Niner News Thread
- Thread starter Chree
- Start date
Yea, comparing Jackson to Smith is stupid, unless you are merely stating the obvious in that both players are shorter than the average WR, and are fast.
Steve Smith has a little something called strength and can break tackles. And Smith has at least 20 lbs more muscle than Jackson, and that's being extremely modest. Not taking anything away from Jackson, dude is as speedy and shifty as they come. But watch Smith and Jackson take a hit from an NFL defender and see who gets up first.
Steve Smith has a little something called strength and can break tackles. And Smith has at least 20 lbs more muscle than Jackson, and that's being extremely modest. Not taking anything away from Jackson, dude is as speedy and shifty as they come. But watch Smith and Jackson take a hit from an NFL defender and see who gets up first.
Camp Ends on a High Note for the D
http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4201
Most of the spotlight during this weekend’s mini camp has been on the 49ers offense, but the defense stole the show in Sunday’s fifth and final practice.
Safety Dashon Goldson broke up a deep bomb to Isaac Bruce when he batted the ball down at the last second, whie cornerback Marcus Curry pilfered a pass early in practice. Safety Mark Roman forced and recovered a fumble, as did safety Keith Lewis who popped a ball out from running back Michael Robinson to force a fumble.
Things then turned down right nasty in the red zone with a flurry of turnovers. Defensive end Ray McDonald appeared to have tipped a pass that was picked off by safety Michael Lewis. Lewis’ attempt to lateral it back to Nate Clements wasn’t a success, but a few plays later, Lewis intercepted a deflected pass and adeptly tossed that one back to Roman for extra yards. Lewis again brought his playmaking ability on the following play when he intercepted a shovel pass.
“That’s something we strive for,” said Clements. “We try to create turnovers every day in practice because we know that when game situations come with live bullets it will carry over. We try to create at least three turnovers in every practice. It was fun, and battling and competing against each other is definitely making everyone better.”
The defense may have enjoyed cackling over their steals, but head coach Mike Nolan did not.
“Football should be fun, and obviously one side as you saw it there was really enjoying it because there were some turnovers, but the other side was not,” said Nolan. “That is the urgency and detail that I’m talking about. You can’t have that. It is no fun for the entire team when one side is sloppy. If somebody makes a great play, that would be different. But in a couple of those occasions, there were three or four turnovers and I know only one was a real good play. The other ones were sloppiness.”
While wide receiver Bryant Johnson agreed that the offense got sloppy, the former Arizona Cardinals divisional opponent appreciated the fact that the defense never let up.
“It is definitely not fun when you turn the ball over, especially in the red zone, and we kind of helped them do it by not catching the ball and having tipped passes because those can get intercepted,” said Johnson. “But, it’s good because you do nothing but make the team better and they did a wonderful job today. I know from playing in Arizona last year, this defense is pretty tough to go against and with Mike Martz here we are going to be even better on offense. So, it’s good to go against a group of guys like that on the other side of the ball. Iron sharpens iron so we are just going to try and make each other better.”
Unlike the offense that is still learning the Mike Martz system, the defense does have the advantage of being in the second year under defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, and it showed over the course of the three-day camp.
“It’s the second year so we were a little more on the same page as a defense, with more communication and we were flying around a little bit and definitely taking a step in the right direction,” said linebacker Jeff Ulbrich who took most of the reps with the first-unit at TED this weekend. “We’ve got a core group of guys who really understand the defense and then you plug in some new pieces like Justin Smith and some of the other guys we’ve got out here and it just takes it to a whole different level.”
Injury Notes
DT Joe Cohen, LB Manny Lawson and DE Melvin Oliver were held out of the three-day camp as they rehab their ACL injuries.
LB Shaun Richardson missed his second practice after suffering a groin injury during Saturday's morning practice. CB Donald Strickland also missed Sunday’s practice due to an illness.
http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4201
Most of the spotlight during this weekend’s mini camp has been on the 49ers offense, but the defense stole the show in Sunday’s fifth and final practice.
Safety Dashon Goldson broke up a deep bomb to Isaac Bruce when he batted the ball down at the last second, whie cornerback Marcus Curry pilfered a pass early in practice. Safety Mark Roman forced and recovered a fumble, as did safety Keith Lewis who popped a ball out from running back Michael Robinson to force a fumble.
Things then turned down right nasty in the red zone with a flurry of turnovers. Defensive end Ray McDonald appeared to have tipped a pass that was picked off by safety Michael Lewis. Lewis’ attempt to lateral it back to Nate Clements wasn’t a success, but a few plays later, Lewis intercepted a deflected pass and adeptly tossed that one back to Roman for extra yards. Lewis again brought his playmaking ability on the following play when he intercepted a shovel pass.
“That’s something we strive for,” said Clements. “We try to create turnovers every day in practice because we know that when game situations come with live bullets it will carry over. We try to create at least three turnovers in every practice. It was fun, and battling and competing against each other is definitely making everyone better.”
The defense may have enjoyed cackling over their steals, but head coach Mike Nolan did not.
“Football should be fun, and obviously one side as you saw it there was really enjoying it because there were some turnovers, but the other side was not,” said Nolan. “That is the urgency and detail that I’m talking about. You can’t have that. It is no fun for the entire team when one side is sloppy. If somebody makes a great play, that would be different. But in a couple of those occasions, there were three or four turnovers and I know only one was a real good play. The other ones were sloppiness.”
While wide receiver Bryant Johnson agreed that the offense got sloppy, the former Arizona Cardinals divisional opponent appreciated the fact that the defense never let up.
“It is definitely not fun when you turn the ball over, especially in the red zone, and we kind of helped them do it by not catching the ball and having tipped passes because those can get intercepted,” said Johnson. “But, it’s good because you do nothing but make the team better and they did a wonderful job today. I know from playing in Arizona last year, this defense is pretty tough to go against and with Mike Martz here we are going to be even better on offense. So, it’s good to go against a group of guys like that on the other side of the ball. Iron sharpens iron so we are just going to try and make each other better.”
Unlike the offense that is still learning the Mike Martz system, the defense does have the advantage of being in the second year under defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, and it showed over the course of the three-day camp.
“It’s the second year so we were a little more on the same page as a defense, with more communication and we were flying around a little bit and definitely taking a step in the right direction,” said linebacker Jeff Ulbrich who took most of the reps with the first-unit at TED this weekend. “We’ve got a core group of guys who really understand the defense and then you plug in some new pieces like Justin Smith and some of the other guys we’ve got out here and it just takes it to a whole different level.”
Injury Notes
DT Joe Cohen, LB Manny Lawson and DE Melvin Oliver were held out of the three-day camp as they rehab their ACL injuries.
LB Shaun Richardson missed his second practice after suffering a groin injury during Saturday's morning practice. CB Donald Strickland also missed Sunday’s practice due to an illness.
Mike Martz easing into new job rebuilding Niners’ offense
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_y...lug=ap-49ers-martzsminicamp&prov=ap&type=lgns
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP)—Mike Martz’s red 49ers cap is still crisp and clean. His new players don’t know him quite well enough to be sure when he’s joking and when he’s serious.
Yet even in a quiet Sunday practice at San Francisco’s first minicamp in Martz’s tenure as offensive coordinator, his handiwork is already easy to see.
Running back Frank Gore is lining up in the slot. Receiver Ashley Lelie is running reverses. New receivers Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson are moving faster and catching more passes than just about anybody who played that position for the NFL’s worst offense in the last three years.
After the acrimonious end to his tenure as St. Louis’ head coach following the 2005 season, Martz tried to run the same offense during two tough years with the Detroit Lions, who fired him Jan. 2. Six days later, Mike Nolan hired him to fix an offense that’s been woefully inept for most of Nolan’s three years in San Francisco.
Though Martz hasn’t changed his personality back home in California, he seems eager to show he can be much more than a creator of prolific passing attacks. Gore’s running has been the 49ers’ only constant in the last few years, and instead of orchestrating a new “Greatest Show on Turf,” Martz says he plans to build from the foundation he’s been given.
“The offense I like to run is to take what we have and analyze what they do extremely well, and take advantage of it,” Martz said. “There’s different personnel here than what I’m accustomed to. The tight end (Vernon Davis) is a terrific athlete, and we’ve got a whole stable of really good runners. It will be different than perhaps what you’ve seen us do in the past, but we’ve got some guys that can really help us win.”
Even after being fired twice in a two-year span, Martz’s self-confidence has seemed intact since the day he took over as San Francisco’s sixth offensive coordinator in six years. With a little patience, the architect of the Rams’ record-setting offenses thinks he can build a new masterwork with the club that reinvented offensive football in the 1980s.
“The progress that we’ve had through the offseason so far has been remarkable,” Martz said. “We’ve got a whole lot out there for them to learn right now. We’re really good on defense right now, so to be able to match up with them and know where to go and how to catch it, I’m excited.”
Though some Niners fans already are worried Martz will neglect the running game, they forget Marshall Faulk had some of his best seasons under Martz’s tutelage, including his MVP campaign in 2000. The thought excites Gore, the 2006 Pro Bowl running back who fought his way to 1,102 yards last season despite the offense’s struggles.
“Practicing right now, I like it,” said Gore, also the 49ers’ receptions leader in each of the last two seasons. “We’re spreading the ball around, and hopefully this year we won’t see eight, nine men in the box every play. I think I’ll get used in the passing game, too. I want to show I can do it all—run, catch, block. People think I’m just a running back.”
Gore already has spoken with Faulk about what to expect in Martz’s schemes. Faulk emphasized the importance of precise execution—and the great benefits available to a running back who embraces a versatile role.
“He told me if I need any help, just to call him,” Gore said with a laugh. “The (running) back has got to know everything. He puts a lot on the backs, especially in pass protection. … I think he’ll use me the same (as Faulk). He says I can run routes very good. I don’t know if people know that about me.”
Davis also is eager to see what Martz has cooked up for him after two mostly frustrating NFL campaigns. The former No. 6 overall pick was second on the team with 52 catches for 509 yards and four touchdowns last season, but frequently fumed about his inability to get more involved in the game plans of Jim Hostler, who was fired from the job Martz now holds.
“He said he’s never had a tight end of my stature,” Davis said. “The best part of being around Mike Martz is just watching him explore things. We’re starting to focus on things we haven’t focused on in a while, like getting the ball to guys who can make plays. I don’t know how he’s going to use me. I’m just waiting, just patient.”
Martz and Nolan also don’t plan to choose a starting quarterback until training camp. Alex Smith and Shaun Hill both started for the 49ers last season, and both have been promised a real shot at the starting job this summer.
Though Smith looked markedly better than Hill to most observers during the weekend’s practices, Nolan and Martz declared a three-man quarterback competition Sunday, claiming well-traveled veteran backup J.T. O’Sullivan also will be given a shot to win the job.
The 49ers are the seventh NFL team in seven seasons for O’Sullivan, who played four games under Martz in Detroit last season.
“Any quarterback is going to love the aggressiveness (of Martz’s offense),” said O’Sullivan, who attended UC Davis. “It relies on timing and making good decisions. I feel more comfortable in the stuff, but it’s an everyday opportunity.”
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_y...lug=ap-49ers-martzsminicamp&prov=ap&type=lgns
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP)—Mike Martz’s red 49ers cap is still crisp and clean. His new players don’t know him quite well enough to be sure when he’s joking and when he’s serious.
Yet even in a quiet Sunday practice at San Francisco’s first minicamp in Martz’s tenure as offensive coordinator, his handiwork is already easy to see.
Running back Frank Gore is lining up in the slot. Receiver Ashley Lelie is running reverses. New receivers Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson are moving faster and catching more passes than just about anybody who played that position for the NFL’s worst offense in the last three years.
After the acrimonious end to his tenure as St. Louis’ head coach following the 2005 season, Martz tried to run the same offense during two tough years with the Detroit Lions, who fired him Jan. 2. Six days later, Mike Nolan hired him to fix an offense that’s been woefully inept for most of Nolan’s three years in San Francisco.
Though Martz hasn’t changed his personality back home in California, he seems eager to show he can be much more than a creator of prolific passing attacks. Gore’s running has been the 49ers’ only constant in the last few years, and instead of orchestrating a new “Greatest Show on Turf,” Martz says he plans to build from the foundation he’s been given.
“The offense I like to run is to take what we have and analyze what they do extremely well, and take advantage of it,” Martz said. “There’s different personnel here than what I’m accustomed to. The tight end (Vernon Davis) is a terrific athlete, and we’ve got a whole stable of really good runners. It will be different than perhaps what you’ve seen us do in the past, but we’ve got some guys that can really help us win.”
Even after being fired twice in a two-year span, Martz’s self-confidence has seemed intact since the day he took over as San Francisco’s sixth offensive coordinator in six years. With a little patience, the architect of the Rams’ record-setting offenses thinks he can build a new masterwork with the club that reinvented offensive football in the 1980s.
“The progress that we’ve had through the offseason so far has been remarkable,” Martz said. “We’ve got a whole lot out there for them to learn right now. We’re really good on defense right now, so to be able to match up with them and know where to go and how to catch it, I’m excited.”
Though some Niners fans already are worried Martz will neglect the running game, they forget Marshall Faulk had some of his best seasons under Martz’s tutelage, including his MVP campaign in 2000. The thought excites Gore, the 2006 Pro Bowl running back who fought his way to 1,102 yards last season despite the offense’s struggles.
“Practicing right now, I like it,” said Gore, also the 49ers’ receptions leader in each of the last two seasons. “We’re spreading the ball around, and hopefully this year we won’t see eight, nine men in the box every play. I think I’ll get used in the passing game, too. I want to show I can do it all—run, catch, block. People think I’m just a running back.”
Gore already has spoken with Faulk about what to expect in Martz’s schemes. Faulk emphasized the importance of precise execution—and the great benefits available to a running back who embraces a versatile role.
“He told me if I need any help, just to call him,” Gore said with a laugh. “The (running) back has got to know everything. He puts a lot on the backs, especially in pass protection. … I think he’ll use me the same (as Faulk). He says I can run routes very good. I don’t know if people know that about me.”
Davis also is eager to see what Martz has cooked up for him after two mostly frustrating NFL campaigns. The former No. 6 overall pick was second on the team with 52 catches for 509 yards and four touchdowns last season, but frequently fumed about his inability to get more involved in the game plans of Jim Hostler, who was fired from the job Martz now holds.
“He said he’s never had a tight end of my stature,” Davis said. “The best part of being around Mike Martz is just watching him explore things. We’re starting to focus on things we haven’t focused on in a while, like getting the ball to guys who can make plays. I don’t know how he’s going to use me. I’m just waiting, just patient.”
Martz and Nolan also don’t plan to choose a starting quarterback until training camp. Alex Smith and Shaun Hill both started for the 49ers last season, and both have been promised a real shot at the starting job this summer.
Though Smith looked markedly better than Hill to most observers during the weekend’s practices, Nolan and Martz declared a three-man quarterback competition Sunday, claiming well-traveled veteran backup J.T. O’Sullivan also will be given a shot to win the job.
The 49ers are the seventh NFL team in seven seasons for O’Sullivan, who played four games under Martz in Detroit last season.
“Any quarterback is going to love the aggressiveness (of Martz’s offense),” said O’Sullivan, who attended UC Davis. “It relies on timing and making good decisions. I feel more comfortable in the stuff, but it’s an everyday opportunity.”
Quarterback Smith finds comfort zone in competition
http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_9157091?nclick_check=1
SANTA CLARA -- The toughest tests are best taken in a comfortable place, where the floor is firm, the walls are solid and the voices consistent.
Even better if it's the place you know best.
Alex Smith has spent three years searching for that place and has not found it. The floor keeps moving. The walls bend and start closing in. The voices keep changing pitch, tone, cadence and even language.
Smith was drafted in 2005 by the 49ers to become their new leader. Taken No. 1 overall, the quarterback from Utah, along with first-year coach Mike Nolan, would form the foundation of the new-era Niners.
Smith's test was to enter the NFL as his team's youngest member and become its leader. To arrive in an unfamiliar place and, without truly earning his status, as he always had, take charge.
For he was told not to compete for the job but to get ready for it.
"For me, that was awkward," he says. "In sports, you're used to earning things. In this game, you're used to working for things. Not that I didn't. But all of a sudden, it's like 'We threw you into this, so just get ready.'"
This was Smith's response this weekend to the latest plan to find San Francisco's offense, entering competition with Shaun Hill and J. T. O'Sullivan for the right to control the joystick of offensive coordinator Mike Martz.
This, Smith insists, is more like it. The place he knows best.
A sense, at last, of comfort.
"It's part of the game," he says. "I feel like (talk of competition) kind of got blown out of proportion. It's like people forget that this is a sport and that competition is a part of this. Shaun and I have had to compete our entire lives to get to this point.
"Know what I think was weird? It was weird having it handed to me."
Not only was the job practically handed to Smith, as is customary for a quarterback drafted first overall, but once he became the starter a month into his rookie year he was walloped by numerous trick questions.
Smith in each of his first three seasons had a new offensive coordinator, each with a different emphasis, if not philosophy. He has had three different No. 1 receivers. He has been persuaded to play despite pain in his throwing shoulder. He has been told to sit, to stand, maybe to do both at once.
How does one lead when so much of what he has done, what he knows and what he is -- and the progress he thinks he has made -- keeps getting erased and rewritten? What Smith has endured is not a test. It's an obstacle course. And he's sprinting blindfolded. No wonder he bangs into things and knocks stuff over. In three seasons, he has had but a handful of proud moments, leading some to conclude he is a bust.
Indeed, the more restless within the fan base called for Trent Dilfer, believing he was the right man. When Dilfer failed, they turned to Hill, the third-stringer. When Hill didn't embarrass himself, he became the instant king of Candlestick.
All of which prefaced the infamous Nolan-Smith faceoff in the final, futile weeks of last season.
Perhaps seeking a clue to his quarterback's resiliency, Nolan sent Smith onto the field when he clearly was hurting. Some throws were pathetically inaccurate. Defenders spoke of hearing him groan in pain with each release.
Smith was trying to play the good soldier and leader. He has the biggest contract, right? So he bit his lip and lined up -- against the advice of doctors.
Eventually, the dam burst.
Smith and Nolan engaged in a skirmish of words, mostly through the media. The upshot was that Nolan seemed as comfortable in his self-assurance as Smith was in his insubordination.
Smith now says the episode was out of character for both, that the two have a clearer understanding of each other. Watching a gratuitous Smith-Nolan embrace Friday was like watching President Bush and Russia's Vladimir Putin shaking hands and grinning.
Warning: The visual tells only a fraction of the tale.
"I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't change it," Smith says of the spat. "But it happened, you know? Can't do anything about it. Learn from it. Don't make the same mistakes. It's not like I'm dwelling on it, though. You move on. This is a chance, with coach Martz coming in, to wipe the slate clean."
Anybody need that more than Smith? He turns 24 on Wednesday. Years 21, 22 and 23 have been dog years.
Now, though, it's go time. The competition is open, the questions are on the blackboard, just as Smith would have it. For he yearns not to be the starter but to earn the right to start.
That's how he did it at Helix High, where he thrived, and again at Utah, where he was the first player in school history to be a Heisman Trophy finalist.
It's only natural that Smith might find comfort in fair competition in the NFL. He seems to have it now. Bring on the test.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_9157091?nclick_check=1
SANTA CLARA -- The toughest tests are best taken in a comfortable place, where the floor is firm, the walls are solid and the voices consistent.
Even better if it's the place you know best.
Alex Smith has spent three years searching for that place and has not found it. The floor keeps moving. The walls bend and start closing in. The voices keep changing pitch, tone, cadence and even language.
Smith was drafted in 2005 by the 49ers to become their new leader. Taken No. 1 overall, the quarterback from Utah, along with first-year coach Mike Nolan, would form the foundation of the new-era Niners.
Smith's test was to enter the NFL as his team's youngest member and become its leader. To arrive in an unfamiliar place and, without truly earning his status, as he always had, take charge.
For he was told not to compete for the job but to get ready for it.
"For me, that was awkward," he says. "In sports, you're used to earning things. In this game, you're used to working for things. Not that I didn't. But all of a sudden, it's like 'We threw you into this, so just get ready.'"
This was Smith's response this weekend to the latest plan to find San Francisco's offense, entering competition with Shaun Hill and J. T. O'Sullivan for the right to control the joystick of offensive coordinator Mike Martz.
This, Smith insists, is more like it. The place he knows best.
A sense, at last, of comfort.
"It's part of the game," he says. "I feel like (talk of competition) kind of got blown out of proportion. It's like people forget that this is a sport and that competition is a part of this. Shaun and I have had to compete our entire lives to get to this point.
"Know what I think was weird? It was weird having it handed to me."
Not only was the job practically handed to Smith, as is customary for a quarterback drafted first overall, but once he became the starter a month into his rookie year he was walloped by numerous trick questions.
Smith in each of his first three seasons had a new offensive coordinator, each with a different emphasis, if not philosophy. He has had three different No. 1 receivers. He has been persuaded to play despite pain in his throwing shoulder. He has been told to sit, to stand, maybe to do both at once.
How does one lead when so much of what he has done, what he knows and what he is -- and the progress he thinks he has made -- keeps getting erased and rewritten? What Smith has endured is not a test. It's an obstacle course. And he's sprinting blindfolded. No wonder he bangs into things and knocks stuff over. In three seasons, he has had but a handful of proud moments, leading some to conclude he is a bust.
Indeed, the more restless within the fan base called for Trent Dilfer, believing he was the right man. When Dilfer failed, they turned to Hill, the third-stringer. When Hill didn't embarrass himself, he became the instant king of Candlestick.
All of which prefaced the infamous Nolan-Smith faceoff in the final, futile weeks of last season.
Perhaps seeking a clue to his quarterback's resiliency, Nolan sent Smith onto the field when he clearly was hurting. Some throws were pathetically inaccurate. Defenders spoke of hearing him groan in pain with each release.
Smith was trying to play the good soldier and leader. He has the biggest contract, right? So he bit his lip and lined up -- against the advice of doctors.
Eventually, the dam burst.
Smith and Nolan engaged in a skirmish of words, mostly through the media. The upshot was that Nolan seemed as comfortable in his self-assurance as Smith was in his insubordination.
Smith now says the episode was out of character for both, that the two have a clearer understanding of each other. Watching a gratuitous Smith-Nolan embrace Friday was like watching President Bush and Russia's Vladimir Putin shaking hands and grinning.
Warning: The visual tells only a fraction of the tale.
"I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't change it," Smith says of the spat. "But it happened, you know? Can't do anything about it. Learn from it. Don't make the same mistakes. It's not like I'm dwelling on it, though. You move on. This is a chance, with coach Martz coming in, to wipe the slate clean."
Anybody need that more than Smith? He turns 24 on Wednesday. Years 21, 22 and 23 have been dog years.
Now, though, it's go time. The competition is open, the questions are on the blackboard, just as Smith would have it. For he yearns not to be the starter but to earn the right to start.
That's how he did it at Helix High, where he thrived, and again at Utah, where he was the first player in school history to be a Heisman Trophy finalist.
It's only natural that Smith might find comfort in fair competition in the NFL. He seems to have it now. Bring on the test.
The O'Sullivan Factor
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/05/04/SPR810GOJJ.DTL
J.T. O'Sullivan, starting quarterback for the 49ers? It could happen.
The most newsworthy development to emerge from the 49ers' just-concluded minicamp is that O'Sullivan, a 28-year-old journeyman from UC Davis, is in the mix with Alex Smith and Shaun Hill for the starting job in 2008.
Coach Mike Nolan indicated as much on Sunday by saying, "I think J.T. O'Sullivan is going to get in the thick. I'm excited. I've been impressed with J.T. He's probably more like Shaun than he is Alex. His familiarity with the offense is better. I like his demeanor, his ability to get things done."
O'Sullivan has the advantage of having worked under new offensive coordinator Mike Martz when they were in Detroit last season. O'Sullivan appeared in five games for the Lions and had 148 yards passing and one touchdown and valuable experience in the Martz system, which Smith and Hill are now learning.
The 49ers signed O'Sullivan as a free agent to a one-year contract Feb. 29.
"My honest answer to that is my approach is not going to change," he said when asked his reaction to joining the hunt for the starting job. "I'm going to go out and compete. I'm going to prepare as well as I can. I'm strictly concerned about my preparation."
Smith and Hill took the majority of plays with the first offense through five practices in this minicamp. Nolan said O'Sullivan likely will work with the starting unit some when the 49ers reconvene for a series of what are called Organized Team Activities (OTA) in June.
"In order to call that a three-man race, some of that has to happen," Nolan said.
At this point, Martz does not profess to have a favorite to run his offense, even with O'Sullivan's experience at Detroit.
"He has an excellent chance," Martz said of the man christened John Thomas O'Sullivan. "If Mike said any one of the three can be your starting quarterback, I'd be happy. ... They all have a pretty good grasp of what we're doing."
Martz added that O'Sullivan is "accurate and quick with the ball," two essential qualities for a quarterback in his offense.
"Any quarterback is going to love the aggressiveness, pushing the ball down the field," O'Sullivan said. "It's exactly what you want playing quarterback. We're getting more and more comfortable with what the offensive staff wants us to do. That's the important thing - getting comfortable. It's a detail-oriented, specific offense. The more you learn, the better you'll be."
One thing's for sure - O'Sullivan is familiar with an NFL locker room. He was drafted in the sixth round in 2002 by New Orleans and has spent time in Green Bay, Chicago, Minnesota, New England, Carolina and Detroit, with a 2004 stint with the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe.
Including the 49ers, O'Sullivan has been with eight NFL teams since leaving UC Davis, where he once tied an NCAA Division II record by tossing six touchdown passes in a playoff game.
O'Sullivan said he learned pocket presence, decisiveness and accuracy at Davis, qualities that will serve him well with Martz and the 49ers.
"In the end, playing at Davis was about making plays," O'Sullivan said. "This is the same thing. ... This is what I want to do. I think I can play. It's important to me. I'm going to put in exactly the amount of time it takes to learn the scheme well ... so when you get the opportunity, you make the most of it."
Briefly: The 49ers will gather again for a series of 12 OTA practices over three weeks starting June 2. They will work on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for three consecutive weeks. ... Cornerback Donald Strickland was ill and did not practice Sunday. ... The offense got sloppy in a final team session in the morning, with Hill throwing three interceptions, two on tipped balls. ... Nolan said outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain arrived at this camp trimmer than a year ago, when he checked in at 280 pounds. "Tully knew when the season ended, he had to get in better shape," the coach said. ... With Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson and rookie Josh Morgan joining the receiving corps, Nolan said, "They look like the best group we've had. I would expect it to perform better than the past. I'm very optimistic about it."
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/05/04/SPR810GOJJ.DTL
J.T. O'Sullivan, starting quarterback for the 49ers? It could happen.
The most newsworthy development to emerge from the 49ers' just-concluded minicamp is that O'Sullivan, a 28-year-old journeyman from UC Davis, is in the mix with Alex Smith and Shaun Hill for the starting job in 2008.
Coach Mike Nolan indicated as much on Sunday by saying, "I think J.T. O'Sullivan is going to get in the thick. I'm excited. I've been impressed with J.T. He's probably more like Shaun than he is Alex. His familiarity with the offense is better. I like his demeanor, his ability to get things done."
O'Sullivan has the advantage of having worked under new offensive coordinator Mike Martz when they were in Detroit last season. O'Sullivan appeared in five games for the Lions and had 148 yards passing and one touchdown and valuable experience in the Martz system, which Smith and Hill are now learning.
The 49ers signed O'Sullivan as a free agent to a one-year contract Feb. 29.
"My honest answer to that is my approach is not going to change," he said when asked his reaction to joining the hunt for the starting job. "I'm going to go out and compete. I'm going to prepare as well as I can. I'm strictly concerned about my preparation."
Smith and Hill took the majority of plays with the first offense through five practices in this minicamp. Nolan said O'Sullivan likely will work with the starting unit some when the 49ers reconvene for a series of what are called Organized Team Activities (OTA) in June.
"In order to call that a three-man race, some of that has to happen," Nolan said.
At this point, Martz does not profess to have a favorite to run his offense, even with O'Sullivan's experience at Detroit.
"He has an excellent chance," Martz said of the man christened John Thomas O'Sullivan. "If Mike said any one of the three can be your starting quarterback, I'd be happy. ... They all have a pretty good grasp of what we're doing."
Martz added that O'Sullivan is "accurate and quick with the ball," two essential qualities for a quarterback in his offense.
"Any quarterback is going to love the aggressiveness, pushing the ball down the field," O'Sullivan said. "It's exactly what you want playing quarterback. We're getting more and more comfortable with what the offensive staff wants us to do. That's the important thing - getting comfortable. It's a detail-oriented, specific offense. The more you learn, the better you'll be."
One thing's for sure - O'Sullivan is familiar with an NFL locker room. He was drafted in the sixth round in 2002 by New Orleans and has spent time in Green Bay, Chicago, Minnesota, New England, Carolina and Detroit, with a 2004 stint with the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe.
Including the 49ers, O'Sullivan has been with eight NFL teams since leaving UC Davis, where he once tied an NCAA Division II record by tossing six touchdown passes in a playoff game.
O'Sullivan said he learned pocket presence, decisiveness and accuracy at Davis, qualities that will serve him well with Martz and the 49ers.
"In the end, playing at Davis was about making plays," O'Sullivan said. "This is the same thing. ... This is what I want to do. I think I can play. It's important to me. I'm going to put in exactly the amount of time it takes to learn the scheme well ... so when you get the opportunity, you make the most of it."
Briefly: The 49ers will gather again for a series of 12 OTA practices over three weeks starting June 2. They will work on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for three consecutive weeks. ... Cornerback Donald Strickland was ill and did not practice Sunday. ... The offense got sloppy in a final team session in the morning, with Hill throwing three interceptions, two on tipped balls. ... Nolan said outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain arrived at this camp trimmer than a year ago, when he checked in at 280 pounds. "Tully knew when the season ended, he had to get in better shape," the coach said. ... With Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson and rookie Josh Morgan joining the receiving corps, Nolan said, "They look like the best group we've had. I would expect it to perform better than the past. I'm very optimistic about it."
Five mini observations
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/012336.html
1. Alex Smith’s arm. I’m no quarterback expert and perhaps I’m missing some subtle difference between the Alex Smith from the spring 2007 and the post-shoulder-surgery version of Smith. But to me it looked as if Smith’s arm was back to normal during the team’s recent minicamp. In fact, of the top three quarterbacks on the roster, Smith had the most powerful arm and threw the prettiest looking passes. Was he perfect in minicamp? No, he’s obviously working on his drop backs and he needs to make quicker decisions as far as where he’s going with the ball. But that’s to be expected when you are learning a new offense from a demanding offensive coordinator. The bottom line is that Smith is right where he needs to be as far as A) his recovery from shoulder surgery and B.) his education in the Mike Martz system.
2. Justin Smith’s presence. Ok, there was no (wink, wink) hitting during the three-day minicamp so you really can’t gauge how physical a player is. But free-agent acquisition Justin Smith certainly passed the eyeball test. When he was signed, there was a concern that he was too small to be an end in the 3-4 scheme and that he was best suited as a 4-3 defensive end. But I can tell you that he jumps out in the huddle and on the field. Tight end Vernon Davis, for example, has no problem blocking linebackers in practice. He usually manhandles them, tells them as much and then proceeds to spark a fight. When he had to block down on Smith a couple of times, he found that he had had bitten off more than he could chew. We won’t know just how well Smith fits into the defense until the 49ers put their pads on. My sense, however, is that fans are going to be very happy he’s here. The guy never leaves the field. He slides to defensive tackle on third-down passing plays and even played a little linebacker. He’s a 282-pound Energizer Bunny.
3. Where’s the pass rush? A year after generating very little edge pass rush, the 49ers are sticking with the status quo. Is there any reason to think that they can pressure the quarterback more than they did in 2007? Well, yes. The first is that in Justin Smith and first-round draft pick Kentwan Balmer, the 49ers expect to have better line play than last year. The hope is that will translate into more wide-open rushing lanes for linebackers. The second is that although he was held out of minicamp, Manny Lawson appears to be on track for a full recovery from his ACL tear. Lawson told me he plans to play this season at 250 pounds and his presence means offenses won’t be able to zero in on the weak-side pass rush. The third is that Tully Banta-Cain is slimmer than he was last season and that Parys Haralson is a year more experienced. It has yet to be decided which of those two players will start at weak-side OLB in 2008. But both should be better than the 2007 versions of themselves.
4. Ted’s excellent adventure. Who will play the “ted” linebacker spot this year? It’ll be one of the better training camp battles. Jeff Ulbrich has the most experience and he was the de- facto starter in training camp. Ulbrich is smart and savvy and would be a nice compliment to still-learning Patrick Willis. However, Ulbrich is not the ideal size for the position and he has been nicked in recent seasons. He also plays a major role in the team’s nickel packages and has been an excellent special teamer the last two seasons. That is, he’d play a major role on the team even if he weren’t a starter. Dontarrious Thomas has the ideal physique for the job. He’s big-bodied but still very athletic. The knock on him, however, is that he’s not physical enough to play a position that calls for him to take on fullbacks and offensive linemen. The fact that the 49ers are still contemplating Takeo Spikes is a sign that they are not fully sold on Thomas. The dark horse is seventh-round pick Larry Grant. At 235 pounds, he is the smallest of the bunch. But the 49ers liked how he attacked the line of scrimmage at Ohio State and they would be tickled if he stole the job this summer. As for Spikes, you have to wonder if a veteran of his stature would want to play a position that demands so much pounding and that plays second fiddle to Willis. If I were Spikes, I might wait a while, see if any injuries befall middle linebackers throughout the league and proceed from there.
5. Rookie review. Well, the rookies mostly stood and watched during the minicamp, so it’s hard to make a keen observation about the class. Offensive lineman Chilo Rachal, however, caught my eye. He has a longer body than I thought he would (long arms, long legs) and he can really get down the field. That makes me wonder whether he can play tackle. As of now, he’s sticking to right guard. And that makes me wonder whether Rachal, and not injured David Baas, will be the opening-game starter at the position.
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/012336.html
1. Alex Smith’s arm. I’m no quarterback expert and perhaps I’m missing some subtle difference between the Alex Smith from the spring 2007 and the post-shoulder-surgery version of Smith. But to me it looked as if Smith’s arm was back to normal during the team’s recent minicamp. In fact, of the top three quarterbacks on the roster, Smith had the most powerful arm and threw the prettiest looking passes. Was he perfect in minicamp? No, he’s obviously working on his drop backs and he needs to make quicker decisions as far as where he’s going with the ball. But that’s to be expected when you are learning a new offense from a demanding offensive coordinator. The bottom line is that Smith is right where he needs to be as far as A) his recovery from shoulder surgery and B.) his education in the Mike Martz system.
2. Justin Smith’s presence. Ok, there was no (wink, wink) hitting during the three-day minicamp so you really can’t gauge how physical a player is. But free-agent acquisition Justin Smith certainly passed the eyeball test. When he was signed, there was a concern that he was too small to be an end in the 3-4 scheme and that he was best suited as a 4-3 defensive end. But I can tell you that he jumps out in the huddle and on the field. Tight end Vernon Davis, for example, has no problem blocking linebackers in practice. He usually manhandles them, tells them as much and then proceeds to spark a fight. When he had to block down on Smith a couple of times, he found that he had had bitten off more than he could chew. We won’t know just how well Smith fits into the defense until the 49ers put their pads on. My sense, however, is that fans are going to be very happy he’s here. The guy never leaves the field. He slides to defensive tackle on third-down passing plays and even played a little linebacker. He’s a 282-pound Energizer Bunny.
3. Where’s the pass rush? A year after generating very little edge pass rush, the 49ers are sticking with the status quo. Is there any reason to think that they can pressure the quarterback more than they did in 2007? Well, yes. The first is that in Justin Smith and first-round draft pick Kentwan Balmer, the 49ers expect to have better line play than last year. The hope is that will translate into more wide-open rushing lanes for linebackers. The second is that although he was held out of minicamp, Manny Lawson appears to be on track for a full recovery from his ACL tear. Lawson told me he plans to play this season at 250 pounds and his presence means offenses won’t be able to zero in on the weak-side pass rush. The third is that Tully Banta-Cain is slimmer than he was last season and that Parys Haralson is a year more experienced. It has yet to be decided which of those two players will start at weak-side OLB in 2008. But both should be better than the 2007 versions of themselves.
4. Ted’s excellent adventure. Who will play the “ted” linebacker spot this year? It’ll be one of the better training camp battles. Jeff Ulbrich has the most experience and he was the de- facto starter in training camp. Ulbrich is smart and savvy and would be a nice compliment to still-learning Patrick Willis. However, Ulbrich is not the ideal size for the position and he has been nicked in recent seasons. He also plays a major role in the team’s nickel packages and has been an excellent special teamer the last two seasons. That is, he’d play a major role on the team even if he weren’t a starter. Dontarrious Thomas has the ideal physique for the job. He’s big-bodied but still very athletic. The knock on him, however, is that he’s not physical enough to play a position that calls for him to take on fullbacks and offensive linemen. The fact that the 49ers are still contemplating Takeo Spikes is a sign that they are not fully sold on Thomas. The dark horse is seventh-round pick Larry Grant. At 235 pounds, he is the smallest of the bunch. But the 49ers liked how he attacked the line of scrimmage at Ohio State and they would be tickled if he stole the job this summer. As for Spikes, you have to wonder if a veteran of his stature would want to play a position that demands so much pounding and that plays second fiddle to Willis. If I were Spikes, I might wait a while, see if any injuries befall middle linebackers throughout the league and proceed from there.
5. Rookie review. Well, the rookies mostly stood and watched during the minicamp, so it’s hard to make a keen observation about the class. Offensive lineman Chilo Rachal, however, caught my eye. He has a longer body than I thought he would (long arms, long legs) and he can really get down the field. That makes me wonder whether he can play tackle. As of now, he’s sticking to right guard. And that makes me wonder whether Rachal, and not injured David Baas, will be the opening-game starter at the position.
Q&A with Chilo Rachal
http://sf49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4206§ion=PR News
Learn more about the 49ers second-round draft pick in this 49ers.com exclusive Q&A with guard Chilo Rachal.
Q: Is it true they had a parade for you in Compton after you were drafted?
A: It was just a little something, something, a festivity for me that Sunday. It was pretty cool. I’d say half the city of Compton came to congratulate me on a huge accomplishment and so it went pretty well.
Q: What was it like coming in for camp and at what point did it really hit you that you are in the NFL now?
A: I’d say after the second practice during PAT when I was watching the guys run by me. It hit me then that wow, I’m really a San Francisco 49ers. It’s just a little overwhelming. You are coming into somewhere you aren’t familiar with. None of the players say anything to you, you don’t really say anything to anyone. You are in the locker room and you feel like you are by yourself and the rookies don’t really know each other, but as the days go by you start to feel comfortable and start talking with the guys more.
Q: What was your reaction to seeing your locker for the first time?
A: It was just like wow. Wow. And then it was just a great feeling that my hard work is paying off. It was a little overwhelming, but at the same time it was a sense that I’m making progress in my life, and that it is just going to get better if I keep doing what I’m doing.
Q: I read that you were recruited by San Jose State, so did you visit here during that time and what’s it like to now wind up in this area?
A: I never visited. They came to my high school, but I didn’t make a visit. I just came up when we played Cal and Stanford, so I do know my way around a little bit and I’ve seen this area before at least. But it’s great to be on the west coast. Hopefully I get to play my whole career on the west coast. I went to high school, college and now I’m here in the pros so it would be nice to be here my entire NFL career.
Q: You talked about actually wishing that you could have finished out your final season at USC in order to get your degree, and that your mom’s poor health and lack of insurance altered your plans. That’s caused some people to say that maybe you weren’t ready for this level, but how do you feel?
A: I definitely feel that I am ready to play at this level. That wasn’t why I wanted to stay in school. It was more about school, but when my mom got sick, I knew what I had to do. But just getting in the mix with the guys here at camp tells me that physically I’m here. Mentally, there is always room to mature but that comes along with life.
Q: You seem like you’ve had to mature quicker than most in your young life and dealing with the loss of two of your brothers to street violence. What kept you focused and made you always do the right thing?
A: I think just learning from my brothers’ mistakes and seeing how much of a factor I am to my family. I basically just threw my family on my back and carried them by making smart decisions so that I could make a better way for them and get them out of the situation they are in.
Q: I know taking care of your mom was a huge part of your decision, but you also said you didn’t want your dad, age 64, to keep working either?
A: Yeah, my dad gets up at 5AM every morning without an alarm and goes to work in construction. I just told him “Pops, you don’t have to work anymore. You got me to this point, I’ll get you to the next point.” He just smiled. Both of my parents smiled and I know they are proud of their son. I think it’s a little overwhelming for them though. I don’t know if he’ll be able to just cut the switch off and stop working, but eventually I hope he will stop.
Q: What did it mean to you that your mom waited until the end of the season to tell you she was sick? (Chilo's mother has a tumor in her stomach that is currently being treated with injections)
A: Just that she’s a mother who really knows her son. If she had told me during the season, it would have been very difficult for me. Not saying I wouldn’t have gone out and done what I had to do in terms of my job, but her letting me keep my focus is just her being a good mom.
Q: You faced an elite defender day in and day out in Sedrick Ellis, who was a top 10 pick this year. How did that help prepare you for this level?
A: Aw man, if I didn’t bring it, he was going to bring it and embarrass you. At SC, Coach pretty much records every practice and when you lose, the whole team is watching you lose. It’s either eat or get ate. So going against Sed, it made my Saturdays easy for me because I never really saw too many guys as good as Sed.
Q: You were impressive in your own right, recording 77 knockdowns last season. How did you feel after those?
A: Like a million bucks. It’s the best feeling there is. I just like to go out there and be a mauler, a glass eater. If I see someone in my way, they are going to get it. I want to be a punisher.
Q: That’s a lot like Larry Allen, who you’ve said you idolized growing up?
A: Oh yeah. I can just remember watching him play with Dallas and then him coming here. He’s just a mauler, a glass eater. If you are in his way and he gets his hands on you, it’s pretty much good night.
Q: You just had your first mini camp. What did you hope to accomplish?
A: I just wanted to come in and compete and show the coaches that they made a good decision drafting me. I just want to help my team in any way I can, anywhere they need me, even if it’s grabbing a bag or carrying helmets. I just want to stay within my role and play my part and not step outside my part.
Q: What were your first impressions of Mike Martz and this offense?
A: He’s a guru. He knows his stuff. It’s just a matter of repetition, studying and hitting my book. I’m trying to contribute right away and so the faster I learn it, the sooner I can play more comfortable and I’m not out there thinking too much.
Q: You seemed to have surprised people out there with your ability to get down the field and pop a block or make a tackle after a turnover?
A: Yes, they underestimate the feet but the feet are ferocious. They can get going. I think I’m athletic, I can move, and I can get to the second level.
Q: Last question for you. Aside from football, what are your other hobbies?
A: Watching movies. I like to get off my feet when I’m not at practice and so I probably have about 400 DVDs that I know of in my apartment. Some of them aren’t even open because I’m just always buying new ones. Whatever I’m feeling that day, I just watch it.
http://sf49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4206§ion=PR News
Learn more about the 49ers second-round draft pick in this 49ers.com exclusive Q&A with guard Chilo Rachal.
Q: Is it true they had a parade for you in Compton after you were drafted?
A: It was just a little something, something, a festivity for me that Sunday. It was pretty cool. I’d say half the city of Compton came to congratulate me on a huge accomplishment and so it went pretty well.
Q: What was it like coming in for camp and at what point did it really hit you that you are in the NFL now?
A: I’d say after the second practice during PAT when I was watching the guys run by me. It hit me then that wow, I’m really a San Francisco 49ers. It’s just a little overwhelming. You are coming into somewhere you aren’t familiar with. None of the players say anything to you, you don’t really say anything to anyone. You are in the locker room and you feel like you are by yourself and the rookies don’t really know each other, but as the days go by you start to feel comfortable and start talking with the guys more.
Q: What was your reaction to seeing your locker for the first time?
A: It was just like wow. Wow. And then it was just a great feeling that my hard work is paying off. It was a little overwhelming, but at the same time it was a sense that I’m making progress in my life, and that it is just going to get better if I keep doing what I’m doing.
Q: I read that you were recruited by San Jose State, so did you visit here during that time and what’s it like to now wind up in this area?
A: I never visited. They came to my high school, but I didn’t make a visit. I just came up when we played Cal and Stanford, so I do know my way around a little bit and I’ve seen this area before at least. But it’s great to be on the west coast. Hopefully I get to play my whole career on the west coast. I went to high school, college and now I’m here in the pros so it would be nice to be here my entire NFL career.
Q: You talked about actually wishing that you could have finished out your final season at USC in order to get your degree, and that your mom’s poor health and lack of insurance altered your plans. That’s caused some people to say that maybe you weren’t ready for this level, but how do you feel?
A: I definitely feel that I am ready to play at this level. That wasn’t why I wanted to stay in school. It was more about school, but when my mom got sick, I knew what I had to do. But just getting in the mix with the guys here at camp tells me that physically I’m here. Mentally, there is always room to mature but that comes along with life.
Q: You seem like you’ve had to mature quicker than most in your young life and dealing with the loss of two of your brothers to street violence. What kept you focused and made you always do the right thing?
A: I think just learning from my brothers’ mistakes and seeing how much of a factor I am to my family. I basically just threw my family on my back and carried them by making smart decisions so that I could make a better way for them and get them out of the situation they are in.
Q: I know taking care of your mom was a huge part of your decision, but you also said you didn’t want your dad, age 64, to keep working either?
A: Yeah, my dad gets up at 5AM every morning without an alarm and goes to work in construction. I just told him “Pops, you don’t have to work anymore. You got me to this point, I’ll get you to the next point.” He just smiled. Both of my parents smiled and I know they are proud of their son. I think it’s a little overwhelming for them though. I don’t know if he’ll be able to just cut the switch off and stop working, but eventually I hope he will stop.
Q: What did it mean to you that your mom waited until the end of the season to tell you she was sick? (Chilo's mother has a tumor in her stomach that is currently being treated with injections)
A: Just that she’s a mother who really knows her son. If she had told me during the season, it would have been very difficult for me. Not saying I wouldn’t have gone out and done what I had to do in terms of my job, but her letting me keep my focus is just her being a good mom.
Q: You faced an elite defender day in and day out in Sedrick Ellis, who was a top 10 pick this year. How did that help prepare you for this level?
A: Aw man, if I didn’t bring it, he was going to bring it and embarrass you. At SC, Coach pretty much records every practice and when you lose, the whole team is watching you lose. It’s either eat or get ate. So going against Sed, it made my Saturdays easy for me because I never really saw too many guys as good as Sed.
Q: You were impressive in your own right, recording 77 knockdowns last season. How did you feel after those?
A: Like a million bucks. It’s the best feeling there is. I just like to go out there and be a mauler, a glass eater. If I see someone in my way, they are going to get it. I want to be a punisher.
Q: That’s a lot like Larry Allen, who you’ve said you idolized growing up?
A: Oh yeah. I can just remember watching him play with Dallas and then him coming here. He’s just a mauler, a glass eater. If you are in his way and he gets his hands on you, it’s pretty much good night.
Q: You just had your first mini camp. What did you hope to accomplish?
A: I just wanted to come in and compete and show the coaches that they made a good decision drafting me. I just want to help my team in any way I can, anywhere they need me, even if it’s grabbing a bag or carrying helmets. I just want to stay within my role and play my part and not step outside my part.
Q: What were your first impressions of Mike Martz and this offense?
A: He’s a guru. He knows his stuff. It’s just a matter of repetition, studying and hitting my book. I’m trying to contribute right away and so the faster I learn it, the sooner I can play more comfortable and I’m not out there thinking too much.
Q: You seemed to have surprised people out there with your ability to get down the field and pop a block or make a tackle after a turnover?
A: Yes, they underestimate the feet but the feet are ferocious. They can get going. I think I’m athletic, I can move, and I can get to the second level.
Q: Last question for you. Aside from football, what are your other hobbies?
A: Watching movies. I like to get off my feet when I’m not at practice and so I probably have about 400 DVDs that I know of in my apartment. Some of them aren’t even open because I’m just always buying new ones. Whatever I’m feeling that day, I just watch it.
May 07, 2008
The 49ers announced Wednesday the dates and times for all of their preseason games this year. The entire preseason and regular season schedule are below.
In addition, the team has announced that July 24 will be the first day of 49ers training camp.
PRESEASON
Date Opponent Local Time Pacific Time Network
Friday, August 8 @ Oakland 7PM 7PM CBS- 5
Saturday, August 16 Green Bay 6PM 6PM CBS - 5
Thursday, August 21 @ Chicago 8PM 6PM FOX
Friday, August 29 San Diego 7PM 7PM CBS - 5
REGULAR SEASON
Date Opponent Local Time Pacific Time Network
Sept. 7 Arizona Cardinals 1:15PM FOX
Sept. 14 @ Seattle Seahawks 1:05PM FOX
Sept. 21 Detroit Lions 1:05PM FOX
Sept. 28 @ New Orleans Saints 12:00PM 10AM FOX
Oct. 5 New England Patriots 1:15PM CBS
Oct. 12 Philadelphia Eagles 1:15PM FOX
Oct. 19 @ New York Giants 1:00PM 10AM FOX
Oct. 26 Seattle Seahawks 1:15PM FOX
Nov. 2 BYE
Nov. 10 @ Arizona Cardinals 6:30PM 5:30PM ESPN
Nov. 16 St. Louis Rams 1:05PM # FOX
Nov. 23 @ Dallas Cowboys 12:00PM # 10AM FOX
Nov. 30 @ Buffalo Bills 1:00PM # 10AM FOX
Dec. 7 New York Jets 1:05PM # CBS
Dec. 14 @ Miami Dolphins 1:00PM # 10AM FOX
Dec. 21 @ St. Louis Rams 12:00PM # 10AM FOX
Dec. 28 Washington Redskins 1:15PM # FOX
The 49ers announced Wednesday the dates and times for all of their preseason games this year. The entire preseason and regular season schedule are below.
In addition, the team has announced that July 24 will be the first day of 49ers training camp.
PRESEASON
Date Opponent Local Time Pacific Time Network
Friday, August 8 @ Oakland 7PM 7PM CBS- 5
Saturday, August 16 Green Bay 6PM 6PM CBS - 5
Thursday, August 21 @ Chicago 8PM 6PM FOX
Friday, August 29 San Diego 7PM 7PM CBS - 5
REGULAR SEASON
Date Opponent Local Time Pacific Time Network
Sept. 7 Arizona Cardinals 1:15PM FOX
Sept. 14 @ Seattle Seahawks 1:05PM FOX
Sept. 21 Detroit Lions 1:05PM FOX
Sept. 28 @ New Orleans Saints 12:00PM 10AM FOX
Oct. 5 New England Patriots 1:15PM CBS
Oct. 12 Philadelphia Eagles 1:15PM FOX
Oct. 19 @ New York Giants 1:00PM 10AM FOX
Oct. 26 Seattle Seahawks 1:15PM FOX
Nov. 2 BYE
Nov. 10 @ Arizona Cardinals 6:30PM 5:30PM ESPN
Nov. 16 St. Louis Rams 1:05PM # FOX
Nov. 23 @ Dallas Cowboys 12:00PM # 10AM FOX
Nov. 30 @ Buffalo Bills 1:00PM # 10AM FOX
Dec. 7 New York Jets 1:05PM # CBS
Dec. 14 @ Miami Dolphins 1:00PM # 10AM FOX
Dec. 21 @ St. Louis Rams 12:00PM # 10AM FOX
Dec. 28 Washington Redskins 1:15PM # FOX
Developing Quarterbacks
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?blogid=45&entry_id=26315
In answering a few questions on yesterday's blog, John Crumpacker is the full-time beat writer for the 49ers and he was there for all five 49ers' practices. I saw two of the five and got reports about the others. From what I saw, Shaun Hill didn't look nearly as sharp as Alex Smith, and from what I heard, his last practice was "sloppy."
I've been fortunate enough in writing for this blog and for the print version of the Chronicle, to have seen the majority of the practices by both Hill and Smith throughout their 49ers' careers. Now that I think about it, Hill threw the ball much better a year ago than he did recently, possibly because of learning the new offense.
RichnSanRamon suggests quarterbacks, including Joe Montana, sat on the bench because the quarterbacks ahead of them were better. In a sense, that's true. Bill Walsh didn't start Montana over Steve DeBerg because Walsh could tell Montana could be special and he didn't want to ruin his development by bringing him along too fast.
Walsh held that belief so firmly it nearly drove him insane. In 1979, Walsh's and Montana's first year with the team, Walsh stuck with DeBerg despite his uncanny knack for throwing the game-turning interception in the fourth quarter. Walsh refused to play Montana even while Walsh was driven into a deep depression by two long losing streaks that year. During that 2-14 season, Walsh sought help from a sports pyschologist and had to be cajoled by then owner Eddie DeBartolo not to quit, but he never succumbed to the temptation to play Montana over DeBerg because of his resolve that quarterbacks need to brought along slowly.
The next season, he indoctrinated Montana into the lineup by inserting him when the 49ers entered the red zone, so Montana could build his confidence by throwing the touchdown pass.
Walsh didn't support playing Smith his rookie year.
True, Tim Rattay did start Smith's rookie season and then was demoted after he was ineffective. But the 49ers pushed Smith from the start of training camp that year. He took most of the snaps with the first team that summer and started all but one of the exhibition games.
When Smith replaced Rattay, he wasn't ready as his 11 interceptions and one touchdown pass will attest. Some coaches believe in playing unprepared quarterbacks - it worked for Peyton Manning and John Elway. But that wasn't the philosophy under Walsh the two coaches who followed him.
It could be argrued the reason Hill succeeded last year was due to his six seasons of developing on the bench. It's clear Hill had an immediate feel for the game that Smith lacked.
In terms of Mike Nolan's last gathering with the media, I was merely trying to distill what I thought was the most important slice of information, and that was J.T. O'Sullivan is now in the mix for the starting quarterback job. Whether you pick my quote, or Nolan's longer quote, the information is the same - Sullivan will compete for the starting job.
After conveying that bit of information, I wrote what I thought might happen with the three-headed race, based off of what I saw of Hill and Smith during minicamp.
By no means, did I mean it as a shot at Nolan by saying that most of his sentences are insignificant. Most sentences by head coaches throughout the league are fairly meaningless. That's not a shot at head coaches, that's just the way it is. There's only so much news to dispense.
Also, the 49ers transcriptions on their website don't cover every question and they are edited for clarity and sometimes content.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?blogid=45&entry_id=26315
In answering a few questions on yesterday's blog, John Crumpacker is the full-time beat writer for the 49ers and he was there for all five 49ers' practices. I saw two of the five and got reports about the others. From what I saw, Shaun Hill didn't look nearly as sharp as Alex Smith, and from what I heard, his last practice was "sloppy."
I've been fortunate enough in writing for this blog and for the print version of the Chronicle, to have seen the majority of the practices by both Hill and Smith throughout their 49ers' careers. Now that I think about it, Hill threw the ball much better a year ago than he did recently, possibly because of learning the new offense.
RichnSanRamon suggests quarterbacks, including Joe Montana, sat on the bench because the quarterbacks ahead of them were better. In a sense, that's true. Bill Walsh didn't start Montana over Steve DeBerg because Walsh could tell Montana could be special and he didn't want to ruin his development by bringing him along too fast.
Walsh held that belief so firmly it nearly drove him insane. In 1979, Walsh's and Montana's first year with the team, Walsh stuck with DeBerg despite his uncanny knack for throwing the game-turning interception in the fourth quarter. Walsh refused to play Montana even while Walsh was driven into a deep depression by two long losing streaks that year. During that 2-14 season, Walsh sought help from a sports pyschologist and had to be cajoled by then owner Eddie DeBartolo not to quit, but he never succumbed to the temptation to play Montana over DeBerg because of his resolve that quarterbacks need to brought along slowly.
The next season, he indoctrinated Montana into the lineup by inserting him when the 49ers entered the red zone, so Montana could build his confidence by throwing the touchdown pass.
Walsh didn't support playing Smith his rookie year.
True, Tim Rattay did start Smith's rookie season and then was demoted after he was ineffective. But the 49ers pushed Smith from the start of training camp that year. He took most of the snaps with the first team that summer and started all but one of the exhibition games.
When Smith replaced Rattay, he wasn't ready as his 11 interceptions and one touchdown pass will attest. Some coaches believe in playing unprepared quarterbacks - it worked for Peyton Manning and John Elway. But that wasn't the philosophy under Walsh the two coaches who followed him.
It could be argrued the reason Hill succeeded last year was due to his six seasons of developing on the bench. It's clear Hill had an immediate feel for the game that Smith lacked.
In terms of Mike Nolan's last gathering with the media, I was merely trying to distill what I thought was the most important slice of information, and that was J.T. O'Sullivan is now in the mix for the starting quarterback job. Whether you pick my quote, or Nolan's longer quote, the information is the same - Sullivan will compete for the starting job.
After conveying that bit of information, I wrote what I thought might happen with the three-headed race, based off of what I saw of Hill and Smith during minicamp.
By no means, did I mean it as a shot at Nolan by saying that most of his sentences are insignificant. Most sentences by head coaches throughout the league are fairly meaningless. That's not a shot at head coaches, that's just the way it is. There's only so much news to dispense.
Also, the 49ers transcriptions on their website don't cover every question and they are edited for clarity and sometimes content.