Niner News Thread
- Thread starter Chree
- Start date
Singletary could replace Rachal
SANTA CLARA — Mike Singletary is depending on strong play from the 49ers’ offensive line as part of his formula for success.
But that phase of the game has been a disappointment for a man who has repeatedly stated he expects the 49ers’ line to be among the best in the league as the season progresses.
It appears Singletary has run out of patience, as a change at right guard is expected when the 49ers reconvene Monday to begin preparations for facing the Houston Texans on Oct. 25.
“Still looking at it,” Singletary said Wednesday before the team was given four days off for the bye week. “There’s a good chance we’ll do it, but (we’re) still looking at it.
“Right now there are a couple of combinations, but we’ll figure it out when we get back.”
Right guard Chilo Rachal, a second-round pick in the 2008 draft, is the player most likely to receive a demotion. When asked if right guard was his biggest concern, Singletary answered, “Quite possibly.”
The 49ers’ offense ranks 29th in the NFL in total yards through five games.
Quarterback Shaun Hill has been sacked 16 times. The 49ers are surrendering sacks more frequently than all but three other teams.
Singletary wants an offensive line that is able to impose its will on the defense and sustain long ball-control drives. However, only the Raiders have achieved fewer first downs per game.
“I feel that they’ll be fine,” said 49ers running back Frank Gore, who is expected to return to action after missing the past two games with an ankle injury. We have to clean up the small things and get all the MEs (mental errors) out of the way and play together. Coach Singletary said it: ‘It’s going to happen.’
“They’re trying and fighting and that’s all you can want for your teammates. They’ll do it. They’ll get it right.”
Rachal was being counted upon to make significant strides in his second season after starting the final six games as a rookie. He replaced veteran Tony Wragge in the starting lineup. Now Wragge is among the options to work his way back onto the first team.
Or the 49ers could move either Adam Snyder or Tony Pashos from right tackle, where they have been splitting time.
Rachal said his confidence has not wavered. He said he believes he is continuing to progress, but does not admit his play has been substandard.
“I feel like I’ve gotten better in some points, but I can always get better,” he said. “I’m still learning. I only started six games last year. I didn’t get a chance to play the whole season. I’m learning things as games come along.”
Any mystery involving Singletary’s opinion of Rachal’s play was solved when NFL Films had the 49ers’ head coach wired for sound during the team’s Oct. 4 game against the St. Louis Rams. At one point, Rams defensive tackle C.J. Ah You powers through Rachal to record a sack.
“Chilo’s going to make me knock him out, dad-gummit,” Singletary says on the sideline.
Later, Singletary talks to Rachal on the bench in front of all of the other offensive linemen.
“Chilo, look here, I’m going to ask you a very honest question,” Singletary says. “If you can’t play, let me know, so I can get somebody in there. These guys are busting their tales ... No, no, no, I don’t want to hear ‘I’m good.’ If you can’t play, I want somebody else in. I don’t need you out there thinking. I need you to go. These guys are working. Are you going to play or not?”
Singletary spent a lot of one-on-one time last season with Rachal before and after the promotion into the starting lineup. Rachal said he views it as a good thing that his coach gives him attention.
“He sees a lot of potential in me and he’s pushing me,” Rachal said. “And that’s motivation. I like that. I take everything Coach says as a positive. That’s a Hall of Fame coach and been in the league and won a Super Bowl. Everything he says, I listen to.”
SANTA CLARA — Mike Singletary is depending on strong play from the 49ers’ offensive line as part of his formula for success.
But that phase of the game has been a disappointment for a man who has repeatedly stated he expects the 49ers’ line to be among the best in the league as the season progresses.
It appears Singletary has run out of patience, as a change at right guard is expected when the 49ers reconvene Monday to begin preparations for facing the Houston Texans on Oct. 25.
“Still looking at it,” Singletary said Wednesday before the team was given four days off for the bye week. “There’s a good chance we’ll do it, but (we’re) still looking at it.
“Right now there are a couple of combinations, but we’ll figure it out when we get back.”
Right guard Chilo Rachal, a second-round pick in the 2008 draft, is the player most likely to receive a demotion. When asked if right guard was his biggest concern, Singletary answered, “Quite possibly.”
The 49ers’ offense ranks 29th in the NFL in total yards through five games.
Quarterback Shaun Hill has been sacked 16 times. The 49ers are surrendering sacks more frequently than all but three other teams.
Singletary wants an offensive line that is able to impose its will on the defense and sustain long ball-control drives. However, only the Raiders have achieved fewer first downs per game.
“I feel that they’ll be fine,” said 49ers running back Frank Gore, who is expected to return to action after missing the past two games with an ankle injury. We have to clean up the small things and get all the MEs (mental errors) out of the way and play together. Coach Singletary said it: ‘It’s going to happen.’
“They’re trying and fighting and that’s all you can want for your teammates. They’ll do it. They’ll get it right.”
Rachal was being counted upon to make significant strides in his second season after starting the final six games as a rookie. He replaced veteran Tony Wragge in the starting lineup. Now Wragge is among the options to work his way back onto the first team.
Or the 49ers could move either Adam Snyder or Tony Pashos from right tackle, where they have been splitting time.
Rachal said his confidence has not wavered. He said he believes he is continuing to progress, but does not admit his play has been substandard.
“I feel like I’ve gotten better in some points, but I can always get better,” he said. “I’m still learning. I only started six games last year. I didn’t get a chance to play the whole season. I’m learning things as games come along.”
Any mystery involving Singletary’s opinion of Rachal’s play was solved when NFL Films had the 49ers’ head coach wired for sound during the team’s Oct. 4 game against the St. Louis Rams. At one point, Rams defensive tackle C.J. Ah You powers through Rachal to record a sack.
“Chilo’s going to make me knock him out, dad-gummit,” Singletary says on the sideline.
Later, Singletary talks to Rachal on the bench in front of all of the other offensive linemen.
“Chilo, look here, I’m going to ask you a very honest question,” Singletary says. “If you can’t play, let me know, so I can get somebody in there. These guys are busting their tales ... No, no, no, I don’t want to hear ‘I’m good.’ If you can’t play, I want somebody else in. I don’t need you out there thinking. I need you to go. These guys are working. Are you going to play or not?”
Singletary spent a lot of one-on-one time last season with Rachal before and after the promotion into the starting lineup. Rachal said he views it as a good thing that his coach gives him attention.
“He sees a lot of potential in me and he’s pushing me,” Rachal said. “And that’s motivation. I like that. I take everything Coach says as a positive. That’s a Hall of Fame coach and been in the league and won a Super Bowl. Everything he says, I listen to.”
http://blog.49ers.com/2009/10/19/49ers-react-to-ulbrich-loss/
49ers React to Ulbrich Loss
Posted by Taylor Price on October 19, 2009 – 2:27 PM
101909-ulbrich-header
Last Friday, 49ers inside linebacker Jeff Ulbrich visited with neurologists to determine the severity of a concussion he sustained on October 4, against the St. Louis Rams.
And on Monday, the news from that meeting caused the 49ers to place Ulbrich on the team’s injured reserve list and sign veteran linebacker Matt Wilhelm.
“We really have a conservative approach to everything we do as it pertains to our players,” head coach Mike Singletary said on Monday. “We want to make sure that we take care of our players because taking care of the players, means we’re taking care of their families as well in the long run.”
Singletary added that Ulbrich will remain around the facility as a mentor for younger players in a similar fashion as cornerback Walt Harris, who has been around often after injuring his knee in the offseason.
“Jeff is the kind of guy that you want around. He’s good for our team,” Singletary stated. “He’s good for our linebackers. He’s good for our coaches. He’s like a coach on the field anyway. Next week he will be here and in the meetings.”
While the 49ers coaching staff might have picked up an unofficial member of their staff, the players inside the 49ers locker room felt a major loss.
“Losing him is like losing a brother. I mean, it is losing a brother to me,” linebacker Patrick Willis said with intent. “I looked up to Jeff and I still do. He’s helped me understand so many different things.”
Since Willis joined the 49ers as a first-round pick in 2007, he instantly had the support of Ulbrich.
“From day one when I stepped out here and I didn’t know anything, I asked Jeff a thousand questions,” Willis said of Ulbrich’s influence. “Not one time did he hold out on me and not answer the question for me.”
Willis was pleased to hear that Ulbrich will remain around the facility and on some road trips, but not having him in full pads in the locker room and on the sidelines will be a shocker.
“Losing him is going to be sad. He was like a warrior in the game to me, especially in the locker room,” Willis added.
The tough task of filling those shoes falls on Wilhelm, who has spent the last six seasons with the San Diego Chargers. Wilhelm was with the Philadelphia Eagles this past training camp, but was released prior to the start of the season.
What makes Wilhelm a likeable candidate is his familiarity with defensive coordinator Greg Manusky’s defense, a system he played in for four seasons in San Diego.
“The meat and potatoes of the defense I know pretty well,” Wilhelm said.
Wilhelm understands both inside linebacker positions, but will have to learn the terminology associated with the defense. Knowing that, Wilhelm wants to help the team in any way as soon as possible.
“Obviously, this is a backup role, because they have two great inside linebackers. But they need someone to come in on special teams and be one play away and learn this defense as fast as they can,” Wilhelm said.
More Monday News and Notes
-Singletary was asked if starting strong safety Michael Lewis could be placed on IR like Ulbrich because of a concussion, but the 49ers head coach said it was “unlikely.” He also stated that Lewis’ return has not yet been determined and that the team would continue to monitor his health.
- Last week, Singletary hinted a possible change on the offensive line. On Monday, he announced the changes.
“Right now, Chilo [Rachal] and [Adam] Snyder will alternate [at right guard], a lot like [Tony] Pashos and Snyder at the right tackle position. We want our best five on the field, and we feel like Snyder alternating with Chilo will be good for us to find out who is best at that position.”
-Singletary has been pleased with the progression he’s seen from rookie wideout Michael Crabtree in the short period of time he’s been with the team.
“Michael Crabtree’s progress is excellent. He’s working his tail off. He stays here. He’s with the coaches all the time and learning the playbook. They’re very pleased with what they’re seeing, and I’m pleased with what I’m seeing and the conversations that he and I have had. With the coaches, it’s been great. He can’t get enough of it. He wants to be out here. He wants to get better. He wants to play and make a contribution. So, that’s very exciting.”
-Quarterback Shaun Hill said he didn’t realize how big Crabtree actually was on the football field.
“He plays much bigger than he appears. When you see him, you think he’s on the short side. But when he’s out there playing, he’s a big target out there. He has very strong hands and attacks the ball out there. I think he’s going to be good for us.”
-Hill was also pleased with Crabtree’s work ethic.
“I’ve been very impressed with how much he’s learned since he’s been here. He came right in and was able to pick it up. If a question does arise, he’s not afraid to ask. I feel very comfortable that he’s going to know everything he’ll need to know for this game on Sunday.”
-Hill said the front seven of the Houston Texans defense has stood out to him the most through his film study.
“Good team. They’re playing well right now. They’re going to be a very good opponent for us. They have a very good front with a great pass rusher in Mario Williams. They just play good fundamental defense.”
-Hill will be aided this week significantly with the return of running back Frank Gore, who has missed the last two games with foot and ankle injuries. The 49ers star runner stayed in the Bay Area over the bye week to rehab his injuries and also help Crabtree get filled in.
“Over the bye week, he [Crabtree] looked very good. He was getting the plays. Now we’re fully-loaded as an offense and on Sunday we have to get going,” Gore said. “I feel like a kid right now, I can’t wait to get back out there with my team.”
-Gore said he wasn’t concerned about out-scoring the Texans’ high-powered offensive attack.
“For us, we just have be ourselves and go out there try to keep the chains moving and score points. If we do that we should have a great chance to win.”
49ers React to Ulbrich Loss
Posted by Taylor Price on October 19, 2009 – 2:27 PM
101909-ulbrich-header
Last Friday, 49ers inside linebacker Jeff Ulbrich visited with neurologists to determine the severity of a concussion he sustained on October 4, against the St. Louis Rams.
And on Monday, the news from that meeting caused the 49ers to place Ulbrich on the team’s injured reserve list and sign veteran linebacker Matt Wilhelm.
“We really have a conservative approach to everything we do as it pertains to our players,” head coach Mike Singletary said on Monday. “We want to make sure that we take care of our players because taking care of the players, means we’re taking care of their families as well in the long run.”
Singletary added that Ulbrich will remain around the facility as a mentor for younger players in a similar fashion as cornerback Walt Harris, who has been around often after injuring his knee in the offseason.
“Jeff is the kind of guy that you want around. He’s good for our team,” Singletary stated. “He’s good for our linebackers. He’s good for our coaches. He’s like a coach on the field anyway. Next week he will be here and in the meetings.”
While the 49ers coaching staff might have picked up an unofficial member of their staff, the players inside the 49ers locker room felt a major loss.
“Losing him is like losing a brother. I mean, it is losing a brother to me,” linebacker Patrick Willis said with intent. “I looked up to Jeff and I still do. He’s helped me understand so many different things.”
Since Willis joined the 49ers as a first-round pick in 2007, he instantly had the support of Ulbrich.
“From day one when I stepped out here and I didn’t know anything, I asked Jeff a thousand questions,” Willis said of Ulbrich’s influence. “Not one time did he hold out on me and not answer the question for me.”
Willis was pleased to hear that Ulbrich will remain around the facility and on some road trips, but not having him in full pads in the locker room and on the sidelines will be a shocker.
“Losing him is going to be sad. He was like a warrior in the game to me, especially in the locker room,” Willis added.
The tough task of filling those shoes falls on Wilhelm, who has spent the last six seasons with the San Diego Chargers. Wilhelm was with the Philadelphia Eagles this past training camp, but was released prior to the start of the season.
What makes Wilhelm a likeable candidate is his familiarity with defensive coordinator Greg Manusky’s defense, a system he played in for four seasons in San Diego.
“The meat and potatoes of the defense I know pretty well,” Wilhelm said.
Wilhelm understands both inside linebacker positions, but will have to learn the terminology associated with the defense. Knowing that, Wilhelm wants to help the team in any way as soon as possible.
“Obviously, this is a backup role, because they have two great inside linebackers. But they need someone to come in on special teams and be one play away and learn this defense as fast as they can,” Wilhelm said.
More Monday News and Notes
-Singletary was asked if starting strong safety Michael Lewis could be placed on IR like Ulbrich because of a concussion, but the 49ers head coach said it was “unlikely.” He also stated that Lewis’ return has not yet been determined and that the team would continue to monitor his health.
- Last week, Singletary hinted a possible change on the offensive line. On Monday, he announced the changes.
“Right now, Chilo [Rachal] and [Adam] Snyder will alternate [at right guard], a lot like [Tony] Pashos and Snyder at the right tackle position. We want our best five on the field, and we feel like Snyder alternating with Chilo will be good for us to find out who is best at that position.”
-Singletary has been pleased with the progression he’s seen from rookie wideout Michael Crabtree in the short period of time he’s been with the team.
“Michael Crabtree’s progress is excellent. He’s working his tail off. He stays here. He’s with the coaches all the time and learning the playbook. They’re very pleased with what they’re seeing, and I’m pleased with what I’m seeing and the conversations that he and I have had. With the coaches, it’s been great. He can’t get enough of it. He wants to be out here. He wants to get better. He wants to play and make a contribution. So, that’s very exciting.”
-Quarterback Shaun Hill said he didn’t realize how big Crabtree actually was on the football field.
“He plays much bigger than he appears. When you see him, you think he’s on the short side. But when he’s out there playing, he’s a big target out there. He has very strong hands and attacks the ball out there. I think he’s going to be good for us.”
-Hill was also pleased with Crabtree’s work ethic.
“I’ve been very impressed with how much he’s learned since he’s been here. He came right in and was able to pick it up. If a question does arise, he’s not afraid to ask. I feel very comfortable that he’s going to know everything he’ll need to know for this game on Sunday.”
-Hill said the front seven of the Houston Texans defense has stood out to him the most through his film study.
“Good team. They’re playing well right now. They’re going to be a very good opponent for us. They have a very good front with a great pass rusher in Mario Williams. They just play good fundamental defense.”
-Hill will be aided this week significantly with the return of running back Frank Gore, who has missed the last two games with foot and ankle injuries. The 49ers star runner stayed in the Bay Area over the bye week to rehab his injuries and also help Crabtree get filled in.
“Over the bye week, he [Crabtree] looked very good. He was getting the plays. Now we’re fully-loaded as an offense and on Sunday we have to get going,” Gore said. “I feel like a kid right now, I can’t wait to get back out there with my team.”
-Gore said he wasn’t concerned about out-scoring the Texans’ high-powered offensive attack.
“For us, we just have be ourselves and go out there try to keep the chains moving and score points. If we do that we should have a great chance to win.”
don't know if you guys heard but crabtree will be starting in place of josh morgan
http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/10/crabtree-likely-to-start-sundays-game.html
http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/10/crabtree-likely-to-start-sundays-game.html
Report: Crabtree likely to start for 49ers
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Michael Crabtree will make his debut in his home state of Texas, and the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported there's a good chance he will start.
Singletary has long given Crabtree the benefit of the doubt, believing the former Texas Tech star will shine at this level. Even if that meant playing catch-up in the past two weeks after missing so much time with a contract holdout.
"There are some things that you can prepare him for, but there are other things that he just has to go through and I think that this is one of them," Singletary said of Crabtree's first game.
"You have to let those guys line up against him and put their hands on you and see some of the complexities of the defense and how they are setting you up. You come to the sideline with your head on a swivel a little bit, but I don't think that it's going to be too big for him. To me, even though he's come in late, he looks like he's ready."
Crabtree's teammates seem to have moved past his prolonged contract impasse, more focused now on what he can do to help the team. San Francisco (3-2) leads the NFC West with wins already over the reigning NFC champion Arizona Cardinals and Seattle.
"I think he [Crabtree] can do well, man," running back Frank Gore said. "Just by watching him in college. He was one of the best players in college. Just watching him in the bye week, he looks how he's supposed to look. He has great hands and he runs good routes. Like I tell him: 'Just go out there and play football. As long as you know what you're doing, you'll be fine."'
According to Niners wide receiver Josh Morgan, Crabtree will start the game opposite Isaac Bruce, the Press Democrat reported.
"They gave him my spot," Morgan said, according to the report. "So if he's going to be in there, I might as well help him out so I can make sure he gets it right."
The evaluation process with Crabtree will be ongoing. Along with his work on the field last week, he spent time in the film room.
The 49ers like what they see so far on all fronts. Singletary and Co. know they'll learn much more about Crabtree during and after Sunday's game with the Texans.
"Obviously, once you get in the game when the real bullets are flying, that's when you can really tell that, 'You know what, are we helping or hurting his confidence? Is he ready for this? Do we need to back off a bit?"' Singletary said. "Or if, 'Hey he's ready, let's pick it up a little bit.' So, I think he'll tell us."
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4579235
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Michael Crabtree will make his debut in his home state of Texas, and the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported there's a good chance he will start.
Singletary has long given Crabtree the benefit of the doubt, believing the former Texas Tech star will shine at this level. Even if that meant playing catch-up in the past two weeks after missing so much time with a contract holdout.
"There are some things that you can prepare him for, but there are other things that he just has to go through and I think that this is one of them," Singletary said of Crabtree's first game.
"You have to let those guys line up against him and put their hands on you and see some of the complexities of the defense and how they are setting you up. You come to the sideline with your head on a swivel a little bit, but I don't think that it's going to be too big for him. To me, even though he's come in late, he looks like he's ready."
Crabtree's teammates seem to have moved past his prolonged contract impasse, more focused now on what he can do to help the team. San Francisco (3-2) leads the NFC West with wins already over the reigning NFC champion Arizona Cardinals and Seattle.
"I think he [Crabtree] can do well, man," running back Frank Gore said. "Just by watching him in college. He was one of the best players in college. Just watching him in the bye week, he looks how he's supposed to look. He has great hands and he runs good routes. Like I tell him: 'Just go out there and play football. As long as you know what you're doing, you'll be fine."'
According to Niners wide receiver Josh Morgan, Crabtree will start the game opposite Isaac Bruce, the Press Democrat reported.
"They gave him my spot," Morgan said, according to the report. "So if he's going to be in there, I might as well help him out so I can make sure he gets it right."
The evaluation process with Crabtree will be ongoing. Along with his work on the field last week, he spent time in the film room.
The 49ers like what they see so far on all fronts. Singletary and Co. know they'll learn much more about Crabtree during and after Sunday's game with the Texans.
"Obviously, once you get in the game when the real bullets are flying, that's when you can really tell that, 'You know what, are we helping or hurting his confidence? Is he ready for this? Do we need to back off a bit?"' Singletary said. "Or if, 'Hey he's ready, let's pick it up a little bit.' So, I think he'll tell us."
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4579235