THIS CONTENT IS COPYWRITED, REDISTRIBUTION OF IT (including copy/pasting it to a message board, forum or bbs) IS PROHIBITED AND COULD RESULT IN LEGAL ACTIONS - feel free to quote up to 1 paragraph providing a source link to http://www.49ersparadise.com is included
‘Big Game’ Holt eager to see Crabtree on big stage
Friday, January 13, 2012
As a player, Torry's Holt's nickname was "Big Game."
As an NFL Network analyst, the former star NFL wideout would like San Francisco's Michael Crabtree to earn a similar moniker.
Starting Saturday, please.
Holt, a 12-year NFL veteran who had seven catches for 109 yards and a touchdown as a...
Harbaugh tells 49ers about the Hail Mary that haunts him
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Jim Harbaugh doesn't often talk to his team about his playing days, but he made an exception this week.
It's the playoffs, so Harbaugh told the 49ers a story about one of his final postseason games, a crushing 20-16 loss at Pittsburgh in the 1995 AFC Championship Game. The Colts lost when wide...
Michael Crabtree explained
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat just posted my Friday article on Michael Crabtree. It’s about the Crabtree behind the Crabtree, and for the article I interviewed Kyle Williams, Anthony Dixon, Ricky Jean Francois and Mr. Crabtree himself.
To read my article, click here.
Harbaugh says QB Smith has "between rare and extinct" character traits
Thursday, January 12, 2012
It was about a year ago today that Jim Harbaugh first sat down with Alex Smith. As you’ll recall, the quarterback had just finished another frustrating season in San Francisco and, initially at least, wanted nothing further to do with …
49ers go into full shut-down mode for final practice
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The 49ers went straight from their walk-through practice today, which is not required to be open to the media, into their "team" work portion of practice, which can also be closed -- and it was on Thursday.
49ers haven’t stopped top QBs, but they’ve beaten them
Thursday, January 12, 2012
As 49ers tight end Justin Peelle knows from recent experience, it's possible for an elite quarterback to almost single-handedly win a playoff game.
Last year, Peelle was with the Falcons, who won their division, earned a first-round bye and hosted a high-powered offensive team led by a white-hot...
Kaepernick the X factor as 49ers begin playoff run
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Alex Smith is one of 12 NFL quarterbacks who started every game regular season game in 2011. But you only need to watch the exhibition season opener against the Saints to realize just how tenuous that mark is. Smith was …
Smith, Crabtree warmed up after chilly start
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Seven months ago, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith had no idea where to find wide receiver Michael Crabtree.
When asked if his top wideout would be attending the player-organized workouts at San Jose State during the lockout, Smith said, "Great question. Asking the wrong guy."
A few days later,...
The outstanding rookies’ breakout moments
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat just posted my article for Thursday’s paper on the Niners outstanding rookies.
I focus on their breakout moments from this season. My idea was to ask each rookie to identify and discuss his breakout moment, but Harbaugh’s rookies didn’t feel comfortable with that type of reflection – not right now, not during the playoffs.
Luckily, Ricky Jean Francois is always up for reflection and discussion. He sat down with me in the locker room this week and discussed the breakout moments of Aldon Smith, Kendall Hunter, Bruce Miller and Chris Culliver.
To read my article, click here.
After early info overload, Vernon Davis thrives
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
(01-11) 20:35 PST - For starters, the 49ers coaching staff messed with Vernon Davis ' feet, asking the Pro Bowl tight end to bring them closer together when he got in his stance.
But that was nothing compared with what they did to his head.
On Wednesday, Davis acknowledged he was...
Steve Young on the Niners defense: “They’ll figure out a way to keep that score 24 or less.”
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Ralph Barbieri and Tom Tolbert interviewed Steve Young on the KNBR this afternoon, and here’s what Young said about the Niners’ upcoming matchup with the New Orleans Saints.
TOLBERT: What’s Alex Smith going through this week? What was it like for you your first home playoff game as a starter?
YOUNG: “Well, way different from me, Tom, because I’d been around so long. I think we had nine playoff games before I finally started one.”
TOLBERT: It’s not like Alex Smith’s a rookie. He’s been around a while, too.
YOUNG: “Yeah, but we played a lot of playoff games. Super Bowls. For me, the expectations…When I finally started a playoff game, if I didn’t win it, it’s a direct route – Vallejo, Reno and then on your way. You’re gone. I lost in the championship game and it was close to that.
“I guess I learned this most effectively in 1987, my first playoff game associated with the 49ers. We played the Vikings and we were a very good team, and we had the Bye, and we had the home (field advantage), and the Vikings beat New Orleans the week before, playing pretty good football, came in on a drizzly day and they beat us down. And it was shock for everyone because it just happened so fast – 60 minutes, just boom. Three hours later you’re out. You’re season’s over. And that’s the thing you really have to hold on to for playoff football, is it happens pretty quick.
“And you as a quarterback can speed that along by making some dumb mistakes. The playoff teams of the 49ers are always good teams, and as a quarterback you don’t want to be the reason why they don’t get a chance to go win you a football game. And so that’s the thing for me as a quarterback – don’t do things early that take the ball out of the hands of the team, a really good team that you don’t give a chance to win because you do some goofball thing early that just handcuffs everybody.
“Week to week in the regular season you can take more risks that way. If I were Alex I would be thinking – and he’s perfectly poised to do this because he’s played that way – don’t make the big mistake early, let this team lead you down the way a little bit, and then you can expand it as people settle in. And then go win the game.
“In playoff football you’ve got to be careful that you as a quarterback don’t end it prematurely for your team.”
Q: If the Niners are going to win this game it’s reasonable to assume they’re going to make like somewhat miserable for Drew Brees – make him uncomfortable. How do the Niners do that? And as a quarterback, what made you uncomfortable out there?
YOUNG: “Pushing the pocket up the middle. It’s the Gilbert Brown, the guy who can collapse the pocket where it’s always in your face. You do not want that push in your face.
“I think Drew’s really too good. The ball is going to come out. And I think the reason the Saints are so good right now is Sean Payton’s play calling – he can call anything and Drew will protect him. So can be really aggressive and not get burned. Usually an aggressive play caller, you get burned a lot, and Drew doesn’t let that happen.
“I worry that they’re going to run the football because you’re so focused on getting Drew. Defenses are forced to make choices, and the choice to me is: ‘Look, we’re going to try to make Drew uncomfortable. We’re going to try to knock him down and get to him and see if we can knock him off his spot and all that stuff.’ But if they run the ball effectively, you can knock him down but Drew will come back – he’s not going to get overwhelmed in the situation.
“To me, I would rather see 30 yards rushing for the game and then take my chances and see how it goes, rather than 115, 130 yards of rushing and we knock him down a few times. So I guess I worry that if they get running the football, then that’s going to be a really tough thing to handle.”
TOLBERT: You look at how good he’s been and how good he was against the Lions, but in that Lions game there were three dropped interceptions, there were two complete breakdowns in coverage where guys were completely running free, so as good as he is and as good as those numbers looked, he gave the Lions some opportunities to make some plays to possibly win that football game, they just didn’t take advantage of them.
YOUNG: “He’ll do that a little bit but not a lot, but even Eli Manning will do that for you. Philip Rivers will do that. Tony Romo will do that for you, like game to game you’re like, ‘Hey there’s going to be a couple lolly pops up there.’ But Drew, game to game you can’t say to yourself, ‘Last week against the Lions this happened, I expect that again.’ It could, but he’s the kind of guy to me that really understand the sophistication of the moment – I’m going to be bigger than the moment. I think he can change his game. I think he can pull it back, he can push it forward, he can get aggressive and then tighten it up, and then if he starts to bleed a little bit he can make sure that that stops. He’s really in control. He understands all the subtleties, and it makes it tough to beat him.”
BARBIERI: Payton said there was no bad blood between him and Harbaugh after that first exhibition game. Harbaugh didn’t say that, though. Do you think he’s still got that in his craw?
YOUNG: “Jim is over-competitive. Jim will race you to the car door. He’ll race you to see how can eat the pizza faster. He’s competitive to the point where you say to yourself, ‘Pick your spots.’
“That answers your own question. There is nothing – whether it’s Jim Schwartz yelling across the field, ‘Know the rules, Harbaugh!’ Well, he’ll never forget that. The hug and everything that happened at midfield – that’s just the beginning. Jim will never forget that. And if he ever plays the Lions again it will be to his death if he doesn’t beat them. That’s who Jim is. There’s no question in my mind that Jim will remember any slight.”
TOLBERT: I know you said you are who you are, but do you think that Harbaugh will have a few wrinkles? A couple different formations? A couple different plays that the Saints haven’t seen before?
YOUNG: “I would hope, because the extra week gives you a chance to actually practice that stuff.
“This a great moment. There’s got to be some plays where you take chances and push the ball and do fun stuff that tells the people watching that we’re not just going to play tight to the vest, we’re actually going to expand and do some funt things. I’ve got to believe there’s those plays.
“To me, this is the best defense in the league, and until I see Drew Brees or Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers do something to this defense that I haven’t seen all year, I’m in. I’m all in with this defense, and I’m going to stay in. I’m going to believe that they can shut down one of these big-three that they’re going to face for the first time this year, that they’ll figure out a way to keep that score 24 or less, and then with these fun plays and a turnover we’ll win this game. That’s how I see it.”
Greg Roman: “A lot of what we do during the game is aim to deceive.”
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
SANTA CLARA – Here’s the transcript of Greg Roman’s Wednesday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers.
Opening Statement:
“Good afternoon. Obviously, we’re preparing for a really good team. Defense for the Saints has been very productive this year. I think, how many games have they played now, 17? They’ve played good enough to win 14 of them. They have a very active, aggressive defense. They play fast, got a lot of good players, a lot of good scheme. We’re just working through it. We’ll get into the more of the situational stuff today. We’re really, really excited about the challenge. Any questions?”
How helpful can a guy like C Jonathan Goodwin be by giving you insight about their defense?
“He can offer some insights on it, but they’re all on the film. That stuff is a little overrated. If you watch enough film, if you study enough film, you generally come to that conclusion anyway. A guy like Jonathan can confirm some things. Again, when a player usually is so focused on his job that I think it’s overblown just how much a guy can crack a code, so to speak, on another team.”
How has QB Colin Kaepernick changed since he’s been here? Is he the same guy you saw when you got your hands on him July?
“Mechanically, yes, he’s definitely improved. Obviously as a college football player, he operated more from a pistol formation. Taking a snap, executing the different drops, the different actions we use from under center, it’s a whole new world for him. He’s coming along mightily and continues to get better. As a person, he is a really solid guy coming in so he has maintained that solidness.”
When you say mechanically, there was a lot made of his release coming out of college. Is that shortened now? Is it more abbreviated?
“I would say so. Again, on a release for a guy that’s 6-5, you can probably get away with having a lower release. Most quarterbacks that are very productive in this league can utilize various arm angles to throw the football. I think the guy we’re playing has demonstrated that a lot. He can throw the ball and release it however he needs to. That’s something that you’re always trying to put more clubs in your bag. Pass rush is involved, moving and throwing, those are real football things. The ability to throw under duress, move to your right and throw, move to your left and throw, getting your shoulders square and throw, not getting your shoulders square and throw. All those things are a work in progress. But Colin has done a phenomenal job thus far.”
The Saints were awful in the first part of the season containing the run. Now it seems to be much better. What are they doing now that they weren’t doing?
“I think it’s just playing team defense. All the gaps are secured. Those guys do a really good job against the run. I think statistics are misleading. A lot of people have popped runs on them down by 30. What does that do? It inflates the stats. When they had to run, I didn’t see those 30-yard runs. Their run defense is pretty stout. They’ve got some really good players. [DE Will Smith] 91, Smith, is an exceptional player. Very heady defensive end. The rookie [DE Cameron] Jordan, I coached against him in the big game last year, so I’m familiar with him. Then, the two guys inside [DT Aubrayo] Franklin and of course 92 [DT Shaun Rogers], really good space eaters which help free up [LB Jonathan] Vilma, who is a phenomenal sideline to sideline football player. They do everything they can, scheme-wise, to let him run to the football and he does a great job keying and diagnosing things pre-snap, making checks, etc. 41 [S Roman] Harper is very involved in their run support. He’s a very good football player, especially when he’s up and around the box. The corners have been up to the challenge. They play a lot of man and they’ve done a nice job. They’re a very good defense.”
Is there more on RB Frank Gore’s plate this week just because of the blitzing and also the emphasis on time of possession and being able to move the chains in the running game?
“It’s every week with Frank. Some teams you think are going to blitz a lot and they don’t blitz a lot. Some teams don’t blitz and then all of a sudden they decide they’re going to blitz a lot. Frank’s ready for anything. Frank is a consummate running back. He can do everything well. Whatever they choose to do, I’m sure Frank will be up for.”
It’s going to be a real challenge for Alex, too, kind of reading the blitzes and different looks that they give him.
“They are giving you a lot of looks now. They are very multiple. You go back over the course of two years and watch them, the volume is just expansive. So, yeah, that puts a lot of burden on the quarterback. Multiple looks disguised, all that stuff. That definitely is a calling card of the Saints defense.”
S Colin Jones has been switched to the offensive side of the ball. What can he bring this team when he’s on the field?
“Colin? He’s shown up every day. He’s fast, very fast, and physical. He plays in the pros just like he would in college. He’s done a great job in special teams. Any way we could use Colin, he can help out. We were so depleted at the receiver position recently that we just moved him over and he jumped right in to our meetings.”
Is that maybe a direct relation because TE Delanie Walker is out, too?
“I wouldn’t say so, no. It was more of a wide receiver need.”
Does he have promise as a receiver?
“We’ll see. He’s a really good football player. He’s fast, takes instruction well. You explain something once to him and he gets it. He can make progress quickly with whatever you ask him to. He’s pretty versatile.”
What has worked so well for you guys late in games to pull off wins, especially some big comeback wins on the road? In the final four minutes?
“It’s just a tribute to our players and their character and their preparation, being on to details during the week so that when you’re in those clutch situations, you’re able to execute. Really, it’s guys doing their job under pressure. That’s a reflection of being able to focus, knowing what you’re doing, and having the confidence that you’re going to get it done and the guy next to you is going to get it done. That’s something that just grows and grows.”
How has your work week impacted by the fact that you’re facing a team that really doesn’t have one or two huge sack artists, but 15 guys who have combined for 33 sacks. Does it change how you approach your week?
“I think you definitely have to put your time into all their pressure schemes, there’s no question. If a team does 100% of something and if they blitz 50% of it, then 50% of your practice time needs to be dedicated to blitz. If they blitz 10%, then it’s probably a little bit less. It’s just more preparation for more than four people rushing. They do a very good job when they don’t blitz. They’ve got some very unique defenses. If they’re not pressuring, they’ll give you a pressure look and all of a sudden they’re playing off in soft zone coverage. They really present a lot of different challenges.”
QB Alex Smith has always been known as a pretty sharp player. How does that does that translate to reading defenses and what’s he’s able to do at the line of scrimmage?
“I think a lot of what we do during the game is aim to deceive. A lot of what he says at the line of scrimmage, there’s not really much going on there. It’s making people think we’re doing something when we’re not. But, there are times when we do that when we actually are doing something. Alex is a kind of guy that can handle both and does a really good job of it. He’s extremely sharp when it comes down to the way he prepares, his will to succeed, his commitment to winning, his commitment to the team. In Alex’s case, he’s going to be in the office with us at night nailing things down. I told him next year or in the future, he might be able to get home and get to bed a little earlier if we ever get an offseason together. We can iron some of these things out then. Really, he’s all in the details. He’s on it. We’re thankful for that.”
WR Michael Crabtree says he’s been truly healthy for the last six weeks or so. The foot is no longer an issue. Have you seen a different player since he’s become 100 percent?
“Yeah, any time a player gets healthy they’re going to play better. I think Michael’s health has improved. He’s really coming on. I really like Michael as a person and as a player. He’s a great team guy. He’s blocked as good as or better than any receiver that I’ve seen in the NFL this year. He’s made plays when we’ve asked him to make plays. He continues to improve. He does whatever we ask him to do, whatever he needs to do to help the team he’s doing. Expect great things from Michael.”
Are there some specific areas where you have seen Michael Crabtree improve?
“Yeah, every area. Every area.”
You were obviously interviewed for the Penn State job and been on that radar. Was that any distraction heading into the playoffs and heading into this game?
“No, thankfully it wasn’t. It came out of nowhere. I was sitting at my desk one day and the phone rang. It’s something that I was very honored to be considered and wish them the best in the future. The beauty of it was that there was no distraction. It was a four hour block of time and I compartmentalize very well. I put it in that box and never thought twice about it really.”
Did you travel out there?
“I did not.”
Did they say how you got on their radar when they called?
“They did but I want to keep that to myself.”
Can you talk about TE Vernon Davis. Obviously he ended the season with one of his best games. He said he felt like he progressed during the season. Was that when you were finally avoiding the coverage on him or what would you say leads to his…
“Vernon is getting really getting comfortable in our system. You kind of notice it the past four or five weeks. It goes beyond the stat sheets at the end of the game. It’s just how we do things, what we do, and his role in it. He’s been a great team player all year long. He’s helped our run game immensely. Helped us in the passing game. Made clutch, big plays when we needed them. Seattle comes to mind. Two plays on the boundary there, those toe-tappers he made were huge plays. The last game we played he made some really big plays. Vernon is really getting comfortable in what we’re doing. I started to notice it about five weeks ago and every week it’s gotten better since. Really pleased with how he’s playing. He’s playing at a high level right now.”
Why do you think it took so long for him to feel comfortable?
“That’s probably more on us than him. He’s played well all year but he’s just one step ahead of things now if that makes any sense. It’s not that he wasn’t totally comfortable with it, but we’ll do things new every week. We’ll change some things up and do things new. Now, it’s just BAM. Once you say it to him, he totally sees the big picture of what you’re doing. I think not having an offseason probably affected that.”
Lots of times you’ll hear that teams don’t want to show too much in preseason against an opponent that they’re going to play in the regular season. Obviously the preseason, this matchup probably never occurred to people. Can you take anything out of that preseason game? What they did against you specifically as opposed to other teams?
“I think it was very similar to what they do to other teams. It was great for us. It was a great practice for us. That’s how we looked at it. I’m sure they slept well that night because they really got after us and they played well. It was very consistent with what they do as you look at them throughout the course of the season. The Saints, if they choose to be, can be one of the best blitzing teams in the league on any given week. They choose to do so more than others. You’ve got to be ready for them not blitzing, too. We saw that in that game. It wasn’t like every play was a blitz, but most of them were. You’ve got to be ready for both. They’re very good at it. What you’re good at, you do. That’s what they do. It was really, really good work for us. Like I said after the game, really glad that we were able to get that work in.”
Traditional red returns to Candlestick end zones for playoffs
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
After eight seasons with no postseason appearances, the 49ers confirmed Thursday that the end zones at Candlestick Park will be painted red for the team's playoff game vs. the New Orleans Saints.
Niners sign longsnapper to future deal
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The 49ers signed special teamer Kyle Nelson to a futures contract this week, according to his agent. Nelson, who went undrafted out of New Mexico State, has been variously listed as an OL, a FB and a TE. His true …
Bracing for Saints’ blitz
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
As the 49ers discovered in August, Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will blitz during the preseason.
But that's nothing. San Francisco center Jonathan Goodwin, who spent two seasons with Williams in New Orleans, makes it sound as if Williams is dialing up an exotic blitz while you're...
Drew Brees on Alex Smith: “He looks like he’s playing with a lot of confidence, and yet taking care of the football and being a great game manager.”
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Drew Brees spoke to Bay Area writers on a conference call this afternoon. Here’s what he said.
Q: What makes the 49ers so difficult to play against?
BREES: “First of all it’s a 3-4 system, which we don’t see all that often. It’s been a little while since we’ve played a 3-4 team. They’re built differently. They’re typically a lot bigger, more physical – definitely what you see from San Francisco’s front seven. They’re a big, tough, strong, physical group that you look at statistically and you say ‘Alright, they’re No. 1 against the run, they’re putting all kinds of pressure on the quarterback – they’re ranked in the top ten in sacks, obviously creating turnovers and that kind of thing, they rarely miss tackles – I mean, they’re a great tackling team.’
“And then you turn on the tape and you look at these guys and you just say, ‘They’re a very disciplined, they’re constantly stuffing the run holes, allowing their linebackers to run around and make tackles.’ It’s just a really solid, disciplined group that is probably, in my opinion, one of the best front-sevens in this league.”
Q: In the last game you lost you got sacked six or seven times. In the last nine games you’ve only gotten sacked seven times. What happened in that game and why did it change the last nine games?
BREES: “I think we got away from some of our protection schemes that allow us to be good. That was a time in the season too that we weren’t playing all that well, so I think that was somewhat of a wakeup call for us – that we needed to change some things, maybe get back to doing things the way we know how. Certainly it was motivation. We were 5-3 at the time. Not even sure if we were leading our division. And so we just knew that we had to improve, we had to get better. We made some changes and just continued to get a little bit better each week. That’s a big reason we’ve been able to rattle off nine in a row now.”
Q: Alex Smith said you two know each other a little bit. What have you seen from afar in the way he’s had a comeback year?
BREES: “I’ve been really happy for Alex. I know him – he’s a San Diego guy, from San Diego. I still spend some of the offseason there and train with a guy in San Diego. When Alex was first coming out of Utah he came and trained with us for a bit, and that’s where I met him. I know he kind of – just like every quarterback does – you face adversity, your ups and downs. I know there’s been a lot of coaching changes, a lot of different systems, just a lot of different variables that have been there for him. I think I admire how he’s hung in there and just continued to fight and just get a little better each week, each year. He’s just kind of waiting for that opportunity and trying to make the most of it. He’s had a phenomenal year. We’ve played some similar opponents so I’ve had a chance to see him play on film a little bit and I’ve just been really impressed with the way he’s grasped that offense in a short amount of time, some of the throws he’s making, the decision making, everything. He’s had a great year.”
Q: Some people expect a good quarterback to throw for a lot of yards like you do. What does he do on film that stands out?
BREES: “I would say his decision making. He’s only thrown five picks, and that’s a huge part of their success – the defense’s ability to take the ball away and the offense’s ability to take care of it. They’re plus-28 in the turnover ratio which is just phenomenal. I believe it’s tied for the best in NFL history, so there’s a reason they’ve been so successful. That’s the biggest stat in football – the turnover ratio, and he’s done a great job of taking care of it. So I’d say his decision making.
“He’s made some big throws in some big situations. I can recall the one against Seattle down the sideline to Crabtree on that drive to go down and kick a field goal and take the lead. I’ve seen him make some throws – a couple against Tampa, because we played Tampa the next week after they played them early in the season. He looks like he’s playing with a lot of confidence, and yet taking care of the football and being a great game manager, all those things. I’m happy for him.”
Q: A month ago the Titans held your offense to 22 points and you were 0-3 in the red zone. Why did the offense struggle in that game?
BREES: “We got down there three times – one was at the end of the half in the two-minute drill, and to be honest with you I missed Lance (Moore) on the throw. Had I thrown it a little bit better it would have been a touchdown, and then the other one I threw a touchdown and then it got reviewed and called back. I don’t know. We just fell a little bit short that day.”
Q: What changes on their defense stand out to you from when you played them early last season?
BREES: “Even though that was last year, if feels like forever ago just because that was the beginning of the season and here we are in the playoffs almost thirty-something games later. I would say the scheme is the same, a lot of their personnel is the same, and yet they’ve certainly made some additions to their team that have been pretty significant. Carlos Rogers has had a phenomenal year. Donte Whitner has had a great year. Aldon Smith has come in as a rookie and established himself as one of the best pass rushers in this league. You combine that with an already very stout defense that’s got great leadership – I know Justin Smith has been around a longtime, Patrick Willis and others – you see a defense that’s playing with a lot of confidence. They’re tough, they’re physical, they’re great tacklers – all those things that combine for winning defense. They’re playing as well as you can play right now.”
Q: Was getting right tackle Zach Streif back after the Rams game key for your team?
BREES: “Yeah. Streif was out for about four weeks, and so he came back the week after that Rams game. But there’s no excuse. The other guy did a great job, too. Like I said, I think we got away from some of the things that make us a great pass protecting team for that game. Obviously we’ve made significant improvements getting back to what we know the last nine or ten weeks.”
Q: Recognizing that you have won a Super Bowl, some say your offense is playing as well as it’s ever played since you’ve been there. Do you agree with that?
BREES: “Yeah, I do. I think that it’s a combination of being in the system now for six years, and I think we continue to evolve and make it better. We’ve got a lot of continuity in our personnel. So, you look at the offensive line, with the exception of our center who is a first year starter, all the other guys have been together now for three years playing together, four or five years that they’ve been on the team together. And then the receivers – all five receivers have been together now for five years. Tight end Jimmy Graham is a great young talent – he’s obviously a first-year starter. Sproles, it’s his first year here. Pierre Thomas has been here four years. You talk about continuity and consistency, a lot of guys have been in this system a long time and I just feel like we’re hitting our stride at the right time.”
Q: Talk about Jonathan Goodwin – he’s helped to solidify the 49ers offensive line.
BREES: “Yeah, Goody’s awesome. A starter here for us for three years – I felt like he was certainly one of the mainstays of our offensive line. At the center position that’s a guy who’s required to do a lot. I had a great relationship, great rapport with Goody and it was tough to see him go. Obviously it seemed like it was a great opportunity for him there and I’m happy to see him be so successful.”
Q: You’ve played the last four weeks on artificial surfaces. What do you think the adjustments will be – if any – that you’ll have to make coming back to grass.
BREES: “You don’t worry about the footing – how’s the grass, how’s the turf? I think it’s different when you’re playing on the west coast, on that type of grass as opposed to up north where it’s been snowed on or it’s icy or frozen or it’s just been torn up, that kind of thing. That’s just something that you go out beforehand and make sure you’ve got the right cleats and all that stuff.
Q: Has Sproles surprised you with the effect he’s had on the offense?
BREES: “Sprolesy? Sorry, I’ve got a bunch of nicknames for people. Sprolesy, he’s had a phenomenal year. He was a guy who I worked out with all offseason while we were locked out. I knew he was going to be a free agent and I just kept asking him every day, ‘Where do you think you’ll end up? Where do you think you’ll end up?” And he was like, ‘I don’t know.” So I said: “Well, I’d love it if you’d come play for us! I don’t know what’s going to happen with Reggie, but if he’s gone let’s make this happen.” Sure enough we trade Reggie to the Dolphins after the lockout ends and I kind of tell Coach Payton, our staff here, ‘We’ve got to get this guy, this guy’s something special.’ Sure enough, it works out, he comes here and ends up breaking the NFL record for all-purpose yards in a season. So, I think he’s certainly made a splash and made his mark and he’s a big part of what we do, and just yet another element to our offense.”
Alex Smith on Drew Brees: “I’m looking to outscore him. He can throw for however many yards he wants to.”
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
SANTA CLARA – Here’s the transcript of Alex Smith’s Tuesday group interview, courtesy of the 49ers.
What are your feelings going into your first playoff game?
“Excited. Obviously, this is why you play. You play to get into the postseason. Get your ticket to the dance. Excited to be hosting a home game. Looking forward to it. Can’t wait to see what the stadium is like. Obviously, we’ve got a great challenge in front of us. I need to have a great week of preparation, so this is where it starts.”
They obviously are known for blitzing a fair amount. It’s high risk, high reward it seems. Do you see opportunities there to get some plays down the field?
“No question. That’s kind of the nature of the game when teams pressure a lot. Obviously you’ve got some chances to make plays. They’re good at it. They’ve been doing it so long. They know where they’re vulnerable. I think the guys in the secondary do a great job with it. They know where they’re vulnerable. They do a great job of trying to take away those big plays as much as possible. So, we’re going to have to be on top of it, no question.”
You’ve done really well, it seems like, passing particularly at home. Why do you think it’s been better there?
“I don’t know. It’s a great question. Obviously crowd noise plays into that, especially on third down when you’re trying to throw the ball on the road. Anywhere you go you’re going to be dealing with crowd noise. So at home, to be able to use the cadence and be able to communicate a little easier, verbally obviously helps. I think that might play into it.”
Talk about the line. How the line has been playing this year and specifically how C Jonathan Goodwin’s addition has played into the improvement up front?
“Those guys have had a tough job with coming together in such a short amount of time, with no offseason and adding Goody into the mix. They’ve gelled quickly. I think especially all the different things we do. They’ve just really come together, run and pass. They really set the tone for us in both those areas. Really set the tone for us on offense. It all starts up front with those guys. They just continue to do a great job week in and week out preparing themselves for what they’re going to face.”
How much have you relied on Jonathan this week specifically knowing that he spent the last few years against Saints Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams defense?
“Obviously there is a little bit of familiarity there. I’ve been able to pick his brain here and there on things. We still have to go out there and do it. It’s something to help us, but it would be like someone asking me about our defense. I’d have a little bit to say, but really I’m so used to preparing for the other team’s defense that I don’t know it that well. I could tell you a lot more about our offense. One of those things.”
How drastically different are these offenses? There’s a lot being made about their high-powered offense and your offense has done just enough to get to this point.
“You can say what you want. A lot of different ways to win games in this league. Obviously offensively, they’re doing a lot of great things right now. Record-setting offense. It’s kind of what you aspire to get to, no question, offensively. To be able to put up those kinds of numbers, do what they’re doing. They’ve been in it a long time. Doing it at a really high level, no question. It’s kind of for you guys to write about, to talk about the differences and differences of style. Whatever you want to call it. It is what it is. It still comes down to scoring more points than the other team and that’s what we’re looking to do.”
With that said, you don’t want to get in a track meet with these guys or a shootout. You want to stay within your own offense.
“We’re going to play our game. We’re not going to be somebody we’re not. We’re going to continue to do what we do. We’ve done it all year.”
Can you define what you do?
“I think that style is whatever it takes to win. I think we’re going to be multiple in the run game and the pass game. We’re going to do a lot of different things, personnels. We’re not going to make it easy for the defense to defend us in all facets of the game.”
Given the amount of time they blitzed in the preseason game and how many hits you took, what adjustments have you made and what do you expect to see in terms of the blitz?
“Going back and watching the preseason game, it’s obviously such a long time ago, but they brought heavy pressure and we didn’t handle it very well. It was early on for us and obviously we’ve come a long way since then.”
Are you expecting more of the same?
“There’s a fair amount of pressure in every single team they’ve played this year. So, I think we’re absolutely expecting it. How much, who knows, but you have to get ready for it.”
What kind of background do you have with QB Drew Brees?
“I know Drew a little bit. We have the same agent. He lives down in San Diego now, stays part of the year down there and trains down there. I’ve worked out with him down there and have gotten to know him a little bit.”
How much have your responsibilities at the line of scrimmage evolved, not just throughout this season, but over your career?
“It just depends. I’m not going to get into it too much, but it depends week-to-week. We do different things. It depends on who we play.”
How much has WR Michael Crabtree progressed this season? What is your confidence level in him?
“I really think Michael’s playing at a high level. I don’t think he gets a ton of attention for all of the reasons you guys have explained. Defense obviously is playing lights-out this year and offense is a little bit flying under the radar. I think Michael is a prime example of that. I think he’s playing at a really high level for us and it kind of goes unnoticed a little bit, but not around here. I think every guy appreciates what he does in the run game and the pass. He continues to make plays for us.”
Have you seen more of a connection?
“Over the course of the year, no question. It was a new system at the beginning of the season and he was still down with an injury at the start. I think just looking to continue to grow each week.”
How much are you enjoying this week and being in the playoffs?
“It’s obviously new territory for a lot of us, me included, to still be playing football right now. It was fun watching games last weekend knowing that we had a game coming up and we’re still rolling. It’s exciting and I’m obviously not reflecting on it, but enjoying still playing football.”
What do you think the chances are of you out-throwing Drew Brees?
“I have no idea. I don’t care. I really don’t care. I’m looking to outscore him. He can throw for however many yards he wants to.”
Fangio on the Saints offense: “They have weapons everywhere. It’s hard to say, ‘Hey, if we stop this guy we’ll win this game.’”
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
SANTA CLARA – Here’s the transcript of Vic Fangio’s Thursday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers.
You’ve just had a few extra days to prepare for the Saints. Does the Saints offense require extra days? Is it that complex? Are you glad you’ve had extra time for it?
“Well, the Saints offense, as you all know, is operating at a high efficiency right now. They’ve got everything going for them right now. They’ve got a great quarterback who’s got great weapons to throw to. He’s got a great offensive line in front of him. The guy’s only been sacked 24 times in the regular season, and that’s off of 700 times they’ve thrown the ball, dropped back to pass. So, that’s impressive in and of itself, and to top it off, they’ve got a great scheme. They really give you a lot of offense to prepare for. You never quite know what you’re going to get from them and they run the ball. Everybody talks about their passing game and justifiably so, but they run the ball. I think they’re rated fourth in the league in the run. So, it’ll be an all-day sucker for us. We’ve got to come ready to go.”
You mentioned the sack numbers. Is Saints QB Drew Brees part of that, his ability to get rid of the ball to avoid those sacks? Is he a big part?
“That’s definitely part of it. He’s got such a great knowledge of their offense and a feel for where to go with the ball that he can get it out of his hands quicker than a lot of people, but they still do a great job protecting him, too. You’ll see many times where he holds the ball a long time, too.”
You’ve seen that it’s been mentioned that they play in the dome and not as well outside. Is there really that much of a difference when you’re watching them on the film?
“No. And I can remember, I coached with the Saints for nine years and we used to hear that when I was there. And we went up in December one year and played Buffalo when they were in the middle of all their Super Bowl runs and that year we were kind of an average team. I don’t remember what our record was, and we went up and beat them in a snow storm. So, I don’t put any credence in that.”
Vic, you had mentioned the run game. Can you share about RB Darren Sproles and kind of the different dimension he adds to their offense?
“Well, he adds a lot. He’s a special player. It’s almost as if – I can’t believe they got him for the cheap price that they got him for replacing [Former Saints RB] Reggie Bush. I think if it was the NBA, the commissioner might have stepped in and stopped that move. But, he’s a talented player. He’s extremely quick, extremely fast. He’s got a great working knowledge with Brees that goes back to their San Diego days. They worked all offseason together. He’s a weapon. And that’s the most glaring thing when you look at this offense is they have weapons everywhere. It’s hard to say, hey if we stop this guy we’ll win this game, or we’ll play great on defense. They’ve got a lot of guys we’ve got to stop. You’ve got to stop their offense.”
Can you describe sort of the contrast in these two teams? I mean, they’re a high-scoring offense and you’re a top-ranked defense, and sort of an offense that isn’t quite as flashy here.
“I don’t know. What’s there to say about that? We’re obviously two teams that, at this moment in time, are built a little differently. They’re built to score a lot of points. They get into a lot of high-scoring games. We’re not quite built that way. So, it’s definitely a contrast.”
What were the lingering effects of the finish in St. Louis? How did some of the secondary guys take it?
“That game seems so long ago right now. I don’t even know. We’re ready to go for the playoffs. The regular season was the regular season. Now we’re into the playoffs.”
You guys allowed three rushing touchdowns, but all three came in the last two games. How do you account for that? Was there fatigue involved? What’s the explanation?
“I don’t think so. I think it just goes to show you how hard and rare what we had done the first 14 weeks could be. In the last two games, we have a punt blocked, which gives them the ball on the three and they take it in. In this past game, we give up a quarterback scramble, which is actually a passing play and he runs it in from 17 or 18 yards out. And we have a pass interference in the end zone, which puts the ball on the one and they run it in. So, it just goes to show you how rare and unusual what we accomplished the first 14 games is. I think that’s all it means.”
Vic, you talked about how you dialed back your blitzing a little bit based on the personnel you have here. Do you ever see a situation where Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams would dial back his blitzing?
“Again, I don’t know, probably not, but I can’t speak for Gregg. I really don’t know Gregg that well. I don’t know.”
Vic, is playoff experience overrated? I mean, there are a lot of first-timers in your locker room compared to 40 something playoff experienced guys on the other side.
“Oh, I think there’s a little something to it, but I’d rather have the best team. OK. Give me a bunch of young players that are more talented than an experienced team without as much talent, I’ll take the young, talented team. I can remember way back when I was with the Saints and [former Saints general manager] Jim Finks, who’s a Hall of Famer as a GM and was in the league his whole life, we were talking about some Super Bowl matchup back in the 80’s. And he says, ah I’m taking this team here because they’re more experienced. I said, go ahead, we’ve got $10 on it. I’m taking this other team because their better even though they’re younger. I won. So, experience helps in any facet of life, but I like talent.”
There were times this year when you guys used LB Patrick Willis against a tight end, a good tight end. Obviously you guys are facing one of the better ones. How big of a challenge is that for Patrick in those times when he’s matched up against TE Jimmy Graham?
“Well, that’s a big challenge no matter who’s covering him. Could be a linebacker, could be a DB, safety, or corner. And he’s a rare, rare guy at tight end. He’s 6’6”, runs very well. He’s caught I think 99 balls in the regular season. So, he’s a big part of their offense, and his size and speed and range and his catching ability is a tough assignment for anybody. But, that’s what it is this time of year. You’re going against great teams, great players. Somebody’s going to have to man up and cover somebody at some point.”
Does he compare a little bit to Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew, who he faced earlier this year?
“A little bit in their size. This guy’s faster. They move this guy around more. He’ll be looking like a receiver a lot of times. So, it’s a little bit more challenging in that area.”
How have teams in general defended them when they’re in regular personnel, but he’s on the field? What do teams generally do?
‘They haven’t defended it very well, but—.”
Defensive-personnel wise though, do you seem teams mostly putting sub-packages out there, or what do they do?
“It’s been a mix. Some teams have taken the approach, hey we’ll play nickel and see how it goes. Some teams have changed it up, stayed in their base and got into nickel. So, I don’t think there’s any one way you can say is the way to stop this team.”
A lot of championship college coaches who have jumped to the NFL have not experienced success and gone back to the college game. What has been the difference for head coach Jim Harbaugh to change that mold in a matter of months?
“Well, I think a couple of things. One, his 15 years, I believe, he played as a player obviously is a help. He had a good feel for the pro game from that perspective. He worked a couple years with the Raiders, so he got it from a coaching perspective. So, I think he came into this position with already a pretty good working knowledge of what the NFL is all about. Albeit, it is different and he’s had to adjust a little bit. And I think we’ve got a staff that he’s put together that has a lot of experience in the NFL.”
Saints head coach Sean Payton seems to almost take pride in how many different formation groups he can come up with, how many different personnel packages he can come up with. Have you faced any lately this season who gives you that many different looks in a game?
“Probably not, and one of the reasons they do it is because they have versatile players. Graham can be a receiver. Sproles can be a receiver. They’ve got versatile guys out there and he’s using them.”
How are your defensive ends going into this game, DT Ray McDonald and DT Justin Smith, their health and are they going to be OK for Saturday?
“They’re fine.”
What have you learned about Justin since the beginning of the season?
“Justin Smith?”
Yes.
“Well, like I’ve said before to the people that have been here, I knew he was a good player. He’s even better than my impression was. And I think what a lot of people forget about Justin is they fall in love with his tenacity, his effort, his toughness, which is all justified, but he’s got talent. He’s a talented player. So, when you combine the intangibles that we spoke about with his talent, we get what we see this year.”
Same way with LB Aldon Smith, has he exceeded your expectations?
“I don’t know that he’s totally exceeded them. It’s kind of worked out the way I’d hoped for. Now what you hoped for isn’t always what you get, but we had hoped that he would be a significant contributor in our pass rush and our sub-packages because making the transition from defensive lineman to outside linebacker is hard. Then you throw in the no offseason. My hope was that he would be a significant contributor to our sub-packages as a pass-rusher, and he’s done that.”
What do you think makes the Saints such a better team on turf than on grass?
“I don’t know that answer. I don’t know that that’s really true. But, obviously the home field is always a good advantage, right? So, and they play eight of those there.”
Sean Payton breaks down the Niners
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton spoke on a conference call with Bay Area writers Tuesday afternoon.
Here’s what he said.
Q: How much of a contrast is there between these two teams? So much is made of your high-powered offense and this defense you’ll be facing.
PAYTON: “I think that San Francisco as has done a great job – not only defensively but as a team, of taking the football away and then protecting it on offense. I think that turnover statistic will be important in this game.”
Q: Have you practiced on grass this week?
PAYTON: “We were inside today with more of a lighter practice. We’ll be outside tomorrow. Thursday we’ll be outside, and then Friday we’ll have a practice at Candlestick – outside.”
Q: Why do you think there is a discrepancy in your offense’s production indoors versus outdoors?
PAYTON: “I think often times that can come with a dome team.”
Q: How have the 49ers evolved from the team you played in the preseason?
PAYTON: “In a lot of areas. We’ve seen now, over the period of a whole season, the progress of a quarterback and an offense. They’re playing with a lot of confidence. You see the big plays coming off of play action pass. Alex’s progress has been outstanding, and the confidence of his players around him you can see on film.
“Defensively, they’re real impressive. When you look at their ability to force a team to become one-dimensional – and that’s their ability, to stop the run, their first in the league in doing that – and then when you get into that third down and medium or long situation, here come the takeaways. They’ve led the league in takeaways this season, and they’ve led the league in giving it up the fewest amount. Put that with a real good kicking game and you have a team with the success like San Francisco’s had.”
Q: Do you think Frank Gore is a major threat as a running back after all these years and carries?
PAYTON: “Yeah, absolutely. We coached Frank in the ’06 Pro Bowl and he’s got that balance, that vision, he’s physical, he’s got real good elusiveness, and just having had a chance to coach him for a week you come away with impressions on players, and I know everyone on our staff came away from the ’06 Pro Bowl feeling like he was one of the top backs in our league, and better than that even, a great guy. Just to be around someone who enjoyed football, enjoyed competing.”
Q: Does playoff experience matter? There are so many guys in this 49ers locker room who haven’t been there before and you have a room full of guys who a lot of them have been to the playoffs.
PAYTON: “I don’t know that it does. Our game, it’s three hours long, so it’s going to be 12 to 14 series each, it’s going to be some plays in the kicking game. Last week the same question was asked before we played Detroit, and we’ve got a number of guys we’re playing without it. I don’t think it hurts, but it certainly doesn’t entitle you or guarantee anything.”
Q: How much did last year’s playoff loss in Seattle serve as motivation for this year’s squad?
PAYTON: “Well, when you finish the season with a tough loss I think that’s something you really remember forever. I think heading into last week’s game we talked about where we were a year ago at that date – after that wild card round, and how hard that was to have high expectations and to come away with just a loss in that first playoff game. So I think there’s certain things you learn from – you understand the finality of this time of the year, and you never take things for granted. And so all of us – players, coaches – will carry that tough loss with us, just as we will the wins we’ve had. You hope you’re getting something not only from the wins, but you hope you’re learning something from the losses.”
Q: Can you clarify what happened between you and Jim Harbaugh in that first preseason game – whether there was or wasn’t a phone call or a gentleman’s agreement, and if there’s any bad blood?
PAYTON: “There’s no bad blood. I had a chance to listen to Jim talk yesterday and the report was absolutely crazy. The thought that I would be waiting for a certain phone call – I just answered that same question with our media. We end up – if you watch our preseason games every offseason – every year you see us in one or two of those games, trying to blitz a lot, to get our packages in. But the idea he was offended he didn’t call is nuts, and the idea that we’re sitting here talking about it because some reporter reported it like it was fact is completely crazy.”
Q: So you didn’t ask Gregg Williams to bring on the blitz?
PAYTON: “No. I wish I was wearing a mic. I don’t think I’ve ever turned to him and said, ‘Let’s bring on the blitz now.’ I mean, just think about the idea of that. This mysterious phone call that we were expecting is crazy. If there ever was a time in the preseason, it’s usually the fourth game that you might make a decision in regards to what you may or may not do, but I know Jim – certainly know and worked with his brother. It was a bogus report and it’s crazy we’re talking about it.”
Q: What do you make of what Harbaugh has been able to do out here in just a few months, when most college coaches have not been able to do that?
PAYTON: “In fairness to pro coaches, college coaches – I think real good coaches that come in and have success in our league can come from both levels. To Jim’s credit, he’s found that niche and that enthusiasm with his players and the turnaround has been amazing. He and his staff have done a great job – the development of a number of players starting with Alex Smith, the way the defense is playing, it’s been very impressive. And the thing about it, every week we go back and watch NFL Network and we watch clips and highlights of all the teams that we play and see – they look like they’re having a ton of fun as well. I think that’s important in our game, to not lose track of the emotion of what we do, an enjoyment of what we do, and certainly when you win it’s a lot more fun, but it’s been real impressive. The turnaround in such a short period of time has been amazing.”
Q: Jonathan Goodwin came over from your team to the Niners and has been a key offensive lineman. Can you talk about him?
PAYTON: “We had a number of good years with Jonathan. He was a huge contributor for us. He’s a great individual. He’s extremely smart. And one of the things I would say about him is he was as consistent and steady a performer and a practice player and a game day player. You just knew what you were getting. He’d fight through injury, and he gave you that performance on a daily basis. We were fortunate enough to sign him from the Jets, and I think San Francisco is enjoying the same things that we had in him during our Super Bowl season, leading up to that season and then even the year after. He’s one of the special guys in our league.”
Q: How has Aubrayo Franklin transitioned to your team from this 3-4 scheme here?
PAYTON: “He’s done well. Our packages are a little bit different form the true 3-4 defense. He’s a great teammate, and what difficult sometimes – both with him and Shaun Rogers – there are certain weeks where their involvement may be a little less or a little more based on the opponent we’re playing, and how much we’re seeing the spread sets as opposed to the conventional sets. I think that he’s been very consistent, he’s remained healthy and this will be a game where we see a lot of Aubrayo and Shaun, based on a lot of the sets that we’ve seen from San Francisco.”
Q: Did you know exactly what you were getting with Darren Sproles? Has he exceeded some of your expectations?
PAYTON: “I think there was a certain element we felt comfortable with, but there are some areas that he’s really impressed us with. No. 1 I think he’s an exceptional learner. In a short offseason, really no offseason, he’s come in a picked things up very quickly. No. 2 he’s been a better runner for us between the tackles than maybe we would have anticipated. But his decisions during the game as a receiver or as a back have been outstanding, he’s a great teammate and he’s really given us a spark not only in the nickel but certainly in base situations.”
Q: How much do you take from last season’s game against the Niners?
PAYTON: “I think they’ve changed enough. It was a team a year ago that had a very, very good defensive front, they were very hard to run the ball against and so there’s some carryover. But I think it’s a much more complete team right now.”
Spagnuolo could provide tips for baffling Brees
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
As the Giants defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo was the mastermind whose high-pressure schemes baffled ? and beat up - the mighty Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
Lesser known is a role Spagnuolo, as the Rams head coach, had in another jaw-dropping upset: The Rams' 31-21 victory over the Saints...
Crabtree’s cleats aren’t his sole focus
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Michael Crabtree's pregame preparation is as detailed as you'll find in the league -- right down to his cleats. What's in store for the Saints? He sat down with Mindi Bach to explain.
49ers’ challenge – keep the heat on Drew Brees
Monday, January 9, 2012
(01-09) 21:19 PST -
Cornerback Chris Culliver of the 49ers offered a clever, impromptu Drew Brees impersonation Monday. Culliver was fielding questions about Brees when he suddenly struck a quarterback's pose - right arm cocked as if about to throw, eyes patiently scanning an imaginary...
49ers still hoping Delanie Walker returns
Monday, January 9, 2012
(01-09) 21:19 PST - Don't count out Delanie Walker just yet.
Sixteen days after Walker's jaw was broken in two places Dec. 24 at Seattle, coach Jim Harbaugh said the 49ers will keep a roster spot open for him in hopes he can play in the postseason.
Harbaugh didn't rule Walker out of...
Jim Harbaugh on the Saints, his relationship with Sean Payton, and more
Monday, January 9, 2012
SANTA CLARA – Here’s the transcript of Jim Harbaugh’s Monday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers.
What kind of work was accomplished Saturday night after you knew that you would be playing the Saints?
“Just watching the game. The coaches were working on their individual positions.”
Did you put in the game plan pretty much Saturday night and Sunday?
“It’s, as it always is, it’s a work in progress.”
You guys are a three-point underdog to start out with. Does that put you in a role that you like to be in? That hunter role?
“No, I don’t think it’s relevant really. We really don’t pay too much attention. Are you referring to the line?”
Yeah.
“I can honestly say there are weeks where I have no idea what the line is. Or pay much attention to it.”
Nationally, no one is giving you much of a chance in this game. That would seem to be right in your wheelhouse, I would think, as far as getting your team prepared for it.
“Oh?”
Am I wrong in that?
“You seem to know what my wheelhouse is. To me, it’s not relevant. It’s not in or out of the wheelhouse. You’re expecting a great day today. The players are in. They’re throwing iron around in the weight room. They’re treating it much like any Tuesday would be for us. We’re on our season routine. We’ll meet today. There will be a good chunk of the game plan that gets presented to the players today. We’ll have an opportunity to walk through that. And away we go.”
So Wednesday and Thursday are your practice days? As it would be normally even though the game is on Saturday?
“Tuesday and Wednesday. Today, Monday, will be like a Tuesday. Tuesday will be like a normal Wednesday for us. Wednesday, like a normal Thursday, etc.”
How do you view the Saints? They’ve won nine in a row, most of them by a lot of points. How do you look at them?
“I look at them as a great team. They have the ability to win in a lot of different ways: offense, defense, special teams. Outstanding players. They’re playing very well together within the framework of the offense. A very effective running team and a very effective passing team. Both of those phases really compliment the other. They get favorable looks in the running game because they are so good throwing the ball. Their running game compliments their play-action game. It’s just a well orchestrated, coordinated offense led by a quarterback that’s having arguably the best year in the history of the game. Fine receivers, fine backs. Outstanding offensive line that plays outstanding together. Defensively, they have the ability to make big plays with momentum changing plays. They’re a high pressure team. This is the most assortment of blitz and blitz of any team that we’ll play. Linebacker looks, secondary looks. The way they go about stopping the run and the pass is a pressure mentality. Best group of linebackers that we’ve played. They all play and they all play well. They all bring something to the table there. As I said, the secondary is much involved in coverage and in rush. Their leading sacker is a safety. Defensive line that rotates and they play up to nine guys. It’s a very formidable challenge for our team on both sides of the ball and special teams this week.”
You saw them in preseason in your first game as head coach. How much relevance does that game have to what you’re going to see this week?
“Well, some. Both teams have evolved since then. Some, I don’t know how much.”
You got to see some of their blitzes and blitz packages in that game. Does that help you at all? Help you with the linemen’s preparation this week?
“You’ve seen, and you saw even more as the season went on as you watch each and every game. It’s a high volume, no question about it. It’s a great challenge for not just our offensive line, but our quarterback, our backs, our receivers. They’re a team that will play coverage, too. They’ll play a four-down line front. They’ll play a three-down line front. Overload pressure. Standard cover-2. They’re a coverage team, as well, and do that very well. A lot of things that we’re working through right now as we prepare and game plan for this game.”
One of the things that came out after that game was the radio guy for the Saints said that the word there was that you didn’t call Saints Head Coach Sean Payton about a gentleman’s agreement and that’s why they blitzed so much. Do you know anything about that?
“No, I don’t. I really don’t. Don’t know anything about that. You hate to deal with hypotheticals. What somebody might have said and what somebody didn’t say. It really becomes irrelevant. Certainly not aware of any gentleman’s agreement. Even asked my brother. ‘Is there some kind of gentleman’s agreement that you call a coach before a preseason game?’ And he wasn’t aware of any. Even if there was, we wouldn’t do it anyway. We ask no quarter, we give no quarter, and that’s how we approach things.
I know you had said after that game that, ‘Hey, they can blitz. That’s part of it, you can do that.” Did it seem excessive that there was that much blitzing going on with an established defense against a team that was just installing stuff and after the lockout as well?
“That’s what they do as evidenced by a full season to see what they do. Whether that helped us? It was effective in that game. Made us address it.”
There were a couple games this year when QB Drew Brees wasn’t as efficient as we normally see him. What did the Rams and the Buccaneers do in those two games, the basic version, against Brees that limited that effectiveness?
“He’s been extremely effective. There’s been some talk about maybe those were the road games or that kind of talk. But those were early. Talking about the early road losses, were early in the season. This is a good road team. They were 5-3 this year. They were 6-2 the year before on the road. Before that, I think they were one of the best road teams in the league. It’s an outstanding offense. This is a high-octane offense that’s clicking on all cylinders. It’s a great challenge for us and it’s going to take our best effort, no question about it.”
Given the production of your opposition, does time of possession matter more in this game do you think? Particularly for your offense?
“I think all the things are going to matter. Everybody starts talking about the keys. This is the key; that’s the key. Before you know it, you’ve got 26 different keys to the game. Which is really accurate. All those things will play a part in it. Good, solid, fundamental football. Taking care of the ball. Blocking and tackling are always the keys. That leads to time of possession.”
When you look at Drew Brees, what do you see? Quarterback to quarterback.
“Just outstanding. I’m not a quarterback. I’m a coach. You marvel, you really do. First of all, his intelligence. His ability to diagnose defensive schemes – read them very quickly. The accuracy that he has throwing the football to the right receiver, to the right spot. To the weakness in the defense. Over and over with numbing repetition. Just how fast he gets the ball out. He operates faster than everybody that we’ve seen on tape. It’s very impressive. Plays with a lot of confidence. All really good.”
Jim, obviously there’s more media here. There’s going to be more media as the week goes on. First time you guys have made the playoffs since 2002. How do you want your players to address this? Do you want them to kind of feel the emotion of this? Do you want them to just play it like it’s a normal game? How do you want them to address it in the locker room?
“It’s special being in the playoffs. I want them to feel that. Understand what this is all about. You get one shot. They’ve earned a right to be here. But understand that we’re not trying to get every ounce of pleasure out of this thing. We’re focused on what we need to do and that’s prepare for the New Orleans Saints. So, like we do everything. A mix of focused and loose, doing both at the same time. Our guys do a good job of that, keeping things light. Having fun on the practice field and in the meetings and getting ready to play. Getting prepared for this ballgame. To me, the only thing that we have to fear is being unprepared. So, take every advantage of getting ready for the game. But not overcook it.”
Do you plan on making a roster change this week and making your decision on TE Delanie Walker, or sticking with who you have?
“We’ve made a decision on Delanie. We’re going to keep that spot open. Got great news on him last Wednesday. He is not the normal guy. He is not the average Joe walking around on the street. He’s young, he’s got great powers of healing apparently. So, he’s made tremendous progress.”
Is that something that you’re looking to the future on that one, Championship game or Super Bowl?
“We’ll see. We’ll see just exactly when he’s back. Right now, to answer the question, and by evidence that we’re not making any move, we’re leaving that spot open for when he does come back.”
So you’re not ruling him out this weekend?
“I’m not ruling him out, no.”
Jim, you said after the St. Louis game that something was bothering RB Frank Gore. As far as you know is he feeling relatively speaking 100 percent now? Or is that something still bothering him?
“Well, that’s just our way of not telling you what it is, what’s bothering him. And that’s enough information. We don’t go into specifically what it is. That’s out of respect for Frank and our team. I think he’s good. I think Frank’s good. Yeah, he’s benefited from the rest, mentally, physically. He’s good to go.”
How big of a weapon can he be to neutralize the Saints, to keep them off the field?
“Well, he’ll be one of the 26 keys.”
Top ten?
“Yeah, he’s a top-ten guy. No doubt about it, all the way. Always, always he’s a top-ten guy.”
How have you seen the moods of the players change at all this week? Or have they been able to keep it like you said, intense but still relaxed?
“Morale’s been really high. Excellent practices last week and every opportunity they’ve had to be here they’ve been here. So, you can tell that their focus is here. They’re staying extra and got a great jump on this week. So, those are the signs.”
How were those ones vs. ones matchups out there? Was it intense? The kind of intensity you wanted to see out there?
“It was. It was good. Good competition. It raises the level of practice from what I can see, and good, beneficial both sides of the ball. And it also kind of helps you troubleshoot and comb through a few new ideas, which we had in.”
Did you know New Orleans Head Coach Sean Payton when he played for the replacement Bears? Did you cross paths with him at that point?
“No. No I did not. Watched him play, watched him on the T.V., but I’d never met him when he was playing and I was on the Bears.”
He’d been somewhat self-deprecating about his performance with the Bears. What was your critique of him when you saw him play?
“I don’t remember. I don’t remember how he played. I think if I was right there were three games and the Bears won two of them. And I remember that helping us that year because we were in the playoffs and it helped our record, etc. I remember him and Mike Hohensee was the other quarterback. I believe, it’s testing my memory here, but Hohensee was from Minnesota maybe? And then I don’t remember how the two of them played. I think they both played though in those games.”
Do you know him well? Do you have some sort of a relationship with Sean?
“Yes, just been around him. Have great respect for him. I know some of the other coaches that are on the staff there. So, yeah good visits every time I’ve been around him. Professional.”
You’ve talked about Frank’s value as a running back. What about his blocking against a team that blitzes a lot? How important is his ability to pick up blitzes?
“Very important and he does it as good as anybody in the game. That’ll be critical in this game. The Saints are a hug-rushing team. And then they’re going to send backers to cover and then they’ll rush to cover once they see that the back is in protection, they’ll continue to rush and add extra heat. So, it’ll be very important for Frank to have a great game blocking as it will for all of our guys, including our receivers.”
Jim, what are you thinking when you’re watching your future opponent put up 646 yards of offense in the playoff game, the one before they play you? Just emotionally what do you think when you’re watching that?
“It makes me go to bed and sleep like a baby. Wake up every hour crying.”
Jim, tomorrow is an important day in 49ers history. It’s the 30th anniversary of The Catch. And I was just wondering, I know a lot of people are drawing parallels between that 1981 season and this season, do you remember watching that game?
“Oh yeah.”
And where were you? What did you think about it? Were you rooting for one team or the other?
“My dad had just got hired on at Stanford. So, we were rooting for the 49ers. A lot of the folks over there had known Coach Walsh and some of the other coaches. I remember being at a—we were having a recruiting weekend. So, I tagged along with my dad and they had the game on. I can’t remember where it was, maybe a restaurant or a hotel or something like that. It was a big room in there and they had the T.V. screen going and a buffet. And ate and watched the game. It was pretty good. Glad I witnessed one of the greatest plays in the history of the game. That’s how I felt.”
Phantom phone call: Revisiting preseason blitzkrieg in New Orleans
Monday, January 9, 2012
It wouldn’t be unheard of to think that Jim Harbaugh — he of the dubious post-game handshakes — had ruffled the feathers of an opposing coach. And following the 49ers loss to the Saints in the preseason opener this year, …
Tom Waddle, Jim Harbaugh and the missing Rolex
Sunday, January 8, 2012
I spoke with former Bears wide receiver Tom Waddle last week for this newspaper story on Jim Harbaugh and Waddle told an amusing story about a gift he never received from his old quarterback.
In 1993, Harbaugh was the quarterback behind a "five-blocks-of-pumice offensive line," as Sports...
Five reasons the Niners have a good chance to beat the Saints
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Here are five reasons the Niners have a good chance to beat the Saints on Saturday.
1. The Niners can get pressure on Drew Brees with their front by attacking the weak link on the Saints line – center Brian De La Puente – with Aldon Smith on stunts. Justin Smith can occupy Pro Bowl left tackle Jermon Bushrod and Pro Bowl left guard Carl Nicks and free up Aldon Smith to swing around, beat De La Puente and crash the pocket where Brees likes to step up.
2. The Niners have a good chance to neutralize the Saints x-factors on offense – Darren Sproles and Jimmy Graham – with NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis, respectively. Yes, Jimmy Graham is six inches taller than Willis, but Willis has covered taller tight ends well all season long. And if Bowman could keep Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy in front of him in Philadelphia, he can contain Darren Sproles on Candlestick’s grass.
3. A big part of the Saints’ improvement on offense comes from their ability to run the ball this year. They will not be able to do this against the Niners. They will be a one-dimensional passing team like they were last year against Seattle in the playoffs.
4. The Niners have a top-notch home red-zone defense (allowing TDs just 25 percent of the time), while the Saints scored touchdowns only seven times out of 22 chances on grass this season in the red zone. The Saints will move the ball, but the Niners defense should be able to hold them to field goals.
5. The Niners will be able to run on the Saints defense. Frank Gore is rested and presumably healthy enough. He should get 20 carries and average near five yards a pop. The Niners will control the time of possession and, most importantly, keep the snap count low for Drew Brees and the Saints high-powered offense.
30 years ago, photographer caught The Catch
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Thirty years later, John Storey remains grateful it was Joe Montana scrambling to his right on that memorable January 1982 day. Another quarterback might not have artfully lobbed his pass high into the end zone the way Montana did.
And then Dwight Clark might not have made The Catch.
And then...
49ers / Brees bringing records into S.F.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Niners tight end Justin Peelle often works out with his good friend and former teammate Drew Brees in the offseason in San Diego.
In 2012, Peelle will meet up with his pal a little sooner than usual after Brees led the Saints to a 45-28 win over the visiting Lions in an NFC wild-card game...
49ers will the play the Saints differently than Detroit
Saturday, January 7, 2012
The Saints beat the Lions 45-28 to become the 49ers opponent Saturday Jan. 14 at Candlestick Park in the divisional playoff round. No surprise there. Nevertheless, the Saints performance was hardly dominating and the Lions defense did things the 49ers just don't do such as:
-They couldn't tackle...
DeBartolo, Haley make list of hall-of-fame finalists
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Eddie DeBartolo, Jr., who took over a woebegone 49ers franchise at age 30 in 1977 and then went on to win five Super Bowl titles, was named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2012 class today. Three …
Walker speaks — and that’s step 1 in his recovery
Friday, January 6, 2012
Delanie Walker has graduated from soups and shakes and moved on to fruits and pastas. But the 49ers’ tight end is a long way from returning to practice and doesn’t know whether he will be able to rejoin the 49ers …
Man down: McDonald rehabilitating hamstring injury
Friday, January 6, 2012
While his teammates began practice Friday, defensive end Ray McDonald was doing the same sort of rehabilitation work on a side field that Patrick Willis spent most of the month of December doing after pulling his hamstring. The severity of …
Aldon Smith a nominee for NFL Rookie of the Year
Friday, January 6, 2012
The NFL announced the nominees for the 2011 Pepsi Rookie of the Year award today, including 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith, Cincinnati's Andy Dalton, Denver's Von Miller, Cam Newton of the Panthers and Arizona's Patrick Peterson.
Alex Smith has a new view this season — literally
Friday, January 6, 2012
Alex Smith has a new view on the quarterback position from his first six years in the NFL after a minor adjustment to a piece of his equipment. "I have less stuff in my face and my eyes."
Greg Roman isn’t leaving … for now
Friday, January 6, 2012
Phew! With the news that Penn State plans to hire Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, it appears that Greg Roman will be remaining with the 49ers. Roman, who also interviewed for, but ultimately turned down, the head-coaching job at Tulane, …
Whitner on Harbaugh: “He said a couple things today that surprised a lot of guys. Some guys liked it. Some guys didn’t.”
Thursday, January 5, 2012
SANTA CLARA – Donte Whitner spoke for a long time at his locker this afternoon.
Here are a lot of quotes from that group interview.
Q: All the come from behind wins and the wins on the road – can you look to those for some guidance in place of the playoff experience this roster lacks?
WHITNER: Yeah, it’s really handling adversity, understanding that you’re going to be put in some adverse situations throughout the football season, you’re going to have some games you’re going to have to play on short notice and three, four days of practice and rest and travel across the country, and some games you’re in Seattle or Detroit where the fans are really loud and it’s really a playoff atmosphere. Everything we’ve been doing all year and all the teams we’ve been playing has really been preparing us for what we’re going to see the second round of the playoff, so we feel like we’re prepared.
Q: What does the defense need to do better for January 14th, in your mind? What’s the biggest thing you need to improve?
WHITNER: We need to improve our attitude on the football field each and every snap. Sometimes we’re dominant – a lot of times we’re dominant, but then sometimes we have lapses where we give up plays. It’s nothing mental – it’s all physical, and we have the guys in this room, we have the guys in our locker room to get the job done and to compete for a Super Bowl. That’s the goal right now, to win a Super Bowl, and we all know it, and anything short of that will be a disappointment.
Q: Will you be watching or scouting all the playoff games this weekend?
WHITNER: Yeah, you watch with a scouting eye. You know who the favorites are to win the football game – everybody expects New Orleans to win. But we understand that Detroit has a really good football team. They have a guy over there in Megatron who can win football games by himself. So with x’s and o’s, the players know what New Orleans is facing, New Orleans knows what they’re facing, and we’re just going to watch and hopefully we’ll get the best team. If I had to take a guess I would think it would be New Orleans, but you never know, you never know. But that dome really gives them a home field advantage. Other than that, I’ll be watching and we’ll be ready to come here Monday ready to prepare for it.
Q: Is it hard to scout it on TV because you can’t see all the players on the field?
WHITNER: Yeah, it’s hard to scout it on that. You can only scout once you come in and see the coaches’ copy and the players’ copy. You can’t really scout, you have to be a fan and just watch.
Q: Will you get together with teammates to watch that New Orleans game?
WHITNER: Yeah, I’m sure a few of us will get together, but guys like to do their own things sometimes, especially when you have downtime. A lot of guys might want to go home and see some family, so I don’t know. I know I’ll have some friends over – my younger brother is around here, so we’ll watch together.
Q: A lot of players on this defense have played almost all the snaps this season. Is that why you guys have given up some big plays the last few weeks?
WHITNER: No. It was a couple guys out of their gap, everybody not hustling to the football on some plays. We watched it, we talked about it and corrected it. It has nothing to do with that. Our training staff really does a great job. Our training staff and our weight room guys really do a great job working with guys one-on-one, understanding each guy’s body. All workouts aren’t the same. The things that have happened on the football field have nothing to do with injury. We expect guys to step in and play well.
Q: In past years did you watch the playoffs on TV too?
WHITNER: Yeah, and you tend to be a little jealous of the guys that are playing in the playoffs. All the attention of the sports world is on your games, especially when you get into the second, third round and the games get more and more important. Guys that want to get into the playoffs and are tired of sitting around four or five years in a row not making the playoffs. Now we have an opportunity to be one of 12 teams. Next week going into our game we’ll be one of eight teams, and hopefully after than game we’ll be one of four. We’re going to enjoy this.
Q: What was the last bowl game you played in?
WHITNER: The Fiesta Bowl down in Tempe, AZ against Notre Dame.
Q: Alex Smith said that at the Fiesta Bowl you got a portable DVD player. Did you get anything for making the playoffs this year?
WHITNER: Coach gave us a choice – you could either pick a painted football that says, “13-3, we made the playoffs,” or you could pick a little travel shaving kit, or another little duffle bag. It was not as extravagant as making it to the Fiesta Bowl, it will do.
Q: What did you pick?
WHITNER: I picked the football. I know my mom will probably want it. Somebody will probably want it.
Q: What did you get at the Fiesta Bowl?
WHITNER: Hand held Playstation 3s. It was pretty extravagant when you go to one of those big bowls. You never know what’s going to be in those goody bags when you get to your rooms at the Fiesta Bowl.
Q: Tostitos?
WHITNER: Tostitos. Bad of goodies. Extravagant hotel room – we stayed the Princess Resort down in Tempe. It was pretty good.
Q: Let’s talk about Harbaugh for a minute – what’s his deal?
WHITNER: I can honestly say that Coach Harbaugh is one of the most interesting coaches I’ve ever played for. You never know what you’re going to get from him. You never know what he’s going to say out of his mouth – some things we can share, some things we can’t. But he’s always going to shoot it straight to you, and he’s always going to make sure that the players are ready to play. Everything in this organization revolves around the players, and everybody else after that, so that’s how you know you have a good football coach – when he revolves everything around the players.
Q: Does he ever surprise you?
WHITNER: Yeah, he said a couple things today that surprised a lot of guys. Some guys liked it. Some guys didn’t. I can’t really share it, but that’s the type of stuff you need in the National Football League. When you have guys who have been around as head coaches for so long, they tend to disappear a little bit. They tend to not be involved with the players as much. They tend to not sit down in the lunch room and talk to players and understand what’s going on in their personal lives, and not just on the football field. Coach Harbaugh does that. After wins or losses, on the way back on home on the plane he’ll skip seats and go sit with different guys and talk to them and just talk about whatever they want to talk about. There’s not too many head coaches who do that in college or the National Football League, and I think that’s why he’s won this locker room over the way he has.
Q: What will he say when he sits down next to you in the lunch room?
WHITNER: Yeah, he’ll sit down with you and say: “I haven’t talked with you in a while. What’s going on?” There’s not too many that do that. There’s not too many head coaches who actually speak to the players directly on a personal level. He does that and that’s why he’s good at what he does.
Q: Did you ever think that was kind of weird?
WHITNER: Yeah, I always thought it was weird. I always thought it was weird that a lot of head coaches don’t speak to you and talk to you and really want to get to know you personally. When I first got here I thought it was a little weird that he wanted to do that just because I was used to something different, but that’s why he’s won the locker room and the organization and everyone around here over.
Q: Do you feel that the players can talk to him honestly about what they do and don’t like going on about the team and he’s not going to hold it against them?
WHITNER: Yeah, and we have a little committee of eight players, and if we don’t like something – the way it’s going, a schedule or whatever we can go to him. He’s not going to change it every time, but he’ll consider it, and that’s why the guys like him. He said that we can do anything in the world and we can come and talk to him and he’ll forgive us except put our hands on women. If you put your hand on a woman then you’re done in his book. So other than putting your hands on women, you can do anything and come talk to him, and it’s true. Open-door policy. Everybody around here really likes him and we want to win for him and for ourselves.
Q: Is there something he’s changed at the request of the committee?
WHITNER: When we went to Cincinnati we had a lot of input on where we stayed and what we ate and how we wanted it to be down in Cincinnati. Even this week, going to the game. Do guys want to get on the bus and go the game altogether or do you want to have your families with you? He’ll take a show of hands and let guys really give input. There’s not too many coaches that do that. It’s really cut-and-dry – I’m the ambassador, you listen to us and this is how it goes. A lot of times it doesn’t work that way in the National Football League.
Q: Who’s in the committee?
WHITNER: Myself, Patrick, Justin, Vernon, Moran, Frank, Alex – and he really lets us give our input.
Q: Who selected the committee?
WHITNER: Our teammates selected the committee – teammates and coaches.
Former 49ers great Tim McDonald joins Fresno State staff
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Former 49ers All-Pro safety Tim McDonald is now a member of Fresno State's coaching staff, according to the Fresno Bee. New football coach Tim DeRuyter pried McDonald loose from Edison High where he continued that school's history of success in Fresno.
McDonald, who will coach the secondary,...
Can great defenses beat great QBs in NFL playoffs?
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Tim Tebow's first NFL playoff appearance has been shaping up as a battle for the soul of modern-day professional football.
The cult of the quarterback has been threatened since the day Tebow started winning games for the Broncos. If his team beats the Steelers on Sunday, expect the cult's true...
49ers’ defense prepares offense for red zone
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
As it turns out, the solution to the 49ers ' vexing red-zone problems was located on their practice field all season.
Entering the playoffs, it appears the Niners can cross those red-zone issues off their fix-it list, and coach Jim Harbaugh said some of the credit can go to San Francisco's...
York not fretting coordinator’s possible departure
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Jed York says he won’t stop offensive coordinator Greg Roman or any of the 49ers assistants from landing a higher-profile job elsewhere. But he says the team is better equipped to handle the loss of another offensive coordinator than it …
49ers’ Greg Roman is Penn State finalist
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Greg Roman, the 49ers ' offensive coordinator, is a finalist to be the next head coach at Penn State, a source confirmed Monday.
The news of Penn State's interest in San Francisco's first-year assistant was first reported by Tom Dienhart of the Big Ten Network.
According to the source, Roman...
Full Harbaugh
Monday, January 2, 2012
SANTA CLARA – Here’s the full Harbaugh transcript, courtesy of the 49ers.
How much advance will you do on the three potential teams that you could face on January 14th?
“We’ll do quite a bit. The teams that we haven’t seen, especially. Just have to watch the tape on them. So, New Orleans, Atlanta, and the Giants.”
The way the game ended yesterday, can that be a coaching point that you want to emphasize to the guys? About the lapse that allowed them to score 14 points in 13 seconds?
“You call it a lapse. I’m not calling it a lapse.”
What would you call it?
“Things can happen fast. Things can happen fast in this game. There’s no question. You’re up 21 with 4:57, and then you’re up seven, 20-30 seconds later. Pretty much illustrates just how fast something like that can happen in basically three plays. It’s not what you want to have happen. Winning the ball game felt better by the hour. Proud of the football team. They found ways to win games all through the season. When you look through the body of work, the evidence is there. The team should be proud of that. I think one of the great things about this 2011 team is their ability to find ways to win; finish games. The evidence is there. And it’s good to win in different ways. When you have a team that can win games by outscoring. Scoring four touchdowns by the offense. Score with the special teams. Different ways than maybe had been our formula in a lot of the other games that we won. I think that’s the sign of a good team.”
You mentioned you felt better by the hour. Yesterday, you said you weren’t sad. How were you after that game? Were you disappointed with what happened late in the fourth quarter? How would you describe it?
“Like I told you, I’m never going to apologize for a win. Not yesterday, probably not ever. The team did what they had to do. Found a way to win. Proud of them for that.”
As you get through that game now and look forward, how big of an advantage is it to have this week to prepare and heal and all that, going forward?
“It feels like an advantage. How big? We’ll see. I know this; that it’s important that we’re not going to treat it like a vacation. It’s not, in my view, a mid-season bye, where you can afford to come back in midseason form. We’ll treat it as such. We’ll get the players some well-deserved rest. Coaches will work hard on game-planning and familiarizing ourselves with potential opponents. Look forward to two good days of practice this week.”
What’s the update on TE Delanie Walker?
“He’ll be seen on Wednesday.”
Does getting the bye buy you some extra time to make a decision on him going forward?
“Yes.”
You always hear about playoff experience. This team kind of reminds me of the 1981 Super Bowl team: 13-3, you’ve got a bye, virtually no experience on the roster in the playoffs. Underrated or overrated, playoff experience?
“I think it’s good to have experience. It’s good to have been there before. I’m not overrating it or underrating it.”
Were you satisfied with the way WRs Brett Swain and Joe Hastings played yesterday?
“Yeah, they did some good things. They did some things that we have to coach. It gives us an opportunity to get those things coached and gives them some valuable experience. Just like our whole ball club. You have the luxury of winning the game and have things to coach.”
Will practices, aside from games and rest, remain the same? Do you add additional practices or keep things like they’ve been during the regular season?
“Do we add additional practices? Some things in the practice will change from a regular season; this week, especially. We don’t know what opponent we’re playing, so there will be some periods in the practice where it will be 49ers versus 49ers. Us against us. You don’t see that in the regular season. You see it in training camp. A chance to practice good football.”
G Adam Snyder said. “We can’t afford to leave town.” Certain guys leave town in a bye week. Does that go back to what you were saying about this is not like the bye week in the middle of the season? Do you expect some guys will be out of town?
“Yes, I do. I expect some guys will be out of town. The mentality is that this is not a vacation.”
Your brother is in the same situation. Have you guys communicated? Compared notes on what the best way of handling having the number two seed and the first round bye? Is that you guys see as each situation is different?
“I think each situation is different.”
Have you talked to him about his schedule?
“I have talked to him.”
Anything you’d like to share?
“Each situation is different. There are some similarities, there are some differences. Their situation is similar in some ways, and different in others. We’re each going to handle it accordingly.”
Any things you guys will do the same?
“Yeah, there will be some similar things. Basically, we’re on a similar schedule. Some things, like I said, we both have a bye this week. Compared notes, some things are the same, some are different.”
Late in the season, your team had been on a three for 20 slump in the red zone. You’re 6-8 in scoring touchdowns in the last three games. Is that encouraging going in to this playoff game?
“It is. We had hit a little bit of a slump there, three or four weeks back. But, I think it’s been improving and that’s encouraging.”
You talked about 49ers versus 49ers. Is that something that… You guys have a very good red zone defense, will there be some of that competition going on to sharpen both sides?
“Yeah, it’s actually something we’ve incorporated the last three weeks – going against our defense in the red zone. It’s been good for us. We’ll continue to build on that, especially this week, probably more than we have. Because we have the opportunity to.”
You’re known to be a fan of history, but are you necessarily a fan of the team’s history to bring up motivation for players regarding the 49ers history in the playoffs at all or just let this team find its own way?
“Some of both. When it’s applicable.”
Will any of the former 49ers greats come in here next couple weeks to talk to you guys?
“Nothing is planned, but we’d be receptive to that.”
Will you make an invitation or is that on them to come by? How does that work?
“I don’t know how that works.”
What’s RB Frank Gore’s status? Did it help him to not play a full game yesterday and how does he look going forward?
“Same as he’s been. Frank’s good.”
Outside of Delanie, are you expecting everybody else to be fully available for this next game?
“We’ll see.”
WR Kyle Williams says he’s good to go. Do you believe that he’s going to be on the regular schedule?
“Yes, I think he’s progressed well. He’ll be back out there the next time we’re out there.”
Same with WR Ted Ginn Jr.?
“We’ll see. I think so. It’s just hard for me to predict these things. I tell you one thing and then you come back and say that wasn’t what you said before. I just don’t know. They’re progressing well. I think they’re going to be there. But you don’t know. They workout today; you see how they respond tomorrow. They work out tomorrow; you see how they respond the next day. So, you don’t know.”
Are you back on the field tomorrow as a group? Full group?
“No, but guys are getting treatment. See how they respond.”
When’s your first practice back on the field?
“First practice will be Thursday. We’ll have a workout on Wednesday. And there are some guys working out today.”
Given the number of injuries at wide receiver, do you feel like you need to put any contingency plays in action yet or are youcomfortable with the way the guys played yesterday and Kyle’s progress?
“What do you mean contingencies?”
If guys don’t progress enough, do you feel like you need to bring in any wide receivers or are you comfortable at that spot?
“I feel like we wouldn’t have to bring anybody in.”
Was the pass defense, was it anything that you’re concerned about yesterday – giving up some chunk plays and a big pass interference?
“Let’s note the two great interceptions by [CB Tarell] T. Brown. They were fantastic plays by him. First, on the half back pass. Diagnosing that. That was a pretty good throw that (Norwood) made to the quarterback. That would have been right on the money, right over our linebacker’s head. Tarell did a great job recognizing, went up and made the catch and got the return. The second interception he got in the red zone was a phenomenal break on the ball. That was a great hands play by him. He got his hands on a couple other balls. Had two really nice PBUs and almost had a third interception. There were some good PBUs. [S] Dashon Goldson had a couple really nice plays. There was some good and they hit a few, too. That happens. I’m not overly concerned with that. I think our guys are playing well. Misjudged a ball … that happens.”
Did you guys expect trick plays, like the half back option, against a team that really has nothing to lose in that game?
“Yeah, we sure did. It’s like we talked about, we said that during the week. You’ve got to be alert for trickeration.”
Was that one of them, though? That particular play? Seemed like…
“More in general. Alert for all sorts of those kinds of plays. Also in the special teams as well. You expect more blitz from the defense.”
Is there really a word “trickeration?” Or did you just make that up? You said trickeration. I just loved it and just wondered if you made it up?
“I heard it before. I didn’t think of it. I didn’t make it up. I’m repeating a word that I heard. I don’t know if it’s a real word.”
Do teams styles tend to stay the same from the regular season into the postseason? A high scoring team, do you tend to expect to see the same thing from that team, going in to the post-season? Maybe that sounds basic but I’m just curious.
“For the most part. I think teams are going to do what got them there. I don’t think there are going to be wholesale changes from the end of the regular season into the playoffs. There definitely could be new wrinkles to an offensive scheme, but not drastic change of identity.”
Even though the playoffs aren’t the regular season, so as you prepare your team I know you’d like to probably keep the same mindset, but when you were playing was there a coach who prepared his team particularly well for the playoffs and you’re kind of taking that to coach your team this way, or is it your own style?
“I think I’m just going to be myself, and that is probably a combination of a lot of the coaches that I’ve worked for, or played for.”
Could you describe a little bit of what that would be?
“The same, really the same. Not changing. Improving. But, we’ll just keep doing what we’re doing. Trying to do it better, but I would like to say a couple positive things more about the team than we really didn’t talk about the game that much. Again offensively, I just want to compliment our players on the job that they’re doing taking care of the football. I think it’s 22 quarters now without a turnover. And that is outstanding. Again the body of work for the regular season. Only 10 turnovers and you get 38 takeaways. That is outstanding. Also, I want to congratulate [P] Andy Lee, [K] David Akers. Both, I believe this is a true statement, they’ve both set records for the history of the National Football League. Boy, whenever you can do that, when you can break a record for the history of the game, I just think it should be highlighted. And Andy, again, in that ballgame yesterday, did an incredible job punting the football. Down and inside the five, at the two, at the one, just had an amazing season. David Akers, the things he’s done, really speaks volumes. Then he throws a touchdown pass yesterday. I thought that was huge. I really kind of asked him, what was going through your mind? OK, you see [WR Michael] Crabtree standing out there wide open. It’s a hard thing to do, hit a wide open guy, sometimes. And he just said, ‘I wasn’t trying to overthrow it and I wasn’t trying to under-throw it.’ OK, all right. You got it there. And a great play design, well-executed by our players, and [Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator] Brad Seely, again, all the credit goes to him for the play design and picking the right time to call it. It had a few factors that made it the perfect time and we sure needed it as it turned out. Again, you find ways to win a football game, and different ways than in some cases than we had been winning football games. That bodes well for us, when you’re a team that can find different ways to win a game.”
Did that play come about at the beginning of the season, or with the struggles in the red zone, did that develop later in the season?
“Brad’s been running that play for years, yes.”
Were you aware your offense tied a couple of records with the—
“Least turnovers.”
And also the fewest interceptions.
“Yeah, is that right? Fewest interceptions in a season?”
Yeah, with five other teams the record was five.
“Wow. I didn’t know that one. That’s great. In the history of the league?”
Yeah.
“Awesome.”
You mentioned Crabtree making the catch. And he’s had an interesting season. He broke his foot and now has just become, really it seems like, QB Alex Smith’s go-to guy a lot of the time. Just talk about what he’s done, just sort of the toughness he’s shown this year.
“Yeah, I think that’s a great observation. We’ve been talking about it for weeks now that his play just keeps getting better and better. And then a lot of things that you don’t see when it comes to the physical nature, the way he blocks and getting the second block on a play. It’s been really good. But he’s making the great catch. He’s turning short catches into yards after the catch and yesterday made a great play. That was a great play with the catch and run for the touchdown. And I feel like Michael’s having more fun too. To see the smile and he’s communicating, he’s suggesting things. There’s good dialogue with the coaches and that’s a real positive. I’m pleased the way that’s progressing for Michael and for our team.”
He’s been sort of known as a shy guy. Did you have to bring him out of his shell a little bit?
“No, I think it’s something that’s just developed. I think there’s trust that’s been built up and getting to know somebody. Some guys make fast friends. Some guys are more cautious and want to really get to know somebody. I guess would be a better way to say it. But I think that’s all developed, developing.”
Did you sense that he was sizing you up?
“I’m not saying me. I’m just saying all of us in general, just as a team. You’re talking about teamwork. You’re talking about team, 50, 60 guys, coaches, staff, organization. There’s a lot of moving parts there. There’s a lot of trust to be had and a lot of that can be ephemeral in relationship building. So, it’s been a positive and I see it growing. The other thing too is Alex Smith had a heck of a day. The throw to [TE] Vernon [Davis] was, both throws. Throwing the deep ball, which you saw yesterday, with the great throw down the sideline to Vernon. And then threw the deep crossing route to Vernon again, which was a heck of a throw. Just dropped it right in over the linebacker. First touchdown we got, everybody was covered. They had a better defensive call than we had play called and he made a great, evasive move to get out of the pocket, which he has done the entire year. The slipperiness, which he has shown in the pocket and to avoid and to evade and then stick that ball in the end zone was outstanding. He had a great block from [RB] Frank [Gore] and I believe it was [TE] Justin Peele, two really, two really fine cut blocks downfield to get that ball into the end zone. So, he had another really good ball game. Any time a quarterback can play 16 games for you, start and play every down pretty much the entire season, that is a man-sized job. That is hard to do. And you don’t see many guys do it because it’s really hard. And he’s been mentally tough. He’s been physically tough the entire year, and he’s in good shape right now coming out of this last ball game.”
He made a play late in the game, where I am sure quarterbacks are taught to throw the ball away and avoid the sack, where he held on to the ball for the sack to keep the clock going and make the Rams burn a timeout. Is that something that, can you remind a guy to do that or does he just do that on his own?
“Well, we didn’t remind him to do that before the play started. You don’t want to plant that seed. You’re kind of planting a negative right before the play starts. But we talk about that in training camp, we talk about that in film study when we’re watching other players in the same situation and he retains all of that. He’s experienced enough now to know those things. It’s just situational football to him. He’s rarely going to have a lapse in that phase of the game. I know we’ve talked about that before, how good he is, in terms of understanding situational plays in football. Even as they are occurring in split second real time. That was a smart decision. He makes a lot of those kind of plays. And again we have talked about that before, that those don’t show up in the yards statistics or the touchdown statistics when you start comparing him to the other quarterbacks, but it’s there.”
A week or so ago, you said you consider Alex your guy going forward beyond this season. Have you made that same verbal commitment to Alex? “Hey Alex, we plan on having you around here?” Or is this now not the right time?
“I’ve told Alex that, of course.”
Is that similar to what…
“I wouldn’t tell you something I didn’t tell Alex, probably.”
Is there sort of a verbal agreement, almost like what you guys had before the lockout lifted? “Hey we’re going to move forward.”
“No, no. I don’t know exactly what verbal agreement you’re referreing to.”
Well he had your playbook, that’s all.
“I told Alex I wanted him. Hey, we’re going to want you to come back here next year. He’s focused on the season and that’s where his mindset wants to be. I totally respect that. We’ll talk about it and address it when the season is over, the way I understand it right now.”
Coach has your rookies exceeded your expectations this season?
“Yes, they have. I really thought it would be extremely difficult for all rookies in football with no offseason, no mini camps. The idea in my head was that they were at a real disadvantage going into training camp. That veteran players who knew the routine, knew the new systems, had played in other systems etcetera, would be way ahead. Like they are in a normal training camp. It would take the rookies longer to show that they were NFL caliber players right before that light turns on. We were going to be diligent to give them some extra time. In the case of our rookies, the ones that have been contributing all year and that are on this football team, really, they showed early that they belong and they’ve adapted really well to these uncharted waters from this season. Then to be able to perform the way that they have, body of work they have put together this season, and in so many cases, has been just outstanding.”
How much credit is that to General Manager Trent Baalke for finding those guys, FB Bruce Miller, and converting them. And to you and your staff for helping those guys?
“Well a lot, a lot of credit to Trent, to our scouts and our coaches and our organization. That whole arm of finding players and finding talent, I think has been really good, really exceptional this year. [RB] Kendall Hunter had a terrific game yesterday is another example of a rookie player that has continued to contribute greatly to our football team. Not to single out every single one of them, but just a as group, the way you asked the question, they have been outstanding.”
Willis returns, happy for the chance to "knock off rust"
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Linebacker Patrick Willis, injured early in a Week 13 game against the Rams, made his return against St. Louis. Willis (hamstring) started for the first time in four weeks and finished the game with four tackles.
Afterward, Willis admitted there …
49ers clinch No. 2 seed, but no one’s celebrating after win
Sunday, January 1, 2012
ST. LOUIS – Here’s how far the 49ers have come this season: On Sunday they won a game on the road, clinched the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, finished the season with 13 victories and felt awful about it …
49ers’ ‘Sleeper’ trick play works against Rams
Sunday, January 1, 2012
(01-01) 15:05 PST ST. LOUIS -
- The name of the play is "Sleeper," and it's safe to say it caught the Rams napping Sunday.
Late in the third quarter of the 49ers ' 34-27 win over St. Louis, placekicker David Akers lined up for a 32-yard field goal that never materialized. Instead, Akers...
Injury report: Justin Smith returns for late-game contribution
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Defensive lineman Justin Smith aggravated a left knee injury Sunday, and 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh thought his day was over. But when the 49ers needed the defense to step up, Smith stepped out on the field.
49ers set records and milestones in the first half
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Already in this game, there have been a flurry of numbers and milestones. With Alex Smith's 28-yard touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree in the second quarter, Smith went over 3,000 yards for the season, a first for him. Smith is only about 2,000 yards behind Drew Brees.
Also, David Akers tried...
Theismann: Harbaugh should be slam-dunk award winner
Friday, December 30, 2011
NFL Network analyst Joe Theismann doesn't have a vote for the AP NFL Coach of the Year award, but if he did his ballot might look something like this:
1. Jim Harbaugh
2. Everyone else
"If anybody voted for anybody other than Jim Harbaugh for Coach of the Year they should have their voting...
49ers’ little Joe Hastings ready for big chance
Friday, December 30, 2011
(12-30) 21:24 PST - Before 49ers wide receiver Joe Hastings was considered small for an NFL player, he was considered tiny for an elementary-school kid in Wichita, Kan.
Because of his size, John and Stephanie Hastings didn't allow their oldest son to play organized football until he reached...
Menu
XJoin Us
X
Click the colored image of the level to subscribe now:
Black - $3/month
Includes:
- Account Authorization
- Ad Removal
- Ability to read posts and topics
- Ability to read exclusive content
Red - $6/month
Includes:
- Account Authorization
- Ad Removal
- Ability to read posts and topics
- Ability to read exclusive content
- Ability to reply to posts/topics/exclusive content Gold - $10/month
Includes:
- Account Authorization
- Ad Removal
- Ability to read posts and topics
- Ability to read exclusive content
- Ability to reply to posts/topics/exclusive content
- Ability to start new topics
Thank you for your support of 49ers Paradise. Please remember that 49ers Paradise is offered on an "as is" basis. We make no guarantee of 100% access and recognize that there may be times when the site is down, or inaccessible. We strive to keep the site running on as reliable a basis as possible but will not issue refunds or transfers of membership under any circumstances. Donations may still be required to support the site. Topics or posts may be deleted or moderated at our discretion. Accounts may be banned at our discretion, you are encouraged to read the forum rules before posting.
Petition for free membership
To cancel you regular monthly payments click the appropriate link below:
End Subscription
Black - $3/month
Includes:
- Account Authorization
- Ad Removal
- Ability to read posts and topics
- Ability to read exclusive content
Red - $6/month
Includes:
- Account Authorization
- Ad Removal
- Ability to read posts and topics
- Ability to read exclusive content
- Ability to reply to posts/topics/exclusive content Gold - $10/month
Includes:
- Account Authorization
- Ad Removal
- Ability to read posts and topics
- Ability to read exclusive content
- Ability to reply to posts/topics/exclusive content
- Ability to start new topics
Thank you for your support of 49ers Paradise. Please remember that 49ers Paradise is offered on an "as is" basis. We make no guarantee of 100% access and recognize that there may be times when the site is down, or inaccessible. We strive to keep the site running on as reliable a basis as possible but will not issue refunds or transfers of membership under any circumstances. Donations may still be required to support the site. Topics or posts may be deleted or moderated at our discretion. Accounts may be banned at our discretion, you are encouraged to read the forum rules before posting.
Petition for free membership
To cancel you regular monthly payments click the appropriate link below:
End Subscription