Niner News Thread
- Thread starter Chree
- Start date
Matt Leinart is lost. Not coincidentally, so are the Cardinals.
The No. 7 on his jersey represents a number he never produces. He has thrown only one touchdown pass since October 2007, and that came in garbage time against New England, with the Cardinals trailing 47-0.
Evidence is piling up that he's not tough enough to handle the position at the NFL level, particularly between the ears. Teammates are losing faith in his ability to effectively replace Kurt Warner. And if things don't improve quickly, the No. 7 also will be the over/under for Cardinals victories in 2010.
"I'm a little disappointed in Matt Leinart because, if you think (about it), the club went out five years ago and made him a top-10 pick," said former Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter, now an ESPN analyst. "And when you do that, you're saying you have a franchise quarterback. And a franchise quarterback, there are a lot of things you look for."
Before the hammer strikes, understand that Carter's comments came at halftime of a lackluster preseason loss to the Titans on "Monday Night Football." Contextually, they are important because Carter is extremely close to Larry Fitzgerald, who shows no inclination of stepping back on the field until the passing game becomes a little less hazardous to his health.
When Fitzgerald was injured in the first preseason game, it was Carter who said the wide receiver was growing worried about more collisions in the near future. He suggested that Fitzgerald could be losing faith in Leinart's arm strength, believing that his quarterback ultimately will lead him into danger.
"One thing I want (to see) is his body posture, his body language, the vibe that he gives the team," Carter continued on the broadcast. "Does the team feel like they can win any football game? Because those are the franchise quarterbacks that we see around the league. When they step in the huddle, their teammates are encouraged. Their teammates play better because they're with a franchise quarterbacks. Matt Leinart doesn't look like that. Forget about him throwing the ball. I just don't like his overall body posture and the vibe he's going to give his teammates."
Carter's comments also resonate because they're 100 percent accurate.
Leinart's body language is terrible. He seems baffled, detached, easily stung by negative questions. During a sideline interview Monday night, he rambled on about the pressure generated by the Titans and how "they were just going to blitz the house every play."
Fine, the offensive line is struggling. But crafty quarterbacks turn blitzes into opportunities. They sting back.
That's not the case with the Cardinals, and the inference is clear: Leinart doesn't handle contact very well. He doesn't operate well in tight spaces. The pressure makes him quick to check down, throwing short passes that stress out an offense and lead to unproductive drives. He lacks the exterior fire and bounce that makes Max Hall a fan favorite. He doesn't exude leadership. He insists everything is fine and that the preseason doesn't matter, and yet it's as if his apprenticeship under Warner was a waste of time.
Leinart also is the type that needs coddling - something the coach won't tolerate.
In his defense, Leinart hasn't turned over the ball in the preseason and never has been a good practice player. But if Derek Anderson could locate his fastball, we'd be knee-deep in quarterback controversy.
Sure, it's only the preseason. Ken Whisenhunt is an engineer by nature and excellent in moments of crisis. He'll figure out something, even if it means a desperate phone call to Warner. Mine went unreturned.
But if Leinart hasn't grabbed this opportunity by now, when is it going to happen? Even worse, he's a still a marquee name, an athlete who once waded in the pool of celebrity gossip. His downfall attracts national interest.
Not surprisingly, Leinart's poor performance against the Titans was one of the lead stories on "SportsCenter," and if he doesn't get better, it's only getting worse. Soon people will be pairing Leinart and Reggie Bush as the most-disappointing teammate tandem in draft history.
Back in college, Leinart seemed unflappable, laconic yet defiant, capable of throwing a perfect pass on fourth down in the darkness at Notre Dame. Somewhere between that infamous Monday night against the Bears in 2006 to an ugly Monday night in Nashville, the magic has disappeared.
If there's anything left inside, Leinart better find it soon, before he wastes a golden opportunity.
The No. 7 on his jersey represents a number he never produces. He has thrown only one touchdown pass since October 2007, and that came in garbage time against New England, with the Cardinals trailing 47-0.
Evidence is piling up that he's not tough enough to handle the position at the NFL level, particularly between the ears. Teammates are losing faith in his ability to effectively replace Kurt Warner. And if things don't improve quickly, the No. 7 also will be the over/under for Cardinals victories in 2010.
"I'm a little disappointed in Matt Leinart because, if you think (about it), the club went out five years ago and made him a top-10 pick," said former Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter, now an ESPN analyst. "And when you do that, you're saying you have a franchise quarterback. And a franchise quarterback, there are a lot of things you look for."
Before the hammer strikes, understand that Carter's comments came at halftime of a lackluster preseason loss to the Titans on "Monday Night Football." Contextually, they are important because Carter is extremely close to Larry Fitzgerald, who shows no inclination of stepping back on the field until the passing game becomes a little less hazardous to his health.
When Fitzgerald was injured in the first preseason game, it was Carter who said the wide receiver was growing worried about more collisions in the near future. He suggested that Fitzgerald could be losing faith in Leinart's arm strength, believing that his quarterback ultimately will lead him into danger.
"One thing I want (to see) is his body posture, his body language, the vibe that he gives the team," Carter continued on the broadcast. "Does the team feel like they can win any football game? Because those are the franchise quarterbacks that we see around the league. When they step in the huddle, their teammates are encouraged. Their teammates play better because they're with a franchise quarterbacks. Matt Leinart doesn't look like that. Forget about him throwing the ball. I just don't like his overall body posture and the vibe he's going to give his teammates."
Carter's comments also resonate because they're 100 percent accurate.
Leinart's body language is terrible. He seems baffled, detached, easily stung by negative questions. During a sideline interview Monday night, he rambled on about the pressure generated by the Titans and how "they were just going to blitz the house every play."
Fine, the offensive line is struggling. But crafty quarterbacks turn blitzes into opportunities. They sting back.
That's not the case with the Cardinals, and the inference is clear: Leinart doesn't handle contact very well. He doesn't operate well in tight spaces. The pressure makes him quick to check down, throwing short passes that stress out an offense and lead to unproductive drives. He lacks the exterior fire and bounce that makes Max Hall a fan favorite. He doesn't exude leadership. He insists everything is fine and that the preseason doesn't matter, and yet it's as if his apprenticeship under Warner was a waste of time.
Leinart also is the type that needs coddling - something the coach won't tolerate.
In his defense, Leinart hasn't turned over the ball in the preseason and never has been a good practice player. But if Derek Anderson could locate his fastball, we'd be knee-deep in quarterback controversy.
Sure, it's only the preseason. Ken Whisenhunt is an engineer by nature and excellent in moments of crisis. He'll figure out something, even if it means a desperate phone call to Warner. Mine went unreturned.
But if Leinart hasn't grabbed this opportunity by now, when is it going to happen? Even worse, he's a still a marquee name, an athlete who once waded in the pool of celebrity gossip. His downfall attracts national interest.
Not surprisingly, Leinart's poor performance against the Titans was one of the lead stories on "SportsCenter," and if he doesn't get better, it's only getting worse. Soon people will be pairing Leinart and Reggie Bush as the most-disappointing teammate tandem in draft history.
Back in college, Leinart seemed unflappable, laconic yet defiant, capable of throwing a perfect pass on fourth down in the darkness at Notre Dame. Somewhere between that infamous Monday night against the Bears in 2006 to an ugly Monday night in Nashville, the magic has disappeared.
If there's anything left inside, Leinart better find it soon, before he wastes a golden opportunity.
Aubrayo Franklin is going to sign his 7mil tender:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp10/news/story?id=5501162
"Defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin, who has missed all of the 49ers' training camp in a contract dispute after being franchised by the team, will fly to San Francisco on Saturday to undergo his physical and sign his $7.003 million contract, according to a league source."
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp10/news/story?id=5501162
"Defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin, who has missed all of the 49ers' training camp in a contract dispute after being franchised by the team, will fly to San Francisco on Saturday to undergo his physical and sign his $7.003 million contract, according to a league source."
Hey, doesn't this sound familiar?
http://twitter.com/SLam49ers/status/22102932384
The black hole doesn't exist at the Oakland Colosseum, but in their tv schedule for home games.
http://twitter.com/SLam49ers/status/22102932384
The black hole doesn't exist at the Oakland Colosseum, but in their tv schedule for home games.
KBCW-San Francisco (tape delayed at 9 p.m.)
All the other stations across the 49ers television network are scheduled show the game live at 6 p.m.:
KOVR-Sacramento (live, 6 p.m.)
KION-Monterey/Salinas (live)
KGPE-Fresno/Visalia (live)
KOLO-Reno (live)
KERO-Bakersfield (live)
KCVU-Chico/Redding (live)
KFBI-Medford/Klamath Falls (live)
KBVU-Eureka (live)
KITV-Honolulu (tape delayed, 7 p.m., Hawaii time)
All the other stations across the 49ers television network are scheduled show the game live at 6 p.m.:
KOVR-Sacramento (live, 6 p.m.)
KION-Monterey/Salinas (live)
KGPE-Fresno/Visalia (live)
KOLO-Reno (live)
KERO-Bakersfield (live)
KCVU-Chico/Redding (live)
KFBI-Medford/Klamath Falls (live)
KBVU-Eureka (live)
KITV-Honolulu (tape delayed, 7 p.m., Hawaii time)
49ers Camp Report: Practice 31
http://www.csnbayarea.com/08/26/10/...landing_maiocco_v3&blockID=298629&feedID=5936
Thursday, Aug. 26
Afternoon (practice No. 31)
Summary: This is the final 49ers Camp Report, as the team breaks training camp heading into their third exhibition game. It was a light practice this afternoon with the 49ers running a couple notches below "game tempo." The most interesting visuals occurred at the conclusion of practice. Quarterback Alex Smith, receivers Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan and Ted Ginn, running back Frank Gore and tight end Vernon Davis formed a circle and spent about 10 minutes just talking after practice. At the end of their confab, they put their hands together like a basketball team breaking a huddle after a timeout. Then, Smith walked off the field to meet up with his agent, Tom Condon, who was speaking with 49ers chief negotiator Paraag Marathe. "Did you get anything done?" Smith asked light-heartedly. Smith is entering the final year of his contract. Condon is on a tour visiting many of his clients during training camp. Both sides seem to agree on one thing -- serious negotiations on a possible Smith contract extension will be put on hold until the conclusion of the season.
Play of the day: Cornerback Karl Paymah came off the right edge on a blitz, he jumped in the air to deflect a Nate Davis pass up the air from point-blank range. Then, Paymah made the catch for the interception.
Injury report: Receiver Jason Hill (groin) saw limited practice time. . . . Tight end Tony Curtis (quadriceps), tackle Barry Sims (oblique) and linebacker Matt Wilhelm (headache) were held out of practice for the second day in a row . . . . Tight end Vernon Davis (right knee strain), out since Aug. 15, did not practice. He will not play Saturday against the Raiders. . . . Linebacker Ahmad Brooks (lacerated kidney), out since Aug. 7, is continuing to undergo rehab. . . . Linebacker Brandon Long (knee), who was injured in the 49ers' first exhibition game, did not practice. . . . Receiver/return man Kyle Williams (big toe sprain), injured Aug. 15, will be re-evaluated after another week. . . . Cornerback Will James (ankle), out since Aug. 15, is out 4 to 6 weeks. . . . Center Eric Heitmann (broken left fibula), out since Aug. 9, expected to miss 6 to 8 weeks.
Eye on reps: Crabtree, who was unsigned through all of training camp last year and sat out the first two exhibition games this summer with a neck strain, is set to play in his first 49ers tuneup game, coach Mike Singletary said. Crabtree will play approximately one quarter Saturday against the Raiders. Running back Brian Westbrook will also limited playing time, Singletary said. Westbrook signed a one-year contract with the 49ers on Aug. 16, he suited up but did not play Sunday night against the Vikings. And Gore, who has been a healthy scratch from the first two exhibition games, will play approximately one series, Singletary said. The 49ers' starting offensive line is slated to play the entire first half. Singletary said he is not certain whether David Carr or Nate Davis will be the second quarterback into the game.
Returning to work: Cornerback Shawntae Spencer (hamstring) returned after missing a day of practice.
Personnel report: Unsigned franchise player Aubrayo Franklin intends to travel to the Bay Area and take a team physical Saturday morning. Then, he'll sign his one-year contract worth $7.003 million, said a source close to him.
Quotable: "I trust that he's a veteran, and he's one of those guys in the last couple of years who has done a really, really great job of taking care of himself and coming in here tip-top shape" -- Singletary on why he has no concerns about Franklin being in good physical condition when he reports to sign his contract.
On the sideline: The Churchill Club attended the practice as part of a program that included, "An Evening with Jed York." The 49ers' team president and CEO spoke about business and technology issues. He also said the 49ers will always be the "San Francisco 49ers." He said of Gavin Newsom, "I don't have the best relationship with the mayor of San Francisco. But he's not going to be the mayor much longer."
Next practice: The 49ers have a short walk-through scheduled for Friday morning. They have concluded the training camp portion of preseason. The 49ers face the Raiders on Saturday at the Oakland Coliseum at 6 p.m.
http://www.csnbayarea.com/08/26/10/...landing_maiocco_v3&blockID=298629&feedID=5936
Thursday, Aug. 26
Afternoon (practice No. 31)
Summary: This is the final 49ers Camp Report, as the team breaks training camp heading into their third exhibition game. It was a light practice this afternoon with the 49ers running a couple notches below "game tempo." The most interesting visuals occurred at the conclusion of practice. Quarterback Alex Smith, receivers Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan and Ted Ginn, running back Frank Gore and tight end Vernon Davis formed a circle and spent about 10 minutes just talking after practice. At the end of their confab, they put their hands together like a basketball team breaking a huddle after a timeout. Then, Smith walked off the field to meet up with his agent, Tom Condon, who was speaking with 49ers chief negotiator Paraag Marathe. "Did you get anything done?" Smith asked light-heartedly. Smith is entering the final year of his contract. Condon is on a tour visiting many of his clients during training camp. Both sides seem to agree on one thing -- serious negotiations on a possible Smith contract extension will be put on hold until the conclusion of the season.
Play of the day: Cornerback Karl Paymah came off the right edge on a blitz, he jumped in the air to deflect a Nate Davis pass up the air from point-blank range. Then, Paymah made the catch for the interception.
Injury report: Receiver Jason Hill (groin) saw limited practice time. . . . Tight end Tony Curtis (quadriceps), tackle Barry Sims (oblique) and linebacker Matt Wilhelm (headache) were held out of practice for the second day in a row . . . . Tight end Vernon Davis (right knee strain), out since Aug. 15, did not practice. He will not play Saturday against the Raiders. . . . Linebacker Ahmad Brooks (lacerated kidney), out since Aug. 7, is continuing to undergo rehab. . . . Linebacker Brandon Long (knee), who was injured in the 49ers' first exhibition game, did not practice. . . . Receiver/return man Kyle Williams (big toe sprain), injured Aug. 15, will be re-evaluated after another week. . . . Cornerback Will James (ankle), out since Aug. 15, is out 4 to 6 weeks. . . . Center Eric Heitmann (broken left fibula), out since Aug. 9, expected to miss 6 to 8 weeks.
Eye on reps: Crabtree, who was unsigned through all of training camp last year and sat out the first two exhibition games this summer with a neck strain, is set to play in his first 49ers tuneup game, coach Mike Singletary said. Crabtree will play approximately one quarter Saturday against the Raiders. Running back Brian Westbrook will also limited playing time, Singletary said. Westbrook signed a one-year contract with the 49ers on Aug. 16, he suited up but did not play Sunday night against the Vikings. And Gore, who has been a healthy scratch from the first two exhibition games, will play approximately one series, Singletary said. The 49ers' starting offensive line is slated to play the entire first half. Singletary said he is not certain whether David Carr or Nate Davis will be the second quarterback into the game.
Returning to work: Cornerback Shawntae Spencer (hamstring) returned after missing a day of practice.
Personnel report: Unsigned franchise player Aubrayo Franklin intends to travel to the Bay Area and take a team physical Saturday morning. Then, he'll sign his one-year contract worth $7.003 million, said a source close to him.
Quotable: "I trust that he's a veteran, and he's one of those guys in the last couple of years who has done a really, really great job of taking care of himself and coming in here tip-top shape" -- Singletary on why he has no concerns about Franklin being in good physical condition when he reports to sign his contract.
On the sideline: The Churchill Club attended the practice as part of a program that included, "An Evening with Jed York." The 49ers' team president and CEO spoke about business and technology issues. He also said the 49ers will always be the "San Francisco 49ers." He said of Gavin Newsom, "I don't have the best relationship with the mayor of San Francisco. But he's not going to be the mayor much longer."
Next practice: The 49ers have a short walk-through scheduled for Friday morning. They have concluded the training camp portion of preseason. The 49ers face the Raiders on Saturday at the Oakland Coliseum at 6 p.m.
