Well, it's officially the offseason for about 24 teams in the National Football League. More specifically, it's the most important offseason for the 49ers since 1993. If you are a die-hard 49er fan, you know what happened in 1993—the second consecutive defeat at the hands of those hated Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Title Game.
In that offseason, the 49ers picked up possibly the biggest FA during the offseason when they signed prototypical cornerback and star Deion "Prime Time/Neon" Sanders. With Sanders in the secondary, the 49ers were able to contain WR Michael Irwin and went on to win Super Bowl 29 vs. the San Diego Chargers, 49-26.
Why am I bringing up something that happened 15 years ago? No, I am not a Yankee fan or Celtic fan by saying "five for five." I am stating this because since that offseason, the 49ers haven't had this much pressure in the front office, coaching, and players to deal with.
Let me give you a synopsis on the 2008 49ers season.
They started out of the gate 2-1 after beating the Lions, which was a very, and I mean very, poorly contested game. The SAME Detroit Lions who went 0-16 this past season. They followed that hot start with four straight losses in which they either had the lead in the fourth quarter or had a chance to tie it.
First, at New Orleans, the outcome was 31-17, but more importantly, it was the first real game that QB J.T. O'Sullivan showed that he is no more but than a career backup. He threw TWO red zone picks in the game, and that was the difference.
Next up was a home game vs. New England, and they were up 14-7 after the first quarter only to lose 30-21.
Then came the biggest and possibly most disappointing loss in the Mike Nolan Era—a heartbreaking 40-26 loss that showed the ineptness and stubbornness of offensive "guru" Mike Martz, in which simply he did not run the ball enough in the fourth quarter to milk the clock.
49ers were AHEAD 26-17 at the start of the fourth quarter. Boom, two touchdowns and three field goals later by the Eagles, and you had a 40-26 loss. Finally (and mercifully), the 49ers fired their head coach of almost three-and-a-half years in Mike Nolan, if you can even call him a coach.
Who replaced him? None other than Chicago Bears legend and Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary, who was the assistant head coach for Nolan. In his first game the 49ers were the team like the one that was playing under Nolan for three-and-a-half years and were blown out by Seattle (YES, SEATTLE!).
What followed was one of the most confusing and anguished moments of the season—a botched fourth and goal attempt on Monday Night Football versus the Arizona Cardinals in which Mike Martz DID NOT use Frank Gore in the backfield at the two-yard line. Instead he put him at wideout trying to "create a diversion."
After that the 49ers split their next two games against the Rams and Cowboys. Then, you could start to see the change in the team with an impressive 10-3 win at Buffalo in the cold weather, followed by a dominating victory against the then AFC East leading New York Jets and future Hall of Famer (possibly when he turns 50) Brett Favre.
The next week saw another narrow defeat to an upstart and amazing Miami Dolphins team who were 1-15 the year before and suddenly became America's Sweethearts.
A fourth quarter comeback victory against the Rams in which they trailed 16-3 with nine minutes to go in the fourth quarter was another bright spot on the season. QB Shaun Hill (who was nearly benched for J.T. O'Sullivan at halftime) won the game with a TD pass to WR Josh Morgan.
The season finale was at home against the Washington Redskins. Many believed that if the 49ers beat the Redskins, Singletary would get the permanent head coaching job for 2009. In an emotional and gutty effort the 49ers won 27-24 on a last second game-winning field goal by PK Joe Nedney. Moments after the game, Singletary agreed to a four-year deal worth $10 million dollars.
15 comments Last one added 6 months ago — Leave a Comment
West Coast Bias 6 months ago
As I was watching the 49ers game, I came to a realization: the 49ers need Taylor Mays. It's a great fit at an area of need and he is a game changer.
I'd look for the 49ers to take him first round, then look to get a QB in the 2nd or 3rd round. I really like what they have at WR and RB, so an offensive or defensive lineman will probably also be an early pick as well.
Good post.
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Razi Syed 6 months ago
I like Jason Hill and Josh Morgan but they are more speed guys we need a WR who can get the 1st downs and has EXCELLENT hands in critical situations. I believe if we hire Musgrave the qb coach from ATL for the OC job he will love to have brob in our team...engram's a great value i dont think they bring back bruce, or battle or johnson...hill, morgan, robo, and engram would be really good and i like ziegler hes a good 5th WR. and i agree at the RB spot we are fine but we need a true speed back. someone who can take the rock and go 60-70 yards in a play, gore is more of a power running back but we need a speed back and id like to see both of them on the same field, gore used as a WR and moore as a RB...
we have a LOT of improvements need to be made but i feel we are heading in the right direction with "DA COACH"
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Steven Resnick 6 months ago
Actually from what I read on some boards they believed that Rey Maualuga would be left at number 10 I think he would be a huge lift because let's face it Takeo Spikes isn't what he used to be. Although, I find it interesting on one experts draft Alex Mack is going number 11.
I would actually draft Alex Mack because the offensive line has been a wreck for years now. Plus Eric Heitmann can return to his natural position at left guard. Mack is by far the best center in college football and he would be immediately plugged in as a starter.
That's only if Maualuga is not avaliable there, but it's hard not to go with either one of those two. Although, I did see one mock draft that had Malcolm Jenkins going at number 10 to the 49ers. I don't know about that one though.
Another thing is though I think the 49ers need to draft a decent backup running back to Frank Gore. DeShaun Foster didn't really get to show much but I think that had more to do with Mike Martz than anything and I think the 49er are pretty much set at running back.
I could also see the 49ers be able to pick up in later rounds Zach Follett or Worrell Williams one is better suited to chase the ball and tackle and the other is a pass rushing type linebacker who could use his speed to get to the quarterback.
Although, I find it funny that in the mock draft I saw that the Bengals are going suggested to be drafting Chris Wells, when a much better offensive player that could replace either Chad Johnson or T.J. Houshmanzadeh is avaliable in Michael Crabtree.
In essence I don't know why Crabtree isn't being talked about going number one or two. Yes, I know the Lions need a quarterback, but you don't always have to go with number one pick to get that especially with a wide receiver like Crabtree avaliable.
I just saw another mock draft stating that the 49ers were going to draft Sam Bradford. Interesting thought but no chance of that actually happening.
I guess different mock drafts have teams at different positions? Anyways the 49ers biggest need is a pass rusher and that's going to have to come in free agency. I totally forgot about T.J. Houshmanzadeh being a free agent another player the 49ers could look at.
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Joey Greenway 6 months ago
I hope we take one of the USC guys really. I'd be happy with Taylor Mays or Rey Maualuga.
I seriously hope we don't take Malcolm Jenkins though. I don't think he's going to be as good a player as he's touted to be.
Michael Crabtree would be good.
However our biggest needs are definately in the trenches, and this draft is loaded with quality Lineman on both sides, offensive and defensive.
Also I do not think Julius Peppers would be a 3-4 DE. I think he'd be more of a 3-4 OLB. However it depends what way Singletary wants to go really.
I would also prefer to see Asomugha rather than Dunta Robinson because Robinson is somewhat injury prone, and Asomugha is probably the best corner in the league.
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Dave Nemetz 6 months ago
Mays on the Niners would be awesome. A hard hitting, blazing fast defensive back out of USC manning centerfield for the Niners...sound familiar?
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Razi Syed 6 months ago
Haha I was going to say the EXACT same thing Dave...I miss Lott we haven't had a true safety like him since prob the early 90s. Merton Hanks was sick but he was no Lott...we need some athleticism in the secondary instead of zombies and frauds (Spencer and Roman).
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Scott Fender 6 months ago
Great Article Razi I have been on the fence on who the 49ers should draft but your article led me to realize who we should take with our pick. Hopefully he drops there but the most important thing is to definitely shore up the defense and work on the rest later. WR is not as important nor is QB. We have bigger, glaring needs at NT, DE, and Safeties. Great Read and Great insight
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Razi Syed 6 months ago
Scott,
Thanks for the feedback, and that jerk who tried to diss on my article. If he had a beef with it the kind thing to do is just EDIT the article and not be an ass.
But back to the topic at hand, I think we are set at NT. I read somewhere that Franklin our NT is doing fine, and opponents finished only running 3.0 yards per carry up the middle. If Balmer can be a starter I think he is the PERFECT NT for the 3-4. We need to upgrade Free Safety. Let's face it Mark Roman is the kind of player that the Arena Football League would love to have. He gave up WAY too many big plays and showed some horrible instincts in pass coverage that resulted in some pretty deep TD's (case in point the Miami game where he had two poorly played sequences that resulted in two touchdowns).
I would LOVE to have Bruce back but even at age 36 he had 870 yards and 6 td's which is really incredible considering the OL wasn't exactly the best (giving up a league high 55 sacks this season). I'm comfortable with Hill, and Morgan but we need a possession WR and Robiskie is the kind of player you want on your team.
QB is the most glaring issues (hasn't it been since JefF Garcia left town?) We desperately need to bring young blood into this team instead of trying to have other team's garbage onto our roster. I would be pleasantly happy with any of the QB's we select. Harper, Painter, Caldwell and Stafford. But Stafford would likely be a top 5 pick if he declares. Harper has the tools to be late first round pick but his coaching just messed his mind up this year.
We need to establish an identity. Either we are a run first team that dominates you at the line of scrimimage and if you put 8 in the box our QB can take mix in some west coast passes. defensively, we need to be more physical as well, let people know that if you come across the middle you'll get hit, and if you try to run the ball our LB's will stuff you for a loss.
I think "DA COACH" will be just fine, I am more worried about how long it will take the Yorks (minus Jed because i have faith in him) will take to screw this up. I really want Bill Musgrave, that dude is the guy I would love to have and plus with ATL out for a quick exit in January, we can interview him ASAP.
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Scott Fender 6 months ago
I do think it is too early to get another NT but if Haynseworth or Wilfork is available I say sign one of them and let Balmer develop behind one of them. With WR another rookie could be a good move and possesion is a great need but if not I think Battle can handle it he has some of the best hands in the league. However, Braylon Edwards could be on his way out of Cleveland do we take a chance on him?
At QB I have a bias towards Hill and I am not sure why but I love the guy. I feel like we could wait another year or 2 before deciding who the franchise QB is instead of rushing him to the scene like Smith.
Finally, our secondary is probably the weakest point in the team. Even with Clements and Harris. If anything get another CB and move Harris back or draft a Safety. At the top 10 it is rare to see a Safety go but this might be a perfect case to go that high on someone.
I also wonder if our picks are currently straight up? meaning are they 1-7 are regular picks with no adds or subtractions or flips?
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Razi Syed 6 months ago
We have straight up picks...1-7!
I think Haynesworth is likely to play in a 4-3 than a 3-4 and that ultimately hurts his value. I think they resign Wilfork he isnt going anywhere. Edwards i would take a chance on him but he has HORRIBLE hands, he is the new TO! QB i think harper could be someone in the 2010 or 2011 season who can be real effective if he gets the right coaching/experience...I heard somewhere that Harris is likely to retire and if he does do that i think signing dunta and drafting mays would be ideal.
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DannyBoy SportsTalk 6 months ago
I must admit, even though Bill was being unruly, he did have a point. Deion Sanders wasn't the only signing that season. He was the proverbial straw that broke the offense's back. That haul of free agents is only comparable to the '81 draft, when we brought in, among other starters, Ronnie Lott.
As for the general premise of the article, it seems like you missed the whole idea of a Salary Cap, Razi. I'm not trying to nit-pick, but signing Robinson and Peppers would require somewhere in the range of $20 million in cap space per year, including bonuses. Adding Engram in there would only lead to further cap issues, something the 49ers dealt with right after the Steve Marriucci era. I dont know about you but I couldn't deal with another Dennis Erickson. Overall, a very good article.
Scott, I appreciate your candidness. Your statement was that this website was to build people up, not to tear them down. Unfortunately, didn't you just tear down Bill with your comments? He made a valid point, although quite rude. I dont seek to validate Bill, but let's practice what you preach here. I liked your last comment on my latest article, and I really find your thoughts quite insightful. So let's leave it to sports shall we? Let's be 49ers fans and let the rest of the haters just hate. I will now get off my soapbox. Thanks,
DBST
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Razi Syed 6 months ago
Yeah i know that by adding both of them our cap room would take a big hit. But that team had already cap issues from the 1990s teams...we were still paying off players that removed from our team a good 3-5 years. I think we still have another 35-40M in cap available for next season. Peppers is only 28-29 he would command atleast a 6 year deal. I think we should sign him 5 for 75 M and then Dunta Robinson 6 for 48 M...that's 22 Million invested in those two players. I have a feeling we will cut Banta- Cain (garbage), and Jennings (also garbage) and that would lessen the blow for our cap...Jennings was getting almost 7-8M for doing nothing while Banta Cain was getting close to 4 M.
And dear god no i don't want another Dennis Erickson again lol
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Razi Syed 6 months ago
keep in mind also that the NFL might just take the cap out by 2010 or 2011 because it will be insanely high. If that happens look for more money to be backloaded onto contracts...
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Chester Saxton 6 months ago
I disagree about drafting a tailback for speed because we still have not given Thomas Clayton a chance to fill that role. But do draft a good blocking fullback.
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Razi Syed 6 months ago
I like Clayton and from what I saw what he did in preseason, i think you maybe right...but is clayton a pure speed back or a back with decpective speed and pure power?
If we like clayton, then we should draft a DE with the 5th round pick...we found harylson in 2006 with the 5th pick.
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