Blogs

Gameday Story: Student of the Game

Carlos Rogers has been a reliable cornerback on the field for the San Francisco 49ers. Behind closed doors, Rogers has also been instrumental in teaching his veteran wisdom to the team’s young defensive backs. All of it has translated to team-wide success.

Rogers’ detailed note-taking and film study habits have trickled down through the locker room in a positive way. Not only is Rogers continuing his Pro Bowl play of 2011 into his second season in the Bay Area, but he’s setting the bar high for his teammates with a lead-by-example approach.

Rogers recorded three tackles in the 49ers recent 45-3 win over the Buffalo Bills. Get to know more about the mental approach to the game that Rogers has mastered over the course of his career in our latest  Gameday Magazine cover story.

The “Student of the Game” shoot was photographed by team photographer Terrell Lloyd and designed by team graphic designer Ben Mayberry.

The pen behind Rogers’ ear… that was all Carlos.

Talk understanding details.

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49ers Sign CB Darcel McBath

The San Francisco 49ers announced they have signed CB Darcel McBath to a one-year contract.

McBath (6-1, 198) was originally a second round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in the 2009 NFL Draft. In that span, he has played in 21 games (1 starts), tallying 28 tackles, two interceptions, and four passes defensed. McBath was released by the Broncos on 9/4/11 and later signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars on 12/12/11. The Jaguars released him this offseason on 4/23/12.

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Morning Tailgate: June 1

Justin Smith’s run of under-the-radar dominance is slowly starting to fade.

With NFL writers taking the time to acknowledge the efforts of San Francisco’s All-Pro defensive tackle, it’s clear that Smith’s name will continued to be mentioned in greater detail throughout the 2012 season.

In the latest offering of praise, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah listed Smith atop his interior defensive linemen rankings because of his ability to play the run and the pass.

“Against the run, he is too physically strong to move off the line of scrimmage and quick enough to shoot gaps and wreak havoc in the backfield,” Jeremiah, a former NFL scout, wrote.

“As a pass rusher, he might have the best bull rush of any defensive lineman in the league. He constantly pushes the pocket and forces the QB off his spot. He was always a solid player in Cincinnati, but he has taken his game to new heights in San Francisco. In four years with the 49ers, he’s compiled 29 sacks and made each of the last three Pro Bowls.”

In addition to NFL writers acknowledging Smith’s presence on the field, teammates have shed light on Smith’s behavior off of it. In fact, several 49ers have called Smith the funniest player in the locker room.

This is what Michael Crabtree had to say in a 49ers.com live chat when asked to name his funniest teammate.

“Justin Smith,” Crabtree said. “You know when you go to a comedy show and they’re telling the truth? He’s like that. It’s better when the truth is funnier than jokes.”

Fullback Bruce Miller had a similar response in his chat earlier this offseason.

“The funniest person on the team by far is Justin Smith,” Miller, the second-year player said. “He might be one of the funniest persons I’ve ever met. He’s so clever.”

It’s doubtful opposing offensive linemen find Smith to be so humorous, they’re too busy finding ways to slow down his never-ending motor.

More 49ers headlines can be found after the jump.

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