Thursday morning thoughts, and is the Draft over yet?
by drummer on Apr 29, 2010 7:01 AM PDT
in San Francisco 49ers News
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PrintI have to admit, I haven’t followed much football since, well, it’s been a while. I wasn’t around on Draft Day, but from what I have read so far, it seems the 49ers might be finally on the right track. Who knows what would have happened if Scot McCloughan was still GM. More BPA? The 49ers and Trent Baalke did something that seems different. Let’s see, is it drafting for need this time? I remember a time when the 49ers didn’t draft Offensive Lineman in the first round. Kwame "El Matador" Harris was the first I believe since Harris Barton. Jeremy Newberry was a second round pick, and Eric Heitmann was a seventh round pick. The 49ers are going with a full on youth movement with the offensive line. The 49ers might be one of the youngest offensive teams in the NFL at this moment. But youth still has growing pains. Just how much will youth play into success?
One thing that is encouraging is that the 49ers have a solid coaching staff that has finally addressed the one area that has been absolutely horrid recently: the offense. Mike Solari has to be salivating. He may be the best offensive line coach for the 49ers since the late, great Bob McKittrick. There has been plenty of discussion here at Niners Nation recently on just what kind of offensive style the 49ers will have in 2010. Whether it’s Air Coryell or Ground Chuck, you still need the horses to execute whatever play is called. For the 49ers to be successful on offense in the future, it will come down to two areas: the offensive line, and the quarterback. These two areas are part of the youth movement on offense. The 49er offensive line of recent has given up a ton of sacks, yet even David Carr should suffer way less sacks if he was behind center this season. For both Carr and Alex Smith, this could be potentially one of the best offensive lines they have ever played with.
Are we excited yet? After the jump, more thoughts on this, and a small funeral for Print Journalism, complete with a bugel and a shotgun salute.
The commitment this first round of the draft tells us this: the one obvious area of need - where even us fans knew had to be focused on - was the offensive line. For Solari to have success, it will be due to blocking. The 49ers have the best blocking Tight End in the NFL in Vernon Davis. Why is he the best? Because, under Mike Martz and Mike Singletary, he had to be committed to that role. Davis is a devastating blocker. If Davis was a safety, he would knock the taste out of your mouth. Singletary Football is defined by execution and attitude. Davis, Frank Gore, Patrick Willis, Aubrayo Franklin, and budding youngsters in Michael Crabtree exemplify it. The offense can and should be explosive. Because 49er football is all about offense. Are we finally back to the true identity of 49er football?
After this first round of the Draft, we very well may be.
Finally, my thoughts on Matt Maiocco’s departure from the Press Democrat:
One of my favorite writer’s ever was, and still is, the late Pulitzer Prize winning sportswriter Jim Murray. Wanna know why? Here is one of his quotes:
"I never saw any of man's baser acts of inhumanity to man. I never saw screaming 'witches' burned at the stake, Christians tossed to starving lions, maidens pushed over the edge of active volcanoes. I never even saw a man going to the electric chair. But until I do, watching Ben Hogan walk up to a five-foot putt is my idea of cruel and inhuman punishment, only a Hitler would enjoy. You feel like saying 'Go home to your wife and kiddies and don't look upon this terrible thing!'"
Bill Moyers will have his final broadcast on PBS this Friday. Here is a YouTube clip with David Simon, co-creator of HBO’s "The Wire". It’s a long clip, but the discussion leads into the demise of print Journalism, and the danger it presents.
The great thing about this site is that I, a person with a no Journalistic background, is able to communicate with all of you, granted a certain status on the Front Page. But I still depend on information firsthand from the people who really work the front lines. Maiocco leaving the Press Demo isn’t as disconcerting being that a dependable source for 49er information is not as accessible as it once was. It’s more like the lack of need for a beat writer like Maiocco due to economic models that we actually have control over as consumers, but not at our doorstep in the morning. I once used to pay to read Jim Murray in the Los Angeles Times. I now have to sift through the pablum of Bill Plaschke and T.J. Simers on the Internet. Journalism isn’t dead yet. It’s up to us, now that we have an impact on it. The danger is if we predicate information on bias. If we value our own opinion over others, then the truth will always be obfuscated.
That being said, eat a lot of bacon this morning. Trust me, its good for you.
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Great video
It’s not so much the lack of reporters, but rather, the lack of reporters who will question the people in power regardless of party. They don’t mind going after Republicans, but they refuse to hold Democrats accountable. They’ve taken sides.
I think that depends on what channel you are watching
but they refuse to hold Democrats accountable. They’ve taken sides.
"Singletary Football". To me, Singletary Football isn’t whether it’s on the ground or in the air. It’s about execution, discipline, and the mental toughness that will help predicate success.
Wonderful post and thought on Singletary and his approach to our team identity.
To add, the most exciting part of what he’s trying to build is allowing players to grow into their role vs being tossed into the fire. Singletary reminds me of Bill Belichik, Belichik was luck to get Brady and once Singletary has an accurate, minimal mistake, QB surrounded with weapons he will be successful. I have a friend that’s a Pats fan and he brought it to my attention, he called us the baby Patriots, at least I hope it’s true in terms of success.
Good post again and you can see from the sig that a lot of doubters need to read and analyze your thoughts on our team structure. I have always understood his offensive vision as capable of manipulating the defense when we want, and accomplish what we set out as far as a game plan.
"Singletary Football". To me, Singletary Football isn’t whether it’s on the ground or in the air. It’s about execution, discipline, and the mental toughness that will help predicate success.
yeah, the Singletary Football is true
last year that’s all we needed was mental toughness and execution, discipline. Penalties, drops, fumbles, bad decisions…that’s what lost us games. Talent is not an issue. See my post about how we have 39 players drafted by this team currently coming to camp (and almost all of them will make the roster).
Niners O-Line: "Great Wall of Nine-uh"
Singletary is...
doing a great job of changing the mindset of the Niners. Discipline and execution and most of all toughness is something that he is putting into the team and they are buying it. We have an oppurtunity to make a big jump this year.
Beat Em To The Punch - Bill Walsh
Singletary and offense
The toughness is good. I still don’t see a deeper understanding of how the offense can be smart and effective. He is player oriented, as the article suggests. So he’ll go as far as his OC can take him unless he becomes more comfortable with the playmaking and shows this aspect. Call it the Bill Walsh element. I do appreciate what he has done and, as a fan, am grateful. I like the direction of the team’s commitment and defensive prowess. What I don’t see is a student of how great offenses are successful in today’s game.
you don't think he has a clue about offense?
he might not have played offense, nor coached offense, but he played AGAINST and coaches against offense…I’d bet he knows a heck of a lot more than you or I…and enough to at least give direction and suggestions to his Coordinators. He can see when Raye is being predictable…he’s watched plenty of film in his day. As a defensive guy he can probably give Raye unique insights he couldn’t get from an offensive mind.
Niners O-Line: "Great Wall of Nine-uh"
Good points.
Alaska is a state, dammit! Can I get a Niner game on TV up here?
by kinglouie33 on Apr 29, 2010 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Waaaaay off, IMO...........I'm just saying
Bill Walsh, Bill Walsh, Bill Walsh, please, fans, let’s let him R.I.P. Defensive coaches can win as well as offensive coaches. Yet and still fans are still spoiled, and it’s been so damn long ago.
"Singletary Football". To me, Singletary Football isn’t whether it’s on the ground or in the air. It’s about execution, discipline, and the mental toughness that will help predicate success.
good read
takes bite of carrot, washes it down with bacon
thanks for the thoughtful take on Singletary football. From the coaching staff to the players, i feel like this is a tough bunch of guys with inherent leadership skills. Sing’s on a mission that goes beyond football to teach those around him to believe in themselves. We don’t have many (any?) national champions drafted on to this team. And when it comes down to winning late in a playoff game, these guys aren’t going to dig into their memory banks to remember how they won it last time…they’ll dig into their hearts and know that they can win it this time. That’s singletary football.
by t p on Apr 29, 2010 10:39 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
McDonald?
No, wait, he was drafted the year before the last National Championship?
Niners O-Line: "Great Wall of Nine-uh"
McDonald won championship in 2006
and was drafted April of the next year
Niners O-Line: "Great Wall of Nine-uh"
this season
this season should be alot different than the last 12 years running. we should be one of the most explosive teams in the league. with gore, smith,crabtree, morgan and davis having there way on offense………..but the main thing here is the OL!!!! with the addition of 2 solid picks in the draft this could very well develop into our strengths and not a weakness like the last 12 years running. dixon is going to give coffee a run for his money or take the backup role to FB behind norris and would add more speed to that position if he does.i just don’t have any idea why the 49ers took mays unless he can cover much better than he did in college………..he didn’t have to do it too much there but when he did he sucked at it very badly!!!!!!!
If Davis and Iupati both become starters
The 49ers will be the only team in the NFL with 3 first round draft picks on the line (Staley, Davis, and Iupati)
Don't trust this guy. He lies.
hells yeah
"Singletary Football". To me, Singletary Football isn’t whether it’s on the ground or in the air. It’s about execution, discipline, and the mental toughness that will help predicate success.
i'm excited
about everything except alex smith, but i will be pulling for alex this yr nonetheless. i just keep fantasizing about the damage we could do with our weapons if we had a proven qb. oh well. also sing’s under-estimation of the importance of the qb position is starting to annoy me. i like the defense and smashmouth thing to a degree. i don’t like his attitudee towards the qb position. he’s fine with us having a jim mcmahon type qb situation and i, as a niner fan, am not. we’re used to importance being placed on this position. sing’s attitude is precisely why we’re settling and will continue to setlle for a mediocre qb. i just miss the days where i felt confident in our qb.
"There is no pressure. Pressure only exists when you're not prepared."
-The Samurai
Alex Smith is garbage...
Is that the same McMahon that won a Super Bowl with the Bears? Just sayin’.
I survived the David Carr Press Conference Thread 3/06/2010
Credit to iaalexeeff
Also surviving member of the underwhelming Jed York Conference Thread 3/22/2010
Eat Shitake!
by Hoopers Judge on Apr 29, 2010 5:20 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
exactly
1 sb vs 5…….Just sayin’
"There is no pressure. Pressure only exists when you're not prepared."
-The Samurai
Alex Smith is garbage...
Lol'd @
Kwame “El Matador” Harris was the first I believe since Harris Barton
"I'm blessed..... Thanks, God bless" ...hey, it worked for Tim Tebow.
I, too, is able to communicate with you here.
"Son, I'm going to break you like a wild horse." - Mike Singletary
First round offensive linemen
Joe Staley—2007
Kwame Harris—2003
Harris Burton—1987
Bubba Parris—1982
Randy Cross—1976
Forrest Blue—1968
Stan Hindman—1966
7 offensive linemen in the first round since 1950. 9 if you include this year’s picks.
I was right, you were wrong.
WOW
9 in 60 years. That’s Crazy. Although I’m sure there are a decent amount of teams that did this as well. NFL is starting to put more of a premium on OL and they will start being picked in 1st round.
Best Offensive line for Alex?
Maybe, but let’s not forget that he played behind a very good O-Line his second year. Jennings, Allen, Heitman, Smiley and Harris. Frank Gore had 1600+ yards that year and it was Harris’ best year by far (ok, not saying much). Smiley put in one of the worst years ever by a guard the next year, but he was solid Alex’s second year.
I know what I'm talking about, I started at right guard for the 1992 College Park Falcons.
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