Niner News Thread
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Day 6: Staley back on the practice field
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2244953
Left tackle Joe Staley is back on the practice field today after being removed from the non-football injury list. Staley missed the first five days of camp with a foot infection.
Staley was in pads as practice began this morning, but he was expected to take part only in individual work. Initially, coach Mike Nolan said the infection was the result of a bug bite. But Staley told the Bee that he cut while walking on a beach.
Defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer is not practicing today due to an ankle sprain he sustained yesterday. He was walking gingerly when I saw him just minutes ago, but he was not wearing a boot on his ankle.
Receiver Ashley Lelie (calf) and safety Mark Roman (hamstring) are at least another day away from practicing. Lelie has been out since July 26, while Roman will miss his second day. Rookie safety Lewis Baker (thigh) is also out for the second consecutive day.
Receiver Arnaz Battle has some hamstring discomfort, so he's sitting out this morning. Cornerback Walt Harris (veteran courtesy) is not practing this morning, either.
Meanwhile, on the side field, guard David Baas (pec) and tackle Damane Duckett (knee) are doing some rehab work. Duckett sustained a left knee sprain on July 26.
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2244953
Left tackle Joe Staley is back on the practice field today after being removed from the non-football injury list. Staley missed the first five days of camp with a foot infection.
Staley was in pads as practice began this morning, but he was expected to take part only in individual work. Initially, coach Mike Nolan said the infection was the result of a bug bite. But Staley told the Bee that he cut while walking on a beach.
Defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer is not practicing today due to an ankle sprain he sustained yesterday. He was walking gingerly when I saw him just minutes ago, but he was not wearing a boot on his ankle.
Receiver Ashley Lelie (calf) and safety Mark Roman (hamstring) are at least another day away from practicing. Lelie has been out since July 26, while Roman will miss his second day. Rookie safety Lewis Baker (thigh) is also out for the second consecutive day.
Receiver Arnaz Battle has some hamstring discomfort, so he's sitting out this morning. Cornerback Walt Harris (veteran courtesy) is not practing this morning, either.
Meanwhile, on the side field, guard David Baas (pec) and tackle Damane Duckett (knee) are doing some rehab work. Duckett sustained a left knee sprain on July 26.
O'Sullivan Gets Work in Team
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4386§ion=PR News
11:00AM PST - Quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan got into the quarterback mix on Wednesday, first taking reps in skelley and then snaps with the offense in the second team period.
Shaun Hill and Alex Smith traded off in the first team period, but O'Sullivan then exchanged series with Smith during the remainder of practice.
Head coach Mike Nolan said that he wanted to rest Hill's arm, and that he also felt it was only fair to include O'Sullivan.
Running back Deshaun Foster's took offense to the contact by safety Michael Lewis at the end of a play. After jawing with one another, Foster punched Lewis in the face, hitting his face mask. Lewis then tackled him to the ground where the two wrestled before teammates broke it up.
8:30AM PST
The offensive line always heads out to the 9AM practice early to work with their position coaches, and Joe Staley is among them Wednesday morning.
Today marks Staley's return to action from a foot infection that has kept him out all of camp.
We'll have more on the practice and Staley's return later this afternoon.
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4386§ion=PR News
11:00AM PST - Quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan got into the quarterback mix on Wednesday, first taking reps in skelley and then snaps with the offense in the second team period.
Shaun Hill and Alex Smith traded off in the first team period, but O'Sullivan then exchanged series with Smith during the remainder of practice.
Head coach Mike Nolan said that he wanted to rest Hill's arm, and that he also felt it was only fair to include O'Sullivan.
Running back Deshaun Foster's took offense to the contact by safety Michael Lewis at the end of a play. After jawing with one another, Foster punched Lewis in the face, hitting his face mask. Lewis then tackled him to the ground where the two wrestled before teammates broke it up.
8:30AM PST
The offensive line always heads out to the 9AM practice early to work with their position coaches, and Joe Staley is among them Wednesday morning.
Today marks Staley's return to action from a foot infection that has kept him out all of camp.
We'll have more on the practice and Staley's return later this afternoon.
Ex-Raider Barry Sims is happy with 49ers
http://www.mercurynews.com/49ersheadlines/49ers/ci_10030277?nclick_check=1
As offensive lineman Barry Sims makes the transition from Raider to 49er, a few things require an adjustment.
Take the playbook, for instance.
"In Oakland, we only had a handful of plays and just disguised them up to look different," Sims said. "Here, we're actually running different plays."
That jab aside, Sims speaks mostly fondly about his days with the Silver and Black. His nine seasons with the Raiders included a trip to Super Bowl XXXVII.
Sims keeps in touch with his old teammates and is looking forward to the 49ers' joint practice in Napa on Aug. 4 as well as their exhibition opener at McAfee Coliseum on Aug. 8.
But Sims is also excited about putting his Raiders days behind him. The past few years of chaos and infighting took a toll. He recalled the revolving door of coaches and playbooks - with the Raiders rarely on the same page.
"In Oakland, it seemed like there was a lot of individuals there," Sims said. "Here, everybody kind of works together as a team. It's a good environment to be around."
Sims started 119 games for the Raiders, including all 16 last season, but he is listed as a backup for the 49ers.
He is coming off a trying season. Sims tied for third in the NFL with 14 penalties.
But he swears he isn't finished at 33.
"I feel like I'm 27," he said.
Injuries at 49ers camp have already opened the door for playing time. Left tackle Joe Staley has been out because of an infection on his foot, and Damane Duckett has a minor knee injury.
That left Sims playing left tackle with the first-team unit last weekend.
In the big picture, Sims will probably wait in the wings behind Jonas Jennings at right tackle. (Jennings has missed all or part of 32 games since 1995.)
"Jonas and I are working together, but at the same time we push each other, and I think that's the way you're going to get the best out of each of us," Sims said.
• In his first meaningful play call for 2008, offensive coordinator Mike Martz has kicked himself upstairs.
Martz said Monday that he plans to operate from the coaching booth. That's a switch from last season when he roamed the sidelines as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
"I'll be in the box. I think that's the most effective spot for me," Martz said.
Martz said quarterbacks coach Ted Tollner will be his communications link on the sideline.
• Martz said neither starting-quarterback candidate is very far along with his understanding of the offense, calling the first few days of training camp "organized chaos."
But that's to be expected, Martz said. He ventured that Alex Smith and Shaun Hill will look dramatically improved in a week or so when they start to connect with his philosophy.
• Smith capped his morning practice session by completing his final 10 passes in 11-on-11 drills. The strong finish came after Martz reminded the quarterback to bend his knees.
• Running back Michael Robinson had arthroscopic surgery a day after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee. He could be out for two weeks.
• Jeff Ulbrich continues to top the depth chart at strongside linebacker, Coach Mike Nolan said.
• Zak Keasey has a chance to unseat Moran Norris as the starting fullback. The competition is close, Nolan said.
• An MRI exam revealed a strained calf muscle for Ashley Lelie. The receiver will be sidelined "no more than a few days to a week," Nolan said.
http://www.mercurynews.com/49ersheadlines/49ers/ci_10030277?nclick_check=1
As offensive lineman Barry Sims makes the transition from Raider to 49er, a few things require an adjustment.
Take the playbook, for instance.
"In Oakland, we only had a handful of plays and just disguised them up to look different," Sims said. "Here, we're actually running different plays."
That jab aside, Sims speaks mostly fondly about his days with the Silver and Black. His nine seasons with the Raiders included a trip to Super Bowl XXXVII.
Sims keeps in touch with his old teammates and is looking forward to the 49ers' joint practice in Napa on Aug. 4 as well as their exhibition opener at McAfee Coliseum on Aug. 8.
But Sims is also excited about putting his Raiders days behind him. The past few years of chaos and infighting took a toll. He recalled the revolving door of coaches and playbooks - with the Raiders rarely on the same page.
"In Oakland, it seemed like there was a lot of individuals there," Sims said. "Here, everybody kind of works together as a team. It's a good environment to be around."
Sims started 119 games for the Raiders, including all 16 last season, but he is listed as a backup for the 49ers.
He is coming off a trying season. Sims tied for third in the NFL with 14 penalties.
But he swears he isn't finished at 33.
"I feel like I'm 27," he said.
Injuries at 49ers camp have already opened the door for playing time. Left tackle Joe Staley has been out because of an infection on his foot, and Damane Duckett has a minor knee injury.
That left Sims playing left tackle with the first-team unit last weekend.
In the big picture, Sims will probably wait in the wings behind Jonas Jennings at right tackle. (Jennings has missed all or part of 32 games since 1995.)
"Jonas and I are working together, but at the same time we push each other, and I think that's the way you're going to get the best out of each of us," Sims said.
• In his first meaningful play call for 2008, offensive coordinator Mike Martz has kicked himself upstairs.
Martz said Monday that he plans to operate from the coaching booth. That's a switch from last season when he roamed the sidelines as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
"I'll be in the box. I think that's the most effective spot for me," Martz said.
Martz said quarterbacks coach Ted Tollner will be his communications link on the sideline.
• Martz said neither starting-quarterback candidate is very far along with his understanding of the offense, calling the first few days of training camp "organized chaos."
But that's to be expected, Martz said. He ventured that Alex Smith and Shaun Hill will look dramatically improved in a week or so when they start to connect with his philosophy.
• Smith capped his morning practice session by completing his final 10 passes in 11-on-11 drills. The strong finish came after Martz reminded the quarterback to bend his knees.
• Running back Michael Robinson had arthroscopic surgery a day after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee. He could be out for two weeks.
• Jeff Ulbrich continues to top the depth chart at strongside linebacker, Coach Mike Nolan said.
• Zak Keasey has a chance to unseat Moran Norris as the starting fullback. The competition is close, Nolan said.
• An MRI exam revealed a strained calf muscle for Ashley Lelie. The receiver will be sidelined "no more than a few days to a week," Nolan said.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The San Francisco 49ers needed an offensive leader to step forward Wednesday morning and demand better work from his teammates. They needed a big play or inspired words to pump life back into a dismal practice, the type every NFL team endures at some point in training camp.
The 49ers would get neither, which isn't surprising for a team that doesn't have a starting quarterback.
The organization that once chose Steve Young over Joe Montana has not decided between Alex Smith and Shaun Hill. Conventional wisdom says the job will go to Smith, the first player chosen in the 2005 draft, but the 49ers offer no indication they're leaning toward picking him or even rooting for him to beat out his unknown challenger.
The coaching staff has taken pains to make sure Smith and Hill get equal reps. When Hill's weary arm faltered during a recent practice, coaches funneled the forfeited snaps to third-stringer J.T. O'Sullivan, not Smith.
Why not give Smith every chance to win the job? Why give those extra reps to O'Sullivan?
"In fairness to Shaun and Alex, and keeping things the same, and in all fairness to J.T.," coach Mike Nolan said.
The noncommittal approach suggests the 49ers might wait until deep into camp before naming a starter. Making a decision after the second exhibition game would give the starter a chance to work extensively the following week, when the first team generally plays into the second half. But the 49ers have not announced a timetable.
Key questions
1. What will new offensive coordinator Mike Martz mean to the offense?
Improvement.
The St. Louis Rams went from a No. 24 yardage ranking without Martz in 1998 to a No. 1 ranking with him as coordinator the following season. The Detroit Lions improved seven places in Martz's first season as coordinator (2006). They improved five more spots in 2007.
The 49ers fielded the worst offense in the NFL last season.
Martz knows how to exploit matchups and confuse opponents. He also has the credibility to turn locker-room skeptics into believers, a key to any turnaround in San Francisco.
Martz's predecessor, Jim Hostler, stepped into a difficult situation. Without an established résumé at the NFL level, and with Nolan's sometimes doubting him publicly, Hostler had a harder time getting through to players. Credibility shouldn't be a problem for Martz.
2. How much will Martz change the offense for Vernon Davis?
Not much, by all indications. The Martz offense doesn't work at peak efficiency without an outside threat that has the speed to scare defenses. For the first time in his NFL career, Martz is running an offense featuring its best players at halfback and tight end.
Josh Morgan might become that dynamic threat on the outside -- he continues to impress in practice -- but rookie receivers usually need time to develop. They aren't consistent right away.
Martz said he expects Davis' yards-per-catch average to increase from 9.8 last season, which matched the team's league-low average. But it's unrealistic to expect an 80- or 90-catch season from the 2006 first-round choice.
The way Martz sees things, the 49ers need Davis to block and stretch defenses by running deeper routes than tight ends generally run, presenting a big-play threat. They don't need him to catch all the passes.
3. How good are the 49ers on defense?
Good, and getting better, now that outside linebacker Manny Lawson is back from injury and outside linebacker Justin Smith, a former defensive end in Cincinnati's 4-3 scheme, came on board through free agency.
Inside linebacker Patrick Willis already ranks among the league's best players. And don't forget about cornerback Nate Clements.
The 49ers need to improve their pass rush without possessing one dominant rusher. Lawson and Smith give defensive coordinator Greg Manusky the personnel to manufacture a rush the way 3-4 teams often do. The 49ers will have to prove they can deliver one consistently.
Market watch
[+] EnlargeAP Photo/Tony Avelar
Frank Gore is the biggest weapon at new 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz's disposal.
Nolan, 16-32 as a head coach, might need to finish .500 or better to keep his job. He certainly needs to handle the quarterback situation and other sensitive subjects with more aplomb.
Running back Frank Gore is coming off an impressive season in which he topped 1,100 yards rushing with a 4.2-yard average despite the 49ers' league-worst ranking on offense. Martz appears to be serious about making Gore a focal point of the offense, both on the ground and through the air. Gore has caught some passes where receivers generally roam. He is the best back Martz has worked with since Marshall Faulk in St. Louis.
Veteran receiver Isaac Bruce is winding down. He's a stopgap solution for a franchise that hasn't drafted receivers with much success in recent seasons. For the first time in a decade, Bruce isn't catching passes from a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback. The 49ers signed Bruce because he knew Martz's offense and still had enough left to contribute. Defenses no longer fear him, however.
Dashon Goldson is pushing veteran starter Mark Roman for the job at free safety. Even if Roman holds on for now, look for Goldson to take over at some point during the season.
Newcomer to watch
Bryant Johnson. The former third receiver in Arizona will get a chance to start in San Francisco. He doesn't appear suited to play inside, and he has never caught more than 49 passes in a season. Johnson won't have to compete with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin for playing time. That should give him a chance to put up career-best numbers.
Defensive end Kentwan Balmer is another newcomer worth monitoring. The first-round choice provides depth at an important position, but the nature of his position in the scheme means he might not stand out. The defense is set up for the linemen to do the dirty work and the linebackers to make plays.
Observation deck
Lawson is a rare athlete because he's tall with long legs, but not clumsy when left to cover in space. His surgically repaired knee is not yet at full strength, but this should be a bounce-back season for him. … Cornerback Donald Strickland has had a strong camp. He has a chance to be the first cornerback off the bench, although Shawntae Spencer is also among those in the race. Starter Walt Harris could slide inside in the nickel. … The 49ers could start two "Mike" linebackers if they don't feel good about the "Ted" linebacker position. (Ted linebackers do the dirty work, taking on big blockers and allowing the Mike linebackers to roam free and make plays.) Jeff Ulbrich is the leading candidate at Ted, but the prototypical player at the position is bigger and therefore better equipped to keep linemen off Mike linebacker Willis. … Rookie offensive lineman Chilo Rachal has shown he has the physical tools to play if needed. The mental side of the game takes time to develop. … All six 2008 draft choices could earn roster spots, a reflection of the 49ers' depth as much as their drafting prowess. … Receiver Jason Hill appears more comfortable in his second season. General manager Scot McCloughan recently mistook him for the more polished Bruce when watching video of practice. He had to watch the play again to make sure it wasn't Bruce. … Martz sometimes watches the team portion of practice from a distance, to see the big picture better. Some coordinators stand behind the huddle, allowing for easier communication with quarterbacks. When the 49ers practice, the quarterbacks run off to the side to meet with Martz between plays. … Look for the 49ers to favor two basic personnel groupings. Both are one-back sets. One grouping features three wide receivers and a tight end. The other features two receivers and two tight ends. The second tight end, Delanie Walker, has impressed Martz. The 49ers wanted to feature him last season, but their offensive imploded, and Walker never became a serious threat. … Morgan, a sixth-round pick from Virginia Tech, arguably has been one of the more impressive receivers in camp. That isn't necessarily saying much, but Martz and McCloughan think they've found a big-play threat. Morgan's draft stock sagged because he was inconsistent at Virginia Tech and once drew charges for disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice. Morgan has admitted his mistake and called it a regrettable exception. He made one of the best plays of camp Wednesday when he tipped a deep pass to himself despite coverage.
The 49ers would get neither, which isn't surprising for a team that doesn't have a starting quarterback.
The organization that once chose Steve Young over Joe Montana has not decided between Alex Smith and Shaun Hill. Conventional wisdom says the job will go to Smith, the first player chosen in the 2005 draft, but the 49ers offer no indication they're leaning toward picking him or even rooting for him to beat out his unknown challenger.
The coaching staff has taken pains to make sure Smith and Hill get equal reps. When Hill's weary arm faltered during a recent practice, coaches funneled the forfeited snaps to third-stringer J.T. O'Sullivan, not Smith.
Why not give Smith every chance to win the job? Why give those extra reps to O'Sullivan?
"In fairness to Shaun and Alex, and keeping things the same, and in all fairness to J.T.," coach Mike Nolan said.
The noncommittal approach suggests the 49ers might wait until deep into camp before naming a starter. Making a decision after the second exhibition game would give the starter a chance to work extensively the following week, when the first team generally plays into the second half. But the 49ers have not announced a timetable.
Key questions
1. What will new offensive coordinator Mike Martz mean to the offense?
Improvement.
The St. Louis Rams went from a No. 24 yardage ranking without Martz in 1998 to a No. 1 ranking with him as coordinator the following season. The Detroit Lions improved seven places in Martz's first season as coordinator (2006). They improved five more spots in 2007.
The 49ers fielded the worst offense in the NFL last season.
Martz knows how to exploit matchups and confuse opponents. He also has the credibility to turn locker-room skeptics into believers, a key to any turnaround in San Francisco.
Martz's predecessor, Jim Hostler, stepped into a difficult situation. Without an established résumé at the NFL level, and with Nolan's sometimes doubting him publicly, Hostler had a harder time getting through to players. Credibility shouldn't be a problem for Martz.
2. How much will Martz change the offense for Vernon Davis?
Not much, by all indications. The Martz offense doesn't work at peak efficiency without an outside threat that has the speed to scare defenses. For the first time in his NFL career, Martz is running an offense featuring its best players at halfback and tight end.
Josh Morgan might become that dynamic threat on the outside -- he continues to impress in practice -- but rookie receivers usually need time to develop. They aren't consistent right away.
Martz said he expects Davis' yards-per-catch average to increase from 9.8 last season, which matched the team's league-low average. But it's unrealistic to expect an 80- or 90-catch season from the 2006 first-round choice.
The way Martz sees things, the 49ers need Davis to block and stretch defenses by running deeper routes than tight ends generally run, presenting a big-play threat. They don't need him to catch all the passes.
3. How good are the 49ers on defense?
Good, and getting better, now that outside linebacker Manny Lawson is back from injury and outside linebacker Justin Smith, a former defensive end in Cincinnati's 4-3 scheme, came on board through free agency.
Inside linebacker Patrick Willis already ranks among the league's best players. And don't forget about cornerback Nate Clements.
The 49ers need to improve their pass rush without possessing one dominant rusher. Lawson and Smith give defensive coordinator Greg Manusky the personnel to manufacture a rush the way 3-4 teams often do. The 49ers will have to prove they can deliver one consistently.
Market watch
[+] EnlargeAP Photo/Tony Avelar
Frank Gore is the biggest weapon at new 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz's disposal.
Nolan, 16-32 as a head coach, might need to finish .500 or better to keep his job. He certainly needs to handle the quarterback situation and other sensitive subjects with more aplomb.
Running back Frank Gore is coming off an impressive season in which he topped 1,100 yards rushing with a 4.2-yard average despite the 49ers' league-worst ranking on offense. Martz appears to be serious about making Gore a focal point of the offense, both on the ground and through the air. Gore has caught some passes where receivers generally roam. He is the best back Martz has worked with since Marshall Faulk in St. Louis.
Veteran receiver Isaac Bruce is winding down. He's a stopgap solution for a franchise that hasn't drafted receivers with much success in recent seasons. For the first time in a decade, Bruce isn't catching passes from a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback. The 49ers signed Bruce because he knew Martz's offense and still had enough left to contribute. Defenses no longer fear him, however.
Dashon Goldson is pushing veteran starter Mark Roman for the job at free safety. Even if Roman holds on for now, look for Goldson to take over at some point during the season.
Newcomer to watch
Bryant Johnson. The former third receiver in Arizona will get a chance to start in San Francisco. He doesn't appear suited to play inside, and he has never caught more than 49 passes in a season. Johnson won't have to compete with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin for playing time. That should give him a chance to put up career-best numbers.
Defensive end Kentwan Balmer is another newcomer worth monitoring. The first-round choice provides depth at an important position, but the nature of his position in the scheme means he might not stand out. The defense is set up for the linemen to do the dirty work and the linebackers to make plays.
Observation deck
Lawson is a rare athlete because he's tall with long legs, but not clumsy when left to cover in space. His surgically repaired knee is not yet at full strength, but this should be a bounce-back season for him. … Cornerback Donald Strickland has had a strong camp. He has a chance to be the first cornerback off the bench, although Shawntae Spencer is also among those in the race. Starter Walt Harris could slide inside in the nickel. … The 49ers could start two "Mike" linebackers if they don't feel good about the "Ted" linebacker position. (Ted linebackers do the dirty work, taking on big blockers and allowing the Mike linebackers to roam free and make plays.) Jeff Ulbrich is the leading candidate at Ted, but the prototypical player at the position is bigger and therefore better equipped to keep linemen off Mike linebacker Willis. … Rookie offensive lineman Chilo Rachal has shown he has the physical tools to play if needed. The mental side of the game takes time to develop. … All six 2008 draft choices could earn roster spots, a reflection of the 49ers' depth as much as their drafting prowess. … Receiver Jason Hill appears more comfortable in his second season. General manager Scot McCloughan recently mistook him for the more polished Bruce when watching video of practice. He had to watch the play again to make sure it wasn't Bruce. … Martz sometimes watches the team portion of practice from a distance, to see the big picture better. Some coordinators stand behind the huddle, allowing for easier communication with quarterbacks. When the 49ers practice, the quarterbacks run off to the side to meet with Martz between plays. … Look for the 49ers to favor two basic personnel groupings. Both are one-back sets. One grouping features three wide receivers and a tight end. The other features two receivers and two tight ends. The second tight end, Delanie Walker, has impressed Martz. The 49ers wanted to feature him last season, but their offensive imploded, and Walker never became a serious threat. … Morgan, a sixth-round pick from Virginia Tech, arguably has been one of the more impressive receivers in camp. That isn't necessarily saying much, but Martz and McCloughan think they've found a big-play threat. Morgan's draft stock sagged because he was inconsistent at Virginia Tech and once drew charges for disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice. Morgan has admitted his mistake and called it a regrettable exception. He made one of the best plays of camp Wednesday when he tipped a deep pass to himself despite coverage.
NFL Referees Visit Camp
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4393§ion=PR News
Thursday’s morning practice stood out from the other previous training camp sessions, as NFL referees officiated the team portion of practice.
The 49ers always have referees during team scrimmages in training camp, but this was the first day that the NFL sent official referees to work the practice.
The players definitely noticed.
“There was a lot more of an emphasis on gameday calls,” said center Eric Heitmann. “Usually we were seeing calls that dealt with the line of scrimmage, whether it be off-sides or formation misalignments.”
The referees, like the players, were also brushing up on their skills before the NFL season gets underway. They even made a few calls that had Heitmann and others impressed.
“I actually saw a defensive holding call today and that’s something you don’t see – that was nice,” he said.
Heitmann said that most of the flags he saw at practice were after the snap penalties, such as holding calls or chop-blocks.
In addition to appreciating the attention to detail displayed by the referees, Heitmann enjoyed being able to get instant feedback from the officials on hand.
“It helps us going into the season,” he said. “Every time you see a flag thrown at your foot, you want to know what you did. As a prideful offensive lineman, you don’t think you’re ever wrong, so it’s nice to be able to correct yourself on the field at the time of the penalty.”
Heitmann also said that it’s nice to build a rapport with the refs because they have a tough job and endure a lot of criticism.
One instance where a player and referee didn’t see eye-to-eye on a particular call happened during a goal line drill when linebacker Tully Banta-Cain was flagged by the linesman for lining up in the neutral zone.
“He hadn’t thrown a flag all day – he wanted to get one out there,” Banta-Cain joked.
The call perplexed Banta-Cain because he thought he had made sure his stance was out of the neutral zone.
“The crazy thing was before the play I said to the ref, ‘Watch me on this.’ I lined up and I looked at him and he said, ‘You’re good.’ And then I got down and he throws the flag. I said, ‘What happened?’” He responded back with, ‘Ah, you were uhh.’ I don’t know what he said, he mumbled something.”
Other than that minor misunderstanding, Banta-Cain was appreciative of having the referees keep a close eye on practice.
“They were out there doing their jobs and making sure to keep the linemen right. That’s big because we’re practicing, but we have to play by the rules,” he said.
Once practice concluded, the referees led by Bill Leavy, a 14-year NFL official, gave a briefing to the media on the upcoming rule changes for the 2008 season.
The biggest rule change to note is in regards to the highly disputed force-out rule. This year, the NFL will not call a force-out completion unless a player is carried out of bounds. The likelihood of that is rare, as the video shown to the media could only find one example of such a play, and that happened in an NFL Europe game.
The rule is supposed to benefit defensive backs, and allow them to knock a player out of bounds rather than make a play on the ball. If a player has one foot in bounds and any other body part in bounds as well, that would be ruled as a catch.
Another major rule change that will be enforced is the offensive face-mask penalty. An offensive player with the ball can still use a stiff-arm, but cannot grab on to the face-mask and jerk it excessively. If a ball-carrier is flagged for that infraction, it will result in a 5-yard penalty against the offense.
Leavy’s entire crew was in attendance to show their informational video, as well as answer questions from the media. Most of the questions were based around the defensive player that will be wearing a helmet with a radio, which allows them to communicate directly to a coach. Leavy said there are a bunch of different logistics to work out during this season in regards to the helmet radio for defensive players.
The referees will also show their video and give their presentation to the 49ers’ players on Thursday evening, so they can explain the new rules directly to them and answer any questions.
Highlights
The play of the day honor went to wide receiver Arnaz Battle, who made a sensational diving catch on a deep JT O’Sullivan pass during 7-on-7 drills.
With Donald Strickland draped all over him, Battle laid out for O’Sullivan’s pass and hauled in the deep ball for a near 40-yard gain. The pass was put right on the spot, and Battle, showing no signs of hamstring soreness that limited his work in camp, made a terrific catch.
But Battle wasn’t done making highlight-reel worthy catches.
A few plays later, on a deep in-route, Battle snatched an O’Sullivan pass before cornerback Walt Harris and safety Keith Lewis could close on it.
There were no turnovers on the day, but one close call.
Frank Gore fumbled the ball during the team running segment of practice, but the loose ball was recovered by guard Adam Snyder.
Each running back on the 49ers roster, Gore, DeShaun Foster and Thomas Clayton, each scored at least one touchdown during the goal line section of practice.
QB Track
(Stats are entirely unofficial)
Shaun Hill rested his arm for the second straight day, giving O’Sullivan another opportunity to work with the first team.
Hill said he would be ready to go for Friday’s practice and that his throwing arm did not hurt, but was just tired.
“You get tired this part of the year,” Hill said. “I guess it was noticeable.”
O’Sullivan did a nice job during the 11-on-11. He completed 8-of-10 passes. One of his incompletions was on a throw-away pass to avoid a sack.
Alex Smith completed 4-of-6 during the same period.
After practice, coach Nolan said the quarterback position was a battle between three guys.
However you look at it, O’Sullivan intends to keep the same mindset no matter what Nolan’s eventual decision will be.
“The competition doesn’t change how I approach any situation. This year or any other year,” he said. “It’s about me getting better. The only thing I can worry about is how I play.”
The Daily Drill (contributed by Scott Kegley)
It was all about the trenches on Thursday, at least as far as the offensive and defensive lines were concerned. Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula unveiled a new set of drills this training camp during the individual portion of practice.
“We never get to practice with the line like we did today,” said nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin. “You really never get to simulate the goal line like that.”
The defensive coaching staff had just installed the goal line package, so it was time to take things from the film room to the field.
“We’re just working on our leverage points,” said Tomsula. “It’s man against man, so we just want to get the proper leverage and not let our man get underneath us.”
Tomsula started things off by getting the interior linemen down in a four-point stance, getting all their weight on their hands and staying low while driving forward with their shoulders.
“The drill work helps you to stay down in your stance,” said defensive end Atiyyah Ellison. “I didn’t know he didn’t even want me to take my hands off the ground. That was a coaching point that will help me the next time we do goal line drills.”
After the individual session, the entire team focused on the goal line during the second half of the team run period.
“It’s something we look forward to,” said guard Tony Wragge. “When we get down to the 3-yard line, we want to be scoring every time. You get riled up and it’s fun because you know there’s going to be hard contact.”
Perhaps no one was more excited for that contact than tackle Joe Staley, who was allowed to participate in all team drills for the first time this training camp.
“It was a good introduction for me to get some goal line work after a week of not practicing,” said Staley. “You really get to get those pads cracking and start hitting again.”
Seen or Overheard (contributed by Scott Kegley)
The NFL Super Ad truck pulled right up next to the 49ers practice fields to film commercials for the 2008 season. Like last year, players were asked to share stories pertaining to their careers in the NFL.
"I really don't want to give it away,” said tight end Delanie Walker. “I want the fans to see it and vote for me on the internet so I can be in the Super Bowl commercial."
Walker and several of his teammates were escorted into the trailer which had only one chair, a football, several cameras and bright lights.
"It was a little intimidating, but I had a lot of fun,” said guard Tony Wragge. “There's a big bright light in your face and it's just you and the camera."
Wragge, who shared his story of how he came to the NFL from Home Depot, made his pitch to fans.
"I think my story's pretty unique,” said Wragge. “Unfortunately I was out of football for a while so I hope the fans vote for me. I would appreciate the votes very much."
“That a baby!” yelled O’Sullivan.
Injury Updates
Rookie Kentwan Balmer missed his second day of practice after tweaking his ankle.
S Lewis Baker (thigh), G Jeb Terry (foot), WR Ashley Lelie (calf), and S Mark Roman (hamstring) also missed practice because of their injuries.
Tackle Damane Duckett (knee) returned to practice, but only participated in individual drills.
RB Michael Robinson remains out after having his knee scoped, while G David Baas is still on PUP.
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Thursday’s morning practice stood out from the other previous training camp sessions, as NFL referees officiated the team portion of practice.
The 49ers always have referees during team scrimmages in training camp, but this was the first day that the NFL sent official referees to work the practice.
The players definitely noticed.
“There was a lot more of an emphasis on gameday calls,” said center Eric Heitmann. “Usually we were seeing calls that dealt with the line of scrimmage, whether it be off-sides or formation misalignments.”
The referees, like the players, were also brushing up on their skills before the NFL season gets underway. They even made a few calls that had Heitmann and others impressed.
“I actually saw a defensive holding call today and that’s something you don’t see – that was nice,” he said.
Heitmann said that most of the flags he saw at practice were after the snap penalties, such as holding calls or chop-blocks.
In addition to appreciating the attention to detail displayed by the referees, Heitmann enjoyed being able to get instant feedback from the officials on hand.
“It helps us going into the season,” he said. “Every time you see a flag thrown at your foot, you want to know what you did. As a prideful offensive lineman, you don’t think you’re ever wrong, so it’s nice to be able to correct yourself on the field at the time of the penalty.”
Heitmann also said that it’s nice to build a rapport with the refs because they have a tough job and endure a lot of criticism.
One instance where a player and referee didn’t see eye-to-eye on a particular call happened during a goal line drill when linebacker Tully Banta-Cain was flagged by the linesman for lining up in the neutral zone.
“He hadn’t thrown a flag all day – he wanted to get one out there,” Banta-Cain joked.
The call perplexed Banta-Cain because he thought he had made sure his stance was out of the neutral zone.
“The crazy thing was before the play I said to the ref, ‘Watch me on this.’ I lined up and I looked at him and he said, ‘You’re good.’ And then I got down and he throws the flag. I said, ‘What happened?’” He responded back with, ‘Ah, you were uhh.’ I don’t know what he said, he mumbled something.”
Other than that minor misunderstanding, Banta-Cain was appreciative of having the referees keep a close eye on practice.
“They were out there doing their jobs and making sure to keep the linemen right. That’s big because we’re practicing, but we have to play by the rules,” he said.
Once practice concluded, the referees led by Bill Leavy, a 14-year NFL official, gave a briefing to the media on the upcoming rule changes for the 2008 season.
The biggest rule change to note is in regards to the highly disputed force-out rule. This year, the NFL will not call a force-out completion unless a player is carried out of bounds. The likelihood of that is rare, as the video shown to the media could only find one example of such a play, and that happened in an NFL Europe game.
The rule is supposed to benefit defensive backs, and allow them to knock a player out of bounds rather than make a play on the ball. If a player has one foot in bounds and any other body part in bounds as well, that would be ruled as a catch.
Another major rule change that will be enforced is the offensive face-mask penalty. An offensive player with the ball can still use a stiff-arm, but cannot grab on to the face-mask and jerk it excessively. If a ball-carrier is flagged for that infraction, it will result in a 5-yard penalty against the offense.
Leavy’s entire crew was in attendance to show their informational video, as well as answer questions from the media. Most of the questions were based around the defensive player that will be wearing a helmet with a radio, which allows them to communicate directly to a coach. Leavy said there are a bunch of different logistics to work out during this season in regards to the helmet radio for defensive players.
The referees will also show their video and give their presentation to the 49ers’ players on Thursday evening, so they can explain the new rules directly to them and answer any questions.
Highlights
The play of the day honor went to wide receiver Arnaz Battle, who made a sensational diving catch on a deep JT O’Sullivan pass during 7-on-7 drills.
With Donald Strickland draped all over him, Battle laid out for O’Sullivan’s pass and hauled in the deep ball for a near 40-yard gain. The pass was put right on the spot, and Battle, showing no signs of hamstring soreness that limited his work in camp, made a terrific catch.
But Battle wasn’t done making highlight-reel worthy catches.
A few plays later, on a deep in-route, Battle snatched an O’Sullivan pass before cornerback Walt Harris and safety Keith Lewis could close on it.
There were no turnovers on the day, but one close call.
Frank Gore fumbled the ball during the team running segment of practice, but the loose ball was recovered by guard Adam Snyder.
Each running back on the 49ers roster, Gore, DeShaun Foster and Thomas Clayton, each scored at least one touchdown during the goal line section of practice.
QB Track
(Stats are entirely unofficial)
Shaun Hill rested his arm for the second straight day, giving O’Sullivan another opportunity to work with the first team.
Hill said he would be ready to go for Friday’s practice and that his throwing arm did not hurt, but was just tired.
“You get tired this part of the year,” Hill said. “I guess it was noticeable.”
O’Sullivan did a nice job during the 11-on-11. He completed 8-of-10 passes. One of his incompletions was on a throw-away pass to avoid a sack.
Alex Smith completed 4-of-6 during the same period.
After practice, coach Nolan said the quarterback position was a battle between three guys.
However you look at it, O’Sullivan intends to keep the same mindset no matter what Nolan’s eventual decision will be.
“The competition doesn’t change how I approach any situation. This year or any other year,” he said. “It’s about me getting better. The only thing I can worry about is how I play.”
The Daily Drill (contributed by Scott Kegley)
It was all about the trenches on Thursday, at least as far as the offensive and defensive lines were concerned. Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula unveiled a new set of drills this training camp during the individual portion of practice.
“We never get to practice with the line like we did today,” said nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin. “You really never get to simulate the goal line like that.”
The defensive coaching staff had just installed the goal line package, so it was time to take things from the film room to the field.
“We’re just working on our leverage points,” said Tomsula. “It’s man against man, so we just want to get the proper leverage and not let our man get underneath us.”
Tomsula started things off by getting the interior linemen down in a four-point stance, getting all their weight on their hands and staying low while driving forward with their shoulders.
“The drill work helps you to stay down in your stance,” said defensive end Atiyyah Ellison. “I didn’t know he didn’t even want me to take my hands off the ground. That was a coaching point that will help me the next time we do goal line drills.”
After the individual session, the entire team focused on the goal line during the second half of the team run period.
“It’s something we look forward to,” said guard Tony Wragge. “When we get down to the 3-yard line, we want to be scoring every time. You get riled up and it’s fun because you know there’s going to be hard contact.”
Perhaps no one was more excited for that contact than tackle Joe Staley, who was allowed to participate in all team drills for the first time this training camp.
“It was a good introduction for me to get some goal line work after a week of not practicing,” said Staley. “You really get to get those pads cracking and start hitting again.”
Seen or Overheard (contributed by Scott Kegley)
The NFL Super Ad truck pulled right up next to the 49ers practice fields to film commercials for the 2008 season. Like last year, players were asked to share stories pertaining to their careers in the NFL.
"I really don't want to give it away,” said tight end Delanie Walker. “I want the fans to see it and vote for me on the internet so I can be in the Super Bowl commercial."
Walker and several of his teammates were escorted into the trailer which had only one chair, a football, several cameras and bright lights.
"It was a little intimidating, but I had a lot of fun,” said guard Tony Wragge. “There's a big bright light in your face and it's just you and the camera."
Wragge, who shared his story of how he came to the NFL from Home Depot, made his pitch to fans.
"I think my story's pretty unique,” said Wragge. “Unfortunately I was out of football for a while so I hope the fans vote for me. I would appreciate the votes very much."
“That a baby!” yelled O’Sullivan.
Injury Updates
Rookie Kentwan Balmer missed his second day of practice after tweaking his ankle.
S Lewis Baker (thigh), G Jeb Terry (foot), WR Ashley Lelie (calf), and S Mark Roman (hamstring) also missed practice because of their injuries.
Tackle Damane Duckett (knee) returned to practice, but only participated in individual drills.
RB Michael Robinson remains out after having his knee scoped, while G David Baas is still on PUP.
49ers Prep for Practice with Raiders
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On Sunday the 49ers held a shells only practice to fine tune before they traveled up to Napa for a pair of joint practices with the Oakland Raiders scheduled for Monday.
But before they hit the road, the 49ers worked on goal line run plays and held a team scrimmage.
Head coach Mike Nolan said the 49ers objective is to try and get as much good work in as they can. He also commented that his players are fired up for the practice in Napa.
“If you’re competing against a guy from another squad, that gets your attention,” he said.
Veteran cornerback Walt Harris was also aware of his teammates’ enhanced anticipation of the trip.“You can kind of sense it and feel it,” he said. “Guys are really looking forward to going to Napa.”
Quarterback Alex Smith worked with the first team during team drills on Sunday and Shaun Hill worked with the second team. Tight end Vernon Davis and rookie wide receiver Josh Morgan both caught two passes.
Joining them on the field was wide receiver Ashley Lelie, who had been out of action since the first week of camp with a strained calf.
“After being on the sidelines, it felt good to be back out there,” he said after the workout. “I’m glad my calf held up today – it felt good.”
Lelie credited 49ers assistant strength coach Mark Uyeyama for helping maintain his stamina while he was out of action.
Also back in action was rookie defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer, who made an impressive play during the team portion of practice. As wide receiver Jason Hill carried the ball on a reverse, Balmer stayed home and was there to make a play on Hill in the backfield.
After the 90-minute practice, a number of players were excited to face their cross-town rivals in a competitive atmosphere Monday.
“I think the opportunity to go against the Raiders will really benefit this team. It’s going to be exciting,” center Eric Heitmann said. “They’re our local rivals, and we’re looking forward to it.”
With the first preseason matchup between the two teams less than a week away, the 49ers are looking forward to getting a preview of what to expect for their trip to McAfee Coliseum on August 8.
“I think it’s about time we hit somebody else,” linebacker Tully Banta-Cain said. “We’ve been beating on each other for the past week and a half now. The competition has been kind of monotonous, so it’s nice to switch it up and go against another color.”
Injury Report
WR Ashley Lelie and DL Kentwan Balmer returned from their injuries and participated in all portions of practice.
WR Jerard Rabb injured his groin during practice. S Lewis Baker (thigh) and S Mark Roman (hamstring) missed practice because of their injuries. TE Delanie Walker went through some individual work, but was held out of part of practice due to headaches.
RB Michael Robinson remains out after having his knee scoped, while G David Baas is still on PUP.
LB Parys Haralson went through practice today, but will not make the trip to Napa to rest his sore shoulder
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4416§ion=PR News
On Sunday the 49ers held a shells only practice to fine tune before they traveled up to Napa for a pair of joint practices with the Oakland Raiders scheduled for Monday.
But before they hit the road, the 49ers worked on goal line run plays and held a team scrimmage.
Head coach Mike Nolan said the 49ers objective is to try and get as much good work in as they can. He also commented that his players are fired up for the practice in Napa.
“If you’re competing against a guy from another squad, that gets your attention,” he said.
Veteran cornerback Walt Harris was also aware of his teammates’ enhanced anticipation of the trip.“You can kind of sense it and feel it,” he said. “Guys are really looking forward to going to Napa.”
Quarterback Alex Smith worked with the first team during team drills on Sunday and Shaun Hill worked with the second team. Tight end Vernon Davis and rookie wide receiver Josh Morgan both caught two passes.
Joining them on the field was wide receiver Ashley Lelie, who had been out of action since the first week of camp with a strained calf.
“After being on the sidelines, it felt good to be back out there,” he said after the workout. “I’m glad my calf held up today – it felt good.”
Lelie credited 49ers assistant strength coach Mark Uyeyama for helping maintain his stamina while he was out of action.
Also back in action was rookie defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer, who made an impressive play during the team portion of practice. As wide receiver Jason Hill carried the ball on a reverse, Balmer stayed home and was there to make a play on Hill in the backfield.
After the 90-minute practice, a number of players were excited to face their cross-town rivals in a competitive atmosphere Monday.
“I think the opportunity to go against the Raiders will really benefit this team. It’s going to be exciting,” center Eric Heitmann said. “They’re our local rivals, and we’re looking forward to it.”
With the first preseason matchup between the two teams less than a week away, the 49ers are looking forward to getting a preview of what to expect for their trip to McAfee Coliseum on August 8.
“I think it’s about time we hit somebody else,” linebacker Tully Banta-Cain said. “We’ve been beating on each other for the past week and a half now. The competition has been kind of monotonous, so it’s nice to switch it up and go against another color.”
Injury Report
WR Ashley Lelie and DL Kentwan Balmer returned from their injuries and participated in all portions of practice.
WR Jerard Rabb injured his groin during practice. S Lewis Baker (thigh) and S Mark Roman (hamstring) missed practice because of their injuries. TE Delanie Walker went through some individual work, but was held out of part of practice due to headaches.
RB Michael Robinson remains out after having his knee scoped, while G David Baas is still on PUP.
LB Parys Haralson went through practice today, but will not make the trip to Napa to rest his sore shoulder
Dean Finds Gold in Canton
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During his presentation of Hall of Famer Fred Dean, former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo shared the play by play of San Francisco’s swap with San Diego and the subsequent days leading up to Dean’s debut in the red and gold.
“When Bill Walsh learned that the Chargers were willing to trade Fred, he came to me like a kid with his eye on the niftiest possible Christmas present. You see, Bill had something different in mind for Fred, something downright revolutionary,” said DeBartolo.
Walsh’s plan was simple. Take the every down Pro Bowl end and utilize him as a situational pass rusher. Easily said, but back then, role players just didn't exist.
Nonetheless, DeBartolo said Walsh boasted to him on the night before the 49ers rival match-up against the Cowboys, telling the owner, “Wait until you see what we do with Fred tomorrow.”
But Walsh sang a different tune to everyone else.
“In that wonderful manipulative way of his, he put out the word that Fred would be a nonfactor,” said DeBartolo. “In fact, he told John Madden, who was doing the game, that Fred wouldn't play much, if at all. Oh, did he play. He sacked Danny White three times. And we won 45-14.”
Walsh indeed pulled a fast one over on Madden, the Cowboys and even Dean.
“Coach told me I might get 8-10 plays, 12 if I was lucky,” remembered Dean. “He said he was worried about my conditioning and when he told me that, I didn’t think I was going to have to do that much that night. But, I ended up playing almost the whole game. Afterwards he told me my conditioning was just fine.”
But Walsh wasn't the only one with tricks up his sleeves. Dean also had his own habit of shocking people throughout his NFL career.
Bengals Hall of Fame Anthony Munoz recalled this weekend his first time seeing Dean on tape. Munoz was a rookie then, and Dean still sported the blue and gold.
“The week of preparation leading up to the Chargers game I kept asking the linemen that had been there that previous year about Dean,” said Munoz. “I'd run the film back and forth and I'd say, ‘Is Fred Dean really that fast, or is this kind of a tape they've got it going in a faster speed?’ I’d say, ‘How can a guy that size be that fast and that strong?”
Though undersized, Dean possessed rare speed and strength that made him virtually unstoppable.
“I’m sure a lot of people were licking their chops before playing me because they thought I was so small,” said Dean. “I think I surprised people.”
Dean received the ultimate assessment by his peers this past February when he was voted into the Class of 2008, and on Saturday night, he officially became the 13th member of the San Francisco 49ers organization to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
49ers Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott, a former teammate of Dean’s deemed it a well-deserved honor, and acknowledged it as fact that the defensive end helped pave the way to greatness for San Francisco.
“Fred is now considered one of the best, one of the elite, one of the all-time greats,” said Lott. “He was our Lawrence Taylor. I think what was great about what Fred was able to do when he was with the 49ers was that he established our defense. He made our defense. I know I wouldn’t have been able to wear this yellow jacket had it not been for having a person like Fred Dean in the game of football with the San Francisco 49ers.”
Many of Dean’s former teammates made the trip to Canton, including wide receiver Freddie Solomon, who said he couldn’t stay in his seat on Saturday night because he was so nervous about his friend’s speech.
“Fred was very quiet but I always knew how funny he was,” said Solomon. “He always had people laughing. But, I was nervous. It’s like getting ready for a game. You have those pre-game jitters. I was hoping and wishing he would speak like he played, and he did that.”
In fact, after being described as a shy, quiet and gentle man leading up the festivities, Dean again surprised folks, proving to be one of the more entertaining speakers.
At least a good ten-fifteen minutes into his speech Dean suddenly halted and confessed, “What I did, I went off and left my glasses and I can't see my words.”
A veteran Famer quickly offered up his glasses to which Dean glanced down at his notes and quipped, “I think that's gonna work, dog.”
Former 49ers linebacker Keena Turner, sitting center floor with a large contingency of 49ers alumni, busted up with laughter upon that particular remark.
“Fred did an awesome job,” said Turner. “That’s the most I’ve ever heard him speak. He was so eloquent and he it was right from his heart, and it was so meaningful I was in tears.”
He continued, “I think what stuck out to me was the sincerity about the people who touched his life – about Bill Walsh and how much it meant for him to come to the 49ers. He said he was born in San Diego but that he really came alive with us in San Francisco, and wow did he start something unbelievable for us because he was the final piece when he came to San Francisco and he really became a dominant player for us on defense.”
In his speech Dean described the move to San Francisco as finding his rainbow.
Following 18 years of consideration, the Pro Football Hall of Fame finally allowed Dean to also find the pot of gold at the end of that rainbow, in more ways than one.
Literally, in the presentation of his gold Hall of Fame jacket, and figuratively in the richness that accompanied him throughout the weekend.
Although he stopped several times towards the end of his speech to keep his emotions in check and refrain from crying, Dean couldn't help but be overwhelmed at his after party where he was surrounded by his friends and family members.
“This moment for me - I felt so much love in that room and with all that love, there’s nothing that can top that,” explained Dean. “I felt really great. This is the highlight of my life.”
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4409§ion=PR News
During his presentation of Hall of Famer Fred Dean, former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo shared the play by play of San Francisco’s swap with San Diego and the subsequent days leading up to Dean’s debut in the red and gold.
“When Bill Walsh learned that the Chargers were willing to trade Fred, he came to me like a kid with his eye on the niftiest possible Christmas present. You see, Bill had something different in mind for Fred, something downright revolutionary,” said DeBartolo.
Walsh’s plan was simple. Take the every down Pro Bowl end and utilize him as a situational pass rusher. Easily said, but back then, role players just didn't exist.
Nonetheless, DeBartolo said Walsh boasted to him on the night before the 49ers rival match-up against the Cowboys, telling the owner, “Wait until you see what we do with Fred tomorrow.”
But Walsh sang a different tune to everyone else.
“In that wonderful manipulative way of his, he put out the word that Fred would be a nonfactor,” said DeBartolo. “In fact, he told John Madden, who was doing the game, that Fred wouldn't play much, if at all. Oh, did he play. He sacked Danny White three times. And we won 45-14.”
Walsh indeed pulled a fast one over on Madden, the Cowboys and even Dean.
“Coach told me I might get 8-10 plays, 12 if I was lucky,” remembered Dean. “He said he was worried about my conditioning and when he told me that, I didn’t think I was going to have to do that much that night. But, I ended up playing almost the whole game. Afterwards he told me my conditioning was just fine.”
But Walsh wasn't the only one with tricks up his sleeves. Dean also had his own habit of shocking people throughout his NFL career.
Bengals Hall of Fame Anthony Munoz recalled this weekend his first time seeing Dean on tape. Munoz was a rookie then, and Dean still sported the blue and gold.
“The week of preparation leading up to the Chargers game I kept asking the linemen that had been there that previous year about Dean,” said Munoz. “I'd run the film back and forth and I'd say, ‘Is Fred Dean really that fast, or is this kind of a tape they've got it going in a faster speed?’ I’d say, ‘How can a guy that size be that fast and that strong?”
Though undersized, Dean possessed rare speed and strength that made him virtually unstoppable.
“I’m sure a lot of people were licking their chops before playing me because they thought I was so small,” said Dean. “I think I surprised people.”
Dean received the ultimate assessment by his peers this past February when he was voted into the Class of 2008, and on Saturday night, he officially became the 13th member of the San Francisco 49ers organization to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
49ers Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott, a former teammate of Dean’s deemed it a well-deserved honor, and acknowledged it as fact that the defensive end helped pave the way to greatness for San Francisco.
“Fred is now considered one of the best, one of the elite, one of the all-time greats,” said Lott. “He was our Lawrence Taylor. I think what was great about what Fred was able to do when he was with the 49ers was that he established our defense. He made our defense. I know I wouldn’t have been able to wear this yellow jacket had it not been for having a person like Fred Dean in the game of football with the San Francisco 49ers.”
Many of Dean’s former teammates made the trip to Canton, including wide receiver Freddie Solomon, who said he couldn’t stay in his seat on Saturday night because he was so nervous about his friend’s speech.
“Fred was very quiet but I always knew how funny he was,” said Solomon. “He always had people laughing. But, I was nervous. It’s like getting ready for a game. You have those pre-game jitters. I was hoping and wishing he would speak like he played, and he did that.”
In fact, after being described as a shy, quiet and gentle man leading up the festivities, Dean again surprised folks, proving to be one of the more entertaining speakers.
At least a good ten-fifteen minutes into his speech Dean suddenly halted and confessed, “What I did, I went off and left my glasses and I can't see my words.”
A veteran Famer quickly offered up his glasses to which Dean glanced down at his notes and quipped, “I think that's gonna work, dog.”
Former 49ers linebacker Keena Turner, sitting center floor with a large contingency of 49ers alumni, busted up with laughter upon that particular remark.
“Fred did an awesome job,” said Turner. “That’s the most I’ve ever heard him speak. He was so eloquent and he it was right from his heart, and it was so meaningful I was in tears.”
He continued, “I think what stuck out to me was the sincerity about the people who touched his life – about Bill Walsh and how much it meant for him to come to the 49ers. He said he was born in San Diego but that he really came alive with us in San Francisco, and wow did he start something unbelievable for us because he was the final piece when he came to San Francisco and he really became a dominant player for us on defense.”
In his speech Dean described the move to San Francisco as finding his rainbow.
Following 18 years of consideration, the Pro Football Hall of Fame finally allowed Dean to also find the pot of gold at the end of that rainbow, in more ways than one.
Literally, in the presentation of his gold Hall of Fame jacket, and figuratively in the richness that accompanied him throughout the weekend.
Although he stopped several times towards the end of his speech to keep his emotions in check and refrain from crying, Dean couldn't help but be overwhelmed at his after party where he was surrounded by his friends and family members.
“This moment for me - I felt so much love in that room and with all that love, there’s nothing that can top that,” explained Dean. “I felt really great. This is the highlight of my life.”
49ers Work Against the Raiders
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The 49ers left Santa Clara behind on Sunday, bussing up to Napa to practice against the Oakland Raiders on Monday.
The early morning practice at Redwood Middle School began with the Raiders working their Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler against the 49ers punt return team. Pro Bowl punter Andy Lee then showcased his leg, with 49ers punter Ricky Schmitt also getting some work.
From that point on, those watching practice had to keep their head on a swivel as the two teams kept a fast-paced tempo that allowed for very little rest.
On one field, the 49ers offense matched up against the Raiders defense. On the other, the 49ers defense faced off against the Raiders offense.
“It was nice, a different color jersey, a different offense, and different guys,” said linebacker Jeff Ulbrich. “You get tired of hitting the same guys all of the time.”
Tempers flared quickly, starting over in the one-on-one drills between the Raiders defensive line and the 49ers offensive line. Rookie guard Chilo Rachal went to blows with Williams Joseph, and then later fought with Josh Shaw during team.
"There were some fights," said tight end Vernon Davis. "When you have a practice like this between two different teams, all it takes is a little hit on a guy to get them to want to stand up for themselves. I don't see anything wrong with that as long as you let it go quickly."
In a 9-on-7 drill, fullback Moran Norris and linebacker Edgerton Hartwell went at it in a skirmish that took some time breaking up. Hartwell had already gotten in a few shove to the backs during the first team period that consisted entirely of run plays.
The coaching staff held Frank Gore out of the majority of the team periods including a mostly inside run session that started off the 11-on-11 play. Knowing they only had to guard against the run, Oakland’s defense quickly wrapped up the 49ers running backs. DeShaun Foster once got out to the edge and turned the corner for a positive gain, but on most plays, the Raiders defensive line got some penetration up front.
The offense fared better in the passing attack during team, but it got sloppy during the seven-on-seven period when Oakland twice picked off the 49ers quarterbacks, with a chance for a third. Tight end Delanie Walker managed to bust up that turnover, but a few slips by 49ers receivers also led to incompletions on nicely thrown balls in an overall ineffective skellley session.
“It was a good day to come out here and mix it up against the Raiders,” said wide receiver Jason Hill. “It’s a little different playing against those guys. We are so used to playing against ourselves and we got a little bit thrown off. Guys got a little bit out of themselves today, Coach Nolan spoke about it after practice and so hopefully we come back this afternoon and clean things up.”
The 49ers defense appeared to be holding their own on the opposite field against the Raiders offense. Justin Smith wasn’t allowed to sack any of the Raiders quarterbacks, but he circled their passers numerous times. On one play, both he and Ray McDonald worked their way past the Raiders offensive line causing Andrew Walter to hurry a throw that Roderick Green picked off. In the same period, safety Keith Lewis and corner Shawntae Spencer broke up passes. Cornerback Nate Clements also enjoyed a pass defense, knocking down a throw to Jevon Walker on a slant backside route.
“It was very intense,” said Lewis. “It’s good to go against another opponent and I think everybody stepped up their play just a little bit more today than maybe the other practices. There wasn’t that many mistakes. It’s just a measuring stick. I think everybody would say the same thing – we still have a long ways to go, but we like our progress.”
Highlights
Wide receiver Bryant Johnson pulled up during one-on-ones and sat out the rest of practice with a tweaked hamstring, leaving ample reps for young players like Cam Colvin and Josh Morgan.
“You’ve got to step up, that’s what it is, it’s football,” said Morgan. “People go down and the next person has to step up. You are only as good as your weakest link so you’ve got to keep working hard so there is no fall off.”
Morgan went to work quickly, angling across the field and putting a double move on one of the top corners in the NFL in DeAngelo Hall for a first-down pass in the team period.
“He was showing off on the play, but he bit on the double move and I was able to come out of it and make the catch,” said Morgan. “It was a lot of fun competing against their first team defensive backs and going against Hall, another Virgina Tech Hokie,that was a lot of fun. He’s one of the best in the league.”
Colvin flashed his skills all over the field, catching four passes in the team period, all from Smith. He showed some toughs when he took a shot from Rashad Baker, held on to the ball, and kept running for yards after the catch. The undrafted rookie free agent also showed some savvy during the team period. Seeing his quarterback in trouble, Colvin came back to the ball and kept his feet in along the sidelines for a completion.
“It was a lot of fun getting out there and competing against other guys, but it starts back in Santa Clara,” said Colvin. “I’m trying to get some good work and earn the trust of the quarterbacks so that they know I’ll be in the right place and at the right time.”
Colvin has come a long way this off-season. During mini camp he played on his surgically repaired ankle even though it wasn’t fully healthy, but he then missed most of the OTA’s in June due to Oregon’s late graduation date.
“I fell behind,” said Colvin. “Hearing the terminology it all sounded foreign. The first time I got out there in the huddle and Alex called the play, I just stood there thinking what did he just say?”
He’s now 100% healthy, and he certainly didn’t appear confused in Monday’s session against the Raiders. In addition to his catches during team, Colvin grabbed another pair of receptions in the skelley session from O’Sullivan.
“It’s getting easier, just in terms of having those double days every day and having the same stuff pounded in your head every day, things are slowing down,” said Colvin. “I’m starting to understand the terminology better and I’m just trying to make plays and earn a spot.”
QB Track
In the first team passing session, quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan worked first, completing 5-of-7 passes. His two incompletes were passes that were dropped by his intended targets. O’Sullivan traded off with Alex Smith in the period with Smith completing 4-of-8 passes. Smith also had one of his passes dropped in the team period.
O’Sullivan and Smith then took turns in the following 7-on-7 period which was quite sloppy. Smith’s overthrown pass to Josh Morgan was caught by DeAngelo Hall for an interception. O’Sullivan then threw an off-target ball that was swiped by Rashad Baker.
Smith’s best pass of the day occurred during 1-on-1 when he fired one deep to Josh Morgan for about a 45-50-yard touchdown.
Shaun Hill also enjoyed reps with the first-team offense in the final team period, completing 3-of-4 passes and spreading the ball to a running back, tight end, and receiver. Hill also tossed up an impressive long ball to tight end Delanie Walker during one-on-ones. Walker beat coverage by a Raiders linebacker by a long shot and then showed his soft hands on the catch.
Seen and Overheard
During a water break, Joe Staley left his offensive line and headed to the opposite field to greet former 49ers tackle Kwame Harris.
Following the practice, Harris was engulfed by the entire 49ers offensive line.
That friendliness was otherwise lacking when it come to the 49ers o-line and the Oakland Raiders.
During one-on-one’s, Barry Sims enjoyed a solid rep against Greg Spires, but towards the end of the play Joseph swiped over Sims’ head and accidentally made contact with Jonas Jennings.
Jennings jokingly remarked, “Get your mitts off me, I’m not the running back.”
Joseph apparently took offense and started to cuss at Jennings. Chilo Rachal rose to the defense of his veteran lineman and joined in the melee.
Following the practice, linebacker Jeff Ulbrich chatted technique with special teams coach Al Everest. Apparently Ulbrich had his hands full trying to block an Oakland defender at the start of practice during special teams.
Everest assured the veteran linebacker that he did all he could.
“Sometimes with a guy who has arms like that, that’s really all you can do,” said Everest.
In watching the film, 49ers.com's best guess is that they were referring to Raiders linebacker Sam Williams.
Vernon Davis said he enjoyed practicing up in Napa, but showering in the middle school locker room wasn't so easy.
"It's different. Those showers come up to right here (pointing to his ribs). Everyone was in there squatting down so they could get under it."
The Daily Drill
One-on-one drills between receivers and defensive backs typically favor the offense since there’s no pass rush, but the 49ers fared well on Monday at both positions.
“It’s an offensive drill, but it’s fun,” said cornerback Nate Clements. “If you can prevent them from catching a ball in one-on-one, then with a little bit of pass rush, it should be easy in a game.”
Clements nearly picked off a pass in his first rep in one-on-one and was angry at himself on the play.
“He ran a hitch on me on the first one and as soon as we turned around, the ball skimmed over my head so the ball was out when we were running, so I have to do a better job of disrupting that route because that ball was coming out quick.”
On the next, Clements played off and once he saw where the ball was going he dove and batted the pass intended for Drew Carter.
“I love that drill because I think it’s an opportunity to challenge myself and challenge the receiver. I try to switch it up. I never want to give the receiver the same look every time. I want to go up and press him and try to throw off the riming of the route, the next time I might play off, and the next time I might come up and press him again but with a new move. It’s a chess game. They try to figure you out and you try to change it up and stay disruptive.”
Clements’ teammates also proved to be disruptive. Cornerback Shawntae Spencer played tight coverage on one of his reps to alter the quarterback’s throw, while safety Michael Lewis nearly had a pick on a pass to Zach Miller.
“We just work on what the coaches have been telling us throughout the duration of camp – stay square, and try not to key the quarterback too much until it’s time,” said Spencer. “It was good work and fun to cover new receivers. You have to be aggressive against this group of guys.”
On offense, wide receiver Jason Morgan bested rookie Darrick Brown with a double move and then caught a touchdown bomb from Smith.
“It was a 7-pump route. I used a double move, the DB bit, and the quarterback threw a great pass,” said Morgan.
The rookie said he too put his training camp coaching to the test during the one-on-one drills.
“Coach Sully says to stay coachable and do what he tells me what to do. So it was just to see if I could go out and execute the way he’s taught me against our defensive backs against new competition. It was fun competing against someone else and seeing different coverages, but you do have to stay the same and not change your game.”
Morgan’s stiffest competition on the day came against Pro Bowl corner DeAngelo Hall.
“He’s an aggressive corner. He plays off sometimes, and he likes to play bump and run because he’s got great speed. So, I just had to go out there and do what I was coached to do and not play differently because of him. Coach Sullivan said I did a pretty good job.”
Second-year receiver Jason Hill also proved he’s been listening to Sully’s coaching tips.
In one of his reps Hill burst off the line, dropped his weight and used perfect footwork to get in and out of his break. The moves easily shook his defender, giving Smith a wide open target for an easy completion.
“It’s just sticking with your technique, being fast, and being physical. They are known for being physical so we had to come out and be physical, not just in one-on-ones, but throughout the whole practice.”
Injury Updates/Practice Status
Wide receiver Isaac Bruce will not work in Napa during either practice. Mike Nolan said he’s resting his veteran receiver.
Cornerback Walt Harris rested in the morning but will return to work in the afternoon.
Wide receiver Bryant Johnson tweaked his hamstring. Johnson hobbled to the busses with ice on his leg, and was trailed by a slow moving Ashley Lelie. Lelie took a full practice, but said his calf got stiff towards the end of the morning practice.
“I think it just got fatigued,” said Lelie of his left calf. “It was already a little tender.”
Although the calf injury has been frustrating and has slowed him from getting reps this first week of camp, Lelie has stayed on his game mentally. He said he felt prepared for his morning workload and notched a couple of grabs.
Of his approach he said, “When you have an opportunity to make plays, make plays. That’s what’s in my control. When I’ve gotten a chance, i haven’t had too many mental errors. That’s the biggest thing with this offense, having it down and being able to execute the game plan and it gives you a chance to compete at the highest level. I know all of my plays, it’s just getting over these nagging injuries.”
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4419§ion=PR News
The 49ers left Santa Clara behind on Sunday, bussing up to Napa to practice against the Oakland Raiders on Monday.
The early morning practice at Redwood Middle School began with the Raiders working their Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler against the 49ers punt return team. Pro Bowl punter Andy Lee then showcased his leg, with 49ers punter Ricky Schmitt also getting some work.
From that point on, those watching practice had to keep their head on a swivel as the two teams kept a fast-paced tempo that allowed for very little rest.
On one field, the 49ers offense matched up against the Raiders defense. On the other, the 49ers defense faced off against the Raiders offense.
“It was nice, a different color jersey, a different offense, and different guys,” said linebacker Jeff Ulbrich. “You get tired of hitting the same guys all of the time.”
Tempers flared quickly, starting over in the one-on-one drills between the Raiders defensive line and the 49ers offensive line. Rookie guard Chilo Rachal went to blows with Williams Joseph, and then later fought with Josh Shaw during team.
"There were some fights," said tight end Vernon Davis. "When you have a practice like this between two different teams, all it takes is a little hit on a guy to get them to want to stand up for themselves. I don't see anything wrong with that as long as you let it go quickly."
In a 9-on-7 drill, fullback Moran Norris and linebacker Edgerton Hartwell went at it in a skirmish that took some time breaking up. Hartwell had already gotten in a few shove to the backs during the first team period that consisted entirely of run plays.
The coaching staff held Frank Gore out of the majority of the team periods including a mostly inside run session that started off the 11-on-11 play. Knowing they only had to guard against the run, Oakland’s defense quickly wrapped up the 49ers running backs. DeShaun Foster once got out to the edge and turned the corner for a positive gain, but on most plays, the Raiders defensive line got some penetration up front.
The offense fared better in the passing attack during team, but it got sloppy during the seven-on-seven period when Oakland twice picked off the 49ers quarterbacks, with a chance for a third. Tight end Delanie Walker managed to bust up that turnover, but a few slips by 49ers receivers also led to incompletions on nicely thrown balls in an overall ineffective skellley session.
“It was a good day to come out here and mix it up against the Raiders,” said wide receiver Jason Hill. “It’s a little different playing against those guys. We are so used to playing against ourselves and we got a little bit thrown off. Guys got a little bit out of themselves today, Coach Nolan spoke about it after practice and so hopefully we come back this afternoon and clean things up.”
The 49ers defense appeared to be holding their own on the opposite field against the Raiders offense. Justin Smith wasn’t allowed to sack any of the Raiders quarterbacks, but he circled their passers numerous times. On one play, both he and Ray McDonald worked their way past the Raiders offensive line causing Andrew Walter to hurry a throw that Roderick Green picked off. In the same period, safety Keith Lewis and corner Shawntae Spencer broke up passes. Cornerback Nate Clements also enjoyed a pass defense, knocking down a throw to Jevon Walker on a slant backside route.
“It was very intense,” said Lewis. “It’s good to go against another opponent and I think everybody stepped up their play just a little bit more today than maybe the other practices. There wasn’t that many mistakes. It’s just a measuring stick. I think everybody would say the same thing – we still have a long ways to go, but we like our progress.”
Highlights
Wide receiver Bryant Johnson pulled up during one-on-ones and sat out the rest of practice with a tweaked hamstring, leaving ample reps for young players like Cam Colvin and Josh Morgan.
“You’ve got to step up, that’s what it is, it’s football,” said Morgan. “People go down and the next person has to step up. You are only as good as your weakest link so you’ve got to keep working hard so there is no fall off.”
Morgan went to work quickly, angling across the field and putting a double move on one of the top corners in the NFL in DeAngelo Hall for a first-down pass in the team period.
“He was showing off on the play, but he bit on the double move and I was able to come out of it and make the catch,” said Morgan. “It was a lot of fun competing against their first team defensive backs and going against Hall, another Virgina Tech Hokie,that was a lot of fun. He’s one of the best in the league.”
Colvin flashed his skills all over the field, catching four passes in the team period, all from Smith. He showed some toughs when he took a shot from Rashad Baker, held on to the ball, and kept running for yards after the catch. The undrafted rookie free agent also showed some savvy during the team period. Seeing his quarterback in trouble, Colvin came back to the ball and kept his feet in along the sidelines for a completion.
“It was a lot of fun getting out there and competing against other guys, but it starts back in Santa Clara,” said Colvin. “I’m trying to get some good work and earn the trust of the quarterbacks so that they know I’ll be in the right place and at the right time.”
Colvin has come a long way this off-season. During mini camp he played on his surgically repaired ankle even though it wasn’t fully healthy, but he then missed most of the OTA’s in June due to Oregon’s late graduation date.
“I fell behind,” said Colvin. “Hearing the terminology it all sounded foreign. The first time I got out there in the huddle and Alex called the play, I just stood there thinking what did he just say?”
He’s now 100% healthy, and he certainly didn’t appear confused in Monday’s session against the Raiders. In addition to his catches during team, Colvin grabbed another pair of receptions in the skelley session from O’Sullivan.
“It’s getting easier, just in terms of having those double days every day and having the same stuff pounded in your head every day, things are slowing down,” said Colvin. “I’m starting to understand the terminology better and I’m just trying to make plays and earn a spot.”
QB Track
In the first team passing session, quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan worked first, completing 5-of-7 passes. His two incompletes were passes that were dropped by his intended targets. O’Sullivan traded off with Alex Smith in the period with Smith completing 4-of-8 passes. Smith also had one of his passes dropped in the team period.
O’Sullivan and Smith then took turns in the following 7-on-7 period which was quite sloppy. Smith’s overthrown pass to Josh Morgan was caught by DeAngelo Hall for an interception. O’Sullivan then threw an off-target ball that was swiped by Rashad Baker.
Smith’s best pass of the day occurred during 1-on-1 when he fired one deep to Josh Morgan for about a 45-50-yard touchdown.
Shaun Hill also enjoyed reps with the first-team offense in the final team period, completing 3-of-4 passes and spreading the ball to a running back, tight end, and receiver. Hill also tossed up an impressive long ball to tight end Delanie Walker during one-on-ones. Walker beat coverage by a Raiders linebacker by a long shot and then showed his soft hands on the catch.
Seen and Overheard
During a water break, Joe Staley left his offensive line and headed to the opposite field to greet former 49ers tackle Kwame Harris.
Following the practice, Harris was engulfed by the entire 49ers offensive line.
That friendliness was otherwise lacking when it come to the 49ers o-line and the Oakland Raiders.
During one-on-one’s, Barry Sims enjoyed a solid rep against Greg Spires, but towards the end of the play Joseph swiped over Sims’ head and accidentally made contact with Jonas Jennings.
Jennings jokingly remarked, “Get your mitts off me, I’m not the running back.”
Joseph apparently took offense and started to cuss at Jennings. Chilo Rachal rose to the defense of his veteran lineman and joined in the melee.
Following the practice, linebacker Jeff Ulbrich chatted technique with special teams coach Al Everest. Apparently Ulbrich had his hands full trying to block an Oakland defender at the start of practice during special teams.
Everest assured the veteran linebacker that he did all he could.
“Sometimes with a guy who has arms like that, that’s really all you can do,” said Everest.
In watching the film, 49ers.com's best guess is that they were referring to Raiders linebacker Sam Williams.
Vernon Davis said he enjoyed practicing up in Napa, but showering in the middle school locker room wasn't so easy.
"It's different. Those showers come up to right here (pointing to his ribs). Everyone was in there squatting down so they could get under it."
The Daily Drill
One-on-one drills between receivers and defensive backs typically favor the offense since there’s no pass rush, but the 49ers fared well on Monday at both positions.
“It’s an offensive drill, but it’s fun,” said cornerback Nate Clements. “If you can prevent them from catching a ball in one-on-one, then with a little bit of pass rush, it should be easy in a game.”
Clements nearly picked off a pass in his first rep in one-on-one and was angry at himself on the play.
“He ran a hitch on me on the first one and as soon as we turned around, the ball skimmed over my head so the ball was out when we were running, so I have to do a better job of disrupting that route because that ball was coming out quick.”
On the next, Clements played off and once he saw where the ball was going he dove and batted the pass intended for Drew Carter.
“I love that drill because I think it’s an opportunity to challenge myself and challenge the receiver. I try to switch it up. I never want to give the receiver the same look every time. I want to go up and press him and try to throw off the riming of the route, the next time I might play off, and the next time I might come up and press him again but with a new move. It’s a chess game. They try to figure you out and you try to change it up and stay disruptive.”
Clements’ teammates also proved to be disruptive. Cornerback Shawntae Spencer played tight coverage on one of his reps to alter the quarterback’s throw, while safety Michael Lewis nearly had a pick on a pass to Zach Miller.
“We just work on what the coaches have been telling us throughout the duration of camp – stay square, and try not to key the quarterback too much until it’s time,” said Spencer. “It was good work and fun to cover new receivers. You have to be aggressive against this group of guys.”
On offense, wide receiver Jason Morgan bested rookie Darrick Brown with a double move and then caught a touchdown bomb from Smith.
“It was a 7-pump route. I used a double move, the DB bit, and the quarterback threw a great pass,” said Morgan.
The rookie said he too put his training camp coaching to the test during the one-on-one drills.
“Coach Sully says to stay coachable and do what he tells me what to do. So it was just to see if I could go out and execute the way he’s taught me against our defensive backs against new competition. It was fun competing against someone else and seeing different coverages, but you do have to stay the same and not change your game.”
Morgan’s stiffest competition on the day came against Pro Bowl corner DeAngelo Hall.
“He’s an aggressive corner. He plays off sometimes, and he likes to play bump and run because he’s got great speed. So, I just had to go out there and do what I was coached to do and not play differently because of him. Coach Sullivan said I did a pretty good job.”
Second-year receiver Jason Hill also proved he’s been listening to Sully’s coaching tips.
In one of his reps Hill burst off the line, dropped his weight and used perfect footwork to get in and out of his break. The moves easily shook his defender, giving Smith a wide open target for an easy completion.
“It’s just sticking with your technique, being fast, and being physical. They are known for being physical so we had to come out and be physical, not just in one-on-ones, but throughout the whole practice.”
Injury Updates/Practice Status
Wide receiver Isaac Bruce will not work in Napa during either practice. Mike Nolan said he’s resting his veteran receiver.
Cornerback Walt Harris rested in the morning but will return to work in the afternoon.
Wide receiver Bryant Johnson tweaked his hamstring. Johnson hobbled to the busses with ice on his leg, and was trailed by a slow moving Ashley Lelie. Lelie took a full practice, but said his calf got stiff towards the end of the morning practice.
“I think it just got fatigued,” said Lelie of his left calf. “It was already a little tender.”
Although the calf injury has been frustrating and has slowed him from getting reps this first week of camp, Lelie has stayed on his game mentally. He said he felt prepared for his morning workload and notched a couple of grabs.
Of his approach he said, “When you have an opportunity to make plays, make plays. That’s what’s in my control. When I’ve gotten a chance, i haven’t had too many mental errors. That’s the biggest thing with this offense, having it down and being able to execute the game plan and it gives you a chance to compete at the highest level. I know all of my plays, it’s just getting over these nagging injuries.”
Smith, Jason Hill hook up for pair of TDs over .
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2246585&mode=
Quarterback Alex Smith hit receiver Jason Hill with nicely thrown touchdown passes of 19 and 4 yards against the coverage of . . . (wait, wait) . . . Raiders cornerback DeAngelo Hall to highlight their evening session here at the wonderful Napa Valley Marriott.
Smith got most of the quality work this evening, including the opportunity to run the two-minute drill at the end of practice. During that period, Smith completed 5 of 9 passes, including a couple intermediate strikes to Dominique Zeigler, who caught all five passes on the "drive."
* * *
Receiver Isaac Bruce sat out both practices today. Receiver Arnaz Battle and tackle Jonas Jennings were given the veteran-courtesy treatment. Receivers Ashley Lelie (calf) and Bryant Johnson (hamstring) were held out of the evening session.
Safety Dashon Goldson (arch strain) and Tarell Brown (hand) left practice early. Brown is scheduled to have X-rays. Their status is uncertain.
* * *
One thing that was quite apparent this evening: Mike Martz is doing a lot of coaching. He was getting on some of his young receivers for running incorrect routes. He got onto Josh Morgan, Cam Colvin and Zeigler at different times throughout the practice.
He yelled at Morgan on a Smith incomplete pass, "It's a corner (expletive) blitz! What do you do?"
* * *
Here are the QB stats for the evening session during the 11-on-11 drills: Smith 8 of 18 with two TDs and one interception; Shaun Hill 8 of 10 with one touchdown, one interception; and J.T. O'Sullivan 4 of 7.
For the day . . . Smith 16 of 30 with two TDS and one interception; Hill 12 of 15 with one TD, one interception; and O'Sullivan 9 of 15.
Smith struggled at times, but he finished pretty strong. Martz seemed to direct his instruction to others a lot of times during those incomplete passes -- a young receiver running a wrong route, etc. Smith is throwing the intermediate ball very well, but it looks as if he's still a little unsure of his progressions.
His 19-yard scoring strike to Hill on a corner route was a perfect throw over Hall, the high-priced Raiders corner. He came back three plays later in the red-zone drill to loft a nice fade to Hill, who again had a step on Hall.
* * *
Raiders sixth-round draft pick Trevor Scott of Buffalo would've had a couple sacks in 11-on-11, working against Damane Duckett and Joe Toledo.
* * *
There was one skirmish in the evening. Vernon Davis threw an overhand right at Raiders defensive end Kalimba Edwards. Things were broken up quickly.
* * *
Did not see much of the 49ers defense. Mike Nolan was over on that side most of the time. He said he was pleased with the way the first unit was communicating. He said the second defense did not communicate as well. "That's why they're the second group," he said.
* * *
Man, do I wish the 49ers would outbid the Raiders -- or something -- and take over this spot for their summer home. This is a great setup for training camp.
That's a wrap from Napa.
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2246585&mode=
Quarterback Alex Smith hit receiver Jason Hill with nicely thrown touchdown passes of 19 and 4 yards against the coverage of . . . (wait, wait) . . . Raiders cornerback DeAngelo Hall to highlight their evening session here at the wonderful Napa Valley Marriott.
Smith got most of the quality work this evening, including the opportunity to run the two-minute drill at the end of practice. During that period, Smith completed 5 of 9 passes, including a couple intermediate strikes to Dominique Zeigler, who caught all five passes on the "drive."
* * *
Receiver Isaac Bruce sat out both practices today. Receiver Arnaz Battle and tackle Jonas Jennings were given the veteran-courtesy treatment. Receivers Ashley Lelie (calf) and Bryant Johnson (hamstring) were held out of the evening session.
Safety Dashon Goldson (arch strain) and Tarell Brown (hand) left practice early. Brown is scheduled to have X-rays. Their status is uncertain.
* * *
One thing that was quite apparent this evening: Mike Martz is doing a lot of coaching. He was getting on some of his young receivers for running incorrect routes. He got onto Josh Morgan, Cam Colvin and Zeigler at different times throughout the practice.
He yelled at Morgan on a Smith incomplete pass, "It's a corner (expletive) blitz! What do you do?"
* * *
Here are the QB stats for the evening session during the 11-on-11 drills: Smith 8 of 18 with two TDs and one interception; Shaun Hill 8 of 10 with one touchdown, one interception; and J.T. O'Sullivan 4 of 7.
For the day . . . Smith 16 of 30 with two TDS and one interception; Hill 12 of 15 with one TD, one interception; and O'Sullivan 9 of 15.
Smith struggled at times, but he finished pretty strong. Martz seemed to direct his instruction to others a lot of times during those incomplete passes -- a young receiver running a wrong route, etc. Smith is throwing the intermediate ball very well, but it looks as if he's still a little unsure of his progressions.
His 19-yard scoring strike to Hill on a corner route was a perfect throw over Hall, the high-priced Raiders corner. He came back three plays later in the red-zone drill to loft a nice fade to Hill, who again had a step on Hall.
* * *
Raiders sixth-round draft pick Trevor Scott of Buffalo would've had a couple sacks in 11-on-11, working against Damane Duckett and Joe Toledo.
* * *
There was one skirmish in the evening. Vernon Davis threw an overhand right at Raiders defensive end Kalimba Edwards. Things were broken up quickly.
* * *
Did not see much of the 49ers defense. Mike Nolan was over on that side most of the time. He said he was pleased with the way the first unit was communicating. He said the second defense did not communicate as well. "That's why they're the second group," he said.
* * *
Man, do I wish the 49ers would outbid the Raiders -- or something -- and take over this spot for their summer home. This is a great setup for training camp.
That's a wrap from Napa.
O’Sullivan Will Work First in Oakland
Following Wednesday’s afternoon practice head coach Mike Nolan announced that quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan will work with the first unit against the Oakland Raiders on Friday night.
“I'm excited about our quarterbacks. I am excited about all three of them. They've done a very good job," said Nolan. "I'm not in a position to name a starter for the season. That's not where we are at right now. We are taking it one day at a time. We are just talking about the first preseason game, and J.T. will work with the first group."
Nolan said he expects O'Sullivan to play at least a quarter, maybe a quarter and a half on Friday night. Alex Smith will play the remainder of the first half and at the start of the third quarter with Shaun Hill finishing out the game.