49ers coach Mike Singletary said in his season-ending press conference that he wants a more balanced, potentially run-first offense in 2010.
The 49ers flirted with an all-out spread attack after installing Alex Smith at QB, but Singletary wants the offense more like it was in the final four games. Frank Gore averaged 23 carries a game in the last month, and had three 100+ yard rushing efforts. Assuming he stays healthy, Gore will have no trouble getting back to the 300-carry mark in 2010. He had only 229 in '09.
Coach Mike Singletary confirmed in his season-ending presser that Alex Smith is the favorite to be the 49ers' starting QB in 2010.
"But the thing I want you to understand is we're always trying to get better at that position," Singletary conceded. "That does not mean we won't sign another quarterback. It's a very important position." Smith should prevail in any 2010 camp battle while Shaun Hill and Nate Davis compete behind him.
49ers coach Mike Singletary said Monday that Nate Clements will return to the team in 2010 as a cornerback.
Clements won't move to safety (FS Dashon Goldson is entrenched as a starter), or be cut despite losing his job to Tarell Brown at midseason and a $6M salary in 2010. Clements will have to earn his starting position back next August, but he's a solid bet to do so. Brown will likely man the nickel.
Arnaz Battle doesn't think he'll be back with the 49ers next season.
Battle is probably right. He's a free agent and fell behind Jason Hill for the No. 3 receiver job this season. The Niners will likely look to upgrade at punt returner this offseason as well.
The 49ers flirted with an all-out spread attack after installing Alex Smith at QB, but Singletary wants the offense more like it was in the final four games. Frank Gore averaged 23 carries a game in the last month, and had three 100+ yard rushing efforts. Assuming he stays healthy, Gore will have no trouble getting back to the 300-carry mark in 2010. He had only 229 in '09.
Coach Mike Singletary confirmed in his season-ending presser that Alex Smith is the favorite to be the 49ers' starting QB in 2010.
"But the thing I want you to understand is we're always trying to get better at that position," Singletary conceded. "That does not mean we won't sign another quarterback. It's a very important position." Smith should prevail in any 2010 camp battle while Shaun Hill and Nate Davis compete behind him.
49ers coach Mike Singletary said Monday that Nate Clements will return to the team in 2010 as a cornerback.
Clements won't move to safety (FS Dashon Goldson is entrenched as a starter), or be cut despite losing his job to Tarell Brown at midseason and a $6M salary in 2010. Clements will have to earn his starting position back next August, but he's a solid bet to do so. Brown will likely man the nickel.
Arnaz Battle doesn't think he'll be back with the 49ers next season.
Battle is probably right. He's a free agent and fell behind Jason Hill for the No. 3 receiver job this season. The Niners will likely look to upgrade at punt returner this offseason as well.