Yesterday I was playing poker at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas and one of the televisions in the room had NFL Live airing. There was no sound airing but based on what was appearing on the screen, they were going through the list of the Five Biggest Losers with regards to the 2011 NFL Lockout. Our San Francisco 49ers were listed as the number one biggest loser of this lockout. Here's the full list:
1. San Francisco 49ers
2. Vince Young
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. Carolina Panthers
5. Washington Redskins
Did anybody else see this on TV yesterday? I ask because I'm a little confused as to why the Philadelphia Eagles were listed. They were showing video of Kevin Kolb so I'm assuming it's whether or not they could trade Kolb. More specifically, whether they could deal Kolb before the draft to get picks to help them this year instead of next year. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I think everybody can agree that the 49ers are the biggest losers (well outside of the fans, of course!). There one of a few teams with no real quarterback option at this point in advance of the NFL Draft and whatever will come of free agency. Even if Alex Smith is brought back, the team is dealing with a whole new playbook that they can't view until the lockout is ended. If the team goes the free agency and draft route (I think they get a QB in both if Smith walks), that's a new QB with no significant previous experience with the rest of the offense.
Given all this, is there a point where an extended lockout shades your confidence in the 49ers potential in 2011? It's hard as a fan to say the upcoming season deserves a "mulligan." At the same time, this is not exactly the most normal set of circumstances heading into a new season with a new coach, a new offense, and potentially a new quarterback. How do you prepare yourself mentally?