Turf Show Times: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:



Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
Around SBN: Steve McNair Found Shot to Death


Niners Nation Q&A

Hey folks.  This is Fooch from Niners Nation.  VanRam and I are exchanging FanPosts this week for a matchup that is likely to lead off all future NFL Films efforts...just maybe not for the quality of the football.

It's been a tough season for both our squads, but I think like the Rams, there are reasons 49ers can still have a bit of optimism going forward.  The switch to Mike Singletary has been an interesting one to say the least.  After the Seahawks blowout word leaked out about some of Mike Singletary's "motivational tactics."  One worry going into the bye was that he would lose the team as many professionals aren't going to put up with a whole lot.  Fortunately that was not the case as they came out an busted their ass on Monday against the Cardinals.  The final minute was a complete debacle, but not due to lack of effort.

Now that the season is more or less lost for the 49ers, the team can really get an idea of what it has going forward at several spots.  First of course is head coach.  I don't know yet if I want Singletary as head coach in 2009 or a more veteran guy.  I actually like what I've seen from him for the most part, but the next seven weeks will be key. 

Additionally, the team is utilizing three young receivers who need to show the 49ers they can make an impact.  The two guys to look for this weekend are Jason Hill and Dominique Zeigler.  Injuries to WRs Arnaz Battle and Josh Morgan opens up even more playing time for these two.  Hill will make his second consecutive start as the slot receiver.  Last Monday he put up 7 catches for 84 yards and seemed to have a great rapport with Shaun Hill.  Dominique Zeigler was signed off the practice squad for MNF and had one big catch for 22 yards.  The injuries move him up in the depth chart to #4, so he's now the primary backup in the slot and at the split end/X position behind Bryant Johnson.  I'd expect some decent things from him.

The 49ers defense remains an enigma as they'll sometimes get pressure, but often times get burned.  Look for Walt Harris to get roasted at some point on Sunday.

Anyways, there's plenty to discuss so fire away.

1 recs | Comment 12 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Your thoughts on Singletary's potential?

He’s good at getting in players’ faces and at making headlines, for sure. But does Singletary actually have the substance to be a good NFL coach? Curious on your take.

"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz

by taiko on Nov 13, 2008 1:17 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Singletary

I think it’s possible he does, but it’s something we’ll find out in the next 7 weeks. The players seem to have responded to his tactics, which is a big thing for a head coach. Although there is plenty of administrative stuff to deal with, I think having the players buy into the team concept is one of the biggest roles of a head coach.

I think the red zone issues from Monday are something that will be worked out as he gains experience. Singletary was never a coordinator so I think he has a lot to learn about given situations. Of course, being the main guy in those Bear defenses gives him help on that side of the ball.

In spite of his headline grabbing performances so far, we still don’t really know what Singletary brings to the table. Last week was a big game b/c it was his first real game with a chance to implement his own stuff (the Seattle game was the remnants of Nolan). This week we’ll learn if he can get the team up after a crushing loss. It’s almost like every week will bring a new lesson.

Niners Nation - The premier 49ers blog on the Internet!

by Fooch on Nov 13, 2008 2:27 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

State of the Rivalry?

Maybe the Seahawks are more of a common enemy now, but I just don’t feel the same level of hate towards the 9er organization as the 80’s & 90’s. And then there’s the Isaac Bruce signing on top of it all.

How do y’all feel about the Rams nowadays?

by mpire on Nov 13, 2008 1:35 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rams-49ers

I won’t say pity because I don’t think pity is allowed when your own team is equally awful. I won’t say I root for the Rams, but I would like to see both teams climb back to a point where it’s a real rivalry again. Although if the 49ers turned things around and the Rams remained awful I wouldn’t be entirely disappointed! I think signing Bruce would have been crazier in the past. Now that both teams are bad it doesn’t bring quite the same intrigue. I was at the 49ers-Pats game and hearing the Bruuuuuce chant as a cheer is still kind of weird.

Niners Nation - The premier 49ers blog on the Internet!

by Fooch on Nov 13, 2008 2:29 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

3-4

how long have the 49ers run the 3-4 defense?

Looking at the stats, they seem to be adequate against the run and on the low end of pass rushers in the league. What have been the bright spots? Soft spots?

by VanRam on Nov 13, 2008 3:36 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

defense

The team spent several years transitioning from the 4-3 to the 3-4, but there’s a good chance you’ll see a solid mix of 4-3 in the defense. The pass rush has been brutal, but Justin Smith has been worth every penny. He plays multiple positions and has been all over the field making plays, even if the sack and tackle totals don’t reflect it. Patrick Willis remains solid, but his numbers are down in part because guys like Takeo Spikes are making plays. Spikes has been a bright spot given how late he was added and how little he’s making.

The softest spot is either the pass rush or Walt Harris. Harris has really struggled and I’d imagine a guy like Donnie Avery can dominate him.

Niners Nation - The premier 49ers blog on the Internet!

by Fooch on Nov 13, 2008 4:02 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm sure you guys play this same game...

When you’ve got two wins on the year and aren’t optimistic about getting many more, people start taking a hard look at the roster.

If you could pick five players to jettison from your team, who would they be? Or, pick five transactions you could undo – which would they be? (This way you can address players let go…)

"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz

by taiko on Nov 13, 2008 4:01 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hm..

I’d be rid of a few players.. (if that is what your question means. I’m tired and could be totally off here.)

1. Release RT Jonas Jennings. The guy is useless. Always will be.
2. Release HB DeShaun Foster. He’s not bad, but there’s better choices. Hello HB Thomas Clayton.
3. Release CB Walt Harris. I don’t know. I like the guy but he’s not executing.
4. Release ROLB Parys Harlson or whatever his name is. I just don’t like him, simple as that.
5. Release LE Ray McDonald. Meh. I don’t even think I have reasoning here. >_>

by Ninjames on Nov 13, 2008 4:51 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

5 players to unload

1. Jonas Jennings: I think most 49ers would agree on this one
2. DeShaun Foster: He really has done nothing for this team (11 rushes for 26 yards). I agree with Ninjames, that Thomas Clayton deserves the call-up from the practice squad.
3. Walt Harris: He’s running on fumes. We’ve got young talent and I’d love to see them get some PT over him
4. Mark Roman: I’d actually rather just bump him down the depth chart and plug in Dashon Goldson as the starting free safety
5. Aubrayo Franklin: If the 49ers are determined to stick with the 3-4, I hope they can find a big ole load of a nose tackle to fill the middle. Franklin is no better than a backup.

Niners Nation - The premier 49ers blog on the Internet!

by Fooch on Nov 13, 2008 9:02 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I knew I was forgetting someone.

Keep Ray McDonald or Parys Haralson and get rid of FS Mark Roman.

by Ninjames on Nov 14, 2008 12:38 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

1.release jonas jennings-because well he gets injured to often
2.release Billy Bajema-possibly the worst tight end in the game
3.release-Walt Harris-he should just retire and say he had a good career
4.release-JT O’sulavin-do i need a reason
5.release-Mark Roman- not our best safety

by ro128487 on Nov 14, 2008 10:53 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to the SB Nation blog about St. Louis Rams.
Start posting about the Rams »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Me_and_riley_small
My new favorite Ram: Mike Karney
Small
Madden rankings for NFC West teams
Small
Let's put some excitement to the organization!
Small
New players for Rams
77687956_small
Brandon Marshall anyone?
Torryholt_small
If The Rams Suck This Year...
Small
Vick to Rams
53208714_small
Rosenbloom= Liar?
53208714_small
Colbert Super Bowl prediction for '09
53208714_small
The Dome and top 25% of stadiums

Post_icon New FanPost All FanPosts Carrot-mini

Cover the web with Turf

Add a little Turf to your internet!

Become a fan of TST on Facebook.

Follow TST and talk more Rams on Twitter.


Managers

Turfshowtimes_small VanRam

Editors

Elvis_andrus_small_small 3k

Authors

Wildcat_small Tackle Box

Uncleface_small taiko

Official Partner of Yahoo! Sports