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Monday’s Locker Room Talk: Nov. 28

Know when to hold ‘em. Know when to fold ‘em.

There’s no question by now, Jim Harbaugh keeps his cards close to the vest. But this Sunday, the 49ers coach will look to win out big in the form of clinching San Francisco’s first playoff berth since 2002 by defeating (or tying) the visiting St. Louis Rams. In fact, the 49ers could also clinch with a loss to the Rams, just as long as the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks both lose in Week 13.

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Twitter Talk: Game On

Monday’s announcement that the NFL and NFLPA had agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement was the moment football fans had been waiting for. It was time to announce…#GameOn.

Immediately, tweets from the 49ers Faithful came pouring in and by noon, #GameOn was trending in the Bay Area.

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Monday’s Locker Room Talk: Nov. 15

“Well, as of right now, Smith will be the starter,” Mike Singletary said with a chuckle at the start of his Monday press conference. “We’re going to go with Troy.”

There’s pretty much all the talk you need to hear to understand the theme of Monday’s locker room availability. Troy Smith will be the 49ers starting quarterback this Sunday when the 49ers host the 6-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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Singletary Praises Offensive Line

Before Mike Singletary could highlight the positives (offensive line, Alex Smith, Frank Gore) and explain the negatives of Monday night’s game (four turnovers and a safety); he thanked the 49ers Faithful first.

“It was great to see the fans excited for the game,” Singletary said in his opening comments. “They were effective with the loud noise they made.

“They gave us energy.”

Singletary also praised the contributions of many of last night’s key participants, most notably, his coordinators, his quarterback and his offensive line.

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Instant Analysis: Saints 25 – 49ers 22

The 49ers fell to 0-2 on the season in heartbreaking fashion as Garrett Hartley hit a 37-yard field goal as time expired to give the Saints a 25-22 win.  Instead of saying that his team should have won this game, Mike Singletary focused on the turnovers that proved to be crucial.

Here’s instant analysis from the game.

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Celebrity Winter Fest: Thursday Check-In

The day is finally here for the beginning of the 10th Annual Celebrity Winter Fest, a great event presented by Thomson Reuters benefiting the 49ers Foundation.  Guests began to check in around noon and once again, there’s gorgeous weather up here at The Resort at Squaw Creek.  I’ll keep you updated on the blog throughout the conclusion of the event Sunday morning.

4:00 UPDATE

Former 49ers defensive lineman Dwaine Board just checked in.  All guests go straight to the registration desk and then down to the Maui Jim kiosk to pick up their Maui Jim sunglasses.  Josh Morgan should arrive in about and hour so I’ll have more info when he arrives.  There is a reception scheduled for 6:00 tonight, followed by a S’mores roasting session out on the deck.  Stay tuned!

6:00 UPDATE

Offensive linemen Adam Snyder and Cody Wallace just checked in at the hotel.  Snyder had his hands full, pushing the stroller for his son Kael.  This will be Snyder’s fourth time attending the Celebrity Winter Fest as it’s become a tradition he looks forward to.

“It’s a great group of people and we’re supporting a great foundation,” Snyder said.  “Being a part of this is really special for us.  My wife does a lot of work with the 49ers Academy and we enjoy being around this great group of people.”

Snyder, a native of Southern California, is also an avid surfer, but hasn’t yet seen if his skills riding the waves can translate to the slopes.

“Playing football, I’ve never had the chance to do it,” Snyder said.  “I think my skills would translate well though.”

Last year, Snyder’s son was too young to play in the snow, but this year, he’s become much more adventurous.

“This is his second year up here,” Snyder said.  “Now he’s walking and he might have a little more fun this year running in the snow.  We brought him some shovels to play with so it should be a really nice stay up here.”

Add in great food, lots of fun activities and terrific local wines and it’s a time everyone can enjoy.

6:30 UPDATE

Josh Morgan just checked in, see the photo above.  The evening reception is underway so I have to run in there to make the last hour, then off to roast the perfect s’more.

9:30 UPDATE

I just got back to my room after a highly entertaining evening.  After a reception featuring excellent food, Josh Morgan and Cody Wallace got competitive by the fire pit to see who could make the best s’more.  Wallace went with two helpings of chocolate on his first attempt and immediately regretted his decision while Morgan was just focused on completing the task since it was his first time making the fireside treat.  The Gold Rush also assisted some of the children at the event and made a few for themselves as well.  Here’s a few more photos from the evening below.  Things get started again early tomorrow, so stay tuned for more updates.

Monday’s Locker Room Talk

Moments after Mike Singletary thoroughly explained how several members of the offense met with him last week to express opinions about the offense’s direction – players in the locker room were also asked to comment.

But according to quarterback Alex Smith the matter was blown out of proportion.

“This is not something that is new. It’s always been there,” Smith explained. “I know a lot has been made of this – I just think with the more you play in an offense – the better you play in that system.”

Smith said that Singletary and offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye’s office doors have always been open for players to express themselves. Those visits picked up, ever since the 49ers used more of a shotgun attack in the second half of the Green Bay game. From that point on, the offense grew increasingly excited about its potential in a spread attack.

With players communicating that with the coaching staff, Smith said it spoke volumes about the steps the team has taken recently.

“I think the more comfortable we get with things, you’re going to get a little more input to maybe what you like, maybe what you think you can do. I just think that comes with growth, with experience.”

Tight end Delanie Walker also felt those discussions were critical.  

“It says a lot. Our philosophy is that we’re a family. We’ve been a family since training camp. Now it’s just bringing us together even more. You tell a couple guys something. Then one of them goes up there for the offensive team. Then a change comes around and we have a great change and can win games in the spread offense. I think it brings us together closer.”

More Monday Notes

-Singletary announced the following injury report at the conclusion of his press conference, something he normally opens with. “[WR] Josh Morgan: Hip contusion, taking it day-to-day he should be fine.  [DT] Kentwan Balmer: Right shoulder sublex, his shoulder went out, went back in and that’s day-to-day. [LB] Parys Haralson: thumb contusion and [S] Curtis Taylor is having an MRI today: hip strain.

-Singletary again was pleased with the play of his quarterback. “Alex Smith, I thought, did a very nice job,” he explained. “I thought he took a big step yesterday. This is an offense that he talked about and envisioned and was able to step in and not just talk about it but produce, find receivers, have a blitzing linebacker or end coming right at him and still focus downfield and make a throw.”

-Singletary said Smith’s two best throws were on a fourth-and-one pass to Vernon Davis for a 30-yard gain and an incomplete pass to Michael Crabtree in the back of the end zone. “He made some really nice throws yesterday. The one throw to Vernon on the fourth-and-one was outstanding. He didn’t even break stride. Of course, the possible touchdown to Crabtree, that was an outstanding throw. So, he’s really doing some things that are very nice to see.”

-Singletary was asked again about his philosophy in using a spread attack, to which he replied, “I just feel like going forward, it’s just a matter of continuing to look at our offense and look at what helps us win. I think there are a lot of philosophies out there. I’m hearing a lot about, well, the philosophy should be to throw the ball more. Sometimes, it’s run the ball. The only thing I can say is this: My overall philosophy is to win.

“I think that’s the thing that I’ve said from the very beginning. I want to win. I think it’s one thing when you look at this is what I’d like to do, but I think you have to look at what you have and go with that, make the most of it, and be excited about having it. To me, that’s what I am. I talked many times about when we run the ball, I want to run the ball. I don’t want to tip-toe. I don’t want do any of those things. I want to hit people. I want to go forward and I want to run the ball. When we pass the ball, I want to do the same thing. I want to see our receivers going downfield and adding on, hitting somebody. Don’t just look at the guy. Run with the ball. Go hit somebody. To me, that’s what it’s all about. That’s football. So, that’s not going to change.”

-Singletary complimented the play of offensive line which gave up zero sacks against the Jaguars. In particular, he singled out the right side with guard Chilo Rachal and tackle Adam Snyder and left tackle Barry Sims.

-Lastly, Singletary said that starting left tackle Joe Staley will begin running and weight lifting this week. Singletary is hopeful that Staley will return for the 49ers home game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football in two weeks. As for the status of cornerback Nate Clements, Singletary hopes to have the veteran defensive back healthy be the season finale at St. Louis.

Singletary and Teammates Applaud Franklin

A day after beating the Chicago Bears 10-6 at Candlestick Park, Mike Singletary said nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin has been his most consistent player this season.

That’s certainly high praise, considering the player who lines up behind Franklin is two-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker Patrick Willis. But Singletary meant what he said in complementing the play of his nose tackle, who took points off the score board by intercepting Jay Cutler at the Bears 1-yard line.

Known in the locker room for being one of the best dressed players on the team, Franklin became a new kind of trendsetter by becoming the first of five different players to intercept Cutler last night.

“It was fun,” Franklin said of his first-career interception. “But I’m just glad they didn’t get in the end zone.”

Franklin was asked if defensive lineman such as himself imagined scenarios where they intercept a pass and the 6-foot-1, 317-pound nose tackle admitted such things were in fact true.

“I think anybody does on the defensive line,” Franklin revealed. “We’re the guys who rarely get our hands on the ball; we’re trying to knock the ball down. Fortunately, God blessed me to get a pick and I held on to it.”

It was Franklin’s first interception since his high school days at Science Hill High in Johnson City, Tennessee. Back then Franklin was an all-state linebacker who recorded 180 tackles as a senior. Franklin said he would send the ball back home to his mother, Chantini Carter who lives back in Tennessee.

Franklin received even more praise from teammate Jeff Ulrbich who was recently placed on injured reserve. Ulbrich, who remains around the team in a daily basis, interrupted Franklin’s media session to openly share his thoughts on one of the 49ers most underrated players.

“I’m putting this out there right now, anybody that doesn’t recognize that he is one of the top-3 nose tackles in the game right now, doesn’t know anything about football. You know nothing and you shouldn’t be writing,” said Ulbrich as he put his right hand on Franklin’s shoulder.

Ulbrich was asked if Franklin should be in the Pro Bowl this year, to which the 10-year veteran said, “He should, without a doubt.”

More Monday Notes

-After having their longest injury list after the Tennessee game, the 49ers have a shorter injury list following last night’s game. The injury list is: Michael Lewis (stinger), Arnaz Battle (quad), Mark Roman (knee), Adam Snyder (AC sprain), Takeo Spikes (hamstring) and Isaac Bruce (ankle).
-Out of the names mentioned above, all figure to be active for the 49ers next game against the Green Bay Packers. Singletary added that the team will need to monitor Spikes on a day-to-day basis.

-Singletary made a decision in regards to the starting wide receivers for the duration of the season. Josh Morgan will remain in the starting lineup when Bruce regains full strength in his ankle. But Singletary reiterated that Bruce will remain a factor in the offense and will see plenty of playing time.

-One are of concern to Singletary was the kicking game. Joe Nedney missed a 39-yard field goal which could have been a useful three points given the close circumstances at the end of the game. Singletary also said that wind played a factor in him not letting Nedney attempt a 50-plus-yard field goal on the 49ers final possession. Singletary elected to let punter Andy Lee pin the Bears inside the 10-yard line, but Lee was unable to do so. “We have to make those kicks,” Singletary said.

- Singletary was pleased overall with his defense and how they were able to execute the game plan for the Chicago game. “I thought our defense did what we focused on which was creating turnovers,” he said. But Singletary found areas for improvement after watching the game again last night. “We have to continue to work on our tackling on the perimeter,” he added. “We have to continue to keep working at that.”

-In addition to Franklin and others on his defense, Singletary singled out linebacker Matt Wilhelm who filled in nicely for Spikes. “Matt has experience and that helps tremendously.” Wilhelm finished the game five tackles, one of which went behind the line of scrimmage.

-A day after he completed two impromptu shovel passes for big gains, Alex Smith said he too found himself asking himself why he was doing it too. “Those things seem to come in spurts like that. You don’t get them, then you do two or three of them and you even ask yourself the same question, ‘Why am I doing it?’ It just kind of happens when you’re playing in the game, you’re not thinking, you’re just reacting. And sometimes it’s just a quicker way to get the ball out. You can’ always set up and have a form throw so it’s easier sometimes just to shove it to the guy.

-Smith praised backup running back Michael Robinson, who converted two first downs on the 49ers final offensive drive. “It was huge, especially when you’re trying to run down the clock,” Smith said. “We had the lead and it was important for us to change field position and take as much time off the clock as we could. To get those third down conversions to eat up quite a bit of that clock… in the end, those are things that help you win the game.”

-The maligned 49ers offensive line put together a solid performance, helping Frank Gore surpass the 100-yard mark for the 17th time in his career.

-“I think as the game went on we got better,” left tackle Barry Sims said. “It would have been nice to finish some drives off, we moved the ball well at times, but we needed to finish drives better than we did and give our defense a better chance where they do not have to win it on the last play of the game.”

-Sims, an avid golfer, will not step foot on a golf course this weekend with the 49ers having the weekend off. “I’m just going to relax, keep my body fresh and get ready for Green Bay,” he said.

Goldson and Snyder’s Take on UW vs. OU

This weekend’s matchup between Washington and No. 11Oregon pits two 49ers Pac-10 alums against one another.  Adam Snyder played tackle at Oregon before being drafted by the 49ers in the 3^rd round in 2005.  Dashon Goldson is a proud Huskies alum, drafted in the 5^th round in 2007.

When I asked Goldson about the matchup, he didn’t hesitate and said, “21-0, U-Dub.”

Why so confident?  Oregon is a highly ranked team that has won its last three games at Husky Stadium.

“USC was ranked too and we beat them,” Goldson said.

Snyder also showed strong support for the Ducks saying the score would be “35-0 by halftime.”

Well somebody has to be wrong here.  The score predictions are 56 points apart and Snyder only gave a halftime score.

Each team does have several playmakers that the other team will have to account for.  Snyder admitted that he doesn’t stay up to date on Oregon football as much as he should, but stand by his team regardless.

Washington hasn’t exactly been a model of consistency this season, beating USC 16-13 and then losing to Arizona State 24-17 with 5 seconds left on the clock.

“My boys are coming off what I would call a heartbreaking loss last week,” Goldson said.  “They fell short in the final minutes, final seconds.  We own Oregon.”

Goldson still keeps up with the Huskies, highlighting those who now play his former safety position.

“I like their safeties,” Goldson said.  “They come up and they bring it.  They just have to make sure though that no one gets behind them and they don’t get beat deep.  It’s up to them to really take charge of the defense.”

With Washington vastly improved under new head coach Steve Sarkisian, Snyder knows that despite his lopsided halftime prediction, it’s more than likely going to be a close one.

“Being that it is one of our toughest rivals, it will be good game,” Snyder said.  “I don’t know if I can predict the score, but it is a tough place to play.  Washington-Oregon is probably a bigger rivalry for Oregon than Oregon State.”

I asked Goldson if he was willing to back his team up with the customary routine where the loser has to wear the winning team’s gear.

“I’m willing to do that,” Goldson said.  “I’m really confident about this week.  I’m going to have to talk to Snyder after this and see what he wants to do.”

Snyder agreed and the bet was officially on.

“I have a jersey, my helmet, a hat,” said Snyder.  “Yeah, I have some gear we can switch for sure.  I don’t know how I’ll look in purple, but I won’t have to worry about it.”

With Goldson listed at 200 pounds and Snyder up around 325, the exchanging of any jerseys might not be that easy considering the size disparity.

“That’s the whole thing, it don’t matter,” Goldson said about wearing the wrong size.  “He’ll have to wear what I give him, no matter how tight or how small.  Even if it doesn’t fit him, he has to wear it just like I would have to wear his stuff that won’t fit me.”

49ers React to Ulbrich Loss

Last Friday, 49ers inside linebacker Jeff Ulbrich visited with neurologists to determine the severity of a concussion he sustained on October 4, against the St. Louis Rams.

And on Monday, the news from that meeting caused the 49ers to place Ulbrich on the team’s injured reserve list and sign veteran linebacker Matt Wilhelm.

“We really have a conservative approach to everything we do as it pertains to our players,” head coach Mike Singletary said on Monday. “We want to make sure that we take care of our players because taking care of the players, means we’re taking care of their families as well in the long run.”

Singletary added that Ulbrich will remain around the facility as a mentor for younger players in a similar fashion as cornerback Walt Harris, who has been around often after injuring his knee in the offseason.

“Jeff is the kind of guy that you want around. He’s good for our team,” Singletary stated. “He’s good for our linebackers. He’s good for our coaches. He’s like a coach on the field anyway. Next week he will be here and in the meetings.”

While the 49ers coaching staff might have picked up an unofficial member of their staff, the players inside the 49ers locker room felt a major loss.

“Losing him is like losing a brother. I mean, it is losing a brother to me,” linebacker Patrick Willis said with intent. “I looked up to Jeff and I still do. He’s helped me understand so many different things.”

Since Willis joined the 49ers as a first-round pick in 2007, he instantly had the support of Ulbrich.

“From day one when I stepped out here and I didn’t know anything, I asked Jeff a thousand questions,” Willis said of Ulbrich’s influence. “Not one time did he hold out on me and not answer the question for me.”

Willis was pleased to hear that Ulbrich will remain around the facility and on some road trips, but not having him in full pads in the locker room and on the sidelines will be a shocker.

“Losing him is going to be sad. He was like a warrior in the game to me, especially in the locker room,” Willis added.

The tough task of filling those shoes falls on Wilhelm, who has spent the last six seasons with the San Diego Chargers. Wilhelm was with the Philadelphia Eagles this past training camp, but was released prior to the start of the season.

What makes Wilhelm a likeable candidate is his familiarity with defensive coordinator Greg Manusky’s defense, a system he played in for four seasons in San Diego.

“The meat and potatoes of the defense I know pretty well,” Wilhelm said.

Wilhelm understands both inside linebacker positions, but will have to learn the terminology associated with the defense. Knowing that, Wilhelm wants to help the team in any way as soon as possible.

“Obviously, this is a backup role, because they have two great inside linebackers. But they need someone to come in on special teams and be one play away and learn this defense as fast as they can,” Wilhelm said.

More Monday News and Notes

-Singletary was asked if starting strong safety Michael Lewis could be placed on IR like Ulbrich because of a concussion, but the 49ers head coach said it was “unlikely.” He also stated that Lewis’ return has not yet been determined and that the team would continue to monitor his health.

- Last week, Singletary hinted a possible change on the offensive line. On Monday, he announced the changes.

“Right now, Chilo [Rachal] and [Adam] Snyder will alternate [at right guard], a lot like [Tony] Pashos and Snyder at the right tackle position. We want our best five on the field, and we feel like Snyder alternating with Chilo will be good for us to find out who is best at that position.”

-Singletary has been pleased with the progression he’s seen from rookie wideout Michael Crabtree in the short period of time he’s been with the team.

“Michael Crabtree’s progress is excellent. He’s working his tail off. He stays here. He’s with the coaches all the time and learning the playbook. They’re very pleased with what they’re seeing, and I’m pleased with what I’m seeing and the conversations that he and I have had. With the coaches, it’s been great. He can’t get enough of it. He wants to be out here. He wants to get better. He wants to play and make a contribution. So, that’s very exciting.”

-Quarterback Shaun Hill said he didn’t realize how big Crabtree actually was on the football field.

“He plays much bigger than he appears. When you see him, you think he’s on the short side. But when he’s out there playing, he’s a big target out there. He has very strong hands and attacks the ball out there. I think he’s going to be good for us.”

-Hill was also pleased with Crabtree’s work ethic.

“I’ve been very impressed with how much he’s learned since he’s been here. He came right in and was able to pick it up. If a question does arise, he’s not afraid to ask. I feel very comfortable that he’s going to know everything he’ll need to know for this game on Sunday.”

-Hill said the front seven of the Houston Texans defense has stood out to him the most through his film study.

“Good team. They’re playing well right now. They’re going to be a very good opponent for us. They have a very good front with a great pass rusher in Mario Williams. They just play good fundamental defense.”

-Hill will be aided this week significantly with the return of running back Frank Gore, who has missed the last two games with foot and ankle injuries. The 49ers star runner stayed in the Bay Area over the bye week to rehab his injuries and also help Crabtree get filled in.

“Over the bye week, he [Crabtree] looked very good. He was getting the plays. Now we’re fully-loaded as an offense and on Sunday we have to get going,” Gore said. “I feel like a kid right now, I can’t wait to get back out there with my team.”

-Gore said he wasn’t concerned about out-scoring the Texans’ high-powered offensive attack.

“For us, we just have be ourselves and go out there try to keep the chains moving and score points. If we do that we should have a great chance to win.”