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Morning Tailgate: Rookie Camp Recap

Taylor Price — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:02:36 +0000

San Francisco’s rookies had a successful introduction into the “Forty Niner Way” over the weekend.

Three days of a rookie minicamp at 49ers headquarters saw the 2013 class learn the basics of San Francisco’s offensive, defensive and special team systems. It also saw the newcomers get to know each other and their coaching staff in perfect climate conditions.

The going will only get tougher for the rookies, like Sergio Garcia on the 17^th tee box of Sawgrass, tough.

That’s because the rookies join forces with their veteran teammates this week for the third installment of “Football School.” The helmet-free fundamental work will take place this week to prepare the entire squad for upcoming Organized Team Activities.

49ers.com will check in with the rookie class after they get to work with the veterans, but for now, let’s look back at the opening impressions from rookie minicamp in today’s Morning Tailgate.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com reviewed the play of unheralded cornerbacks at 49ers rookie cmap.

Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle shared notes on the passing accuracy at rookie cmap.

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News covered Eric Reid’s family history with football.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee discussed why Lawrence Okoye is in a good situation with the 49ers.

Barrows also checked in with offensive tackle Kenny Wiggins.

49ers.com offered a comprehensive look at rookie camp.

CLIP OF THE DAY

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Bay area its bout that time to turn up! Watch stephencurry_30 and Thompson bring us back! instagram.com/p/ZObpffNBA6/—
Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) May 12, 2013

Bay Area support from the 49ers QB.

MT: Kendall Hunter Back Sprinting

Taylor Price — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:07:19 +0000

The San Francisco 49ers enjoy a bevy of talented running backs who can run Greg Roman’s complex offensive system. One of them, third-year runner Kendall Hunter, is back running sprints this offseason. He’s doing so five months removed from a torn left Achilles. Perhaps, Kobe Bryant might want rehab notes from the 49ers running back.

Hunter shared details of his progress with Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle.

“I’m just doing what the trainers want me to do,” Hunter told Branch. “That’s the process. I feel and know I can do more, but I’m not going to rush whatever the coaches and trainers want.”

Hunter rushed for 371 yards in 2012, good for 5.2 yards per carry. Hunter also scored two rushing touchdowns before injuring himself on Nov. 25 against the New Orleans Saints.

Hunter told Branch he’d like to participate in OTAs in May or San Francisco’s mandatory minicamp in June, but the talented running back understands the importance of a patient rehab process and expects to be held out of action until training camp.

More 49ers headlines can be found in today’s Morning Tailgate.

Branch offered details of the 49ers local pro day, plus the comments of quarterback Nate Montana.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News shared Trent Baalke’s draft-day trade philosophy.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee highlighted other Baalke comments, including ones on the health of Justin and Aldon Smith.

Barrows noted that the 49ers could have 9-10 selections in the 2014 draft.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com shared Baalke’s comments on the 49ers remaining interested in Charles Woodson.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com has Vernon Davis ranked as the top tight end in the NFC West.

49ers.com looked at Colin Kaepernick’s offseason work ethic, Baalke’s outlook on free agency moves in 2013, draft philosophy for 2013, Michael Thomas’ experience at the 2013 local pro day and continued our “49 in 49” series with a Burlingame native who played his college ball at Colorado, David Bakhtiari.

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#tbt meeting sterling sharpe on my 8th birthday when he played at South Carolina. instagram.com/p/YP_fqzENbE/—
jonathan goodwin (@jgoody59) April 18, 2013

Fresh.

Morning Tailgate: Harbaugh Stays Driven

Alex Espinoza — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:34:54 +0000

Five yards. That’s all that separated the 49ers from winning the sixth Super Bowl in franchise history earlier this year. Coach Jim Harbaugh has had a few weeks to reflect on the tough loss on football’s biggest stage and it appears he’s using the defeat to fuel him for 2013. Ashley Fox of ESPN.com shared comments from Harbaugh on his motivation for the new season going forward.

“Harbaugh is a fiercely competitive man now inspired by defeat, and that will be a problem for the other teams in the NFC West, the rest of the conference and ultimately the entire league,” Fox wrote. “It didn’t seem possible, given the intensity with which he worked his first two seasons as head coach, but Harbaugh is more inspired, more hungry, more dedicated than ever, all because of those 5 short but significant yards.”

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate focuses on the team’s evolving special teams unit and more.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com also passed along Harbaugh’s feelings on the Super Bowl and how it’s affected him.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle analyzed the 49ers special teams units.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee shared his observations from Stanford’s pro day with an emphasis on the school’s talented tight ends.

Daniel Brown of the Bay Area News Group spoke to Aldon Smith as he visited the local Boys and Girls Club.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com offered an updated look at the free agents in the NFC West.

Branch and Maiocco looked at the team’s options at punt returner now that Ted Ginn Jr. has signed with the Carolina Panthers.

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Up and at it. Workout time and then a nice long day of bball watching—
Joe Staley (@jstaley74) March 22, 2013

Must be March.

Morning Tailgate: Boldin Meets Media

Alex Espinoza — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:50:57 +0000

Fresh off his charitable trip to Senegal, Africa, new 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin met the Bay Area media on Wednesday in Santa Clara. The veteran wideout is already looking forward to building chemistry with Colin Kaepernick, telling reporters he’s eager to work with the young star in the coming months.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle shared Boldin’s thoughts as he stood in the 49ers locker room for the first time.

“Boldin, 32, knows from recent experience how that chemistry can take time to establish,” Branch wrote. “He was traded to the Ravens in 2010 and slowly began to develop a rapport with Joe Flacco. In 2012, he had 65 catches for 921 yards, the highest totals of his three seasons in Baltimore. In four playoff games, he added 22 receptions and 380 yards. After he joined the Ravens, he spent time working with Flacco after organized team activities concluded. He hopes to have a similar arrangement with Kaepernick, whom he termed a ‘special kid.’”

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate features more reaction from Boldin news from the final day of league owners meetings in Arizona.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group relayed Boldin’s comments from Wednesday.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee wrote about Boldin’s desire to work with Kaepernick.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com spoke to Jim Harbaugh about what it takes to win a championship.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com talked with Harbaugh about his trademark black sweater and khaki outfit.

Branch looked at the possibility of the 49ers drafting Stanford tight end Zach Ertz.

Tim Kawakami of the Bay Area News Group gave his take on the state of the 49ers defensive line.

Maiocco relayed Harbaugh’s comments on 49ers wideout Ricardo Lockette.

Inman shared comments from Aldon Smith on his healing shoulder.

49ers.com also featured comments from Boldin and new kicker Phil Dawson.

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Some of the new names should be pretty easy to learn around here. http://t.co/IH6YkI35vy—
Anquan Boldin (@AnquanBoldin) March 21, 2013

Welcome to the 49ers.

2012 Plays of the Year: Final Five

Alex Espinoza — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 21:33:15 +0000

The 49ers Faithful have spoken. Now it’s time for one final vote.

In recent weeks, 49ers.com has brought you the top 5 takeaways, touchdowns, sacks, big hits and big plays and asked for the Faithful to vote for their favorite plays of the year. For the last round of voting, a winner will emerge from the Final Five candidates as picked by the 49ers Faithful.

The Final Five features a great mix of breakneck offensive plays, bone-crushing defensive plays and game-changers. Until 5 p.m. PT on Monday, you can vote for the 2012 Play of the Year at the bottom of this blog post. Let’s take a look at the top play for each category.

1. Dashon Goldson’s open-field hit vs. the Arizona Cardinals

When pushed to choose one of Goldson’s best tackles in 2012, the open-field, jarring hit delivered on Cardinals wideout Early Doucet stood above the rest. It also took place in front of a national viewing audience on “Monday Night Football.”

With the 49ers maintaining a 24-3 lead in the fourth quarter, Goldson put the exclamation mark on a dominant defensive outing. Arizona quarterback John Skelton looked to dump off a quick slant pass to Doucet, but it wasn’t such a good idea.

Goldson saw the route developing and patiently waited his turn to strike. The 49ers safety timed up a perfect open-field hit that would leave Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott thoroughly impressed.

Doucet wasn’t able to hold on to the football. Not many play-makers this past season could maintain possession once the 49ers safety known as “The Hawk” applied an open-field hit.

2. Aldon Smith’s 5.5 sacks on MNF vs. the Chicago Bears

Jason Campbell probably doesn’t have fond memories of the evening of Nov. 19. As the quarterback of the Bears, Campbell was pummeled repeatedly by linebacker Aldon Smith, who set a “Monday Night Football” and 49ers single-game record with 5.5 sacks.

Smith already had a history of showing up on the Monday night stage, posting 4.5 sacks in his first two contests, but he blew those performances out of the water with an all-time great effort. It didn’t matter if he came from the left side or the right side, Smith was going to get to the quarterback.

The marquee outing highlighted Smith’s 19.5-sack regular season, which eventually earned him first-team All-Pro honors and the first Pro Bowl invite of his career. It also proved to be a big reason for the team’s 32-7 win over the Bears, who entered the contest with a 7-2 record.

3. Ahmad Brooks’ interception return for a touchdown vs. the New Orleans Saints

San Francisco intercepted respected Saints quarterback Drew Brees twice in a Week 12 road victory. Both takeaways were returned for touchdowns, too. Donte Whitner’s 42-yard pick-six was impressive, but it didn’t get the nod over Ahmad Brooks’ 50-yard interception return.

Brooks, a 6-foot-3, 259-pound outside linebacker, correctly read Brees’ eyes as he dropped into coverage. The pass-rushing linebacker wound up in the quarterback’s throwing lane and somehow managed to pluck a quick pass from Brees out of the air and return it 50 yards untouched for a touchdown.

The 49ers trailed 14-7 at the time of Brooks’ game-changing play and never looked back from it. San Francisco out-scored New Orleans 17-7 after the defensive touchdown, an impressive athletic play turned in from one of the most physical players on the front seven.

4. Colin Kaepernick’s 56-yard TD Run vs. the Green Bay Packers

Erik Walden thought James had the ball, but he was wrong. The Green Bay defensive end was lined up against the right side of the 49ers offensive line in the third quarter, with the score knotted at 21 in the NFC Divisional Round.

Kaepernick kept the ball in James’ belly for a second, before pulling it back to himself and sprinting around Walden and down the right seam untouched for a 56-yard touchdown, thanks in part to a great downfield block by Ted Ginn Jr. By the time Bruce Miller engaged Walden near the line of scrimmage, Kaepernick was long gone to give the 49ers a 31-24 lead in the eventual 45-31 win in the final game of the season at Candlestick.

Kaepernick’s big run was the highlight of his record-setting evening, as he carried the ball 16 times for 181 yards and two touchdowns to post the highest single-game quarterback rushing total in league history. It also jumpstarted a 21-0 run by the 49ers to put the game out of reach.

5. NaVorro Bowman’s 4^th-down Stop vs. the Atlanta Falcons

The situation was simple: Get a stop and go to the Super Bowl.

The 49ers held a 28-24, fourth-quarter lead at the Georgia Dome in the NFC Championship, when the Falcons faced a 4^th-and-4 at San Francisco’s 10-yard line. When the Falcons broke the huddle and Roddy White lined up in the right slot, Bowman knew the ball was headed his way.

So the two-time All-Pro linebacker held his ground against the talented wideout, who tried to cross in front of his face near the first-down marker. Bowman swatted the pass to the ground with his left hand and his teammates raised their arms in unison, celebrating their ticket to New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII.

UPDATE: Congratulations to Colin Kaepernick for winning the vote for 2012 Play of the Year!

2012 Plays of the Year: Big Hits

Taylor Price — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:00:08 +0000

We need your help in selecting the top plays from the 2012 season. We’re asking our Faithful fans to choose the top takeaway, touchdown, sack, big play and biggest hit of the season. Next, the winning five plays (one from each category), will move on to the championship round to determine 49ers.com’s “Top Play of 2012.”

Watch our “Top 5” video highlights on the best plays for each category, then vote in the poll section of the corresponding blog post to see which top play will reach the championship round.

Help us crown the top play of 2012 by choosing your favorite big hit from this past season. You can vote for your favorite big hit up until Wednesday at noon. Let’s take a look at the five nominees.

1. NaVorro Bowman’s perfect form-tackle vs. the New York Giants

San Francisco’s defense included six Pro Bowl performers, including two-time All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman. The former third-round pick, who signed a five-year extension through 2018, made his first Pro Bowl in 2012 thanks to another season filled with big-time tackles in the open-field.

Just ask recently released Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw about them. When San Francisco and New York met in a marquee Week 6 matchup, Bowman, the ultra-athletic linebacker, displayed his speed, technique and tenacity all in one play.

With the Giants facing a 2^nd and 8 on the first play of the second quarter, the third-year linebacker recognized an inside run designed for Bradshaw and immediately darted his way through the line of scrimmage. Upon reaching Bradshaw in the backfield, Bowman applied a textbook form-tackle that would make all of his Penn State colleagues proud.

The representative of “Linebacker U” not only showed the instincts to recognize an inside run; he ran right through the Giants offensive line to plant Bradshaw in the backfield for a 1-yard loss.

2. Dashon Goldson’s open-field hit vs. the Arizona Cardinals

San Francisco’s two-time Pro Bowl safety could warrant consideration five times over in this category. Dashon Goldson’s hits in 2012 were just that good.

But when pushed to choose one of Goldson’s best tackles in 2012, the open-field, jarring hit delivered on Cardinals wideout Early Doucet stood above the rest. It also took place in front of a national viewing audience on “Monday Night Football.”

Goldson saw the route developing and patiently waited his turn to strike. The 49ers safety timed up a perfect open-field hit that would leave Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott thoroughly impressed.

Doucet wasn’t able to hold on to the football. Not many play-makers this past season could maintain possession once the 49ers safety known as “The Hawk” applied an open-field hit.

3. Aldon Smith’s quarterback hit vs. the Arizona Cardinals

Minutes after Goldson’s smashing tackle, second-year linebacker Aldon Smith got in on the act with a solid takedown of his own.

With the offense enjoying an efficient performance on the national stage, the 49ers held on to their 24-3 lead with constant second-half pressure on Skelton who was sacked four times on the night, twice by Smith.

With 13:40 left to play in the fourth quarter, San Francisco’s first-time Pro Bowl linebacker beat Cardinals right tackle D’Anthony Batiste with a quick inside move and found his way to Skelton for his first sack of the game.

Perhaps even better than the quick-striking sack from the man who recorded 19.5 sacks on the season was Smith’s baseball-inspired home-run celebration to accentuate the play.

4. Donte Whitner’s body slam vs. the Miami Dolphins

When your safety tandem earns the moniker, “The Lumber Co.” hard hits are expected on a weekly basis. That was exactly the case in San Francisco’s Week 14 home victory over the Miami Dolphins.

San Francisco claimed a 13-3 lead in the third-quarter and continued to display dominant play when Donte Whitner, a first-time Pro Bowl selection, absolutely corralled Dolphins running back Reggie Bush in the open field.

Rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill dumped off a short pass to Bush in the right flat that went for an 11-yard gain, but on the 11^th yard, Whitner met Bush in front of the Dolphins sideline and brought the do-it-all running back down to the ground with one swift body slam.

Whitner’s tackle somewhat rivaled a wrestling maneuver, but it was effective in bringing down the game-breaking runner in a quick instant.

5. Delanie Walker’s special teams tackle vs. the Baltimore Ravens

The 49ers comeback bid in Super Bowl XLVII was fueled by several standout plays, including a devastating tackle on a third-quarter kick-off return.

The “Ooooooh” receiving hit came from jack-of-all-trades Delanie Walker – the 49ers tight end known for being an effective tackler on special teams.

With the Ravens hanging on to a 28-23 with 3:14 left in the third, Walker got through Baltimore’s blockers to deliver a jarring tackle. Walker scooped up return man Jacoby Jones at the 28-yard line and slammed into the Superdome turf in an instant.

The 25 yard return was a drastic improvement from Jones’ 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at the start of the third quarter.

UPDATE: Congratulations to Dashon Goldson for winning with nearly 70% of the vote!

Morning Tailgate: Bowman Visits Uganda

Alex Espinoza — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:35:26 +0000

Following in the footsteps of his teammate Vernon Davis, NaVorro Bowman is in Africa to help fit local, underprivileged residents with hearing aids. Davis made the trip in 2011 with his brother, Colts cornerback Vontae Davis, and several other players. Comcast SportsNet Bay Area shared a four-part video series. (Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4)

On Monday, Bowman tweeted out a picture of himself helping the Pros For Africa Foundation in Uganda. For more information, visit ProsForAfrica.com.

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate looks at the franchise tag situation on the verge of Monday’s deadline and more.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee focused on Dashon Goldson and his offseason negotiations.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com addressed Dashon Goldson, Delanie Walker and the franchise tag in this recent mailbag with 49ers Faitfhul.

ESPN.com shared a video of Aldon Smith visiting the set of First Take to talk with Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith.

Brian McIntyre of Yahoo! Sports took an offseason inventory of the 49ers.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com offered an economical look into the 49ers front office.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle looked back at the previous Super Bowl runner-ups in NFL history.

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RT @sportsnation: The Madden Cover Vote will begin w/ @JerryRice v @criscarter80 in a wild card round! Vote using #Madden25Rice OR…—
Jerry Rice (@JerryRice) March 04, 2013

Vote for Jerry Rice to be on the cover of the 25th Anniversary edition of Madden using #Madden25Rice on Twitter.

Morning Tailgate: Aldon Smith Tries MMA

Alex Espinoza — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 19:20:37 +0000

Aldon Smith may have put together a historic start to his career, but the 23-year-old is pushing himself in a new direction this offseason. Smith, who has set an NFL record with 33.5 sacks through the first two seasons of his career, started training in a local Mixed Martial Arts gym to improve his athleticism.

Comcast Sports Bay Area shared a video of Smith working out with UFC Heavyweight Daniel Cormier. “It’s definitely a good way to stay in physical shape,” Smith said. “In football you use your hands and feet so much, they definitely do it a lot in this sport.

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate features the latest mock draft predictions for the 49ers and more.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com pegged the 49ers to draft Boise St. CB Jamar Taylor with the No. 31 pick.

Peter Schrager of FOXSports.com predicted the 49ers will draft Ohio State DT Johnathan Hankins withe their first-round pick.

Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News thinks the 49ers will select Alabama DT Jesse Williams.

Russ Lande of National Football Post listed UCLA DE Datone Jones as the 49ers’ first-round pick in his latest mock draft.

Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com listed the top 85 free agents for 2013.

Joe Fortenbaugh of National Football Post offered his take on the top 50 free agents.

Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated shared his latest big board of 2013 NFL Draft prospects.

Doug Farrar of Yahoo! Sports listed Oregon State WR Markus Wheaton as an impact player at the NFL level to start the Shutdown 50 prospect series.

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Team force factor did this for me here in Boston. @forcefactor instagr.am/p/WUrexaONNh/—
Vernon Davis (@VernonDavis85) March 01, 2013

Vernon Davis, in cake form.

Morning Tailgate: Kaepernick Stays Busy

Taylor Price — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:22:46 +0000

It doesn’t seem like Colin Kaepernick is taking time to rest and relax this offseason. It’s not a shocker, either. The San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback appeared at an award show, began working out with teammates at a training facility in Atlanta and recently took part in an event hosted by the first lady, Michelle Obama.

Mrs. Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign received help this week from Kaepernick, plus Olympic athletes (Dominique Dawes, Gabby Douglas, Allyson Felix) and tennis star Serena Williams among others.

Details of the event, shared by The Washington Post, touched on Mrs. Obama’s quest to help schools become more active in saving physical education programs nation-wide. Kaepernick, an example of physical condition, has proven to be a strong force in the community, not just on the football field.

The 49ers quarterback will also appear on NFL Network on Thursday at 3 p.m. PT to join the network’s “Path to the Draft” show.

Yahoo! Sports’ Shutdown Corner Blog has the 49ers drafting Ohio State defensive lineman Jonathan Hankins with the No. 31 overall selection in their latest mock draft.

Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com examined the risers and fallers post-NFL Scouting Combine.

Russ Lande of The National Football Post discussed nine players who struggled at the combine.

49ers.com announced the 2012 team award winners, led by Justin and Aldon Smith.

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Ready to start this yoga class—
Tarell Brown25 (@TarellBrown25) February 28, 2013

Stronger than you think.

Morning Tailgate: Offseason Work

Alex Espinoza — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:40:21 +0000

Oscars? Nope. Grammys? Nope. Colin Kaepernick would rather be in Atlanta, working out with his teammates.

Just days after leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl XLVII, Kaepernick was back at work at CES Performance, his home away from home during the offseason. Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee wrote about Kaepernick’s offseason regimen and how he’s joined by 49ers receivers Ricardo Lockette and Chad Hall.

“Rather than pressing the flesh with Anne Hathaway and Denzel Washington on the red carpet in Hollywood, Kaepernick is busting his tail alongside little-known college players on the green grass at CES Performance, a training facility in Atlanta,” Barrows wrote. “That’s where Kaepernick got ready for the 2011 draft. And it’s where he figured he’d find training partners who are as hungry as him.”

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate spotlights Aldon Smith’s mixed-martial arts offseason training, the upcoming combine and more.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle also noted Kaepernick’s quick return to offseason work.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group caught up with Smith as he worked out at a local MMA gym.

Nate Stuhlbarg of CSNBayArea.com spoke to NBA All-Stars Kevin Durant and James Harden about rooting for the 49ers.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com previewed the NFL Scouting Combine from an NFC West perspective.

Tom Fitzgerald of the San Francisco Chronicle looked back at the life of the late, former 49ers executive Lou Spadia.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com looked at the 49ers secondary.

Barrows and Inman analyzed the 49ers roster as the franchise tag period begins.

Sando examined the importance of 49ers free agent tight end Delanie Walker.

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Lost a member of the @49ers family last night. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Spadia family. Lou will be missed—
Jed York (@JedYork) February 18, 2013

Condolences to the Spadia family for their loss.