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Smith getting his feet on the ground
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/28611.html
With small steps, Smith is getting his feet on the ground
By Matthew Barrows - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:03 am PDT Sunday, September 24, 2006
SANTA CLARA -- Some of Alex Smith's biggest strides this season have come in the form of tiny steps.
Take last week's 72-yard pass to Antonio Bryant, for example. The third-quarter touchdown was the longest of Smith's NFL career and ended up being the critical play in the 49ers' 20-13 win over the St. Louis Rams.
What made it possible was the small step forward -- perhaps two or three feet -- Smith took to avoid the defender who was applying pressure from his right.
That movement bought Smith a moment of extra time during which Bryant moved past Rams cornerback Tye Hill. It also gave him enough room to wind up and hoist the ball downfield.
"That was a nice step," said Smith's mentor-backup, Trent Dilfer. "We all fall into the trap of wanting to get out of there when there's pressure, when many times the safest spot is just a couple of feet away. It's something you constantly work on. This is my 13th year, and it's the No. 1 thing I work on."
For Smith, the instinct to flee the pocket is strong.
After all, he ran for 631 yards and 10 touchdowns his final year at Utah, where he operated almost exclusively out of the shotgun formation. Last year, especially early in the season, Smith had a tendency to bolt from the pocket, a venture that typically resulted in being knocked to the grass by a roving linebacker or defensive end.
To improve his so-called pocket presence this season, 49ers coaches have put him through a battery of "slide and move" drills that call for Smith to dodge oncoming rushers while negotiating bags at his feet.
The objective, said quarterbacks coach Jim Hostler, isn't only to teach Smith how to sidestep rushers and their flailing arms. It's to teach him to do that while keeping his eyes trained downfield.
"A lot of guys can move around in the pocket, but they don't have the ability to keep their eyes down the field," Hostler said. "If their eyes don't stay downfield, they can't throw the ball. It's one of the things that I think really separates good quarterbacks from great ones. You see Tom Brady do it. You see Peyton Manning do it. Because of their experience, they slide around and their eyes are always down the field."
That Smith has begun to grasp that phase of the game has coaches and teammates optimistic about his future.
"That's a hard transition -- going from the shotgun to under center," Dilfer said. "We've seen a lot of quarterbacks struggle with it as they come to the NFL. He's done a great job of getting better each and every day at that stuff. Especially in the last few weeks, he's made huge strides."
Hostler admits that it was hard to forecast Smith's pocket presence when the 49ers were evaluating him before the 2005 draft.
The pass rush in the college game -- especially in the Mountain West Conference -- is not nearly as fierce as it is in the NFL, and the Utah system was designed for Smith to pick up yards with his feet.
What encouraged the 49ers was that Smith wasn't shy about contact.
"What you try to evaluate in college is toughness -- if the quarterback has the ability to hang in there and take a shot," Hostler said. "We knew that over time he would learn how to move around in the pocket and keep his eyes downfield if he had toughness."
That toughness was on display in the first quarter Sunday when Rams defensive end Anthony Hargrove planted his helmet into Smith's sternum just as he released the ball. While Smith was on the ground trying to regain his breath, receiver Arnaz Battle was sprinting 56 yards for what turned out to be Smith's second-longest pass play as a 49er.
Dilfer said a torrent of chatter came over his headset while Smith slowly got to his feet and ambled downfield.
"Everybody was saying, 'Trent! Trent! Get ready! Get ready!' " Dilfer said. "I just sat there with my arms crossed and knew he'd be fine. It hurts, but it'll go away in about 10 seconds. I have no doubts of Alex's toughness. He's a very tough kid."
About the writer: The Bee's Matthew Barrows can be reached at mbarrows@sacbee.com.
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/28611.html
With small steps, Smith is getting his feet on the ground
By Matthew Barrows - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:03 am PDT Sunday, September 24, 2006
SANTA CLARA -- Some of Alex Smith's biggest strides this season have come in the form of tiny steps.
Take last week's 72-yard pass to Antonio Bryant, for example. The third-quarter touchdown was the longest of Smith's NFL career and ended up being the critical play in the 49ers' 20-13 win over the St. Louis Rams.
What made it possible was the small step forward -- perhaps two or three feet -- Smith took to avoid the defender who was applying pressure from his right.
That movement bought Smith a moment of extra time during which Bryant moved past Rams cornerback Tye Hill. It also gave him enough room to wind up and hoist the ball downfield.
"That was a nice step," said Smith's mentor-backup, Trent Dilfer. "We all fall into the trap of wanting to get out of there when there's pressure, when many times the safest spot is just a couple of feet away. It's something you constantly work on. This is my 13th year, and it's the No. 1 thing I work on."
For Smith, the instinct to flee the pocket is strong.
After all, he ran for 631 yards and 10 touchdowns his final year at Utah, where he operated almost exclusively out of the shotgun formation. Last year, especially early in the season, Smith had a tendency to bolt from the pocket, a venture that typically resulted in being knocked to the grass by a roving linebacker or defensive end.
To improve his so-called pocket presence this season, 49ers coaches have put him through a battery of "slide and move" drills that call for Smith to dodge oncoming rushers while negotiating bags at his feet.
The objective, said quarterbacks coach Jim Hostler, isn't only to teach Smith how to sidestep rushers and their flailing arms. It's to teach him to do that while keeping his eyes trained downfield.
"A lot of guys can move around in the pocket, but they don't have the ability to keep their eyes down the field," Hostler said. "If their eyes don't stay downfield, they can't throw the ball. It's one of the things that I think really separates good quarterbacks from great ones. You see Tom Brady do it. You see Peyton Manning do it. Because of their experience, they slide around and their eyes are always down the field."
That Smith has begun to grasp that phase of the game has coaches and teammates optimistic about his future.
"That's a hard transition -- going from the shotgun to under center," Dilfer said. "We've seen a lot of quarterbacks struggle with it as they come to the NFL. He's done a great job of getting better each and every day at that stuff. Especially in the last few weeks, he's made huge strides."
Hostler admits that it was hard to forecast Smith's pocket presence when the 49ers were evaluating him before the 2005 draft.
The pass rush in the college game -- especially in the Mountain West Conference -- is not nearly as fierce as it is in the NFL, and the Utah system was designed for Smith to pick up yards with his feet.
What encouraged the 49ers was that Smith wasn't shy about contact.
"What you try to evaluate in college is toughness -- if the quarterback has the ability to hang in there and take a shot," Hostler said. "We knew that over time he would learn how to move around in the pocket and keep his eyes downfield if he had toughness."
That toughness was on display in the first quarter Sunday when Rams defensive end Anthony Hargrove planted his helmet into Smith's sternum just as he released the ball. While Smith was on the ground trying to regain his breath, receiver Arnaz Battle was sprinting 56 yards for what turned out to be Smith's second-longest pass play as a 49er.
Dilfer said a torrent of chatter came over his headset while Smith slowly got to his feet and ambled downfield.
"Everybody was saying, 'Trent! Trent! Get ready! Get ready!' " Dilfer said. "I just sat there with my arms crossed and knew he'd be fine. It hurts, but it'll go away in about 10 seconds. I have no doubts of Alex's toughness. He's a very tough kid."
About the writer: The Bee's Matthew Barrows can be reached at mbarrows@sacbee.com.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-49ersinjuries&prov=ap&type=lgns
VD out 4 weeks with a cracked bone in his leg.
Gore has a strained shoulder.
Thank goodness Eric Johnson looked like the Eric Johnson of two years ago today.
And thank goodness for someone dropping him in my fatasy league!
VD out 4 weeks with a cracked bone in his leg.
Gore has a strained shoulder.
Thank goodness Eric Johnson looked like the Eric Johnson of two years ago today.
And thank goodness for someone dropping him in my fatasy league!
Gotta give some love to Robinson, too.
I didn't expect them to beat the Eagles. I'm glad they did as well as they did, and I'm beginning to have some love for the o-line. At least they're not letting defenses clean Smith's clock every couple of snaps.
We know the NINERS aren't contenders yet. I'm happy with little steps, at least for now.
I didn't expect them to beat the Eagles. I'm glad they did as well as they did, and I'm beginning to have some love for the o-line. At least they're not letting defenses clean Smith's clock every couple of snaps.
We know the NINERS aren't contenders yet. I'm happy with little steps, at least for now.
I'm a little sad about another goal line fumble by Gore. I thought the niners traded the fumbles to New York.
And Davis has officially replaced Barlow at the top of my "I-hope-he-turns-it-around-and-becomes-a-stud-but-for-now-he-is-not-my-favorite" list. I'd be surprised if Johnson didn't stay as the primary tight end threat even after Davis returns.
And Davis has officially replaced Barlow at the top of my "I-hope-he-turns-it-around-and-becomes-a-stud-but-for-now-he-is-not-my-favorite" list. I'd be surprised if Johnson didn't stay as the primary tight end threat even after Davis returns.
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/29018.html
Ailene Voisin: Nolan chooses the safe approach
He gives up the ball, and some swagger, with a punt.
By Ailene Voisin - Bee Sports Columnist
Last Updated 12:12 am PDT Monday, September 25, 2006
All those heady comments about nearing NFL puberty, about avoiding a replay from a season ago, and this is all Mike Nolan has to say for himself?
So what does this say to his team?
When under duress, punt? Retreat?
Whatever happened to the man's strut?
When pressed afterward about his case of the yips -- about choosing to go meekly into the locker room at halftime of Sunday's loss to the visiting Philadelphia Eagles, eschewing a closing opportunity on fourth and one from the opponent's 40-yard line -- Nolan explained he played it safe. And, probably, he played it smart. He opted for truth over dare, in essence, acknowledged what became increasingly obvious throughout the afternoon -- namely, that these 49ers just aren't quite ready to take the big risk. The next step, perhaps, but not the big risk.
"They (Eagles) had 338 yards at that point," the 49ers' second-year coach said after his club's 38-24 defeat at Monster Park. "They were about two first downs max from three more points. As bad as 24-3 is, it sure beats 27-3 or 31-3. Three touchdowns in the second half ... I didn't think we were that far from getting that. I think we could have done that."
Retreat, then regroup. That seemed to be the message. No more time for fumbles. No more missed assignments. No more failures in the red zone, and certainly, no more of those signature sequences, the one in which 6-foot, 292-pound defensive tackle Mike Patterson lumbers 98 yards on a fumble recovery, dragging poor Alex Smith along for the latter part of the journey.
Maybe Nolan was right. Maybe when all those developments occur, it's wise to accept defeat and move on to the second half.
But, geez, couldn't he have faked it a little bit? Maybe faked the punt and provided the announced 68,166 spectators -- and his players -- a modicum of drama? Before Sunday's struggles, the 49ers were the young and the restless. Against the Eagles, they were young and resilient. Mostly, though, they were just young.
"I said at the beginning of the week that I thought this game had the possibility of being a statement game," Nolan said. "What I meant by that is ... I thought with a victory today, we could become a team with an expectation to win as opposed to a hope to win. Certainly today we didn't play well enough to win the game."
Beginning with the first play, a flea flicker that resulted in a 50-yard gain and led to the first of Brian Westbrook's three touchdowns, the 49ers -- like their coach afterward -- went on the defensive. Donovan McNabb repeatedly located open receivers for large gains. Westbrook burst up the middle as if all of the 49ers' linemen suddenly had become binge dieters, once sprinting for 71 yards (the longest Eagles run in six years) and one impressive stiff arm of free safety Mike Adams. The Eagles' faster, stronger defensive linemen harassed Smith throughout the afternoon, and when they caught up with him, took turns slamming him to the turf.
Nonetheless, Smith continues to show promise, and progress. The second-year starter completed 27 of his 46 passes for 293 yards and a touchdown, and at times stubbornly stayed in the pocket, other times scampered for first downs. And if he became demoralized by the large early deficit, it never was apparent; he played with poise, and equally important, played with an attitude. Needless to say, he wasn't thrilled with Nolan's decision to punt rather than, say, pass, either.
"I always like to go for it," said Smith, grinning, "but I'm not the head coach."
What had to hurt worse than any bruises was the fact that, on that final drive of the half, the 49ers finally gained an offensive rhythm. There was Smith, finding Frank Gore and Maurice Hicks over the middle, connecting with tight end Eric Johnson for 14 yards, Gore scooting for another couple of decent gains, the 49ers moving to the Eagles' 40 in the waning seconds of the opening half. Then on third and one, Gore was stopped for no gain, setting up the much-debated situation, the one with Nolan directing the 49ers to punt rather than strive for the big play.
Asked if he was concerned his decision might be interpreted as a lack of confidence in (and by) his players, or whether he worried about a repeat of 2005, when a loss to these same Eagles triggered a landslide of losses, the coach demurred.
"Different team, different year," he insisted forcefully. "Last year they just flat kicked our butt. This year, we did a good job kicking our own butt."
The hope is that, next time, the 49ers do the kicking.
Or better yet, don't do the kicking.
About the writer: Reach Ailene Voisin at (916) 321-1208 or avoisin@ sacbee.com
Ailene Voisin: Nolan chooses the safe approach
He gives up the ball, and some swagger, with a punt.
By Ailene Voisin - Bee Sports Columnist
Last Updated 12:12 am PDT Monday, September 25, 2006
All those heady comments about nearing NFL puberty, about avoiding a replay from a season ago, and this is all Mike Nolan has to say for himself?
So what does this say to his team?
When under duress, punt? Retreat?
Whatever happened to the man's strut?
When pressed afterward about his case of the yips -- about choosing to go meekly into the locker room at halftime of Sunday's loss to the visiting Philadelphia Eagles, eschewing a closing opportunity on fourth and one from the opponent's 40-yard line -- Nolan explained he played it safe. And, probably, he played it smart. He opted for truth over dare, in essence, acknowledged what became increasingly obvious throughout the afternoon -- namely, that these 49ers just aren't quite ready to take the big risk. The next step, perhaps, but not the big risk.
"They (Eagles) had 338 yards at that point," the 49ers' second-year coach said after his club's 38-24 defeat at Monster Park. "They were about two first downs max from three more points. As bad as 24-3 is, it sure beats 27-3 or 31-3. Three touchdowns in the second half ... I didn't think we were that far from getting that. I think we could have done that."
Retreat, then regroup. That seemed to be the message. No more time for fumbles. No more missed assignments. No more failures in the red zone, and certainly, no more of those signature sequences, the one in which 6-foot, 292-pound defensive tackle Mike Patterson lumbers 98 yards on a fumble recovery, dragging poor Alex Smith along for the latter part of the journey.
Maybe Nolan was right. Maybe when all those developments occur, it's wise to accept defeat and move on to the second half.
But, geez, couldn't he have faked it a little bit? Maybe faked the punt and provided the announced 68,166 spectators -- and his players -- a modicum of drama? Before Sunday's struggles, the 49ers were the young and the restless. Against the Eagles, they were young and resilient. Mostly, though, they were just young.
"I said at the beginning of the week that I thought this game had the possibility of being a statement game," Nolan said. "What I meant by that is ... I thought with a victory today, we could become a team with an expectation to win as opposed to a hope to win. Certainly today we didn't play well enough to win the game."
Beginning with the first play, a flea flicker that resulted in a 50-yard gain and led to the first of Brian Westbrook's three touchdowns, the 49ers -- like their coach afterward -- went on the defensive. Donovan McNabb repeatedly located open receivers for large gains. Westbrook burst up the middle as if all of the 49ers' linemen suddenly had become binge dieters, once sprinting for 71 yards (the longest Eagles run in six years) and one impressive stiff arm of free safety Mike Adams. The Eagles' faster, stronger defensive linemen harassed Smith throughout the afternoon, and when they caught up with him, took turns slamming him to the turf.
Nonetheless, Smith continues to show promise, and progress. The second-year starter completed 27 of his 46 passes for 293 yards and a touchdown, and at times stubbornly stayed in the pocket, other times scampered for first downs. And if he became demoralized by the large early deficit, it never was apparent; he played with poise, and equally important, played with an attitude. Needless to say, he wasn't thrilled with Nolan's decision to punt rather than, say, pass, either.
"I always like to go for it," said Smith, grinning, "but I'm not the head coach."
What had to hurt worse than any bruises was the fact that, on that final drive of the half, the 49ers finally gained an offensive rhythm. There was Smith, finding Frank Gore and Maurice Hicks over the middle, connecting with tight end Eric Johnson for 14 yards, Gore scooting for another couple of decent gains, the 49ers moving to the Eagles' 40 in the waning seconds of the opening half. Then on third and one, Gore was stopped for no gain, setting up the much-debated situation, the one with Nolan directing the 49ers to punt rather than strive for the big play.
Asked if he was concerned his decision might be interpreted as a lack of confidence in (and by) his players, or whether he worried about a repeat of 2005, when a loss to these same Eagles triggered a landslide of losses, the coach demurred.
"Different team, different year," he insisted forcefully. "Last year they just flat kicked our butt. This year, we did a good job kicking our own butt."
The hope is that, next time, the 49ers do the kicking.
Or better yet, don't do the kicking.
About the writer: Reach Ailene Voisin at (916) 321-1208 or avoisin@ sacbee.com
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/29000.html
Past catches up to 49ers
A quick Philadelphia score and missed chances resurrect memories of last season's frustration.
By Matthew Barrows - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:08 am PDT Monday, September 25, 2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- The 49ers went into Sunday's game itching to show the football world how far they'd come since a blowout loss in Philadelphia last season. The humbling conclusion: not nearly as far as everyone thought.
Missed tackles and blown opportunities, including their most frustrating goal-line sequence in recent memory, conspired to put the team in a four-touchdown hole not even a valiant second-half surge could overcome.
For a while, it seemed as if the lasting image of the 38-24 loss would be a second-quarter run by Eagles running back Brian Westbrook.
Westbrook broke through the 49ers' defensive line and didn't encounter a tackler until safety Mike Adams met him 30 yards downfield. Adams received a stiff arm in the face for his efforts, and Westbrook scampered the rest of the way for a 71-yard touchdown, the longest of his career.
"I tried to use the sideline," Adams said afterward. "The next time, I'll probably try to take my shot, try to tackle him clean."
Adams later was bailed out by an even bigger blunder.
Trying to crawl back into the game in the third quarter, the 49ers drove to the Philadelphia 1-yard line. Behind two tight ends and an extra offensive lineman, the 49ers tried to pound the ball in with running back Frank Gore. Three times they tried, and three times Gore was stuffed for no gain.
On his final attempt, he was met at the goal line by safety Brian Dawkins, whose helmet sent the football catapulting into the pile of bodies. It was picked up by 292-pound defensive lineman Mike Patterson, who ran 98 yards for a backbreaking touchdown.
Said quarterback Alex Smith: "Fourteen points makes a big difference, considering the final score."
Gore, who has had a costly fumble in each game this season, was taken out after the play with what the team called an abdominal strain. His replacement, rookie Michael Robinson, subsequently scored two one-yard touchdowns, and coach Mike Nolan said Robinson could be the new short-yardage runner.
Tight end Vernon Davis, the team's first-round draft pick, also was hurt on the play with what he described as a fractured right leg that would keep him out of action four to six weeks.
Whereas last year's squad would have buckled in the second half, this season's version kept fighting.
Tight end Eric Johnson said the crowd was so loud at one point he was reminded of a playoff win over the New York Giants in the 2002 season, in which the 49ers erased a 24-point deficit.
"If a few things had gone our way, I think we could have pulled out another one," he said.
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, who spent the final quarter of last year's 49ers contest joking on the sideline, played the whole game this time. McNabb said afterward the 49ers are a much different team than the one he faced a year ago.
"They obviously believe in the system and coach Nolan," he said. "They're beginning to trust Alex Smith. He's beginning to get comfortable. It's good to see the progression that he's made because (all quarterbacks have) been there. He's got good weapons on the outside. It's just going to take some time, but this is going to be a good team."
In that 42-3 win a year ago, the Eagles scored 57 seconds into the game when McNabb found Terrell Owens on a 68-yard pass play. McNabb nearly topped that Sunday when, on the game's opening play, a nicely executed flea flicker left receiver Reggie Brown 15 yards beyond the nearest 49ers defender.
Brown would have scored 10 seconds in but was caught at the 49ers' 10, so Philadelphia needed three more plays -- and 1:41 -- for its first touchdown.
Progress.
About the writer: The Bee's Matthew Barrows can be reached at mbarrows@sacbee.com
Past catches up to 49ers
A quick Philadelphia score and missed chances resurrect memories of last season's frustration.
By Matthew Barrows - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:08 am PDT Monday, September 25, 2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- The 49ers went into Sunday's game itching to show the football world how far they'd come since a blowout loss in Philadelphia last season. The humbling conclusion: not nearly as far as everyone thought.
Missed tackles and blown opportunities, including their most frustrating goal-line sequence in recent memory, conspired to put the team in a four-touchdown hole not even a valiant second-half surge could overcome.
For a while, it seemed as if the lasting image of the 38-24 loss would be a second-quarter run by Eagles running back Brian Westbrook.
Westbrook broke through the 49ers' defensive line and didn't encounter a tackler until safety Mike Adams met him 30 yards downfield. Adams received a stiff arm in the face for his efforts, and Westbrook scampered the rest of the way for a 71-yard touchdown, the longest of his career.
"I tried to use the sideline," Adams said afterward. "The next time, I'll probably try to take my shot, try to tackle him clean."
Adams later was bailed out by an even bigger blunder.
Trying to crawl back into the game in the third quarter, the 49ers drove to the Philadelphia 1-yard line. Behind two tight ends and an extra offensive lineman, the 49ers tried to pound the ball in with running back Frank Gore. Three times they tried, and three times Gore was stuffed for no gain.
On his final attempt, he was met at the goal line by safety Brian Dawkins, whose helmet sent the football catapulting into the pile of bodies. It was picked up by 292-pound defensive lineman Mike Patterson, who ran 98 yards for a backbreaking touchdown.
Said quarterback Alex Smith: "Fourteen points makes a big difference, considering the final score."
Gore, who has had a costly fumble in each game this season, was taken out after the play with what the team called an abdominal strain. His replacement, rookie Michael Robinson, subsequently scored two one-yard touchdowns, and coach Mike Nolan said Robinson could be the new short-yardage runner.
Tight end Vernon Davis, the team's first-round draft pick, also was hurt on the play with what he described as a fractured right leg that would keep him out of action four to six weeks.
Whereas last year's squad would have buckled in the second half, this season's version kept fighting.
Tight end Eric Johnson said the crowd was so loud at one point he was reminded of a playoff win over the New York Giants in the 2002 season, in which the 49ers erased a 24-point deficit.
"If a few things had gone our way, I think we could have pulled out another one," he said.
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, who spent the final quarter of last year's 49ers contest joking on the sideline, played the whole game this time. McNabb said afterward the 49ers are a much different team than the one he faced a year ago.
"They obviously believe in the system and coach Nolan," he said. "They're beginning to trust Alex Smith. He's beginning to get comfortable. It's good to see the progression that he's made because (all quarterbacks have) been there. He's got good weapons on the outside. It's just going to take some time, but this is going to be a good team."
In that 42-3 win a year ago, the Eagles scored 57 seconds into the game when McNabb found Terrell Owens on a 68-yard pass play. McNabb nearly topped that Sunday when, on the game's opening play, a nicely executed flea flicker left receiver Reggie Brown 15 yards beyond the nearest 49ers defender.
Brown would have scored 10 seconds in but was caught at the 49ers' 10, so Philadelphia needed three more plays -- and 1:41 -- for its first touchdown.
Progress.
About the writer: The Bee's Matthew Barrows can be reached at mbarrows@sacbee.com
Eric Johnson was a stud before his injury.
Vernon will be a stud eventually.
And to think when they both become studs together...Antonio Bryant streaking down the field, Eric Johnson over the middle for short/medium gains, and Vernon doing whatever the play calls of him because of his athleticism.
Its going to be fun to watch.
Vernon will be a stud eventually.
And to think when they both become studs together...Antonio Bryant streaking down the field, Eric Johnson over the middle for short/medium gains, and Vernon doing whatever the play calls of him because of his athleticism.
Its going to be fun to watch.
Didn't you already say that somewhere else?
Yeah, I know. They're not perfect. But I have a lot more faith and hope for the future than I've had for them in a long time... I can excuse some mistakes here and there as long as they continue to grow. And I think they will. There's a good feeling about the team again, IMHO, that hasn't been there for several years.
Yeah, I know. They're not perfect. But I have a lot more faith and hope for the future than I've had for them in a long time... I can excuse some mistakes here and there as long as they continue to grow. And I think they will. There's a good feeling about the team again, IMHO, that hasn't been there for several years.
Young 49ers learning hard lessons
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/29398.html
Young 49ers are learning hard lessons
Coach Mike Nolan cites Frank Gore's and Vernon Davis' gaffes.
By Matthew Barrows - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:32 am PDT Tuesday, September 26, 2006
SANTA CLARA -- Catch the ball with two hands. Protect the ball in goal-line situations.
It sounds like Football 101, but 49ers coach Mike Nolan on Monday said those were two topics he would review with his young team following an error-riddled loss to the Philadelphia Eagles a day earlier.
For the second consecutive week, running back Frank Gore will get a lecture about exposing the ball while trying to stretch across the goal line. After fumbling twice in his rookie season, Gore this year has three fumbles, the last two within the opponent's 5-yard line.
"The two on the goal line are the ones that had me the most concerned because they both happened the same way," Nolan said. "He hit the pile, he spun, he was on his back, and they punched the ball out. And that's something he can't do."
The fumble resulted in a 98-yard touchdown for the Eagles and injuries for Gore and rookie tight end Vernon Davis. After the game, X-rays showed Gore had bruised ribs. He is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Kansas City, but the seething running back said he was eager to make amends for his mistake against Philadelphia.
"I was upset that I couldn't finish out," Gore said, his voice barely audible. "I was going to punch it in in a critical situation, and I hurt the team."
Nolan said he expected Gore would play against the Chiefs but that he was considering using rookie Michael Robinson in short-yardage situations.
Robinson scored two short touchdowns after Gore's exit. On the first, he steamrolled Philadelphia safety Brian Dawkins, who had jarred the ball loose from Gore. At about 225 pounds, Robinson is 10 pounds heavier than Gore and four inches taller.
Said Gore of the possible switch: "It's up to coach Nolan. Whatever he wants to do, I'm fine with it."
Davis also made the same mistake two successive weeks when he reached for a pass with one hand instead of grabbing it with two. In Week Two, a would-be touchdown pass clanked off his hand; against the Eagles he missed a potential long gain down the middle of the field.
"Maybe in college, he could get away with that," Nolan said. "Let's not forget that he's a rookie; he came out a year early. Believe me, your techniques as a rookie -- no matter how talented you are -- are things you have to work on and learn."
Leaning on crutches Monday, Davis said he will miss one month because of a crack in his right fibula, one of the bones in his lower leg. The team's top draft pick said he might have damaged the area during Thursday's practice and thought he felt the crack developing in the first quarter Sunday. When he was chasing the Eagles' Mike Patterson after Gore's fumble, Davis felt a pop.
It will be the first time Davis has missed a game because of injury.
"I still think I'm invincible," he said with a smile. "This can't stop me."
With Davis out, Eric Johnson becomes the team's top tight end. Rookie Delanie Walker also might play against the Chiefs after separating his shoulder in the team's preseason finale. He is listed as doubtful but has been cleared for full practice for the first time this season.
Et cetera -- All three of the team's running backs will be on the injury report this week. Robinson is probable with a bruised shoulder, and Maurice Hicks is questionable with a sprained ankle.
• Nolan said he would ask for clarification on Robinson's chop-block penalty in the fourth quarter that negated a 50-yard pass play, and on an apparent pick by the Eagles that led to a 60-yard play late in the game.
• Guard Larry Allen (knee) continues to be listed as out.
About the writer: The Bee's Matthew Barrows can be reached at mbarrows@ sacbee.com
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/29398.html
Young 49ers are learning hard lessons
Coach Mike Nolan cites Frank Gore's and Vernon Davis' gaffes.
By Matthew Barrows - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:32 am PDT Tuesday, September 26, 2006
SANTA CLARA -- Catch the ball with two hands. Protect the ball in goal-line situations.
It sounds like Football 101, but 49ers coach Mike Nolan on Monday said those were two topics he would review with his young team following an error-riddled loss to the Philadelphia Eagles a day earlier.
For the second consecutive week, running back Frank Gore will get a lecture about exposing the ball while trying to stretch across the goal line. After fumbling twice in his rookie season, Gore this year has three fumbles, the last two within the opponent's 5-yard line.
"The two on the goal line are the ones that had me the most concerned because they both happened the same way," Nolan said. "He hit the pile, he spun, he was on his back, and they punched the ball out. And that's something he can't do."
The fumble resulted in a 98-yard touchdown for the Eagles and injuries for Gore and rookie tight end Vernon Davis. After the game, X-rays showed Gore had bruised ribs. He is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Kansas City, but the seething running back said he was eager to make amends for his mistake against Philadelphia.
"I was upset that I couldn't finish out," Gore said, his voice barely audible. "I was going to punch it in in a critical situation, and I hurt the team."
Nolan said he expected Gore would play against the Chiefs but that he was considering using rookie Michael Robinson in short-yardage situations.
Robinson scored two short touchdowns after Gore's exit. On the first, he steamrolled Philadelphia safety Brian Dawkins, who had jarred the ball loose from Gore. At about 225 pounds, Robinson is 10 pounds heavier than Gore and four inches taller.
Said Gore of the possible switch: "It's up to coach Nolan. Whatever he wants to do, I'm fine with it."
Davis also made the same mistake two successive weeks when he reached for a pass with one hand instead of grabbing it with two. In Week Two, a would-be touchdown pass clanked off his hand; against the Eagles he missed a potential long gain down the middle of the field.
"Maybe in college, he could get away with that," Nolan said. "Let's not forget that he's a rookie; he came out a year early. Believe me, your techniques as a rookie -- no matter how talented you are -- are things you have to work on and learn."
Leaning on crutches Monday, Davis said he will miss one month because of a crack in his right fibula, one of the bones in his lower leg. The team's top draft pick said he might have damaged the area during Thursday's practice and thought he felt the crack developing in the first quarter Sunday. When he was chasing the Eagles' Mike Patterson after Gore's fumble, Davis felt a pop.
It will be the first time Davis has missed a game because of injury.
"I still think I'm invincible," he said with a smile. "This can't stop me."
With Davis out, Eric Johnson becomes the team's top tight end. Rookie Delanie Walker also might play against the Chiefs after separating his shoulder in the team's preseason finale. He is listed as doubtful but has been cleared for full practice for the first time this season.
Et cetera -- All three of the team's running backs will be on the injury report this week. Robinson is probable with a bruised shoulder, and Maurice Hicks is questionable with a sprained ankle.
• Nolan said he would ask for clarification on Robinson's chop-block penalty in the fourth quarter that negated a 50-yard pass play, and on an apparent pick by the Eagles that led to a 60-yard play late in the game.
• Guard Larry Allen (knee) continues to be listed as out.
About the writer: The Bee's Matthew Barrows can be reached at mbarrows@ sacbee.com
