Blogs

49ers Talk Turkey Day

The staff at 49ers.com spoke with several players this week about their favorite aspects of Thanksgiving. Here’s what they had to say.

On Thanksgiving…

TE Delanie Walker says:

“The best part is family getting together, telling old stories about when you were kids. I remember playing in a Turkey Bowl. It wasn’t with the family, but it would be the kids in my neighborhood against another neighborhood. We’d go to an elementary school, meet up and get a big football game going on. This year, my girl is going to do the cooking. Most likely, I’m going to chill. The coaches are giving us most the day off so I’m going to get off my feet. I don’t know if we’re going to have turkey this year, we might do some catfish just to do something different.”

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Monday’s Locker Room Talk: Nov. 22

In his Monday press conference, Mike Singletary repeatedly took the blame for his team’s 3-7 record with six games remaining. After opening his remarks with the injuries from Sunday’s 21-0 loss to Tampa Bay, Singletary took full responsibility for the team’s performance Sunday too.

“As you look at our team, in particular as we talk about the game yesterday, why we lost the game? That would be on me.”

“Anything that happened in the game is on me because it all ultimately comes back to me. I understand that.”

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Monday’s Locker Room Talk: Oct. 4

Taylor Mays will be the 49ers starting safety opposite of Dashon Goldson, head coach Mike Singletary announced Monday.

The team’s second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft performed quite well in his first career start at Atlanta. He totaled a team-high 11 tackles and made a heads-up play recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown in the first quarter.

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On the Phone with Carroll and Hasselbeck

The 49ers might not recognize their opponents when they travel to Seattle for the season opener on Sunday.

Yes Seattle is a division rival, and yes the teams have faced each other twice a year since 2002, but with a new head coach and 27 new players on their squad, the Seahawks have a totally different look and feel to them this season.

The same can’t be said for the 49ers, at least that’s what three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said in his conference call with Bay Area reporters on Wednesday.

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From the Field: Aug. 7 PM Practice

Fans are in the stands clapping and that can only mean one thing – the players are warming up for Saturday’s open afternoon practice. They’re in shells, so no pad-crunching hits, but plenty of plays are out there to be made.

Kickoff return is up first instead of individual drills. Like yesterday Ted Ginn Jr. is the first returner, followed by Kyle Williams, LeRoy Vann and Dominique Zeigler. As it takes place, Frank Gore works on ball security on the other practice field. He’s holding a football covered with a thick elastic cord that’s being yanked by a training camp assistant.

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Faithful Vote: Best Interception of 2009

January 26 Update:Congratulations to Aubrayo Franklin who won with 33% of the vote.

With 40 percent of the vote, Frank Gore ran away with last week’s “Faithful Vote” for the 49ers Best Touchdown of 2009.

But a new week opens up a new competition and a new fan poll on 49ers.com: Best Interception of 2009.

Just like with TV49’s touchdown nomination video, you can check out the top interceptions in this TV49 clip.

The 49ers had 18 interceptions in 2009, but after careful thought, we trimmed it down to the best four. Here’s a closer look at the finalists for this year’s best interception.

Our first nominee is the biggest. Not necessarily by reputation, but by stature. At 6-foot-1, 317-pounds, nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin was easily the largest competitor in this category.

He was also the only 49ers defensive linemen to intercept a pass this season.

Franklin’s takeaway was crucial for a number of reasons. First, it was at an important early stage of the 49ers Thursday night primetime home matchup against the Chicago Bears on the NFL Network. The game was scoreless just under the 10-minute mark of the second quarter.

Second, the interception happened at the 49ers goal line with the Bears needing more than a yard to score on third and goal.

With Chicago lined up in a goal line formation with multiple tight ends it appeared as if the Bears were content to try and pound the ball for the game’s first points. But that wasn’t quite the case.

Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler sold a play-fake to running back Matt Forte and then tried to find tight end Kellen Davis.

But instead he threw it to Franklin.

The nose tackle was blocked initially but scraped down the line where he found himself in perfect position to disrupt Cutler. Franklin read the play and put his hands up to block the ball, but somehow he plucked ball out of the air. Even more impressive than the interception from close range, was Franklin’s 11-yard return after.

Second on the list of nominees is strong safety Michael Lewis for his interception in the same game.

Lewis’ interception put a capper on the 49ers five-interception performance against Cutler and the Bears. It also literally ended the game.

With eight seconds on the clock and the Bears in need of 12 yards to give them the win (trailing 10-6 at the time) Cutler was again trying to force a pass to a tight end, this time it was to his starter, Greg Olsen.

But his pass did not have enough air under it and Lewis stepped right in front of the line drive intended for Olsen. By the time Lewis’ knee went to the ground in his own end zone, the game was over.

Our third interception nominee comes from first-year starter, free safety Dashon Goldson.

Goldson gave us the most interceptions to choose from, as he led the 49ers with four.

As for which one we selected as a finalist, Goldson’s game-changing interception against the Arizona Cardinals on “Monday Night Football” was certainly a worthy choice.

With the Cardinals needing 20 yards on second down, Goldson showed some serious play-making ability. Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner locked on to Steve Breaston one of his four wide receivers out in the play and Goldson immediately recognized it.

Not only did Goldson out-leap Breaston for the ball down the right sideline, he stepped in front of one of his teammates too. Cornerback Tarell Brown was also in position to make a play on the ball, but Goldson came instantly in the picture and took the ball right out of the air. After the play was over, Goldson (pictured above) celebrated in style.

It was key considering that the score was 10-0 late in the second quarter and Arizona was in need of points to stay in the game. The 49ers went on to win 24-9, clinching a season sweep of their division rivals.

Goldson finished the game with two forced fumbles to go along with his interception.

Our final candidate is quite familiar, mainly because he was nominated in our last category.

Patrick Willis’ interception against the St. Louis Rams was the only interception to be returned for a touchdown.

It was Willis’ second consecutive season with a pick-6, as he silenced the St. Louis Rams with a 23-yard interception return for a touchdown.

With the Rams facing a third-and-eight from their 20, Willis ended any hope for a Rams comeback with an amazing defensive play which showcased all of his physical tools. St. Louis came out in a shotgun formation with four receivers, but ultimately Boller found a receiver from the wrong team.

Pressure from outside linebacker Manny Lawson combined with great downfield coverage caused Boller to roll to his right and then errantly throw back across his body towards the middle of the field. Boller’s pass was intended for wide receiver Keenan Burton, but it found its way in Willis’ arms, who reached to his right and plucked the ball out of the air.

Willis slightly bobbled the interception initially, but his focus allowed him to take the ball untouched for the 49ers first defensive touchdown of the season. It also put an exclamation mark on the defense’s only shutout of 2009.

You can vote as many times as you’d like all week long by finding the poll on the bottom left corner of the 49ers.com home page. The winner will be announced next Monday, along with a new “Faithful Vote” for 49ers fans to debate on.

Monday’s Locker Room Talk

If Vernon Davis catches one more touchdown pass this week against the St. Louis Rams, he’ll tie Antonio Gates’ single-season record of 13 touchdown catches set back in 2004.

But the 49ers aren’t looking at it like it’s a one-man accomplishment for their starting tight end. It’s really more of a team feat.

“It’s a credit to the guys around him. We all depend on each other. But we’re happy for him, he’s worked really hard,” quarterback Alex Smith said.

In Davis’ first three seasons, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2005 draft had 103 catches for 1,132 yards (11 yards per catch) and nine touchdowns. To put his breakout year into further perspective, already this season Davis has 72 catches for 876 yards (12.2 yards per catch) and 12 touchdowns.

With numbers like that, Davis has the support of all his teammates in being a strong candidate to make the 2010 Pro Bowl.

“I’d love to see him on that list,” Smith said. “I’d love to see as many guys as possible, but especially him. He’s worked hard and had a lot of the stats this year to back it up.”

Davis and the rest of the 49ers will have to wait until 4:15 PM PT on Tuesday when Pro Bowl rosters are announced.

And while Smith was unaware of what Davis needed to pass the league milestone, the 49ers signal caller said he wouldn’t press the issue in St. Louis.

“I don’t think we’re going to force anything. We’re just going to let it happen. We’re going to try and win the game,” Smith said. “I think there’s something to be said about him and the work he’s put in over the last few years as well as this season.”

According to Smith, Davis’ development has forced opposing defenses to game plan for the 49ers versatile tight end.

“Definitely his speed up the field is something that causes problems,” Smith said. “I think you can see in these last few weeks defenses have acknowledged [that] and are making adjustments too.  I think they’re more conscious of him.”

Smith was pretty aware of Davis on a 2-yard rollout touchdown pass in which the quarterback could have kept the ball for a touchdown run. Ultimately, Smith decided to throw his 17th touchdown pass of the season.

“It looked better on film than what it looked like in my head,” Smith said. “It definitely would have been a bang-bang play at the goal line. I don’t think it would have been a walk in like I kind of had in my mind. Either way, it turned out the way it did.”

Asked if he’d taken up Davis on his offer to pick up a dinner tab this week, Smith replied, “Not yet, I’ll hit him up on that.”

More Monday Notes

-Mike Singletary opened his press conference by announcing the 49ers injury report following the Lions game. Right guard Chilo Rachal will undergo an MRI later on Monday on his knee, left tackle Joe Staley is day-to-day with a knee contusion, Glen Coffee remains questionable with a hamstring injury and cornerback Shawntae Spencer has a wrist sprain. “Should be fine,” Singletary said of Spencer’s injury.

-Later, Singletary said kicker Joe Nedney and cornerback Nate Clements will not return to action this season. Ricky Schmitt will get another chance to kick for the 49ers. He made 2-of-3 field goals against Detroit.

-Singletary said the offense planned on getting the ball early and often to running back Frank Gore, but Detroit countered by stacking the box with eight defenders. Singletary said the 49ers played a “cat and mouse” game early on and that’s why Gore only had seven carries in the first half.

-Singletary wasn’t happy that his offense struggled to convert the Lions six turnovers into points of their own. “It’s not acceptable. It’s never acceptable,” he said.

-The head coach also has reservations about continuing to use starting wide receiver Josh Morgan as a kick returner. It’s not just offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye who feels that way. “That’s a priority for us this offseason, to find a return guy,” Singletary revealed.

-The 49ers are the only team in the league to force five or more turnovers in three games this season. Singletary said the credit goes to the team maturing on defense. In particular, he highlighted the growth of free safety Dashon Goldson and outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks. This season, both players are playing the most they ever had in any points of their career. Goldson leads the team with four interceptions while Brooks leads the team with 6.0 sacks.

-“Goldson has gotten more comfortable back there. He’s really doing a good job of reading the quarterback better,” Singletary said. “Ahmad has really stepped up in the second half of the season.”

-Singletary was asked if other linebacker had more range than 49ers two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis, he responded, “No.”

-Singletary made a great point to close out his press conference when fielding a question on the importance of finishing the season 8-8. The head coach reminded the media that beating the Rams is not a foregone conclusion. “You have to go earn 8-8,” he stated.

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.”

Singletary Approves of 49ers Character

On Monday, Mike Singletary spoke positively about all three phases of his 49ers ballclub and singled out a handful of players on each unit.

The 49ers head coach also commended the performance of his entire team in a game they were expected to win. Singletary referred to the game as a “character challenge,” citing how the team entered the game as the favorite and responded with a convincing 35-0 victory over the St. Louis Rams.

“I’m very proud of the guys and the way they played,” he said.

Singletary opened his Monday briefing by announcing that starting running back Frank Gore and second-year safety Reggie Smith had been ruled out of this Sunday’s home game against the Atlanta Falcons. Gore is out with an ankle injury and Smith is out with a groin injury.

In addition, Singletary said outside linebacker Marques Harris suffered a hamstring sprain and linebacker Jeff Ulbrich had a concussion. Two players who suffered minor injuries, free safety Dashon Goldson and outside linebacker Manny Lawson both returned to action later in the game.

When commenting on the play of his offense Singletary said he thought quarterback Shaun Hill did a good job of spreading the ball around and keeping it in the hands of only his receivers.

He also highlighted the performance of his rookie running back.

“I thought [Glen] Coffee ran hard,” Singletary said. “He just has to continue to get into the groove.”

On defense, Singletary was overwhelmed with the hustle displayed by his defense.

“Defensively looking at the film, guys were running to the ball,” he said. “When you talk about relentless – that’s what you see on film.”

One of the players who embodied that relentless style of play will be recognized on the NFL Network’s “Head Coaches Show.”

Two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis will be highlighted by former 49ers head coach Steve Marriucci on tonight’s show that will air on the NFL Network at 3:30PM PT.