49ers Bound and Determined to Be Laughingstock of the NFL
by BoVandy on Mar 28, 2009 11:36 AM PDT
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PrintLet me preface this article by saying that I am not one of those with the opinion that Matt Stafford is the second coming of Joe Montana or John Elway. I was never very impressed by his career at Georgia.
Yes, he put up good numbers, but he didn't strike me as a quarterback that could put a team on his back and carry them to victory. I don't see him as being the quintessential first round pick that so many have since his combine workouts.
Based on what I've seen of his play, he might be a decent backup somewhere, and four or five years down the road, might turn into a Trent Dilfer style. He's a doesn't help the team much, but doesn't hurt the team much type QB.
Having said that, the recent announcement that the San Francisco 49ers are going to stay away from drafting him because their team therapist doesn't think Stafford is handling his parents' divorce perfectly is laugh out loud funny.
This once very proud franchise, one that in the interest of full disclosure I spent my formative years openly rooting against, has fallen on very hard times thanks to some colossal mismanagement.
Since Steve Young left, it's charitable to say that their quarterback situation has been in a state of flux. Their last first round pick at the quarterback position was Alex Smith, and he has been a universal disappointment.
The team has been unwilling to go after, or unable to land high profile established quarterback to man the helm, with Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan taking all the snaps a year ago.
This season, the quarterback battle appears to be between Shaun Hill and the aforementioned Alex Smith, which is why these comments by head coach Mike Singletary are so head scratchingly bizarre.
“If you’re going to look at drafting a guy in the first round, and you’re going to pay him millions of dollars, and asking him about a divorce about his parents, if that’s going to be an issue, uhhh, then you know what, maybe he doesn’t belong here.”
Let me get this straight, because the quarterback didn't feel comfortable discussing a deeply personal matter with a person he didn't know, and who he did know would most likely report whatever he told them to the team, that means he doesn't belong on the 49ers?
It isn't like the kid is stupid. Thanks to leaked information, we know that Stafford scored one of the highest scores on the famed Wunderlic of any of the incoming rookies, posting a 38. This blows away the other quarterbacks in competition for a first round draft slot, as Mark Sanchez scored a 28 and Josh Freeman scored a 27.
So if you are going to ignore the glowing reviews of Stafford's physical performance at the combine and pro-day workouts, and pay special attention to his mental acuity, why does the Wunderlic not carry more water with Singletary and staff?
When Singletary arrived on the scene, the team instantly began playing better football, winning four of their last five games; he seemed to have the team going in the right direction.
That's why it's hard to understand how passing up a quarterback who, by accounts from people who admittedly know more than I do, could be a franchise quarterback because he didn't answer a personal question to their liking is a step in a right direction.
From here, that seems like a way to become the next incarnation of the Detroit Lions.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.
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Hmm
The team has been unwilling or unable to go after a high profile established quarterback to man the helm, with Shaun Hill and J.T. O’Sullivan taking all the snaps a year ago.
Kurt Warner didn’t come for a visit this offseason?
by Andrew Davidson on Mar 28, 2009 11:20 AM PDT reply actions
Which is why I said unable
Perhaps I should have phrased it a bit differently, I meant they have been unwilling to go after, or unable to bring in high profile established quarterbacks
Men write many fine and plausible arguments in support of monarchy, but the fact remains that where every man in a state has a vote, brutal laws are impossible.
Did the 49ers Make the Right Decision?
????
"The voice of the intellect is a soft one, but it does not rest until it has gained a hearing"
by Jeff_Fuller_49 on Mar 28, 2009 11:45 AM PDT reply actions
Not really that confusing
they’ve decided not to draft him based on his answers about his parents’ divorce. Not sure what the ? is all about
Men write many fine and plausible arguments in support of monarchy, but the fact remains that where every man in a state has a vote, brutal laws are impossible.
I missed...
the draft?
"The voice of the intellect is a soft one, but it does not rest until it has gained a hearing"
by Jeff_Fuller_49 on Mar 28, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions
No, but since they announced
that they AREN’T drafting Stafford, that’s called a decision
Men write many fine and plausible arguments in support of monarchy, but the fact remains that where every man in a state has a vote, brutal laws are impossible.
They don't need...
to draft a QB in the 1st round, anyway, whether Sanchez or Stafford are both available at 10.
"The voice of the intellect is a soft one, but it does not rest until it has gained a hearing"
by Jeff_Fuller_49 on Mar 29, 2009 12:39 AM PDT up reply actions
Singletary's success
Or
Shaun Hill’s success?
Mike Sing really has made the organization some what of a laughing stock. What does his parents divorce have to do with football? Singletary is the same guy that didn’t want Patrick Willis.
Between McCloughan and Singletary the draft is going to be a mess this year.
http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com
lolwut
A) Where’d you get this “inside info” that sing didn’t want willis
B) It’s not about Stafford’s parents divorce, it’s about how he reacts under pressure and in uncomfortable situations
That's an excuse
and is based on an inexact science. There’s no indication he can’t separate personal and professional.
Men write many fine and plausible arguments in support of monarchy, but the fact remains that where every man in a state has a vote, brutal laws are impossible.
Once again
it’s not about how he reacted to his parent’s divorce. It’s how he reacted to being asked about it.
How a person reacts to unexpected and uncomfortable situations is something I’d like to know about a guy who’d be expected to be a franchise QB, and Stafford reacted poorly.
AGAIN: The Niners aren’t passing on Stafford because he isn’t over his parent’s divorce, or whatever, they’re not taking him because they don’t like the way he reacts under pressure.
And once again
The pressure of being asked a question that is none of anyone’s business is vastly different than the pressure of making the big throw.
If you walked up to me, and asked if I was over my own divorce, I’d tell you it’s none of your business because I don’t know you, and don’t want to talk about it.
If you asked me to step up to the plate with the bases loaded, two out, and our team down by a run in the bottom of the 9th, I’d grab a bat. The two aren’t remotely related.
Men write many fine and plausible arguments in support of monarchy, but the fact remains that where every man in a state has a vote, brutal laws are impossible.
Ok so our franchise is doomed??
Because some rookie qb who came out early because next year he’d be drafted 2nd round?? Si we didn’t like the way he answered the question, that’s our teams choice.
Plus Stafford can’t be too smart you could ask me whatever you want if you’re gonna pay me 10th overall out of the NFL draft money…..This is ridiculous
If Stafford entered the Draft the next year
He’d still be considered a top 10 pick.
Remember before Bradford said he was staying for another year, it was Stafford vs Bradford jocking for the #1 QB spot.
http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com
Here's the reference, I assume
From Matt Maiocco’s blog:
—Singletary relayed the interaction he shared with McCloughan before the 2007 draft. He said he was not impressed when he saw Patrick Willis on film. McCloughan kept insisting to Singletary that Willis was somebody they should want to take with the No. 11 pick. Singletary said he watched Willis and saw something different. He said it was only after McCloughan told him Willis’ history – his personal life story and his willingness to play with injuries – did Singletary get the entire picture and see Willis’ potential.
Not sure what the upset is over this one… Think about it, Singletary doesn’t want him because he doesn’t like what he sees on film. He learns something new about the guy, and is open-minded enough to change his opinion. Isn’t that good? It basically shows he’s willing to know more than simply film before making a decision about a guy.
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
i completly agree with you i want a coach that is open minded enough to change his mind or admit that he made a mistake
by football is life on Mar 30, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Re:
A) http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/04/SPHB153DU1.DTL
B) Divorce is a situation you can’t control. Pressure situations in a football game you can control.
B.a) Here’s a terrible example. T.O’s awkward press conferne where he began crying over Tony Romo. (That couldn’t of been the reaction any coach would want)
Does that mean T.O folds under pressure.
Young to T.O
Super Bowl with the Eagles
Wants the ball at the end of the game.
http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com
excellent example
Men write many fine and plausible arguments in support of monarchy, but the fact remains that where every man in a state has a vote, brutal laws are impossible.
right
the reason TO is on his 4th team now has NOTHING to do with his demeanor. At all. You’re right. Excellent example.
/sarcasm.
Only 1 infront of the great Jerry Rice
But really if we can get a young T.O or an equivelant of a T.O (at any position) with our 1st round pick, you’re not all for it?
Instead you rather draft another Alex Smith equivelant?
http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com
false delimmas are fun
The thing is, those aren’t the only 2 choices. If you ask me if i’d rather have a TO or a Patrick Willis, I say Willis every day and twice on Sundays.
So what you’re saying is you’d prefer only drafting Ryan Leafs over Terrell Owenses? What kind of monster ARE you???
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
B) Divorce is a situation you can’t control. Pressure situations in a football game you can control.
yeah he’ll be able to control it when he gets sacked and Ray Lewis starts talking trash about his parents and he runs to the sideline crying. Face it he’s gonna hear alot of talking by dudes trying to take him down if he gets flustered in a normal conversation situation then it shows he might have problems handling it when a 300 pound linemen is standing over him talking about taking his mom on a date last night.
Simply by pulling on both ends, Patrick Willis can stretch diamonds back into coal
probably, which is why he should be able to handle it when someone asks him about it
Simply by pulling on both ends, Patrick Willis can stretch diamonds back into coal
I'm fairly sure
that on the football field, Stafford feels less obligated to answer that question.
http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com
agreed
I get what you are saying supraman, I just disagree that it was so wrong for the Niners to ask him personal questions. I would not have a problem answering question about how my parents divorce affected me if i were going to be put into a high pressure situation. We would be paying this guy alot of money, and i’m sorry but if I was going to get a contract for 5 years 50 million dollars they could ask me whatever the hell they wanted to.
Simply by pulling on both ends, Patrick Willis can stretch diamonds back into coal
Both extremes of the argument
At one end you can say that he shouldn’t care what they ask because if he does it might affect his contract.(As you stated)
At the other end you can make a case that Stafford’s going to question things(whatever things maybe) that he doesn’t agree with.
http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com
To wants the ball at the end of the game
So what i wouldn’t trust him to make the big catch just ask Mike Brown and the Bears how short those arms get over the middle!!
Where did you get the info...
of Singletary not wanting P Willis?
Joe and Steve were under the same system for years... don't expect Smith to be super so soon.
Who Cares?
Stafford is a baby just like Cutler. He gets upsets because the 49ers asked a simple question. We don’t want whiners!!!
No you apparently want the less talented
Men write many fine and plausible arguments in support of monarchy, but the fact remains that where every man in a state has a vote, brutal laws are impossible.
Sanchez is MORE talented
and we dont want him either!
It was "mascot night" at the Rose Garden, which apparently translates to a dozen inflatable versions of various NBA mascots being chased around the arena by Portland's "Blaze", which is some breed of rapist dog. -PostingandToasting
by GreatOden'sRaven on Mar 28, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions
+1
On Sanchez being more talented
Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.
by methodrampage on Mar 29, 2009 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Can you read
I think there’s too much attention being paid to what happened with stafford. I do think our draft will be a mess but isn’t it always?? Last year was Mcloughan’s 1st so maybe he will improve. I don’t want stafford anyway so at least he has a reason to stay away. Besides Sing has a boss like everyone else maybe he wants to go without A Smith in the future. But we have seen this before with the crash and burn of rex grossman, so only time will tell, but S Hill is a don’t overly help but doesn’t kill the tean type qb.
who exactly is the "can you read" comment directed at?
Men write many fine and plausible arguments in support of monarchy, but the fact remains that where every man in a state has a vote, brutal laws are impossible.
We will never be the laughing stock of the league. How could you forget the raiders? They should have had the best secondary last year but they messed it up. They get good players and mess them up. Randy did good and after being on the raiders. DeAngelo Hall, Gibril Wilson etc. If anything we were already the laughing stock when we were 2-14 and Mike Nolan. And that is true about Patrick Willis but he is on our time right? Our defense isn’t the best but is too good to go 0-16. Justin Smith, Patrick Willis, Parys Haralson, etc. Also Mcloughan didn’t have that bad of a draft with Morgan, Rachal
So we need wide receivers, a backup running back, a right tackle, a NT, a pass rusher, a safety, and maybe a cornerback… Yet you’re upset that the Niners probably aren’t going to draft Matt Stafford?
Look, I don’t disagree with you. The Niners are saying weird weird things, it just seems like it’s been a bizarre offseason. But I feel it’s a little melodramatic of Niner fans to talk about us being the “laughing stock of the NFL” when the Lions just finished an 0-16 season, and the Raiders just set a record for most consecutive 11 loss seasons.
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
I'm not "upset" about anything
But the excuse that “the niners weren’t going to draft a QB anyway” doesn’t hold water, otherwise, Singletary would have said that. He said they specifically aren’t going to draft Stafford.
In fact, from his comments, they were taking a very hard look at him.
I think it’s utterly ridiculous that was the excuse he gave.
Men write many fine and plausible arguments in support of monarchy, but the fact remains that where every man in a state has a vote, brutal laws are impossible.
I agree it’s ridiculous… And it could very well be a precursor to stranger things to come.
But honestly, I think teams that fail to win a single game or teams that set records for losing seasons are more laughing-stock-worthy than a team that just finished 7-9. Otherwise, I don’t really disagree with what you’re saying.
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
Yes they are but......
Teams who pass on NFL talent because of non-sensical reasons are setting themselves up to be laughingstocks. You’ll notice I didn’t say they ARE the Detroit Lions, I said behaving like this is a step towards BECOMING the Lions
Men write many fine and plausible arguments in support of monarchy, but the fact remains that where every man in a state has a vote, brutal laws are impossible.
It's just silly
Seriously, I hear this term thrown around so much, this fear of being a laughing stock. Like I said, I don’t disagree that it’s not the best of reasons to pass on him, I just can’t see us being the team that every other team laughs at, even if they do finish 5-11 or 7-9 every year. Too many other teams do worse.
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
I dont see any upside to taking Stafford
We have a QB that we can be confident in. And how about your texans which are doomed from the start of the franchise…………Are you kidding me bottom of the league we’re not even the bottome of our subpar division.
My Texans?
How are they “My Texans”?
Where did you get the idea that I’m a Texans fan at all?
Men write many fine and plausible arguments in support of monarchy, but the fact remains that where every man in a state has a vote, brutal laws are impossible.
Hmmmm
But the excuse that "the niners weren’t going to draft a QB anyway" doesn’t hold water, otherwise, Singletary would have said that. He said they specifically aren’t going to draft Stafford.
Let us not forget that:
a) There are more QBs in this draft, other than Stafford and Sanchez. If Sing/Mac want a QB, even after the two moves made this off-season concerning QBs (Huard and re-negotiating Smith’s contract), they can still pick up a QB in the later rounds. The two best QB prospects in a draft class don’t always end up as the best NFL QBs in hindsight (See: Ryan Leaf [high-pick failure] and Tom Brady [late pick treasure])
b) If a team went out and said “We will definately not draft a player that plays position X,” that closes off the possibility of a potential trade. If teams believe that the Niners will take Stafford at 10, and REALLY want him with that pick, there is the potential the Niners could trade down, pick up another draft pick or two, and laugh because they never intended to take Stafford with the pick anyways.
c) Concerning another statement made:
In fact, from his comments, they were taking a very hard look at him.
If you work as a scout/GM/head coach for an NFL franchise with a top ten pick, and you don’t take a hard look at the top 20 players in the draft, then you are not doing your job well. Crazy things happen in the draft, as a franchise you need to be prepared for any scenario, and have extensive scouting on the best players available in the draft.
d) Sing and the Niners could still want Stafford with the #10, and this be a massive rouse to get other teams that might want to trade up to take him comfortable with their position.
Blind devotion.
by ProfessorBigelow on Mar 30, 2009 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
rec'd
you tell em professor
Simply by pulling on both ends, Patrick Willis can stretch diamonds back into coal
Lovin the love Lou
Blind devotion.
by ProfessorBigelow on Mar 30, 2009 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions
On a different note...
You mentioned that the team hasn’t had a high profile efficient QB since Steve Young. Well, I don’t know if you want high profile. That could mean trouble with the wrong guy. Look at Phillip Rivers and Jay Cutler. Both high profile. Both have serious talent. Both are head cases.
The one QB you forgot to mention was Jeff Garcia. He wasn’t high profile, per se, but he was the last QB to take the team to the playoffs and dod go to the Pro Bowl a couple of times. I don’t think we should bring him back now, but I think the team made a mistake letting him go in the first place. I think they we’re looking for a more “high profile” QB and were trying to satisfy their “high profile” WR.
Never forget Bill Walsh.
whoops...
“did” go to the Pro-Bowl. Gotta remember to preview first. Sorry.
Never forget Bill Walsh.
move along
nothing to see here
You always have to be one step ahead of your drunk friends
--Steve from Daisy Owl
this fanpost is the laughingstock of fanposts
Simply by pulling on both ends, Patrick Willis can stretch diamonds back into coal
by 49erLou on Mar 29, 2009 10:39 AM PDT reply actions 4 recs
+1
Other than death and taxes, only 4 things in this world are indisputable:
Brandon Roy is the BEST player in the NBA in the clutch.
Montana to Rice were the greatest to ever play the game.
The Four Horsemen of Maddux, Smoltz, Glavine and Avery were unstoppable.
No one protects the pipes like Luongo.
by GreatOden'sRaven on Mar 29, 2009 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions
+500
Like Sing said, if youre going to draft someone in the top 10, pay him millions of dollars, and give him the title field general and he can’t handle those type of questions then he doesn’t need to be on this team. Man up! My mom passed when i was 3! It would be stupid for a team not to ask me about it when they are about to pay me 10 million a year and give me control of the offense. Grow a sack! I’m tired of these spoiled snaught-nosed punks whinning about everything when they are going to be paid or are getting paid millions to play ball.
Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.
I don't really think...
… it’s about “growing a sack” more than it is that Stafford just needs to realize that being a celebrity (which is basically what a top 10 pick in ANY draft is) means that you basically have no closed closet doors, no matter how deep in the attic/basement they may be.
So you grow a sack and deal with it
Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.
oh man my second green comment!
i am honored
Simply by pulling on both ends, Patrick Willis can stretch diamonds back into coal
this whole thing is silly
99% chance he won’t be there when we pick anyway… you can never believe what anyone says leading up to the draft because everyone’s trying to hide their true intentions… making a questionable decision on one player does not a laughingstock make…
Still defending Rich Aurilia, and the Niners' classic unis
NINERS will never be a laughingstock
we have to much history Montana, Rice, Young, Talor, Craig, Clark, The Catch I & II. 5 Super Bowls. I know that was all in the past but we arent a bad team right now. Laughingstock? No way? Just because we asked a rather personal question doesn’t mean we are anything close to a laughing stock. Go say Laughing stock to some other team that hasn’t won a dang super bowl in all there teams existence!
To the Author.........
Mike’s comment MAY seem a ‘lil overboard. Until you realize that, WHEN this guy is picked by ANY club,, his most personal secrets are going to become public. True, the divorce of one’s parents can be very touchy to some people. But, if as a young man who is about to burst from the sheltured cocoon of the NCAA the NFL can’t be open about his parents break up……how do you think he’ll handle the vultures of the 24/7 sports media? Where whenever he blows his nose, some clown has a mic and a notepad trying to find out his temperature? The question wasn’t so much about his folks……it was about PRESSURE, and how he handles it.
K.C.Edwards -AKA- "THE" DarkkStarr
Furthermore.......
As far as being laughingstocks……..that’s debateable. Look, this is the NFL! EVERY team has had it’s bad years. Some may last longer than others. While everyone is currently on the Colts, Pats, Steelers, bandwagons……it wasn’t that long ago when they too were considered doormats for the rest of the league. Our rebuilding has only taken longer because our upper management can’t seem to nail down 1 identity for the club. When you have a guy who drafts players for 1 system while the team runs another, you have problems. When the top guys REFUSE to pay the best players on the team and then whine when they don’t get production from their lackluster replacements….you have problems. But, don’t worry. The team finally seems to be getting it’s collective act together. And if the top brass is patient, there can soon be daylight at the end of the tunnel.
K.C.Edwards -AKA- "THE" DarkkStarr
Not necessarily.
Right now, the only team people consider to be a “slam dunk” QB pick is the Lions. Even then, the Lions may opt to go with Monroe or J.Smith at #1 instead of a QB. If that happens (and that’s a BIG if), there’s a fairly big chance that both QBs will be available at #10.
Of course, a team could always leapfrog up into the top 10 to take a QB, but as I’ve mentioned, not very many teams in the top 10 are looking for a QB. So those teams that are looking to jump up could choose to jump up to #10 or #11 or #12 to take a QB and save picks AND money.
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