One week til Traning Camp - Excited for '09?

by ProfessorBigelow on Jul 25, 2009 6:00 AM PDT in Preview

So here's the deal... I wanted to post this article about Crabtree by now, but he hasn't signed, so he's not officially a Niner yet... That kind of story gets saved until we lock that man up for 3-5 years. This Saturday morning, I bring you optimism. We've looked at the best case scenario, we've shuddered at the worst case scenario (which had some of the best comments I've seen since coming to this site), and now we are OFFICIALLY 3 weeks away from the beginning of 49ers football (vs Nolan no less... sweet).

So let's ride the optimism train for as long as we can. If we get disappointed mid-season, meh, we're used to it by now. But while whe can be optimistic, let's take full advantage of it. What are you, as a Niners fan, looking forward to the most this season? Do you want to see Singletary command a full season at the helm? Have you been biding your time until you can see Shaun Hill work 16 games under center? Is Takeo Spikes your jam, and are you twiddling your thumbs, waiting for him to dominate next to Patrick Willis?

I'll get this ball rolling... I'm moving to Philadelphia soon for grad school/teaching, and in that market it is Eagles 24/7. Plus, since I'll be a poor college student (again... Lame), ESPN is a luxury I can no longer afford - network TV for me friends. So how is a Niners blogger possibly going to be able to keep up on our Niners in a city that bleeds green? Multiple options;

A) I live across the street from a bar with Sunday Ticket - That will make for some fun Sundays.

B) My family has Sunday Ticket, and they stream all games online, so when I want to just scream in joy/frustration all year, I have a private place to do so.

C) Niners @ Eagles. [Site Decorum] yeah mother [Site Decorum]ers.

So I guess I'm MOST looking forward to C, but in general, I can't wait to wear my emotions on my sleeve as I stomp around (hopefully) in joy because of my Niners, rubbing it in the faces of all my Eagles fans.

This year looks like some fun for me, so now let me hear about you. Do you have season tickets? Are you dating a girl/guy that FINALLY shares your passion for football/the 49ers? Are you just plum ready to see P. WIlli bend someone in half? I am truely curious (especially if you are planning to spend week 15 in Philly!)

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Comments

I was excited for the 1946

season to start and I was only 3. Can you imagine how excited I am to begin my 64th season as a Niner nut? This one will probably be the best of this decade.

Kezarvet

by kezarvet on Jul 25, 2009 7:06 AM PDT reply actions

Lambeau Field

I am looking forward to the two games I will hopefully be attending. Niners @ Packers and Seahawks @ Niners. I will be making my first trip to San Francisco and Candlestick Park for the Seattle Game, which will be great. However since, I live deep in Cheesehead country and talk a lot of smack to my Packer fan friends the real treat will be wearing my gold satin starter jacket into Lambeau field The last time I saw the Niners play at Lambeau, Ronnie Lott was tackling Don Majkowski on hb passes.

by De Stijl on Jul 25, 2009 7:11 AM PDT reply actions

Professor..

I live in Philly and will be happy to rejoice in a 9ers victory over the Eagles with you. Also, the field house on 12th and Arch plays every game, every Sunday.

by Smithisstilltheanswer on Jul 25, 2009 7:21 AM PDT reply actions

Philly

As we called it growing up “the filth”, or filthadelphia. Good luck with those bipolar Eagles fans. They are the craziest(crazier than Oakland) and most inconsistent fans in the league. One day McNabb should be traded, the next he’s gonna win the super bowl.

Just eat your cheesesteaks and stay away from rabid Philly fans.

by goatfather on Jul 25, 2009 7:25 AM PDT reply actions

Speaking of...

When are you going to come visit your brethren back east?

by Smithisstilltheanswer on Jul 25, 2009 7:37 AM PDT up reply actions

I wont be taking my girlfriend to the 9er Raiders gme

last year she wined, and wanted food and drinks….. I’m not driving 2 1/2 hours to miss the 3rd quarter or 1 down for that matter. I got lower box 17 this year see some “real” fans there! I want to go to 1 regular season game but I have to schedule it around school and work. Maybe thanksgiving?

by dalien82 on Jul 25, 2009 8:03 AM PDT reply actions

Very Excited

Im very excited for this season specially for the niners@ texans and titans@ niners games. First time attending to 2 niners games in one season !

by ninerdf on Jul 25, 2009 8:38 AM PDT reply actions

Michael. Freakin’. Crabtree.

by Andrew Davidson on Jul 25, 2009 9:31 AM PDT reply actions

QB

I’m most excited to resolve the QB issue. Even if it means that QB isn’t on the current roster. This year will tell us if it’s Shaun Hill, Alex Bust or niether.

49ers and TOOL live, my personal Heaven!!!

by ninerchip on Jul 25, 2009 10:04 AM PDT reply actions

i'm just ready

for Bamm Bamm to lay someone out

and in his 4th season, VD broke through the wall, Niners fan rejoiced and all was well in the kingdom. Singletary 3:42

by 49erLou on Jul 25, 2009 10:17 AM PDT reply actions

The Bears game.....

Everyone is gna have to take it easy on my wife. She’ll be wearing a Bears jersey…. I know I know. But she’s in love with the meat head Brian Urlacher. What can I do really lol. She does look hot in it though cuz it’s one of the womans fit jerseys.

Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.

by maveric_87 on Jul 25, 2009 10:26 AM PDT reply actions

I am SO READY

for the season to start. I am looking forward to seeing Hill get his first shot at being the starting QB from the get go.

I too am looking for the Willis to light some folks up, even more so I looking for a stronger pass rush from some of the other new talent on the defensive line and a much improved turn over ratio.

As for the offense, I am looking forward to having an O line that can actually keep defenders off the QB and thereby keeping the QB off his back. I am especially looking forward to seeing the Niners in the playoffs again.

by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 25, 2009 11:10 AM PDT reply actions

I'm counting the days until Seahawks @ 49ers.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 25, 2009 11:18 AM PDT reply actions

Me Too.

I’m going to the game in Seattle, can’t wait last time I went it was the game that was like a hurricane! Loved that one!

by Mullester on Jul 25, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Never been to that stadium...

… but it seems like the game experience there must be awesome.

by sfgfan on Jul 27, 2009 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions

I said excited about

Not dreading, Frog, you really need to pay more attention…

Blind devotion.

by ProfessorBigelow on Jul 26, 2009 8:16 AM PDT up reply actions

I don't know who's supposed be dreading.

But I’ve spent a lot of time here at this great blog and have gotten to know many of you. And while our conversations and arguments here are fun, it will simply be an awesome release of tension in Week 2 when the teams face off and we can finally determine which team is better. I’m glad we only have to wait until Week 2 when the season is relatively new rather than bore ourselves until week 8 or something.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 26, 2009 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions

Second That

Even though week 2 isn’t the end all deciding factor in who is the better team, I can’t wait for division matchups…

Blind devotion.

by ProfessorBigelow on Jul 26, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions

I am also looking forward to week 2

I look fordward to haveing a “friendly” discusion. Win/ lose / or draw.. we are all fans of our teams and of the game it self.. I have no offense pointed toward you Fearless Frog, just that we often come from deffent sides of issues but not always. So have great rest of the day and until next discussion, stay cool, and enjoy..

by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 26, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions

lol @ philly fans

thats awesome that you’ll be in philly. i have family there. i also have a deep hatred for philly fans. they’re the most annoying, ignorant, arrogant fans that havent ever won a championship. when they talk trash to you about the niners just shut up em with the always effective “yeah? so how many rings yall got?”

works every time for me LOL

"There is no pressure. Pressure only exists when you're not prepared."
-The Samurai

by redrum21225 on Jul 25, 2009 11:30 AM PDT reply actions

Because Super Bowls that the 49ers one well over a decade ago make them more relevant than the Eagles now.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 25, 2009 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions

that's not the point

When your team is struggling that is what ends up being used for smack talk (ask Giants fans when they play the A’s).

by David Fucillo on Jul 25, 2009 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, yeah.

But can’t someone simply counter with ‘Yeah but your team hasn’t even had a single winning season in 6 seasons and counting despite playing in the NFC West!’?

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 25, 2009 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions

counters

We don’t concern ourselves with the counters at this point.

by David Fucillo on Jul 25, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions

At the same time...

does getting booted from the playoff’s every year make you that much better? They still ended up watching from home… only with lower draft picks.

by Smithisstilltheanswer on Jul 25, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions

So how many Super Bowls wins does Seatle have?

by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 25, 2009 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions

seriously....

Let’s not get into this here. It’s going to end in name-calling and bickering and add nothing to the conversation (from both sides).

by David Fucillo on Jul 25, 2009 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions

lol awsome

Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.

by maveric_87 on Jul 25, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Preemptive Bar

i like haha

by Joshpreet on Jul 25, 2009 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Leave it to the Wordsmith to bring this up.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 25, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions

stop

See my comment above (applies to both sides).

by David Fucillo on Jul 25, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions

more relevant in the bigger picture

it makes them more relevant in NFL FOOTBALL HISTORY YES!!!! LMAO

"There is no pressure. Pressure only exists when you're not prepared."
-The Samurai

by redrum21225 on Jul 26, 2009 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions

oh

and i’m looking forward to my first live nfl game. i’m going to the stick for the seattle game in september…………….yesssssirrrr!!!!!

"There is no pressure. Pressure only exists when you're not prepared."
-The Samurai

by redrum21225 on Jul 25, 2009 11:38 AM PDT reply actions

Why do they have to be decent now?

I’m leaving for college in September, going to UC San Diego, I don’t have sunday ticket and I’m sure down there all that will be on TV is the chargers (yuck).

Anyone know a way to watch them online? (doesn’t need to be free but not too expensive….)

by Vote4Gore on Jul 25, 2009 11:41 AM PDT reply actions

sports bars

I’m sure sports bars down there will have separate TVs with other games on.

by David Fucillo on Jul 25, 2009 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions

I was in Pittsburgh during one of our games last year.

They scoffed about giving me a game in the corner to watch my team.

by Mullester on Jul 25, 2009 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions

That's because Pennsylvania sucks.

I went there last summer, now I realize why the state’s population is evacuating like it’s the Exodus or something.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 25, 2009 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions

I live 2 hours away...

From SD. Back in the day when the 49ers used to win (yes, that far back in the day), the local broadcast stations would telecast a 49ers game here. Even the local radio station would broadcast them.

Now, the Raiders have the market back. The Raiders.

Well, we're waiting....

by drummer on Jul 25, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions

online

worst case scenario is go to justin.tv or ustream.com

but really thats if u suck and dont want to watch it with others

by Sammallory on Jul 25, 2009 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Watching at home.

On a slim retirement pension. But the last kid moved out so my new man cave is a whole room, big enough to stretch out. And I’m also looking forward to hearing Ted Robinson do the radio.

And I’m also looking forward to the Niners returning to the playoffs.

by Bob In Beaverton on Jul 25, 2009 12:29 PM PDT reply actions

no money?

as i said before to the guy above..u a have internet try justin.tv if u need to

by Sammallory on Jul 25, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm in the SF Bay Area

so I get the games on cable.

I’m just not going to be going to any games until the lottery commission validates my winning ticket. And I haven’t bought it yet.

by Bob In Beaverton on Jul 25, 2009 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions

No kidding

I took my 13 Grandson to his first pro-game last year and it cost me $135 ( paid for from my severance pay from my job of 8 years and still unemployed) plus we had to sneak in sandwiches and soda and peanuts. I look back to the time when I had season tickets in 1981 ( yea the SB season not that I want upset anybody) and the price for admission was $12 and $5 for parking and a beer was $30. So I clearly understand watching the games on TV.

by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 25, 2009 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions

sorry.. beer was $3

by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 25, 2009 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions

not as lucky...

as you guys…i can only dream of watching a game in person there in SanFran and seeing how there isn’t a game close to virginia this year I’m going to be stuck watching the games at a smoke filled bar(even though va just passed a law against it) so that might enlighten me some. Maybe I just need to move to Santa clara since the 9ers are obviously moving there I guess. With that said I’m looking forward to seeing Alex Smith take over the qb position(ha ha)….you know it will happen just because we all want hill to win it. But seriously I’m looking forward to seeing 2 va native players step up in big ways. Josh Morgan and Dre Bly..i guess im a bit of a homer but I bleed red and gold out of my pores!

"Of all the things in the world losing isn't so bad; it just starts to feel like it does when you do it for so long"

by ninerfanNVA on Jul 25, 2009 1:12 PM PDT reply actions

What i cant wait for

Well i just moved into a new 5 bedroom house in the santa cruz mountains.
Roomate got a 160’’ 1080 p projector and i got him to route for the niners this year….he isnt a real fan but he has lots of money to spend on beer and food…so thats #1 . turning a amauter fan into a niner die hard in one season (GOD I PRAY THIS IS THE YEAR)

2. LOTS OF SMASH MOUTH RUNNING

3. Crabtree breaking 1000 yards and shaun hill playing like it counts

4. DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE OMG DEFENSE!!!!

by Sammallory on Jul 25, 2009 1:21 PM PDT reply actions

what i cant wait for.

IM so PUMPED UP!!!IM SOOO READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL. most of all im exited to see crabtree in a niners uniform. I am pumped to see Hill take the rains for a entire season and see what he can do. I am eager to see lawson finally break out, see Josh morgan explode. I cant wait to goldson take over for boring old Roman. I want to see if Marvel will stay healthy, because if he is healthy, our line will be better than its been in a long time. Coffee and Gore will be very fun to watch, especially with a healthy line. The one thing that scares me when i think about it it Jimmy Raye. Can he hang with all the younger more complicated coaches and schemes? Will he call the right play at the right time? So much to be exited for, GOOOOOOOO NINERS BABY

by brentyson on Jul 25, 2009 1:31 PM PDT reply actions

I'll give that an AMEN brother

GOOOOOOOO NINERSSSSSSSS

by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 25, 2009 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions

dont get your hopes up

dont get your hopes up on crab. this is not a pass first or west coast offense. this is why you shouldnt expect pro bowl numbers from him this year. he’ll do well, but he’s not our number 1 option.

"There is no pressure. Pressure only exists when you're not prepared."
-The Samurai

by redrum21225 on Jul 25, 2009 2:03 PM PDT reply actions

Sign Crabtree

Last to sign, Last in line ! If he isn’t in camp, He’ll be cramp ! If he misses preseason, there is no reason. He has to have the Lust or he ends up a Bust ! Be in camp Crabtree or we’ll sting like a Bee !!! Don’t take that chance or we’ll pull your pants. Another 1st round who acts like a Clown. Etc, Etc !!!!!!!!

by LASVEGASNINER on Jul 25, 2009 4:46 PM PDT reply actions

First round picks are usually the last to be signed.

Top 10 picks, especially. Don’t be surprised if he doesn’t sign a deal until the final couple of days before training camp starts.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 25, 2009 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Or after

camp starts.

by Bob In Beaverton on Jul 25, 2009 6:52 PM PDT up reply actions

That's assuming things go wrong.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 25, 2009 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions

There are 6 reasons why he needs to sign quickly

Bruce, Morgan, Hill, Jones, Zeigler, Battle. Any one of them can have the season that most fans think Crabtree will have in the next couple of years. Holding out might get him the Money, but he falls behind on the field.

by LASVEGASNINER on Jul 27, 2009 6:52 AM PDT up reply actions

Hey Fooch...

I wish you well in school.. I am certain that you will find a way to follow the Forty Niners.
Since this is my first year on this Blog, I don’t know if you will be “COACHING” this Blog during the regular season. I am now will always be a FEARLESS NINER FAN. And I don’t need be a Word Smith then I will rise to the CHALLENGE …" .

And for all who think “…Being stuck in the 80’s are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.” I would remind all that my hope in the future is embedded in the success of the past..

by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 25, 2009 9:00 PM PDT reply actions

Longest frickin offseason

I am 25 and I used to love watching the 49ers when I was younger. I stopped watching for a while and I started again in 2001 and ever since it has been almost nonstop watching. A lot of dissappointing seasons, boring seasons so I have learned to love all of the NFL. The season where Norv Turner was our Offensive coach and we had a solid season I got all excited. That next offseason was so long and I could not wait for the season to start. Then another crap season came and I was hurt. So I told myself the next season I will not think about it and i wasnt too excited. That was the quickest off season ever. IT was like Football came out of nowhere. “the season already started”? I said to myself. That season was last season and the 49ers and Mike Singletary got my hopes and excitement all up again and this is the longest off season ever. I just hope I dont get hurt again because my anticipation is sky high. But where does it end? In my adult life I have not watched a FULL season with success and playoffs. If the 49ers do make the playoffs does hurt double if we lose? Does it double being an adult because I used to get angry when I was a boy? I also tear up whenever I watch some of the Americas game: The super bowl with the 49ers especially Bill Walshs last season. Maybe I should seek proffessional help.

by Tony C on Jul 26, 2009 6:32 AM PDT reply actions

Sorry Tony there is no cure.

You are now hopelessly an incurable forty niner fan. My guess is that seeing the niners in the playoffs will be a success in itself, Losing in the playoffs would not be a huge disappointment this year.

by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 26, 2009 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions

I agree.

Considering the struggles of the team for most of this decade, reaching the playoffs alone would be a spectacular accomplishment. From there on out, winning is just gravy. However, if you’re like Seattle or Indianapolis and have made the playoffs frequently and lose, the losses are always more stinging.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 26, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions

i disagree

playoff losses suck no matter how bad your team has been in recent years. getting to the playoffs is something to get excited about, but losing in the playoffs is not. In fact, if the team surprises and gets to playoffs, only to go one and out, it makes the offseason that much longer.

There’s no way around it. Playoff losses are the hardest to handle in my opinion.

by Andrew Davidson on Jul 26, 2009 8:25 PM PDT up reply actions