Golden Nuggets: Losing Eric Heitmann Hurts The 49ers

by James Brady on Jun 30, 2011 2:00 AM PDT in NN Random Brackets

We had some relatively sad news yesterday, as it was announced that center Eric Heitmann was undergoing season-ending surgery. I've always been a fan of Heitmann, but unlike my affinity for Thomas Clayton or my borderline creepy obsession with Dominique Zeigler, I always had a ton to base it off of: Heitmann was good. Really, really good ... most definitely in the top echelon of centers in the league, and thoroughly undervalued by essentially everybody around here. His intelligent, almost sneaky play was the best on the offensive line, which I guess isn't saying much ... but he was really good, to say the least. I'm actually pretty bummed out about this, I had hoped Heitmann could compete for the right guard position and beat Chilo Rachal, who is presently doing his best Michael Crabtree impression. Anyway, on to your linkage.

As noted, Eric Heitmann will miss next season due to a surgery. His presence on and off the field will most definitely be missed, because I assume he won't be spending a ton of time at team headquarters once this lockout is over. (PressDemocrat.com)

A Stanford center was on hand to assist the 49ers offensive linemen with the playbook and talk a little about Jim Harbaugh's preparation tactics. Only good things can come of this. (PressDemocrat.com)

Anthony Dixon volunteered to play fullback, which I think is a bad move. I think he should fight for the backup spot, and take the third string if he can't get it. He can't play fullback. (MercuryNews.com)

Crabtree told the media that he did everything during Tuesday's practice, which means that it would have to have been when the media was not allowed in. (SFGate.com)

At the very least, the 49ers showed that they are dedicated, and a lot of team building took place. It's questionable as to how much will carry over, but we can only hope it's a lot. (MercuryNews.com)

I really like that Alex Smith is taking charge right now, but I won't buy the notion that he's suddenly become the leader we need on the football field. (CSNBayArea.com)

Catching Up With Gordy Soltau (49ers.com)

Hey 49ers fans, is Terrell Owens a first-ballot Hall of Famer? Methinks yes. (ProFootballTalk.com)

Yesterday on Niners Nation

Golden Nuggets: Colin Kaepernick Is Weapon X | Ninjames
49ers Free Agent Barry Sims: What Is His Deal? | Fooch
49ers Minicamp: Colin Kaepernick Heading Into Training Camp | Fooch
2011 Free Agency Primer: The Fullback Position And Our San Francisco 49ers | nocal81
49ers Blitzing Defense: Questions In The Scheme Or Talent? | Fooch
Eric Heitmann Undergoes Neck Surgery, Expected To Miss 2011 Season | Fooch
NN NFL Tournament of Badness: Seahawks Alternates and New Referee Rule | Ninjames

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Love the little story in that Mercury News link about Josh Morgan posing as a reporter and asking CK a question.

by LondonNiner on Jun 30, 2011 2:09 AM PDT reply actions

Josh Morgan has quietly become one of the most interesting people on the team

Obviously the title used to belong to Vernon Davis without question, but I think Josh has gained a lot on him since then.

Receiver Josh Morgan, on the other hand, toyed with the second-rounder Wednesday by posing as a reporter in the back of the media pack.
"What do you think of your receivers?" Morgan asked.
The rookie didn’t flinch.
"They’re all doing a great job except Josh Morgan,’’ Kaepernick replied. "He doesn’t know the plays very well. He’s always asking questions. I just try to answer all the questions I can for him."

by brundylop on Jun 30, 2011 5:19 AM PDT up reply actions

Hahaha

Kap is a smart one.

He must have seen the interview where Morgan admitted playing dumb on the play calls so Kap would have to explain them.

by Ougadas on Jun 30, 2011 5:44 AM PDT up reply actions

that's what I was thinking

I agree that Morgan has become one of my favs. I was watching highlinghts yesterday or the day before and when Morgan had the ball in his hands he was fluid and made things happen. He’s a bit of a long-strider but he’s sneaky and I think he’ll excel in this offense.

The NFL/Players are dragging me down. Sad thing is: they know I'll always keep coming back.
I just Twitter'd that

by Tre9er on Jun 30, 2011 6:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Completely agree

Plus, I get to yell “Morgan!” like Doakes from Dexter every time he makes a play.

by Bigmouth on Jun 30, 2011 7:58 AM PDT up reply actions

hahaha love that show

The NFL/Players are dragging me down. Sad thing is: they know I'll always keep coming back.
I just Twitter'd that

by Tre9er on Jun 30, 2011 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions

I was thinking about that same interview

where Morgan pretends to look dumb and Kap is like “I thought you were one of the smartest people on the team!!??”

by brundylop on Jun 30, 2011 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions

Interesting that Crabs is now on twitter. That has to be worth a follow whether you love or hate him. I can see that account being fairly controversial.

by Ben Goodchild on Jun 30, 2011 2:27 AM PDT reply actions

now he can trash alex directly, without the media!

haha, j/k.
Honestly, I don’t think it will be too big of an issue, but that 49er fans will overreact to almost anything on there.

by brundylop on Jun 30, 2011 5:22 AM PDT up reply actions

That's what I meant by controversial

Anything he posts is sure to split opinion into polar opposites in the fan base.

by Ben Goodchild on Jun 30, 2011 6:08 AM PDT up reply actions

I see,

I thought you meant he’d post some objectively bad things, ala Will Hill

by brundylop on Jun 30, 2011 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions

Chilo Rachel doing his best Michael Crabtree impression?

Cheap shot.

by Jaxson876 on Jun 30, 2011 6:37 AM PDT reply actions

Duh, that's why I did it.

And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter

by James Brady on Jun 30, 2011 8:13 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm giving Crabtree the benefit of the doubt

He has shown up for two of these Camp Alex workouts and if he did hurt his foot at the first one the fact he came back out for this one shows me something. I hope he gets healthy and has a big year.

by Jaxson876 on Jun 30, 2011 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions

So am I.

I dunno if you guys know this … but I talk a lot of trash and joke around 95% of the time. :]

And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter

by James Brady on Jun 30, 2011 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Now we just need to figure out when you’re in that 5% mode.

Seriously, Crabtree pissed me off too with his attitude but he’s still such a young guy I’m hoping he becomes a big time player. That would be a very good thing for the Niners.

by Jaxson876 on Jun 30, 2011 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions

Haha. Well, you can search on here, I’ve been saying for months that I think Crabtree is poised to have a breakout year. I’m not crazy about the guy, but I am far from a hater.

And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter

by James Brady on Jun 30, 2011 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions