Niner News Thread
- Thread starter Chree
- Start date
I`m more shocked to hear Spencer named starter than of the waiving of Briggs. I fully expect him to make the PS. He`s a good solid talent, but with more time, he`ll be better suited to make a bigger impact.
Although I`m in favor of having Sheets on the active roster, instead of Robinson, I can understand the x factor he brings. Being a college QB, they could use him to mix it up back there, although they rarely do.
But if coach is talking about being a smash mouth, run first team, man, having Gore, Coffee and Sheets back there? Shit. Would kind of remind me of Notre Dame back in 1993 when they had Jerome Bettis and Ray Zellers. Holtz would run the "I" formation and you never who was going to do damage, but all you knew, damage was about to happen.
I think if we lined up all 3 of those backs in the "I", it would give teams fits. I mean, shit, those RB`s for Notre Dame made Rick Mirer hyped as the next Joe Mantana. lmao Imagine what our backs could do for Hill. Just a thought.
Although I`m in favor of having Sheets on the active roster, instead of Robinson, I can understand the x factor he brings. Being a college QB, they could use him to mix it up back there, although they rarely do.
But if coach is talking about being a smash mouth, run first team, man, having Gore, Coffee and Sheets back there? Shit. Would kind of remind me of Notre Dame back in 1993 when they had Jerome Bettis and Ray Zellers. Holtz would run the "I" formation and you never who was going to do damage, but all you knew, damage was about to happen.
I think if we lined up all 3 of those backs in the "I", it would give teams fits. I mean, shit, those RB`s for Notre Dame made Rick Mirer hyped as the next Joe Mantana. lmao Imagine what our backs could do for Hill. Just a thought.
49ers Sign Briggs to Practice Squad
http://www.49ers.com/news-and-event...ce-Squad/89fcecfc-20d2-42f0-8c38-9480c38065fd
The San Francisco 49ers announced they have signed LB Diyral Briggs to the practice squad. The team has also terminated DT Khalif Mitchell from the practice squad.
Briggs (6-4, 230), an undrafted rookie free agent from Bowling Green, was with the 49ers throughout training camp.
http://www.49ers.com/news-and-event...ce-Squad/89fcecfc-20d2-42f0-8c38-9480c38065fd
The San Francisco 49ers announced they have signed LB Diyral Briggs to the practice squad. The team has also terminated DT Khalif Mitchell from the practice squad.
Briggs (6-4, 230), an undrafted rookie free agent from Bowling Green, was with the 49ers throughout training camp.
Niners could salvage something with springtime trade
http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers...-salvage-something-with-springtime-trade.html
Michael Crabtree deserves a lot of credit for honesty. Of course, he has not spoken a public word about his contract impasse with the 49ers, but his actions are refreshingly candid.
Some athletes utter words - generally upon signing a big-money contract - that they love the sport so much they'd play for free. You won't hear Michael Crabtree make such an absurd statement.
Through his actions over the past month-and-a-half, Crabtree is making the unmistakable statement, "I wouldn't play for the 49ers if they pay me $20 million (including $16 mil guaranteed)."
The 49ers have put a value on Crabtree as a player. They believe it's reasonable to offer him a five-year, $20 million contract. But Crabtree also has every right to set his own value. And that is exactly what he has done.
And that's why today is Day 44 of the contract stalemate. It's the longest impasse for a 49ers draft pick in club history. How about that? He has yet to run a pass route on the 49ers' practice field, and the man has already set a team record.
The 49ers were giddy when they selected the wide receiver from Texas Tech with the No. 10 overall pick. Coach Mike Singletary said the 49ers had him rated as the No. 1 receiver in the draft - and one of the best players. Of course, Crabtree came with plenty of baggage. He did not work out prior to the draft because of a stress fracture in his foot. He reportedly also rubbed at least one team, the Browns, the wrong way with his attitude.
For a couple months there have been whispers around the 49ers that Crabtree did not exactly endear himself to members of the organization during his short time with the team during the offseason, either. But petty stuff is overlooked if the guy is going to produce on the field.
And there was genuine hope that Crabtree would be an immediate contributor from Day 1.
The 49ers open the season with one of their biggest games of the season. The 49ers travel to Arizona to face the defending NFC champion Cardinals on Sunday. But Crabtree will be of no help.
His value for the team continues to diminish with every practice he misses - every game against an NFC West opponent he misses. Crabtree's mentor, Deion Sanders, said Crabtree does not need the money. He said he believes the rookie is prepared to sit out his entire first season in the NFL. But if Crabtree doesn't need the money, then why does he continue to sit out in hopes of gaining a few extra million dollars that Sanders said he didn't need in the first place?
The 49ers - from everything I've been told for more than a month - are not going to raise their offer for Crabtree, the 10th selection. Team officials have him slotted to make less than the ninth pick and more than the 11th pick. The 49ers have no desire to meet Crabtree in the middle. And if that's not good enough for Crabtree, then the 49ers are prepared to have him skip his rookie season.
And at this point, the 49ers are well within their rights to add a year to the contract - to compensate for what is looking like a lost rookie season - and/or begin lowering their offer.
Of course, Crabtree could swallow his pride and sign the contract the 49ers have offered him at any moment. Or he could dig in his heels and be stubborn.
Singletary has been guarded in his comments about Crabtree. He says he will be excited when things finally get worked out. Singletary had an approximate two-week contract impasse as a rookie, He reported and played all 16 games his first season. Although Singletary has been in Crabtree's position, it would be interesting to find out what Singletary truly thinks of him. Singletary often talks about players who have passion for the game. And Singletary has described the 49ers' offer to Crabtree as "fair."
The 49ers' stance has been they're willing to sacrifice a couple months if Crabtree gives them five good seasons. But it's reasonable at this point to wonder if Crabtree is going to be worth the hassle.
I'm just wondering if it might not be in the best interest of the 49ers' organization to lower their contract offer to the point to ensure Crabtree does not sign. If Crabtree is going to be this much of a problem before even stepping on the practice field, it might work to the team's advantage to make sure he never becomes part of the team.
If Crabtree and the 49ers do not reach a contract agreement by Nov. 17, he can't play for the 49ers this season. But all will not be lost for the 49ers. The club will have about seven weeks, beginning March 1, to find a trade partner. It should be no problem to trade him if there are at least two teams out there - as Sanders suggested - willing to pay Crabtree $40 million over five years.
But it also makes you wonder why those teams did not trade up to get Crabtree long before he reached the No. 10 pick in the draft.
There is a precedent for something like this. The Cardinals selected quarterback Kelly Stouffer with the No. 6 pick in 1987. Stouffer sat out the entire season. The following April, the Cardinals traded Stouffer's rights to the Seahawks for a fifth-round pick in the 1988 draft and first- and fifth-round selections in the '89 draft.
If the 49ers can get three draft picks, including a first-rounder, for Crabtree, that might be their best course of action. Heck, it might be their only course of action.
Because . . . if the 49ers aren't going to increase their offer . . . and . . . if Crabtree isn't going to lower his demand . . . a springtime trade is the only way this ordeal can possibly end.
http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers...-salvage-something-with-springtime-trade.html
Michael Crabtree deserves a lot of credit for honesty. Of course, he has not spoken a public word about his contract impasse with the 49ers, but his actions are refreshingly candid.
Some athletes utter words - generally upon signing a big-money contract - that they love the sport so much they'd play for free. You won't hear Michael Crabtree make such an absurd statement.
Through his actions over the past month-and-a-half, Crabtree is making the unmistakable statement, "I wouldn't play for the 49ers if they pay me $20 million (including $16 mil guaranteed)."
The 49ers have put a value on Crabtree as a player. They believe it's reasonable to offer him a five-year, $20 million contract. But Crabtree also has every right to set his own value. And that is exactly what he has done.
And that's why today is Day 44 of the contract stalemate. It's the longest impasse for a 49ers draft pick in club history. How about that? He has yet to run a pass route on the 49ers' practice field, and the man has already set a team record.
The 49ers were giddy when they selected the wide receiver from Texas Tech with the No. 10 overall pick. Coach Mike Singletary said the 49ers had him rated as the No. 1 receiver in the draft - and one of the best players. Of course, Crabtree came with plenty of baggage. He did not work out prior to the draft because of a stress fracture in his foot. He reportedly also rubbed at least one team, the Browns, the wrong way with his attitude.
For a couple months there have been whispers around the 49ers that Crabtree did not exactly endear himself to members of the organization during his short time with the team during the offseason, either. But petty stuff is overlooked if the guy is going to produce on the field.
And there was genuine hope that Crabtree would be an immediate contributor from Day 1.
The 49ers open the season with one of their biggest games of the season. The 49ers travel to Arizona to face the defending NFC champion Cardinals on Sunday. But Crabtree will be of no help.
His value for the team continues to diminish with every practice he misses - every game against an NFC West opponent he misses. Crabtree's mentor, Deion Sanders, said Crabtree does not need the money. He said he believes the rookie is prepared to sit out his entire first season in the NFL. But if Crabtree doesn't need the money, then why does he continue to sit out in hopes of gaining a few extra million dollars that Sanders said he didn't need in the first place?
The 49ers - from everything I've been told for more than a month - are not going to raise their offer for Crabtree, the 10th selection. Team officials have him slotted to make less than the ninth pick and more than the 11th pick. The 49ers have no desire to meet Crabtree in the middle. And if that's not good enough for Crabtree, then the 49ers are prepared to have him skip his rookie season.
And at this point, the 49ers are well within their rights to add a year to the contract - to compensate for what is looking like a lost rookie season - and/or begin lowering their offer.
Of course, Crabtree could swallow his pride and sign the contract the 49ers have offered him at any moment. Or he could dig in his heels and be stubborn.
Singletary has been guarded in his comments about Crabtree. He says he will be excited when things finally get worked out. Singletary had an approximate two-week contract impasse as a rookie, He reported and played all 16 games his first season. Although Singletary has been in Crabtree's position, it would be interesting to find out what Singletary truly thinks of him. Singletary often talks about players who have passion for the game. And Singletary has described the 49ers' offer to Crabtree as "fair."
The 49ers' stance has been they're willing to sacrifice a couple months if Crabtree gives them five good seasons. But it's reasonable at this point to wonder if Crabtree is going to be worth the hassle.
I'm just wondering if it might not be in the best interest of the 49ers' organization to lower their contract offer to the point to ensure Crabtree does not sign. If Crabtree is going to be this much of a problem before even stepping on the practice field, it might work to the team's advantage to make sure he never becomes part of the team.
If Crabtree and the 49ers do not reach a contract agreement by Nov. 17, he can't play for the 49ers this season. But all will not be lost for the 49ers. The club will have about seven weeks, beginning March 1, to find a trade partner. It should be no problem to trade him if there are at least two teams out there - as Sanders suggested - willing to pay Crabtree $40 million over five years.
But it also makes you wonder why those teams did not trade up to get Crabtree long before he reached the No. 10 pick in the draft.
There is a precedent for something like this. The Cardinals selected quarterback Kelly Stouffer with the No. 6 pick in 1987. Stouffer sat out the entire season. The following April, the Cardinals traded Stouffer's rights to the Seahawks for a fifth-round pick in the 1988 draft and first- and fifth-round selections in the '89 draft.
If the 49ers can get three draft picks, including a first-rounder, for Crabtree, that might be their best course of action. Heck, it might be their only course of action.
Because . . . if the 49ers aren't going to increase their offer . . . and . . . if Crabtree isn't going to lower his demand . . . a springtime trade is the only way this ordeal can possibly end.
Dilfer: Crabtree looking for a live arm
The only NFL-caliber quarterback to throw a pass to Michael Crabtree in the last two months? That would be Trent Dilfer, who worked out with Crabtree recently in the Bay Area. Dilfer told me a few moments ago that Crabtree had gotten sick of working with a JUGS machine, and was looking for a live arm. The one rumor that Dilfer said he could put to rest was that Crabtree didn't want to sign a contract because he was hiding a lingering foot injury. "That's garbage," Dilfer said. "He's perfectly healthy. ... He looked good. He looked very fit."
Dilfer said he did not discuss the contract issue with Crabtree. He said he wanted to provide a service for Crabtree and didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable. "I told him early on that I would not get involved in any level in that aspect of it," said Dilfer, who lives in the South Bay, who played two seasons in San Francisco and who is close friends with a number of 49ers.
Crabtree is now on Day 45 of his contract impasse. If he does not sign by Saturday, he will lose his Week One game check. More importantly, the standoff is starting to get into the realm where the 49ers might begin lowering their offer - believed to be 5 years for $20 million total with $16 million guaranteed - because Crabtree will not be factor early in the season. Crabtree, who was rehabilitating from a foot injury in the spring, has yet to practice with his new team.
Last week, former NFL cornerback and occasional Crabtree adviser Deion Sanders said that Crabtree had enough money to sit out the season, and if the 49ers didn't increase their offer, Crabtree was prepared to do just that. Crabtree signed a number of endorsement deals prior to the NFL scouting combine and the draft, and he is believed to have made a modest amount - easily six figures but perhaps not quite seven figures.
Dilfer's workout tells us two things. One, that Crabtree is healthy, working out and plans to hit the ground running when he does sign a contract. This is certainly reading tea leaves, but it doesn't seem that a receiver who is hunkering down for a six-month holdout would be seeking out former NFL quarterbacks for a game of catch. And two, it tells us that Crabtree is in the Bay Area, an indication that he still plans to sign with the 49ers.
-- Matt Barrows
The only NFL-caliber quarterback to throw a pass to Michael Crabtree in the last two months? That would be Trent Dilfer, who worked out with Crabtree recently in the Bay Area. Dilfer told me a few moments ago that Crabtree had gotten sick of working with a JUGS machine, and was looking for a live arm. The one rumor that Dilfer said he could put to rest was that Crabtree didn't want to sign a contract because he was hiding a lingering foot injury. "That's garbage," Dilfer said. "He's perfectly healthy. ... He looked good. He looked very fit."
Dilfer said he did not discuss the contract issue with Crabtree. He said he wanted to provide a service for Crabtree and didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable. "I told him early on that I would not get involved in any level in that aspect of it," said Dilfer, who lives in the South Bay, who played two seasons in San Francisco and who is close friends with a number of 49ers.
Crabtree is now on Day 45 of his contract impasse. If he does not sign by Saturday, he will lose his Week One game check. More importantly, the standoff is starting to get into the realm where the 49ers might begin lowering their offer - believed to be 5 years for $20 million total with $16 million guaranteed - because Crabtree will not be factor early in the season. Crabtree, who was rehabilitating from a foot injury in the spring, has yet to practice with his new team.
Last week, former NFL cornerback and occasional Crabtree adviser Deion Sanders said that Crabtree had enough money to sit out the season, and if the 49ers didn't increase their offer, Crabtree was prepared to do just that. Crabtree signed a number of endorsement deals prior to the NFL scouting combine and the draft, and he is believed to have made a modest amount - easily six figures but perhaps not quite seven figures.
Dilfer's workout tells us two things. One, that Crabtree is healthy, working out and plans to hit the ground running when he does sign a contract. This is certainly reading tea leaves, but it doesn't seem that a receiver who is hunkering down for a six-month holdout would be seeking out former NFL quarterbacks for a game of catch. And two, it tells us that Crabtree is in the Bay Area, an indication that he still plans to sign with the 49ers.
-- Matt Barrows
This is now been in two different reports about my stance for the 49ers to lower their offer if the fuckhead doesn`t sign by a certain date. Damn. Do we have NFL exec trollers on the Siccness? hmmmmmmmm??? lmao
Just ironic, that`s all. But if they are paying attention, they can start paying me for my hardline. lol (And I won`t require 7 figures a yr. A nice 6 will do.)
If he does sign with Frisco,.................................... fuck,...................... not really sure I even want this dude right now to be real. I`ve been gunning for the holdout, and/or later trade. I almost like the idea of the trade and stocking draft picks a little better at this point. But that`s me.
Just ironic, that`s all. But if they are paying attention, they can start paying me for my hardline. lol (And I won`t require 7 figures a yr. A nice 6 will do.)
If he does sign with Frisco,.................................... fuck,...................... not really sure I even want this dude right now to be real. I`ve been gunning for the holdout, and/or later trade. I almost like the idea of the trade and stocking draft picks a little better at this point. But that`s me.
LETTER 2 CRABTREE
CRABTREE, MAN THE FUCK UP AND GET UR ASS ON THE FIELD AND WORK FOR UR MONEY CUZ IF WE PAY U WHAT U WANT AND U DONT BECOME A 90-100 REC 1200YRD & ATLEAST A 2-TIME PRO BOWL WR IN UR FIRST 5 YEAR IM BOOIN UR ASS. I WAS THE ONLY DUDE ON HERE SAYIN WE SHUD DRAFT HIM AND WAS HAPPY FOR DUDE CUZ THIS IS A GOOD PLACE TO PLAY CUZ WERE ON THE COME-UP NOW IM REGRETTIN THIS SHIT
-SUPA SAV'D OUTT
DOES HE HAVE TWITTER? IF SO ILL CHEW HIS ASS OUT!
CRABTREE, MAN THE FUCK UP AND GET UR ASS ON THE FIELD AND WORK FOR UR MONEY CUZ IF WE PAY U WHAT U WANT AND U DONT BECOME A 90-100 REC 1200YRD & ATLEAST A 2-TIME PRO BOWL WR IN UR FIRST 5 YEAR IM BOOIN UR ASS. I WAS THE ONLY DUDE ON HERE SAYIN WE SHUD DRAFT HIM AND WAS HAPPY FOR DUDE CUZ THIS IS A GOOD PLACE TO PLAY CUZ WERE ON THE COME-UP NOW IM REGRETTIN THIS SHIT
-SUPA SAV'D OUTT
DOES HE HAVE TWITTER? IF SO ILL CHEW HIS ASS OUT!
He's slapping the 49ers in the face by asking for more than they're offering. The 49ers did him a favor by drafting him at 10 because he probably would have fell even further. He should return the favor by signing the contract and playing. What if the 49ers didn't draft him? He would have slipped even further I believe.
49ers Offense Ready for Opener
http://www.49ers.com/news-and-event...r-Opener/230274cd-959e-409d-9267-1823dbfbea70
Playing against a divisional rival to start your season is one thing. Playing on the road against the defending NFC Champions is another. But 49ers head coach Mike Singletary is not worried about the circumstances surrounding his team’s season opener this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
“It couldn’t come sooner,” Singletary said on Wednesday. “But to be honest with you, I really don’t care who it is. I think the most important thing for us to do is continue what we’ve strived to do all offseason.”
Singletary has been intent on turning the 49ers into a physical football team ever since he was named head coach following the 2008 season finale. At his introductory press conference, Singletary promised his first training camp as 49ers head coach would be one to remember.
And he certainly didn’t disappoint.
From “Nutcracker” drills, to constant two-a-day practices in full pads, Singletary used training camp to prepare his 53 players for the upcoming season and instill his style of play in each individual.
With the grueling training camp practices and four preseason contests in their rear view mirror, the 49ers are eager to start competing in live game situations, rather than playing just for a series, quarter or a half of a game in some cases.
“It’s a great challenge,” second-year wide receiver Josh Morgan said of the season opener. “To be honest, I don’t think Coach Singletary would have it any other way. It gives us the opportunity to show everybody what he’s been preaching to us at training camp and everything he expects out of us. It’s our chance to show him that we’re ready.”
That same enthusiasm for the season opener can be seen on all of the faces of the 49ers players.
“I’m excited,” starting quarterback Shaun Hill said. “They are wearing the NFC crown right now. Until somebody knocks them off, it’s theirs. But I’m excited for the opportunity and I think everybody is ready to go.”
Likewise, running back Frank Gore has been chomping at the bit to get the season underway. Considering his lack of carries in the preseason (7 for 26 yards), the star running back is anxiously awaiting his first legitimate action of the season.
Gore looked to be in great spirits on Wednesday with an ear-to-ear smile on his face at times as he fielded questions in the 49ers locker room.
“Man, I feel like I’m a kid,” Gore said of his excitement for Sunday. “I hardly played in the preseason games, and I’ve been busting my behind all of training camp. I’m just very, very excited.”
Gore and the 49ers offense will be looking to establish Singletary’s physical vision early and often on Sunday as a collective unit.
“I know they have a little bit of swagger from going to the Super Bowl last year, but knowing what we’ve accomplished all offseason, I think we’re ready to play together as one,” Gore added.
It’s no secret the 49ers will lean heavily on Gore’s shoulders come Sunday.
Last season, Gore rushed for 96 and 99 yards in the teams’ two meetings. However, Gore’s efforts weren’t enough to defeat Arizona in two close contests.
In fact, the 49ers and Cardinals last four meetings have been decided by ten points or less. Two years ago the roles were reversed as the 49ers swept the season series prior to being shutout against Arizona last year.
“In my two years here, every game has come down to a couple of points,” left tackle Joe Staley said. “They were hard fought battles and we’re expecting the same thing this year. It’s going to be a good test for us.”
Staley won’t have to account for Arizona’s top defensive linemen in Darnell Dockett who lines up across from right tackle Adam Snyder, but he will have his hands full on his own side with emerging defensive end Calais Campbell.
But no matter who lines up in front of Staley and company, the emphasis for them on Sunday is simple: establish a physical brand of football and set the tone for the upcoming season.
“We want to come out and be able to run our plays the way we want to run them,” Staley said. “At times, we’re going to see an eight-man box, and when that happens, we’re going to have to be able to run our plays.”
If the Cardinals do plan on playing eight men close to the line of scrimmage, Pro Bowl strong safety Adrian Wilson is the player the 49ers offensive line will have to account for.
“No. 24 is the guy who makes them go on defense,” Staley added. “He’s a good run-fit safety and he makes a lot of plays for them.”
Wilson will also be active in covering the 49ers playmakers. But it’s not a one-man show in the Cardinals secondary. Joining Wilson, is free safety Antrel Rolle and two talented cornerbacks in second-year man Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and free agent signee Bryant McFadden from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“They’re very athletic and they can make a lot of plays,” Morgan said. “With Rodgers-Cromartie and McFadden, both of them are tall, rangy guys who can make up ground. Even if they do get beat, they have the speed to make it up.”
Whether it’s winning battles in the trenches or one-on-one matchups on the outside, the emphasis on the 49ers is out-competing their opponent.
“We want to out-compete them in everything we do,” tight end Vernon Davis said.
If the 49ers are able to do that, they will be off to a good start on making a similar leap to the playoffs like the Cardinals did last season.
“I think we have been ready to compete for that for a while,” Hill said of the team eyeing a division title. “Now I think we are finally ready to turn the corner and go for that. It is in our sights, it is in our goals.”
Injury Updates
On Wednesday, Singletary announced the 49ers injury list as the team begins a new season. Wide receiver Brandon Jones (shoulder) and outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (knee) have been ruled out of action.
For the Cardinals, wide receiver Anquan Boldin sat out of Wednesday’s practice with a hamstring injury, but head coach Ken Whisenhunt expects him to play on Sunday.
Also for Arizona, wideouts Early Doucet (ribs) and Sean Morey (ribs) and third-string quarterback Brian St. Pierre (back) were limited in practice.
http://www.49ers.com/news-and-event...r-Opener/230274cd-959e-409d-9267-1823dbfbea70
Playing against a divisional rival to start your season is one thing. Playing on the road against the defending NFC Champions is another. But 49ers head coach Mike Singletary is not worried about the circumstances surrounding his team’s season opener this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
“It couldn’t come sooner,” Singletary said on Wednesday. “But to be honest with you, I really don’t care who it is. I think the most important thing for us to do is continue what we’ve strived to do all offseason.”
Singletary has been intent on turning the 49ers into a physical football team ever since he was named head coach following the 2008 season finale. At his introductory press conference, Singletary promised his first training camp as 49ers head coach would be one to remember.
And he certainly didn’t disappoint.
From “Nutcracker” drills, to constant two-a-day practices in full pads, Singletary used training camp to prepare his 53 players for the upcoming season and instill his style of play in each individual.
With the grueling training camp practices and four preseason contests in their rear view mirror, the 49ers are eager to start competing in live game situations, rather than playing just for a series, quarter or a half of a game in some cases.
“It’s a great challenge,” second-year wide receiver Josh Morgan said of the season opener. “To be honest, I don’t think Coach Singletary would have it any other way. It gives us the opportunity to show everybody what he’s been preaching to us at training camp and everything he expects out of us. It’s our chance to show him that we’re ready.”
That same enthusiasm for the season opener can be seen on all of the faces of the 49ers players.
“I’m excited,” starting quarterback Shaun Hill said. “They are wearing the NFC crown right now. Until somebody knocks them off, it’s theirs. But I’m excited for the opportunity and I think everybody is ready to go.”
Likewise, running back Frank Gore has been chomping at the bit to get the season underway. Considering his lack of carries in the preseason (7 for 26 yards), the star running back is anxiously awaiting his first legitimate action of the season.
Gore looked to be in great spirits on Wednesday with an ear-to-ear smile on his face at times as he fielded questions in the 49ers locker room.
“Man, I feel like I’m a kid,” Gore said of his excitement for Sunday. “I hardly played in the preseason games, and I’ve been busting my behind all of training camp. I’m just very, very excited.”
Gore and the 49ers offense will be looking to establish Singletary’s physical vision early and often on Sunday as a collective unit.
“I know they have a little bit of swagger from going to the Super Bowl last year, but knowing what we’ve accomplished all offseason, I think we’re ready to play together as one,” Gore added.
It’s no secret the 49ers will lean heavily on Gore’s shoulders come Sunday.
Last season, Gore rushed for 96 and 99 yards in the teams’ two meetings. However, Gore’s efforts weren’t enough to defeat Arizona in two close contests.
In fact, the 49ers and Cardinals last four meetings have been decided by ten points or less. Two years ago the roles were reversed as the 49ers swept the season series prior to being shutout against Arizona last year.
“In my two years here, every game has come down to a couple of points,” left tackle Joe Staley said. “They were hard fought battles and we’re expecting the same thing this year. It’s going to be a good test for us.”
Staley won’t have to account for Arizona’s top defensive linemen in Darnell Dockett who lines up across from right tackle Adam Snyder, but he will have his hands full on his own side with emerging defensive end Calais Campbell.
But no matter who lines up in front of Staley and company, the emphasis for them on Sunday is simple: establish a physical brand of football and set the tone for the upcoming season.
“We want to come out and be able to run our plays the way we want to run them,” Staley said. “At times, we’re going to see an eight-man box, and when that happens, we’re going to have to be able to run our plays.”
If the Cardinals do plan on playing eight men close to the line of scrimmage, Pro Bowl strong safety Adrian Wilson is the player the 49ers offensive line will have to account for.
“No. 24 is the guy who makes them go on defense,” Staley added. “He’s a good run-fit safety and he makes a lot of plays for them.”
Wilson will also be active in covering the 49ers playmakers. But it’s not a one-man show in the Cardinals secondary. Joining Wilson, is free safety Antrel Rolle and two talented cornerbacks in second-year man Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and free agent signee Bryant McFadden from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“They’re very athletic and they can make a lot of plays,” Morgan said. “With Rodgers-Cromartie and McFadden, both of them are tall, rangy guys who can make up ground. Even if they do get beat, they have the speed to make it up.”
Whether it’s winning battles in the trenches or one-on-one matchups on the outside, the emphasis on the 49ers is out-competing their opponent.
“We want to out-compete them in everything we do,” tight end Vernon Davis said.
If the 49ers are able to do that, they will be off to a good start on making a similar leap to the playoffs like the Cardinals did last season.
“I think we have been ready to compete for that for a while,” Hill said of the team eyeing a division title. “Now I think we are finally ready to turn the corner and go for that. It is in our sights, it is in our goals.”
Injury Updates
On Wednesday, Singletary announced the 49ers injury list as the team begins a new season. Wide receiver Brandon Jones (shoulder) and outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (knee) have been ruled out of action.
For the Cardinals, wide receiver Anquan Boldin sat out of Wednesday’s practice with a hamstring injury, but head coach Ken Whisenhunt expects him to play on Sunday.
Also for Arizona, wideouts Early Doucet (ribs) and Sean Morey (ribs) and third-string quarterback Brian St. Pierre (back) were limited in practice.
49ers to Host DeBartolo Hall of Fame Weekend
http://www.49ers.com/news-and-event...-Weekend/777d7466-158e-4562-96eb-36ce3ec6afc9
The San Francisco 49ers today announced they are honoring Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. during the weekend of September 19-20, 2009, for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the 49ers organization. On Saturday evening, September 19, the Club is hosting a red carpet event co-presented by Splice Communications and Sharp Business Systems to officially enshrine DeBartolo, Jr. as the first member of the Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame. This exclusive event will take place at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, CA, and is slated to begin at 5:30 p.m. DeBartolo, Jr. will also be recognized at halftime of the 49ers home opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, September 20.
“There was no question that the first person to be enshrined in the Edward DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame had to be my Uncle Eddie,” said 49ers team President, Jed York. “He created the 49ers dynasty and winning tradition with a first class approach that has become the model for countless organizations in professional sports. I am truly blessed to have my Uncle as a mentor.”
DeBartolo, Jr. is widely regarded as one of the most successful owners in the history of professional sports. Under his direction, San Francisco became the first franchise in National Football League history to win five Super Bowl championships (1981, ’84, ’88, ’89 and ’94).
“This is such a great honor for me,” DeBartolo, Jr. said. “I would like to thank my nephew Jed and the entire 49ers family for selecting me to be the first member of the 49ers Hall of Fame. I was truly fortunate to have had so many great people around me, starting with my dear friend and the greatest coach of all time, the late Bill Walsh, and the Hall of Fame players who one day will be inducted alongside me into the 49ers Hall of Fame. I always say I was born in Youngstown, Ohio, but I was really born 32 years ago in San Francisco when my family acquired the 49ers.”
The Saturday evening event will begin with a cocktail reception followed by a tribute to DeBartolo, Jr. featuring family, friends and special guests, the formal induction ceremony and live entertainment. The evening is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate DeBartolo, Jr. with members of the 49ers family including, current team Owners Denise and John York, President Jed York, General Manager Scot McCloughan, Head Coach Mike Singletary and 49ers alumni Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott and more.
Along with Splice Communications and Sharp Business Systems, Visa and Devcon Construction are sponsors of the evening.
http://www.49ers.com/news-and-event...-Weekend/777d7466-158e-4562-96eb-36ce3ec6afc9
The San Francisco 49ers today announced they are honoring Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. during the weekend of September 19-20, 2009, for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the 49ers organization. On Saturday evening, September 19, the Club is hosting a red carpet event co-presented by Splice Communications and Sharp Business Systems to officially enshrine DeBartolo, Jr. as the first member of the Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame. This exclusive event will take place at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, CA, and is slated to begin at 5:30 p.m. DeBartolo, Jr. will also be recognized at halftime of the 49ers home opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, September 20.
“There was no question that the first person to be enshrined in the Edward DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame had to be my Uncle Eddie,” said 49ers team President, Jed York. “He created the 49ers dynasty and winning tradition with a first class approach that has become the model for countless organizations in professional sports. I am truly blessed to have my Uncle as a mentor.”
DeBartolo, Jr. is widely regarded as one of the most successful owners in the history of professional sports. Under his direction, San Francisco became the first franchise in National Football League history to win five Super Bowl championships (1981, ’84, ’88, ’89 and ’94).
“This is such a great honor for me,” DeBartolo, Jr. said. “I would like to thank my nephew Jed and the entire 49ers family for selecting me to be the first member of the 49ers Hall of Fame. I was truly fortunate to have had so many great people around me, starting with my dear friend and the greatest coach of all time, the late Bill Walsh, and the Hall of Fame players who one day will be inducted alongside me into the 49ers Hall of Fame. I always say I was born in Youngstown, Ohio, but I was really born 32 years ago in San Francisco when my family acquired the 49ers.”
The Saturday evening event will begin with a cocktail reception followed by a tribute to DeBartolo, Jr. featuring family, friends and special guests, the formal induction ceremony and live entertainment. The evening is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate DeBartolo, Jr. with members of the 49ers family including, current team Owners Denise and John York, President Jed York, General Manager Scot McCloughan, Head Coach Mike Singletary and 49ers alumni Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott and more.
Along with Splice Communications and Sharp Business Systems, Visa and Devcon Construction are sponsors of the evening.
