Golden Nuggets: Wherein I Actually Defend Cam Newton

by James Brady on Feb 27, 2011 3:00 AM PST in 49ers Links

So yesterday I had to stay up until four in the morning to post the Nuggets because I neglected to schedule them before the server upgrades took place. Tonight, I can get to bed a much more normal hour for me ... three in the morning. Anyway, I'm bummed out right now for many reasons, some of them personal, but one of them is that my favorite mixed martial arts fighter, George Sotiropoulos lost last night at UFC 127. It totally sucks, about as much as it does when the 49ers lose a football game. Probably worse, more like losing a playoff game because he was on the title track. Speaking of the 49ers, we should have plenty more links for you, once again, pertaining to the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine and things of that nature. By the way, have you been watching? Are you enjoying? I definitely am. Here's some links.

Quarterbacks Ryan Mallet and Cam Newton were under scrutiny at the combine yesterday. I really don't think Newton will be a good quarterback, and I definitely do not want the 49ers to be drafting him, but I think the recent uproar about his comments are ... to put it bluntly: stupid. Nothing is wrong at all with what he said, but that's why it's a "spin." The fact is that there are a ton of players like this. You have your Newton model, then you have your very humble Gerald McCoy model (random example) and then you have your Anthony "AWW YEEEAH EVERYBODY DANCE AND HAVE FUN" Dixon model, the type who just want to have fun and be, you know, awesome. (SacBee.com)

I figured that the 49ers wouldn't be extending anybody before the CBA expires, and I also figured that they wouldn't seriously be trying. Good to hear they're at least talking, however. (CSNBayArea.com)

I think these "two views" on Alex Smith are both a little wrong, in that I believe too much is being read on Trent Baalke's stance, which to me is that of a typical general manager. The coach is allowed to be invested in players, the general manager is supposed to be the level-headed guy behind him. (SFGate.com)

Somebody tell Vernon Davis he doesn't have to worry about playing scared anymore! The 49ers defense, however, will likely be doing so to an extent. Vic Fangio is a scary dude at times. (SacBee.com)

If you missed what Michael Lombardi had to say about the 49ers, you can check out a piece here. He basically said that Jim Harbaugh couldn't run the same offense he did at Stanford and be successful at the NFL level. (MercuryNews.com)

Apparently, it's not only hard to find good quarterbacks, it's also hard to find good quarterback coaches. I can totally see this, as we have been treated to some pretty sloppy coaching on that front. (PressDemocrat.com)

Sione Fua is getting some stellar help these days, though it is from one of his biggest positional enemies: former 49ers center Jeremy Newberry. Awesome. (CSNBayArea.com)

I'm liking 3-4 OLB Von Miller more and more every day. He's the best at the position in the draft, and although he's a little bit undersized, he plays strong. (PressDemocrat.com)

The 49ers could be going after a running back in the draft, probably in the middle rounds, which might be a good thing because this draft is deep with talent that have boom or bust potential. (SacBee.com)

You may have missed it in all the discussion regarding Cam Newton, but Colin Kaepernick also spoke to the media. He disagrees with the label he's been given as a project quarterback. I think he's closer to NFL-ready than some people think, but he definitely still has work to do. (PressDemocrat.com)

It sure would be great if the 49ers could land Patrick Peterson. I don't really see it happening, but it's clear that the 49ers will definitely need to address their passing defense in the draft. (CSNBayArea.com)

Plenty to Like About D-Line Class (49ers.com)

Yesterday on Niners Nation

Golden Nuggets: Pondering The 49ers Quarterback Situation | Ninjames
2011 NFL Combine: First Day Of Position Drills | Fooch
Caption This! 2011 NFL Combine Edition | howtheyscored
2011 NFL Combine: Sione Fua, Vic Fangio's 3-4 And the 2011 NFL Draft | Fooch
2011 NFL Combine: Cam Newton, Entertainer & Icon, Speaks | Fooch

Related Links from SB Nation Bay Area

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Circumstances For 49ers To Land Von Miller
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Circumstances For 49ers To Land Patrick Peterson

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Comments

WAT..

Apparently, it’s not only hard to find good quarterbacks, it’s also hard to find good quarterback coaches. I can totally see this, as we have been treated to some pretty sloppy coaching on that front.

Bite my shiny metal sig

by drummer on Feb 27, 2011 4:18 AM PST reply actions

I don’t get it

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by James Brady on Feb 27, 2011 4:26 AM PST up reply actions

I'm asking you..

to unpack your statement here.

Bite my shiny metal sig

by drummer on Feb 27, 2011 4:39 AM PST up reply actions

Still not following you. The 49ers haven’t have mishandled quarterbacks. I said it before: no quarterback would have been able to succeed in San Francisco over the past few seasons.

Check out Chester, an Xbox game being developed by a friend.
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by James Brady on Feb 27, 2011 4:56 AM PST up reply actions

I'd go a step further to say

it was ridiculously hard for any offensive player in general to succeed, which makes Gore’s constant production in the face of 8 man fronts and repeated plays all the more impressive.

I do think obviously that there were plenty of QBs who would have performed better than what they’ve put out there. The past is the past though, I look forward to a Harbaugh designed offense taking advantage of mismatches, catching the defense off guard, running easy 1-2 read plays. You know, like normal teams do!

by whistlingmountain on Feb 27, 2011 5:22 AM PST up reply actions

That should say “The 49ers have mishandled quarterbacks.”

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by James Brady on Feb 27, 2011 5:24 AM PST up reply actions

Which QB's?..

Are you talking since Garcia? Or are you saying “the 49ers handled the QB situation poorly by not pursuing better QB play”? That would make more sense because that’s the real issue.

Bite my shiny metal sig

by drummer on Feb 27, 2011 9:09 AM PST up reply actions

I disagree that it is the real issue, obviously. It is part of the issue, but I’d argue that the 49ers have been in the face of potential talent and that talent has never had the chance to succeed. In other words: we don’t know. I think I said it pretty clearly in the article.

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by James Brady on Feb 27, 2011 6:03 PM PST up reply actions

Defending Newton is fine

He has some amazing abilities.

There’s something off-putting to the rest of your team is a me-me-me guy, which is what most of the insiders have been saying about him in his college career. QB can’t be me-me-me in the NFL. His quotes from this week have just solidified that view of him.

by whistlingmountain on Feb 27, 2011 5:20 AM PST reply actions

Being “me-me-me” is DEFINITELY bad, but my point is that his recent quote, that has everyone all in a tizzy, is not indicative of “me-me-me.” There might be something else about him, I’m speaking to that isolated quote, which I think means nothing of that sort.

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by James Brady on Feb 27, 2011 5:23 AM PST up reply actions