Two Defenders Stand Out in First 49er Practice

by kezarvet on Aug 2, 2009 8:14 AM PDT

As Mike Singletary's 49ers took the field for the first time in the 2009 season, as expected the defense was ahead of the offense and two men in particular made their presence immediately known. Both of these guys are expected to step up this season in order for this defense to be top rated.

DASHON GOLDSON #38

The first was safety Dashon Goldson who is replacing Mark Roman as the starter. Goldson is a 6'2" 200 lb. athletic performer who intercepted the first pass of the day, made a great hit on the next play, and then almost intercepted the third pass but the ball fell to the ground as he collided with the receiver. Goldson's athleticism could not be missed and it is no wonder that Mike Singletary named him his starter before the season.

Isaac Sopoaga

The other player to really stand out was defensive lineman Isaac Sopoaga, the 6'2" 330 lb. Samoan giant who has steadily improved each season since becoming a 49er and whose presence on the defensive line last season was instrumental in their improvement against the run. Yesterday, Sopoaga regularly commanded a double team while playing at NT, batted down a pass, and gave center Eric Heitmann and guard David Baas all they could handle. He had penetration and put lots of pressure on the QB. The massive Sopoaga appears to have developed into the potential star the Niners have always hoped he would become. Defensive linemen develop more slowly than any other position in the NFL and the patience of 49er management may well be rewarded this season. The 28-year old Sopoaga is just coming into his prime and could be a huge force in the middle this season.

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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I like what I'm hearing

Man, I’m an idiot, I just realized the irony in Goldson’s last name.

Also, I really doubt that Goldson is 6’2, though. I mean, I’m just speculating at this point. But there are but two things to remember: I forgot the first thing. The second thing though, is that any time a player is listed on a roster, you can automatically deduct 2 inches form his height, and 10 lbs from his listed weight. That is one of the oldest tricks in the book to try and psych out the other team, and least that’s how they did it back in my day, and I don’t figure that has changed too much.

and up rode a camargue horse named Victory, upon the magnificent beast sat a triumphant rider, that rider's name: Noodle Arm.

by jfainsf49 on Aug 2, 2009 8:29 AM PDT reply actions

Every report from the 2007 NFL draft combine,

showed Dashon as 6013 or taller, weighed in at 202 pounds. I agree with generally inflated ht / wt statistics, but the combine numbers shouldn’t be inflated. The guys are weighed and measured in front of dozens of people.

by lacrosse_cat on Aug 3, 2009 6:49 AM PDT up reply actions

What does 6013 mean, i’m guessing 6.013 inches?

and up rode a camargue horse named Victory, upon the magnificent beast sat a triumphant rider, that rider's name: Noodle Arm.

by jfainsf49 on Aug 3, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions

I think...

… 6’ 1.3"

by sfgfan on Aug 3, 2009 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions

that .3 makes all the difference! I thought he was only 6'1! :)

by Ronaldinho on Aug 3, 2009 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions

I hope this is the case

But after one practice, I’m not sold on either

aka Optimist Prime 09...........9ers (site decorum)

by rlott#42 on Aug 2, 2009 11:49 AM PDT reply actions

"Defensive linemen develop more slowly than any other position in the NFL"

I disagree. Also, I thought it was Aubrayo Franklin who was instrumental in the 49ers run defense improving, not Sopopoga

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

by Fearless Frog on Aug 2, 2009 7:02 PM PDT reply actions

It was sorta the entire unit coming together to play on a more consistent level. If you want to give credit to anyone I’d say it was the absence of Nolan’s Big Nickel.

by bignerd on Aug 2, 2009 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Plus 1

I think the issue with the DL i the End position opposite Smith. Hence no pressure from the opposite of Haralson. I’m VERY interested to hear about Balmer at the DE!!

aka Optimist Prime 09...........9ers (site decorum)

by rlott#42 on Aug 3, 2009 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions