Lincecum stumbles as SF Giants lose to A's 6-2

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Eight starts into Tim Lincecum's season, just about every aspect of his game had been analyzed. It took the ninth - a 6-2 loss to the A's on Sunday - for his concentration to come into question. The two-time Cy Young...

San Francisco 49ers’ Jim Harbaugh Very Pleased so Far This Offseason: Fan Breakdown (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

San Francisco 49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh was literally a savior for the 49ers in the 2011 season. No matter how many times I reference or think about the fact that he took essentially the same cast of players from 2010 - with few additions - and turned them into a potent and versatile football team, it never ceases to amaze. His dedication to turning a group of talented players into a football family was unparalleled in 2011 and his work did not go unnoticed - not by the NFL and not by the 49ers' fans.

San Francisco 49ers' Best and Worst Moves of the 2012 Offseason

Source: Bleacher Report

The San Francisco 49ers had an eventful offseason. When your first free-agent signing is a receiver who will be 34 this season and had last played a meaningful game in November 2010, the ripples resonate throughout the league.

In my mind, it’s not that easy finding the bad in some of the team’s bad moves. But then, that’s why they play the games. Each team takes on its own personality each season; the games are different because the opponents—outside the division—are different. And the Niners in 2012 will face a much different outlook than they did in ’11.

No one is going to overlook the 49ers. For many teams this game will be their “season” game, meaning a win will make their season. So it remains to be seen how it all plays out, but here’s a semi-humorous rundown of the team’s best and worst offseason moves.

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San Francisco 49ers: 7 Reasons Why I Am a Fan

Source: Bleacher Report

The San Francisco 49ers captured my loyalty when they developed winning ways in 1981. It seemed sudden. A team that had losing seasons seemingly forever, lovable but clumsy, cute but inefficient, all came together in one magical season

Under ex-Stanford coach Bill Walsh and with a spindly-legged young quarterback with the Hollywood name of Joe Montana, the team started pulling out wins in the last few moments of each game. They attained the nickname, among my posse at least, of  “The Heart Attack Kids.”

We started recording the games on old VCR tapes so we could watch them over again at our leisure. For the first time in decades, our local NFL team was fun to watch.

The 49ers games became more than just an excuse to get together, drink beer and barbecue.

Since 1981 they have been my annual focus. Even during the bad years in the early 2000’s, I watched, sometimes admittedly groaning as they found ways to lose game after game.

It was worth the wait. In 2011 they again came to life and won an amazing 13 regular-season games and pulled off an improbable victory against the Saints in one of the most entertaining and exciting postseason games I have ever seen.

Here are seven reasons that I am a San Francisco 49ers fan.

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Madden NFL 13 to include 'Tebowing'

Source: CSN Bay Area

Tim Tebow is one of the game's most popular stars. His move of bending to a knee and praying, labeled 'Tebowing', became a trend last season. Now it will hit the video game world.

How NFL offenses might try to attack the Niners defense next season

Source: Inside the 49ers by Grant Cohn

If you were the offensive coordinator for another NFL team, how would you try to attack the 49ers defense next season?

There may not be a good way to attack them – they’re the best defense in football – but I came up with a list of do’s and don’ts. Tell me if you agree or if there’s something you’d add.

• Do not attempt to establish the run first because it won’t work. You have to pass first.
• Pass from your base formation – two wide receivers, two running backs and a tight end (or one running back and two tight ends). Do not line up with three or more wide receivers and invite the Niners top-notch nickel defense onto the field unless you have a great offensive line. You have to double team Justin Smith, and even that might not be enough to contain him. You may have to double team Aldon Smith, too. You may have to line up your tight end on the left side of the formation to help your left tackle block him. Even if you do all that and it works, your right guard and tackle have to block Ray McDonald and Ahmad Brooks one-on-one, which is tough because McDonald can dominate most right guards, and when he does you have to double team him, and then Brooks sacks your quarterback. But if you can block those four, you’d still be best off with a quarterback who can run because NaVorro Bowman will blitz when you least expect it. Basically, avoid their nickel defense.
• You want to pass against their base 3-4 defense, which is built to stop the run. Don’t spread out the Niners D with three or more wide receivers. Don’t invite their sub-package stars, Aldon Smith and Chris Culliver, onto the field. They make the Niners pass rush and pass coverage better. You want to call pass plays when their run-stuffers, Parys Haralson and Isaac Sopoaga, are on the field.
• If you want to throw deep, do it on play-action because the aggressive free safety Dashon Goldson may bite. If he doesn’t, don’t test his side of the field (unless you’re the Cardinals and you’re throwing it up to Larry Fitzgerald), because Goldson and Brown are faster than Rogers and Whitner, the Niner DBs on the other side of the field.
• If you want to throw short, try a quick slant to a wide receiver because Rogers and Brown don’t press very much, but don’t throw screens or check downs to your running backs because the Niners inside linebackers –NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis – will probably tackle them immediately.
• Pass to your tight end(s) until the Niners prove they can defend the position.  When a tight end runs down the middle of the field, either Willis covers him one-on-one or Whitner helps him over the top. Neither guy is tall – Willis is 6-1 and Whitner is 5-10 – so a tall tight end like Jason Witten or Rob Gronkowski gives them problems. If the quarterback throws it high enough, neither Willis or Whitner can contest the pass.
• You need an accurate quarterback and an excellent tight end to pull this off. If you don’t have that combination, you can still attack the Niners with average tight ends, and the wheel route is a good way to do it.
• When the Niners offense needed a big play last season, Greg Roman loved to call the wheel route, usually for No. 2 TE Delanie Walker or FB Bruce Miller. The idea was to get them matched up one-on-one with a slower outside linebacker down the sideline. The result was usually a long touchdown.
• The Niners base defense is vulnerable to this play because Parys Haralson and Ahmad Brooks aren’t very good in coverage. If I were facing the Niners this season, I’d attack those two players. If I burned them enough times, Vic Fangio would be forced to run nothing but Nickel formations.
• Then I’d try to run the ball.

Moss could be big boost to Crabtree's career

Source: Scout.com

Randy Moss drew a lot of attention in his debut with the 49ers last week, and Michael Crabtree certainly is one of the many observers who is watching the five-time All-Pro wide receiver closely. The presence of Moss alone promises to be a boon for the slow-starting career of Crabtree, the former No. 1 draft pick who figures to benefit from the veteran in more ways than one.

49ers Coaching Staff: More Info On Paul Wulff

Source: Niners Nation by David Fucillo

Last week, word came out that the 49ers had hired former Washington State head coach Paul Wulff as an offensive assistant. Although the 49ers have never officially announced the hiring, it sounds like Wulff has been working with the team now for a few weeks.

Christian Caple, WSU beat writer for the Spokesman-Review, put together an update today with a few more comments from Coach Wulff. Although

49ers Offseason Storylines: Pick And Choose Your Generic Story

Source: Niners Nation by David Fucillo

Over at SBNation.com, Ryan Van Bibber put together a fun look at some of the generic storylines we will see over the course of the next few months in the NFL. Although each team has their own specific stories media will write about and fans will follow, there are some generic storylines that you can cut and paste around the league.

Ryan primarily looked at offseason quotes you'll hear. The 49ers coaching staff is fairly tight-lipped about these kinds of things, but we can still apply what we might hear as it relates to the team on the

San Francisco 49ers’ Jim Harbaugh Speak Openly About Michael Crabtree: Fan Reaction (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

If there is anything I've learned about Jim Harbaugh since he became the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers it's two things: 1.) His closet is undeniably filled with khaki pants, black crew neck sweatshirts and white sneakers, and 2.) He never truly divulges exactly what he thinks about his team, his opponent, or even a particular player. Well, on May 18 on KNBR, Jim Harbaugh went on the record and paid a compliment to one of his wide receivers - and it was a big compliment at that.

2011 Season Recap, Week 4: 49ers @ Eagles

Source: Niners Nation by Dylan DeSimone

Continuing with our recap of the 49ers' 2011 season, we reach the Week 4 match-up between San Francisco and Philadelphia. Of the roster-related notes, Reggie Smith and Adam Snyder starting were starting at strong safety and guard, and Braylon Edwards was a scratch.

1st quarter

The Eagles began the game with the ball but went three-and-out on their first possession. Philadelphia

San Francisco 49ers 2012 NFL Season: Dashon Goldson or NaVorro Bowman?

Source: Bleacher Report

Both of these players are vital contributors to arguably the best defense in the entire NFL.

But Goldson had the franchise tag slapped on him and Bowman is way outperforming his rookie deal.

Bowman's contract expires after the 2013 NFL season and his four-year deal is only worth $2.49 million.

$2.49 million over four years is a great deal of money, but Bowman deserves to get a new deal now.

I'm sure that many 49ers fans would love to see Patrick Willis and Bowman be the nucleus of the 49ers defence for a long time.

Bowman should be signed up quickly if the 49ers want to ward off any potential suitors.

Already a top-five player at his position, Bowman is versatile enough to play in both the 3-4 and 4-3 systems—every single NFL team will be after him.

Willis signed a seven-year deal worth $53.51 million in 2010 and so I think Bowman warrants at least a five-year $40 million deal.

Whether he gets it or not, I'm not sure.

 

The reason I'm not sure is Dashon Goldson.

Goldson was a vital member of the 49ers defence last year and he also deserves a big deal.

Watching Goldson deliver huge hits and pick off six passes in the 2011/2012 season was brilliant.

I still wish that he would wrap up sometimes, though.

At 6'2" and over 200 lbs., Goldson plays the free safety spot with the physicality of a linebacker.

I  think Goldson could also be a Pro Bowl player at strong safety.

Goldson established himself as one of the best safeties in the league last year and I'd hate to see him go.

If Michael Huff of the Oakland Raiders got a new $32 million deal over four years, I'd expect Goldson to want a four-year deal worth at least $35 million.

 

I'm not saying that it's impossible to sign both players to new deals: only that it will be difficult to do so.

The 49ers front office will have to deal with an influx of expiring contracts after the 2012 and 2013 seasons and I think two big deals could be out of the question.

So, It'll be interesting to know whether or not 49ers fans think both players can be signed to extensions.

If not, who would you rather see remain a 49er?

Read more San Francisco 49ers news on BleacherReport.com

49ers New Stadium Approaches First Construction Milestone

Source: Niners Nation by David Fucillo

The San Francisco 49ers officially broke ground on their new stadium just over a month ago, and they are fast approaching the first construction milestone. On Monday at 11:00am, 48 trucks from Central Concrete Supply Company will deliver 12-yard loads of fluid grout every 10 to 15 minutes and the first of 3,000+ piles will be drilled to support the stadium, creating a deep, secure foundation.

Five powerful, high-torque drilling rigs and 50 workers from Berkel and Company Contractors will be drilling on average about 55 feet below ground for 25, 10-hour days to complete this project. It takes

Golden Nuggets: Randy Moss Is A Coach, Michael Crabtree Can Catch

Source: Niners Nation by James Brady

Morning, ladies and gents. Today is another demonstration in brevity with the Nuggets as I've got a busy day on the News Desk - writing about the Preakness Stakes, and a full night planned so no room to write the Nuggets. I'm actually filling in for Aaron today, that lazy jerk (though in actuality he's rather nice and probably not lazy), so let's just get to your links, shall we?

Jim Harbaugh: Randy Moss 'like a coach' for 49ers (NFL.com)

Former 49ers WR Terrell Owens Wants to Finish Career in San Francisco

Source: Bleacher Report

Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens spoke with the guys at 95.7 The Game, which is the Bay Area's leading sports radio—where Owens stated he would love to return to the Niners. In an interview which airs Monday at 5:15 p.m. PT, the NFL's sixth all-time receptions leader made it clear that he's open to a reunion with the 49ers.

Owens is one of the most distinguished receivers to every play in the NFL, with the records to back it up. Unfortunately, he often conducted himself in a manner that earned the ire of his teammates and people closest to him. But Owens is looking for a last chance and would prefer that it be with San Francisco.

On whether he would have been a better fit than Randy Moss:

"Would I have loved to have ended my career there, obviously signing a 1 or 2 year deal, absolutely. I think that definitely would've been enough motivation for me to perform at a high level but I'm going to do that regardless but to end your career where you started that would've been icing on the cake. It is what it is at this point. I don't make those decisions and they were well aware I was out there so they felt they had the best man on their roster"

With Randy Moss, the only concerns were whether or not he would be giving full effort. Owens has had surgery within the last year to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and is also notorious for being a disruption with his history of character defects. 

Moss is less of a risk and more of a reward than Owens if he pans out.

And while Owens may have left with bad blood between him and the franchise, coach Jim Harbaugh doesn't have anything against him. However, the 49ers are now loaded at wide receiver and have enough talent that's younger, healthier and more explosive.

Five of Owens' eight years in San Francisco resulted in 1,000-plus-yard seasons. Arguably his most shining moment was when he made "The Catch II" in the 1998 NFC Wild Card Game against the Green Bay Packers to advance. It was a very emotional redemption moment for Owens who had multiple drops that game but caught the game-winner from then-quarterback Steve Young.

In his last season in the NFL, Owens had a fairly decent year with Carson Palmer, recording 72 catches for 983 yards and nine touchdowns. He hasn't aged much since those numbers, which might indicate he can still perform in the right situation. But it's highly unlikely that opportunity will be there for him in San Francisco—no matter how bad he may want to finish his career where it started.

In his journey, he burned a lot of bridges and may be just feeling the backlash from it now. Getting Owens on a team would be a favor from someone in the league, but it doesn't seem like anyone is willing to extend that olive branch. If Owens does land with a team in 2012, it will likely be due to injuries mid-season.

At this point, Owens is only a member of the Indoor Football League's Allen Wranglers. It's not restricting him from joining an NFL team, but it certainly hasn't helped him as of yet.

"If I had to prefer a team I'd probably want to end where I started but other than that, that's not possible, but at the same time, anything can happen."

Owens is staying positive, and I do think he deserves a chance; I just don't agree that it should be with the 49ers. San Francisco has a full house, and it's going to be tough to make roster cuts as is. There would be no need to waste a roster spot on Owens—no matter how interesting the combination of Owens and Moss are.

Follow me on Twitter: @DeSimone80

Read more San Francisco 49ers news on BleacherReport.com

Unemployed Owens lobbies for Bay Area work

Source: CSN Bay Area

In an interview which will air on Monday afternoon at 5:15pm on 95.7 The Game, Terrell Owens says he had interest in ending his career with the 49ers, and wouldn't mind re-uniting with Carson Palmer in silver and black.

San Francisco 49ers: Alex Smith Will Throw over 4,000 Yards in 2012

Source: Bleacher Report

The knee-jerk habitual thinking is that Alex Smith cannot throw a ball far downfield. This idea has become a shibboleth oft repeated by NFL pundits, both amateur and professional. It has become a mantra almost as popular as the “game manager” epithet.

Pigeonholing people is a common human tendency, but it is not one of our most endearing traits.

And it ignores the evidence to the contrary.

Even with a limited receiver group, Smith completed several very long balls in 2011. One in particular, a 60-yard touchdown to Ted Ginn, Jr. that was called back on a holding penalty, was a beauty I have replayed on my VCR many times. A perfect throw caught during a full-speed run.

The bullets thrown to Vernon Davis for touchdowns in clutch situations were beautiful passes that even the game announcers could not help but applaud.

And, even with a weak receiving corps, a strong rushing game and a strike-shortened preseason, Alex Smith still threw for 3,144 yards in the 2011 season. He finished 19th in total yards.

But in 2012, I suggest Smith will surprise all of us.

He has enthusiastically and voluntarily worked with a throwing coach, using modern scientific methods to identify and fix mechanical problems with his technique this offseason. He had developed some bad habits after shoulder surgery by favoring the shoulder. This should improve his accuracy on the mid-to-long-range balls.

Smith is heavily critiqued even though his accuracy was good enough in 2011 to win 13 games, several surging from behind with clutch throws that were beauties to watch.

Imagine what he can do with the addition of three new prime receivers, two of which, Randy Moss and A.J. Jenkins, can really stretch the field. Mario Manningham and Michael Crabtree can bedevil the middle depth defenders while Vernon Davis is the ultimate wild card and threat.  

Kendall Hunter, Frank Gore and LaMichael James will provide short field and screen-play threats that can take it all the way, given half a chance and a timely block or two.

One limiting factor on Smith’s total yard record is the fact that the 49ers strongly beefed up an already very good rushing squad. Every second used to gain a rushing yard takes time off the clock that is not available for passing plays. Adding a beefy Jacobs for short yardage rushes will obviate the need for some pass plays.

Even with the rushing attack improvements, Alex Smith has an opportunity to show off a more complete repertoire of passes. I would not be surprised if he rose from 19th in total yards to break into the Top 10.

And that means throwing for more than 4,000 yards.

Alex Smith finally has the tools to take the "monkey off his back."

Read more San Francisco 49ers news on BleacherReport.com

Jim Harbaugh KNBR Interview: He's a Fun Guy....

Source: Niners Nation by David Fucillo

49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh took some time on Friday to chat with KNBR, and had a whole host of comments. You can listen to the entire 11:38 interview over at KNBR.com.

It was an interesting discussion as Coach Harbaugh discussed a whole host of content. The first half of the interview focused on what he has brought to the team and how things changed. Coach Harbaugh takes a very small amount of credit for the mindset, which is interesting on its own. He has been quick to deflect praise and this is one of the few times we'll hear him acknowledge some

Terrell Owens Wants To Finish His Career With The 49ers

Source: Niners Nation by David Fucillo

Former 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens chatted with the folks at 95.7 The Game, with the interview airing this Monday at 5:15pm PT. If you are not in the Bay Area, you can listen to 95.7 at their website, by clicking on the "Listen Live" button on the top right of the front page.

TO will be discussing his desire to return to San Francisco to wrap up his career. He seems to recognize his opportunities are coming to an end, and is looking to wrap things up. It won't be happening anytime soon, but it's still interesting to

2012 NFL Draft: Reviewing the Detroit Lions

Source: Niners Nation by WesHanson

The Detroit Lions are a really good team and the only thing holding me back from rooting for this historically poor team is their stupid, poopyface of a coach. I don't want to beat a dead horse - I mean, not like how the 49ers beat the Lions last year - but that guy seems like an idiot. You know, in the same way I bet Harbaugh seems to Lions fans.

The fact remains, though, that this is a strong team which really needed to just keep the gang together, for the most part. Maybe an upgrade on the o-line and a bit on defense would help. Oh wait? What's that you say? Examine their drafts picks? Okay, can

Jim Harbaugh: Randy Moss 'like a coach' for 49ers

Source: NFL.com by Sessler, Marc

Jim Harbaugh has been letting loose with his comments about his players this week, with his latest praise going to newly acquired wide receiver Randy Moss, who he said was "like a coach."

49ers Poll: Which Rookie Will Have The Biggest Impact in 2012?

Source: Niner Noise by Eric Melendez

Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

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49ers Poll: Which Rookie Will Have The Biggest Impact in 2012? - Niner Noise - Niner Noise - A San Francisco 49ers Blog

Best hands? Crabtree appears to be getting the Alex Smith treatment

Source: Sacramento Bee

When Jim Harbaugh said on KNBR yesterday that Michael Crabtree has the "best hands I've ever seen," I was reminded of last year when Harbaugh last offseason said Alex

49ers offseason scorecard

Source: CSN Bay Area

While the core of the team remains the same, the 49ers made moves this offseason with seven additions and seven draft picks. Insider Matt Maiocco keeps it all organized for you.

Jim Harbaugh says Michael Crabtree has best hands he's ever seen (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

49ers need more from talented wide receiver

Indy 500 Qualifying 2012: JR Hildebrand Racing For Jim Harbaugh Team

Source: Niners Nation by David Fucillo

Normally I'm not a particularly big auto-racing fan, but as 49ers, it appears we actually have a vested interest in this year's Indianapolis 500. 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh is a part-owner of the Panther Racing team, after getting involved during his time as quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts.

Panther Racing will send J.R. Hildebrand to the 101st running of the Indy 500. Last year, Hildebrand was actually leading in the final lap of

Forbes: 49ers' Harbaugh lowest-paid coach in NFC West

Source: NFL.com by Sessler, Marc

In his first season at the helm of the 49ers, Jim Harbaugh went all the way to the NFC Championship Game, but his current compensation doesn't seem to match his production. Harbaugh is the lowest-paid coach in the NFC West.

Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker And Their Down Year In 2011

Source: Niners Nation by James Brady

This is something I touched up on late last season, before all of us were swept off into playoff madness/glory: the down year for 49ers tight ends Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker. Now, to immediately get a couple things clear to disarm two very facile arguments: Davis was not double-covered for a large portion of the time beyond Week 4 of the season, and Walker was doing very poorly before he got injured.

Walker in particular had an odd year. His skills as a blocker increased by a large margin, particularly when he was able to

'Best hands I've ever seen on a receiver'

Source: NFC West Blog

There's little sense in taking the bait when San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh tells a radio program Michael Crabtree "has the best hands I've ever seen on a wide receiver." Anyone with a strong grasp of NFL history would place Cris Carter, Raymond Berry and Steve Largent on a short list for receivers with the surest hands. Hall of Famer Ken Houston, speaking for a 2008 piece on all-time great wideouts, stood up for AFL stars Otis Taylor and Lionel Taylor.

49ers working on Hall of Fame next to new stadium

Source: Niner Insider Blog by ebranch@sfchronicle.com (Eric Branch)

The Mizuno cleats Joe Montana wore when he threaded a 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor in Super Bowl XXIII currently reside in an office in San Jose. The 49ers' helmet car that transported injured players off the field is hanging out in the bowels...

Terrell Owens says he wants to play football in the Bay area

Source: NFL.com by NFL.com

Terrell Owens has taken his public lobbying for an NFL roster spot to the Bay area, telling a San Francisco radio station that he wants to play for the 49ers or the Raiders.

Aldon Smith: 49ers didn't target Big Ben's ankle

Source: NFL.com by Sessler, Marc

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has suggested the 49ers targeted his injured left ankle in their game last December. San Francisco DE Aldon Smith denies that ever happeened.

Golden Nuggets: Oh, Ben Roethlisberger.. You So Crazy

Source: Niners Nation by James Brady

Good morning, blogslaves. Ninjames back for another edition of the Nuggets. Not feeling very "intro-ey" today so I'm going to make this quick before getting to the links. Some of them may be repeats as I'm kind of behind, but all of 'em will be relevant. Enjoy, chil'ren.

This piece is a bit old, but either way, I'd like to answer the question posed in its headline: absolutely nothing. Darius Fleming is somewhat unremarkable on tape and my initial excitement about him on draft day was probably because of, oh I dunno, his name or something like that. | What will the 49ers do with the OLB spot with Darius

49ers working on Hall of Fame next to new stadium

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

The Mizuno cleats Joe Montana wore when he threaded a 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor in Super Bowl XXIII currently reside in an office in San Jose. The 49ers ' helmet car that transported injured players off the...

49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh Giving Michael Crabtree the Alex Smith Treatment?

Source: Niner Noise by Matt

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh made a very bold statement about wide receiver Michael Crabtree.  Harbaugh, who has played with or coached the likes of Jerry Rice, Tim Brown, and Marvin Harrison.  Harbaugh proclaimed that Crabtree has the best hands he has ever seen.  WOW

… [visit site to read more]

49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh Giving Michael Crabtree the Alex Smith Treatment? - Niner Noise - Niner Noise - A San Francisco 49ers Blog

49ers working on Hall of Fame next to new stadium

Source: Niner Insider Blog by ebranch@sfchronicle.com (Eric Branch)

The Mizuno cleats Joe Montana wore when he threaded a 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor in Super Bowl XXIII currently reside in an office in San Jose. The 49ers' helmet car that transported injured players off the field is hanging out in the bowels...

49ers working on Hall of Fame next to new stadium

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

The Mizuno cleats Joe Montana wore when he threaded a 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor in Super Bowl XXIII currently reside in an office in San Jose. The 49ers ' helmet car that transported injured players off the...

Harbaugh: Crabtree has 'best hands I've ever seen'

Source: CSN Bay Area

Jim Harbaugh famously shies away from making comparisons of players. However, he made quite a statement Friday while talking about Michael Crabtree, his leading receiver from the 2011 regular season.

Justin Smith: How Far Will His Dominance Take Him?

Source: Niners Nation by David Fucillo

Yesterday afternoon, Pro Football Focus released their rundown of the top ten single-game performances by 3-4 defensive ends in 2011. They have a system in place for grading players and they have spent the last few weeks providing a breakdown of the top ten graded performances by position.

It should surprise nobody that Justin Smith had a few appearances in the list. PFF rated out Smith as the second best player in the NFL, and he made five appearances in the top ten single game list. He had the top two performances, one at fifth and two tied for seventh:

1. @ Detroit (Week 6)
2. vs. Giants

Harbaugh: Michael Crabtree has the best hands

Source: NFL.com by Sessler, Marc

Jim Harbaugh doesn't take to comparing players against each other, but he made an exception when talking about 49ers WR Michael Crabtree who he said had the best hands he'd ever seen past or present.

Chat wrap: 'Sando is never gonna man up'

Source: NFC West Blog

We might need to consider Friday afternoon chats more regularly. Lots of fun in there. The highlight for me, by far, was when blog regular Deccare, posting under the guise of Deccarizzle, lobbed a softball. "Who's to blame for the 49ers losing the NFC championship game?" he asked. Too easy. "The Giants," I replied. Gotta keep up your guard in the chats. "I will sonic boom sando," Deccare replied in the comments beneath the full transcript. The chat also generated spirited discussion on the St.

49ers 2012 Divisional Championship: Last 2 Minutes from the Nosebleed Seats

Source: Bleacher Report

San Francisco NFL fans have spent energy, time and emotion on cheering on, complaining about, theorizing and contemplating their 49ers. As one of them, I have watched from the affordable seat: my easy chair in the living room.

I am currently out of the state, so traveling for a home game is a bit impossible for me. As a result, I see the game from the point of view that the NFL and the broadcasters decide is best, but I do miss the almost maniacal fervor of the stadium. So, sometimes it is just best to sit back and watch an amateur clip of the last two minutes of one game to savor the flavor of fan devotion.

This 13-minute clip, posted on YouTube the day after the game by Daddyoh08, was shot from the nosebleed seats of the end zone during the last two minutes of playing time of the New Orleans Saints vs. the San Francisco 49ers divisional playoff game at Candlestick on January 14, 2012.

It gives a perspective that is worlds different from one that one would see from the network broadcast. It shows the emotional reaction of fans in moment as the last few seconds ticked away.

Try, I dare you, to stay in your seat as you watch. Sometimes a differing slant on an event is just what we need to be able to put an event in its proper place in history.

Read more San Francisco 49ers news on BleacherReport.com

Caption This: Slowey & Friends

Source: Niners Nation by howtheyscored

At long last, we have new photos of 49ers performing some approximation of playing football. It's been a while. It really has. Things get desperate in the offseason. Every new week, I check for new photos, and every week I'm disappointed. The Combine offers a brief respite, but even those aren't really 49ers. Not yet. But the rest of the time, that's when the searches start. Sure, it all starts with a harmless search for cats, but then by midnight I'm typing b-r-e-t-t-f-a-v-r-e into the search bar while sweating vodka and chewing coffee grinds. If there's a better way, I haven't found it.

But we have new photos! What a frabjous day!

So here we have

San Francisco 49ers: Previewing and Ranking the Offensive Units

Source: Bleacher Report

This is the first of a two-part series. Today, I will break down each offensive unit for the San Francisco 49ers and rank them from best to worst—based on a recipe combining past production and 2012 projections. 

 

Tight Ends

Who: Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker and Nate Byham

Why: Davis is one of the best in the entire game, hands down, and will use last year's playoff success (10 catches for 292 yards and four touchdowns in two games) as a launchpad into this season. Though an exceptional blocker, Davis—with the return of a healthy Byham—can now focus on what he does best: catching the ball and outrunning everybody else on the field. 

Backing him up is Walker, who is no slouch himself. A converted receiver, Walker has the speed and versatility to line up in multiple positions in multiple formations. He is also in a contract year, so expect big things. 

 

Running Backs

Who: Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James and Brandon Jacobs or Anthony Dixon

Why: It all starts with Gore, the franchise's all-time leader in rushing yards (7,625). He has lost a step since entering the league, but still has the ability and vision to grind out yards between the tackles. Gore is also known for picking up blitzes and sneaking out of the backfield for screen passes. 

It doesn't end there, though, as the 49ers have plenty of depth at the position. Hunter and rookie James provide the burst to bounce it outside, escape tackles in the open field and are dangerous in the passing game. Jacobs and Dixon will likely battle it out for the final spot. They must emerge as reliable options in short-yardage and goal-line situations. 

 

Wide Receivers

Who: Michael Crabtree, Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, A.J. Jenkins, Kyle Williams, Ted Ginn Jr. and Chris Owusu

Why: Not all will make the active roster, but it's good to finally see the 49ers with some firepower. A weak link last season—yes, we all remember the one catch for three yards performance in the NFC Championship—the receiving corps has experienced an extreme makeover since then.

The additions of Super Bowl hero Manningham, veteran Moss and first-rounder Jenkins will keep defenses honest (and scared) at all times. No more stacking the box. The speed will stretch the field vertically and subsequently open things up underneath. Now they need Alex Smith to step up and deliver the deep ball. 

 

Quarterbacks

Who: Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick and Josh Johnson

 

Why: As forecast in a recent article, Smith should easily repeat last year's success. Really, with all the playmakers surrounding him, his numbers should drastically increase. He is far more comfortable in the pocket, confident in himself and finally has some continuity. Barring any injuries or a major relapse, Smith is the clear starter.

But Kaepernick and Johnson are both waiting for their chance to shine. Both are intelligent quarterbacks with mobility and strong arms. The 49ers appear to be in good hands here for the present and the future. 

Offensive Line

Who: Joe Staley, Jonathan Goodwin, Mike Iupati, Anthony Davis, Alex Boone, Daniel Kilgore, Mike Person and Joe Looney

Why: The number 44—total amount of sacks surrendered last season—makes this an easy choice. Despite making strides as a unit, the o-line remains the biggest question mark heading into 2012. Adam Snyder is gone (free agency), so Boone, Kilgore and Looney will compete for the vacancy at right guard.

If the line becomes more cohesive, and Iupati and Davis continue their development, the offense will flourish. If not, it could spell trouble for both the passing and run game. My money is on the former.

 

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Ginn is 49ers' only proven return man

Source: CSN Bay Area

The 49ers have a bevy of options at wide receiver that could make Ted Ginn obsolete, except for one small question. Who else can return punts?More: 49ers depth chart 49ers video

Vernon Davis against the NFC West world

Source: NFC West Blog

The earlier item on Vernon Davis led regular blog commenter EDTGO to recall a now-quaint 2011 item about Davis bracing for competition from NFC West rivals at the position. 2011 Davis vs. Division TEs (non-49ers) That led me to produce this chart, which compares Davis' production last season (counting playoffs) to combined regular-season totals for all tight ends from the 49ers' division rivals. We see that Davis finished with more than twice as many touchdowns and twice as many long plays (40-plus yards) as Jeff King, Todd Heap, Rob Housler, Jim Dray, Zach Miller, Anthony McCoy, Cameron Morrah, Lance Kendricks, Billy Bajema, Michael Hoomanawanui and Stephen Spach.

Reminder: NFC West chat begins 4 p.m. ET

Source: NFC West Blog

Here's the link. I'll be heading over momentarily. In the meantime, I'm hoping to post a followup item comparing Vernon Davis to other NFC West tight ends based on production last season. The race is on.