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Brees recounts last year’s game-changing Brooks hit
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Drew Brees and the Saints beat the 49ers last year, making it easier to smile about Ahmad Brooks' bone-crushing, neck-stretching hit.
Harbaugh responds to comments made by Rice, Young
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Coach Jim Harbaugh on Wednesday responded to critical comments made by former players Steve Young and Jerry Rice in recent days about how the 49ers season is shaking out.
“I really don’t comment on anything that’s coming from outside, or flak,” Harbaugh said of Young’s comments on ESPN radio about things such as bad body language, lack of passion and complaining by players.
Young said the 49ers “looked broken, and I can’t figure that out,” after having watched the team from the sideline during Sunday’s loss to the St. Louis Rams.
“Let’s keep that on the outside,” Harbaugh said. “It’s up to us. It’s up to us to mend the room. We understand that we have a challenge ahead of us, and that’s where our focus is.”
Rice said his take on why the 49ers look so disjointed this season is that Harbaugh’s uncertain future is a distraction to the players.
“Again, keep the flak on the outside,” Harbaugh said. “We’re training, we’re preparing, we understand the challenge in front of us. We’re attacking it. Keep attacking.”
Rice said he thinks Harbaugh is “gone” after this season, though he offered no specifics for how he arrived at that conclusion.
Harbaugh is in the fourth year of a five-year contract that he signed in 2011. He and general manager Trent Baalke agreed to put off talks about a possible extension until after this season.
That, in turn, might be affecting the team’s performance, Rice said in an appearance on si.com’s Pro Football Now.
"With Jim Harbaugh, there's a lot of questions out there right now," Rice said. "We don't really know if he wants to come back and be the head coach for the San Francisco 49ers. ... Maybe that's starting to wear and tear on the team and it's taking its toll."
RB Marcus Lattimore retires, calls comeback ‘insurmountable’
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Marcus Lattimore officially has told the 49ers he's retiring, two years after a knee injury that he said proved "insurmountable" to overcome.
A fourth-round draft pick in 2013, Lattimore's comeback attempt came to a halt last week, after he made his practice-field debut this season.
Lattimore issued the following statement:
"After prayer and careful consideration, I have decided it’s time to end my professional football career,” said Lattimore. “I have given my heart and soul to the game that I love, and it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life and help others. I have given every ounce of my energy toward making a full recovery from my knee injury, and I have made a lot of progress. Unfortunately, getting my knee fully back to the level the NFL demands has proven to be insurmountable.
“I am grateful for the entire 49ers organization. Their decision to draft me was the realization of a lifelong dream to be an NFL player, and I cannot thank them enough for believing in me and for doing everything in their power to assist in my recovery. I will always be a 49er!
“Though I am proud of what I have accomplished throughout my football career, I am sincerely disappointed that it must end, but I trust that God has a great plan for my future. As for what’s next, I will be returning to the University of South Carolina to complete my degree. I cannot say enough about the support from the Gamecock family since the first day I stepped on campus until now. I am so proud to be a part of the USC family, and I promise to always represent the garnet and black with honor and integrity. I will also continue to work with my foundation, the Marcus Lattimore Foundation / DREAMS, to provide opportunities and platforms to benefit youth sports programs in the state of South Carolina. I am looking forward to pursuing my personal interests and helping others achieve their goals and dreams.
“There are so many people who have supported me throughout my career; it is impossible to list them all and to show them the proper gratitude. I must thank God for all of His blessings and guidance. I would not be where I am today without the support of my family. I also appreciate the outpouring of support from friends, fans, opposing players and strangers; your support means more than you will ever know.”
General manager Trent Baalke said in a statement: “This was a very difficult decision for Marcus and it was clear after speaking with him that he had put a lot of thought into it. He is a high-character young man who has done everything asked of him and more during his time with us and we have a great deal of respect for the strength and commitment he showed throughout the rehab process. It has been a pleasure to have Marcus as a member of our team and our community and we are confident that he will be very successful in whichever path he chooses to take in life. We look forward to supporting Marcus and wish him nothing but the best.”
Joe Montana on Jim Harbaugh’s fate as 49ers coach: ‘I’m not sure why you would leave a team like that’
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Jerry Rice may think Jim Harbaugh is gone after this season as 49ers coach, but that train of thought was not completed, if you will, by Rice’s former quarterback Joe Montana.
“Just to let it fall apart over a year, I’m not sure he’d want to do that,” Montana said Wednesday on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
Montana believes Harbaugh would be wise to return, as long as he can coexist with the front office.
“Whether Jim moves on for another reason, I don’t know. If there is something going on, I would say he wouldn’t be back, that would be my guess.,” Montana said.
“But if there isn’t, I don’t see any reason why. He’s got a great nucleus there. I’m not sure why you would want to leave a team like that, with as much talent that’s on there. I’m sure there are places he’d like to fill in. But it’s hard to leave a team you’ve coached for so long, you know well, you’ve got guys getting into position you’d want them to be.”
Harbaugh is in the fourth season of a five-year, $25 million contract he signed upon leaving Stanford. The 49ers’ 4-4 record is their worst at a season’s midway point under Harbaugh, who Rice said Tuesday is unlikely to return as coach.
Montana echoed other alumni’s concerns how the 49ers seem to lack an identity, adding that they need to spring Kaepernick out of the pocket more often to utilize his play-making skills.
Montana also reflected on his 49ers playing days and the transition from Bill Walsh to George Seifert after the 1988 season’s Super Bowl triumph.
Said Montana: “You know how those things go: something happens, and then, bang, somebody’s gone, and sometimes not even for a good reason. I think everybody expected Bill Walsh to come back and not to retire.
Report: Aldon Smith won’t have final game if suspension lifted
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Outside linebacker Aldon Smith will not have the final game of his nine-game suspension lifted by the NFL, keeping him ineligible to play in the 49ers' game Sunday at New Orleans, a source told ESPN's Ed Werder.
Smith’s suspension, issued on Aug. 30, stemmed from off-field transgressions related to the league’s personal-conduct policy and substance-abuse program.
Dan Skuta, who's started all eight previous games in Smith's place, might not be available to play against the Saints. Skuta injured his left ankle in Sunday's 13-10 loss to the St. Louis Rams.
The 49ers (4-4) have missed Smith's pass-rushing presence. Only five teams have fewer sacks than the 49ers’ 13.
Justin Smith and Ahmad Brooks each have three sacks, while Skuta and Aaron Lynch have two.
Demarcus Dobbs released, but no word yet if spot is bequeathed to Aldon Smith
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
The 49ers opened up a roster spot -- perhaps for Aldon Smith if his suspension ends this week -- by releasing defensive lineman Demarcus Dobbs on Tuesday.
A team spokesman said there have been no developments to report as of mid-day regarding Smith's suspension, which has one game remaining but reportedly could be halted for good-behavior purposes.
Dobbs was inactive in Sunday's 13-10 loss to the St. Louis Rams, the second time this season the backup lineman hasn't suited up. He has 10 tackles and no sacks in six games.
Also, the 49ers signed cornerback Chance Casey to their practice squad, filling a spot created when cornerback Leon McFadden got promoted to the active roster last week.
Fangio: Report of Brooks being nearly traded ‘way out of line’
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
The report that 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks was nearly dealt to the Browns before last week’s trade deadline came as news to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
Willis explains what makes 49ers rookie LB Borland ‘special’
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Patrick Willis missed the 49ers' last two games with a toe injury.
Watching from the sideline has given him the opportunity to watch what rookie linebacker Chris Borland brings to the table.
The third round pick from Wisconsin registered 18 tackles against the Rams, the most by any player in the NFL this season.
"He was everywhere," Wills told Yahoo Sports' Melanie Collins. "It was exciting to watch him play. I really felt bad that he had all them tackles and we didn't get that win, because I truly know that feeling of when you go out there and feel like you had the game of your life and you don't get the win.
49ers sign Hunter to extension with Lattimore’s future in doubt
Monday, November 3, 2014
With Marcus Lattimore’s NFL future in serious doubt, the 49ers signed running back Kendall Hunter to a one-year contract extension today. Both Lattimore and Hunter are dealing with knee injuries, but it appears Lattimore’s could end his career before it starts.
Notebook: Jerry Rice ‘very disturbed’ by goal-line finish; Jim Harbaugh not willing to ‘pick through each thing publicly’
Monday, November 3, 2014
Sunday’s photo finish did not award Colin Kaepernick a game-winning touchdown. In turn, it sealed the 49ers’ 13-10 loss to the St. Louis Rams and extended dubious streaks of scoring futility.
The 49ers (4-4) have not scored a rushing touchdown their past five games, the longest drought since coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman arrived from Stanford in 2011.
They’ve also produced only one touchdown in the fourth quarter all season, that coming on a garbage-time pass from backup Blaine Gabbert to Bruce Ellington in a 42-17 loss at Denver Oct. 19.
Kaepernick thought he cured both those ills in Sunday’s final seconds, on his third-down sneak from the 1-yard line. Officials ruled he lost a fumble en route to the goal line, the Rams recovered and the home team trudged off in defeat.
“To see what happened on that final play, and if you can’t depend on your offensive line or your running back to get one yard to win the football game, that’s very disturbing to me,” 49ers legend Jerry Rice said on KNBR 680-AM.
“With this team, you expected so much more this year, and they’re not playing up to their potential,” Rice continued. “I don’t know if it can be cured.”
Rice wasn’t alone in his critical comments, and coach Jim Harbaugh waved off any outside perceptions.
“There’s a lot of fingers that I’m sure will be pointed,” Harbaugh said Monday. “We’re not going to be concerned about what other people think or point out.”
Two of the 49ers’ offensive leaders, however, expressed concerns post-game. Frank Gore, the franchise’s all-time leading rusher, demanded the 49ers “make our minds up” about the offense’s variation between a run-oriented unit and a pass-friendly scheme. Left tackle Joe Staley chimed in about the team’s “penalties, dumb blocks, dumb techniques, dumb schemes.”
Harbaugh’s reaction Monday: “Rather than pick through each thing publicly, I’d rather talk to our team about that.”
That team meeting will be held Tuesday as the third-place 49ers turn their attention to Sunday’s game at New Orleans.
Monday’s aftermath brought more scrutiny toward replay reviews that didn’t go the 49ers’ way, including the final one that didn’t overrule a Kaepernick fumble in favor of a touchdown.
“I haven’t seen anything conclusive on the last play,” Harbaugh said.
The league echoed that stance, even though Kaepernick insisted after the game he “crossed the line” with the ball. “It was impossible to tell where the ball was in relation to the goal line before it came out, so again, the ruling on the field stood,” Dean Blandino, the NFL’s vice president of officiating, told NFL Network’s NFL AM on Monday morning.
The 49ers had first-and-goal at the 2-yard line with 42 seconds left. After a completion to Michael Crabtree at the 1 that arguably could have been a touchdown or incompletion, Kaepernick threw an intentional incompletion on second down to set up the third-down sneak and loss-clinching fumble.
“I was shocked to see it there, of course,’’ Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis, who recovered the fumble, told TheMMQB.com. “The whole play was surprising. The play before, they go play-action and don’t give it to Gore. Then on the last play, they don’t give to Gore either.”
Gore has only one touchdown through eight games, his fewest since his 2005 rookie season. He is on pace for 944 yards, the third-fewest of his career.
The 49ers scored a rushing touchdown in each of their first three games – and none since. Carlos Hyde, who had the other two touchdowns, had only two carries in 29 snaps Sunday (for 17 yards).
Harbaugh said, yes, he remains satisfied by the job of offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Then Harbaugh added: “Ultimately, it’s up to the men in the room, coaches, players. We’re the ones that have to make the improvements.”
-- Running back Marcus Lattimore is “weighing his options” and talking them over with his family, Harbaugh said. ESPN reported Monday morning that Lattimore will retire rather than continue his inspiring comeback from a 2012 knee injury. That prompted Lattimore’s agent, Michael Perrett, to state that “no decision has been made” on Lattimore’s future.
Lattimore was not seen at Sunday's game, and his locker afterward was cleaned out of its personal effects, helmet, shoulder pads and the No. 38 jersey he’s never worn in a game. Lattimore did suit up for practice last week for the first time this season, going through drills Wednesday and Thursday before knee soreness kept him out of Friday's practice.
-- No developments have occurred regarding the final game of Aldon Smith’s nine-game suspension, Harbaugh said.
-- Center Marcus Martin’s debut received this review from Harbaugh: “He handled his business well. There’ll be things to learn and grow from.”
-- Michael Crabtree’s two drops Sunday raised his season total to seven, the league’s second-most.
-- Rookie Aaron Lynch, who had the 49ers’ lone sack Sunday, ranks 10th out of 45 outside linebackers in ProFootballFocus.com’s pass-rush ratings. Ahmad Brooks ranks last at No. 45.
Notes: Borland racks up 18 tackles; Hyde career-low two carries; Lattimore status in doubt; no safety awarded;
Monday, November 3, 2014
Rookie linebacker Chris Borland made an astonishing 18 tackles but couldn’t help but think of the one that got away in the 49ers’ 13-10 loss Sunday to the St. Louis Rams.
Starting a second-straight game in place of an injured Patrick Willis (toe), Borland said he blew his assignment on the Rams’ only touchdown, by not covering Kenny Britt on a 21-yards catch that tied the score at 10 just before halftime.
“I blew an assignment that cost us a touchdown and may have cost us the game,” Borland said.
After his 16th tackle resulted in a 1-yard loss, his 17th prevented a third-down conversion and forced the Rams to settle for a field goal, a 39-yarder from Greg Zuerlein that would provide the eventual winning points.
“I’m proud of that number (of tackles), but I’m more overall disappointed with the loss and a blow assignment,” said Borland, noting he had learned from mistakes he made two weeks earlier in a 42-17 loss at Denver.
“My hat's off to him,” fellow linebacker Michael Wilhoite said. “He was out there holding his own and more.”
-- Frank Gore (14 carries, 49 yards) wasn’t the only running back who didn’t get a chance to run the ball near the Rams’ goal line in the final minute. Carlos Hyde had a career-low two carries all game, for 17 yards.
“As a running back, heck yeah you want the ball at the goal line,” Hyde said. “I feel we should never leave the game in the refs hands. I had an opportunity to seal the game and came up short.”
Added fullback Bruce Miller: “I just feel like the guys we got up front and the guys we got carrying the football, that we would punch that in and put points up.”
Gore came out midway through the third quarter to have trainers work on his right hip, which he broke in 2010. “I’ll be fine,” Gore said.
-- Colin Kaepernick’s career-high eight sacks were the most by a 49ers quarterback since Alex Smith got sacked nine times in a 2011 Thanksgiving night loss at Baltimore.
“They were blitzing like a (expletive) ton,” left tackle Joe Staley said. “We didn’t do our job.”
It was rookie center Marcus Martin’s first day on the job, and he said he wanted to review film before assessing his debut. Martin, to his credit, was the first player to hold a group interview in the locker room.
-- Running back Marcus Lattimore’s future is in further doubt as the 49ers wait to see if he’ll continue his comeback from a 2-year-old knee injury. Coach Jim Harbaugh and several players said they did not see Lattimore at Sunday’s game and were unaware of his plans.
“I’m sure we’ll have an announcement about that,” Harbaugh said.
Lattimore practiced for the first time this season on Wednesday and Thursday but stayed in the training room Friday. Former South Carolina teammate Bruce Ellington said Lattimore had been doing good but was unaware of his whereabouts.
-- The Cleveland Browns backed out at the last minute on a potential deal for 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks before Tuesday’s trade deadline, Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported.
Brooks has started every game this season at left outside linebacker, though he's shifted to the right side on passing downs to fill in for Aldon Smith, who could find out Monday if the NFL will lift the final game on his nine-game suspension.
Brooks had one tackle and no sacks Sunday. The ninth-year veteran has three sacks this season, and he is slated to make $6 million in base salary next season.
-- The first half ended on a 55-yard, field-goal attempt by Phil Dawson that fell short and nearly resulted in a safety of Tavon Austin, who fielded the ball nine yards deep in the end zone. Austin crossed the goal line on his return and was quickly tackled by Derek Carrier back into the end zone.
“The ruling on the field was that the ball carrier brought the ball out onto the field of play, and there was contact by the defender that forced him back into the end zone,” referee Jerome Boger said in a pool report. A replay review proved inconclusive, with Boger noting there was no goal-line footage.
-- Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (hamstring) and outside linebacker Dan Skuta (left ankle) sustained fourth-quarter injuries.
-- Perrish Cox made his team-leading fourth interception. On the preceding series, Antonie Bethea made his second of the season.
-- Michael Crabtree had five catches for 40 yards, as well as two drops to raise his season total to seven.
-- George Seifert, the last 49ers’ coach to win a Super Bowl 20 years ago, was honored at halftime for his induction into the team’s Hall of Fame. Asked what the 49ers need to do for this season’s Super Bowl push, Seifert replied: “They’re in great hands. I don’t say to be politically correct. I’m a huge fan of Jim Harbaugh. … The guy’s special.”
Jimmy Johnson, Dwight Clark, Steve Young, Ronnie Lott and CEO Jed York were on stage with Seifert during the halftime ceremony.
-- Fresh off Friday’s World Series victory parade, several Giants attended the game, including manager Bruce Bochy, general manager Brian Sabean, shortstop Brandon Crawford and third baseman Pablo Sandoval.
-- Boldin became the 19th player to reach 900 receptions, and that milestone came on a 14-yard reception late in the third quarter. He earlier produced his second touchdown catch this season and finished with a team-high six receptions for 93 yards.
-- The 49ers and Rams each were penalized nine times. The 49ers’ worst sequence came in the fourth quarter with three consecutive calls: unsportsmanlike conduct on Bruce Ellington (threw a ball at a Rams players after a fair catch) and false starts on Mike Iupati and Gore.
-- Members from the 1964, ’84 and ’89 teams were on hand to celebrate the anniversaries of those clubs.
-- Wide receiver Kassim Osgood was bestowed the Perry/Yonamine Unity Award, along with Half Moon Bay youth football coach Breen Hofmann and the StandUp for Kids non-profit organization.
-- Toe injuries kept Willis and cornerback Tramaine Brock out of uniform. Also inactive were quarterback Josh Johnson, wide receiver Quinton Patton, center Dillon Farrell and defensive tackles Demarcus Dobbs and Tank Carradine.
Colin Kaepernick says of fateful, final fumble: ‘I know I crossed the goal line’
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Colin Kaepernick signaled a touchdown after popping up from his third-and-goal sneak from the 1-yard line. Teammates Frank Gore, Joe Staley and Anthony Davis also raised their arms with the touchdown signal.
But then St. Louis Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis hoisted his right arm in triumph, and he did so with the football in his hand.
Officials ruled that Kaepernick had lost a fumble before crossing the goal line, a call that wasn't overturned after a replay review and sealed the 49ers' 13-10 loss to the St. Louis Rams.
An hour passed after the defeat by the time Kaepernick finally met with the media, and he didn't waste any more time sharing his thoughts on the fateful play.
"I know I crossed the line," Kaepernick said. "I did bobble the snap, but regardless. ... I was looking in the end zone."
Kaepernick appeared to initially lose the football when center Marcus Martin was pushed back into him. Kaepernick recovered, went low and apparently the ball slipped from his gloved, left hand as he reached for the goal line.
Kaepernick also thought the 49ers scored two snaps earlier, when Michael Crabtree caught a quick, low pass near the front, right pylon.
"I thought it was (a touchdown), but I have to make a better throw and not leave it up to the refs," Kaepernick said.
Kaepernick got sacked a career-high eight times, including six in the first half as the teams took a 10-10 tie into intermission. He finished 22-of-33 for 237 yards with one touchdown pass and no interceptions, and he had five carries for 14 yards.
On a second-down play from the 1, Kaepernick faked a handoff to Frank Gore, who rolled right along with Kaepernick before the quarterback threw the ball out of the end zone.
"I thought we'd get a TD on it," Kaepernick said. "Nothing was there so I threw it away."
Regarding the Rams' pressure, Kaepernick noted that they were "bringing one more (defender) than we had to block."
"We have the tools here to be successful," Kaepernick said, "We just have to do it."
Referee Jerome Boger explains numerous calls from 49ers loss to Rams
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Jerome Boger, the same referee who drew the 49ers' wrath after their Super Bowl XLVII defeat, offered an explanation of several calls that were made in Sunday's 13-10 loss to the St. Louis Rams.
Here is a transcript of Boger's postgame interview with pool reporter Matt Maiocco of Comcast SportsNet Bay Area:
What was the ruling on the field (on the potential safety before halftime)?
“The ruling on the field was that the ball carrier brought the ball out onto the field of play, and there was contact by the defender that forced him back into the end-zone.”
So he was on the field of play. He was forced back in. Did the replay show you anything conclusive?
Not really because there was no shot down the actual goal line. It was off the goal line. So maybe if we had a shot right down the goal line we could have looked at that aspect, but there was no shot available.”
So basically the call was not confirmed, it just wasn’t conclusive enough.
“It stands.”
Now, can we ask about the [Head Coach Jeff] Fisher challenge call?
“Well, on the Fisher challenge where it wasn’t allowed because he didn’t understand that the rule on the field was forward progress. He thought we were ruling on down by contact and a clear recovery that could be challenged. But actually he couldn’t hear the announcement that the ruling on the field was that forward progress had been stopped prior after the ball coming loose. That is not challengeable.”
Is it common courtesy to clarify if there is a miscommunication or he couldn’t hear?
“Yes it is. That’s right, as to what he thinks he is challenging. Because he is on the competition committee, he knew as soon as I said that the ruling was forward progress. He said that is not what he understood. He thought it was down by contact.”
On the last play of the game
“On the last play it went into a pile, and there was nothing we could see that could change the ruling on the field, on the last play at the goal line; if you are talking about the fumble.”
Frank Gore on 49ers offense: ‘We’ve just got to make our minds up, do what we feel we’re good at’
Sunday, November 2, 2014
An hour after the 49ers' 13-10 upset loss to the Rams, Frank Gore still had not moved from the seat in front of his locker. He stood up briefly to address the media, clearly despondent but certainly willing to express his thoughts on the offense's jumbled state.
"We've just got to make our minds up, do what we feel we're good at and go do it," Gore said.
Without further prompting, Gore spoke in defense of offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who's play calls were the subject of scrutiny after the 49ers failed to score from the doorstep of the Rams' end zone.
"I still think we have a good coordinator (in Greg Roman). I still believe in our coordinator," Gore said. "He's been successful since he's been here.
"We've just, as players, have got to look ourselves in the mirror. When he makes a call, we've got to do it. I wouldn't put it on him. It's also us. I feel he put us in good situations.
"We're just too up and down."
Gore was so down in the dumps that defensive line coach Jim Tomsula sat down next to him after the interview and offered his counsel.
Gore finished with 14 carries for 49 yards. Carlos Hyde had only two carries, for 17 yards.
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick had five carries for 14 yards, including the fateful final one in which officials ruled he lost a fumble as he tried sneaking over center Marcus Martin and across the goal line with two seconds remaining.
Joe Staley: “Penalties, dumb blocks, dumb techniques and dumb schemes.”
Sunday, November 2, 2014
SANTA CLARA — Here is the transcript of Joe Staley’s postgame interview, courtesy of the 49ers’ P.R. department.
Q: Was it a good week of practice?
STALEY: “Yeah, it was a great week of practice.”
Q: Does it take you by surprise with this line and group of playmakers?
STALEY: “Yes. Very much so.”
Q: Is it all stuff you guys feel is correctable?
STALEY: “Yeah. We have all the talent in the world. We’ve been doing some dumb stuff and they took advantage of it.”
Q: When you say dumb stuff, is it penalties?
STALEY: “Penalties, dumb blocks, dumb techniques and dumb schemes.”
Ray McDonald expected to avoid domestic-violence charges
Friday, October 31, 2014
Defensive tackle Ray McDonald is not expected to be charged by Santa Clara County prosecutors with domestic violence, two months after his notorious arrest at his San Jose home, this newspaper is reporting.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office is likely to announce the decision soon and issue a report laying out the reasons, sources told our Tracey Kaplan. (Here is a link to her story on unlikely charges.)
McDonald has participated in every game and practice since his Aug. 31 arrest, in which a police report stated the alleged victim -- believed to be McDonald's pregnant fiancee -- showed visible injuries.
McDonald's incident added to a NFL scandal regarding domestic abuse, and it exposed San Jose police's extensive relationship with the 49ers regarding off-duty moonlighting.
McDonald has participated in every practice and game since his arrest. Team officials have insisted on allowing "due process" to play out before taking any action against McDonald, a stance echoed by CEO Jed York, general manager Trent Baalke and coach Jim Harbaugh.
Teammates have also stood by McDonald, many of whom attended his birthday party at his house on the night of the arrest.
McDonald has not spoken with the media since the season began. He has turned down interview requests after games and has otherwise stayed out of the 49ers' main locker room during media access on other days.
McDonald's 32 tackles are tied for the fifth-most on the 49ers, who take a 4-3 record into Sunday's home game against the St. Louis Rams. The eighth-year veteran is still seeking his first sack this season.
The District Attorney's Office would not comment on the likely outcome of the McDonald case, and denied rumors that a report would be issued Friday. Prosecutors have twice canceled a tentative arraignment hearing for McDonald, a good sign for the player, some legal experts said.
McDonald's supporters have long insisted that the defensive end is a gentle giant who was merely putting up mild resistance Aug. 31 to ward off a physical attack by his fiancee. In late May, the woman grabbed a gun during an argument the couple had and left the house when McDonald threatened to call police. Officers responded to the call, but no arrests were made.
Santa Clara County prosecutors are
a domestic violence arre
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Practice notes: Healthier cornerbacks could result in coverage-by-committee approach
Thursday, October 30, 2014
The 49ers will deploy a cornerback-by-committee approach once all are healthy, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said before Thursday's practice in which all four cornerbacks particpated.
“We’ll mix up the corner position and try and get them all action in there at the same time and in-and-out, be different combinations,” Fangio said.
Fangio noted that Tramaine Brock (toe) and Chris Culliver (hamstring) remain “up in the air” for Sunday’s game against the Rams. Nickel back Jimmie Ward (quadriceps) is expected back from a one-game absence. Brock was limited in Thursday's practice while Culliver and Ward were full participants.
The fourth cornerback, Dontae Johnson, sure looks like a potential starter some day. He sealed an Oct. 17 win over the Rams with his first career interception, which he returned for a touchdown.
-- Nose tackle Glenn Dorsey remains “a couple weeks” from making his season debut as he comes back from a biceps tear, Fangio said. Dorsey is not on the active roster, as he remains on the injured-reserve/designated-for-return list.
-- Linebacker Patrick Willis (toe) practiced in limited fashion for a second straight day, and although he looks on track to play Sunday, Fangio considered him “questionable.”
-- Rams rookie defensive tackle Aaron Donald (shoulder) did not practice for a second straight day but the 49ers are preparing as if he'll play.
Here is the complete participation report for both teams:
| 49ERS Practice Report | |||
| Limited Participation in Practice | |||
| Wednesday | CB Tramaine Brock (toe), S Jimmie Ward (quadricep), LB Patrick Willis (toe) | ||
| Thursday | CB Tramaine Brock (toe), LB Patrick Willis (toe) | ||
| Full Participation in Practice | |||
| Wednesday | CB Chris Culliver (hamstring) | ||
| Thursday | CB Chris Culliver (hamstring), S Jimmie Ward (quadricep) | ||
| RAMS Practice Report | |||
| Did Not Participate In Practice | |||
| Wednesday | S Cody Davis (concussion), DT Aaron Donald (shoulder), LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe), DE William Hayes (foot), CB Janoris Jenkins (knee), S Rodney McLeod (knee), T Rodger Saffold (shoulder), C Scott Wells (elbow) | ||
| Thursday | S Cody Davis (concussion), DT Aaron Donald (shoulder), CB Janoris Jenkins (knee), T Rodger Saffold (shoulder) | ||
| Limited Participation in Practice | |||
| Wednesday | C Tim Barnes (shoulder), WR Kenny Britt (hip), CB Trumaine Johnson (knee), S Lamarcus Joyner (hip), CB Marcus Roberson (ankle) | ||
| Thursday | LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe), S Rodney McLeod (knee) | ||
| Full Participation in Practice | |||
| Thursday | C Tim Barnes (shoulder), WR Kenny Britt (hip), DE William Hayes (foot), CB Trumaine Johnson (knee), S Lamarcus Joyner (hip), CB Marcus Roberson (ankle), C Scott Wells (elbow) | ||
Greg Roman: Vernon Davis has a ‘very focused glare on what he wants to accomplish from here on out’
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Tight end Vernon Davis is off to one of the slowest starts in his 49ers career. He’s also enduring one of his most injury riddled seasons.
Ankle and back issues have hindered Davis, who’s produced 14 receptions and two touchdowns through the 49ers’ 4-3 start.
“The last couple games, I’ve been thinking so much, worried about the injury, clouded mind,” Davis said Thursday. “It’s tough being out there.
“But, to me, I felt I was a warrior for going out there, even though I was banged up really bad.”
After catching two touchdown passes in the 49ers’ season-opening win at Dallas, the usually durable Davis sustained an ankle injury the following week and missed the end of a 28-20 collapse against the Chicago Bears. He sat out a Sept. 21 implosion at Arizona, left with painful back spasms the next game against Philadelphia, and sat out an Oct. 5 win over Kansas City.
He had five catches for 51 yards in the past two road games combined, an easy win at St. Louis and a blowout loss at Denver.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to help my teammates win: blocking for Frank (Gore), running down field, being a decoy. Whatever it is, I’ll do it,” Davis said.
Sunday’s opponent, the St. Louis Rams, come to Levi’s Stadium with a roster so depleted by injury they acquired safety Mark Barron in a trade Tuesday with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Davis beat Barron for a 52-yard touchdown in the 49ers’ Dec. 15 win at Tampa.
Davis hasn’t had a reception longer than 29 yards since then. Is he healthy enough to reestablish himself as a deep threat?
“I definitely feel healthy enough to be able to run,” Davis responded. “It’s all about just getting out there and just going, not thinking, just reacting and just playing the game of football.”
The 49ers’ passing attack hasn’t had to rely on Davis as much as in past years, thanks to a stronger corps of wide receivers. Coaches are expecting Davis, however, to regain his 2013 form, in which he caught a team-high 13 touchdown passes and made AP All-Pro Second Team.
“He’s got a very focused glare when it comes to what he wants to accomplish from here on out,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said.
Johnson on modest role: ‘It’s not like there’s a bunch of pansies in front of me’
Thursday, October 30, 2014
As the No. 3 wideout, he’s played just 31 percent of the offensive snaps and has logged fewer than 20 snaps in four of seven games. Given his pedigree – Johnson has three 1,000-yard seasons since 2010 – it sounds like a recipe for a disgruntled player, but Johnson appears to be an anti-diva.
Ex-49ers coach on Marcus Martin: ‘He’s going to turn into a great pro’
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Tim Drevno is no longer with the 49ers, but he’s constantly watching film of one of San Francisco’s current players in his position as the offensive line coach at USC.
Jim Harbaugh says he thinks Vernon Davis is good to go now
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Do you feel like facing an opponent so shortly after facing them the first time, playing one game and then facing them again, does that cause any kind of complications for the coaching staff?
“It’s a salty opponent. We understand that. We’ve played them twice in the same year, now going back a couple years. So, understand some of the things that have happened in this game when you’ve played them a second time. And we’re looking at addressing those.”
Did you ever meet Rams P Johnny Hekker when your son was rooming with him at Oregon State?
“I think so. I think when we played Oregon State, yeah, said hello to him and say hello to him before each ball game that we play him now.”
Did Oregon State use him in the capacity that the Rams do, with all the fakes and using his arm as much as they do?
“I can’t recall a fake that he ran at Oregon State, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t.”
What was your impression of him just meeting him and his background of being a quarterback and all that?
“Well, Jay thinks the world of him, so that was good enough for me. But, heck of a nice guy and he does a tremendous job.”
How’s TE Vernon Davis’ recovery from the back spasm? He just hasn’t been the same player this year as we’ve seen in the last few years in terms of his production or handling the ball and such?
“He’s played through a few things. And, I think that’s the biggest thing that’s been slowing him down. But, I think he’s good to go now.”
Do you have any indications how LB Patrick Willis is coming along after the toe injury that he had against the Rams last time?
“No.”
What has T Joe Staley meant to the offensive line? There’s been a lot of moving parts with injuries and other things going on with that unit. But, just what has he meant to that unit and obviously he’s got a big challenge this week with Rams DE Robert Quinn?
“It’s rock solid, Joe Staley. Trusted agent, known friend of the San Francisco 49ers. He has continued to play at the highest level. A captain, football player, Joe Staley, football player. He can look in the mirror and say that with confidence.”
With Quinn being such a vaunted opponent, he faced him two weeks ago. So, just what do you see in that matchup with those two guys?
“Two great players.”
Besides when he’s going out on passing routes?
“Two great players. Quinn is a great player and relentless to the football. He runs to it. And, tremendous against the run, tremendous pass rush. And, Joe is up for the challenge. He’ll meet it head on.”
Their rookie, Rams DT Aaron Donald he seems to–?
“Aaron Donald.”
Yeah, have you noticed even since you guys played him the last couple games that he’s just becoming more of a force?
“Yes. Aaron Donald, since we played him in that game and since, you can make an argument that he’s their best player. He’s playing at a very high level.”
RB Frank Gore put the back-to-back 100-yard games together and everyone said, “Frank is back,” like he left or something. And then a couple of weeks in a row, the yards have been hard to come by. How much of it is the variables in the offensive line, the opponent, where Frank is at? How would you assess the overall state of your running game and your primetime back?
“Good. And yeah, there’s variables. Frank remains a primetime back. And we continue to strive to excel in the running game.”
Did RB Marcus Lattimore take place in the walkthrough?
“Yes.”
And, how did he, I know it’s just a walkthrough, but could you tell that it was something special to him?
“Yeah, this is special. I think you wrote in your column a ‘landmark day’ on his path to football. It’s also his birthday. He’s excited.”
You mentioned the Rams being a salty opponent. They’re also, a lot of teams have injuries, but they’ve got a lot of injury issues, offensive line among other places. Do you have to talk to the guys about not underestimating them because they’re the Rams and they’re always going to play you all tough?
“Yeah, I think you just turn on the film of all of our games with the Rams and that speaks volumes.”
Did you watch the film of when they played the Seahawks? Because it just seems like they have a penchant towards trickery and they always love to do the trick play. Did you get an impression of that and how you coach against something like that?
“Yeah, you’ve just got to be on high alert at all times. There’ll be an onside kick that comes when they’re up 14-0. There’s fakes in the punt return game. There’s fakes in the punt game, in the kickoff return. Makes us play at a higher awareness, high alert.”
Were you impressed by their execution, especially on that one kick return play where they faked it one way and added it to another? What did you see on that play?
“It was very good. I even asked my son Jay about that. When he was at Oregon State he was a graduate assistant there. Not a graduate assistant, he was a student assistant. Let me correct that. But, he said that they had that play in at Oregon State, they never ran it. So, try to find some other plays that maybe they haven’t run.”
Is it easy to get caught up in the game and lose sight of the fact that they can do a fake at any point? I mean, just this last game against the Rams you stopped them on fourth down, it was a big play and they were about to run the fake that CB Chris Cook thwarted. Was he the only one that was aware of it? I guess, is it hard to be cognizant of that all the time given everything else that’s happening in a game?
“The degree of difficult, yeah maybe it is high. But, you have to be aware. It has to be a heightened sense of awareness. They ran a fake against us at Candlestick from the 20-yard line and we were able to stop that one. And it makes you play different. There’s got to be a, I don’t want to say on your heals, but you’ve got to be alert. You’ve got to take everything into account and be really thinking. Punt return, you have to know who the eligibles are. If you’re in coverage then you’ve got to have man eyes for the eligible receivers at all times, alert. [Rams special teams coordinator] John Fassel does a great job. Coach [Rams head coach Jeff] Fisher, he’s a willing participant in all these fakes. I give them a lot of credit. They’ve done a fabulous job.”
With all the defensive backs now coming back healthy or healthier, how do you guys determine the roles? Do you use past performance or how the guys are looking out there at practice this week?
“How they’re looking out there, practicing this week.”
The college shirts that the players wore at the team photo day, how did that come about and were you pleased with the turnout and the participation in that?
“Yes. That was a good idea. [49ers scouting/player engagement assistant] James Hall came up with that and there was a very good turnout. It was nice to see so many college graduates on our team. A few of us didn’t have our shirt. A few of the guys didn’t have their shirt. I didn’t have my shirt either, but I wanted to jump in because I was a college graduate. They’re going to put that on there somehow. There’s a way to, Photoshop, I was thinking of the word. There’s a way to do that. Very proud and should be. Being a college graduate, being able to put that degree in a frame, put it up on the wall it says something good about you. I wanted to acknowledge that with our players.”
What did you get your degree in?
“Communications. Is that a surprise? (laughter) Are you shocked? What did you get your degree in?”
Communications, Journalism, is that a shock?
“No. From where?”
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
“A fine school.”
Are you guys going to have meetings after practice or are you going to be able to go watch the Giants game or any World Series plans with the team?
“No. I hadn’t thought of that. We’ll be able to catch that on the lag. Then you don’t have to watch the commercials.”
You talked on Monday about Marcus Lattimore maybe getting practice, maybe it being a little more physical for him than someone else just to get him back in the swing of things. Do you have to do something similar like that with Marcus Martin, especially knowing he’s got a physical opponent this week after missing so much time?
“He’ll have the pads on today. [49ers offensive line coach] Mike Solari does a great job in individual drills. During special teams there’ll be drills as well.”
Are you looking forward to that matchup in particular with Donald? Both rookies in kind of an “iron sharpens iron” situation?
“Yeah. I’m excited about all of the competition, as always. Look forward to watching Marcus compete.”
Closing comments
“This is a celebration, too, for [former 49ers wide receiver] Gordy Soltau, who passed away Sunday night. Great 49er, great football player, great man in the community, a service to his country. Celebration of a wonderful life. I send those regards to his family. Thank you.”
Colin Kaepernick says the Rams have a lot of different things they can do
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Here is the transcript of Colin Kaepernick’s Wednesday interview, courtesy of the 49ers’ P.R. department.
How was the time off? Did you do anything fun?
“Rested up.”
St. Louis this weekend, what are you expecting, especially seeing an opponent for the second time so soon?
“They have a lot of different things they can do. Very good defense, we have to be ready for them.”
They’re doing a lot of trick plays. Did you see a lot in that Seattle game? Did you look at that film at all when they played?
“Yeah.”
It seems like you have to be ready at all times when you face a team like that? Is that true?
“Yeah, very much so. They have a lot of different things they can unveil. You just have to be prepared for those.”
Now this team, it’s been able to get a little more healthier. What are you expecting from the teammates coming back this week?
“Production. That’s the biggest thing we look for. Come back, make plays.”
RB Marcus Lattimore, he’s coming back. What’s his journey been and what have you been seeing out of him?
“He’s had a lot of time to get healthy. He’s looked good. I think he’s ready to go. We’ll see what he does this week in practice.”
Can you discuss the transition in changing centers right now and what you want to see out of C Marcus Martin?
“To perform well. He’s someone that we’ve worked with, we’ve had work with and he’s been on top of things in meetings. So, looking forward to seeing what he does.”
Do you have separate one-on-one meetings with him so you guys can get on the same page or is that just more of a team-wide?
“His communication is more with the offensive line than me. Changing protections, things like that, he has to know. For the most part, we’ve had time to work together through training camp and we work with centers every day. So, shouldn’t be a huge transition.”
Do you have to know those changes of protections as well?
“Yes.”
What’s that chemistry like as far as with you and Marcus right now?
“We tell him we’re changing the protection and he changes it.”
Do you tell him?
“Yeah.”
What’d you think of the team wearing their college shirts at team photo day and what’d you think of that idea just celebrating that achievement for you and your teammates?
“It was a pretty cool idea. Something different I haven’t seen before.”
Do you think that’s a good message for NFL players to send out to college players and let them know that professionals like yourself are proud of graduating and have that diploma?
“Very much so. You don’t know how long this is going to last. Having a degree is a big thing.”
How’d you spend your bye week?
“Resting.”
Resting?
“Yep.”
Do you plan on watching Game 7 tonight?
“I’m going to catch a little bit of it.”
Do you have any predictions of the score?
“Nope. But I’m saying the [San Francisco] Giants are coming out. Sorry, [49ers senior manager of communications] Dan [Beckler].”
Do you think the Giants should pitch Madison Bumgarner?
“I’m going to leave that up to their coaches and GM.”
Willis leads group of 49ers returning to practice
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
The 49ers had a rare practice on Wednesday, as every player on the 53-man roster was in uniform.
Calm before storm: Martin, 20, radiates poise in advance of NFL debut
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
He can’t legally buy a beer, has never played a regular-season NFL snap and will routinely line up against one of the most impressive rookies in league in his first start Sunday.
Seahawks sign ex-49ers FB/DL Tukuafu
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Will Tukuafu spent parts of the past four seasons with the 49ers. On Wednesday, he joined the enemy...
Stronger, quicker, confident, birthday-boy Marcus Lattimore debuts on practice field
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Marcus Lattimore celebrated his 23rd birthday Wednesday with a much-anticipated return to the 49ers practice field.
“I’m excited, happy, nervous, anxious, I mean all kinds of emotions, because I feel ready,” Lattimore said. “I’m blessed to be in this position, thanks to the 49ers.”
Just like last year, the 49ers have three weeks to evaluate Lattimore before deciding whether to activate him off the reserve/non-football-injury list. Unlike last year, when he eventually got sent to the injured reserve list, Lattimore feels he has the confidence, quickness and health to suit up for his pro debut.
“I’m stronger, definitely quicker. I didn’t have any confidence going out there last year,” Lattimore said. “I feel stronger, my knee feels better.
“It was a huge injury, so I knew it would take time. I just didn’t know it would take this long. But I feel good.”
Lattimore’s junior season at South Carolina ended two years ago when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. A year earlier, he tore the ACL in his left knee.
Rehabilitation hasn’t been an easy rode for him, even if he’s never lost his optimism along the way. He mentally prepared for this return by sharing his emotions with those close to him.
“Don’t keep it in when you have bad days, because I had a lot of bad days where my knee was sore,” Lattimore said. “I talked to my girl, my mom, my sister. That was the biggest thing. And of course my faith in the Lord knowing that no matter what happens and if I never play another down, everything is in His plan and I trust in His plan.”
The 49ers drafted Lattimore in the fourth round of the 2013 draft. Although Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde are their only running backs on the active roster, there is no pressing need for Lattimore as the 49ers (4-3) enter Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams (2-5).
Lattimore took part in this offseason's organized team activities but did not participate in the exhibition season. His season debut Wednesday on the practice field signaled a milestone that wasn’t lost on coach Jim Harbaugh.
“This is special,” Harbaugh said.
Lattimore wants to spend the next three weeks establishing consistency, not just as a runner but as a player who “knows what I’m doing” in helping the teammmats who’ve helped him in his comeback.
“We have a great group of guys,” Lattimore said. “It’s uncommon to have this kind of group of guys. Big thanks to the coaches and my teammates.”
49ers LG Iupati cleared to return to action
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
After missing the 49ers' game in Denver, Mike Iupati is expected to return to the starting lineup against the Rams.
49ers in no rush to get Lattimore in a game
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
SANTA CLARA – There would have been something poetic about running back Marcus Lattimore returning to practice on Monday.
49ers’ Dorsey returns to practice, but will he unseat Williams?
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
The 49ers have been reluctant to move players returning from injuries back into the starting lineup when their replacements are playing at a high level. What does that mean for Glenn Dorsey?
49ers Hall of Famer Gordy Soltau passes away at age 89
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Gordy Soltau, a 49ers scoring machine in the 1950s and one of the franchise’s kindest ambassadors, passed away from natural causes Sunday night with his family by his side. He was 89.
Inducted two years ago into the 49ers Hall of Fame, Soltau joined the team in 1950 upon its arrival in the NFL. The pass-catching end and kicker led the 49ers in scoring in eight of his nine years, topping the NFL in both 1952 and 1953.
“There was not a lot of thought about money. You played because you liked to play,” Soltau said in 2012 about his playing era. “You wanted to be sure you made the team, that was the main thing. You didn’t want to get cut.”
He finished his 49ers career with a franchise-record 644 points, which now ranks fifth all-time. He caught 25 touchdown passes, made 70 of 139 field goals, and missed only two games, according to his son Mark, a long-time Bay Area sportswriter.
“One of my favorite stories -- probably the least known -- was that Dad made more than 200 unassisted tackles after he kicked off,” Mark Soltau said. “He was so good at it, several teams put bounties on him to knock him out of the game. Nobody kept a stat then; he meticulously kept his own and was very proud of it.”
“For more than six decades Gordy Soltau has served as a gracious ambassador for the San Francisco 49ers,” 49ers owner John York said in a statement. “I consider myself very lucky to have developed a close relationship with Gordy, having come to know him as a true gentleman and consummate family man.”
Prior to his induction into the 49ers Hall of Fame, Soltau regaled reporters with stories of his playing days, highlighted by a 44-17 win on Oct. 28, 1951 over the Los Angeles Rams.
“When we played the Rams, it was always a big rivalry. I got pretty lucky against the Rams,” Soltau said then. “I beat them a couple with kicks, and a couple with touchdown catches. Then one game in Kezar, I scored (26) points against them. They never forgave me for that.”
Those 26 points (thee touchdowns, a field goal, five point-after kicks) stood as the team’s single-game record for 39 years until it was broken by Jerry Rice. The 49ers’ opponent at home this Sunday: the Rams.
“It's ironic that the 49ers are playing the Rams this week on Alumni Day,” Mark Soltau said. “They were his biggest rival -- he hated the horns on the Ram helmets and had many of his best games against them.”
Drafted out of Minnesota by the Green Bay Packers with the 30th pick in 1950, Soltau got dealt to the Cleveland Browns, where coach Paul Brown told him he could be a backup or get moved to the 49ers.
“We had great fan support,” Gordy Soltau recalled in 2012. “Kezar Stadium was maybe not the most comfortable stadium from a spectator point of view, but it was a good place to play. The playing field was usually a wreck by the time we played on it, because all the high schools had played there. The field got all torn up between the hashmarks, and you were playing in the dirt, but you didn’t mind it.”
Soltau became an advocate for players’ rights in his 49ers tenure, helping secure pensions and exhibition-season pay. He went on to work in broadcasting for CBS television and 49ers radio broadcasts. He also worked more than 40 years in the printing industry.
A native of Duluth, Minn., he was an original Navy Forgman, served in the Office of Strategist Services during World War II, and later became an honorary member of the Green Berets.
“As a link to the early years of our proud franchise, he possessed a selfless nature that was evident both on the field and through his military service to our country,” York added in his statement.
“I started playing football when I was a little kid, and that was long before Pop Warner, and we played what we called sandlot football,” Soltau said. “Sometimes you had a football, sometimes you didn’t, but you still played. Somebody had to kick, so I said I’d do it, and I kept doing it.”
Soltau was a long-time supporter of youth sports and the Boy Scouts, and he was a member of The Guardsman, The Family Club, The Olympic Club, Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club, and Menlo Country Club.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons Mark and John; daughter Jill; daughter-in-laws Sarah and Valerie; and granddaughters Susie and Shelby. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the San Francisco 49ers Foundation or the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.
Faster-than-ever Bowman clocks 40 in ‘4.5 range’
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Based on NaVorro Bowman's recent time in the 40-yard dash, the 49ers' rehabbing All-Pro linebacker may be back on the field sooner than later...
Jim Harbaugh on Vance McDonald: “We’d like to get him the ball more.”
Monday, October 27, 2014
SANTA CLARA — Here is the transcript of Jim Harbaugh’s Monday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers’ P.R. department.
You come back to some team photos. Why so late? Do you always take team photos this time of year?“It varies. It was a good day, good day. Got good practice in today, good meetings, good start to the week.”You had DL Glenn Dorsey back today and RB Marcus Lattimore as well? What was their participation levels?“We activated Glenn’s window. Marcus Lattimore, we’ll open his window on WednesdayWhy the delay for Marcus? “It’s a 21-day window and feel like 21 days went in on a game day and during his three weeks after we play a ballgame we’ll be able to evaluate better on a Mondayand a Tuesday that roster spot, that was the thinking.”
How did Glenn do out there today?
“Today? Participated in individuals. Conditioning was really good. We’ll ramp it up more as the week goes on.”
Do you have any idea kind of when LB NaVorro Bowman might be back in this three-week window?
“No.”
Was C Marcus Martin one of the guys who stuck around during the bye week?
“Yeah, I saw him here on Tuesday, Wednesday.”
What kinds of things did he work on when he was here?
“Met with coach [49ers offensive line coach Mike] Solari.”
And was LB Patrick Willis able to practice today?
“He did individual, limited in practice.”
And G Mike Iupati?
“Yeah, he’s been fully cleared and he practiced.”
Is NaVorro making some progress that gives you any encouraging signs?
“Yes, he’s definitely making progress.”
What is he able to do?
“He’s running. He’s doing some lateral cutting. He’s progressing. Nothing to report today about a time table.”
Have you heard anything from the NFL about LB Aldon Smith and when he might be, or if he could be, reinstated before the nine-week suspension?
“No.”
And CB Chris Cook was placed on IR. What’s the extent of that injury? Is it the hamstring?
“It was a hamstring, but pulled some bone off. So, he’s going to be out for the season.”
How does that impact your cornerback and special teams units?
“It impacts it and we’ve added [S] Bubba Ventrone and we’re still one spot that’s open.”
Is that an injury that they can surgically fix in the hamstring or is that something that just lay off, rest?
“No, it’s surgery. Had surgery last Friday.”
Last week you said the coaches were going to come in and do work. What part of that was looking over the first seven games and things where the team can improve and what part of just looking forward to game planning for the next opponent?
“We did both those things. Looked at what we’d done up to this point through seven games and what we’ve done well, what we can improve. And also game planning our next opponent.”
How was CB Chris Cook playing in your view and will be he be hard to replace?
“I thought he was playing well, proving himself. Doing a very good job.”
Will he be hard to replace?
“Yeah. You don’t ever want to lose a player to injury for the season. There’s going to have to be other players that step up, fill the role on special teams and in the secondary.”
CB Chris Culliver and DB Jimmie Ward practice today?
“Yes.”
Just individuals or did they participate fully?
“Chris was full. Jimmie was a little more limited.”
With the trade deadline coming up tomorrow, do you expect anything to happen as far as the 49ers are concerned?
“I don’t expect anything to happen.”
Was Marcus Martin out there with the first-team group?
“Yes.”
How’s he looking? I know it’s just one practice, but, in command?
“Yeah. That’s a pretty good way to say it. He was impressive today. Feel good about what he’s done leading up to now, the position he’s put himself in. As we’ve talked about before, he’s been very good in the classroom and he’s able to carry that onto the field. Good. Look forward to more practices.”
Is it too early to get too excited about some of these reinforcements, some of these guys getting healthy? There’s still a little bit of a window, right? You probably aren’t penciling them in yet or are you?
“No. There’s the window to open up practice and get back into, let the instincts be honed and their reactions, et cetera. There will be a process there.”
You talked in the past about the jump guys can make from year one to year two can be dramatic. Where’s TE Vance McDonald at in that year two jump. Has he made that jump, I guess, is what I’m asking?
“Yeah. He’s doing a very good job. Really pleased with the way he’s blocking. We’d like to get him the ball more. But, I feel good about Vance.”
You talked about getting him the ball more. Has he shown he can be a reliable pass catcher in your eyes?
“Yes. He’s proven himself.”
Back to Aldon. You said you haven’t heard anything from the league. Do you expect if he’s going to be activated this week at all that the suspension is going to get lifted, will that happen in the next day or two?
“I’ve heard a lot of the speculation and you’ve asked me the question several times and I’ve answered it as I know it. I don’t know anything about any ‘early’ speculation. Don’t know what more I can say to add to that. Really nothing.”
You talk about Marcus Martin being impressive. He’s only 20, which is pretty young for the NFL. Are there any signs he’s shown that he’s younger than the average rookie?
“Younger than the average rookie?”
Well he’s 20.
“Yeah, just his age, I would say is the only thing.”
Has he shown you anything that makes him seem older than the average rookie in terms of what he’s doing out there to impress you?
“Well, yeah, there’s things that we’ve talked about. I think he’s a very bright guy. He’s very mature. He’s champing at the bit to play and he’s shown that through the anxiousness to get back on the field and study habits. So, it’s been good. I’m excited for him to compete.”
Will you activate or open Bowman or TE Garrett Celek’s window this week too?
“Don’t anticipate doing that this week.”
For either one of those guys?
“Celek. Garrett Celek.”
How about DT Kaleb Ramsey?
“Again, the ones we’ve activated, opened up this week is Glenn Dorsey today and we’ll do Marcus Lattimore’s, open his window on Wednesday and he’ll participateon Wednesday.”
What are you curious to see about Marcus over these next three weeks?
“I’ve been watching him off to the side and I’m excited to watch him out there playing football again. We saw some of it in the offseason, but I think he’s further ahead from where he was two, three, four months ago and excited to see that progress on the field. I’m looking forward to it.”
You guys don’t have live tackling drills or anything like that during practice. How will you sort of assess that part of his game? It’s a missing element of his game at this point, contact and how he handles that.
“Yeah, I think we can give a little extra contact when we have the pads on for Marcus. Pass protection, sled, hitting sleds and maybe thudding up a little bit extra outside of the normal practice drills.”
Spread ‘em: 49ers’ identity expands beyond their running game
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Coach Jim Harbaugh said his staff would self scout over the bye week. What they likely already know before the start of the process was the abundance of offense produced by their spread attack. With Frank Gore and Bruce Miller off the field in their four-receiver offense that includes, tight end Vernon Davis, the 49ers
Idle 49ers don’t gain ground in NFC West standings
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Late heroics Sunday boosted the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks to victory while the idle 49ers failed to gain ground in the NFC West, other than on the last-place St. Louis Rams.
The Cardinals (6-2) hold a two-game lead atop the division after rallying for a 24-20 win over the visiting Philadelphia Eagles.
The Seahawks (4-3) moved into a second-place tie with the 49ers by producing a last-minute touchdown in a 13-9 victory over the host Carolina Panthers.
Rounding out Sunday's NFC West action was the St. Louis Rams' 34-7 loss at Kansas City.
The injury-ravaged Rams (2-5) are the 49ers' next opponent, Sunday, at Levi's Stadium.
The 49ers are 1-1-1 coming off their regular-season byes under coach Jim Harbaugh, and all those games came at home: 2011 win over the Browns (20-10), 2012 tie with the Rams (24-24) and 2013 loss to the Panthers (10-9). In postseason action, the 49ers are 2-0 after drawing byes in the wild-card rounds in the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
49ers LB Lemonier could draw trade interest
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Outside linebacker Corey Lemonier, a third-round pick last year, lost his job after three weeks this season as the team’s nickel pass-rush specialist.
And he will probably not be among the team’s active game-day 46 when the NFL reinstates Aldon Smith, which could happen as early as Monday if the league determines his behavior has been good enough during his suspension to warrant a reduction of his original nine-game suspension.
With the NFL trade deadline approaching on Tuesday, Lemonier becomes the most likely trade possibility for the 49ers, according to a source.
49ers place Kilgore, Cook on IR; re-sign Ventrone
Sunday, October 26, 2014
As expected, the 49ers placed center Daniel Kilgore on season-ending injured reserve Saturday after he sustained a broken ankle in a loss at Denver on Oct. 19.
DeBartolo eliminated from 2015 Hall of Fame consideration
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo was eliminated Wednesday from consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2015.
DeBartolo, a three-time Hall of Fame finalist, was not included as one of two individuals selected as part of the new “contributors” classification for enshrinement. Longtime NFL general managers, Bill Polian and Ron Wolf, were selected as contributor finalists by the Hall of Fame’s contributor committee that met in Washington, D.C.
The 49ers won five Super Bowls under DeBartolo's ownership, but his reign ended in controversy. After DeBartolo pleaded guilty to a felony, failure to report a 1997 extortion attempt stemming from his attempt to acquire a riverboat gambling license in Louisiana, then-NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue suspended him for a year. DeBartolo never regained control of the 49ers.
Decked out: Suiting up the San Francisco 49ers
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
There are a lot of people behind the scenes whose work directly affects the 49ers success on the field, probably none more than equipment manager Steve Urbaniak.
For the last 12 years, Urbaniak, his two full-time assistants and three interns have outfitted the players, coaches and staff in whatever they need for rain, snow or shine. And I mean whatever they need.
If Urbaniak cannot find something a player or coach wants to feel at his best on the field, he will create it. From sewing a custom hoodie for former head coach Mike Singletary (he preferred the sleeves shortened and a zipper added in front) to cutting holes in Frank Gore’s cleats, Urbaniak gets it done
Miller’s evolving role on 49ers, glue-like relationships
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
In the four years that Bruce Miller has been with the 49ers, there isn’t one time where I have approached him with a question that he has turned me down, or any member of the media that I know of for that matter. After the worst losses or the best wins, Miller will always spare a minute.
His affable nature is as easy to recognize as his thick mop of red hair.
More snaps for Stevie? Johnson has made case for larger role
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
In retrospect, the question sounds silly: Will 49ers wide receiver Stevie Johnson make the 53-man roster?
That was posed to Jim Harbaugh on Aug. 25, five days before final roster cuts, and it seemed like a legitimate query.
Johnson, after all, had been sidelined by a hamstring injury in the spring and his summer included a nondescript training camp and two catches for 11 yards in the preseason. In addition, he was scheduled to earn $3.925 million, was coming off an injury plagued season with the Bills, who – perhaps tellingly? – had traded him to the 49ers in May for a conditional fourth-round pick.
Finally, he was part of a crowded wide receiver corps that included Anquan Boldin, Michael Crabtree and Brandon Lloyd, which further fueled speculation he could be a salary-cap casualty.
Thus, the question: Does Johnson have a spot secured on the team?
49ers bye-week recap: Willis defensive MVP
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
If your only exposure to the 49ers’ defense was Sunday night against the Denver Broncos, you’re going to have a difficult time believing the tone of this bye-week recap.
On face value, the 49ers have been exceptional on defense through seven games – even with the disaster in Denver.
But when you factor into the equation how they have coped with the absences of top-level players during that time, it’s even more impressive.
Lattimore’s long road nears promising landmark with 49ers
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Marcus Lattimore sat in front of his locker stall at Levi’s Stadium, packing for the team’s trip to Denver on Friday.
As he spoke about his immediate future, Lattimore’s demeanor was even more positive than usual.
“As you know, it’s been a long road,” he told CSNBayArea.com.
When the 49ers return from the bye week, Lattimore will be cleared to practice from the non-football injury list, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh told Lattimore and the media nearly two weeks ago.
Harbaugh expects most of injured players back in time for Rams game
Monday, October 20, 2014
Coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday that he is hopeful of having back most of his injured players in time for the 49ers next game.
That list doesn’t include starting center Daniel Kilgore, who is scheduled for surgery Tuesday on his broken left leg and headed for season-ending injured reserve.
Kilgore suffered a fractured lower left leg in the third quarter of Sunday night’s blowout loss to the Denver Broncos.
“He was disappointed,” Harbaugh said of Kilgore. “He played well in the game. So, it’s an obstacle to overcome, and he’s made of the right stuff. There’s no doubt that he’ll overcome it.”
Rookie Marcus Martin is going to get the “first shot” at replacing Kilgore in the starting lineup, Harbaugh said.
Martin just completed his first week of full practice after he returned from a knee injury that he suffered in an exhibition game. With the 49ers on their bye week, Martin has until the Rams game Nov. 2 to get in shape and show that he’s the best option.
“He’s excelled at the mental aspects, before and after he was injured,” Harbaugh said of Martin, who was a third-round draft pick out of Southern California. “I’ve been impressed with that.”
Kilgore was in his first year as the 49ers starter. He replaced departed veteran Jonathan Goodwin. He started the first six games and acquitted himself well, Harbaugh said.
“He’s been playing really well, better and better every week,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll say a prayer and hope the surgery goes real well.”
Kilgore’s injury appears to be similar to one suffered by 49ers defensive tackle Ian Williams last season.
Williams suffered a broken left ankle against the Seattle Seahawks in the second game, missed the rest of the season and needed four surgeries before his ankle healed properly. Williams is back at full strength now.
Harbaugh said he expects back a slew of players who missed the Broncos game. Chief among them, linebacker Patrick Willis, left guard Mike Iupati, cornerback Chris Culliver and safety Jimmie Ward.
-- ProFootballTalk.com reported Sunday that the NFL could reduce linebacker Aldon Smith’s suspension due to good behavior. Smith on Aug. 29 was suspended nine games for violations of the league’s substance-abuse and personal-conduct policies.
“I saw that report,” Harbaugh said, “and I don’t know anything about it.”
Harbaugh did say that Smith has been “excelling” in his community service and doing “very well” when he’s around the team’s year-round facility.
Smith is permitted to work out at the 49ers facility. However, he is not allowed to take part in practices.
He is allowed to rejoin the team’s 53-man roster Nov. 10, one day after the 49ers play the New Orleans Saints. The first game after his potential return is Nov. 16, against the New York Giants.
-- Harbaugh gave his players the whole week off. Players are required to receive four days off during the bye week as set forth by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Harbaugh said he and his coaches will stick around the facility this week so that they can get a jump on preparing for the Rams and other upcoming opponents and to do some self-scouting.
-- Watching the video from the Broncos loss didn’t do anything to change Harbaugh’s opinion about how things unfolded.
“It happens to everybody,” Harbaugh said of the one-sided loss. “Not what you want to have happen. Understand that the opponent played extremely well. And then, where can we learn? Where can we learn and what can we learn from?”
Harbaugh said he felt as if the 49ers played the Broncos to a draw on special teams. It was all Broncos otherwise.
“Offense, defense, the Broncos did better things,” Harbaugh said. “They outplayed us.”
-- There were some positives that came from Sunday’s game, Harbaugh said.
For instance, rookies such as linebackers Chris Borland and Aaron Lynch, wide receiver Bruce Ellington and cornerback Dontae Johnson got some “valuable experience.”
Borland made his first NFL start in place of Willis, Lynch notched a sack of Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and Ellington scored his first touchdown.
Snap count: Despite limited action, Johnson produces like a starter
Monday, October 20, 2014
Wide receiver Stevie Johnson, who is fourth in line for playing time on the 49ers’ offense, continues to produce like a starter.
Despite seeing action on just 25 snaps in the 49ers’ 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos, Johnson caught five of the seven passes thrown his way for a team-high 79 yards and a touchdown.
Johnson has just 7 fewer receiving yards than Michael Crabtree on the season.
Johnson has 25 catches for 315 yards and three touchdowns while playing just 153 snaps through seven games.
Notes: Daniel Kilgore fractures lower leg; cornerbacks shuffled; Ellington scores first TD
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Center Daniel Kilgore sustained a fracture to his lower left leg in the third quarter, when linebacker Brandon Marshall rolled into Kilgore’s leg while tackling Frank Gore. Kilgore was expected to fly home with the team.
“It’s always tragic to lose a player,” quarterback Colin Kaepernick said. “Hopefully it’s not something that’s season ending.”
Rookie Dillon Farrell initially replaced Kilgore, and although Joe Looney had a stint at center on a failed fourth-quarter series, Farrell finished out the game snapping the ball to backup Blaine Gabbert.
Another option to replace Kilgore is third-round draft pick Marcus Martin, who recently resumed practicing after an exhibition-season knee injury.
Looney had started at left guard in place of Mike Iupati, who hasn’t been cleared from Monday night’s concussion. Right tackle Anthony Davis made his second start of the season, returning from a two-game absence caused by a sprained knee and ankle in Week 4 against the Eagles.
-- While Tramaine Brock returned for the first time since the season opener, cornerback Chris Culliver and nickel back Jimmie Ward were sidelined by injuries. Culliver did not practice Friday because of a hamstring injury, and he was limited the preceding two days by a shoulder injury. He had started every game this season in his return from a 2013 knee injury. Ward missed his first game because of a quadriceps strain suffered in Monday night’s win at St. Louis.
Perrish Cox, who had replaced Brock at left cornerback, remained at left cornerback while Brock started on the shifted over to start in Culliver's place on the right side. Rookie Donte Johnson was the third cornerback in on passing downs.
Chris Cook, the fourth cornerback, came out in the second half with a hamstring strain. He said afterward it shouldn't be a long-term issue.
-- Blaine Gabbert's last-minute touchdown pass to rookie Bruce Ellington helped the 49ers avoid their most lopsided loss since 2009 (45-10 to the Atlanta Falcons). The 20-yard completion marked Ellington's first career touchdown, and it was the first Gabbert has thrown in his first action as a 49er.
-- Phil Dawson became the 17th player in NFL history to make 350 field goals, doing so on a 22-yard effort in the second quarter. Dawson missed a 51-yard field-goal attempt wide left in the first quarter, ending a streak of 10 consecutive successful kicks. His other two missed field goals this season also came on the road, at Dallas and Arizona.
-- Aaron Lynch’s first career sack resulted in a 7-yard drop of Manning to end the first quarter. Lynch later drew a headbutt penalty on Manning’s record-setting touchdown drive before halftime.
-- Linebacker Patrick Willis (toe) missed his first game of the season, and taking his spot in the lineup was rookie Chris Borland, who got his first career sack when Manning got tripped by a lineman. Willis expects to play Nov. 2 against St. Louis when the 49ers return from next weekend’s bye.
-- This was the third straight game the 49ers have allowed an opening-series touchdown to their opponent.
-- Ronnie Hillman cappted the Broncos’ scoring by rushing for two touchdowns in the third quarter. He started in place of the inactive Montee Ball (groin).
-- The 49ers fell to 25-12 following a Monday night win. The last time the 49ers won back-to-back games on “Monday Night Football” and “Sunday Night Football) was 2001 (vs. the Jets and at the Panthers).
49ers re-sign Ventrone; Willis, Ward and Iupati not practicing
Friday, October 17, 2014
The 49ers signed special-teamer Bubba Ventrone on Friday. In a corresponding move, quarterback Josh Johnson got released to free up a spot for Ventrone on the 53-man roster.
It's all part of the shell game by the 49ers to, in essence, go with a 54-man roster. They simply let Johnson practice with the scout team all week, then release him once the main practices are done and then bring back Ventrone or another special-teams player who doesn't need much, if any, practice time.
In other news, linebacker Patrick Willis (toe), defensive back Jimmie Ward (quadriceps) and left guard Mike Iupati (concussion) aren't participating in the early portion of practice, which the media are allowed to watch.
None of those three practiced Wednesday or Thursday. Therefore, it's doubtful that any of them will play Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Iupati still has to pass all the tests required of players who suffer concussions before he is cleared to practice and play in a game.
Right offensive tackle Anthony Davis (knee, ankle), wide receiver Stevie Johnson (hip) and cornerback Tramaine Brock (toe) are in uniform and practicing for a third straigth day. They were limited Wednesday and Thursday.
The status of the aforementioned players for Sunday's game will be known later this afternoon, once coach Jim Harbaugh speaks with the media and the 49ers release their official injury report.
Banged-up 49ers cornerbacks prepare for Manning
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Guard Mike Iupati did not practice, but he walked out to the 49ers’ practice field to observe as he continues to go through the NFL concussion protocol.
While Iupati appears to have a strong chance of playing Sunday against the Denver Broncos if he does not have a setback, linebacker Patrick Willis (toe) and defensive back Jimmie Ward (quadricep) are not expected to be available.
Broncos’ Thomas learned art of route-running from Lloyd
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Demaryius Thomas and Brandon Lloyd were teammates in Denver in 2010 and 2011. The mentor and pupil will be opponents on Sunday in Denver...
Greg Roman on Peyton Manning: “I think his body of work speaks for itself. I don’t know if I have the verbose to do it justice.”
Thursday, October 16, 2014
“Afternoon. Getting ready to play a really good football team, a team that we have a lot of respect for. Looking at their defense, it really starts on both edges with [Broncos LB] Von Miller and [Broncos DE] DeMarcus Ware, do a very good job there, run and pass. [Broncos DT Sylvester] Williams, [Broncos NT Terrance] Knighton and [Broncos DE Derek] Wolfe inside really do a good job. Knighton is about as big and strong a nose guard as you’ll find and Wolfe’s a very active guy. [Broncos LB Brandon] Marshall and [Broncos LB Nate] Irving at the inside-backer position. And then when you’re looking at their secondary with [Broncos CB Chris] Harris [Jr.] and [Broncos CB Aqib] Talib, and then [Broncos S] T.J. Ward and [Broncos S Rahim] Moore at safety, they’ve got a very good defense. They’re very well coached and looking forward to the opportunity. Had a great day yesterday and looking to have one today. Any questions?”
It looked during the Rams game like TE Vernon Davis wasn’t quite 100 percent yet. How does he look this week versus last week?
“I think he looks really good this week.”
He’s more closer to his old self?
“Yeah. I would say so.”
The last two weeks T Joe Staley’s had two pretty tough assignments. How has he lived up to those?
“Done really well. Pitched a shutout last week against a very, very good player. But, Joe’s very consistant.”
Where is T Anthony Davis as far as his return?
“Well, still day-to-day. Really nothing to report.”
What do you think’s helped you improve on third down this year, being in the top-five?
“I think it starts with the players and really the execution. I think [QB] Colin [Kaepernick] has taken another year, another step forward and we’ve got some guys out there that are really getting open, making plays. Our protection was not where we wanted it there here and there. I think it would even be better. I think it’s getting there. But, third and six-plus in the NFL is as much about protection as anything nowadays. Really, all those factors, all those factors. When you look, the ball’s getting spread around pretty evenly there and you try to create that conflict for the defense, you know? They can’t just double these two guys and feel good about it. It’s a great thing.”
Are pass-defenses opening up a little bit more for you guys because of the threat that Colin has to run?
“It depends. Yes and no. Yes and no.”
When you’re calling a designed run play for him, there are so many different scenarios what he will do and take off with it. Are you just kind of as curious as anybody to see what’s going to unfold there?
“On a design run play?”
Yeah. Or you know what’s supposed to happen. OK so an improvised play?
“An improvisation play? Those are great, love those. Yeah, I mean, designed run play is just like any run play. And then there’s times and certain players have had that characteristic throughout the years where you call a pass play and everybody gets covered, it’s man-coverage or whatnot and the quarterback just takes off. I remember when I was in Carolina, [former 49ers QB] Steve Young used to frustrate the heck out of us at times.”
I know that you’re the one that put together the film of WR Brandon Lloyd outside the numbers. But, were even you surprised that he was able to pull away from Rams CB Janoris Jenkins on the sideline on Monday?
“I was not surprised. I was very happy though that he did. It was a great play by him, great route. It was a double-move and it’s something we thought about calling earlier and it’s kind of sitting there and you’re wanting to call it and we called it. All double-moves aren’t the same. I thought it was a really, really good route by him. Great throw, great protection and that was a big tipping point in that game.”
He was the primary receiver on that play?
“I think so. I think so based on what we knew going into the game.”
Were you following him on high at that point and were you anticipating that throw?
“A little bit, just based on the coverage that they were playing in that situation. And, you just hope the corner bites.”
I was going to ask you, it seemed like given the situation, less than 30 seconds before half, the cornerback shouldn’t bite. Did you see something on film that suggested that was a possibility?
“I have no comment on that, but you’re right.”
How about WR Michael Crabtree’s touchdown? What did he do well on that route to get open? It looked like he had a couple moves up at the top.
“It was a great route. It was a great route, really sudden. Really took it to the post and then back to the corner and then really stuck it hard and really, really got that corner spun around. But, it was textbook really. It was a great route. Cover-zero. We talked about that last week, those guys loading up to stop the run.”
Do you put together a script of how many plays to start the game like former NFL head coach Bill Walsh did back in the day?
“Yeah, definitely there’s a script. But, there’s times when we get different responses from the defense. Say we’re playing the Broncos and they play five different teams and we’re looking at that film. First we’ve got to gauge how important, how relevant each film is, what can you take from that film. If they’re playing the Patriots for example, maybe a little bit different style of offense so they’re going to defend them differently. Maybe that film is not quite as relevant as another team might be. So, we tend to get some different responses from teams than we’ve seen previously on film at times. So, you’ve got to be ready to just bounce around a little bit.”
So you don’t have a, it’s based on you have the preparation, the sheet in front of you of what you would call all things being equal, but then make adjustments early on?
“Oh yeah. Very early at times and at times no adjustments. At times, you’re straight through. When you make adjustments, you’ve got to communicate it amongst the coaches to the players so everybody’s on the same page. It’s not just like, ‘Hey, we’re making adjustments, bam.’ There’s some things you can do with that, with things that you do that are so well known to you and your players, but if you have to really flip the script, really like to preview that with the players before you spring it on them.”
And you have a set number of plays that you script?
“Yeah, there’s a good number. A good number.”
Is it the same number every week?
“Not really.”
And then do you script again at halftime?
“There’s a loose script, yeah, but each week it’s a little bit different because some game you go into and you say, ‘Well, they’ve shown this on tape, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they did this.’ So, you kind of have that contingency plan going, but you don’t want to muddy your players’ minds with that type of stuff.”
For instance, if you went into that Rams game and thought, ‘We’re going to run the ball, we’re going to run the ball,’ and then you see nine in the box early on–?
“Did you see that too?” [Laughter]
Does it make you go, ‘OK, I guess we’re not going to run the ball.’?
“I don’t know. I don’t know how to answer that without divulging strategic tendencies. You’ve just got to go in and do the best you can, put the players in the best position and respond. When you’re getting extreme type of things from teams, you try to respond accordingly. But, there’s times where you just want to keep setting the hook too, keep setting the bait.”
It seems like Von Miller is an elite talent in the sense that he’s one of the league’s best pass rushers and he’s very good against the run too. When you watch the tape, what stands out to you about Von Miller?
“High motor, number one. Athletic as all get out, really great change of direction. Got a great spin move inside. Can run the rim on the hoop really well. Dip, get low and run and trim the fat, as they say, on the edge. So, he’s a really good player against the run and pass.”
It seems TE Vance McDonald is still kind of finding his way. Is that accurate or how would assess his progress here in his second year?
“He’s doing a good job. He had a play the other night he’d like to take back, but he had a lot of good ones too. Good player and the play the other night, just good play to learn from.”
What happened on that one play when he and Vernon collided? Was there, at some point does someone have to flash up the yield sign and–?
“Yeah, it was two guys trying really hard to help the team win and just got in each other’s way. Easily correctable.”
You’ve got a quarterback who’s good at escaping the pass rush and he’s got a really strong arm. That’s usually been a formula for a lot of deep, downfield passes. You see Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger doing that all the time. That 80-yarder was the longest of his career. You just haven’t seen a lot of that from Kaepernick. Is that a matter of personnel? He just hasn’t had the guys to go downfield for him? Why hasn’t that been a bigger part of his routine?
“He’s won a lot of football games, so that’s what we gauge the quarterback on. We really want to attack the defense short, intermediate and deep. So, I think that’s something to be excited about moving forward.”
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was saying he’d known Broncos QB Peyton Manning since forever and early on it was obvious because everyone knows how much he loves football, what a junkie he is. When you met with him in 2012, did that come across just in talking with him?
“Oh yeah, without question. Sorry to cut you off there. But, I see where you’re going and yeah, he’s great to talk football with. I think his body of work speaks for itself. I don’t know if I have the verbose to do it justice.”
Vic Fangio on Peyton Manning: “I’ve known him since he was a teenager.”
Thursday, October 16, 2014
SANTA CLARA — Here’s a transcript of Vic Fangio’s Thursday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers’ P.R. department.
In defending Denver Broncos TE Julius Thomas, how much, obviously the linebackers often will cover tight ends, but how much of that’s going to fall on your safeties to help out in coverage there?
“Well, it’ll be a mix. When you get a tight end like him, some people think you’re crazy if you don’t put a DB on him. Then the next guy will think you’re crazy because of the size mismatch if you don’t have a linebacker on him. That’s what these good tight ends do. They cause you problems. So, it’ll be a mix of who’s on him for us.”
Obviously, LB Chris Borland is 5-11 and doesn’t have the longest arms in the world. Is that something that you can steer away from? Try to make it so that he’s not in coverage on Julius Thomas or another tight end?
“You can a little bit but, ultimately, you got to play your package, you know? If you start tinkering here and there to cover up somebody’s perceived deficiencies that just leads to problems other places, too. You got to be able to play.”
How does he do in practice when he’s against TE Vernon Davis or TE Vance McDonald and guys like that?
“He’s done well in practice against Vance, for sure. I don’t remember him a whole lot against Vernon. I can’t remember that far back.”
Your defense doubled its sack total last week. What do you think contributed to that?
“I don’t know. It just happens sometimes. We had been playing pretty good defense and had very few sacks. And now, we got a game where we had five, could’ve had more. Had one taken away. I don’t know. Guys just rushed a little better.”
How did CB Tramaine Brock look in practice yesterday?
“He did fine. I think he’ll be anxious to see how he does today. I think the day after, sometimes, is more telling than the first day, so, we’ll see.”
If he makes it through this week healthy, he’ll be up?
“We haven’t decided that yet. We’ll have to see what his level of health is and then go from there.”
Your other cornerbacks showed up on the injury report yesterday, too. Are you –
“Who’s that?”
CB Perrish Cox, CB Chris Culliver, CB Chris Cook, DB Jimmie Ward. Everybody but CB Dontae Johnson. Nothing serious?
“Well, Ward’s is the most serious of all those guys.”
But in terms of the other guys, you’re not too concerned about their –
“No. They’re dinged but everybody’s dinged to some point at this stage.”
Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning said he enjoyed talking ball with you when you were in Indianapolis with him. What did you glean from that experience with him that we don’t see from the outside?
“Well, I’ve known him since he was a teenager, a young guy back in New Orleans. His [former Saints quarterback Archie Manning] Dad was involved with the Saints and Peyton used to come around to our practices. Back in those days, there were no OTAs. If you had guys around, you maybe have a little skelly. And some of the times, he was a freshman and sophomore in high school, he came over and quarterbacked in those. So, I’ve known him a long time. And then when I got with him in Indianapolis, which was his second year in the league, he would spend a lot of time at the facility. I’m talking day and night. Many times, I’d walk by the film room where he was watching tape, he’d pull me in and ask me what the defense was doing here, why they’re doing this or he’d come in my office and ask me. We would always have football conversations. He loves football. He really does. He’s 38-years-old, I think, am I right when I say that? Thirty-eight and he still loves the game, loves playing, loves preparing. I’m sure he’s studying just as he always has. He’s a true football junkie.”
When he was in high school, did you think that he would be an NFL quarterback?
“Well, you knew he had talent. To foresee NFL, Hall of Fame career that he’s had, at that stage may be a little farfetched, but you knew the guy was talented. You knew he had the right makeup to be a special player. He did it throughout his high school career, college and has continued it to the pros.”
You’re saying he actually threw passes in sort of the spring drills that you guys had with the Saints?
“Yes.”
So, he would run scout team-type offense?
“I said, now, there were no formal practices back then. OTAs did not exist. It might be 10, 15 guys hanging around. We’d have a little playground-type skelly. Not an OTA that you’re thinking that we have.”
What were your recollections of 17-year-old Peyton Manning?
“He was younger than that then but go ahead.”
Well, how old was he?
“I’d say 14, 15. You just knew that he loved football. He was thrilled to be there with some other NFL players, but yet he was focused on the task at hand and he wanted to throw the ball good.”
Since you’ve now game planned against him and his offenses, he’s known for obviously having pretty good football intellect, is that a neat challenge for you more so than others?
“Well, it’s always challenging when you go against him because he is very, very smart. He does a good job before the ball is snapped at figuring out what the defense is trying to do and it helps him play at a more efficient, faster level. And he’s probably the best at that.”
Did you go back and watch the Super Bowl to see what the Seattle Seahawks did and what –
“No. I didn’t. I saw the Super Bowl in the offseason. That was just kind of one of those games.”
What stands out about their run game?
“Well, they’re committed to it. They will run the ball a fair amount of times. They’re running the ball out of all their formations. Peyton enjoys calling running plays. If he thinks you’re light, he likes to call the running play if he thinks you’re playing too much to the pass. He’ll do that freely and easily and enjoys doing it. If you’re not good against the run, you’ll get a steady dose of it. Last week, that really helped them turn their game around against the Jets. They started running the ball well.”
The way the schedule worked out with the Monday Night road game followed by another road game, are you taking it a little easier in practice with the guys this week or doing anything differently just to get them off their feet?
“Well, yesterday’s practice was significantly shorter than a normal Wednesday and the tempo was down a little bit. And todays’ will be a little bit shorter. So, yeah, we’re trying to grab a little extra rest time. And the guys that played a significant amount of plays in the game on Monday night didn’t practice as much yesterday, which was a good chance for the backups to get some good reps.”
Did DT Ray McDonald have his best game of the season last week?
“He played good. He’s played pretty good all year. Maybe he did. It’d be hard for me to answer that definitively, but he did play good.”
Someone, I forget who, suggested recently that one of Manning’s strengths is the way he uses the play clock. Do you agree with that? And what is he doing by kind of manipulating the play clock like he does?
“Well, they basically have their huddle at the line of scrimmage and they present a formation fairly early. Gives him more time to look at you and try and figure out what you’re in.”
How do you counter that?
“Don’t show him what we’re in.”
Is their no-huddle similar to, I guess, past teams like old school Cincinnati Bengals, old school Buffalo Bills?
“I’d say more similar to the Bills back in the day.”
In that they’re kind of huddling up at the –
“At the line. But the Bills would even be a little bit faster. But these guys have it in their repertoire to speed it up occasionally. Yeah, it’s slow, it’s slow, it’s slow, but then they’ll go fast a little bit if they think you’re kind of getting into the groove to their tempo. So, you always got to be alert.”
Is it possible to still substitute against that?
“Yes, but you got to know when and you got to be crisp with it.”
Is there a common thread the last two games? The teams have scored early. Is there a common thread to those early drives? Is it them adjusting to you or maybe you guys not executing as well as you would like in the early going?
“Well, last week, we had a good first down. We had a good second down and then we badly misplayed the third-down play that got out of there for 39 yards. And then we had a sack, which would’ve created third-and-14 or 15, I believe, and we had a hands-to-the-face penalty. It was more our doing than them taking it to us, per say. It was kind of self-inflicted. And then they played good, too, the rest of the drive. You keep giving them those chances.”
You said you can’t show Peyton Manning what you’re going to do pre-snap. How difficult is it to disguise coverage for someone’s who’s seen every disguise?
“It’s difficult at times but you just have to be an emphasis not to give it to him.”
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