49ersnews.com

Draft Talk

erickson@49ersnews.com — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:04:22 +0000

Figured since not a lot of news happening in Ninerland, we decided we open up a post so you all can talk the Draft. Who you think the 49ers should take at picks 13 and 16/17.

Will the 49ers go with pass rush, safety or offensive line. You decide.

NHR – Ep 7. The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

erickson@49ersnews.com — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 04:46:28 +0000

Back again with another episode of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. This week we discuss the conclusion of the NFL playoffs, depature of Chris Foerster, the NFL Draft and more…

Mike Solari Hired to Replace Foerster

erickson@49ersnews.com — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:33:55 +0000

Well that didn’t take long. Hours after offensive line coach Chris Foerster left for Washington, Mike Singletary has hired his replacement. Former Seahawks offensive line coach Mike Solari is now in charge of protecting Smith and helping Gore get his running lanes.

Solari has worked with Jimmy Raye in the past, both were on staff when they were with the Chiefs. Also of note Solari was an assistant o-line coach back in the day with the 49ers and learned most of that position from former Niner great Bobb McKittrick.

Foerster Gone…I Rejoice

erickson@49ersnews.com — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:36:24 +0000

Chris Foerster is no longer with the 49ers. Thank you Niner Gods. Adam Schefter has reported that Mike Shanahan has hired Foerster to coach the Redskins offensive line.

I wanted two coaching changes this offseason, well three, but two of the three have been replaced. Everest and now Foerster.

Please Singletary keep the offseason going nicely and sign Solari to coach the O-line.

Schottenheimer Hired as ST Coach

erickson@49ersnews.com — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:36:32 +0000

The 49ers hired a Schottenheimer to replace Al Everest as special teams coach. No not Marty, no not Brian, but Kurt. That’s correct the 49ers hired Marty’s younger brother.

That’s like casting Frank Stallone in a movie instead of Slyvester.

Good to see Singletary aiming high and hiring the worst of the three Schottenheimer’s. Here is more on Kurt’s background.

He is a former defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, and Detroit Lions. He most recently coached the secondary for the Green Bay Packers before he was let go—along with the majority of the defensive coaching staff—after a disappointing 2008 season.

Also of note, Kurt hasn’t coached a special teams unit since 1994, while he was with the Chiefs.

Hypothetically Speaking…

erickson@49ersnews.com — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:07:29 +0000

Before I begin, I’d like to clarify that these are not rumors or speculation. These are merely hypothetical questions and scenarios I would like to discuss with my fellow San Francisco 49ers fans.

With two first round draft picks this year, the 49ers have more options than normal. They can keep them and draft practically back to back, and hope one or if they’re really lucky, both work out for them. Or, they can have some fun, entertain us fans, and trade one away for a player that wants off of his current team. The following three players are the most intriguing to me.

Joshua Cribbs
I think we can all agree the 49ers’ special teams was far from special this past season. With the release of return specialist Allen Rossum, the 49ers did not have a distinguished returner and tried to make due with what they had. Nate Clements occasionally returned punts, but with his broken arm, coach Mike Singletary turned to his receivers. Brandon Jones and Arnaz Battle shouldered most of the load. Jones was a disaster, and Battle simply appeared the lesser of two evils. They muffed punts and did not give the offense help in the field position game. Neither has the natural ability, or trained as a punt returner. In my opinion, Battle belongs in the slot, going up the middle making catches with his sure hands.

Pros:
It would be asking a lot from the Browns to trade their best player, but when your best player is a punt returner, you need more help than he can provide. A first round pick would be a perfect remedy for that. Also, new executive Mike Holmgren still has a good relationship with the 49ers franchise. A mid-first round pick for a punt returner sounds more than fair to me.

Tight end Vernon Davis went to high school with Cribbs, giving the 49ers a perfect liaison between them and Cribbs.

Cons:
Although Cribbs is the best return man in the NFL, paying him as such would be crippling to a team. There’s only so much money you should put towards a specialty player who can only help in on aspect. Sure, there’s the Wildcat, but it is still a specialty. Using a first rounder on a kick returner is a very steep price to pay. The Miami Dolphins selected Ted Ginn Jr. in the first round, passing over Brady Quinn when they needed a quarterback. Not that it would have been any better as Chad Henne has established himself as a better quarterback than Quinn. However, Ginn has not become the next Devin Hester, and has not even evolved into a reliable receiver. We already know Cribbs can return kicks, but how much should we want our team to invest in a one dimensional player?

Anquan Boldin
The receivers are on the up-swing right now. The two starters will be a combined five years into the league when the season starts in September. After a solid 2009 campaign, Michael Crabtree and Josh Morgan hope to take the next step in their games. This young corps could use a veteran still in his prime to kick up the talent level.

Pros:
What the 49ers would gain is only a fraction of what the Cardinals would lose. If Kurt Warner decides to retire, Steve Breaston, Early Doucet and Jerheme Urban will not be what Boldin is. The Cardinals recent pummeling of the Green Bay Packers will hopefully lull them into a false sense of security, making them think they’ll be fine without their second best receiver. Boldin would bring his physical play and extra motivation against the Cardinals two times a year. Having a new starting receiver would also free-up Josh Morgan so he can become the primary return man. He averaged 28 yards a return while taking back kick-offs. Returning punts is different, but I think Morgan can make the transition.

Boldin is upset with the Cardinals because of his contract. They paid Larry Fitzgerald big money, and promised Boldin another deal, but did not follow through. I’d be willing to give Boldin the contract he wants. Unlike Cribbs, paying an elite wide receiver like an elite wide receiver is manageable to payroll.

Cons:
Even with a first round pick, the Cardinals might be weary about trading within the division. There should be other offers willing to trade a first round pick. They will probably want to trade him to the AFC, or at the very least, a non-NFC West team.

Giving an additional first round pick to a divisional rival is also dangerous. Arizona could draft the next great player with that pick, and San Francisco would have to compete against him for years.

Julius Peppers

Last offseason, Peppers held out of training camp and demanded a trade. He got exactly what he didn’t want. They Carolina Panthers franchise tagged him and did not move him. Peppers will be a free agent this year, but the Panthers could always tag him again, but this time with the intention of getting something in return for him. Is he worth it?

Pros:
The 49ers would be getting the sack master they desperately need. Ahmad Brooks displayed he could become a force with regular playing time. But imagine the front seven with Ahmad Brooks, Justin Smith, and Julius Peppers. The pressure that was lacking in most games last season would be applied immensely, helping out the vulnerable secondary. Peppers finished the season with a broken hand. He was used sparingly in pass obvious situations only. He was still able to register 10.5 sacks. Manny Lawson led the team with 6.5. A sack threat is sorely needed.

The defensive end has stated he wants to try and play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. I still haven’t forgiven Parys Haralson for his missed tackle on Chris Johnson at the goal line against the Tennessee Titans. Linebacker is already a deep position for San Francisco, but adding a player who has the ability to pressure quarterbacks is what the unit does not possess.

Cons:
Giving up a first round pick for an aging player who could be declining is not smart. He will be 30 this year and his best days could be behind him. The Panthers already owe the 49ers a first round pick, is it good management to negate that by taking a player with three/four good years of football left? If they were willing accept a trade of a second or third round pick plus a player, (i.e. Haralson, or Lawson) I’d be all for it. But a first round pick seems to be too much for Peppers.

If he does become an unrestricted free agent, then by all means he should be pursued. However his age is somewhat of a concern. At 30, he does not have the long term value most teams like. He probably won’t be able to get the huge contract he wants, but if he wants to be on a defense that is just a pass rusher away from being dominant, look no further.

Conclusion:

If any of these options were legitimate, I’d want to go with Boldin. Michael Crabtree made strides last season as a rookie and will only get better. Having a tutor like Boldin will help Crabtree along the way, and he can see how physical a receiver can be. He can witness first hand how to be a tough runner after the catch, and for heaven’s sake, tuck the ball away when you’re running with it. Losing that talent would hurt Arizona exponentially. Without Warner and Boldin, we could be looking at the Cardinals of old, when they were the joke of the NFL.

Before anyone says they need to draft a quarterback with one of their first round picks, let me remind you we want the 49ers to win now. There’s no time to groom a quarterback of the future in the middle of a division race. Yes, there are exceptions to the rule that rookie quarterbacks need time to develop, but it is not guaranteed. They were a few plays away from having not only a winning record, but the division. If Alex Smith is able to build on his most successful season, and the 49ers get help from Cribbs, Boldin, or Peppers, I believe they win those games they didn’t, and they don’t have to waste a high draft pick on a position that is notorious for being high risk/high reward. The offensive line should be the number one priority regardless if a big trade happens.

What do you think? Agree or disagree? Did I fail to mention another disgruntled player begging for a trade? Discuss.

Niners to Host Broncos in London

erickson@49ersnews.com — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:23:00 +0000

Update: 1.15.10 – It is official the 49ers will host a home game in London. Their opponent for that game will be the Denver Broncos. The game is scheduled for Oct. 31st.

1.4.10 – This season the NFL had on schedule a game hosted in London at Wembley Stadium. The game was a huge hit for the NFL and the reports are that they will adding another regular season game for the 2010 season.

There were rumors earlier in the season that the Jaguars, Redskins, Ravens and 49ers were teams that were interested in playing overseas. And now those rumors are starting to come to fruition and word is that the 49ers will most likely be the team to host one of it’s home games at Wembley Stadium. Now it is not set in stone, but if infact the 49ers do play in London, the rumors are it will most likely be against the Eagles.

Update: Bobby April Signs with Eagles

erickson@49ersnews.com — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:06:55 +0000

Update: 1.14.10 – Adam Schefter reported that ST coach Bobby April has agreed to become the new ST coach for the Eagles. Reports are Bobby April was afraid of Andy Lee. People heard Bobby saying it is easier to coach nobodys in Philly, than a God in San Francisco.

The 49ers are finally publicly expressing interest in former Bills Special Teams coach Bobby April, according to Matt Maiocco. Here is a little bit from Maiocco’s article.

Coach Mike Singletary is expected to meet with former Bills special teams coach Bobby April this week during the American Football Coaches Association convention in Orlando, Fla.

Here is a little more background info on Mr. April.

In 18 seasons as a ST coach he has had 9 different Pro Bowlers on STs. Kickers, Punters, Long Snappers, Gunners, Punt Returners and Kick Returners ALL represented. Of those 9 different players there were 13 seperate Pro Bowl selections. That doesn’t even include return men such as Qadry Ismail, Leodis McKelvin who havent made the Pro Bowl and Roscoe Parrish who is the NFL’s All-Timeleader in Punt Return Average..

He’s been voted Special Teams Coach of the Year twice and his teams have been ranked #1 in the NFL 3 times in the last 5 seasons. The 2 seasons they didn’t finish 1st, they ranked 3rd and 4th. He also lead the Bills to 2 other #1 rankings earlier in the decade.

So show him the money, Mike…of course it would help if Bobby had actually a kick/punt returner to work with.

NHR – Ep. 6 The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

erickson@49ersnews.com — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:05:35 +0000

Back again with another episode of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. This week we discuss the conclusion of the 2009 season, special teams, draft, playoffs and make sure you stay tuned for the Warner/Favre debate.

Haiti Earthquake Relief

erickson@49ersnews.com — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:17:14 +0000

I know this site focuses mostly on the 49ers, but with the recent earthquake in Haiti and it hiting close to home to some players in the NFL, the 49ers and possibly some readers of our site. We wanted to pass along the same info Matthew Barrows posted today, while writing an article on Rickey Jean-Francois and his family in Haiti.

Ricky Jean-Francois has heard from his older brother but is still awaiting word about his grandmother and cousins living in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The nation was hit by a 7.0 earthquake Tuesday and much of the capital city, including hospitals, hotels and the presidential palace, is in ruins. Jean-Francois’ father emigrated from Haiti to Miami in the mid 1970s. Jean-Francois, a 49ers defensive lineman, is in Miami now waiting for his phone to ring.

He said he spoke briefly with his brother who said that he had to dodge a falling ceiling fan when the earthquake struck. When he went outside, his bother saw that much of Port-au Prince, a city of 2 million, had been flattened. “In Haiti, everything is made out of cement,” Jean-Francois said. “There are barely any houses left standing.”

Jean-Francois said he was trying to rally the NFL and the players to pitch in to relief efforts. He said the nation, the poorest in the western hemisphere, has been struck by four hurricanes since 1998 but that this disaster is by far the worst. He said he hoped people not only would donate money but also physically help out in Haiti. He said he would use the NFL’s presence in Miami – the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl will be held there next month – to rally support.

Jean-Francois noted that the musician Wyclef Jean, who was born in Haiti and whose Yele Haiti Foundation strives to lift the nation from poverty, is spear-heading relief efforts. People can make a donation by texting “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund. The $5 will be charged to your cell phone bill.

The American Red Cross has set up a similar system. By texting “HAITI” to 90999, you can donate $10 to American Red Cross relief efforts for Haiti. The amount will be added to your cell phone credit card bill.