Blogs49ers All-Time Running Back
by Fooch
on Jul 2, 2009 12:00 PM PDT
in All-Time Team
36 comments
The re-vote on the #2 wide receiver has resulted in an even bigger percentage lead for John Taylor. The ballot will remain open, but I think we've reached a point where we can call it for JT. Today we move on to another offensive position, running back. Last go-around Roger Craig ran away with the race, even over a Hall of Famer like Hugh McElhenny. Given the apparent age of many of our readers, it's not too surprising that even Frank Gore finished with more votes than McElhenny.
When we had the first vote on running back I made a point to mention a couple of things: First, Joe Perry is in the fullback balloting, even though he is currently the franchise leader in career rushing yards. The offense ran a bit differently back in those days, but for simplicity's sake, I went with him at fullback. Second, Frank Gore is still a youngster, but I felt he has done enough in is brief career to merit recognition on the ballot. I have to admit, I was heartbroken though that I held off Kevan Barlow. I don't know if I'll ever forgive myself.
Roger Craig (1983-1990): Not a whole lot needs to be said about the man who is #2 in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, #3 in receptions and #9 in receiving yards. Before Marshall Faulk, there was Roger Craig. In 1985, Craig became the first running back to finished with 1,000 rushing AND receiving yards. The previous season he became the first player ever to score three touchdowns in a Super Bowl. Roger Craig went to 4 Pro Bowls and was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1988 as he finished with 2,036 total yards. Craig still stands as the only running back to ever lead the NFL in receptions in a season. He finished his career with 13,143 total yards and 73 total touchdowns.
Hugh McElhenny (1952-1960): McElhenny was the 49ers first round pick in 1952 and was immediately a hit on the field. He won Rookie of the Year, along with back to back Pro Bowl and 1st Team All Pro appearances his first two seasons. Over the course of his career, McElhenny went to six Pro Bowls and finished his 49ers career with 4,288 rushing yards, 2,666 receiving yards and 50 total touchdowns.
Garrison Hearst (1997-2003): I don't know of anybody who doesn't like Garrison Hearst. One big reason is this short little run. Hearst finished his time with the 49ers with 5,535 rushing yards. That number would have likely been quite a bit higher if not for the nasty broken ankle he suffered against Atlanta on the first play from scrimmage in the Divisional playoffs. He developed the necrosis condition that led to Bo Jackson's retirement and seemed finished, although the 49ers kept him on the roster. Two years later, Hearst came back and rushed for 1,206 yards, winning his second Comeback Player of the Year award. The next two years saw him slowly phased out of the offense, replaced by the immortal Kevan Barlow.
Frank Gore (2005-present): Gore has only been a 49er for four years, a starting running back for three of them. In that time he has set the 49ers single season rushing record and twice led the team in receptions. His most impressive stat might be the fact that he became the first 49ers running back with three straight 1,000 yard seasons. Gore currently stands #5 in the 49ers all-time rushing list. Considering he's 4,248 yards out of first place, Frank the tank is definitely getting within striking distance of the #1 spot. A decent season by Gore will move him past Garrison Hearst, while a 1,500 yard season would move him into third place all time. I'm guessing he won't reach Roger Craig's receptions by a running back number, but considering how active he has been in the passing game, Gore could easily finish his career challenging Roger Craig as the best running back in team history.
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Televised NFL games: Maybe the XFL wasn't entirely wrong...
by Fooch
on Jul 2, 2009 8:00 AM PDT
in News
22 comments
Later today we'll have the next ballot for our NIners Nation all-time team. In the meantime, I thought we'd mix things up a little bit and discuss something outside the direct realm of the 49ers. I wanted to open the floor to discussion about how we view NFL games on tv, and more importantly, how we can improve that viewing experience. The changes people suggest might never happen, but it's always interesting to at least ponder them.
This post was actually inspired by a brief discussion in last Sunday's post about re-watching recorded games. I was asking for suggestions about what I should keep a close eye on this season when I re-watch 49ers games. Someone suggested looking into how our downfield blockers look during the game. Unfortunately the cameras we see on the networks miss out on a lot of important action by focusing on the ball carrier. It certainly makes sense to follow the ball carrier, but you'd think they could get more creative in their coverage.
And so, that inspired me to post this idea: multiple cameras shooting different parts of the field and you could have a sort of picture in picture any time you wanted, rather than just when the networks decide to show it. As I said in that post, I bet people would pay extra for that kind of option. I know I would. And I think this is a work-able option. The networks already have multiple cameras because on instant replay they'll show other parts of the field during a play. Why not provide some way for people to view what these cameras are shooting anytime during a game?
Beyond that, I think the title speaks for itself. The XFL had multiple ideas that I thought could be instituted in the NFL in some form or fashion. As I recall (and it's hard to find info on it), I believe the XFL set up microphones so viewers could hear the calling of plays from the offensive coordinator to the quarterback. I'm sure NFL coaches would have a big problem with that, but I would think something along those lines would be pretty cool to hear. Many fans might not care, but hard core fans would be intrigued.
My final suggestion is not exactly original, but something I've wanted to see for a long time. Remote controls have the ASP button for people to switch the broadcast from English to Spanish. I was thinking why not be able to switch between different broadcasting crews. For example, switching from the tv crew to the Westwood One radio announcers, or even your own home announcers. I realize I could turn on the radio while watching, but it'd be cool if it was all hooked up on the tv itself.
Anyways, I'm curious what other people think would improve the telecast of a football game. No idea is too crazy (I don't think) so feel free to get creative.
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Golden Nuggets: Shaun Hill Football Camp anybody?
by Fooch
on Jul 2, 2009 3:00 AM PDT
in Golden Nuggets
0 comments
Our man James is dealing with dentist issues so I'm whipping together a batch of Nuggets. I have to say, when I stumbled across the football camp info, I was rather intrigued. Any readers from around Parsons, Kansas out there? The camp is from July 13-15 and open to 1st through 8th graders.
Shaun Hill Football Camp to be held in July (Fort Scott Tribune)
Patrick Willis, the 49ers' inside man (Barrows)
How 49ers earn income in offseason (Maiocco)
Singletary embraces challenge of 49ers (Youngstown Vindicator)
11 new NFL head coaches means 11 different predictions for '09 (Sporting News)
Niner Insider : 49ers Rank 77th (SFGate.com)
2009 Opponent Breakdowns (49ers Examiner)
Make No Mistake: This QB Competition Should Terrify You (49ers Webzone)
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Caption This: The Catch - Voting Round
by ProfessorBigelow
on Jul 1, 2009 3:43 PM PDT
in Caption This!
13 comments
Alright, you know the deal. Except this time, it's a big deal. A big [site decorum]ing deal. Vote on the best caption possible from the choices below for, arguably, the greatest picture in San Francisco 49ers history.
As a side note... One caption that got a lot of Rec's was howtheyscored's suggestion;
This is a unique caption, and gets a one-time exemption. The picture itself is a caption, so if you vote for this one, you are voting for the whole picture as the caption, not just "TOUCHDOWN! DWIGHT CLARK". Why did I do this? Because Tecmo Super Bowl rules, hands down.
So, without further delay... CAPTION THIS!!!
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Niners Nation (and I !!!!) get a name drop on ESPN
in their Ultimate Standings thing.
This is sweet!
1 day ago
jtoj
11 comments
0 recs
Know Thy Enemy 2009: Atlanta Falcons - Sunday, October 11
by Fooch
on Jul 1, 2009 8:00 AM PDT
in News
7 comments
I've decided that I'll post these Know Thy Enemy posts each Wednesday. At that pace we'd wrap up the 11 non-divisional opponents the week of the final preseason game. I noticed we actually didn't finish our list last summer, so I think that's a reasonable goal this time around. I forgot to ask last time, but if you'd like certain additional bits of information in these posts let me know in the comments. These are meant as more broad overviews, but I'm certainly open to changes.
This week we move on to the Atlanta Falcons. The Vikings Falcons are represented at SB Nation by Dave the Falconer over at The Falcoholic. The Falcons have managed quite the on-field and PR turnaround in the wake of Michael Vick's departure from the team and I'd imagine Falcons fans are in quite the happy place at this point in time.
Overview
The Falcons put together quite a turnaround last season. The additions of Matt Ryan and Michael Turner completely turned the franchise around. They already had a potential franchise wide receiver in Roddy White, but the additions of Ryan and Turner turned this team from 4-12 to 12-4 11-5. John Abraham's re-emergence as a sack machine definitely added to that and the Falcons had them rolling before running into an Arizona Cardinals team that was getting especially hot at the right time. The team will be looking to build on a monster 2008 and avoid a sophomore slump after an impressive Rookie of the Year campaign.
Additions
After a season in which their rushing and passing offense showed impressive improvements, the Falcons used the draft to address a defense ranked 23rd in the league. In fact, they used all 8 picks 7 of their 8 picks on the defense. If John Abraham can maintain last year's monster performance, Falcons are hopeful first round pick Peria Jerry will help turn their defensive linemen into the best in the NFC South. Another intriguing addition, at least in my mind, was the addition of Mizzou safety William Moore in the second round. There was a fair amount of buzz around him and Falcons fans seem convinced he'll be the starting strong safety this season.
The team did not ignore the offense, even as it rolled to 8th in the league. In fact, they went so far as to adding future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez is coming off yet another monster season in Kansas City, finishing with 96 receptions, 1,058 yards and touchdowns. Although he just turned 33, Gonzalez has not yet lost a step. If Gonzalez continues at his current level of play, that Falcons offense could be mighty impressive (cue the complaining for the 49ers not acquiring him).
Subtractions
The team saw important cogs like LBs Keith Brooking and Michael Boley and CB Domonique Foxworth depart in free agency. Brooking was an older veteran who were replaced by the likes of Mike Peterson, also a veteran. A switch of veterans should not hurt them all that much. Boley and Foxworth were both still young. While they did make some secondary additions in the draft, it'll be interesting to see how they replace Boley. Right now it appears as though Coy Wire and Stephen Nicholas are competing for the job.
2009 Questions & Answers
The big question is whether Matt Ryan will put together a sophomore campaign like or better than his rookie season, or if he'll suffer the dreaded sophomore slump. I'd say the addition of Tony Gonzalez would likely help mitigate that given that he is awesome and all. While the team could certainly struggle in 2009, I really think this offense could be pretty filthy this season.
One question that could get in the way is Michael Turner. Turner finished 2008 with 394 total carries between the regular season and postseason. That is a dangerous load to carry and the Falcons will likely need to figure out a way to get Jerious Norwood more involved in the offense. He had 95 carries for 489 yards in 2008, but might need to add a decent chunk of carries to keep Turner fresh.
On defense, John Abraham has been rather up and down throughout his career. If he can maintain last season's pace that'd be great, but if not, the question becomes who picks up the slack.
@ San Francisco
The 49ers last faced the Falcons in 2007, a much different time that saw the Falcons quarterbacked by Joey Harrington. Joey Heisman didn't do much of anything in the game, but looked better than Alex Smith in a 20-16 Atlanta victory. Much has changed and this game will come just after the the quarter-pole of the season, with much on the line for both teams. In our second discussion post, ProfessorBigelow and I both saw this as a 49ers loss. If Matt Ryan doesn't have a sophomore slump and the Falcons defense shows some gradual improvement, I see this as potentially one of the toughest games all season.
Equally important, it will be a huge measuring stick. If the team is playing well the 49ers should be 2-2 at this point, and even then 3-2 is just so much better than 2-3. And, of course, heading into the bye week, the team has an opportunity at a 2-game winning streak given that they play the Rams at home the week before. Either way, this is a huge game early in the season.
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Golden Nuggets: Still All For Hill
by Ninjames
on Jul 1, 2009 3:00 AM PDT
in Golden Nuggets
3 comments
Good morning again everyone, James here with your Nuggets. Truly into no mans land as far as news goes these days, I'm thinking its going to be like this for the next month or so, so bare with me, yeah? As the news becomes scarce my introductions will be either more boring or simply shorter. Today I am once again in a hurry so I'll be getting right to the links, enjoy.
Barrows takes a look at the inside linebackers currently on the roster. (SacBee.com)
More on Alex Smith and the death of his friend. (MercuryNews.com)
How do you feel about the 49ers quarterback situation? Singletary is confident it seems in either choice--Shaun Hill or Alex Smith. Personally, I'm all for Hill. (Scout.com)
This is a huge question mark for me--How will Michael Crabtree do in his rookie year? Will it be a breakout season? (SportsIllustrated.com)
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Caption This - The Catch
Hey all, don't forget to vote on your favorite captions for the most recent Caption This contest, featuring the greatest picture in San Francisco 49er history - The Catch. Remember; vote for your favorite captions by clicking Action, then Rec under the best of the best!
2 days ago
ProfessorBigelow
0 comments
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