Niners Nation Q&A

by David Fucillo on Oct 22, 2008 7:44 PM PDT

Hey folks, this is Fooch from Niners Nation. I thought I'd try a little cross-blogging here and open up the floor for any questions you guys might have about the 49ers heading into this weekend's "battle." I put battle in quotation marks because both teams have certainly had rather dubious starts to their respective seasons. The Seahawks have been absolutely hammered by injuries, and the flying circus that is the 49ers took a detour into the surreal with the firing of Mike Nolan this week. Before I open the floor I thought I'd give you guys a brief update on the offense and defense since we last met.

OFFENSE
After a rather solid start, including a 300+ yard passing against you guys, J.T. O'Sullivan has run square into a wall with 9 interceptions in the last four games. He continues to have problems holding onto the ball too long, as evidenced by 6 sacks and 4 fumbles (only 1 lost) last weekend against the Giants. Needless to say, another poor performance could see him get benched after this week.

The early highlight on offense was Frank Gore, but Mike Martz has gone back to out-smarting himself and moving away from the logical choice of using Gore more often. The 49ers held a 9 point lead in the fourth quarter against Philly and Gore touched the ball two times that quarter. I think that sums up Frank Gore-related frustrations.

DEFENSE
When the 49ers and Seahawks last faced off, Coach Mike Nolan utilized something he called the "Big Sub." It was four down linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs. It was a conservative offense in the bend but don't break mold, meant to prevent big plays. Unfortunately it broke in every way possible. Teams have run all over it and the corners have given up some big passing plays along the way.

The big difference I hope and somewhat expect to see with Mike Singletary as head coach is a more aggressive defense. That won't necessarily mean a ton more blitzing. Rather, I'd expect a more liberal use of the 3-4 and 4-3 with some blitzing mixed in. Manny Lawson saw only special teams play because according to Nolan, that worked 2006 when the 49ers took both games against Seattle. That's all well and good, but it is nice to occasionally adjust. So, I'd expect Manny Lawson to get out on the field to make some plays.

With that, I'll open the floor for questions and I'll do my best to answer them a completely as possible.

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Comments

How do you feel about the Mike Nolan Decision?

And how do you think it will effect play this weekend?

by collyb on Oct 22, 2008 9:44 PM PDT reply actions

Nolan

I’d say in regards to Nolan, it was just time. I wouldn’t say happy is the right word, but more like relieved. I honestly don’t know how things will play out the rest of this season, but sometimes change is good for change’s sake. Something just always seemed to be missing with Nolan as head coach. Maybe it’s the intensity of Singletary. Maybe not. It felt like it was due to happen at any point and you’re just glad it’s over so you can move on.

As for this weekend, and really the rest of this season, just about anything could happen. One thing I do expect is a more aggressive defense. The 49ers have played way too passively on defense and I think Singletary realizes this. In his introductory press conference he said as much. I’m not sure how this will affect the offense since Martz runs the show in that regard.

It’s really a difficult situation to figure out. However, I’m rather excited to see how it all plays out.

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by David Fucillo on Oct 22, 2008 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions

How is Joe Staley doing at left tackle?

I really liked Staley in college, just curious too how he’s adjusting to left tackle in the NFL?

by MFAN on Oct 22, 2008 11:03 PM PDT reply actions

left tackle

He’s definitely had his struggles as he’s given up the most sacks on the offensive line. However, he is definitely showing improvement. He’s the guy teams are challenging and I think with time he’ll improve. On that side, Snyder has also struggled so the left side of the line is an area the Seahawks would be likely to try and exploit.

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by David Fucillo on Oct 23, 2008 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions

What is Alex Smith's future with the 49ers?

Is there anyway his career can be ressurected by a new coach in San Francisco?

It seems he’s tanked after being completely pancaked by Rocky Bernard last year.

by redwolf75 on Oct 22, 2008 11:04 PM PDT reply actions

Rocky Bernard had nothing to do with him tanking.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 23, 2008 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions

That's when his shoulder problems started.

by redwolf75 on Oct 23, 2008 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions

Smith

If he does come back next year, it’ll have to be in a renegotiated contract. I believe he’s scheduled to make either $9 million or $12 million next season with an even bigger raise for 2010. Now that Nolan is gone, it certainly would give him a better shot at returning given the history the two had. However, I almost would rather he just move on and try to develop somewhere else. I think he has the talent to be a decent QB in this league, but his development was all screwed up in SF. If you flipped Smith and Aaron Rodgers, maybe Smith turns out decent and Rodgers is a bust.

I do think his career could be resurrected here, but sometimes it’s just best for everybody to start fresh.

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by David Fucillo on Oct 23, 2008 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions