, and not one pass that even came close. Last year, he threw at least one pick in six of his seven starts.
--- What we’ve been seeing all summer, and what we may be seeing all season: Smith to Bryant, again and again and again.
--- Moving the pile: Larry Allen and Jonas Jennings, pleased to meet you.
--- This will be Isaac Sopoaga’s coming out season at nose tackle.
--- Jeff Ulbrich looked like a halfback turning the corner on his 32-yard touchdown return of Rex Grossman’s fumble.
--- Yes, that was Ulbrich blowing up Chicago running plays, too.
--- Kevan Barlow breaking a tackle at the line of scrimmage the first time he was hit on his first carry. That’s already a big improvement over 2005.
--- Barlow and Gore and then ask for more. Sure, it needs some work, but see if you can come up with a better slogan.
--- We’re not drawing any early conclusions about the rotation at tailback this year, but Barlow started and finished with one carry, while Gore had 10 carries for a game-high 49 yards.
--- Of course, Barlow took a shot from Bears cornerback Nathan Vasher while attempting to catch a short dump-off pass on San Francisco's fourth offensive snap and suffered a thigh contusion, so the Niners decided to keep him out the remainder of the game. But we still see more 2006 carries going to Gore even when Barlow is healthy.
--- Maurice Hicks’ work as a goal-line back this summer obviously paid off.
--- And Hicks remains a legitimate breakaway threat in the open field, as he displayed on his 24-yard cut-and-burst after taking a short screen pass from Jesse Palmer.
--- When you’re “The Bachelor,” you need to learn how to improvise, and it looks like Palmer can do a bit of that in and out of the pocket.
--- Special teams coordinator Larry Mac Duff has taught his units to sell out while also still holding true to their disciplined assignments.
--- Mike Adams has a much better grasp of the position at free safety, and that’s why he’ll be starting there again on opening day in September.
--- Manny Lawson is finding out fast that he’s not going to be able to get it in the pass rush on speed alone.
--- It looks like Joe Nedney will be getting more opportunities to show off his pretty left-footed swing this season. We already know from last season that the team’s 2005 offensive MVP knows what to do with them.
--- As he has displayed more than a few times this summer, Shawntae Spencer still has a tendency to let sure interceptions slip through his hands.
--- That’s what Arnaz Battle is good for - going over the middle to make the tough third-down grab when he knows a big hit is coming.
--- It was nice to see Bryan Gilmore get open and make a tough catch between two defenders for a first down the first time the football came his way as a 49er.
--- Give Vernon Davis some time to pick up those blocking assignments.
--- A yellow flag falling to the ground after a holding penalty on Kwame Harris. Now there’s an unpleasant reminder of last season.
--- Keith Lewis will block a punt this season, just as he did last year and just as he did as a rookie in 2004.
--- But Lewis’ missed open-field tackle that resulted in Chicago’s first touchdown shows you why the third-year veteran will never be anything more than a reserve safety with the Niners.
--- Based on one preseason performance, Justin Smiley won’t be budging as the starting right guard.
--- Eric Johnson in the flat, when isolated on a linebacker, is going to be a tough short passing play for San Francisco opponents to stop.
--- If the 49ers are going to keep one fullback based simply on what he brings as a blocker, then it will be Moran Norris.
--- Mike Rumph misses tackle, opponent makes big gain on third down. Does this sound like news to anybody?
--- Rumph couldn’t have looked much worse in his first preseason attempt to remain a 49er in 2006, missing four tackles and looking extremely shaky in coverage.
--- Sammy Davis: The candy man can on the corner.
--- Gotta catch the ball to make the team, son: Rasheed Marshall gave yet another vivid example of the brick hands that will keep him off the final roster this year.
--- Delanie Walker returning kicks? Well, why not? He certainly knows how to run over people.
--- And Walker looks more like a big receiver than a hybrid tight end when he’s running smooth passing routes from both sides of the line.
--- And as a running back? Walker looked awfully robust turning the corner for a 16-yard gain after taking a handoff from Shaun Hill.
--- So here's what the 49ers got from Walker in his pro debut: A 38-yard kickoff return, one carry for 16 yards and five receptions for 54 yards. Yes, get used to seeing this kid's name. He has officially been discovered.
--- Hill showed everybody something with his mobility, not to mention his nice little touchdown jaunt on a bootleg.
--- The 49ers’ secondary may indeed be better than last year, when it allowed a franchise-record 4,427 yards through the air, but there appears to be a considerable dropoff from the first unit to the second.
--- Marcus Hudson gave a few nice indications why the 49ers have decided to work him at cornerback instead of safety.
--- Tough between the tackles: Rookie running back Michael Robinson, who is earning some playing time in a loaded backfield.
--- "It's just a start, as we all know," said coach Mike Nolan after the 49ers' most lopsided victory - preseason or otherwise - since he took control of the team in 2005. "So we won't make any more of it than that. But it was a good start."
Make that, a smashing good start.
--- A misdirection rollout strike to a closely-covered Antonio Bryant for a first down on the 49ers’ first offensive play of 2006. And then another completion to Bryant for a first down on the next play. Yes, you could say that’s a good start for Alex Smith and the San Francisco offense.
--- Two incompletions and then a forced fumble on third down. That’s a pretty good way for San Francisco’s beleaguered defense to begin 2006, too.
---- The Bears certainly are no offensive juggernaut, but they had more lost fumbles (2) than first downs (1) after one quarter against the Niners’ front-line defense, which either forced a turnover or a three-and-out on four of Chicago’s first five offensive possessions.
--- He moves better, he throws better, he leads better, he feels pressure better and he makes better decisions. For Alex Smith, that’s called not only progress, but also presence.
--- Smith never consistently saw time in the pocket like that last year -ever.
--- Anybody doubt that Smith can throw on the run now?
--- Perhaps the biggest number from Smith on his fine 16-for-21, 137-yard evening: Zero interceptions, and not one pass that even came close. Last year, he threw at least one pick in six of his seven starts.
--- What we’ve been seeing all summer, and what we may be seeing all season: Smith to Bryant, again and again and again.
--- Moving the pile: Larry Allen and Jonas Jennings, pleased to meet you.
--- This will be Isaac Sopoaga’s coming out season at nose tackle.
--- Jeff Ulbrich looked like a halfback turning the corner on his 32-yard touchdown return of Rex Grossman’s fumble.
--- Yes, that was Ulbrich blowing up Chicago running plays, too.
--- Kevan Barlow breaking a tackle at the line of scrimmage the first time he was hit on his first carry. That’s already a big improvement over 2005.
--- Barlow and Gore and then ask for more. Sure, it needs some work, but see if you can come up with a better slogan.
--- We’re not drawing any early conclusions about the rotation at tailback this year, but Barlow started and finished with one carry, while Gore had 10 carries for a game-high 49 yards.
--- Of course, Barlow took a shot from Bears cornerback Nathan Vasher while attempting to catch a short dump-off pass on San Francisco's fourth offensive snap and suffered a thigh contusion, so the Niners decided to keep him out the remainder of the game. But we still see more 2006 carries going to Gore even when Barlow is healthy.
--- Maurice Hicks’ work as a goal-line back this summer obviously paid off.
--- And Hicks remains a legitimate breakaway threat in the open field, as he displayed on his 24-yard cut-and-burst after taking a short screen pass from Jesse Palmer.
--- When you’re “The Bachelor,” you need to learn how to improvise, and it looks like Palmer can do a bit of that in and out of the pocket.
--- Special teams coordinator Larry Mac Duff has taught his units to sell out while also still holding true to their disciplined assignments.
--- Mike Adams has a much better grasp of the position at free safety, and that’s why he’ll be starting there again on opening day in September.
--- Manny Lawson is finding out fast that he’s not going to be able to get it in the pass rush on speed alone.
--- It looks like Joe Nedney will be getting more opportunities to show off his pretty left-footed swing this season. We already know from last season that the team’s 2005 offensive MVP knows what to do with them.
--- As he has displayed more than a few times this summer, Shawntae Spencer still has a tendency to let sure interceptions slip through his hands.
--- That’s what Arnaz Battle is good for - going over the middle to make the tough third-down grab when he knows a big hit is coming.
--- It was nice to see Bryan Gilmore get open and make a tough catch between two defenders for a first down the first time the football came his way as a 49er.
--- Give Vernon Davis some time to pick up those blocking assignments.
--- A yellow flag falling to the ground after a holding penalty on Kwame Harris. Now there’s an unpleasant reminder of last season.
--- Keith Lewis will block a punt this season, just as he did last year and just as he did as a rookie in 2004.
--- But Lewis’ missed open-field tackle that resulted in Chicago’s first touchdown shows you why the third-year veteran will never be anything more than a reserve safety with the Niners.
--- Based on one preseason performance, Justin Smiley won’t be budging as the starting right guard.
--- Eric Johnson in the flat, when isolated on a linebacker, is going to be a tough short passing play for San Francisco opponents to stop.
--- If the 49ers are going to keep one fullback based simply on what he brings as a blocker, then it will be Moran Norris.
--- Mike Rumph misses tackle, opponent makes big gain on third down. Does this sound like news to anybody?
--- Rumph couldn’t have looked much worse in his first preseason attempt to remain a 49er in 2006, missing four tackles and looking extremely shaky in coverage.
--- Sammy Davis: The candy man can on the corner.
--- Gotta catch the ball to make the team, son: Rasheed Marshall gave yet another vivid example of the brick hands that will keep him off the final roster this year.
--- Delanie Walker returning kicks? Well, why not? He certainly knows how to run over people.
--- And Walker looks more like a big receiver than a hybrid tight end when he’s running smooth passing routes from both sides of the line.
--- And as a running back? Walker looked awfully robust turning the corner for a 16-yard gain after taking a handoff from Shaun Hill.
--- So here's what the 49ers got from Walker in his pro debut: A 38-yard kickoff return, one carry for 16 yards and five receptions for 54 yards. Yes, get used to seeing this kid's name. He has officially been discovered.
--- Hill showed everybody something with his mobility, not to mention his nice little touchdown jaunt on a bootleg.
--- The 49ers’ secondary may indeed be better than last year, when it allowed a franchise-record 4,427 yards through the air, but there appears to be a considerable dropoff from the first unit to the second.
--- Marcus Hudson gave a few nice indications why the 49ers have decided to work him at cornerback instead of safety.
--- Tough between the tackles: Rookie running back Michael Robinson, who is earning some playing time in a loaded backfield.
--- "It's just a start, as we all know," said coach Mike Nolan after the 49ers' most lopsided victory - preseason or otherwise - since he took control of the team in 2005. "So we won't make any more of it than that. But it was a good start."
Make that, a smashing good start.