QUOTE: “I am confirmed in my division of human energies. Ambitious people climb, but faithful people build.” -- Julia Ward Howe
Is this the 49ers year?
Wednesday, on NFL Network’s “Total Access,” we had Mike Singletary on the show to discuss his team and the outlook for the 2010 season. The 49ers finished strong last year, winning their final two games against the Lions and Rams to get to the .500 mark. As a result, many experts suspect this year will be their breakout year — the year they finally become the kind of team Singletary wants and the year they return to the playoffs.
Singletary wanted the 49ers to be a physical team that could run the ball well to control the game. His vision is for them to be the type of physical team that can control the line of scrimmage with the running game and blend in the play action pass for the big play. But last year, the 49ers could not run the ball on first down — or any down for that matter -- and once they got behind in the down-and-distance count, they struggled to be productive on offense. The Niners struggled to overcome any negative plays during a drive — they ranked second in the NFL in allowing sacks on first down, surrendering 18, and led the league in three-and-outs. So when an opposing defense was able to get the 49ers in second or long, or any third and long, a punt was the next play. Third down — especially third and long -- was the 49ers’ offensive nemesis: They were below 30 percent converting all third downs but 17 percent on third and 10 or more, ranking slightly ahead of the Bills for 31st in the NFL. Ouch. Before you think the 49ers can win the West, you better hope they can become more effective making plays in the passing game.
The disconnect for me when talking about the 49ers centers on the philosophy. Can you really be a great running team in the NFL and make a deep run in the playoffs? Yes, I know the Jets did it last year, but they were helped down the stretch (remember Indy lying down?), and even the Jets know they must throw the ball effectively to improve. The Chargers and 49ers were the two worst running teams on first down in the league, but because the Chargers could throw the ball — down the field -- they finished fourth in points scored.
Even if Singletary is able to get the 49ers to become a better running team, will this make them a playoff team? The 49ers must become a better passing team, they must be able to handle the blitz better and they must make plays down the field if they’re going to make a playoff appearance. For all the talk about the 49ers becoming more of a Mike Singletary type of team this year, they might want to spend more time working on a third down package, on their passing game and on their ability to overcome negative plays.
The 49ers are tough, they are physical, they are a Mike Singletary type of team — but Mike must modify his philosophy to fit into today’s game and pass the torch to his quarterback. I have been very critical of 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, but with a better team around him and another year in the same system, this can be his year — at least a make-or-break year. By the end of next season, the 49ers will know if they have their franchise quarterback or if they regret not making the move for former Eagle Donovan McNabb.
If the 49ers make the playoffs, it will be because they have become Alex Smith’s team — not Singletary’s team. Smith must make the difference. He must make the key plays, and he must be the stimulus in the offense. Had they traded for McNabb, they would be a viable Super Bowl contender, but without him, they are hoping to be a viable playoff team — and that viability lies with Smith.
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"they might want to spend more time working on a third down package, on their passing game" - they spent nearly the entire 4-day OTA session working on shotgun third down package, 3 WR sets, etc. Singletary doesn't ignorantly believe running every down is the way to win, or even a majority of the time. He's said over and over he wants balance. Please, stop confusing the word "physical" with running the ball. Physical is how he wants every play to be, run or pass. We have an entire team of physical players. The receivers are strong, like to get physical, receiving tight ends who are big and can block, drafting two OL's to become more physical up front...that is not limited to the running game.
Shaun Hill was sacked 18 times in 5.5 games, over 3 sacks per game. Alex Smith was sacked 22 times in 10.5 games, around twice per game. The O-Line certainly improved over the second half of the season, and the new additions of Iupati and Davis, combined with another year in the same offensive system (why does everyone act like QB's are the only ones who have a hard time in a brand new system?) will certainly help.
You can't use year long stats to define a team who was in transition, learning a new system, and changing personnel (Alex Smith, Crabtree).
Let's not put the cart before the horse Mike. With McNabb at QB but with a rebuilding o-line the Niners would be better than last year, and probably a playoff team, but not a serious Super Bowl contender. With Alex Smith at QB this year with a rebuilding o-line the Niners will be better than last year, and probably a playoff team, but not a serious Super Bowl contender. Not much difference, right?
The big difference is they didn't have to give up a high draft choice for McNabb and they can finally get an answer on Alex Smith. If Smith shats the bed this year they can always get McNabb next year when he is a free agent and stick him behind a better team for a 1 or 2 year run at the title. If Smith does what I think he will do this year and be a solid QB with a passing rating above 90 they will be set to make a much longer run at a title.
Alex Smith just turned 26 years old and before he lost 2 years to injury he was making good progress. McNabb has played 16 games once in the last 6 years, twice during that time period he has played 10 or less. Gentlemen's bet that the Niners record is better than the Redskins this year.
Mike I don't think you can completely blame Smith. Crabtree didn't come on till the end of the season and other than Vernon Davis who did they have that could get consistantly open?
"If the 49ers make the playoffs, it will be because they have become Alex Smith’s team — not Singletary’s team. Smith must make the difference."
Asked and answered. Smith, Orton, Edwards, the list of servicable QBs who must have "breakout" years goes on. None of these guys, who are just guys, are capable of making a team "theirs."
Ask Mike McCarthy, who pushed the Niners to draft Smith and went to the Packers and drafted Aaron Rogers. He knew.
The 49ers will indeed regret not making a play for McNabb, who is capable of taking over a team.
If anything the coaching staff was guilty of NOT running the ball enough the second half of the season. Gore had under 10 carries against Green Bay and Seattle, though there was some playing from behind involved. Meanwhile Alex Smith had 5 games with a rating over 90 in the 10 he started, throwing for nearly 250 YPG over those 5 games. The team isn't afraid to chuck the ball around, yes they have to improve in that facet but there is NOTHING suggesting Singletary and company are ignoring that.
Bringing in Kyle Williams to be a true slot receiver, Crabtree will, mark my words, be a star in this league starting in 2010, Vernon Davis is easily the best receiving TE in the game based on 2009...Alex Smith is showing a lot more command of the offense (in, you know, year TWO of the system). All signs point to a very productive offense in 2010 to go with a potential top 5 defense.
Mike I don't think you can completely blame Smith. Crabtree didn't come on till the end of the season and other than Vernon Davis who did they have that could get consistantly open?
Mike I don't think you can completely blame Smith. Crabtree didn't come on till the end of the season and other than Vernon Davis who did they have that could get consistantly open?
Tre wrote: "they spent nearly the entire 4-day OTA session working on shotgun third down package, 3 WR sets, etc...Physical is how he wants every play to be, run or pass. We have an entire team of physical players"
If in fact Tre is correct then the assumptions concerning the 49'ers will again be wrong headed - throughout Walsh's best years the 49'ers were a feared team for physically violent play - Charles Haley was a demon possessed, and the offensive line was feared by all defensive units for the cut block technique employed legally at that time, Rice - Rathman and Craig were all known as physically punishing runners after a handoff or catch...this "finesse" label the 49'ers have had has always been bunk - there's times where they've stunk it up & had what would be considered finesse teams, as when you're getting drilled you tend to play softer, that being said, when the 49'ers have been good, and when they've flat out excelled they've been as physically punishing as any NFL unit...this from an observor not a fan of the 49'ers particularly, respect the franchises ability to attain goals and find the right hires, Walsh 30 yrs ago & now Singletary could be very strong as an NFL coach...
They drafted arguable two of the worst pass blocking linemen in the entire draft. Good luck on 3rd down next year...
JW that's baseless. Davis played down to his competition at times at Rutgers. He's since said himself he could block some DL's with one arm. Attitude and commitment are the only question marks he had and if Singletary believes he'll be fine, he will be fine. See: Vernon Davis.
Iupati looked bad in the Senior Bowl playing two positions he had never played before. He certainly needs work on his inside hand technique but we have two of the best O-Line coaches in the League right now, so I think he'll be fine.
You can expect to see Iupati in the pro-bowl by 2011, mark my words. Davis might be slower to get started but he will have a huge upside. I love all this hate by the way. Makes it so much sweeter when we pound the so called "favorites" in 2010.
There are a lot of weapons in place, much muscle at their disposal, this team can mix it up in a variety of styles.
If they go power and isolation offense there's Gore and a lot of young OL talent to control things so they can run or pass that way.
The ultimate mismatch at tight end, and an amazing one on one young wideout. Two targets must be doubled almost all the time. That means they line up in predictable coverage AND fit your run front, or the quarterback checks it and takes it over. You must have a lot of talent in place to stop that as an opponent or hope the passer is a dud instead of a stud.
Gore can also catch and you can make the screen into a sweep play to control games under the coverage. That fits the West Coast offense that can be considered a franchise staple, along with Crabtree on the slant or Davis against anybody. That combined with a counter trey and they could run all day behind those new linemen, not unlike the way Joe Gibbs teams would do in their heyday.
Three of the most effective overall systems can have major elements employed with Vernon and Michael being ultimate mismatch types to isolate. West Coast team passing for whatever set and formation leverage you plan on. The power to move people up front on the trey with linemen able to get out in front of great young backs.
Mike doesn't want to run just to do it, though it's fun to do that once you control the line. As Alex Gibbs says of zone blocking, you can run "a hundred times" once their heart isn't fitting the front to stop you. Until then you might do some adjustments to better position the blockers and pass catchers. Mike does want to strangle an opponent's sense of being in it, close games out with a firm grip on their throat. At this level you still must do a lot of things and cannot become too predictable, but if you have the people in place to do several things well from the same set and look, they cannot stop all of it. That is what he wants them to do, command the action by the presence of their ability, in concert as a team.
When the system is set and the passer can check it to whatever they choose, and the players sense that confidence, it is amazing to watch. When you have great mismatch types of players you can control a lot of situational demands. The same for a great system of play and people who see the result through in how they prepare and execute. The presence of power to exert control over a front with players able to combine position blocking, with athleticism able to maul and run over anyone on the field at any level. Or, use their formation and technique to nullify a defense and take it out what it is about, make the aggressor passive when you attack their strengths and win with that.
The Samurai wants his players schooled in all arts of aggression. Every style can be used. Blunt force trauma or surgical dissection, the team must master the traits of each philosophy possible, on playing and practicing. Linemen learn front fits and handfighting their equals, backs expect to attack the line in protections and secure all outcomes before or after contact. Air power is the decisive element in modern warfare, know your targets and clear the air windows to reach them. Controlling that ground is key to securing victory and achieving peace on your terms, that means a 49ers win by building a lead and maintaining control.
Can Smith effectively manage it to the point he takes command? How much of that is on Alex not letting go, holding it too long on concern of ball control? Dial 49er on speed dial all day, learn to let go and let those other great players take it over. Competent commanders do what is asked, they keep you in it and on alert. Great leaders anticipate how a battlefield will change and they stay ahead of everything within a war theater. That is what this team has tasked for its talent, everyone has skills and wants the ball, but the play caller must command those tactics into game field execution.
Matrixnov's comment shows the problems with the 49ers. They keep looking at the past.
Bill Walsh is no longer with the team. And the team must move on.
The Packers aren't talking about what Lombardi would have done. The Cowboys are saying, "Oh, Well Tom Landry would have done X."
Most 49ers fans are living in the past and hoping Walsh will rise on the third day to save the team.
The Walsh era is over. It is time to move on.
Lombardi,
Even as a Broncos fan, I hope the 49ers do well this season (except for our game against the Niners in London of course...). San Francisco is a flagship franchise, much like the Broncos, Dolphins and Redskins, so the NFL will be even more viable than it is now when they do well. San Francisco has some talent on this team and if you ask the Colts who one of their toughest games was against last year, I'll bet Peyton and his friends would definitely say San Francisco. Singletary is a man of integrity, like many of his fellow Baylor alumni I've been fortuitous to meet and I hope he does well. Alex Smith, Utah still loves you and wishes you well, except, again, against the Broncos. Thanks Lombardi! Finally, in closing, those restored San Fran unis are pretty classy, eh?
Mike,
All valid points. However, this is a different team this year...
• Alex is confident.
• The OL has been fortified by two "beasts".
• Mike Solari and Ray Brown were brought in to coach the OL.
• Crabtree has a full off-season.
• The defense will be Top 10
And, the Niners have PATRICK WILLIS.
11-5 is realistic.
Enough said. Go Niners.
This couldn't be more obvious. Teams do not get deep into the playoffs without competent QB play, and usually it takes outstanding play at the Qb position. Smith has been soso at best and has never really demonstrated any of the flair that the great Qbs usually flash pretty early on. The Niners have stubbornly refused to address the QB problem, even as they have built a potentially very good team. I give them credit for patience. They didn't panic and give away their draft to get a QB, but they could have upgraded at minimal cost. Pretty much any of the available QBs would have been upgrades.
At some point, maybe next year, a very lucky QB will step into a dream situation in SF.
So what you are saying is that if they are able to throw the ball down the field, stop the blitz, convert more third downs, limit their number of sacks given and improve the running game on 1st down then they will have a chance at the playoffs? Did they pay you to write this stuff? Go back to covering high school football.
@JW, you don't know what you are talking about, shut up before you embarrass yourself further.
@Mike from Michigan, Niners fans are not all stuck in the past. If anyone is, and too enamored with Walsh's legacy, it is Mr. Lombardi. It is he who constantly wants them to go back to the west coast passing style etc. That ship has sailed, and with their current HC and stud RB they are going to play to their strength's, not the mid 80 team's strength.
@meateater, what low cost QB option did they pass up? Delhomme? Terrible. Derek Anderson? Please. Bulger? The guy is absolutely shot and is more fragile than origami. Brady Quinn and his scattershot arm? Who was available at low cost? Let me guess, you're probably one of those guys who thinks Chris Simms is an NFL quaterback.
@sjgmoney,
Anyone but maybe Jamarcus Russell. McNabb obviously, but he cost the Redskins a second and something next year, so he was arguably too expensive. Still, Taylor Mayes or McNabb, that was their choice. I would say that Vick, Troy Smith, Jason Campbell, Grossman are all better than Smith. Bulger was a lot better in his prime and might be again playing for a decent team.
I am not a big fan of Jimmy Raye's offense. But Smith was bad to average before he got there, and has been bad to average with him. I know he was great at Utah, and they used the first pick on him, but I just don't see the upside. David Carr at least has a big arm.
I'd like to be wrong here and see him lead them into the playoffs. I like what they're doing in SF, I like Singletary as a head coach, I like the idea of getting some talent on board before you address the QB situation ( although that wasn't exactly their plan, just the way it has worked out).
How are the Broncos and Dolphins "flagship franchises"?
@Meateater, you said low cost. McNabb was not low cost and you can't say they took Taylor Mays instead of McNabb. Mays was the 17th pick in the 2nd round, the Skins traded the 3rd pick in the 2nd round, big difference. And remember, we are talking about a cost made higher when you consider the trade only gets you McNabb for 1 year.
And when you bring in Vick (not a QB), Troy Smith (never been good in his whole life) and Grossman (laughable) into the equation you just weaken your point, please stop.
The only guy you mentioned who is serviceable is Campbell who I think we all agree is average at best. He also appears to be incapable of making the 2nd and 3rd reads necessary to be an effective QB (notice how many sacks he takes). And did you know he is 3 years OLDER than Alex Smith?
So I'm still waiting for all these low cost options the Niners could have had that are far superior to Alex Smith.
I'm not delusional and saying Alex Smith is def going to be a Pro Bowler, but I am confident he can at least be better than average and that gets us into the playoffs. Here's the key though: I think he still has the potential to be much better than that and if so the Niners could contend for a while. He obviously has to prove that to you, me and everybody else this year.
There are 2 telling lines in this article.... "finished strong last year beating the Rams and Lions to get to .500...... and Alex Smith is the QB....."
Bottom line -- this team is going nowhere. Next Article!
. He must make the key plays, and he must be the stimulus in the offense. Had they traded for McNabb, they would be a viable Super Bowl contender, but without him, they are hoping to be a viable playoff team — and that viability lies with Smith.
Lombardi, where do you get this crap from?? You state earlier in the article how the 49'ers couldn't run the bal or protect the QB so them trading for Mcnabb would've solved those problems and made then a super bowl contneder, come on man.....San Diego's one dimensional offense works well against the KC's, Raiders and Broncos but didn't work when they played a good D like the Jets. neither would it work for the 49'ers who don't have the skill players of a SD or even Philly.....If San Fran is going to be successful they HAVE to be able to run the ball otherwise Alex Smith and whomever else they put at QB will spend most of the season in the trainers room.
My prediction is the 49ers will be one of the top teams to beat this year. I am so excited I can hardly wait. You have Michael Crabtree now and in my opinion all Alex has to do is make sure the ball is thrown to him and Crabtee will make it happen. You have got a great team. I am familiar with Crabtree. He is a beast and won't be stomped on. He will get the ball down to the goal line. 49ers will be in the playoffs. Mark it down, it will happen. Good luck.
Go Crabtree-always praying for you. - You're the man
The Niners will need a balaced offence,they need better play calling,the best `players cannot do well with bad play calling,the coaching will be the difference.Unfortunately there is little imagination on the offense.
This may very well be the Niners year to shine. I believe the growth and play of the new young offensive linemen will be key in determining if the Niners are a playoff team ready to take the next step or a playoff team that goes one and done. I believe they have enough weapons on offense to move the ball. Their defense is superb, and is very close to a championship quality defense. They are the centerpiece of the Niner team. Lets see how those 2 young linemen Iupati and Davis are able to be incorporated into the Niners scheme.
thank you so much
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11:37 AM
"they might want to spend more time working on a third down package, on their passing game" - they spent nearly the entire 4-day OTA session working on shotgun third down package, 3 WR sets, etc. Singletary doesn't ignorantly believe running every down is the way to win, or even a majority of the time. He's said over and over he wants balance. Please, stop confusing the word "physical" with running the ball. Physical is how he wants every play to be, run or pass. We have an entire team of physical players. The receivers are strong, like to get physical, receiving tight ends who are big and can block, drafting two OL's to become more physical up front...that is not limited to the running game.