Greg Roman discusses Cortland Finnegan and the emotions he raises

During the coordinator press conferences today, 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman was asked about Cortland Finnegan. The Rams cornerback has a reputation for being one of the bigger dick's in the NFL and seems to have little trouble getting under the skin of opposing wide receivers

Roman was asked about Finnegan's reputation:

There was a player poll that was released today that listed the dirtiest players. Rams CB Cortland Finnegan was up on that list like he always is. I think earlier this year he got under the skin of a Redskins receiver and it helped them win. Do you need to warn your receivers not to get engaged in any extracurricular stuff with somebody like him?

"I think he's a really good football player, Finnegan, is very productive. He competes extremely hard. When they bring him inside in the nickel, in their nickel package, I think he's one of the best guys in the NFL as far as understanding what's going on and what he needs to do and where he needs to be. He understands it and it shows in his play. And I think our receivers are very heady players, they're about one thing, taking care of their job. I don't see them getting hijacked emotionally by really anybody. I think they've got bigger fish to fry."

The 49ers have generally made relatively even-keeled this season, aside from Dashon Goldson losing it a couple times against the Seahawks. The 49ers skill position players seem pretty level-headed, but this will be something to keep an eye on throughout the game. The 49ers have to stay focused and play with discipline on offense. Aside from just the stupidity of getting sucked into his crap, no offense wants to put itself in 2nd and 20 or 3rd and 15 situations. Those are drive killers. Even though the 49ers should be able to handle the Rams, they can't afford to provide the Rams with opportunities to stay alive. Bad penalties, like the kind Finnegan can draw from you, can do that.