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Willis: “It’s not good enough just to make it to the NFC Championship. We want to win it all.”

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

SANTA CLARA – This is the transcript of Patrick Willis’ Wednesday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers.

 

When you put on the game film of the Falcons, what’s the first thing that jumps out at you?

“They’ve got a good quarterback, a real good quarterback. The team, they’re fundamentally sound, have some great skill players. I feel like they have a complete offense.”

 

Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez caught that key pass on Sunday. How much does Falcons QB Matt Ryan look to Gonzalez in those types of situations?

“He looks for him a lot. Gonzalez is a guy who’s played this game for a long time, who’s been consistently good, one of the best tight ends to ever play. He’s still playing at a high level and he’s making big plays for them.”

 

What stands out about him? You’ve faced some of the best tight ends in the league, how does he differentiate himself from those guys?

“The thing that those guys once told me when I first got here, they say it’s all good and dandy when you come in, you can run as fast as fastest and move as quick as the quickest. But they told me the older you get the more you have to have it up here and I didn’t understand that as much then as I do now and Tony Gonzalez is a guy who plays by that. He may not be as fast as he once used to be but he’s really crafty and he knows how to get open.”

 

How comforting was it to have DT Justin Smith back in the game last week, just in the huddle seeing him, that presence he provides?

“It was amazing. I’m glad we had that bye week in order to get him that much healthier, just to have him out there. He’s a big part of our defense and like I said before, anytime we can have all starting 11 guys out there, that breeds confidence in the defense, it breeds confidence in one another.”

 

Does he have a Baltimore Ravens LB Ray Lewis type of role where he inspires guys, his presence, just in the huddle, the way he plays, just that effort?

“I don’t like comparing guys to one another. But Justin is his own guy. He is what he is to us. He’s a guy that’s going to come out there and give it everything he’s got on every play and that’s what we love about him. We’re just glad to have him back in there.”

 

Did he pick up right where he left off, in terms of occupying blockers for you to get in there to make tackles?

“Anytime he’s out there you have to account for him. You have to almost put two guys on him because if you don’t, that’s a chance he has to win and even when you’re putting two guys on him he still can have a chance to win. So anytime you have a guy of that magnitude, it’s great to have him out there.”

 

You were the guy that got after Packers QB Aaron Rodgers a lot last weekend, is that going to be a key against Matt Ryan? Getting pressure on the quarterback?

“There’s no doubt, we most certainly have to get pressure on Matt Ryan. But as we’ve done all year long, the last two seasons, our front four guys, when it’s time to get after the quarterback those guys do a great job of running the stunts they run and gaming and whatnot. It’s going to be up to them for the most part to really get after him. When coach calls for a five man pressure then we will, but for the most part we really going to count on those guys to get after him and we’re going to be in coverage. Like I said, they have some good skill guys that we have to account for.”

 

How was the experience of being in the NFC Championship Game last year helped prepare you and being ready this year?

“Really it’s just the experience, just knowing that this opportunity is rare, it doesn’t come around often. Although we were here last year, the prior, four years before that we were at home those other times, we didn’t make the playoffs. So just to have this opportunity again and to be here, it’s one of those things we don’t take for granted. We know that window for chances like this is slim and we have to take advantage of the opportunity.”

 

Back in training camp or maybe even last year, when you’re defense had to go against QB Colin Kaepernick, what sort of challenges, how frustrating could that be or was it a good learning experience for you guys as a defense?

“When we went against him in training camp and he was running scout team, he never really did the things that you see him do on our offensive side. It was more so for the teams that we would play, which was to drop back. Every now and then he would kind of scramble, for the most part he was looking to get back there and throw the passes that we were needing to get the looks on. Just to see him in practice, seeing the way that he moves in practice and then just to see him in the game it’s almost like he’s getting faster in the game, which I guess is what it tends to be most of the time.”

 

Is that what makes him stand out, just that speed? We saw him run away from the Packers over and over last week.

“He can throw the ball, too, has a strong arm. That’s something that makes him that much more valuable as a quarterback, not only can he run but he can throw as well. Anytime you have that kind of threat at the quarterback position, it makes it tough for a defense. I know it makes the team get better, the offensive line continue to get block for him. Just to see our offense and to see the things they did last game and all season long, I’m glad to have our offense at the point they’re at now and I just hope they turn it up even more this Sunday.”

 

When they’re scoring 30-40 points, what does that do for you guys?

“Anytime your offense can get out there and put up points, it allows the defense to go out there and just play. You don’t really think a whole lot, you’re not really trying to sit back on your heels and think you can’t mistake here and give up something because our offense isn’t doing anything. Anytime your offense can put up those kind of points, it allows the defense to just go out there and play.”

 

Head coach Jim Harbaugh talked about it feels like everyone on this team has something to prove. What do you feel like you have to prove and maybe what does this team have to prove, being back here for the second year in a row?“

For myself, really just to go out there and just play, to play at a high level and turn it up that much more. I never feel like I’ve played my best football. Even when you go back and see the game, or even after the game when people pat you on the back and say you’ve done a great job, you notice those one or two plays out there you wish you could get back that maybe they don’t know so much of what you did wrong. But us as a team, really, it’s just like I said before, being in this situation and really just bringing it home. It’s not good enough just to make the playoffs. It’s not good enough just to make it to the NFC Championship. We want to win it all. That’s what we’ll be remembered by the most, is being able to go to that Super Bowl and win it. But it starts this Sunday, winning this game to have the opportunity to go there. Just winning, winning it all.”

 

When you came here as a pup, Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan was the head coach. What are your memories of what you learned or got from him during your time when he was here as your coach?

“I was telling somebody the other day, I think I was doing an interview and someone was asking me that question about coach Nolan. As a young one, as a rookie, I didn’t really get a chance to talk to him that much. It was more so my position coach [Vikings special assistant to head coach/linebackers coach Mike] Singletary. As a youngster, for me, I didn’t feel like I had to much to say to the head coach. It was like what am I going to talk to him about? For the most part, I didn’t really have that kind of relationship with him as you would think, but he’s a good guy. Just to see what he’s done for that Atlanta Falcons defense, they’re playing great football as well. They have a great defense down there so he’s doing something really well down there. Like I said, I don’t remember too much about that.”

 

Will you go over and say anything to him before the game?

“If I see him, I’ll shake his hand. Like I said before, I’ll be forever grateful for that coaching staff who drafted me and all those who had a hand in bringing me here. It was a dream come true for me and probably one of those dreams that I never thought would have happened because like I said before, I grew up a Cowboys fan and didn’t like the San Francisco 49ers for nothing. But now that’s what I bleed, that’s what I sleep, that’s what I eat. This is my home.”

 

This year there has been an emphasis of trying to avoid helmet to helmet contact. You’re known as one of the better tacklers in the league, but you’ve managed to somehow avoid those kind of penalties. Have you had to adjust your technique? Is it harder? Tell me about that, how you’ve been able to do that?

“That’s a sensitive subject when it comes to me. I love to play this game and I always wanted to play this game, play defense for the simple fact that you can hit and you could just let loose and for the most part not get penalized on the way that you go after somebody and tackle them. Now, you really have to be conscientiousness of it, but for the most part I can’t say what I would or wouldn’t do. I always want to play within the rules, do what I’m supposed to do. I’m not going to lie to you, if I could ever get those zero-in shots like our safeties get sometimes, like some other guys get, I can’t see how I wouldn’t. A lot of times I’m having to chase, having to breakdown, outmaneuver a fast guy who’s trying to juke you out so I never get that chance to hit straight on. I always say, just play football and whatever happens, happens. At the end of the day, it’s us against them, us against them meaning the offense and we’re trying to keep them from getting yards, first downs, or even an opportunity to win the game if they get a first down. We just have to go out there and play defense and whatever happens, happens.”

 

Have you consciously had to think about that?

“Not really. I’m telling you, if I could think that fast going to hit. Honestly I think it’s almost impossible sometimes to be going that fast and have a guy coming that fast at you, to be able to say I’m going to adjust. A lot of times when you do stuff like that, you tend to hurt yourself. So for me, I’m going to hit. Like I said, I hope it’s within the rules, if I ever get flagged I never mean to do it intentionally. My job is to go make tackles and however I do that, whatever needs to be done, that’s what I’m going to do.”

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Harbaugh: “I think Colin does a great job of continuing in his humility.”

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

SANTA CLARA – This is the transcript of Jim Harbaugh’s Wednesday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers.

 

A week ago at this time you made an observation about the early stages of the game planning, guys were soaking it in. Do you have any observations like that this week?

“Yeah, it’s been good. We’re working through the dynamic of playing the Falcons. And so far so good.”

 

When you were talking about that, that was QB Colin Kaepernick specifically. Was that a reference to the read option that he was really picking up that part of it? Or was it the whole picture?

“The whole picture as it stood at that point.”

 

After the game on Saturday night, you remarked about Colin’s ability to bounce back after the interception, and how rare it was to have a quarterback come back with touchdown drives. What do you attribute that to, a few days later, the way he’s done this all season long?

“I think what I’m referring to there is that as a quarterback and you throw an interception in a game, there’s just a tendency the next time to double check things. You’re double checking then double checking. And that’s not the way to do it. That’s not the way you want to do it. So, you want him to be trusting what he sees and cut it lose. And I think he’s shown a rare ability to not do that, to not have to double check.”

 

Do you coach that, or is that coachable? Or is that just something within a guy?

“I don’t know for sure.”

 

Is that his desire to make a bounce-back play? Or just to forget the previous play all together?

“I’m not making any statement like I know how to do it, or not do it. I’m just observing that he seems to have a rare ability to bounce back.”

 

You didn’t have to coach him through that Saturday night?

“No.”

 

A lot of attention is suddenly on Colin, cover of Sports Illustrated, TV guy. Do you think that will affect him at all?

“No and you don’t want it to. And just for our whole team in general, we feel good about what we’ve accomplished, but that doesn’t change what we need to accomplish. It’s like Tim [Kawakami] winning the California Sports Writer of the Year Award. It’s a nice award. You put it up on your wall. It says something nice about Tim. But, doesn’t affect what he has to do next, right? He’s got to win the next game. So, that’s where we stand. Our job is to win the next game.”

 

Do quarterbacks have to handle that media attention differently though?

“No, I don’t see why they would have to handle it differently. Than who?

 

The other players. Obviously they are the leader of the offense, the leader of the team?

“No, I don’t think.”

 

And you’re happy with the way Colin is handling his attention especially this week?

“Yes. I think Colin does a great job of continuing in his humility.”

 

I can’t help but notice the similarities between the 49ers and where the Falcons were a year ago. Or, sorry excuse me, backwards. Where the Falcons are right now, where the 49ers were a year ago. A 13-3 team, nobody really expected them to win their divisional playoff. From having been in this situation, what’s dangerous about a team like the Falcons?

“Well, there’s no team you’re going to play at this point that’s not dangerous. So, you could talk a lot about how good the Falcons are. Why they are where they are. But, it’s pretty thorough, offensively, defensively, special teams, coaching, talent.”

 

I don’t know if you’ve seen the Falcons penalty numbers. You probably have. But, they’re kind of amazingly low for penalties and yardage. I was just wondering what you think that says about them as a team. If you can make any generalizations when you see that?

“The generalization would be it’s a well-coached, disciplined football team.”

 

The flipside of that is you guys for all your success this year, you have had some penalties. Is that just a byproduct of aggressive play and something you can live with, or have there been times when you’re not happy with the number of penalties?

“No, I’m never happy with penalties.”

 

Did you say something to Colin about his taunting penalty the other night?

“To Colin specifically? No, I didn’t talk to Colin about that. Well, yeah we did have a discussion. We did have a discussion.”

 

What was your feeling about that?

“That it was, in my opinion, it was a ticky tack. Didn’t see it as a taunting penalty.”

 

Did DT Justin Smith, a couple days from the game now, is he close to 100 percent? Was there any backsliding because of going through the game, or is he just fine?

“I don’t know about 100 percent, or 90 percent, or 95 percent. But, somewhere in there.”

 

He didn’t have any step back because he was in there?

“No, he said he felt good the next day. He was in a great mood and ate a real big lunch. And was real upbeat the day after the game.”

 

If you could characterize one thing that’s different about this year’s team heading into the title game versus last year’s team, what would that be?

“I can’t think of what that would be.”

 

With all the cover of the magazines and everybody now calling you guys the Super Bowl favorite, do you have to ward off Freddie P. Soft a little bit? Or is this team not letting that affect them at all?

“We have to understand that the next game is the most important game on the schedule. And doesn’t affect, if people are saying good things about you, what you need to do. So, our advice has always been if people are saying nice things about you, kick them in the shins and get back to work.”

 

Are you uncomfortable that people are saying nice things?

“Comfort or uncomfort is not a word you really use in football.”

 

What word would you use?

“Determined, focused on what we need to do to make our meetings the best of the season today. To make our practice the best Wednesday practice all season. That’ll be our hope. That’ll be our expectation.”

 

You guys are 1-2 in domes. I know it’s different quarterbacks, different situations. Does that stat meaningful going into the Georgia Dome?

“Yeah, I think the wins, the losses statistic is the most important one, the most meaningful one.”

 

Were there issues with the dome in particular in those two losses?

“There are definitely things we’re working on to try and improve to be a better team in that regard. So, hopefully we can be better this time than we were the last and learn from what mistakes that we did make.”

 

Talk about the noise issue with the calls?

“Yes, just different issues. You’re always striving to get one percent better anywhere you can. And I think that’s a place that we are concentrating on.”

 

The Falcons did a good job of shutting down Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch. Is there anything about their run defense from Sunday that stuck out to you?

“Yeah, it was very effective. I thought they had an outstanding plan. Probably won’t go into it much more than that.”

 

The way they defended the Seattle TE Zach Miller seemed to have a lot of opportunities in that game for Seattle. Do you see possible similar opportunities for TE Vernon Davis and TE Delanie Walker in this game? Or is it completely different styles of offense?

“I see opportunities if we play well and we prepare well. But, as to what we think will work or won’t work, we would be foolish to talk about that.”

 

Colin’s acknowledged having a chip on his shoulder dating back to high school and the draft. Did you notice that during your draft process when you talked to him up in Reno, that this guy felt like he had something to prove?

“I didn’t notice any chip on his shoulder, no.”

 

Do you like that in him? Do you like that quality in him that he has “against all odds” (tattooed) on his chest, he feels like he has something to prove?

“I notice that with all our players, that they have something to prove. And we feel that way as a team. I’m not making any chip on any shoulder analogy. Just a desire to improve, desire to get better and be the best possible player you can be. Or the best possible team you can be. That’s what I notice.”

 

Is that part of the little plaquards above everybody’s locker with their high school ranking and all that? What was the purpose of that?

“Well, everything doesn’t need a purpose. It was a fun thing. Justin, myself, [DT] Ricky Jean [Francois], and [RB] Frank [Gore] were having a meal and just started talking about high school recruitment and stars and what they weighed at that time. And [DT] Ray McDonald was in there as well and then one of the fellows pulled up a picture of the scout of I think it was Ray. And from there that was born the idea let’s do one for everybody.”

 

Do you have one for yourself?

“They didn’t have the internet back in 1982 that I’m aware of. But, yeah I think just as far as what it means, that means something different to the beholder that’s looking at it. To me, as I look through every single picture of every single guy, I was moved by the eyes. It’s always in the eyes. They’re cheerful and undefeated. And it was nice to put those photos up.”

 

How many stars for you?

“Again, I think in my day I was a fantastic player. But, for some reason just people couldn’t see it. The college scouts and the scribes and pundits just for some reason did not see it.”

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49ers list 14 on injury report; Staley not one of them

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

The three players wearing black jerseys today – cornerback Tarell Brown, fullback Bruce Miller and linebacker Aldon Smith – were listed as limited participants on the 49ers’ practice participation chart.…

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Remember when: Harbaugh reminds players where they came from

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Anytime a 49ers player stands at his locker this week, he comes face-to-face with his former self. Posted above every player’s locker is a placard with their high school…

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Justin Smith: 49ers were giddy last year, all business this year

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Last year at this time, there was a giddy feeling in the locker room. The team had just beaten the Saints in dramatic fashion, and the 49ers suddenly and…

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Comparing Frank Gore, LaMichael James and Kendall Hunter

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

I found some interesting stats on the 49ers’ running backs I’d like to share with you.

According to Pro Football Focus, LaMichael James is averaging 3.37 yards after contact per attempt (14th in the NFL), has forced five missed tackles, and has a 56.2 “elusive rating,” 25th in the NFL.

Keep in mind, James has rushed just 27 times (for 125 yards) and caught just 3 passes (for 29 yards), so this is a small sample size. But his numbers are very good.

Let’s compare them to Kendall Hunters’ 2012 numbers. He rushed 72 times for 371 yards and caught 9 passes for 60 yards. According to Pro Football Focus, Hunter averaged 2.82 yards after contact per attempt (34th in the NFL), forced 11 missed tackles and had a 38.3 elusive rating, 45th in the NFL.

Frank Gore is averaging 2.63 yards after contact per attempt (48th in the NFL), has forced 11 missed tackles, and has a 37.6 elusive rating – 47th in the NFL.

What do you make of these numbers? Should James get more touches?

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Nolan on Kaepernick: He’s a game-wrecker

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan today said that he thought Colin Kaepernick was more like Carolina’s Cam Newton than the quarterback Atlanta faced – and struggled with – on…

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Dilfer: “What do you load up to stop when you’re playing the 49ers right now with Colin?”

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Trent Dilfer spoke on KNBR Tuesday morning. Here’s what he said.

Q: What did you think of the 49ers victory over the Packers?

DILFER: I’ve never been happier to be wrong than I was this weekend. Man, I was really scared for the Niners. I just didn’t know if they had an answer for Aaron Rodgers, I didn’t know how Kap would respond. I’m not one of these guys that thinks he has all the answers. I was just fired up to be wrong and that the Niners got the win.

Q: What were you thinking when Kaepernick threw the pick-six?

DILFER: I was looking to see how he responds. From what I know about him, and I don’t know Colin really well, but I a lot about him from people who know him well that he’s got that no-flinch mentality. That’s the first thing I thought when he threw that pick. That’s the challenge of this position is, you’re going to make mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes. Brady makes mistakes, Manning makes mistakes, Rodgers makes mistakes. It’s what you do after the mistake. It’s how you respond.

I said, ‘OK, is he going to go into a shell, be safe because he’s got a good team or does he stay aggressive, does he keep trying to make plays, does he stay poised and play within the disciplines of the position?’ He had a couple of rocky throws there for a little while, but the play where he scrambles to his left and hits Frank Gore down the sideline, Frank’s kind of running an out route and Woodson has him and Frank makes that nice move and goes vertical, and Colin just flicks the ball running to his left, after he’s thrown an interception running to his left. That was kind of the signature play for me because it told me that he was playing free and fast at that point, that he wasn’t playing gun shy, that he had exorcised the demons of the first interception, and  then the rest is history from there. Then he just single-handedly dominated the rest of that game.

Q: Were you more dazzled by the read option runs, the scramble runs or the passes he threw?

DILFER: The passes and the vertical climbs on third down when he scrambles. I’m not trying to be all nerdy techie here. We’ve had athletic quarterbacks for a long time. He is not the fastest guy that’s ever played in the NFL. Guys haven’t been successful long term with his skill set because they try to run before they pass. Steve Young articulates this better than anybody because he’s the pioneer of it.

Colin was taking his drop, he was looking for the first receiver, he was looking for the second receiver and as he was doing that, he’s climbing vertically in the pocket. And then when he decides to be a runner, he’s unstoppable because of his physicality. But he’s first starting with the passing.

As I’m watching those third downs in the first half I’m like wow, there are going to be some big time throws available later in this game. When you press the line of scrimmage from the pocket, that secondary and that first level of linebackers they’re like, ‘Oh no, not this again,’ and they start coming up. And now you’re going to get those deep crosses open, those seams open, those out routes open. That’s what Colin was able to do in the second half, just knife the defense with these throws. The touchdown pass to Crabtree was obviously a sick throw. The seam to Vernon Davis might have been the best of the weekend anyone made. But there were a couple of out routes where he throws them on time, he locates them well, he throws it over one defender and between the next. He really showed the full arsenal of quarterback skills. I was just blown away by the whole thing.

Q: Can the Falcons defense defend Colin Kaepernick and that arsenal you mentioned?

DILFER: It’s going to be tough to play balanced. Mike Nolan, he’s a defensive play caller who relies heavily on defensive play calling. What I mean by that is he just doesn’t line up and play you. He is dialing up defenses to take away something. He wants to take away your fastball. The problem with playing Colin that way is what is the fastball right now? Is it the zone read? Is it the vertical passing game? Is it the drop-back game? Let’s not forget about one of the best running backs in football and the best offensive line in football just hammering at you straight ahead with Frank Gore. What do you load up to stop when you’re playing the Niners right now with Colin? It’s kind of showing how smart Jim was for making this decision that many of us questioned because it’s added an element to this offense that you just don’t know how to defend it, because you don’t know what the starting point is.

This is a physical mismatch. The 49ers are superior almost in almost every aspect of this matchup. Then you add the scheme into it, with the Niners’ ability and all the dimensions they have offensively. This is a great challenge for the Falcons, but they continue to overcome all these challenges. That’s the only x factor in this game. The Falcons kind of have this mojo, this intangible quality right now to win games they shouldn’t win. You just never know how it’s going to play out.

Q: Are the Falcons thinking they’ve got to put some licks on Kaepernick, get him scared?

DILFER: That’s what they’ll be saying, but I’ve stood next to Colin. Good luck with that. The dude’s a beast. I don’t think he’s real scared of getting hit, by the way. I don’t think he has a whole lot of flinch in him.

This is going to be difficult for some people to understand unless you’ve played. Talent is a huge part of it, don’t get me wrong. Physicality, talent, matchups, depth of roster – I don’t ever want to discount that. Trent Baalke’s built the most talented roster in the NFL, the best roster in the NFL. Like I said, they have a physical dominance to them.

Confidence and that bunker mentality sometimes is bigger than the talent gap. If you have that bunker mentality – dig yourself out of a hole, us against the world – and you have supreme confidence, that to me is greater than talent. And if I had any hesitation if I was on the 49ers right now, it would be that the Falcons are hearing that you have no chance, you’re a four-point home dog, this team’s going to squish you, going to roll over you. And they’re sitting there going yeah, that’s what everybody says about us. But we believe in ourselves.

Q: Do you think this is a think Falcons team or do you think they deserve more respect than they’re getting?

DILFER: They have some holes. They have all year. That’s why people have called them the paper mache champion this year. There are some holes there, but they make up for them with different qualities. The offensive line isn’t very physical. Their defensive front can be thin. There’s gaps in the defense. A lot of different things. But one thing they do is, they score points, they come up with big stops and they tend to play their best football at the end of games in one-score games and that’s typically a formula for great teams.

Q: Matt Ryan is 34-6 at home in his career. Tony Gonzalez said Julio Jones and Roddy White could be better than Jerry Rice and John Taylor. Is that what’s best about the Falcons, Ryan and his receivers?

DILFER: I’m never going to say anybody could be better than Jerry Rice. I won’t do that. I’m not making that mistake, especially on Bay Area radio. They are as talented two receivers as we’ve seen in a long time, especially Julio Jones. Roddy is a very good player, I’m not knocking Roddy at all. Excellent player. Julio Jones is uniquely gifted and supremely confident as a competitor. He has all the traits you’re looking for in a big-time receiver and creates fear in the hearts of defenses, I guarantee you. Right now, the 49ers are going, ‘Holy smokes, what do we do about this guy?’ And then Tony works so well in space, maybe the best tight end ever. Roddy is dangerous. Matty Ice is making decisions like Brady and Manning. He reads defenses mail so quick. Just brilliant with his reads, and playing so decisively and playing aggressively.

This Falcons offense has more dimensions than it’s ever had before. Dirk Koetter, their offensive coordinator, has done a great job in protecting this offensive line. It’s more of an athletic, lateral offensive line at time. So they developed an outside stretch run game with Jacquizz Rodgers. They have a great screen game that you have to defend, so they’re putting linebacker in conflict all the time. They run the screens with the backs AND the receivers and the tight end.

The vertical passing game is really what I have my eye on in this game. You can play great defense, stop everything and win the x’s and o’s battle but you can give up like four, five or six big plays in the passing game and it negates everything you did on defense. You can defend Julio Jones perfectly and he can go up and snatch one out of the air. NaVorro can have tight coverage on Tony Gonzalez and he’ll go up and one-hand stab it for a big third down conversion.  Roddy White can toe-touch on the boundary a corner route to convert a third-and-14 with tight coverage by Culliver. You can do it perfect on defense and still get beat by the Falcons. Sometimes I call it playing beyong the x’s and o’s – when you win the x’s and o’s battle but you still lose the play. That’s what the Falcons can do to you. It is a scary team for the Niners to be playing for that reason.

The Niners have one flaw that is kind of strength, too – they have the best linebackers in football and they play 90 percent of the snaps. Sometimes when you’re so good, you become overly-predictable. The offense knows where you’re going to line up and they know where you’re going to be on the field, so they can throw some bells and whistles at you to give you some bad matchups. Like the James Jones touchdown the other night. They put the 49ers in a bind by putting Jones inside by the tackle. They put base personnel on the field and they got Jones matched up on a linebacker. I think the 49ers have to be careful. They’ve got to add one more wrinkle to the defensive game plan, show something the Falcons haven’t seen before so that they don’t play with so much confidence knowing where they’re going to line up.

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Whitner on the 49ers’ offense: “Trick ‘em, and then we’re going to go deep on you. I like it.”

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Donte Whitner spoke at his locker Tuesday morning. This is what he said about defending the 49ers’ offense.

Q: How tough is it for a defense to defend the 49ers’ read option?

WHITNER: It’s tough for everybody on a defense to be disciplined with their eyes, especially safeties and cornerbacks. It’s tough. If you get your eyes out of position one time and take a false step, it could be a big play. That’s what they’ve been doing. They’ve been taking advantage of that, and hopefully it continues.

Q: Can you blitz that scheme?

WHITNER: I don’t really know if there are too many coordinators around the league right now who really know how to stop it yet. When you watch Washington, you see guys out of position. When you watch our offense now, you see guys out of position based on where the football is and where the football is and where their eyes are. Everybody has a key on the play, and when you don’t read that, you move your eyes one second and you can be beat. And that’s what these offenses do. It’s really a “trick-‘em” type of type of offense. It’s trick ‘em, and then we’re going deep on you. I like it.

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Whitner on the Falcons’ offense: “When they come in the middle of the field, we’re going to be extremely physical.”

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

SANTA CLARA — Donte Whitner held court at his locker Tuesday morning. Here’s what he said about the Atlanta Falcons’ offense.

Q: You guys have had success against the best quarterbacks – Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Drew Brees. How will translate against Matt Ryan and the unique challenges he presents?

WHITNER: First and foremost, when you play the top quarterbacks in the league, you have to understand that pre-snap is everything to them. If you show them what they want, then they’ll give you what they want, and that’s a big play. If you have a bunch of guys who are conscious of that, then you can disguise and play with the quarterback and not give them what they want. They have to take a couple of seconds longer after the snap, and by that time the pass rush is there. That’s how rushing and coverage go hand in hand. As far as us, we do those things, so that’s why we have success against them.

Q: Is Matt Ryan a top quarterback?

WHITNER: Being a top pick, having to deal with the pressures of leading his team, coming back at the end of football games – I would say yes. Now, it hasn’t really translated to wins in the playoffs I would say yet. But he is up there with the top of the National Football League, he needs these next two games to prove it and we need these two games to prove that we are who we say we are.

Q: What challenges do the Falcons receivers present your secondary?

WHITNER: All big guys. Whenever you play big guys, the quarterback’s going to throw the ball up and they’re going to go get it. They’ll go over the middle. They’re not afraid. They can break tackles. And if you miss tackles against bigger guys that can take it to the house, then they probably will take it to the house. They have two special talents at wide receiver, and that’s why they’re having the success that they’ve had.

Q: Tony Gonzalez is not much of a blocking tight end anymore.  Does that work in your favor?

WHITNER: Sometimes it can give things away for them. Mainly if they don’t feel he can handle our defensive ends or outside linebackers, probably they’ll just run away from him or slide the protection to him to help him pass block. If he’s not inside the formation it’s probably all pass. We get keys based on things like that. We’ll watch the film and see. But as far as getting vertical and making plays, he can still do it with the best of them. He had an excellent touchdown catch last week. So him working the middle of the field, Julio Jones, Roddy White working outside, they make it tough on teams but we feel like we match up well with them.

Q: Roddy White rarely drops the ball. How do you defend a receiver like him?

WHITNER: Our corners do a good job not allowing receivers past them on double moves. And then when they come in the middle of the field, we’re going to be extremely physical. That’s another dynamic that’s added to the game, it’s a mental thing and physical. It can change a lot of things out there. We plan on being physical.

Q: How has their running game improved the last few weeks?

WHITNER: They’ve really improved. That’s why they’re in the NFC Championship game. Early in the season I know there were questions about their run game and if they could run the ball in crunch time. They’ve been doing a good job the last couple of weeks. Turner is a unique runner. He’s very squatty, low center of gravity, really tough to bring down. Similar to Marshawn Lynch. So we’re going to have to gang tackle him. We’re going to have to know where he is and when he has the football and get him on the ground and not allow him to run and get those extra yards.

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Alex Smith: No beef with Mike Nolan

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Alex Smith says he has no resentment toward the coach that drafted him, Mike Nolan. Nolan, of course, is now running the Falcons’ defense, and he’s a candidate for…

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Golden boys: Kaepernick, Harbaugh make SI cover

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Captain Comeback and Kaptain Bounceback are on the regional cover of Sports Illustrated this week. It’s the first time the 49ers have made the magazine’s famous cover since ……

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Brent Jones says the 49ers will eat the Falcons alive

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Brent Jones spoke on KNBR Monday afternoon. This is what he said about the 49ers’ upcoming matchup against the Falcons.

Q: Are you worried about the Falcons?

BRENT JONES: “I am feeling very confident. The Falcons are paper falcons. Let’s call them that. I think physically, the 49ers are going to intimidate.  I don’t think it’s going to be close in the physical matchup.

“I think as far as mental toughness, they’re not there. They’re not at the same level as the 49ers. They’re mentally weaker. They tried like heck to give that game (against the Seahawks) away. The Seahawks drove the ball up and down the field on those guys and should have hammered them. I don’t think the Falcons are going to be able to handle the 49ers’ swagger, the attack. I just think physically they’re not there.

“Now, I will say this about their offense. Matt Ryan – I cannot believe he made that throw, up by a couple of touchdowns into double coverage (for an interception). What was he thinking? Your whole career to this point has been defined by not being able to make that smart decision when you have to, or not being able to win it – Tony Romo-esque. And then Ryan makes that throw and I’m like, are you kidding me? Come on! Man, they tried to lose it.

“People are saying this win will give the Falcons confidence and they’re off the schneid – no it didn’t. The 49ers are going to come in and eat them alive in my opinion.

“Now, crowd noise, Julio Jones, Roddy White – those guys are legit. You’re going to have to stop Michael Turner. He looks better than he has in a while I though. I saw him running a little bit more downhill than I’ve seen him.

“But I’ll bet on our defense. I think our defense played well against the Packers.

“I think the 49ers would trade the home game with Seattle to go play Atlanta. I think that they think they’re going to match up much better with Atlanta. The Seattle game would have been a slugfest. I know it would have been at home, but that’s a crapshoot.

“This one – money in the bank. Locking it up on Monday.”

Q: Straight up or will you give the four-and-a-half points?

BRENT JONES: “I’ll give eight points. The momentum is there. They are playing with an intensity that I haven’t seen. We saw it for most of the Patriots game, and then we didn’t see it. The Seahawks game it wasn’t there. The Cardinals game it wasn’t there. That’s what I was waiting to see. The week off obviously served us well. It’s go time.”

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Roof overhead: 49ers readying for Georgia Dome noise

Monday, January 14, 2013

SANTA CLARA — Corral 70,000 people in a group just about anywhere and you can generate a lot of noise. Put a giant bowl over their heads and you might…

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Harbaugh on the Falcons: “They’re solid in every regard.”

Monday, January 14, 2013

SANTA CLARA – This is the transcript of Jim Harbaugh’s Monday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers.

 

How did DT Justin Smith make it through the game?

“Good. Played well. Came out of the game as clean as possible.”

 

And did you expect him to kind of pick up where he left off?

“It looked good in practice and the feedback that we were getting from him was positive.”

 

Was he on the field for just about every play? It looked that way. Do you know how many plays he was not on the field defensively?

“No, not exactly how many plays he wasn’t on the field. But, he was out there a good amount.”

 

When you look at the Atlanta Falcons, what do they do best that you have to counter?

“They had a great season, top seed. They’re coming off of a game that gives them a lot of momentum. But, they’re solid in every regard. Showed that they could run the ball against a very good run defense. And make a lot of plays on the perimeter with their receivers. Defensively, again they do a great job of coaching, scheming. A lot of looks. Special teams is solid. So, you get to this point you’re going to play a very good team.”

 

Did you talk to your brother or your dad yesterday?

“Yes.”

 

Everybody pretty excited?

“Yeah, everybody was really excited.”

 

What kind of, did you talk to both of them, or?

“Yeah.”

 

What did your dad have to say about two Harbaugh’s making the final four again?

“He was excited. They had one of those days where Indiana beat Minnesota in a big basketball game. And then they watched [Ravens head coach] John [Harbaugh]’s game, an exciting, winning, thrilling game for the Ravens. And then our game. So, my parents are in their 70’s. That’s a lot of excitement. That’s a lot of action. That’s like going back-to-back-to-back like three ‘24’ episodes in a row. It’s not easy.”

 

Will they travel this weekend?

“They haven’t said what they’re going to do this weekend.”

 

Your team has struggled a little bit in domes this season and in loud environments. What are you doing this week to prepare for the Georgia Dome?

“Important preparation again this week, studying for the test. We’ll have crowd noise. But, the big task will be the Atlanta Falcons and preparing for them.”

 

Any plans what you’re going to do with K Billy Cundiff this week? Is he still around?

“Yes.”

 

Will he be competing with K David Akers again? Or is David still your guy from here on out?

“Yeah, David’s our kicker.”

 

What did you make of the talent that you took over here two years ago? A lot of these guys have been here for a long time, your core group of guys. What were your thoughts on that group?

“It’s pretty well documented. It’s been a joy to work with these players. Any success that we have is driven by their efforts on the field.”

 

How much did the talent on the roster at that time when you were considering this position sway your decision? What percentage would you say seeing the talent that was already here you were coming into?

“My decision two years ago?”

 

Yeah.

“That was two years ago. I don’t see the relevance of that right now. Getting ready for this big game.”

 

The former coach who brought in a lot that talent will be on the Atlanta sideline.

“Yeah. I think that’s the relevant thing, is preparing for the Atlanta Falcons defense. They do an excellent job. And getting to know them, that’s where our focus is. We haven’t played them in the two years that we’ve been here. So, it’s a task and challenge to understand what they’re doing schematically.”

 

When you look at QB Colin Kaepernick’s skills as a quarterback and efficiency since he took up the job, how much does pure speed, how important is that at the quarterback position? He seemed to really show that, another gear on that 56-yard run.

“It’s an asset that he has, a talent. And he’s been able to use that in a number of ways.”

 

For many years, you just had this record game by a quarterback rushing, for many years in the NFL it was thought conventional wisdom was you couldn’t have a guy run the ball, quarterback run the ball that often, he’d get hurt or whatever. You obviously went the other direction and embraced that. What were the thought processes behind that? Why did you decide to do this?

“Do this? Quarterback-driven running plays? Is that what you’re talking about?”

 

Yeah, 14 carries for a quarterback is a lot in the NFL. And many years it was said you can’t do that because quarterbacks are too exposed that way. You’re not the only coach who has done that this year. But, what has changed in the NFL that this has occurred in general and specifically with your situation?

“I think quarterbacks that have a talent for running the ball can be very effective. That’s been long known in football, the National Football League as well. A quarterback that can get out of the pocket, run, pick up first downs, that’s a threat that the defense has to account for. There are some quarterback-driven runs that have been added because our quarterbacks are very good at those, and Colin especially It’s already noted that he’s very fast. He’s very good at reading and executing that type of offense. So, that’s the reason.”

 

On the theme of running quarterbacks, there’s been stories about how when you had Colts QB Andrew Luck already signed that you also were sort of recruiting Redskins QB Robert Griffin III to possibly have a two-quarterback system? I don’t if that you actually said that. Is that accurate, and do you think that could have worked out?

“It’s true that we recruited Robert Griffin, yeah.”

 

Did you have designs of possibly having a two quarterback system?

“Not necessarily, no. They would have competed for the job and the top player would have played. Again, this is like, is this relevant? It doesn’t seem relevant. Doesn’t seem relevant to what we’re trying to accomplish this week.”

 

If a reporter is writing about running quarterbacks, it could tie in.

“OK, well good luck with that story and good luck with that story.”

 

Thank you for your assistance.

“You’re welcome.”

 

Is it a concern that TE Delanie Walker seemed to drop a lot of passes over the second half of the season and on Saturday night?

“He’s caught a lot of passes, too. And it’s something that we’ll look at. I know Delanie will want to get on the jugs and make sure he’s catching those balls.”

 

Do some of those guys you think struggle with the velocity of Kap’s ball, as far as the adjustment of just?

“I know I do in the pregame. Got to wear gloves. Still drop a few. Ball gets on you real fast.”

 

Do you see the guys adjusting and getting better in that regard?

“I do. I definitely see the guys adjusting to Colin’s throws. And as you expect through repetition and practice that would occur. It’s been tremendous. [WR] Michael Crabtree, there’s a guy who, name a guy catches the ball better. All he does is continue to just catch and catch and catch and catch the ball, so a tremendous game by him once again. Colin has got the ability to put touch on the ball as well. You saw the ball that he threw to [RB] Frank Gore running to his left. Out of the pocket again he is a threat to run or throw at that point, but kept his eyes up the field and laid a feathered ball in there to Frank and that created a big play in the game. There were several throws – maybe to get off the running quarterback topic – just in terms of Colin throwing the ball. There were throws that were piercing once again in this game where he powered the ball through the defense. Thinking of throws to [WR] Randy [Moss] in the middle of the field, to [TE] Vernon Davis, 45-50 yards the ball is in the air, on a line, to a spot and heck of a grab by Vernon on that particular play. But, I think the theme of this last game, and we played extremely well, certainly not perfect, but it was a great team win for our team and many contributors when you look at what we did. Special teams wise the coverage was outstanding. [S] C.J. Spillman would be the highlighted guy, tackle inside the 11, fumble recovery. Tremendous effort by our group on special teams and defensively as well. To get stops against the Green Bay Packers, any stop, anywhere on the field is a great effort. But to get the turnover by [CB Tarell] T-Brown, [LB] Patrick Willis I thought had a heck of a game, we already noted Justin. Really great team defense, maybe not the highlight sticker that some of the offensive players got in this game but I thought they played really well as a unit.”

 

You were able to control Packers LB Clay Matthews and protect Colin, run the ball. Was this one of your offensive line’s better games or just a continuation of what you’ve been seeing most of the year?

“Well, I think [T] Joe Staley in particular and [G] Mike Iupati – Mike graded out the best game he’s had since we’ve been with him. So, tremendous game by Mike and Joe, both were playing great football. Then again, the offensive line is a unit, when you put in[C] Jonathan Goodwin and [G/T] Alex Boone, efforts of [T] Anthony Davis, to rush the ball for over 300 yards is about as good as you can do. Those guys really deserve a lot of credit up front. They’ve been healthy, they’ve played through nicks. Toughness is a talent. Just like running ability for a quarterback, toughness is a talent that our offensive line has shown that they have and they continue to do well. As a team we’ll plow ahead and get ready for this week.”

 

How is Staley’s arm? Do you have any update on that?

“No, haven’t talked to Joe today.”

 

Can you elaborate on the receivers that Atlanta has, Falcons WR Roddy White, Falcons WR Julio Jones and Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez and just what makes them challenging?

“Yeah, and Gonzalez. It’s a big task, it’s a big challenge when you look at the way – and it’s been designed that way by them and they’ve put together a tremendous receiving unit that you can’t pay too much attention to just one guy because several can hurt you. They’re good.”

 

It’s been a long time since the Niners have won a playoff road game, are you even aware of that streak?

“Yeah, I heard that people were saying that this week.”

 

You were the backup quarterback when they beat the Bears in 1989, their last win on the road. Any recollections from that game?

“Yeah, I remember Jerry Rice catching a ball down the Niners sideline. Cold as heck, we got whipped.”

 

You’re in rarified air here with back-to-back championship games. Are you going to bring in any guys from the past, maybe a Jerry Rice or anything? Just to talk about the legacy of this team in terms of the playoffs.

“That’s a possibility. Good suggestion. I think mainly we’re going to plow ahead. We’re going to continue our humility and work ethic and those will be the cornerstones of our preparation this week.”

 

You’re going to Atlanta on Friday?

“Yes.”

 

You had a close knit team last year, especially on defense. It seems like it’s even closer now and it’s gone over to the offense too, where guys just seem to gravitate toward each other more. Do you notice that or is that something I’m making up? What do you attribute that to?

“Thanks for noticing that. We want to be about that. But I don’t think it’s attributed to anything, I think it’s just who we are as a team, who our players are. It’s a talent and it’s character. I’ve always thought that about our team.”

 

How much of that comes from players recognizing that other players are quote unquote, there for them, sort of have their back and just realize that we’re all in this thing together and we’re doing OK?

“Yeah, I think that’s where it comes from. Being a great teammate, doing the best to your God-given ability each and every time is a great gift that you can give another man, to have his back. That’s a strong phrase, but I don’t think that’s just something our guys talk about, I think it’s who they are.”

 

Having their back, does that kind of go back to the core group of guys who were here when you got here and have been through a lot together and hadn’t gotten over that hump to be a winning team?

“Yeah I definitely think it goes back to the guys. It’s what it is, it’s the guys, it’s the ways. It’s the guys that you have, it’s the ways that you do things.”

 

You mentioned earlier that you struggled catching Colin’s passes pregame. Can you elaborate a little bit about what that’s like and is it comparable to any other quarterback you’ve caught passes from?

“I don’t know that I compare it really. I’m catching [QB] Alex’s [Smith] too and sometimes I’ll drop a Colin ball, I’ll drop an Alex ball and I beat myself up for dropping them. I try to go through every pregame without dropping a ball. I know [QB] Scott Tolzien’s over there counting them and he always gets a chuckle when I drop one. So just keep striving for perfection, but they make it difficult.”

 

How many drops did you have Saturday?

“How many drops Saturday? Two.”

 

One from each quarterback?

“I think I had one from each, yeah. I even dropped one from Scott. I come out and I catch for Alex in the pregame and dropped one from Scott. Three, correction. Stand corrected.”

 

I know you don’t like to compare, but this is your second straight year in the NFC title game, is it different this time? How much does it help to have played in that game last year and is this team different because it played in that game last year? Is this a different kind of feel coming into this game?

“The feel is what I said, that we are just going to plow ahead with our focus on studying for the test and then go out and compete like maniacs. We know it will be us against them, they’ll keep score. So as far as difference, no.”

 

Understood, maybe I’ll rephrase it. Are you better prepared to play this game this year because you played in that game last year?

“We’ll find that out on Sunday. Right now our focus and expectations are what I said they were.”

 

You faced the top five quarterbacks from last year to this year during the regular season. Does facing those types of quarterbacks help in any way to face QB Matt Ryan this Sunday or do you have to treat him differently as well?

“Everything that you’ve done prepares you for where you’re at and even playing in dome games. That gives some experience and definitely played a lot of top flight quarterbacks. Matt Ryan certainly is that, but at the same time we’ll treat it as preparation for the Atlanta Falcons.”

 

Jim, what does it say about your family that there’s two brothers who have coached teams to conference championship games two years in a row?

“I don’t know what it says. I’m proud of my brother and what he’s accomplished and proud of our guys for being in the position they’re in and ready to forge ahead.”

 

Rare position though two brothers, don’t you agree? It’s rare to have two brothers do that. I think we can probably count on one hand.

“Yeah, I don’t have that list.”

 

LB Aldon Smith, I think he hasn’t had a sack in four game. How much has the law of averages or do you see offenses doing things to move the quarterback away from him or add to the protection against him?

“Yeah, they’re definitely going to account for Aldon Smith.”

 

But more than you were seeing say the first half of this season when he was on quite a run of sacks?

“I can’t say that one way or the other.”

 

So do you have any explanation for…

“Why he hasn’t gotten a sack every single game or two sacks every single game? That’s really hard to do. He’s been effective. He’s playing effective and doing a heck of a job. That’s good and that’s what we want to do, we want to strive for perfection, keep chasing that. But you guys are good at pointing out every single spot that we haven’t quite gotten to that point.”

 

You mentioned Matt Ryan, what impresses you most about him?

“Just about everything. He’s a smart heady quarterback, one of the top in the league.”

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Harbaugh on Akers: ‘David’s our kicker’

Monday, January 14, 2013

SANTA CLARA — After holding off Billy Cundiff last week in a competition for kicking duties against the Packers, David Akers converted his lone field goal attempt in the 49ers’…

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Garcia on Kaepernick: “The kid just really believes in his abilities. He has tremendous abilities.”

Monday, January 14, 2013

Jeff Garcia spoke on 95.7 The Game Monday morning. Here’s what he said about Colin Kaepernick.

GARCIA: He looked outstanding. He did a great job. The kid is extremely athletic, but he just has that confidence, that swagger about him. I think that’s a major reason why Harbaugh went with Kaepernick when he did, because he saw that personality to him. The kid just really believes in his abilities. He has tremendous abilities. The players believe in him. They’ve rallied around him. And he went out there and he made plays.

Obviously he had the one hiccup early in the game, but he responded. He put it behind him. He moved forward and he was outstanding.

Q: What happened to the Green Bay defense?

GARCIA: Green Bay defensively hadn’t really been strong all year long. Obviously there were weaknesses in that defense. Come playoff time, you hope that you can fix certain things. But the 49ers truly did exploit them in many ways. And Kaepernick exploited them with that read option, reading that end at the line of scrimmage. They just were lost in trying to defend that.

The first touchdown that he ran for, the Packers were in man-to-man defense and they tried to bracket one of the players – that’s a lot like Cover 2 Man. A quarterback with running ability loves to see Cover 2 Man or some sort of bracket man because they don’t put anybody on the quarterback. And that’s exactly what happened. He took off on a 20-yard run to the end zone. It was a big play that sparked kind of everything that they had going at that time. And it didn’t stop.

Q: Does Atlanta have the tools to do any better against Kaepernick? They haven’t done well against quarterbacks who can run this year.

GARCIA: As we saw with Russell Wilson yesterday, he definitely was able to make some big time plays with his feet, whether it was running for yardage or getting outside the pocket and buying time and getting the ball down the field to his receivers to make plays – that’s something that Atlanta has shown to be vulnerable in that situation.

Obviously, they’re going to have somewhat of an equalizer with the hometown crowd, but Kaepernick and the Niners, they’ve been in that situation, they’ve been in that sort of hostile environment – going down to New Orleans. It’ll be a couple decibel points louder in Atlanta, but they’re capable of going in there and winning, especially with that defense.

That’s what it comes down to – they’re such a well-balanced team. You look at the 49ers – they’re strong on the defensive side of the ball. They hit you. They don’t miss tackles. They don’t have breakdowns in the secondary. They’re offensive line is so strong, so active. They run the ball well. They pound it at you. They have a real mix of things from a team standpoint that gives them an edge when they step on the field.

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Running story: Nolan’s Falcons have struggled with mobile quarterbacks

Sunday, January 13, 2013

The bad news for the 49ers and quarterback Colin Kaepernick: The Falcons have had good looks at mobile quarterbacks and the read option this season having played Carolina’s Cam…

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Michael Crabtree has arrived

Saturday, January 12, 2013

This is the opening for my Sunday sidebar on Michael Crabtree.

SAN FRANCISCO — This used to be Frank Gore’s offense. He’s still good — he rushed 22 times for 119 yards and a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers — but Saturday he wasn’t even the 49ers’ best running back. That was quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who rushed 16 times for 181 yards and two touchdowns.

Now, Gore is one of the many good complimentary players on the 49ers’ offense

And now, the main thrust of the 49ers’ offense is to get the ball to wide receiver Michael Crabtree.

To read the full article, click here.

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Kaepernick leaves Packers, rushing records in his dust

Saturday, January 12, 2013

SAN FRANCISCO – Colin Kaepernick left the Packers defense in his dust Saturday, and Michael Vick Roger Craig and several old rushing records were back there, too. The 49ers…

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Thirteen 49ers — including Justin Smith — listed as ‘probable’

Friday, January 11, 2013

Thirteen 49ers are on the team’s injury report as ‘probable’ for Saturday’s game, including defensive lineman Justin Smith and his tender triceps. Smith was a limited participant in all…

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DeBartolo gets another shot at reaching Hall of Fame

Friday, January 11, 2013

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again to get Eddie DeBartolo voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. That will be the challenge for some voters…

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Reunited? Alex Smith’s take on ‘head coach’ Greg Roman

Thursday, January 10, 2013

What would Alex Smith think about a reunion with head-coach Greg Roman? That possibility grew a bit stronger today, which was new Jaguars general manager David Caldwell’s first day…

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Harbaugh sticks with Akers for playoff opener

Thursday, January 10, 2013

David Akers, who is in the midst of the worst season of his 14-career, has held off Billy Cundiff to be the 49ers’ kicker on Saturday against Green Bay,…

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Away game: Cundiff said he’d treat Candlestick as if he were the visitor

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Billy Cundiff says he’ll treat Candlestick Park as if he’s the visiting kicker if he he’s tapped to kick field goals Saturday against the Packers. Cundiff never set foot…

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Crabtree: “I’ve got a chip on my shoulder right now.”

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

SANTA CLARA – Michael Crabtree spoke at his locker Wednesday afternoon. Here’s what he said.

Q: You struggled in the NFC Championship game last season. It seems like you’ve really blossomed this season. What do you attribute that to?

CRABTREE: It was last year. I don’t really know what happened. We talked about opportunities, I said something about that after the game last year, and I meant it. I’m a football player. This is what I do for a living. I love it. This year is different. I feel like all we have to do is go out there and do our jobs. We should be alright.

Q: Do you feel like this quarterback really looks for you?

CRABTREE: I wouldn’t put it like that. We’re making a lot of plays on Sundays. That’s just been the regular season. Last year we came up short. I’ve got a chip on my shoulder right now. I just can’t wait to get back out there. Big stage. Big game for us. I feel like we should do better than before.

Q: Do you feel more comfortable this time around?

CRABTREE: I wouldn’t say comfortable. I’d say anxious, ready to get out there and really play. I really don’t like talking about it.

Q: You talked about coming up short last year. How much did that drive you and your teammates in the offseason to get back to this point?

CRABTREE: It drove us a lot. I want to win. I want to go to the Super Bowl. I want to do all those things. You’ve got to take it one game at a time. Green Bay is in front of us right now. We’ve got to take care of our business.

Q: Did Randy Moss talk to the team about his playoff experience?

CRABTREE: Randy talks to us all the time. All day every day. We just need to go out there and do our jobs.

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Fangio describes QB Rodgers in near-mythological terms … again

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

The legend of Aaron Rodgers has morphed over the last four months. Here’s how 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio described the Packers quarterback on Sept. 6, three days before…

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Roman on Harbaugh: “He’s got a great mind, he’s ultra competitive, very fair, always looking to do what’s fair and right.”

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

SANTA CLARA – Greg Roman spoke in the media tent Tuesday afternoon. Here’s what he said about Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers offense, courtesy of the 49ers.

 

We don’t get to watch WR A.J. Jenkins in practice but can you describe how he’s done this year and I guess the progress he’s made through the course of the season?

“Yeah, A.J. is making really good strides, week-to-week. He hasn’t had a lot of opportunity to play. But, he’s doing a very good job day in and day out of coming to work, getting the gameplan, digesting it. And hasn’t had a lot of opportunities on gameday at this point, but we have great confidence in that when he gets those opportunities he’ll make the most of them.”

 

Is that a concern that at a point in the season where you need him to deliver, he hasn’t had any regular season experience really?

“I think those are things that you have to weigh week-to-week. Every week you have to look at what you have and what gives you the best chance to win, but at the same time with an eye to the future. But, we have every confidence that A.J. will perform very well when he gets that opportunity.”

 

Head coach Jim Harbaugh called QB Colin Kaepernick’s preparation this week savant-like. How would you describe his work for this game?

“Very good and very in tune with it. Again like I said, there’s a great focus and a great energy for the task at hand with the entire group, including Colin. He’s demonstrated that. He came in on Sunday and started getting the game plan, going through it, talking through it. Savant-like, that’s pretty good.”

 

Has QB Alex Smith been sharing with Colin some of the tips that he saw against Green Bay in the opener? And how has Alex been mentoring him through this preparation?

“I think Alex has been mentoring through the whole season, week-to-week, day-to-day really. He’s always going to give him feedback in the meetings. I think they have a great line of communication, a great respect there. He’s been great, really before the Chicago game all the way up. Alex is as professional as you can get and Alex himself is getting ready for this game. So, they are lock-step in their preparation.”

 

When Colin starts to see the game plan, does he nix stuff? Does he make suggestions or does that happen on the practice field? How does that flow during the course of the week?

“Most of that stuff happens indoors. We’re going to talk through it. I think there are some things that as a coach you say, hey, you feel good about this but there’s thing here, all right let’s talk through this. Be comfortable with it. Does it make sense to you? Can you see what we’re trying to achieve here? Just Communicating.”

 

Do you think through the course of seven regular season starts, have you seen good honest communication?

“There’s no question, yeah. All business, very good.”

 

TE Vernon Davis yesterday called it a stressful season for him. He still wants to do more. How is he sort of handling all of that and maybe not being targeted as much, but finding other ways to help this team?

“Vernon is on the field as much, other than the offensive lineman and quarterbacks, as much or more than every other player. So, he’s got something to do every play. He’s done a good job with that. Day-to-day his attitude has been great and he’s a mentally strong guy that doesn’t whither. Not getting a lot of balls, but stays focused. It’s coming, at some point. He’s done a great job. He’s a great professional and he’s a great team guy. But, from a playtime standpoint, Vernon’s on the field an awful lot. And while many people point to one statistic, well how many catches does this guy have? The reality of it is, every play, he is critical to the success of the 49ers. Whether it’s pass protection, run locking, adjustments, running a route, getting open, making a play. From our standpoint, he’s had a really good year.”

 

Vernon has said that you’ve thanked him after games, is that a regular thing that you do with all of your offensive guys?

“Oh yeah, anytime we win I thank everybody, because the winning is the ultimate goal.”

 

Are there any special concerns for young quarterback who’s starting in his first playoff game? Any special coaching you have to do about that?

“I don’t think so. I think one of the things you always want to ask somebody is, hey, this is what you want, right? You want to be on these stages, you want all those cameras, right? You want everybody watching, right? And the answer is obviously, heck yeah. So, we’re glad to be here again. For Colin, it’s another game and I think the way he handles it day-to-day has been very mature. I don’t think we’re going to see any big eyes. He’s very businesslike day-to-day. Not concerned.”

 

How do you combat the tempo of the offense, is it concerning to you? It’s one of the slower offenses in the league, getting to line of scrimmage, getting the play called. Has that been addressed? Does that concern you at all?

“It all depends. The play clock, we always want to be working for us not against us. There are times this year where it’s not been good enough. But most of the time it’s been pretty darn good and that’s the trend we want to continue. We’re not interested in getting to the line and snapping it as quickly as possible, unless that’s part of the plan. Whether we snap it with one second, or 15 seconds, or 20, it really doesn’t matter unless there’s a specific goal in mind. We need to be efficient and continue to work on that. But, that’s an area that we need to improve on and the past couple of weeks of practices have been great. Looking forward to another great one today.”

 

T Joe Staley said that in week one he had technique issues against Matthews. Is that what you saw?

“No question. It was so simple it just jumped off the screen. As a coach I wish I could have helped him with it during the game.”

 

He was coming off a Pro Bowl season, and he said he just wasn’t ready technique-wise. So people would say, you’re a Pro Bowl left tackle, what happened? Why wasn’t he ready in that game?

“Again, it was a technique issue. Whatever people say – people asked me last year before the season, hey with the lockout are you going to be able to win four games? And this year they said, statistics say that you’re probably going to be 7-9 this year. So what people say, not really concerned. However, technique, this is a game of technique and fundamentals. And when you’re playing a guy like Clay Matthews, you’ve got to be on it. You have to technically be at the top of your game. And Matthews is a great example of a guy, as a pass rusher that does a great job of identifying weaknesses while he’s rushing a tackle. I think Joe played another Pro Bowl season and that was a great learning experience going into this game for him.”

 

You’ve worked for a lot of different coaches in the NFL. How is Jim different from those?

“I don’t like comparing people because somebody ultimately gets diminished. But Jim is ultra-competitive, very much a thinker. He’s got a great mind, he’s ultra competitive, very fair, always looking to do what’s fair and right. What else could you ask for?”

 

For those of us on the outside, we tend to describe very simply as intense, he’s quirky. He seems to have these players’ back, maybe at the risk of making people on the outside mad. Are all those things fair? Would you debate any of those things?

“Define ‘quirky’ for me, I don’t know. No comment. But, he’s very intense, very concerned about his players. That’s his ultimate concern, is the player’s welfare and the team’s welfare. So, I think that’s pretty self-explanatory. I think the number one job of a coach is to have the interest of his players’ best interest in mind. I think he’s a shining example of that.”

 

Has he been as rah-rah this year as what we perceived him as a year ago?

“I don’t know what your perceptions of him were, but Jim is always going to be enthusiasm. He brings enthusiasm unknown to mankind to work every day. That can manifest itself differently. Not just vocally, but it can be how intensely he’s thinking about solving a problem or fixing something, or making something better. Enthusiasm is not always just boisterous, boisterous outward. Help me out here. But sometimes that enthusiasm can manifest itself into just very laser-beam focus on solving a problem and getting something fixed. So, I think all those things encompass Jim.”

 

With the kicking situation unresolved, do you obviously need to see any changes for you offensively, decisions that you make?

“We always talk before every game. It’s a great question. We talk before every game. Again, it’s not just the offense, the defense, special teams. It’s the team. And some people may not look at it that way. That’s fine, but it’s a big picture and special teams and defense, offense all work together and we’re definitely going to play off each other and feed off each other and consider all those things going into a game.”

 

Did a team reach out to you last week to interview you for a head coach opening?

“I’m not going to talk about any of that stuff. I’m focused on the Packers coming in.”

 

Can you, let me ask you this, how well do you know [Atlanta Falcons director of player personnel] David Caldwell and [Indianapolis Colts director of player personnel] Tom Telesco from your playing days?

“They’re two colleagues that I know and Dave’s in Atlanta so we might end up playing them, so not really talking to Dave right now.”

 

[RB] Frank Gore, has this extra week been that much more helpful for him and where’s he at versus where he was at last year?

“Frank, if you go back and look at Frank’s production during the playoffs last year, I thought he ran extremely well last year during the playoffs. I think this week, the bye week that the team earned was very much needed for a great benefit for us at this point for guys like Frank to get an extra week of getting is body ready for the playoffs. So, Frank’s moving around really well and look forward to a great playoff game from him this week.”

 

It’s easy for us to look at a game, especially the [NFC] Championship game and say, ‘Oh, Frank should have this many carries or this many touches.’ When you go into a game plan, do you have, in your mind, at the end of the day, we want to have gotten him the ball this many times?

“I think yes to a certain extent. But, which came first, the chicken or the egg? Ultimately I want him to have 40 carries because that means we probably won by a huge margin and then we can just keep handing it off to him at the end of the game. So, the ultimate goal is to win and however we do that, we have a plan going in and then you’ve got to be ready to adjust. But, Frank’s one of the best running backs in the National Football League and we’re lucky to have him and we need him at his best for this game, for sure.”

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Fangio on Justin Smith: “If he’s not playing up to his standard or close to it then we’ll put the next guy in.”

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

SANTA CLARA – Vic Fangio spoke in the media tent Tuesday afternoon. Here’s what he said about Justin Smith and the rest of the 49ers defense, courtesy of the 49ers.

 

Is DT Justin Smith closer to full strength and how’s he looking out there?

“He’s doing fine. I don’t think we’ll know for sure until Sunday comes.”

 

Saturday?

“Saturday. Sorry.”

 

But, what has he shown you in terms that you think he might be ready?

“Well, he’s told me he’s ready and he’s ready to go. And that’s enough for me.”

 

Head Coach Jim Harbaugh was saying that just having him out there elevates the character of the defense, just his presence. How so?

“Well, he’s a leader both by example and verbally, and more so by example. So, he plays with a tenacity and an effort level that’s second to none. And it’s just contagious to everybody.”

 

I’m sure he’ll want to play. At what point do you look out and say he can’t play? How do you stop a guy like that from playing if—?

“I’m not involved in that decision. That’s between him and the medical people.”

 

OK. But, if you’re watching—you know we had a situation Sunday where there was a question if guy’s hurt. His performance, was it hurting the team, helping the team? Will you be involved in that sort of thing?

“Well, from my point of view, if he’s not playing up to his standard or close to it then we’ll put the next guy in. Because it’s always been my experience, somebody at 80 percent is not as good as the next guy at 100 percent.”

 

Is there any way to gauge his percentage from what he’s done in practices so far?

“No.”

 

In that first game, CB Perrish Cox played a lot on him. He hasn’t played, I’m sure that’s the most he played by far in the season. How have you seen him progress and learn the defense better through the entire course of the regular season?

“Well, he’s done well. Obviously that game, just because of the matchups, he played more and he was prepared to play more, because we kind of had the feeling that the game could evolve that way. So, he had a lot of practice time. But, he’s done well with limited practice time. Gets his handful of plays every play and he’s ready to go.”

 

I want to ask you about Jim Harbaugh. We always describe him as being intense, as being maybe quirky sometimes. You know him very well. How would you describe Jim and his personality?

“I don’t know. I’m not going to go there. You guys can have fun with that on your own.”

 

In your defensive scheme, how integral is the physical play of your safeties, S Donte Whitner and S Dashon Goldson?

“Well, physical play of all 11 guys out there is integral, not just those two guys. We’ve got to do a great job of tackling in this game. These guys kept throwing a lot of short passes that they like to get their receivers to catch and run with and break some tackles. If we don’t have a good game of tackling, we probably won’t have a good game defensively.”

 

Jim Harbaugh the other day said that LB Aldon Smith was one of the guys that really can benefit from the rest from the bye week. What have you seen from him as the season came to a close? Was he starting to get fatigued do you think out there?

“I really don’t think so. No more than anybody else has. He played very well in the New England game. He didn’t have any sacks, but he had a lot of great pressures in that game. He had a chance for some plays in the Seattle game that he usually makes and didn’t make. And he played fine in the last game. But, I’m sure he’s tired, or was tired just like everybody else was after 16 games and playing as much as he did. But, he’ll be fine now. He’s only 22 or 23 years old. He’s ready to go.”

 

Why would you not take a chance to describe Jim?

“Because we don’t have enough time. I think Jim, I’ll give you one sentence. And I think it’s a good statement. He’s very serious about his job and his profession, but he doesn’t take himself seriously.”

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Roman: confident A.J. Jenkins will perform when called upon

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Seventy one NFL rookies caught at least one pass in the NFL this year. Not one of them is named A.J. Jenkins, who saw one pass go his way…

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Harbaugh on Kaepernick: “It’s a bit savant-like the way he’s handling it so far this week.”

Monday, January 7, 2013

SANTA CLARA — This is what Jim Harbaugh said about Colin Kaepernick Monday in the media tent, courtesy of the 49ers.

 

You always talk about trying to improve one percent every day. Have you seen that in QB Colin Kaepernick? Have you seen him improving game to game, week to week, play to play?

“Yes.”

 

What areas just generally would you say he’s grown the most in?

“He was good to start with. I think he came into the season good. When he got his first opportunities to play very early in the season he was very good. And then when he got his first start was very good. But, just being in the situations he’s been in. The way he’s handled himself in those situations. At this point we could say just about everything that a quarterback could face. And he’s done well. So, I’m not saying it’s dramatic improvement in any one area because I think he was good to start with. But, there’s been good improvement across the board.”

 

I’d like to follow up on that. When you made the switch from QB Alex Smith to Colin, was it something that you had pondered, planned throughout the season? And was it inevitable? Or after Alex got hurt and you saw that Colin did well, did you think he’s done well I don’t want to go back to the other guy? How did the decision get made?

“No, it was not a predetermined move. The decision was made when Alex got hurt. Colin played, played well in his first start. Came back the next week, still felt that that week against New Orleans that Colin gave us our best chance to win. He was healthier and played well. And then after that I saw enough really good things that wanted to have the same faith and trust in Colin that we had shown in Alex. And it’s pretty well documented how we felt about both guys. That one’s our left arm, one’s our right arm. And both are very good quarterbacks. And we felt we could win with either quarterback. And we’re in a great situation having both those men on our team.”

 

You complimented Alex in that game for his legs, for his arm, and for his mind. How much does the quarterback’s mind come into play, and particularly a young quarterback going up against the Green Bay defense?

“It’ll be a big challenge, and one that Colin is very excited about. And he’s so far, now it’s early, but expectations will be high that he will be on it as well. And he’s got a good grasp of the game plan so far. I’m excited. It’s a bit savant-like the way he’s handling it so far this week. So, that’s really encouraging.”

 

You said that, if I wrote this down right, that Kaepernick is a little savant-like as far as how he’s handled it this week? Can you elaborate on that? What exactly do you mean by that? I think I know what you mean, but can you elaborate?

“Just that it’s so early in the preparation and so early in explaining the game plan, but, just his understanding of it this early in the week is, the way he’s understanding it is savant-like.”

 

Do you give the game plan all at once? Does Colin have it all, or do you give it to him in pieces throughout the week?

“Everybody gets it in pieces.”

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Harbaugh says one of his kickers has taken the lead

Monday, January 7, 2013

Jim Harbaugh said “there’s a leader in the clubhouse” as far as the two-man competition to be the 49ers’ kicker Saturday against the Packers. Then again, he said there’s…

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Playoff opener: Justin Smith a question mark; so is Willis

Monday, January 7, 2013

When the 49ers played the Packers in Week 1, cornerback Perrish Cox ended up playing more snaps than a perfectly healthy Patrick Willis. That is, the team’s no. 4…

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Report: Gamble to interview for Chargers GM job

Sunday, January 6, 2013

For the past few days it looked like the Jets would hire 49ers’ Director of Player Personnel Tom Gamble, but that is not the case according to Adam Schefter. He just tweeted the Jets want someone else.

Schefter reports Gamble will interview for the San Diego Chargers GM job on Tuesday. The Chargers fired their head coach, Norv Turner, so Gamble would be able to hire his own head coach in San Diego. With the Jets, Gamble would have had to work with controversial head coach Rex Ryan.

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Battle of the Bays II: 49ers different this go around

Saturday, January 5, 2013

When the 49ers and Packers met in Week 1, Colin Kaepernick’s lone contribution was a 17-yard run at the end of the half to set up a 63-yard field-goal…

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LaMichael James heaps praise on the 49ers offensive line and Chip Kelly

Friday, January 4, 2013

SANTA CLARA – LaMichael James spoke at his locker Friday afternoon about the 49ers offensive line and his college coach, Chip Kelly. Here’s what James said.

Q: What’s it like running behind the 49ers’ offensive line.

JAMES: A lot of holes. I really feed off of them. I think they believe in me. During the game they keep me motivated.

Q: What’s it like running behind Joe Staley in particular?

JAMES: He’s super fast. I don’t think people realize how fast he is. He can run with the best of them. He’s super athletic to be that big.

Q: Is Anthony Davis as fast as Staley?

JAMES: No. He’s super strong. He doesn’t miss any blocks. He’s always downfield giving 100 percent effort, and he’s really aggressive.

Q: What was it like to watch the Ducks last night?

JAMES: Speed. That’s the only thing I can say. Super fast. Very well-coached team.

Q: It sounds like Chip Kelly might be taking an NFL head coaching job. What do you think of that?

JAMES: I think he can be one of the best coaches in the NFL. I respect him. Super great coach.

Q: Do you think Oregon’s offensive style will translate to the NFL?

JAMES: 100 percent yes. I don’t think anyone can stop that offense – NFL, college, high school – no matter what it is. I think Washington (Redskins) runs a similar offense. I like the way they do things, too. I think it would be similar to that. A little faster, though.

Q: There are reports that he’s going to the Browns. He would get to work with running back Trent Richardson.

JAMES: Who would be the quarterback?

Q: Brandon Weeden, and they have a high draft pick.

JAMES: I don’t know…They have the run (game). I haven’t heard it yet.

Q: Do you Chip Kelly could become a top coach in the NFL?

JAMES: Yeah, he’d be a great coach. I think he’d probably be one of the best coaches in the NFL. He’s a great offensive mastermind. He’s confident. I feel like he can do anything he wants to do.

Q: The Patriots run the no huddle. Kelly runs the no huddle all the time. Do you think that could be an effective tool at the NFL level?

JAMES: His offense is a whole other ballgame from the Patriots. It’s so much faster.

Q: Do you notice defenses wear down when you ran the no huddle?

JAMES: Oh yeah, you knew instantly. The tackles start huffing and puffing, people not getting lined up properly. It’s different out there when people get tired. Fatigue makes cowards of us all.

Q: Do you think Kelly would go for the two-point conversion after most touchdown in the NFL like he does in college?

JAMES: No. He’ll kick an extra point. You can’t do that in the NFL.

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49ers playing odds, warming up for Packers

Friday, January 4, 2013

The 49ers could face one of three opponents next Saturday. But today they were preparing for one in particular. When practice began today, practice squad receiver Chad Hall was…

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Justin Smith: “If I’m fortunate enough, I’ll get to play in this one.”

Thursday, January 3, 2013

SANTA CLARA – Justin Smith practiced Thursday for the first time since he tore his left triceps tendon in New England on December 16th.

He spoke at his locker after practice, and this is what he said.

Q: How did your injured elbow feel in practice today?

JUSTIN SMITH: We didn’t really do nothing, so it felt alright.

Q: Do you think the bye week will help you play in the playoffs?

JUSTIN SMITH: It couldn’t hurt any. It is what it is. We’ll see how it is and go from there.

Q: Did you have to make any adjustments?

JUSTIN SMITH: It felt good for today. We’ll go out there and see what happens.

Q: Are you worried about reinjuring it?

JUSTIN SMITH: We really haven’t played or done anything yet. Hopefully they run right at me and we find out quick.

Q: What’s it been like being on the sideline watching these games?

JUSTIN SMITH: It is what it is. You go from there. If I’m fortunate enough, I’ll get to play in this one. We’ll see what happens.

Q: Is it more a matter of strength or pain?

JUSTIN SMITH: I think it’s just a matter of getting out there and going. You just go out there and play until you can’t and be ready. I feel like I’ll be ready.

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Akers says roller coaster year involved sports hernia

Thursday, January 3, 2013

David Akers today said that he would gladly trade his NFL record-tying kick in Green Bay for the potential overtime winners he missed in two games against the Rams.…

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Billy Cundiff on the 49ers’ kicker competition: “It’s a performance business.”

Thursday, January 3, 2013

SANTA CLARA – Billy Cundiff made 10-of-12 field goals in Thursday’s kicker competition. He made a 55-yarder with a portable plastic holder.

Cundiff spoke at his new 49ers’ locker after practice, and here’s what he said.

Q: Do you know David Akers?

CUNDIFF: Yeah we went to the Pro Bowl together in 2010. We’ve worked with the same kicking coach, Randy Brown. I’ve kicked David in the offseason. We’ve texted back and forth.

Q: Is this competition awkward?

CUNDIFF: That’s a funny question. If you try to get in our shoes, then you’ll understand the business a little bit. It’s about performance. This time of the year, I’m just lucky to have the opportunity to put my best performance out there and see if it’s good enough.

Q: But is it awkward at all?

CUNDIFF: I don’t think it is. You just accept it as part of the business. It’s just about performance. When you put it on those terms, it takes all of the awkwardness out of it. It’s a performance business.

Q: How would you rate your performance in five games for the Redskins this season?

CUNDIFF: I didn’t really think it was that great to be honest. I missed a 62-yarder and 57-yarder. If you wipe those off, it’s a 70 percent which is pretty average. But I missed two short field goals and when you’re playing in Washington, that’s enough to get you gone.

Q: How many times did you and David kick in front of the team today.

CUNDIFF: Five, I think.

Q: How did it go?

CUNDIFF: Not bad. I think I’m getting the hang of this thing.

Q: Is it difficult for Andy Lee to hold for a lefty kicker and a righty kicker?

CUNDIFF: He told me he learned holding for a right-footed kicker.

Q: You have a chance to kick for a playoff team. How much does redemption for your missed field goal in the championship game last year play into your mind in wanting to erase that?

CUNDIFF: I think that anyone who plays in the playoffs and doesn’t have the performance they’d like wants another opportunity. For me, I moved on right after it happened. In order to have success in this league, you have to wipe the slate clean every year. You can’t drag things in, whether it’s positive or negative, because it’s a new year. Would I like to have that kick back? Yeah, I most definitely would. But is it going to affect the way I think about this year’s playoffs? Absolutely not.

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Young: “I’ve got to believe that for Colin Kaepernick, it’s time off. And I don’t know that time off helps young players who need to stay in the groove.”

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Steve Young talked about the 49ers’ bye week and their chances to win the NFC Wednesday on KNBR. Here’s what he said.

Q: Are the 49ers still the favorites to win the NFC, or are they just a part of the six-team pack?

YOUNG: It’s amazing what Justin Smith has done. I had no idea. He’s a dual threat. He not only grabs three guys and holds them off so the great inside linebackers that the 49ers have, the all-time tandem, can run free. Ask Ray Lewis what it was like being protected all those years by that front line. That’s a huge piece of the puzzle.

And not only grabbing three guys, but putting pressure on guys in combination with Aldon Smith. Justin Smith made Aldon Smith so much better. Once you put pressure on quarterback and allow the linebackers to run free in the running game, the defensive backs get better. One guy, in this case, is a huge deal, and I didn’t realize how big of a deal his is until he was missing. If Justin Smith’s not playing, this defense becomes a good defense. It can play great, but I think it’s going to be much more difficult without him.

Q: Can the 49ers make up for his loss?

YOUNG: You saw DeMarcus Wear the other day, half of a guy. He was just lost. He couldn’t run. You just can’t play when you really shouldn’t be out there.

If Justin Smith has an arm that really can’t play full speed, it’s a problem. His game is all grabbing people, pulling them, pushing them. It’s all leverage. You lose that leverage, it’s going to be very difficult.

Q: How do the 49ers make up for the loss of Mario Manningham? Can they just hand the ball off more to Frank Gore because he’ll have a week off?

YOUNG: It always helps, but a week off hurts young players. I’ve got to believe that for Colin Kaepernick, it’s time off. And I don’t know that time off helps young players who need to stay in the groove.

Older players, beat up players love it. For veteran players it’s a great boon, so it goes both ways.

I think they’re going to have a difficult time spreading the field with young receivers who haven’t played. They’ve had a lot of success with tight formations, big formations, tight ends, big backs, even on first and second down, even throwing out of that. It might be that they need to focus on that, because that’s when their best-11 players will be on the field, when the bigger guys are on there. That does take you back to what won a lot of games last year and even this year: run the football, Frank Gore, timely throws, great defense hopefully if Justin doesn’t play, and then bring it into the fourth quarter and have a big throw here or there from Colin and win three games in a row. I don’t know how you spread the field in the playoffs with players who haven’t played very much.

Q: Who worries you most in the NFC as a 49er fan?

YOUNG: I think because they don’t have to go to Green Bay, I don’t feel as threatened by the Packers.

I’d be worried about Atlanta. You look at what happened in Seattle with the noise. That’s a tough spot. That would be probably the one place that would give me the most pause, but the rest of it, bring it on.

If they face Green Bay next week, fine, but it’s not going to be easy. Aaron Rodgers isn’t going to go down without a fight. If we don’t have Justin Smith, it’s going to be much more of a fair fight.

But going down to Atlanta… We went down to Atlanta in ’98. It was a pretty good Atlanta team. Garrison Hearst got hurt and we just didn’t do it. We didn’t get it done. I suspect that’s probably the most difficult piece of the puzzle.

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Harbaugh on the kicker competition: “It could be settled early next week.”

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Jim Harbaugh spoke on KNBR Wednesday morning. Here’s what he said about Billy Cundiff and David Akers.

Q: You guys have brought in Billy Cundiff to compete with David Akers?

HARBAUGH: That is football. Football is competition. I think we’re on the right track there. It makes sense to me.

Q: It’s sort of unprecedented. Do you have any idea of how you want to proceed?

HARBAUGH: I don’t think it’s unprecedented in the sense that that is football. Like I said, it makes sense to me. How we proceed – we’ll watch the kickers kick, and who we feel will give us the best chance of winning a game, that’s who we’ll go with.

Q: Did Cundiff’s association with your brother play a factor in signing him?

HARBAUGH: Not so much my brother. Cundiff has a track record as an NFL kicker. Of course we watched that.

Q: Have you talked to David Akers and explained the situation?

HARBAUGH: Yes, I’ve talked to David.

Q: Could you assess how he processed it all? I’m sure a lot of 49ers fans want to know if he can make the big kick in January.

HARBAUGH: There’s a lot of evidence there that he can. How he processes it – he’s a football player. He’s a competitor.

Q: Would you like this to be settled early next week?

HARBAUGH: I think it could be settled early next week, but not going to put a time frame on it. We’ll practice Thursday, Friday, and then we’ll see if a decision gets made after that, or if it goes into Monday and Tuesday and after. No definite timeline on it.

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The kicking news: 49ers sign Cundiff, keep Akers

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

*****Update***** The 49ers waived OLB Eric Bakhtiari, who has been waived twice already this season, to make room for Billy Cundiff on the 53-man roster. The 49ers are going…

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Harbaugh: 49ers have three options at kicker

Monday, December 31, 2012

As David Akers attempted a 43-yard field goal Sunday, a television camera zeroed in on Jim Harbaugh’s pained and grimacing face “Barely,” the 49ers head coach said as the…

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Will Justin Smith play in the playoffs? Harbaugh: “You watch the strength and how that comes back.”

Monday, December 31, 2012

SANTA CLARA – Justin Smith has missed the last two-and-a-half games with a partially torn triceps tendon. Jim Harbaugh was asked if he expects Smith to heal enough during the bye week to play in the playoffs. Here’s what Harbaugh said.

Q: How much will the Bye help Justin Smith?

HARBAUGH: You watch the strength and how that comes back. If he can play, do his job, defend himself and be effective – he’s made progress each week, significant progress, so hopeful. That would be my thought.

Q: Will it be his call if he feels like he’s ready?

HARBAUGH: Yeah. Nobody knows their body like the player himself, but also the doctors.

Q: Do you think he’ll probably feel like he’s ready?

HARBAUGH: I’m hopeful.

Q: How did Ricky Jean Francois do in place of Justin Smith against the Cardinals?

HARBAUGH: He did a good job. He’s done a nice job filling in. He’s always been a solid player. Ray (McDonald) had a good game as well.

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Can A.J. Jenkins contribute in the playoffs? Harbaugh: “Do I think he can? Yes. Do we need him to? Yes.”

Monday, December 31, 2012

SANTA CLARA – The 49ers’ first round pick, A.J. Jenkins, did not catch a pass in the regular season. He was not a contributor. This afternoon, Jim Harbaugh was asked if Jenkins can contribute in the playoffs. Here’s what Harbaugh said.

Q: Where is A.J. Jenkins in his development? Can he contribute in the playoffs?

HARBAUGH: Do I think he can? Yes. Do we need him to? Yes. We need him to step up. Definitely think he’s capable of doing it.

Q: Crabtree has dominated a lot of the targets. Do you need someone else to step up alongside him and take the pressure off?

HARBAUGH: I think we have that. I think we have guys – Randy Moss, Delanie Walker, Vernon Davis, Frank Gore.

Now, A.J. Jenkins? Capable? Yes. Step up? Yes. Definitely think he can do that.

LaMichael – same situation. He’s been doing a nice job in that department.

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Harbaugh on Gore: “I know his legs were tired the Seattle week.”

Monday, December 31, 2012

SANTA CLARA – Frank Gore had a hot start to the season, but he has not rushed for 100 yards in a game since Week 7.

Jim Harbaugh talked about Gore’s condition this afternoon.

Q: How fresh is Frank Gore right now?

HARBAUGH: I hate the word fresh. Can we go with strong? I think he is stronger than he was at this time last year. I know his legs were tired the Seattle week. I think he felt a lot better this week.

I think our whole team could use some rest, mind and body.

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Harbaugh says he doesn’t think there are any gaps in Greg Roman’s body of work

Monday, December 31, 2012

SANTA CLARA – At his Monday press conference, Jim Harbaugh addressed the possibility of one of his coordinators getting hired as a head coach elsewhere. Here’s what Harbaugh said about that.

Q: Have you factored in the possibility that some of your coaches might not be able to work all seven days this week, that they might get an interview with all the head coaching vacancies out there right now?

HARBAUGH: Yeah, that’s a possibility.

Q: Have you guys received requests yet to talk to any of your assistants?

HARBAUGH: I don’t think we say whether we do or don’t. Won’t say one way or the other. Definitely we’ve got some guys who would be great choices. We’ve always thought that.

Q: Specifically the three coordinators, what makes you say that those guys are ready for that opportunity?

HARBAUGH: If I just said they just are, would that be OK? That probably wouldn’t suffice. I’m just telling you? Their body of work really speaks for itself I believe, in all three of those cases. Their body of work here and elsewhere. We’re talking about three talented coaches, professionals, teachers.

Q: But you when talk about body of work for your offensive coordinator, he only designs the running plays, so there may be some gaps in his body of work. Is that so?

HARBAUGH: I don’t think so, no. I’m not going to argue with you.

Q: I’m not arguing, I’m asking a question. I would like clarification. A lot of your players say Roman only designs the running plays. If that’s the case, it seems to me that there may be some gaps. Not arguing, asking.

HARBAUGH: I answered. I said I don’t think there are any gaps.

Q: Do all three of your coordinators want to be head coaches?

HARBAUGH: Yeah, they do. I’ve always tried to hire coaches that have that ambition. I like guys that have those ambitions, those hopes, those dreams.

Q: If your assistant coaches do interview for head coaching jobs, what’s the last day they can do it during this bye week?

HARBAUGH: I don’t know that.

Q: Is there a day you’d like them to be done by?

HARBAUGH: Yeah, I’d like them here on Thursday and Friday for practices.

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Harbaugh: “We’re going to have to run more data and log some more time on Washington.”

Monday, December 31, 2012

SANTA CLARA – This morning I wrote the 49ers should spend their bye week preparing and game planning more for the Redskins than the Packers or Seahawks.

I asked Jim Harbaugh this afternoon if the 49ers coaches will indeed spend more time preparing for the Redskins than the other teams. Here’s what he said.

COHN: Are you preparing more for the Redskins because you haven’t faced Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris and you have faced the other two teams, the Seahawks and the Packers, this season?

HARBAUGH: I think we need to prepare equally, but they’re the ones we haven’t seen yet. We have to run more computer data on them than we already have on some of the other teams. I’m not making any predictions of who we’re going to see or that kind of thing, we’ve got to get prepared for all the teams across the board, but yeah we’re going to have to run more data and log some more time on Washington. I think that makes sense.

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49ers release RB Brandon Jacobs

Monday, December 31, 2012

The 49ers today released running back Brandon Jacobs, who was suspended for the last three games of the season. Other teams can claim Jacobs but he can’t join that team…

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