Well, at least something different is actually happening I think

by David Fucillo on Dec 9, 2007 7:35 PM PST in San Francisco 49ers News

So I think I would be stating the obvious in declaring this the worst possible case scenario. Ok there are worse scenarios involving injuries that I don't dare speak of, but realistically, this is about as bad a situation as I could imagine at the beginning of the year. This game was a bizarre one in that aside from the turnovers, the 49ers didn't exactly crap the bed. Of course turnovers absolutely killed the team. Frank Gore saw a return of fumbilitis and throw in a Hill fumble/INT and a Dilfer INT and it's easy to see how this game got out of hand. While it's great that the defense shut down Adrian Peterson, a loss is a loss.

Now we find ourselves down to our 3rd string quarterback. Considering Trent Dilfer really wasn't making things happen, it's entirely possible and maybe even likely that Shaun Hill will be an improvement. Of course once again, we really have no idea for a couple of reasons. The big reason is the fact that the Vikings were definitely providing a nice little cushion that Hill was able to pick apart. The plus to that is that he recognized the situation and didn't try too hard to make things happen deep. 22 for 28 for 180 yards shows the power of the short passing game.

Rather than look at the variety other areas of concern, I want to just keep this to Shaun Hill. Here is his scouting report from the World Wide Leader:

Hill is big, athletic and skilled. He gets back and into his set-up quickly. He is quick and agile in the pocket. He can buy himself time and avoid the rush. He has strong mechanics and an over-the-top delivery. He gets the ball out on time and throws with touch to the short and intermediate areas. He is intelligent and tough. He is efficient outside the pocket, squaring his shoulders to his target. He has greatly improved his coverage reads. But Hill still is very raw and lacks NFL game experience. His arm strength, velocity and deep ball are questionable. He still has difficulty seeing the blitz and finding his hot receiver. He isn't very accurate downfield and his deep ball can sail. He is less comfortable in the pocket than he is outside it.

So let's cut to the chase. I realize it's likely that Shaun Hill will be a footnote in the 2007 season and continue his generally anonymous NFL career. However, there is a small chance he can finish the season with a flurry and give us all something to think about going into the offseason. I'd guess it'll be the former, but when things are going badly, it's certainly easy to hold out hope for the latter.

So, predictions on Hill for the remainder of the season? He gets the 30th ranked pass defense next week versus Cincinnati. So there's a chance for a decent showing and a chance to build some confidence. Tampa Bay will be tough, but assuming he's still starting Hill will get a chance against the 31st ranked pass defense in Cleveland. So feel free to be a big optimist or a big pessimist. If you think you're being a realist, that's welcome as well.

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Gotta know what you've got

Shaun Hill is probably not the answer, but it was nice for receivers to actually catch the ball. If nothing else, it will be good to know what you've got. If Hill is any good, or at least a capable backup, then you keep him. If he's a bust, then you don't have to waste space on the bench for him.

Who's the guy they picked up last week? How's he doing with the playbook?

I haven't heard a report on Dilfer's condition, the last I heard he was at Stanford Hospital getting evaluated. Meanwhile, Nolan is talking about Alex Smith possibly playing again this year while Smith told one of the guys on the CBS broadcast that he was getting season-ending surgery. Is Nolan this clueless or is he lying? Neither option is very good. I don't think that Smith is keeping this a secret from the team.

I have to say that in my thirty years as a Niner fan I haven't seen a worse-prepared team as the one we have now.

by Bob In Pacifica on Dec 9, 2007 8:54 PM PST reply actions

OT

This is OT, but I just wanted to mention the NFL's first Troy Smith sighting! I haven't said anything in months because of how hopeless it seemed for the guy, but my Troy Smith love was well documented around these parts in the February Through May months of 2007.

3/5 for 33 yards and a rushing TD.

You have no idea how happy it makes me that a guy like Troy Smith got his first NFL TD before a playboy ego-twirp like Brady Quinn even got his first snap.

I keep reliving the moment when Steve Young almost fell down. Over and over. / My Blog, For Writers

by howtheyscored on Dec 9, 2007 8:57 PM PST reply actions

YUP!

i gotta saw T.S. did impress (glimpse of Baltimore's future?). That first pass he through (his first pass as a Pro ever) a near touch down pass missin the receiver by less than a foot made my jaw drop.

by NinerInLA on Dec 9, 2007 11:01 PM PST up reply actions

You know...

You know, we should really do an "adopt a rookie" thing around draft time next season. Maybe have occasional OT diaries that updates each our adopted rookies' progress. Could be kind of fun, no?

by sfgfan on Dec 10, 2007 8:58 AM PST up reply actions

Interesting idea

I like something like that. However, I don't think you should be allowed to adopt a first rounder. That will ensure that you'll have to do some research into your guy.

Niners Nation - The premier 49ers blog on the Internet!

by David Fucillo on Dec 10, 2007 9:40 AM PST up reply actions

Yeah.

That definitely sounds fair. Even leaving the first round out, there are plenty of draft picks to go around!

by sfgfan on Dec 10, 2007 10:46 AM PST up reply actions

Pardon me.

The CBS team's investigative reporting equals their broadcasting abilities. From Matt Maiocco:

QB Alex Smith said after the game that the Fox TV report that he would have season-ending surgery after the season was inaccurate. He said he never told JC Pearson before the game he had opted for season-ending surgery. He said it is not call.

"I never said that," Smith said. "I said it was a possibility."

Smith has said all along that surgery is a possibility, so there's nothing new there. Smith is scheduled to do his normal rehab throwing Monday and Tuesday, a team spokesman said.

by Bob In Pacifica on Dec 9, 2007 8:59 PM PST reply actions

I think...

I think you mean the FOX team's "investigative reporting equals their broadcasting abilities." To be totally fair, most of these media guys have a few short hours to get acquainted (or reacquainted) with both teams' personnel, coaches, and front office before the broadcasts. It is why inside information that shocks is often absent during broadcasts.

That is the problem I have with the NFL. Marketing and all that rule this country (and planet), but it sucks when the announcers aren't tied to the team (i.e. Kruk and Kuip broadcasting Giants games). It sucks even more that the announcers are rotated by perceived "importance" of the games, making announcers who haven't announced say, a Cowboys game, all year have to go at it this week.

I happen to like Vasgersian, but I can care less about JC Pearson. I think Matt V. is a fairly good play-by-play guy who doesn't try to get all over the microphone or talk down to his partner (regardless of how stupid he is).

by sfgfan on Dec 10, 2007 9:08 AM PST up reply actions

Hill....not too shaby?

I did'nt get a chance to watch the game, just the highlights on nfl.com, but watching Shawn Hill playing in his first nfl game or half of a game in reality, his numbers while not breath taking were decent (22-28 in pass attempts which rounds up to a 79% completion rating for 180 yards with 1 td and 1 int.) and all this in half a game. And from watching the highlights that interception unlike Dilfer's wasnt a bad read thrown into coverage, the ball sliped from Hill's hand on the forward motion, it didn't look like anyone touched it. That's the only problem i have with his performance. This team lost because of the usual reasons this team lose's: Bad pass protection and a chronic case of the drops with some fumbles thrown in for good measure. This was a winable game for the Niner's (Adrian Peterson held to 3 yards!, and most of the Viking rushing yards coming from one play). It's just too bad that by the time Hill had his shot to get the Niner's into the game the score gap was too large and there wasn't enough time to close it against a team that excels at clock control.
Give Hill some more real game snaps, maybe some for Drew Olsen too if he can show he's got a grasp of the playbook and we might see some real competition for a Q.B. next year.

by NinerInLA on Dec 9, 2007 10:53 PM PST reply actions

Hill

As pointed out many times before, his performance was against a Vikings defense that had a 27 point lead. The difference in the Vikings approach to the game between the first and second half was almost night and day. The Vikings came out REALLY conservative on both sides of the ball in the second half.

Hill even conceded that the Vikings coverage was playing soft while he was in there. His 22 completions were primarily dinks and dunks. Even then, his passes were soft and often wobbly (if I recall properly, someone else can verify this). He made quick decisions, but it's very easy to make a quick decision if the defense is giving you the underneath and dump offs.

I'm not saying he can't be better than Dilfer. I'm just saying no one should expect much from him, if he plays the whole game, next week. He could surprise, but the safer bet is to not expect much.

by sfgfan on Dec 10, 2007 9:03 AM PST up reply actions

WE WANT VICK

Here's a thought, we get Vick who is in jail 23 months by that time Smith contract would be ending and we can move into the 09 season with Vick QB ...Who is with me?

"Niners Are Back!!!"

by mississippininer on Dec 10, 2007 8:30 AM PST reply actions

No way...

I would sooner have my leg mauled by a pit bull than root for ConVict as a Niner.

Hostler the Horrible

by jfainsf49 on Dec 10, 2007 8:51 AM PST up reply actions

Yeah, I'm going to have to disagree with you there

I'm sure it wouldn't be the worst move in the world... But that just doesn't seem like a move you'd want to make as you try to make your franchise respectable again...

I needed the Niners to be good to make up for the fact that the Giants just sucked!

by Drunken Miller on Dec 10, 2007 11:57 AM PST up reply actions

Beat you to it :)

http://www.ninersnation.com/story/2007/11/21/16319/130

"If it looks like a rat and smells like a rat, by golly, it's a rat."

by UnleashTheGore on Dec 10, 2007 12:34 PM PST up reply actions

Contract

In addition to it being a really bad move for a young team that is trying to become respectable, there is also the issue with Michael Vick's contract. I don't think I've read any kind of report saying the Falcons have cut him. With that said, he signed a 10-year deal in 2004, which means he's under contract with the Falcons until 2014.

I already think it'd be a bad idea to bring the guy in. It's even worse if you have to give up a draft pick AND pay his ridiculous salary by trading for him.

by sfgfan on Dec 10, 2007 12:54 PM PST up reply actions

Is the team really that young, though?

Davis aside, this team is not terribly young. The "playmakers" on defense, aside from Lawson, are mostly free agents that are hitting their peak or have hit it already. On offense, yes, Gore is young, but running backs usually decline by 30 years of age, so Gore's clock is certainly ticking. Aside from Davis and Smith (who we are assuming is replaced by Vick), the O-line is the only real position where we have a number of guys in their youth. This team is built to win now age-wise more than many people think. A good quarterback (which I think Vick could be under the right system...which is a whole different debate in itself) could really bring this team up to speed quickly.

"If it looks like a rat and smells like a rat, by golly, it's a rat."

by UnleashTheGore on Dec 10, 2007 2:12 PM PST up reply actions

Youth

When I say young, I'm not looking only in terms of age alone. Actual youth/age aside, this team TOGETHER is young. They don't have an established leader on either side of the ball (although it seems the defensive side of the ball is trying to establish some of that). When you don't have established leaders, bringing "trouble" in could just bring more hurt than it could good.

This is not to mention, the guys the team is hoping to become leaders are, age-wise, young. This is not to mention the possible additions on the offensive line, WR, and either defensive line or linebacker groups. Lawson and Willis are developing into very good players, but both are far from being team leaders, though. Similarly, on the offensive side of the ball, Gore has shown what he could do and Davis is developing fine, but both aren't really screaming to be leaders either.

Again, I'm not saying the team is age-wise young. I'm saying the team on the whole is young and inexperienced, with no true leader to carry them and keep troublemakers in line.

by sfgfan on Dec 10, 2007 2:28 PM PST up reply actions

Inexperienced

I would definitely agree with labeling them inexperienced.

I can agree that bringing in a guy with character issues for a position that is typically looked to as a leader can backfire if he continues to screw up on and off the field, especially if you have a young team. I am assuming, of course, that Vick would actually get his head on straight and realize that it will be a horrible shame if he doesn't live up to his amazing talent potential.

"If it looks like a rat and smells like a rat, by golly, it's a rat."

by UnleashTheGore on Dec 10, 2007 2:43 PM PST up reply actions

Potential.

Perhaps a team could do with him what Seattle has done with Seneca Wallace? I think Vick could be fairly useful all over the field, but not necessarily at QB. He's definitely bigger than Wallace, and most likely loads more physically gifted.

by sfgfan on Dec 10, 2007 3:18 PM PST up reply actions

Can he play 3B?

"If it looks like a rat and smells like a rat, by golly, it's a rat."

by UnleashTheGore on Dec 10, 2007 3:30 PM PST up reply actions

With his arm and athleticism...

... he's got CF written all over him.

by sfgfan on Dec 10, 2007 3:42 PM PST up reply actions

Sweet

The Giants need another one of those, right??

"If it looks like a rat and smells like a rat, by golly, it's a rat."

by UnleashTheGore on Dec 10, 2007 3:51 PM PST up reply actions

My sources say...

Peter Magowan: "Bring him on in. He's a dog-lover, and the people of San Francisco love dog-lovers!"

by sfgfan on Dec 10, 2007 4:02 PM PST up reply actions

Math

23 months in jail is 2 years. Starting early 2008, he won't even be out until 2010.

So we can't possibly march into 2009 with him. Just a math technicality.

I keep reliving the moment when Steve Young almost fell down. Over and over. / My Blog, For Writers

by howtheyscored on Dec 10, 2007 2:55 PM PST up reply actions

Do remember..

... he turned himself in early. I think that counts toward the sentence (for what, a month, two?), and I've read somewhere he may not even have to serve the full 23.

This is not to say that I want him to be the team's QB, though.

by sfgfan on Dec 10, 2007 3:14 PM PST up reply actions

October 2009

Worst case he's out in October 2009. Best case is like 3 months earlier with good behavior.

Niners Nation - The premier 49ers blog on the Internet!

by David Fucillo on Dec 10, 2007 3:16 PM PST up reply actions

Thanks

Fooch and sfgfan. All I'd seen today was the length of sentence (interview had me away from the world, not sure about how it went), so I just did some cut and paste math.

I keep reliving the moment when Steve Young almost fell down. Over and over. / My Blog, For Writers

by howtheyscored on Dec 10, 2007 3:42 PM PST up reply actions

from what I've read

earliest he is out is May 2009, latest is October 2009. The Falcons have not cut him because they don't want to pay him whatever it would take to cut him. That said, they probably don't want anything to do with him anymore - not sure how that shakes out in terms of them controlling him after his release. My guess is he'll be available to whoever wants him.

The question is - when could he play again? Maybe if he's out in May he could play that fall, but it will take some time to get back up to speed, and he was never a great passing QB to begin with. Plus, he may get a suspension from the NFL on top of all that. Best guess is that he won't be an option until 2010. 3 year out of the league is a long time. Maybe he's worth a flyer to see if he can be a RB or flex type guy, but he's doubtful to ever be a viable starting QB ever again.

Most of what I'm saying comes from John Clayton.

Bring back the classic Uni's!

by wjackalope on Dec 10, 2007 5:49 PM PST up reply actions

Vick is it

My thinking is Vick is a guy who does not need an excellent pass blocking line and loves TE He can win games for us now while grooming another LEADER later. For the most part our leadership is and will come from the defense. He is a talent like him or not. Right system where the coach does not make him something he is not and utilize him the way he was Gifted. He makes us contenders immediately.

"Niners Are Back!!!"

by mississippininer on Dec 10, 2007 8:24 PM PST up reply actions

Here is a guarantee

I love the niners and I know this has nothing to do will them but listen to this.
I hate the New England Patriots. I hate them so much. They are arrogant, they cheat, and they have the refs win games for them. They will NEVER match the greatness and dominance of the 89 49ers. The 11-2 New England Patriots (they lost the jets game for cheating and Baltimore because of the refs) are a very good football team, I will admit that. But listen to this; THE 07-08 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS WILL LOSS ONE OF THE NEXT TWO GAMES & WILL NOT WIN THE SUPERBOWL. I guarantee it!
(the 49ers should get their pick back)

by montasmob69 on Dec 10, 2007 4:09 PM PST reply actions

I'm thinking that's very unlikely.

by sfgfan on Dec 10, 2007 4:29 PM PST up reply actions

re

I believe you man.
Fark the Pats.
BYAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Merton Hanks, 'nuff said.

by jtoj on Dec 10, 2007 5:54 PM PST up reply actions

I don't buy it...

they won that Baltimore game fair and square... the controversial holding call was absolutely correct.

by jaytierney on Dec 10, 2007 6:06 PM PST up reply actions

Ummmm...no

If the refs have been conspiring at all, it's against the Patriots. Having watched most of their games this year, I have seen many, many times where Moss gets butchered in the end zone and gets no flag. There's even been a couple times when he got called for pass interference yet replays showed the CB tackling HIM. They have been on the receiving end of not only many bad calls, but also of a lot of undeserved, hypocritical criticism for their "cheating", which I wholeheartedly believe is rampant in the league, whatever form it may take.

"If it looks like a rat and smells like a rat, by golly, it's a rat."

by UnleashTheGore on Dec 11, 2007 8:39 AM PST up reply actions

Lucky or unlucky...

The Patriots are definitely unlucky they got caught doing something other teams probably do in the league. The other teams are lucky they haven't been caught and that another team got caught as a "warning" to them. While there isn't any proof or anything, are football fans naive enough to believe other teams aren't stealing signs, watching assistants and clipboard holders, or anything like that?

There is a coaches booth upstairs that relays information regarding what personnel the other team is sending onto the field (i.e. they notify the defensive coordinator if the offense is sending out a third WR or if a FB is being exchanged for an extra TE). No one really knows what goes on in that room except the assistants in that room. Who's to say they don't have a view of an assistant coach on the other side of the field, when they can very clearly see players being sent in?

I'm not saying everyone cheats and it's okay. I'm not going to make excuses for the Patriots. I'm just trying to level out the blasting that the Pats' have gotten, as if they are the only "devil" franchise and every other franchise (except the Cowboys) are angels.

by sfgfan on Dec 11, 2007 8:55 AM PST up reply actions