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49ers' Singletary reaches critical point in season
http://www.sacbee.com/sf49ers/story/2309279.html?mi_rss=49ers
SANTA CLARA – Mike Singletary is like a tightrope walker who's gotten halfway across the high wire and stopped. He teeters to one side. The crowd below gasps. He leans hard to the other side. Another gasp.
He might fall!
Then again, he might regain his balance, tiptoe to the other side and – ta da! – stick his landing.
Which is to say, Singletary has reached the critical point in the season.
Having a 3-4 record after seven games isn't great. The 49ers have lost three in a row as well as their lead in the NFC West. But they've already played Arizona, Minnesota, Atlanta and Indianapolis, all of which made the playoffs last season. A look ahead finds only two more 2008 playoff teams, 1-6 Tennessee and Philadelphia. They also will get another shot at the division-leading Cardinals. The 49ers still control their destiny.
Furthermore, they are a better team than they were to start the season. That's hard to reconcile with their current skid, but it's true.
To this point, the 49ers' biggest weakness has been that they have been easy to defend. Wide receivers Isaac Bruce and Josh Morgan didn't scare anyone. Shaun Hill was limited as far as where he could deliver the ball. And the 49ers had a simplistic – and, as it turns out, flawed – notion that they could run over opponents whenever they needed a tough yard or two.
Singletary already has changed course on two of those three elements.
First, he installed Michael Crabtree as a starter almost as soon as the wide receiver arrived at team headquarters. No 49er has caught more passes than the rookie over the past two games, and he's only going to get better with every week.
Step two was bringing Alex Smith out of the bullpen. Singletary realized the offense was in a rut with Hill at the helm. Going with Smith was a gamble – how would he play after two years spent recovering from shoulder surgery? – but early on, Smith has shown signs of finally becoming the quarterback the 49ers hoped he'd be.
Step three? It's the toughest one because it involves Singletary changing his own mind-set. Singletary's strength is his focus, his ability to identify a goal and then march toward it no matter how many distractions swirl around his head.
The problem is that for seven games, the 49ers have been marching in the wrong direction. Much like the Germans in "Raiders of the Lost Ark," they've been digging in the wrong place.
Are Singletary and the 49ers capable of picking up and digging somewhere else? On Thursday, offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye said the team would consider using more three-receiver packages – which were wildly effective against the Texans and the Colts – as the season progressed.
But at the same time, he said it wouldn't happen quickly, and he gave all sorts of excuses – a quarterback who's played only six quarters this season, a rookie wideout who is still learning the playbook, an ever-changing offensive line – why it never could be a big part of the offense.
The 49ers' previous offensive coordinator, Mike Martz, was ambitious to the point of being reckless. Raye is the opposite. He is careful to the point of being fearful. When Raye speaks, he always seems to note the perils he sees looming down the road. His glass is half-empty.
Singletary needs to nudge him along.
Singletary's previous personnel moves suggest that he understands that standing pat is the biggest danger. The 49ers have stuck with a cautious offense for seven weeks, and it ranks 27th in the league.
The biggest folly would be not to change it at all.
http://www.sacbee.com/sf49ers/story/2309279.html?mi_rss=49ers
SANTA CLARA – Mike Singletary is like a tightrope walker who's gotten halfway across the high wire and stopped. He teeters to one side. The crowd below gasps. He leans hard to the other side. Another gasp.
He might fall!
Then again, he might regain his balance, tiptoe to the other side and – ta da! – stick his landing.
Which is to say, Singletary has reached the critical point in the season.
Having a 3-4 record after seven games isn't great. The 49ers have lost three in a row as well as their lead in the NFC West. But they've already played Arizona, Minnesota, Atlanta and Indianapolis, all of which made the playoffs last season. A look ahead finds only two more 2008 playoff teams, 1-6 Tennessee and Philadelphia. They also will get another shot at the division-leading Cardinals. The 49ers still control their destiny.
Furthermore, they are a better team than they were to start the season. That's hard to reconcile with their current skid, but it's true.
To this point, the 49ers' biggest weakness has been that they have been easy to defend. Wide receivers Isaac Bruce and Josh Morgan didn't scare anyone. Shaun Hill was limited as far as where he could deliver the ball. And the 49ers had a simplistic – and, as it turns out, flawed – notion that they could run over opponents whenever they needed a tough yard or two.
Singletary already has changed course on two of those three elements.
First, he installed Michael Crabtree as a starter almost as soon as the wide receiver arrived at team headquarters. No 49er has caught more passes than the rookie over the past two games, and he's only going to get better with every week.
Step two was bringing Alex Smith out of the bullpen. Singletary realized the offense was in a rut with Hill at the helm. Going with Smith was a gamble – how would he play after two years spent recovering from shoulder surgery? – but early on, Smith has shown signs of finally becoming the quarterback the 49ers hoped he'd be.
Step three? It's the toughest one because it involves Singletary changing his own mind-set. Singletary's strength is his focus, his ability to identify a goal and then march toward it no matter how many distractions swirl around his head.
The problem is that for seven games, the 49ers have been marching in the wrong direction. Much like the Germans in "Raiders of the Lost Ark," they've been digging in the wrong place.
Are Singletary and the 49ers capable of picking up and digging somewhere else? On Thursday, offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye said the team would consider using more three-receiver packages – which were wildly effective against the Texans and the Colts – as the season progressed.
But at the same time, he said it wouldn't happen quickly, and he gave all sorts of excuses – a quarterback who's played only six quarters this season, a rookie wideout who is still learning the playbook, an ever-changing offensive line – why it never could be a big part of the offense.
The 49ers' previous offensive coordinator, Mike Martz, was ambitious to the point of being reckless. Raye is the opposite. He is careful to the point of being fearful. When Raye speaks, he always seems to note the perils he sees looming down the road. His glass is half-empty.
Singletary needs to nudge him along.
Singletary's previous personnel moves suggest that he understands that standing pat is the biggest danger. The 49ers have stuck with a cautious offense for seven weeks, and it ranks 27th in the league.
The biggest folly would be not to change it at all.
49ers notes: Bruce won't suit up, Hill will
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20091111/sports/911119884
SAN FRANCISCO — Veteran receiver Isaac Bruce appeared on the injury report Wednesday for the first time this season. He is not expected to be in uniform when the 49ers face the Chicago Bears tonight at Candlestick Park.
Third-year player Jason Hill replaced Bruce near the end of the first half Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Three plays later, Hill caught a 12-yard touchdown pass. Hill finished with four receptions for 50 yards and two touchdowns, while Bruce remained on the sideline.
Coach Mike Singletary said Bruce “rolled” his ankle in practice Tuesday.
This would appear to signal a shift to a young receiving corps for the 49ers. Rookie Michael Crabtree and second-year player Josh Morgan are the team’s starting wideouts. Hill appears ready to take over the role of the team’s No.3 wideout.
Bruce has struggled in the past seven games after performing well in training camp and getting off to a strong start against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept.13. However, Bruce has averaged just two catches and 24 yards since the season opener.
EXTRA POINTS
Singletary said he is looking forward to showing the nation that the “young 49ers” are going to “come of age” in the second half of the season.
When asked how he will know if his team is following through, Singletary said, “All I can say is that you just have to watch the game. I am sure you will ask the questions afterward, but you just have to watch the game. That’s all I can tell you.”
Does Singletary feel any emotion about coaching against the organization with which he spent his entire 12-year playing career?
“It is the next game on the schedule,” he said.
The 49ers will stick with Brandon Jones as the team’s primary punt returner. Jones has returned five punts, with no fair catches, for a grand total of 3 yards in returns.
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20091111/sports/911119884
SAN FRANCISCO — Veteran receiver Isaac Bruce appeared on the injury report Wednesday for the first time this season. He is not expected to be in uniform when the 49ers face the Chicago Bears tonight at Candlestick Park.
Third-year player Jason Hill replaced Bruce near the end of the first half Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Three plays later, Hill caught a 12-yard touchdown pass. Hill finished with four receptions for 50 yards and two touchdowns, while Bruce remained on the sideline.
Coach Mike Singletary said Bruce “rolled” his ankle in practice Tuesday.
This would appear to signal a shift to a young receiving corps for the 49ers. Rookie Michael Crabtree and second-year player Josh Morgan are the team’s starting wideouts. Hill appears ready to take over the role of the team’s No.3 wideout.
Bruce has struggled in the past seven games after performing well in training camp and getting off to a strong start against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept.13. However, Bruce has averaged just two catches and 24 yards since the season opener.
EXTRA POINTS
Singletary said he is looking forward to showing the nation that the “young 49ers” are going to “come of age” in the second half of the season.
When asked how he will know if his team is following through, Singletary said, “All I can say is that you just have to watch the game. I am sure you will ask the questions afterward, but you just have to watch the game. That’s all I can tell you.”
Does Singletary feel any emotion about coaching against the organization with which he spent his entire 12-year playing career?
“It is the next game on the schedule,” he said.
The 49ers will stick with Brandon Jones as the team’s primary punt returner. Jones has returned five punts, with no fair catches, for a grand total of 3 yards in returns.
How good has San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis(notes) become this season? According to five general managers and/or scouts, all of them believe Davis (45 receptions, 493 yards, seven touchdowns) should get consideration for the Pro Bowl over Cowboys counterpart Jason Witten(notes) (49, 438, 1). “I mean that as a real compliment, not a criticism of Witten,” one scout said. “Davis has been special this season. Always a good blocker, but now he’s a real threat in the passing game. He finally seems to know what he’s doing.” All of them agree that Atlanta’s Tony Gonzalez(notes) (44, 501, 4) is the best tight end in the NFC but say that Davis has made huge strides under the tough love of head coach Mike Singletary.
49ers DE Demetric Evans (shoulder) is expected to return to game action this week against the Packers.
Evans missed two games with a sprained shoulder. He'll resume his role as a rotational defensive lineman.
Glen Coffee (concussion) is expected to return to game action this week.
Coffee may have been active last week had the Niners played on Sunday, but the Thursday game didn't leave him with enough time to get medically cleared. He'll resume backup duties behind Frank Gore.
49ers LB Takeo Spikes is considered "day to day" after leaving last Thursday's game with a hamstring injury.
Veteran Matt Wilhelm played well in Spikes' place late in the game and would get the start at "Ted" linebacker if Spikes can't play this week.
Shaun Hill does not figure into the Niners' plans as a starting quarterback again, sources tell beat writer Matt Maiocco.
This is Alex Smith's job for the foreseeable future. The team is going to give him a chance to be their "quarterback of the future" and they see Hill as a strict backup. No. 3 QB Nate Davis is nowhere close to seeing the field.
If Nate Clements is back with the 49ers next season, it will "almost certainly" be as a safety, according to ESPN's Len Pasquarelli.
Clements had already been removed from his left corner job before injuring his shoulder. His bloated contract that runs through 2013 will make it tough for the Niners to bring him back as a safety. Tarell Brown and Shawntae Spencer will probably be the team's starting corners in 2010.
Evans missed two games with a sprained shoulder. He'll resume his role as a rotational defensive lineman.
Glen Coffee (concussion) is expected to return to game action this week.
Coffee may have been active last week had the Niners played on Sunday, but the Thursday game didn't leave him with enough time to get medically cleared. He'll resume backup duties behind Frank Gore.
49ers LB Takeo Spikes is considered "day to day" after leaving last Thursday's game with a hamstring injury.
Veteran Matt Wilhelm played well in Spikes' place late in the game and would get the start at "Ted" linebacker if Spikes can't play this week.
Shaun Hill does not figure into the Niners' plans as a starting quarterback again, sources tell beat writer Matt Maiocco.
This is Alex Smith's job for the foreseeable future. The team is going to give him a chance to be their "quarterback of the future" and they see Hill as a strict backup. No. 3 QB Nate Davis is nowhere close to seeing the field.
If Nate Clements is back with the 49ers next season, it will "almost certainly" be as a safety, according to ESPN's Len Pasquarelli.
Clements had already been removed from his left corner job before injuring his shoulder. His bloated contract that runs through 2013 will make it tough for the Niners to bring him back as a safety. Tarell Brown and Shawntae Spencer will probably be the team's starting corners in 2010.
I was thinking about this yesterday, the 49ers need to look into signing Reggie Bush after the Saints decline his option, to return kicks and punts and use him on 3rd down situations. Those 3 areas have KILLED the team all season long.
Also, it's too bad that Jason Hill hasn't gotten any PT up until now. They bring in receivers with "potential" while every time Hill has seen decent playing time, he's produced. Too bad that he's probably leaving after this year. It would have been nice to see Hill, Crabtree, and Morgan as a solid 3 receiver unit for the future....oh well.
Also, it's too bad that Jason Hill hasn't gotten any PT up until now. They bring in receivers with "potential" while every time Hill has seen decent playing time, he's produced. Too bad that he's probably leaving after this year. It would have been nice to see Hill, Crabtree, and Morgan as a solid 3 receiver unit for the future....oh well.
Of Frank Gore's 40 rushes for 187 yards the past two weeks, 16 attempts and 112 yards have come out of the shotgun formation.
Information like this is why Matt Maiocco is one of our favorite beat writers. The Niners have been trending toward the shotgun with Alex Smith over the past three weeks, and Gore's effectiveness is another reason to stick with the transition to a more open offense.
The 49ers are hoping to get DB Nate Clements (shoulder) back for Week 16.
Clements would give the Niners some nice depth, but he was already benched in favor of Tarrell Brown before getting injured. He'll come back this season as a corner, but could be asked to transition to safety and take a pay cut during the offseason.
49ers LT Joe Staley (knee) is targeting Week 14 for his return.
Staley is the Niners' most valuable offensive lineman, so the sooner he returns the better for all parties involved. Week 14 would be six weeks after he sprained his PCL and MCL against the Colts.
49ers coach Mike Singletary has officially named Josh Morgan his starting flanker.
Morgan has started the last two games ahead of Isaac Bruce, so this isn't exactly huge news. In those two starts, Morgan has caught five passes for just 33 yards. He has a lot of talent but he's really the fourth option here at best. Let someone else pick him up.
Information like this is why Matt Maiocco is one of our favorite beat writers. The Niners have been trending toward the shotgun with Alex Smith over the past three weeks, and Gore's effectiveness is another reason to stick with the transition to a more open offense.
The 49ers are hoping to get DB Nate Clements (shoulder) back for Week 16.
Clements would give the Niners some nice depth, but he was already benched in favor of Tarrell Brown before getting injured. He'll come back this season as a corner, but could be asked to transition to safety and take a pay cut during the offseason.
49ers LT Joe Staley (knee) is targeting Week 14 for his return.
Staley is the Niners' most valuable offensive lineman, so the sooner he returns the better for all parties involved. Week 14 would be six weeks after he sprained his PCL and MCL against the Colts.
49ers coach Mike Singletary has officially named Josh Morgan his starting flanker.
Morgan has started the last two games ahead of Isaac Bruce, so this isn't exactly huge news. In those two starts, Morgan has caught five passes for just 33 yards. He has a lot of talent but he's really the fourth option here at best. Let someone else pick him up.
According to beat writer John Crumpacker, the 49ers are "prepared" to use the franchise tag on pending free agent NT Aubrayo Franklin this offseason.
Franklin has emerged as the of the best 3-4 nose tackles in the game, keying a defense that allows just 3.3 yards per carry to opposing runners. He's part of a Pro Bowl caliber defensive nucleus that includes ILB Patrick Willis and DE Justin Smith.
Franklin has emerged as the of the best 3-4 nose tackles in the game, keying a defense that allows just 3.3 yards per carry to opposing runners. He's part of a Pro Bowl caliber defensive nucleus that includes ILB Patrick Willis and DE Justin Smith.
Beat writer Matt Maiocco is convinced Alex Smith will be the 49ers starting quarterback next season "unless he completely butchers the final five games."
Smith, the No. 11 fantasy QB over the past five weeks, has excelled out of the shotgun spread. Coach Mike Singletary and OC Jimmy Raye, both advocates of a more physical attack, are stuck in quite a dilemma. They can use the shotgun more frequently next season, but Smith will have to play across formations and groupings if the Niners are going to win long-term. They own two first-round draft picks next April.
Josh Morgan is dealing with a bruised hip but is expected to be fine for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.
Morgan's value has gotten a little bump lately thanks to the pass-happy offense and the benching of Isaac Bruce. He caught six balls last week on eight targets and the Niners' spread offense is here to stay.
The 49ers are not expecting Nate Clements (shoulder) back until Week 17 at the earliest.
Clements had been targeting Week 16, but he's not close. Tarrell Brown has not met expectations since taking Clements' left corner job and was recently replaced by Dre' Bly. Clements' role if/when he returns remains unclear.
49ers coach Mike Singletary confirmed that LT Joe Staley (knee) will reclaim his starting job when healthy.
Barry Sims has played well enough, but there was never a question here. Staley is an elite tackle while Sims is a journeyman. Staley has been ruled out for Week 13 but is still targeting Week 14 for his return.
Smith, the No. 11 fantasy QB over the past five weeks, has excelled out of the shotgun spread. Coach Mike Singletary and OC Jimmy Raye, both advocates of a more physical attack, are stuck in quite a dilemma. They can use the shotgun more frequently next season, but Smith will have to play across formations and groupings if the Niners are going to win long-term. They own two first-round draft picks next April.
Josh Morgan is dealing with a bruised hip but is expected to be fine for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.
Morgan's value has gotten a little bump lately thanks to the pass-happy offense and the benching of Isaac Bruce. He caught six balls last week on eight targets and the Niners' spread offense is here to stay.
The 49ers are not expecting Nate Clements (shoulder) back until Week 17 at the earliest.
Clements had been targeting Week 16, but he's not close. Tarrell Brown has not met expectations since taking Clements' left corner job and was recently replaced by Dre' Bly. Clements' role if/when he returns remains unclear.
49ers coach Mike Singletary confirmed that LT Joe Staley (knee) will reclaim his starting job when healthy.
Barry Sims has played well enough, but there was never a question here. Staley is an elite tackle while Sims is a journeyman. Staley has been ruled out for Week 13 but is still targeting Week 14 for his return.