Niner News Thread
- Thread starter Chree
- Start date
Spikes Takes Part in First Practice
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4454§ion=PR News
Takeo Spikes was enjoying a county fair back in Atlanta with his five-year old daughter when he got the call from his agent Saturday night that the 49ers were ready to sign him, barring a passed physical.
“I looked at her and didn’t have the heart to tell her I had to leave so we finished the day out, took her home and explained it to her,” said Spikes.
Spikes first visited with the 49ers back in March, but neither he nor the 49ers seemed in a hurry to get something done. In fact, after his visit with the Detroit Lions the rumor mill had him all but signed.
Although Spikes said he was impressed with Detroit and that “it was close,” he opted to wait to go somewhere that he felt he’d be happy. Turns out that was the San Francisco 49ers.
“The first time I came out to San Francisco I was impressed,” said Spikes. “I was impressed with the coaching staff. It reminded me of the coaching staff I had when I first got to Buffalo. That really turned me on.
“I was just waiting to see where the best opportunity was. It really wasn’t about money for me. I wanted to come somewhere that I’d have the best opportunity to win. I’ve been playing 11 years now. I’m trying to at the minimum get to the playoffs and then we are going to win it all in the Super Bowl. So I felt that San Francisco was the best place for me.”
Signed late Sunday night, Spikes was quickly put to work in both individual work and team in Monday’s full padded practice, with his place for the time being behind Jeff Ulbrich at TED.
“First day, it was decent,” said Spikes. “I had to take some of the reps off but everything came together for a first day though. There’s a lot of catching up I have to do, but other than that, putting the time in and getting acclimated with some of the guys.”
Getting acclimated to the guys is a lot easier since over the last ten years he’s played with a handful of 49ers including safety Mark Roman and defensive lineman Justin Smith in Cincinnati, as well as Nate Clements and Jonas Jennings in Buffalo.
“Those guys stayed in my ear (about coming here) all through the summer,” said Spikes.
Spikes also took most of his team reps alongside Dontarrious Thomas, another familiar face dating back to their college days at Auburn. Spikes met the younger backer during his last year for the Tigers when Thomas made his recruiting visit.
“I met him then, but we grew up in the same area in Georgia so I’m familiar with him – ever since he was a young pup out of high school.”
Spikes spent last night and Monday morning convincing Thomas to part with his #51 jersey. There was no official contract for the number, but Spikes did promise to do something real special for him.
“He told me to get creative,” said Spikes. “So, we’ll do it.”
Asked why 51 such a coveted number for him?
“It’s always the speed limit when I’m on the field,” said Spikes. “That’s the way I look at it. I got it when I first came in and I’ve been attached to it ever since then.”
Spikes said the 49ers defense is familiar to Dick LeBeau’s defense in Cincinnati where he played the MIKE, a position that is owned by 49ers Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis. While the design might feature the MIKE, Spikes has no problem working at TED.
“Patrick is coming in at the same position as I was in Cincy and a lot of the calls are for that side of the defense – the weak side. And he’s sitting right there,” said Spikes. “At the same time, the TED has a lot of opportunities to make plays too. They are out there to be made. Do I just sit back and bide (time) and at the end of the day think ‘he’s got this play, he’s got it made and everything,’ nah. If there’s a play out there to be made I’m going to go out there and make it, or I tell him meet me at the ball. I always tell guys meet me at the ball.”
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4454§ion=PR News
Takeo Spikes was enjoying a county fair back in Atlanta with his five-year old daughter when he got the call from his agent Saturday night that the 49ers were ready to sign him, barring a passed physical.
“I looked at her and didn’t have the heart to tell her I had to leave so we finished the day out, took her home and explained it to her,” said Spikes.
Spikes first visited with the 49ers back in March, but neither he nor the 49ers seemed in a hurry to get something done. In fact, after his visit with the Detroit Lions the rumor mill had him all but signed.
Although Spikes said he was impressed with Detroit and that “it was close,” he opted to wait to go somewhere that he felt he’d be happy. Turns out that was the San Francisco 49ers.
“The first time I came out to San Francisco I was impressed,” said Spikes. “I was impressed with the coaching staff. It reminded me of the coaching staff I had when I first got to Buffalo. That really turned me on.
“I was just waiting to see where the best opportunity was. It really wasn’t about money for me. I wanted to come somewhere that I’d have the best opportunity to win. I’ve been playing 11 years now. I’m trying to at the minimum get to the playoffs and then we are going to win it all in the Super Bowl. So I felt that San Francisco was the best place for me.”
Signed late Sunday night, Spikes was quickly put to work in both individual work and team in Monday’s full padded practice, with his place for the time being behind Jeff Ulbrich at TED.
“First day, it was decent,” said Spikes. “I had to take some of the reps off but everything came together for a first day though. There’s a lot of catching up I have to do, but other than that, putting the time in and getting acclimated with some of the guys.”
Getting acclimated to the guys is a lot easier since over the last ten years he’s played with a handful of 49ers including safety Mark Roman and defensive lineman Justin Smith in Cincinnati, as well as Nate Clements and Jonas Jennings in Buffalo.
“Those guys stayed in my ear (about coming here) all through the summer,” said Spikes.
Spikes also took most of his team reps alongside Dontarrious Thomas, another familiar face dating back to their college days at Auburn. Spikes met the younger backer during his last year for the Tigers when Thomas made his recruiting visit.
“I met him then, but we grew up in the same area in Georgia so I’m familiar with him – ever since he was a young pup out of high school.”
Spikes spent last night and Monday morning convincing Thomas to part with his #51 jersey. There was no official contract for the number, but Spikes did promise to do something real special for him.
“He told me to get creative,” said Spikes. “So, we’ll do it.”
Asked why 51 such a coveted number for him?
“It’s always the speed limit when I’m on the field,” said Spikes. “That’s the way I look at it. I got it when I first came in and I’ve been attached to it ever since then.”
Spikes said the 49ers defense is familiar to Dick LeBeau’s defense in Cincinnati where he played the MIKE, a position that is owned by 49ers Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis. While the design might feature the MIKE, Spikes has no problem working at TED.
“Patrick is coming in at the same position as I was in Cincy and a lot of the calls are for that side of the defense – the weak side. And he’s sitting right there,” said Spikes. “At the same time, the TED has a lot of opportunities to make plays too. They are out there to be made. Do I just sit back and bide (time) and at the end of the day think ‘he’s got this play, he’s got it made and everything,’ nah. If there’s a play out there to be made I’m going to go out there and make it, or I tell him meet me at the ball. I always tell guys meet me at the ball.”
Just wanna add some big Niner news to this thread... I posted this in another thread already... but I wanna make sure all the Niners fans see this.
Forty-Niners win gay award
Commercial closet honors NFL team for gay-friendly print ad
The San Francisco 49ers won an award Monday night at the Commercial Closet Association’s Images in Advertising Awards. Commercial Closet advocates for advertising that respects the diversity of all, specifically gender identity/expression and sexual orientation, for a more accepting society and better business results. The annual event honors organizations and businesses that have "best demonstrated inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in mainstream print, broadcast and Internet advertising campaigns over the past year."
The 49ers won the award for Outstanding Diversity/Journal Ad (appearing in gay media) for a print ad that ran in the GLAAD Media Awards books at the group’s various dinners around the country in 2007. Under a black & white photo of a line of 49ers’ football helmets, the ad notes that the 49ers are “proud supporters of the 18th Annual GLAAD Media Awards.”
“What I responded to was that it was by a sports team and rather unexpected in today’s climate,” said Mike Wilke, founder executive director of Commercial Closet Association. Wilke and the CCA board of governors together choose the nominees and winners of the awards.
“The San Francisco 49ers are proud of our fan outreach to the LGBT community,” Lisa Lang, vice-president of communications for the San Francisco 49ers, said in a taped acceptance speech; No one from the 49ers were able to accept the award in person due to the start of training camp. “In addition to our sponsorship of the GLAAD Media Awards dinner, we are also proud sponsors of the San Francisco Pride Parade. And our 49ers Foundation financially supports the San Francisco LGBT Center. Each year, the owners of the San Francisco 49ers, over the past four seasons, have created a special LGBT fan appreciation event in San Francisco.”
The 49ers are also the only team in the NFL known to offer same-sex domestic partner benefits to their employees, a policy the team instituted in 1997.
This is the second straight year that a sports entity was recognized by Commercial Closet. Last year, ESPN was honored for an ad in Diversity Inc. magazine inviting gays to apply for jobs at the Worldwide Leader in Sports.
http://www.outsports.com/os/index.php/News/2008/Forty-Niners-win-gay-award.html
Forty-Niners win gay award
Commercial closet honors NFL team for gay-friendly print ad
The San Francisco 49ers won an award Monday night at the Commercial Closet Association’s Images in Advertising Awards. Commercial Closet advocates for advertising that respects the diversity of all, specifically gender identity/expression and sexual orientation, for a more accepting society and better business results. The annual event honors organizations and businesses that have "best demonstrated inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in mainstream print, broadcast and Internet advertising campaigns over the past year."
The 49ers won the award for Outstanding Diversity/Journal Ad (appearing in gay media) for a print ad that ran in the GLAAD Media Awards books at the group’s various dinners around the country in 2007. Under a black & white photo of a line of 49ers’ football helmets, the ad notes that the 49ers are “proud supporters of the 18th Annual GLAAD Media Awards.”
“What I responded to was that it was by a sports team and rather unexpected in today’s climate,” said Mike Wilke, founder executive director of Commercial Closet Association. Wilke and the CCA board of governors together choose the nominees and winners of the awards.
“The San Francisco 49ers are proud of our fan outreach to the LGBT community,” Lisa Lang, vice-president of communications for the San Francisco 49ers, said in a taped acceptance speech; No one from the 49ers were able to accept the award in person due to the start of training camp. “In addition to our sponsorship of the GLAAD Media Awards dinner, we are also proud sponsors of the San Francisco Pride Parade. And our 49ers Foundation financially supports the San Francisco LGBT Center. Each year, the owners of the San Francisco 49ers, over the past four seasons, have created a special LGBT fan appreciation event in San Francisco.”
The 49ers are also the only team in the NFL known to offer same-sex domestic partner benefits to their employees, a policy the team instituted in 1997.
This is the second straight year that a sports entity was recognized by Commercial Closet. Last year, ESPN was honored for an ad in Diversity Inc. magazine inviting gays to apply for jobs at the Worldwide Leader in Sports.
http://www.outsports.com/os/index.php/News/2008/Forty-Niners-win-gay-award.html
Nolan's Notebook: August 12
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4461§ion=PR News
RE: Opening Statement:
“Alright, questions?”
RE: Is the quarterback situation getting down to one player?
“No, we’re just practicing, trying to get better.”
RE: On August 3rd you said there were 15 practices remaining, you were going to split up the remaining practices meaning, three, three, three with all the quarterbacks working with the first team. What has changed since then?
“We’ve re-adjusted who works with what group.”
RE: And why have you re-adjusted that?
“Just trying to get better prepared for some of the things going forward that’s all. A little bit more continuity, but no final decisions were made yet.”
RE: Is there still a rotation?
“Yeah, but it’s less rotating than it was before.”
RE: So J.T. O’Sullivan’s going to get the start this week?
“I haven’t decided that yet.”
RE: He is getting all the starts with the first team?
“Well, this is still training camp practice. We haven’t started preparing for Green Bay quite yet. We’ll start on Thursday.”
RE: Is it safe to say now, you’ve decided between two—it’s going to be between two quarterbacks, J.T. O’Sullivan and…
“I keep them all alive still, until I say differently, I’m going to keep them all alive. I like all three quarterbacks, I can’t stress that enough. I feel good about all three of them. Alex [Smith] obviously is a starter, a healthy starter anyhow, at seven and five and Shaun [Hill] last year in his two starts he had he was 2-0. So I know they both can win games. I feel confident in both of them. J.T. is the newest product to what we’ve got, so I’m getting a longer look at him.”
RE: Will you get more encouraged with what you see?
“I’m encouraged by it. I’m also encouraged by Alex the last few days. He’s done a real nice job too. I’m encouraged by what Alex has done as well as in the game. I thought Alex showed a little more calmness in the huddle. He got flushed a time or two, but nonetheless he’s done a nice job the last few days as well.”
RE: What have you seen from Alex the last couple of days?
“Just calm a little bit better command of the huddle and line of scrimmage of the offense.”
RE: How would you say [the quarterbacks] have handled the uncertainty?
“Good question, it’s never easy. Promise you, all three, it’s difficult. It’s a tough situation, but it’s not as tough as the game I’ll say that. All the work that they get, however much or little it is. It’s helpful to them, but it’s helpful to our team. I’ll continue to say it, I think all three of them can help us win and all three of them at some point may have to.”
RE: When you go into the regular season do you want one guy to be the established starter?
“No, I don’t want musical chairs. If that was what we thought was best for us to win as a team, then that would be it. I don’t know if I’ve seen that work before. It’s nice to get continuity in the offense with someone as we’ve seen evidenced by just about every team, that’s what you want to do. Two years ago we had the same quarterback every snap and had a decent year and continued to get better and strengthen throughout the year. Last year we did not have any continuity and therefore you saw the results of that. So we did to look at the big picture.”
RE: Is there any concern at this point, that people in the locker room will try to take sides?
“I think we’ve got enough guys worried about their own area right now. It is training camp. I think guys begin to maybe look at that a little bit more when you’re in the regular season. Then it’s all about winning. Then they look at that a little bit more. Right now, most of the guys on the roster are making damn sure they know their own job in getting ready, in that respect, but at some point it does change. It goes to that point of who is going to take us there.”
RE: Do you look at the first part of this season where the schedule looks on paper to be pretty difficult. Does that shape how you view the quarterback situation as far as you need the guy who is going to be the best guy on September 7 as opposed to the guy who can grow and be better as the season goes on?
“Yes, and to solidify that my goal, our goal as a team right now is to be 1-0, not 16-0, not 2-0, not 3-0, but 1-0 and we’ll worry about two after that. So with out question our target is to prepare for the first game and after that we’ll go from there.”
RE: What do you take away from last year? What can you learn going through what happened offensively?
“Learn from last year? How important coaching is and how important durability is. Consistency, continuity with the players you have on the field and like I said the coaching is important as well.”
RE: When is Shaun [Hill] going to start getting reps again?
“I don’t know. When it happens we’ll all see it together. No timetable on that.”
RE: Yesterday’s practice for the offense was kind of sloppy. I know you stopped things. Did you see them respond to that better today?
“It was just that very first drill that we went into we started a little sluggish in the morning and yeah I did make a point of that. After that I thought it got a little bit better. I don’t know if it was my stopping and having a few words or what it was, but I believe it’s important that you do that just to get people’s attention, so they understand how important it is what we’re doing. As our motto and our focus are, one at a time, we cannot waste an opportunity, whatever drill that is, whatever play. Not to recognize it as not important and have a good drill. The last thing you want to do is we’ll get that again tomorrow and fix that. That attitude typically doesn’t work. It doesn’t fly with me. Anyway that’s why I had to stop it yesterday.”
RE: Could Josh Morgan win a starting job?
“Sure. It would be one thing if the people he’s competing with at that position were established because, for example, Bryant Johnson, who is a very good player, we want to see Bryant on the field playing. I think he did a hell of a job in mini-camp and in the OTAs, but at the same time, if he’s not out there performing it’s difficult to get ready for the first game. He’s got to back on the field. Otherwise, he’s still an unknown commodity when it comes to game time. Obviously practices and games are different; it’s as close as you can get in practice, but they’re different.”
RE: Jerard [Rabb] and Robert [Ortiz] looked pretty good the past couple of days. Can you touch on that?
“As was the case with Josh Morgan, when the front line guys get injured, you get more reps. So Rabb’s reps have helped him quite a bit as far as getting in there and getting to showcase what he can do. With a healthy front line of guys, you don’t get as much of a look at those guys. So, he has helped himself in getting these reps. Now when he gets in the game he needs to do the same thing.”
RE: Could you talk about the addition of Takeo Spikes at the linebacker position and what he’s going to bring to this team?
“Only time will tell what he does bring, but our anticipation is that he’ll bring the same thing he’s done the last couple of years. He’s a solid player at this point in his career and he’s experienced a lot of things. He’s a bright football player. He’s instinctive. He still makes plays. He’s also got very good leadership ability. And he’s still driven. He’s got some goals not only personally, but as a football team that he has not achieved yet as a player and those things are important to him. All of that coincides with what we’re trying to do as a team.”
RE: What did you take away from that two-minute drill at the end with J.T. [O’Sullivan]?
“I’ll have to look at it on film. I like the way the guys competed and the way that they managed the clock. He got up there and had a couple of spikes he had to do. He did a nice job. He used a hard count and got the defense off-sides. He had a free down. Overall, the offense did a good job on it. We did have the one free down, they let a lineman penetrate after the guy jumped off-sides after the snap. Again, I have to compliment the defense on that. They’re working and it’s important that they do well. But it’s good. It’s competitive. That’s what’s kind of good about when we get in a two-minute drill. They know that the ball is moving and you try to keep it out of the end zone, or the offense, trying to get it in the end zone.”
RE: Does [J.T. O’Sullivan] do that hard count particularly well?
“Yes, he has done a good job with it. They all have a little bit of a different style. That’s what I was telling you the other day about all the other 10 players on offense. Whoever it is in there with the different quarterbacks, they have to really be focused because a hard count by J.T. is different than a hard count by Alex or Shaun. It takes a lot of discipline to stay on-side. So we get a little more focused.”
RE: How does it change the dynamic having Mike Martz out there? And how do you guys get together out on the field?
“Whether it’s Mike or Greg Manusky, I guess you’re alluding to the fact that he’s been a head coach? I had the same thing with Norv Turner, although Mike McCarthy was not a head coach. He’s getting ready to be one, obviously. It’s important that your coordinators are able to command the respect of the players to do the things they need on the field and in the meetings. When Mike’s out there, Mike has got great command of the offense he runs and also of the players because they know that if they pay close attention, do what he says, they’ll be productive. What it means to me is that the offense is being watched over by a pretty good eye. I can watch it but my expertise is in a couple of other areas. Every coach needs that. Every head coach in the NFL needs good coordinators that can command the respect of the players.”
RE: As of right now, who has the edge on the quarterback position?
“It’s all the same as it’s been: three guys all even. We haven’t named anybody.”
RE: You said this morning on the radio that…
“He has better command of the offense. That’s why he’s taking the reps.”
RE: What about injuries today?
“Cramping by [Adam] Snyder. Jonas [Jennings] just tweaked his ankle a little bit. Arnaz Battle strained his opposite hamstring. Other than that, it’s the same as normal.”
RE: Another hamstring? Is he going to miss some time?
“He won’t practice today or tomorrow, I don’t imagine. We’ll see. I’m going to check but that’s frustrating.”
RE: Are you going to go get somebody just to practice?
Right now, our numbers are okay. As you guys are will witness in seeing out there, whether it’s Arnaz or Ashley [Lelie] or B.J., those are three guys that, with Jason Hill as a fourth, are nicked up. But, as we’ve already noticed, Josh Morgan would not have gotten noticed if they hadn’t. And he’s done a very good job.”
RE: Is there any chance he’s getting too much work and starting to break down?
“He had a virus yesterday, so he broke down a little bit. It’s extremely important in this offense that the receivers are in great condition. As we reflect on the Rams and you watch Holt and [Isaac] Bruce, late in the games they make a lot of big plays because they’re in better condition than most people. In this offense, you’ve got to be well-conditioned as a wide receiver. This is the time right now to learn that. As much as it’s tough on them out here in the heat, it’s extremely important for them going forward because they must be in great condition. You can’t just be a first-half player. In this offense, if you’re a receiver you’d better be ready to run four quarters.”
RE: Is that part of the reason that Isaac Bruce gets a lot of the reps?
“I think it’s more of his 15 years. If he was a younger guy, he’d be doing what the younger guys do. He knows it and he is a well-conditioned player. He just understands what it takes and by the time we get to the season. He’s in good shape now, but we’re just trying to take care of him.”
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4461§ion=PR News
RE: Opening Statement:
“Alright, questions?”
RE: Is the quarterback situation getting down to one player?
“No, we’re just practicing, trying to get better.”
RE: On August 3rd you said there were 15 practices remaining, you were going to split up the remaining practices meaning, three, three, three with all the quarterbacks working with the first team. What has changed since then?
“We’ve re-adjusted who works with what group.”
RE: And why have you re-adjusted that?
“Just trying to get better prepared for some of the things going forward that’s all. A little bit more continuity, but no final decisions were made yet.”
RE: Is there still a rotation?
“Yeah, but it’s less rotating than it was before.”
RE: So J.T. O’Sullivan’s going to get the start this week?
“I haven’t decided that yet.”
RE: He is getting all the starts with the first team?
“Well, this is still training camp practice. We haven’t started preparing for Green Bay quite yet. We’ll start on Thursday.”
RE: Is it safe to say now, you’ve decided between two—it’s going to be between two quarterbacks, J.T. O’Sullivan and…
“I keep them all alive still, until I say differently, I’m going to keep them all alive. I like all three quarterbacks, I can’t stress that enough. I feel good about all three of them. Alex [Smith] obviously is a starter, a healthy starter anyhow, at seven and five and Shaun [Hill] last year in his two starts he had he was 2-0. So I know they both can win games. I feel confident in both of them. J.T. is the newest product to what we’ve got, so I’m getting a longer look at him.”
RE: Will you get more encouraged with what you see?
“I’m encouraged by it. I’m also encouraged by Alex the last few days. He’s done a real nice job too. I’m encouraged by what Alex has done as well as in the game. I thought Alex showed a little more calmness in the huddle. He got flushed a time or two, but nonetheless he’s done a nice job the last few days as well.”
RE: What have you seen from Alex the last couple of days?
“Just calm a little bit better command of the huddle and line of scrimmage of the offense.”
RE: How would you say [the quarterbacks] have handled the uncertainty?
“Good question, it’s never easy. Promise you, all three, it’s difficult. It’s a tough situation, but it’s not as tough as the game I’ll say that. All the work that they get, however much or little it is. It’s helpful to them, but it’s helpful to our team. I’ll continue to say it, I think all three of them can help us win and all three of them at some point may have to.”
RE: When you go into the regular season do you want one guy to be the established starter?
“No, I don’t want musical chairs. If that was what we thought was best for us to win as a team, then that would be it. I don’t know if I’ve seen that work before. It’s nice to get continuity in the offense with someone as we’ve seen evidenced by just about every team, that’s what you want to do. Two years ago we had the same quarterback every snap and had a decent year and continued to get better and strengthen throughout the year. Last year we did not have any continuity and therefore you saw the results of that. So we did to look at the big picture.”
RE: Is there any concern at this point, that people in the locker room will try to take sides?
“I think we’ve got enough guys worried about their own area right now. It is training camp. I think guys begin to maybe look at that a little bit more when you’re in the regular season. Then it’s all about winning. Then they look at that a little bit more. Right now, most of the guys on the roster are making damn sure they know their own job in getting ready, in that respect, but at some point it does change. It goes to that point of who is going to take us there.”
RE: Do you look at the first part of this season where the schedule looks on paper to be pretty difficult. Does that shape how you view the quarterback situation as far as you need the guy who is going to be the best guy on September 7 as opposed to the guy who can grow and be better as the season goes on?
“Yes, and to solidify that my goal, our goal as a team right now is to be 1-0, not 16-0, not 2-0, not 3-0, but 1-0 and we’ll worry about two after that. So with out question our target is to prepare for the first game and after that we’ll go from there.”
RE: What do you take away from last year? What can you learn going through what happened offensively?
“Learn from last year? How important coaching is and how important durability is. Consistency, continuity with the players you have on the field and like I said the coaching is important as well.”
RE: When is Shaun [Hill] going to start getting reps again?
“I don’t know. When it happens we’ll all see it together. No timetable on that.”
RE: Yesterday’s practice for the offense was kind of sloppy. I know you stopped things. Did you see them respond to that better today?
“It was just that very first drill that we went into we started a little sluggish in the morning and yeah I did make a point of that. After that I thought it got a little bit better. I don’t know if it was my stopping and having a few words or what it was, but I believe it’s important that you do that just to get people’s attention, so they understand how important it is what we’re doing. As our motto and our focus are, one at a time, we cannot waste an opportunity, whatever drill that is, whatever play. Not to recognize it as not important and have a good drill. The last thing you want to do is we’ll get that again tomorrow and fix that. That attitude typically doesn’t work. It doesn’t fly with me. Anyway that’s why I had to stop it yesterday.”
RE: Could Josh Morgan win a starting job?
“Sure. It would be one thing if the people he’s competing with at that position were established because, for example, Bryant Johnson, who is a very good player, we want to see Bryant on the field playing. I think he did a hell of a job in mini-camp and in the OTAs, but at the same time, if he’s not out there performing it’s difficult to get ready for the first game. He’s got to back on the field. Otherwise, he’s still an unknown commodity when it comes to game time. Obviously practices and games are different; it’s as close as you can get in practice, but they’re different.”
RE: Jerard [Rabb] and Robert [Ortiz] looked pretty good the past couple of days. Can you touch on that?
“As was the case with Josh Morgan, when the front line guys get injured, you get more reps. So Rabb’s reps have helped him quite a bit as far as getting in there and getting to showcase what he can do. With a healthy front line of guys, you don’t get as much of a look at those guys. So, he has helped himself in getting these reps. Now when he gets in the game he needs to do the same thing.”
RE: Could you talk about the addition of Takeo Spikes at the linebacker position and what he’s going to bring to this team?
“Only time will tell what he does bring, but our anticipation is that he’ll bring the same thing he’s done the last couple of years. He’s a solid player at this point in his career and he’s experienced a lot of things. He’s a bright football player. He’s instinctive. He still makes plays. He’s also got very good leadership ability. And he’s still driven. He’s got some goals not only personally, but as a football team that he has not achieved yet as a player and those things are important to him. All of that coincides with what we’re trying to do as a team.”
RE: What did you take away from that two-minute drill at the end with J.T. [O’Sullivan]?
“I’ll have to look at it on film. I like the way the guys competed and the way that they managed the clock. He got up there and had a couple of spikes he had to do. He did a nice job. He used a hard count and got the defense off-sides. He had a free down. Overall, the offense did a good job on it. We did have the one free down, they let a lineman penetrate after the guy jumped off-sides after the snap. Again, I have to compliment the defense on that. They’re working and it’s important that they do well. But it’s good. It’s competitive. That’s what’s kind of good about when we get in a two-minute drill. They know that the ball is moving and you try to keep it out of the end zone, or the offense, trying to get it in the end zone.”
RE: Does [J.T. O’Sullivan] do that hard count particularly well?
“Yes, he has done a good job with it. They all have a little bit of a different style. That’s what I was telling you the other day about all the other 10 players on offense. Whoever it is in there with the different quarterbacks, they have to really be focused because a hard count by J.T. is different than a hard count by Alex or Shaun. It takes a lot of discipline to stay on-side. So we get a little more focused.”
RE: How does it change the dynamic having Mike Martz out there? And how do you guys get together out on the field?
“Whether it’s Mike or Greg Manusky, I guess you’re alluding to the fact that he’s been a head coach? I had the same thing with Norv Turner, although Mike McCarthy was not a head coach. He’s getting ready to be one, obviously. It’s important that your coordinators are able to command the respect of the players to do the things they need on the field and in the meetings. When Mike’s out there, Mike has got great command of the offense he runs and also of the players because they know that if they pay close attention, do what he says, they’ll be productive. What it means to me is that the offense is being watched over by a pretty good eye. I can watch it but my expertise is in a couple of other areas. Every coach needs that. Every head coach in the NFL needs good coordinators that can command the respect of the players.”
RE: As of right now, who has the edge on the quarterback position?
“It’s all the same as it’s been: three guys all even. We haven’t named anybody.”
RE: You said this morning on the radio that…
“He has better command of the offense. That’s why he’s taking the reps.”
RE: What about injuries today?
“Cramping by [Adam] Snyder. Jonas [Jennings] just tweaked his ankle a little bit. Arnaz Battle strained his opposite hamstring. Other than that, it’s the same as normal.”
RE: Another hamstring? Is he going to miss some time?
“He won’t practice today or tomorrow, I don’t imagine. We’ll see. I’m going to check but that’s frustrating.”
RE: Are you going to go get somebody just to practice?
Right now, our numbers are okay. As you guys are will witness in seeing out there, whether it’s Arnaz or Ashley [Lelie] or B.J., those are three guys that, with Jason Hill as a fourth, are nicked up. But, as we’ve already noticed, Josh Morgan would not have gotten noticed if they hadn’t. And he’s done a very good job.”
RE: Is there any chance he’s getting too much work and starting to break down?
“He had a virus yesterday, so he broke down a little bit. It’s extremely important in this offense that the receivers are in great condition. As we reflect on the Rams and you watch Holt and [Isaac] Bruce, late in the games they make a lot of big plays because they’re in better condition than most people. In this offense, you’ve got to be well-conditioned as a wide receiver. This is the time right now to learn that. As much as it’s tough on them out here in the heat, it’s extremely important for them going forward because they must be in great condition. You can’t just be a first-half player. In this offense, if you’re a receiver you’d better be ready to run four quarters.”
RE: Is that part of the reason that Isaac Bruce gets a lot of the reps?
“I think it’s more of his 15 years. If he was a younger guy, he’d be doing what the younger guys do. He knows it and he is a well-conditioned player. He just understands what it takes and by the time we get to the season. He’s in good shape now, but we’re just trying to take care of him.”
Still an Open Race at QB
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4460§ion=PR News
J.T. O'Sullivan continued to work with the first group on Tuesday, leading to a foregone media conclusion that the starting quarterback job is his.
Head coach Mike Nolan claims that the race however is still far from over.
“I keep them all alive still, until I say differently, I’m going to keep them all alive,” said Nolan. “I like all three quarterbacks, I can’t stress that enough. I feel good about all three of them. Alex Smith obviously is a starter, a healthy starter anyhow, at seven and five and Shaun Hill last year in his two starts he had he was 2-0. So I know they both can win games. I feel confident in both of them. J.T. is the newest product to what we’ve got, so I’m getting a longer look at him.”
Insisting that they are all even in terms of the competition, the most Nolan or offensive coordinator Mike Martz would say on the subject was that O'Sullivan does currently have the best command of the offense after having played for Martz in Detroit last year.
But Nolan also said that he’s been encouraged by what he’s seen from Smith over the last few days of work.
“He’s done a real nice job,” said Nolan. “I’m encouraged by what Alex has done as well as in the game. I thought Alex showed a little more calmness in the huddle. He got flushed a time or two, but nonetheless he’s done a nice job the last few days as well.”
The quarterbacks said they learn of their daily reps first-thing every morning, and that they then go out to practice with the mindset that it’s business as usual.
“I’m going out there trying to play as well as I can play. That’s (the starter) not my decision to make, so it’s not something I 'feel' about,” responded O’Sullivan when asked if he felt the job is pretty much his. “I’m going out there trying to play as well as I can with every chance and let the decision makers make the decisions.”
Ditto for Smith, who said he's not allowing the recent rep rotation to interfere with his job.
“I try not to think about that or read into anything right now,” said Smith. I try to come out here and take advantage of every day and do what I can with the reps that I get,” said Smith. “I try not to think too much about it. I think the more you do that, the more it’s going to hurt you out in the field with your play.”
After beginning camp with a shared rotation with Smith for reps with the first team, Hill has been the odd man out in skelley and team periods since the team returned to work on Sunday.
Asked if he thought it was still a fair 3-man race, Hill responded simply with, “no comment."
"I really don't know how to answer some of these questions, I really don't," elaborated Hill. "I wish we were a little more in the light on things, but that's how it is I guess."
While they can’t control the ultimate decision regarding the starter, the three competitors are working to keep themselves out of the dark when it comes to the new offense. And for each guy, that scenario is a bit different.
Smith seems focused on digesting this complex offense of coordinator Mike Martz, the fourth one he’s been exposed to since his selection as a first round pick in 2005.
“We are all just trying to get a feel for the playbook, the plays, the concepts we are putting in, the types of things we are trying to do, and how we are trying to attack defenses, which is unique in this system,” said Smith. “I’m trying to get a feel for that, the timing, and the decision making is the biggest thing.
“What we do on certain looks and having to be versatile. A ball can come out so fast on one play, but on the same play just a different look, it’s a seven-step drop and you are going down the field. So, just trying to get used to that and ready for the season.”
Given the offense's inability to move the ball in 2007, one turnover proved to be lethal, but in this aggressive, attacking Martz offense, the quarterback is required to take risks, and to more often than naught throw to where the receiver is supposed to be going. In competing for a starting job, Smith walks the fine line of not wanting to mess up and lose points, but also showing that he’s not afraid to sling the rock.
"It’s a much different mentality,” said Smith. “We are trying to push it a little bit and see what we can do, what plays we can’t make. I think it’s a good thing. If you want to reach your potential and reach excellence, you’ve got to be able to do that. You can’t play with fear or hesitancy or worrying about making a mistake. You have to cut it loose.”
O’Sullivan does have the edge in knowing the offense, but he realized quickly after Friday night’s game that he let loose a little too much with two costly turnovers.
Getting back to work this week has been the best way for him to put that behind him.
“When you go out there and get a chance to play in a real game and you make the corrections after watching the film, it’s great to get out there again and get to compete,” said O’Sullivan. “You get to make the corrections so that you’re improving, and see what you did wrong so that you don’t do that again.”
Hill hasn’t been given much of a shot lately to show what he can do, but that’s a scenario the seven-year veteran has a lot of practice with.
"Waiting for an opportunity has kind of been the motto of my whole career," said Hilll. "That's what I'm relying on right now - trying to bring a good attitude to work and be ready whenever the chance comes."
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4460§ion=PR News
J.T. O'Sullivan continued to work with the first group on Tuesday, leading to a foregone media conclusion that the starting quarterback job is his.
Head coach Mike Nolan claims that the race however is still far from over.
“I keep them all alive still, until I say differently, I’m going to keep them all alive,” said Nolan. “I like all three quarterbacks, I can’t stress that enough. I feel good about all three of them. Alex Smith obviously is a starter, a healthy starter anyhow, at seven and five and Shaun Hill last year in his two starts he had he was 2-0. So I know they both can win games. I feel confident in both of them. J.T. is the newest product to what we’ve got, so I’m getting a longer look at him.”
Insisting that they are all even in terms of the competition, the most Nolan or offensive coordinator Mike Martz would say on the subject was that O'Sullivan does currently have the best command of the offense after having played for Martz in Detroit last year.
But Nolan also said that he’s been encouraged by what he’s seen from Smith over the last few days of work.
“He’s done a real nice job,” said Nolan. “I’m encouraged by what Alex has done as well as in the game. I thought Alex showed a little more calmness in the huddle. He got flushed a time or two, but nonetheless he’s done a nice job the last few days as well.”
The quarterbacks said they learn of their daily reps first-thing every morning, and that they then go out to practice with the mindset that it’s business as usual.
“I’m going out there trying to play as well as I can play. That’s (the starter) not my decision to make, so it’s not something I 'feel' about,” responded O’Sullivan when asked if he felt the job is pretty much his. “I’m going out there trying to play as well as I can with every chance and let the decision makers make the decisions.”
Ditto for Smith, who said he's not allowing the recent rep rotation to interfere with his job.
“I try not to think about that or read into anything right now,” said Smith. I try to come out here and take advantage of every day and do what I can with the reps that I get,” said Smith. “I try not to think too much about it. I think the more you do that, the more it’s going to hurt you out in the field with your play.”
After beginning camp with a shared rotation with Smith for reps with the first team, Hill has been the odd man out in skelley and team periods since the team returned to work on Sunday.
Asked if he thought it was still a fair 3-man race, Hill responded simply with, “no comment."
"I really don't know how to answer some of these questions, I really don't," elaborated Hill. "I wish we were a little more in the light on things, but that's how it is I guess."
While they can’t control the ultimate decision regarding the starter, the three competitors are working to keep themselves out of the dark when it comes to the new offense. And for each guy, that scenario is a bit different.
Smith seems focused on digesting this complex offense of coordinator Mike Martz, the fourth one he’s been exposed to since his selection as a first round pick in 2005.
“We are all just trying to get a feel for the playbook, the plays, the concepts we are putting in, the types of things we are trying to do, and how we are trying to attack defenses, which is unique in this system,” said Smith. “I’m trying to get a feel for that, the timing, and the decision making is the biggest thing.
“What we do on certain looks and having to be versatile. A ball can come out so fast on one play, but on the same play just a different look, it’s a seven-step drop and you are going down the field. So, just trying to get used to that and ready for the season.”
Given the offense's inability to move the ball in 2007, one turnover proved to be lethal, but in this aggressive, attacking Martz offense, the quarterback is required to take risks, and to more often than naught throw to where the receiver is supposed to be going. In competing for a starting job, Smith walks the fine line of not wanting to mess up and lose points, but also showing that he’s not afraid to sling the rock.
"It’s a much different mentality,” said Smith. “We are trying to push it a little bit and see what we can do, what plays we can’t make. I think it’s a good thing. If you want to reach your potential and reach excellence, you’ve got to be able to do that. You can’t play with fear or hesitancy or worrying about making a mistake. You have to cut it loose.”
O’Sullivan does have the edge in knowing the offense, but he realized quickly after Friday night’s game that he let loose a little too much with two costly turnovers.
Getting back to work this week has been the best way for him to put that behind him.
“When you go out there and get a chance to play in a real game and you make the corrections after watching the film, it’s great to get out there again and get to compete,” said O’Sullivan. “You get to make the corrections so that you’re improving, and see what you did wrong so that you don’t do that again.”
Hill hasn’t been given much of a shot lately to show what he can do, but that’s a scenario the seven-year veteran has a lot of practice with.
"Waiting for an opportunity has kind of been the motto of my whole career," said Hilll. "That's what I'm relying on right now - trying to bring a good attitude to work and be ready whenever the chance comes."
Offense Rebounds
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?blogid=45&entry_id=29040
After a day's respite from the media, the quarterbacks addressed their competition on Tuesday. Since they last spoke, Shaun Hill has been relegated to a clear third-quarterback role, despite Mike Nolan's insistence that it remaines a three-man race. And J.T. O'Sullivan continues to work with the first team, something he did again Tuesday morning.
O'Sullivan can come across as edgy even snippy about his situation. He often questions reporter's questions and asks for clarifications, which I personally don't mind. O'Sullivan seems to deal with the stress of his situation by stripping it of emotion.
When asked if he now feels that the starting job is his to lose, he said, "I'd be lying to you to say that it wasn't. But I can't think that way."
When asked about how he feels about Mike Martz, he said, "Feel? ... He's my coach. I just try to be as coachable as possible."
He was asked if he's developing a trust with wide receiver Josh Morgan.
"I trust all the guys, " O'Sullivan said. "There's no special relationship with any of the guys. You can't run this offense that way. You trust them to be where they're supposed to be."
Meanwhile, Alex Smith and Hill almost laughed at the competition and the fact they are told precious little about what's happening or who will start or when.
Hill was asked if he would get any more snaps in team drills and he said, "I don't know. I would like to get some snapes out there. I hope I will get a chance again."
Hill says he's been obsessed with his job lately, even dreaming about it at night.
"Some of them were about mistakes (I) made in practice," he said. "It's been a professional and personal roller coaster."
He tries to relax before going to bed, usually by talking to his family or watching the Olympics. Hill said he has talked to Nolan about his situation but he didn't want to elaborate.
At one point the personable Hill said, "I really don't know how to answer some of these questions. I really have no idea."
He then apologized for not being more forthcoming. Nevertheless, reporters left Hill chuckling at his humanity and relating to how he's handling a tough situation with humor.
I didn't talk to Smith, but he's very much like Hill, a guy who's able to see the humor and able to put this situation in perspective.
PRACTICE: The offense rebounded Tuesday. O'Sullivan and Smith didn't throw an interception in team drills, and O'Sullivan led the offense down the field in a two-minute drill for a touchdown. On the final play of practice, he threw the ball up for rookie receiver Josh Morgan, who out leapt cornerback Nate Clements for the score.
In all, O'Sullivan went 6-for-9 on the drive with one spike to stop the clock. He also had a pass knocked out of his hand by new linebacker Takeo Spikes. O'Sullivan also drew the defense off-sides a few times on a hard count, including the final play.
Morgan was supposed to run a short route, but instead went to the end zone. O'Sullivan saw it and threw it up for Morgan.
About yesterday's dreadful practice, O'Sullivan said, "You can't block it out, you have to learn from it and build on it."
The offense did that today.
NOTES: Still no decision on the starting quarterback for Saturday's game against visiting Green Bay. ... I forgot to mention that former linebacker Lee Woodall watched Monday's afternoon practice. ... Isaac Bruce practiced in the morning and looked good. ... Nolan said that Morgan could win a starting job to open the season, particularly if Bryant Johnson's hamstring doesn't heal soon
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?blogid=45&entry_id=29040
After a day's respite from the media, the quarterbacks addressed their competition on Tuesday. Since they last spoke, Shaun Hill has been relegated to a clear third-quarterback role, despite Mike Nolan's insistence that it remaines a three-man race. And J.T. O'Sullivan continues to work with the first team, something he did again Tuesday morning.
O'Sullivan can come across as edgy even snippy about his situation. He often questions reporter's questions and asks for clarifications, which I personally don't mind. O'Sullivan seems to deal with the stress of his situation by stripping it of emotion.
When asked if he now feels that the starting job is his to lose, he said, "I'd be lying to you to say that it wasn't. But I can't think that way."
When asked about how he feels about Mike Martz, he said, "Feel? ... He's my coach. I just try to be as coachable as possible."
He was asked if he's developing a trust with wide receiver Josh Morgan.
"I trust all the guys, " O'Sullivan said. "There's no special relationship with any of the guys. You can't run this offense that way. You trust them to be where they're supposed to be."
Meanwhile, Alex Smith and Hill almost laughed at the competition and the fact they are told precious little about what's happening or who will start or when.
Hill was asked if he would get any more snaps in team drills and he said, "I don't know. I would like to get some snapes out there. I hope I will get a chance again."
Hill says he's been obsessed with his job lately, even dreaming about it at night.
"Some of them were about mistakes (I) made in practice," he said. "It's been a professional and personal roller coaster."
He tries to relax before going to bed, usually by talking to his family or watching the Olympics. Hill said he has talked to Nolan about his situation but he didn't want to elaborate.
At one point the personable Hill said, "I really don't know how to answer some of these questions. I really have no idea."
He then apologized for not being more forthcoming. Nevertheless, reporters left Hill chuckling at his humanity and relating to how he's handling a tough situation with humor.
I didn't talk to Smith, but he's very much like Hill, a guy who's able to see the humor and able to put this situation in perspective.
PRACTICE: The offense rebounded Tuesday. O'Sullivan and Smith didn't throw an interception in team drills, and O'Sullivan led the offense down the field in a two-minute drill for a touchdown. On the final play of practice, he threw the ball up for rookie receiver Josh Morgan, who out leapt cornerback Nate Clements for the score.
In all, O'Sullivan went 6-for-9 on the drive with one spike to stop the clock. He also had a pass knocked out of his hand by new linebacker Takeo Spikes. O'Sullivan also drew the defense off-sides a few times on a hard count, including the final play.
Morgan was supposed to run a short route, but instead went to the end zone. O'Sullivan saw it and threw it up for Morgan.
About yesterday's dreadful practice, O'Sullivan said, "You can't block it out, you have to learn from it and build on it."
The offense did that today.
NOTES: Still no decision on the starting quarterback for Saturday's game against visiting Green Bay. ... I forgot to mention that former linebacker Lee Woodall watched Monday's afternoon practice. ... Isaac Bruce practiced in the morning and looked good. ... Nolan said that Morgan could win a starting job to open the season, particularly if Bryant Johnson's hamstring doesn't heal soon
Spikes on crash course
http://www.contracostatimes.com/49ers/ci_10171401
SANTA CLARA — Takeo Spikes was at a carnival in his hometown of Atlanta on Saturday night when his agent called. The 49ers were ready to sign the unemployed linebacker and needed him to quickly get to the West Coast.
First, though, Spikes had another matter to finish — keeping a smile on his 5-year-old daughter's face.
"I looked at her and didn't even have the heart to tell her that I had to leave," Spikes said Monday after his first practice with the 49ers. "So we finished the day out. I took her home and explained it to her. She could live with it."
Spikes, a two-time All-Pro selection, arrived in the Bay Area on Sunday. Though admittedly rusty, the 11-year NFL veteran doesn't foresee any problems learning the playbook. The 49ers defense is similar to the scheme Cincinnati used when Spikes played for the Bengals earlier in his career.
"It's just a matter of time," said Spikes, who reportedly signed a one-year deal. "The good thing about this defense is it's not loaded with stuff."
Spikes, drafted 13th overall by Cincinnati in 1998, comes west just eight months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff — an injury he suffered while playing last season for Philadelphia. The Eagles released the former Auburn star in March.
"I'm good," Spikes said when asked about his health. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't."
So, why join the 49ers?
Spikes, 31, could have waited until perhaps an established team needed a linebacker. He also was courted by Detroit, a franchise who like the 49ers is desperately trying to dig itself from an abyss.
"Even the first time I came out here to San Francisco (in March), I was impressed," Spikes said. "I was impressed with the coaching staff. It reminded me of the coaching staff I had when I first got to Buffalo out of free agency. That really turned me on."
Spikes also liked that some of his former teammates play for the 49ers. They stayed in contact with him over the summer and are happy he signed.
"We used to challenge each other in practice to see who could get the most picks," said cornerback Nate Clements, who spent four seasons with Spikes in Buffalo. "I'm definitely excited. I feel that he can definitely contribute and help us as a team."
Spikes played with the second unit Monday but is expected to line up alongside second-year standout Patrick Willis once the season begins. Willis plays the more high-profile "Mike" linebacker position. Spikes will play the more physical "Ted" spot.
"(Willis) really doesn't know how good he has it," said Spikes, who has tallied at least 100 tackles in eight of his 10 years as a pro. "But he deserves that. He's actually (playing) the same position that I was when I came into Cincinnati. A lot of the calls are for (Willis') side of the defense — the weakside. At the same time, the Ted has a lot of opportunities to make plays, too. If there is a play out there to be made, I'm going to make it. But I'll tell him: Meet me at the ball."
Spikes' arrival means that nine-year NFL veteran Jeff Ulbrich, who was atop the depth chart at Ted in the offseason, will probably serve as a backup.
"Takeo is a great football player and a good addition to this team," Ulbrich said, adding that however "it turns out, we'll all be better for it. He'll push me. I'll push him. If my role changes from defense to special teams, then I'll embrace that. If defense is where I'm asked to play, then I'll embrace that as well."
Notes: J.T. O'Sullivan took snaps with the first team, Alex Smith took snaps with the second team and Shaun Hill took zero snaps. But coach Mike Nolan continues to say Hill remains in the quarterback mix and the competition isn't settled. "Right now we've got three guys that can win, but all three of them are fighting for the job," Nolan said. Asked why Hill didn't get any snaps, Nolan said, "Because of the rotation that we have right now, that's the way it is." ... The offense was so ragged in the morning practice that Nolan halted the session to give the team a pep talk. O'Sullivan was 17-for-28 passing with two interceptions. Smith was 16-for-24 with three interceptions, including two that were returned for touchdowns. "In most cases and on most teams, defense is always ahead of the offense," Nolan said after the practice. In the afternoon, O'Sullivan was 14-for-17, and Smith was 12-for-16 with another interception.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/49ers/ci_10171401
SANTA CLARA — Takeo Spikes was at a carnival in his hometown of Atlanta on Saturday night when his agent called. The 49ers were ready to sign the unemployed linebacker and needed him to quickly get to the West Coast.
First, though, Spikes had another matter to finish — keeping a smile on his 5-year-old daughter's face.
"I looked at her and didn't even have the heart to tell her that I had to leave," Spikes said Monday after his first practice with the 49ers. "So we finished the day out. I took her home and explained it to her. She could live with it."
Spikes, a two-time All-Pro selection, arrived in the Bay Area on Sunday. Though admittedly rusty, the 11-year NFL veteran doesn't foresee any problems learning the playbook. The 49ers defense is similar to the scheme Cincinnati used when Spikes played for the Bengals earlier in his career.
"It's just a matter of time," said Spikes, who reportedly signed a one-year deal. "The good thing about this defense is it's not loaded with stuff."
Spikes, drafted 13th overall by Cincinnati in 1998, comes west just eight months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff — an injury he suffered while playing last season for Philadelphia. The Eagles released the former Auburn star in March.
"I'm good," Spikes said when asked about his health. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't."
So, why join the 49ers?
Spikes, 31, could have waited until perhaps an established team needed a linebacker. He also was courted by Detroit, a franchise who like the 49ers is desperately trying to dig itself from an abyss.
"Even the first time I came out here to San Francisco (in March), I was impressed," Spikes said. "I was impressed with the coaching staff. It reminded me of the coaching staff I had when I first got to Buffalo out of free agency. That really turned me on."
Spikes also liked that some of his former teammates play for the 49ers. They stayed in contact with him over the summer and are happy he signed.
"We used to challenge each other in practice to see who could get the most picks," said cornerback Nate Clements, who spent four seasons with Spikes in Buffalo. "I'm definitely excited. I feel that he can definitely contribute and help us as a team."
Spikes played with the second unit Monday but is expected to line up alongside second-year standout Patrick Willis once the season begins. Willis plays the more high-profile "Mike" linebacker position. Spikes will play the more physical "Ted" spot.
"(Willis) really doesn't know how good he has it," said Spikes, who has tallied at least 100 tackles in eight of his 10 years as a pro. "But he deserves that. He's actually (playing) the same position that I was when I came into Cincinnati. A lot of the calls are for (Willis') side of the defense — the weakside. At the same time, the Ted has a lot of opportunities to make plays, too. If there is a play out there to be made, I'm going to make it. But I'll tell him: Meet me at the ball."
Spikes' arrival means that nine-year NFL veteran Jeff Ulbrich, who was atop the depth chart at Ted in the offseason, will probably serve as a backup.
"Takeo is a great football player and a good addition to this team," Ulbrich said, adding that however "it turns out, we'll all be better for it. He'll push me. I'll push him. If my role changes from defense to special teams, then I'll embrace that. If defense is where I'm asked to play, then I'll embrace that as well."
Notes: J.T. O'Sullivan took snaps with the first team, Alex Smith took snaps with the second team and Shaun Hill took zero snaps. But coach Mike Nolan continues to say Hill remains in the quarterback mix and the competition isn't settled. "Right now we've got three guys that can win, but all three of them are fighting for the job," Nolan said. Asked why Hill didn't get any snaps, Nolan said, "Because of the rotation that we have right now, that's the way it is." ... The offense was so ragged in the morning practice that Nolan halted the session to give the team a pep talk. O'Sullivan was 17-for-28 passing with two interceptions. Smith was 16-for-24 with three interceptions, including two that were returned for touchdowns. "In most cases and on most teams, defense is always ahead of the offense," Nolan said after the practice. In the afternoon, O'Sullivan was 14-for-17, and Smith was 12-for-16 with another interception.
Martz: Trying to get JTO caught up
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2251319
J.T. O'Sullvan did not take any practice snaps during the first five days of training camp. Now, offensive coordinator Mike Martz says they're just trying to play catchup. That does not explain why O'Sullivan is taking only first-team reps, though.
Things are getting interesting as the 49ers' quarterback controversy competition heats up. Martz answered several questions today:
QUESTION: Mike Nolan has talked about Alex (Smith) having the physical tools, the better arm than the other guys, when you look at that situation how do you differentiate between the guy who runs the system better and the guy who had the physical tools? How does that break down?
MARTZ: "Those are things I'd never discuss in the media, how we rate these guys or grade them or decide. That's just not something to talk about. It's just not something I discuss. It doesn't do anybody any good. I'd never do that."
QUESTION: J.T. is getting the first-team reps. What is it that you like about him?
MARTZ: "He's a little more relaxed and comfortable (in the system). The other guys will come around in short order, I'm sure. We're just trying to get him (O'Sullivan) caught up, rep-wise, with the other guys, really. . . . And see where he goes with it. You can't choreograph this. They take you where you're going. He's done a pretty good job."
QUESTION: You say you want to get him caught up, but he's also ahead of the other guys in knowing the offense . . .
MARTZ: "It's pretty easy when you think about, isn't it now? Caught up in terms of practice. He can know the entire offense, but if he doesn't practice you can't expect him play in a game."
QUESTION: There was some good and bad in his first game. Is the bad correctable with more experience he'll k now not to try to those plays?
MARTZ: "Yeah, those types of issues are coaching-oriented. You can deal with that. It's a matter of playing the game and managing the game. His biggest issue is getting acclimated and actually playing, which is probably where Shaun (Hill) is because he hasn't played a whole lot. Each guy presents a different set of issues for you, good and bad, and you just try to help them as much as you can."
QUESTION: Are of the same mindset (as Nolan) that whichever QB gives you the best chance to win on Sept. 7 should be the starter?
MARTZ: "Whoever we go with is the quarterback we feel we have the best chance to win with, period. There's no projecting this or who can help us (later)."
* * *
Martz really liked quarterback Jon Kitna. He followed Kitna for a while and asked the Lions to sign him in 2006. "I just like his toughness and aggressive approach to the game. He's extremely competitive and the energy he brings to the game can uplift the team. . . . The energy he brought was pretty significant. I'd never been around that kind of energy before at that position. So he was pretty unique."
I tried to make a connection with Kitna's energy and the way O'Sullivan handles himself. While Martz acknowledged that O'Sullivan has a lot of energy, he did not wish to discuss the similarity any deeper.
* * *
Brandon Moore was not out of work long. Moore landed today with the Cardinals, and has a chance to face his former team twice a season - including the season-opener at Candlestick. The 49ers cut Moore on Sunday to make room for veteran Takeo Spikes.
* * *
It's been a bad camp for 49ers receivers. Arnaz Battle, who has been nursing a hamstring issue, strained his other hamstring. It's not known how long he'll be out of action. Bryant Johnson and Ashley Lelie have also been out of action.
Could this mean that rookie Josh Morgan could earn a starting job?
"Sure," Nolan said. "It would be one thing if people he's competing with at that position were established."
Nolan mentioned that although Bryant Johnson has been in the league for a while, he has not solidified himself with the 49ers in this offense.
* * *
Offensive linemen Adam Snyder (cramps) and Jonas Jennings (ankle) missed some time in the morning practice. Both are expected to be back on the field for tomorrow's work.
* * *
A couple ESPN programming notes: I'll be on ESPNews at 5:40 p.m. today, and on ESPN2's "First Take" at 7:10 a.m. on Wednesday. Tune in to see what shirt I'll be wearing.
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2251319
J.T. O'Sullvan did not take any practice snaps during the first five days of training camp. Now, offensive coordinator Mike Martz says they're just trying to play catchup. That does not explain why O'Sullivan is taking only first-team reps, though.
Things are getting interesting as the 49ers' quarterback controversy competition heats up. Martz answered several questions today:
QUESTION: Mike Nolan has talked about Alex (Smith) having the physical tools, the better arm than the other guys, when you look at that situation how do you differentiate between the guy who runs the system better and the guy who had the physical tools? How does that break down?
MARTZ: "Those are things I'd never discuss in the media, how we rate these guys or grade them or decide. That's just not something to talk about. It's just not something I discuss. It doesn't do anybody any good. I'd never do that."
QUESTION: J.T. is getting the first-team reps. What is it that you like about him?
MARTZ: "He's a little more relaxed and comfortable (in the system). The other guys will come around in short order, I'm sure. We're just trying to get him (O'Sullivan) caught up, rep-wise, with the other guys, really. . . . And see where he goes with it. You can't choreograph this. They take you where you're going. He's done a pretty good job."
QUESTION: You say you want to get him caught up, but he's also ahead of the other guys in knowing the offense . . .
MARTZ: "It's pretty easy when you think about, isn't it now? Caught up in terms of practice. He can know the entire offense, but if he doesn't practice you can't expect him play in a game."
QUESTION: There was some good and bad in his first game. Is the bad correctable with more experience he'll k now not to try to those plays?
MARTZ: "Yeah, those types of issues are coaching-oriented. You can deal with that. It's a matter of playing the game and managing the game. His biggest issue is getting acclimated and actually playing, which is probably where Shaun (Hill) is because he hasn't played a whole lot. Each guy presents a different set of issues for you, good and bad, and you just try to help them as much as you can."
QUESTION: Are of the same mindset (as Nolan) that whichever QB gives you the best chance to win on Sept. 7 should be the starter?
MARTZ: "Whoever we go with is the quarterback we feel we have the best chance to win with, period. There's no projecting this or who can help us (later)."
* * *
Martz really liked quarterback Jon Kitna. He followed Kitna for a while and asked the Lions to sign him in 2006. "I just like his toughness and aggressive approach to the game. He's extremely competitive and the energy he brings to the game can uplift the team. . . . The energy he brought was pretty significant. I'd never been around that kind of energy before at that position. So he was pretty unique."
I tried to make a connection with Kitna's energy and the way O'Sullivan handles himself. While Martz acknowledged that O'Sullivan has a lot of energy, he did not wish to discuss the similarity any deeper.
* * *
Brandon Moore was not out of work long. Moore landed today with the Cardinals, and has a chance to face his former team twice a season - including the season-opener at Candlestick. The 49ers cut Moore on Sunday to make room for veteran Takeo Spikes.
* * *
It's been a bad camp for 49ers receivers. Arnaz Battle, who has been nursing a hamstring issue, strained his other hamstring. It's not known how long he'll be out of action. Bryant Johnson and Ashley Lelie have also been out of action.
Could this mean that rookie Josh Morgan could earn a starting job?
"Sure," Nolan said. "It would be one thing if people he's competing with at that position were established."
Nolan mentioned that although Bryant Johnson has been in the league for a while, he has not solidified himself with the 49ers in this offense.
* * *
Offensive linemen Adam Snyder (cramps) and Jonas Jennings (ankle) missed some time in the morning practice. Both are expected to be back on the field for tomorrow's work.
* * *
A couple ESPN programming notes: I'll be on ESPNews at 5:40 p.m. today, and on ESPN2's "First Take" at 7:10 a.m. on Wednesday. Tune in to see what shirt I'll be wearing.
