Bleacher Report - Articles by Tre Faaborg

Quick Take: 49ers Performances in Ugly Loss to Tennessee Titans

Tre Faaborg — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:10:21 -0500

Apologies in advance to the editors who have to clean this up. I'm VERY short on time so I'm just brain dumping this stuff because I feel like I have to get it out on the table for discussion.

Feel free to flame me for giving you half an article. I'm a big boy. I can take it.

That said, here is said "brain dump." My take on how various players and units played in Sunday's loss to the Titans:

Goldson: not rangy, but a big hitter. Perhaps better off at SS? I saw him put the hurt on several dudes in this game.

Lawson/Haralson: It's now or never. Very little sack production this year, poor tackling, letting guys break contain on the edge?! I'm about to say the 49ers draft an OLB and an O-Lineman rather than Safety and O-Line. You both are on the bubble.

Alex Smith: Is it easier for him to fix his turnovers than for Shaun Hill to magically conjure up some tangible skill in throwing? I'd like to think so. This was a bit too extreme.

Sadly, Singletary said it himself, "Is Alex ready for that?" when he said he didn't think they'd just go to the spread offense.

I think they were trying to keep the opposition defense guessing in preparation for this week, that's why they said they wouldn't play a ton more spread. In the end, though, Singletary was right. 51 pass attempts...Alex wasn't ready for that yet.

O-Line: You guys did a great job Sunday, despite injuries and your past. Maybe not an elite performance, but as solid as we've seen in a long time. Continue to improve and pray the rest of your team does, too.

Jason Hill: He should start. How fast is he? Deep threat?

Morgan, if you want to play, you better start reaching out and attacking balls. You were supposed to be the best WR the 49ers had before Crabtree was signed. Play like it or sit. You are on the bubble.

Brandon Jones: Never again return a punt. Ever. Get on the field and show Morgan how wide receiver is played. Niners, get some ROI on Jones and put him on the field on offense. Brandon, you are on the bubble.

Michael Crabtree: You showed a lot those first two games. You weren't targeted much this game. Gotta make that sideline catch. Niners need to use you better. Bug them about this.

Frank Gore: Is the best athlete the 49ers have on offense, closely edging out Vernon Davis. When Gore gets the ball, you can just see his talent. He is a football player. He blocks, he jukes, he cuts, he hits the hole. He is a man.

Vernon Davis: You are the same as Frank Gore pretty much, just please remain calm when the team needs you to. Thanks for pulling guys out of the scrum yesterday and hell of a day catching the football.

Secondary: Did not play yesterday. The 49ers only marched the D-Line and Patrick Willis onto the field on defense.

Patrick Willis: Clone him three times, then four more times but shrink these clones down a little. There is your LB and DB group. This guy makes me feel sorry for him that he's surrounded by the rest of the guys, with exception of the D-Line.

Andy Lee: See "Patrick Willis" section, last sentence up to the comma.

So that's it. Okay guys. Fire away.

Here's Hoping Alex Smith's Spark Catches Fire for the 49ers

Tre Faaborg — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:45:14 -0400

Per Mike Singletary's Monday Presser , Alex Smith will be the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers going forward.

For those of us who got to watch the second half of the Houston game, this move brings with it some hope.

Hope of an offense where more than two receivers are on the field.

Hope that passes will successfully travel more than ten yards down the field.

Hope that the offense will convert on third down!

Hope that Frank Gore won't be punished so much in the box.

Hope that the Niners can compete against real-live NFL teams.

I know I've changed my tune. Maybe I'm a bit bandwagon-esque. But how can you not like the visions of more of what we saw from Smith on Sunday?

Here the 49ers sit with seven receivers on the roster.

Michael Crabtree had what I thought was an amazing debut, that showed us not only how in shape he was, but how good his routes were, and mostly, how good his hands are!

If you go back and watch some of his receptions you'll see Crabtree pluck the ball out of the air with his fingers, his hands...the way it's supposed to be done.

Add to that the NFL's leader in touchdown receptions, the best tight end in the game Vernon Davis, who's complimented in two tight end formations by the capable Delanie Walker.

Oh and there's Frank Gore and Michael Robinson (remember him?). Both excellent pass catchers and blockers, not to mention Gore being an explosive runner and Robinson tough between the tackles.

What a thing of beauty to see three and four wide receivers in the game, the defense spread out, honoring the pass and staying out of the box.

I'm sure Frank Gore will be thankful to have less guys coming at him.

Wiley Isaac Bruce can still sit in a zone like none other and Josh Morgan is the definite X-Factor in the slot and on three and four receiver sets. Hey, perhaps we can get Brandon Jones involved I mean...while we're tossing the rock here.

So here's hoping on what's to come. Alex Smith is the guy, so let's get behind him.

I can't wait to see the offense take the field, which is saying something.

49ers-Texans: What Can San Fransisco Fans Expect?

Tre Faaborg — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:25:45 -0400

We've all had nearly two weeks to go through all of the various phases of dealing with a teeth-kicking loss to Atlanta.

First there's panic, generally during the game in question, followed shortly thereafter by anger, sadness, shame...you get the picture.

Eventually though we started hearing about offensive line changes, the return of Frank Gore to the starting lineup after an ankle injury...oh yeah...and some guy named Crabtree.

I was particularly encouraged when I read that Crabtree would be sticking around with Alex Smith, Frank Gore, and as it turns out, Josh Morgan—the guy whom, for at least the short-term, Crabtree will supplant in the starting lineup.

Fast forward to now and we have glowing reports of how well Crabtree is progressing, with Morgan's help (which I absolutely love to hear—class guy, class move).

Frank Gore also sounds like he's good to go with a full workload, though I hope that Glen Coffee is used more in relief of Gore than he was in the first two games where he rarely saw the field.

Then there's the "ummm, ok?" move of rotating Adam Snyder and Chilo Rachal at right guard, in essence awarding the job at right tackle to Tony Pashos, who had been rotating with Snyder.

Again...ummmm, ok? Not sure we'll see drastic improvement in the O-Line's play with this less-than-drastic move, but here's to hoping.

So, here we are just days away from the next game and it just happens to be against a very explosive team who is starting to turn it's early season struggles around.

Yes that's right, the 49ers travel to the Houston Texans house to face Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Steve Slaton, Brian Cushing, Mario Williams, etc. Need I say more?

As I said, this is a team that is really coming together on both sides of the ball. Kinda reminds me of another team with big offensive firepower and a defense that has come alive recently.

Can't put my finger on who it is.

Oh yeah. The Atlanta Falcons.

Except this time, to top it off, the 49ers won't be on their home field.

I'm excited to see the product we put on the field this week after the bye week and all its developments, but will it have been enough?

What say you 49er faithful?

49ers Fans: Is It Too Early To Believe?

Tre Faaborg — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:53:14 -0400

Many fickle 49er fans (say that three times fast) as well as so-called "experts" alike are all answering or trying to answer one question: "Are the 49ers a good team?"

In the wake of one of the worst losses in franchise history, it's a fair question.

This fan likes to err on the side of hope.

In my opinion, the loss against Atlanta was a pure fluke.

Singletary said it best when he said that the players begin to worry about the predicament they are in and start to focus more on "I gotta make a play!" rather than sticking to their assignments, executing, etc.

Atlanta capitalized on Nate Clements going for a deflection on the long TD to Roddy White.

The team was unfortunately out of timeouts when a supposed kickoff fumble occurred, thus leaving them without the ability to challenge the play.

We all know what happened with Dre Bly and I think we can bet that won't happen again...at least not until he's near the proper end zone.

Seattle is not a bad team per se. The Minnesota game truly could have gone either way, in fact it probably should have gone the 49ers' way as that last play was a very low percentage type of play.

I agree that the running game needs to be consistent, not just a few big plays. Like the passing game's fate, it lies in the offensive line's hands. This aspect, as well as the many mental errors that occurred in the Atlanta game, I believe will be rectified, or at least significantly improved upon during the coming weeks.

While I wouldn't call the 49ers an elite team, I do think they are the best team in the division and if they can pick up even a few games outside of the division...they will be playoff bound.

From there it depends on how much we improve in the areas of need between now and then. Crabtree I expect to have an instant impact, albeit minor at first, but becoming much larger down the stretch.

Again, ultimately I think it comes down to the offensive line. If they can get that shored up...I think this team will be scary.

Imagine if they were playing the same type of defense they played for the first 3.99 weeks...as well as having an offense where, albeit a conservative approach, the quarterback has three or more seconds to find a receiver! The running backs have holes to run through! You know, the way it's drawn up?

The 49ers have some work to do this bye week...and beyond. Here's hoping they get it done.

Changes Coming: Singletary's Monday Presser Highlights

Tre Faaborg — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:21:25 -0400

Most fans, myself included, were reeling after Sunday's blowout loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park. Trying to find answers and retain some hope, I turned to head coach Mike Singletary's Monday press conference. Coach Singletary did not disappoint.

First, in a surprising but incredibly necessary move, Singletary introduced Dre Bly to the podium so he could publicly apologize for his antics during an interception return in Sunday's game. Bly repeatedly used the term "inappropriate" in describing what he called a bad decision. He also continually noted that his actions didn't line up with what coach Singletary wants from him as a veteran on this team.

It was evident that Bly knew he had disappointed Singletary, first and foremost, and also the rest of the staff and fans.

I was glad to see it was dealt with, though I'm sure others will say that the fact that Singletary doesn't intend to "punish" Bly is letting him off easy. I could tell that Bly will think twice about show boating like that again. These guys don't want to upset the H.C.

The next interesting tidbit came when Singletary eluded several times to there being possible changes on the offensive line. He also made reference a few times to making sure the 53 guys on the roster are the guys who give the team the best chance to win.

It's good to see the coaching staff responding to an issue that has plagued this team for quite some time now. With fickle fans calling for Shaun Hill's benching, it doesn't take a genius to see that no quarterback could have much success without time to throw.

Add to that the fact that the running game hasn't been the dominant force that the coaches envisioned thus far...and it's easy to see why changes need to be made. The only question now is will the team solely look within the confines of the roster and practice squad? Or will they seek talent elsewhere?

Next, coach Singletary said when asked whether Michael Crabtree would stay in town to put in some work over the bye week: "He's already had his bye week. A long one."

Hopefully Nate Davis or perhaps Trent Dilfer are around town to throw Crabtree the ball as he works on the routes that the coaches have no doubt given him to learn.

Lastly, Singletary made a statement that most fans have been hoping will be the case going forward. That this is a team building something. That this team will be special this year. And that this was uncharacteristic of who this team is, and will be.

Now all that's left to do is prove that statement, something that you can bet coach Singletary will put on his players to go out and accomplish.

49ers Vs. Vikings Final Minutes: Why Hind Sight Is Always 20/20

Tre Faaborg — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:32:32 -0400

As I watched the screen of a "netbook" style laptop waiting for the next play to refresh, I remember the sense of victory I had when the 49ers got the ball back late in the 4th quarter.

I was unable to see the game live or otherwise due to a friend's birthday party we were attending.

"Just get some first downs and you will have beaten a team many thought you couldn't hold a candle to!" I said.

Then San Francisco went 3 and out on consecutive running plays and were forced to punt the ball back to the Vikings and Mr. Fourth-Quarter himself with ample time left on the clock.

Nervously I stared at the 10.1 inch screen, hoping beyond all hope that the next "bar" indicating the previous play's progress wouldn't be one that extended to the end zone, or even close.

Prayers answered.

As I saw that the Vikings had been forced to punt, I was wearing a grin from ear to ear. The 49ers could surely run out the clock at this point and the victory was theirs.

The first play was, again, a run for little gain. Then another. Then another.

I was beside myself as the 49ers again punted the ball back, breathing new life into the Vikings chances of stealing away a game for which San Francisco had fought so hard.

I chewed all of my fingernails off as I watched the screen. The Vikings were moving down the field masterfully. But they were running out of time.

When the final play was set to occur I feared the worst, though I didn't expect it. I fully expected there to be a hail mary attempt of some sort that would surely fall innocently to the turf as the 49ers celebrated the victory that so mightily tested their resolve.

The bar then reached all the way from the 32 yard line to the back of the end zone and somewhere on that tiny screen I saw the words "TOUCHDOWN!"

I waited, hoping it was going to come back on a penalty. There would surely be a review. It will get reversed. We can't lose this game on the last play.

Then the game that was on the TV at the time cut to the live broadcast from Minneapolis. The review had been upheld and the Vikings were on the field celebrating their last second heroics.

And I was getting so used to the phrase "Three and oh!"

I spent a good bit of time at my desk today reading post-game articles, watching highlights, perusing blog comments, etc. I needed something more...justification, closure...something.

I saw many comments echoing the same thoughts that ran through my head during the closing minutes of Sunday's tragic loss.

Why didn't they pass on 3rd down to try and get the first down? Why so conservative? Why weren't there 47 guys in the end-zone defending that last-second pass? Why didn't we rush more guys to pressure Favre into a bad throw?

I felt conflicted.

Part of me wanted to justify the loss in some way that would make certain that we were the better team...only we had simply made some easily-fixed error that ended up costing us the game.

But still another part of me wanted to believe that we were indeed the better team...but had simply lost on a lucky, impossible play that no one could have predicted.

I'm not sure which side won.

My final conclusion though—the one that gives me that "closure" or whatever it is that a die-hard fan needs to get over a tough loss—is that hind sight is 20/20.

Sure, it's cliche...but let me explain.

If that final, fateful pass had ricocheted off of someone's helmet and landed harmlessly on the ground as most of them seem to do...would there have been any doubt about how the 49ers handled the closing minutes?

Sure, there invariably would have been some, but would it have been as widespread? I think not.

We would have heard experts and fans alike praising the coaching staff for protecting the ball, ensuring they didn't turn it over, and having the confidence in the Defense to put the game away.

After all, that's what happened in Week 1 against Arizona wasn't it? San Francisco's defense was brilliant in coming up with a last-second strip of Kurt Warner to end the game.

That's, however, what we as fans do. For whatever reason, it seems to soothe the pain by making the loss more about a choice than about the talent on the field.

I for one have no doubt that in the end, the 49ers were no worse than the Minnesota Vikings on that day.

There's no telling what would have happened if San Francisco had decided to pass on the final 3rd down. Perhaps a pick-six to end the game...perhaps an incomplete pass, giving even more time to the Vikings to work with on their final drive.

Hind sight is so easily clear because it allows us to point out what should have happened after we already know the results of what DID happen. Fact is though, nothing is certain.

Brett Favre and the Vikings beat the 49ers on the only play that could have possibly won the game. They executed a very low percentage pass and won the game. That San Francisco was in the game, winning the game, until that point shows this fan that they belonged there and could have just as easily won.

Maybe next time...you know, "in the playoffs!"

San Francisco 49ers: Thoughts After Two Wins

Tre Faaborg — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:21:14 -0400

I wrote this article after the third preseason game of 2009, detailing who the San Francisco 49ers were as a team. My reactions to their play in the preseason led me to make some statements about the team, as well as identify some areas that appeared to need improvement

I thought I would follow up every few weeks with some impressions about the team, especially considering that they have surprised me along the way.

I know it's only Week Three in the NFL, and we still don't really know most team's true identities—and if we claim to, we're either going to be wrong...or lucky.

That being said, I'll do my best to give some impressions of what the 49ers have shown thus far, and also try to discern which areas constitute a real identity and which are more situational inconsistencies.

Running Game

Well, I had sworn the 49ers would own every team on the ground this year...or at least, I figured, they wouldn't get shut down at all this season.

Week One proved me wrong on that front, but Week Two made me look like a genius. Obviously, the apparent reality of the running game is somewhere in the middle.

The 49ers are a running team. I have no doubt about that. I also don't think that's going to change by season's end. The Arizona game was just downright weird.

First of all, the team didn't run block well at all. Even against eight and nine-men fronts, you have to be able to find a way to get to the second level and expose the lack of defensive depth beyond the line of scrimmage.

Averaging 1.8 yards per carry can't happen again. Ever.

Secondly, the play calling was a little suspect. Maybe the 49ers were trying to convince the Cardinals they would run the ball no matter what so Arizona would be dumbfounded when they threw it. Either way, I'd prefer not to have to win the game on Shaun Hill's arm late in the fourth quarter.

Where was the screen game? That's a run-blitz-beater!

And where was Glen Coffee? If the 49ers are going to bash the ball into the teeth of the defense 30 times a game, they should share the load so they don't kill Frank Gore!

Well, the team recovered nicely in Seattle, displaying that beating a stacked line of scrimmage can be done.

Sure, their yards came mostly on two big plays, but that's because they exposed the weakness in a stacked box. There is little to no help beyond five yards past the line of scrimmage. Gore beat the guys he had to and goodnight.

As I said, the reality of where the running game is at this point lies in the middle somewhere. The 49ers have the ability to beat run defenses, and, if they continue to prove that, we will see more varied fronts, allowing the team to hopefully grind out four to five yards per carry and control the clock.

Passing Game

If the home run touchdown play from Gore can open up the defense, maybe the 49ers won't have to prove as much in the passing game. That's significant because I'm pretty sure the team's pass offense is a slow work in progress.

Hill has done everything asked of him thus far.

People complain about him all the time. He has a noodle arm. He can't make deep throws. He has no mustard on the ball. Blah, blah, blah.

He doesn't lose games.

Hill hasn't thrown an interception yet. The team has only had one turnover through two games, with a differential of plus-two (tied for fourth in the NFL). We all know the truth in the statement: Whoever wins the turnover battle usually wins the game.

Still, there are plenty of areas the 49ers could improve that wouldn't necessarily constitute having a "high flying" passing attack.

Hill has been sacked eight times, second only to Aaron Rodgers' 10 sacks. Every sack has potential for a forced fumble, and every near-sack has the possibility of a bad throw leading to a pick.

Add to that, Hill has only thrown for 353 yards, which places him 28th in the NFL. I'm not as worried about this, though. I think that with confidence, practice with the receivers, and continued success of the run game, the passing game will open up some.

So, to summarize the passing game: It's not losing any games, it's not winning any games, per se. Sure, Hill had the drive in the fourth quarter in Arizona. But, as I said, I don't think anyone wants to rely on that consistently. Let's keep running the ball and let the passing game come.

Defense

I joined the fray in busting on the defense for its lack of pass rush this preseason. The hope from all of us was that 49ers were just in "vanilla" (still hate that word) mode for the exhibition and once they started stunting and blitzing, they'd show more pressure on the quarterback.

Well, they're still being called vanilla on defense, spending a lot of time in a base package. However, for whatever reason, the pass rush has shown up.

Thankfully, thus far, the 49ers have really played as a team.

Against Arizona, the defense played as good as you could ask a unit to play, period. Kurt Warner was on his back more than a promiscuous girl at a frat party. Good thing, too, because the offense couldn't manage to get out of its own way save for the game-winning drive.

In Week Two, the pass rush wasn't nearly as vicious, registering only one sack. The offense definitely stepped up with two huge touchdown runs by Gore to put the game out of reach.

In both games, though, the run defense has been smothering. The 49ers rank third in the league, allowing only 106 yards rushing through two games. What's more, they haven't given up a single rushing touchdown, either.

Their takeaways are another bright spot. Three interceptions are tied for third in the league, though NFL-wide comparisons are somewhat irrelevant this early in the season.

Conclusions

Thus far, I would conclude the 49ers have improved upon who I "thought they were" in the preseason.

Their running game overall has lived up to expectations, though they really need to be consistent. The offensive line needs to be accountable and continue to improve and execute.

The passing game is doing what we thought it would do...not losing games, but not being flashy by any means. It will need to come along and have its moments at some point down the road in order to win the tough games.

The defense is shaping up to be one of the best in the NFL if it can continue on the path it's on. I think this is the most consistent part of the team thus far.

They haven't gotten lucky or had fortunate bounces of the ball. Instead, they have whipped opponents on nearly every play and won matchups, leading to outstanding team defense. The fundamentals emphasized by the coaching staff in training camp and beyond have obviously paid off.

All in all, I don't think the 49ers fall into the same categories as other teams do at this point in the season.

Often times, when looking at a 2-0 team, there is uncertainty about whether or not it really proves they are a good team. In the 49ers' case, though, I think they've played good, sound fundamental football. I look for them to continue to play well, even in losing efforts, and establish an identity to the world.

The San Francisco 49ers Are Who We Thought They Were...but Hoped They Weren't

Tre Faaborg — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:41:31 -0400

Sure, it's the preseason. I know, you're not supposed to draw any conclusions from it. But I tend to disagree, to an extent.

When the first-team offense is going up against a first team defense...you can draw some conclusions. These are my thoughts after the first three pre-season games for the San Francisco 49ers:

We can run the ball pretty darn good. We have an absolute stable of running backs at our disposal and our offensive line definitely knows how to run-block. No need to run lots of sweeps or gimmick plays...we'll be fine between the tackles, thank you.

We can't manage to get a football to land in the ocean even when throwing it from a life-raft in the ocean! Seriously, I have remained optimistic all preseason about our passing game, but now I'm starting to get a little worried.

Our supposed "breakout candidate" Josh Morgan (whom I've personally touted to friends as someone whom "you'll know his name by the time the season is over") is rarely targeted, and, when he is, though some of the passes are not between the numbers, he's not coming down with catches.

For all of the talented receivers we supposedly had (and I agreed with this statement most of the off-season as well), nobody is impressing. I would have to say Arnaz Battle is the best option we have right now because of his knack as a possession receiver to get open.

The line is not giving the quarterback enough time on most passing downs, which seems to be part of the problem. However we have to find a way to manufacture some passing yards or the "talented stable of running backs" (see above) will end up being a group of broken-down old mules by the bye week.

Hey, if we can succeed at the old "I'm coming right up the gut so try and stop me!" approach, that would be awesome. I don't see us imposing our will on defenses to that level just yet, though. We still have issues with depth on the offensive line and are starting some guys who don't have a ton of game experience. Teams are going to exploit our inability to throw the ball and stack eight guys in the box, licking their chops.

And that's just the offense...

Defensively we aren't trying to sack the quarterback. We aren't. We can't be. If we were, we might, oh I don't know, succeed or even get close every now and then! Maybe it's "vanilla" defense, a term which, by the way, I'm growing to hate.

Then I hear things like "we're going to have to use scheme to get pressure." Wasn't one of the primary changes in the defense upon Nolan's departure to remove a lot of scheming so that we had a simple, easy to execute defense? What happened to "win the individual battles with sound fundamentals?" Oh, I know what happened to it...it was a typical, inspiring thing to say going into training camp.

We better bring a gun to a knife fight soon if we're going to start winning these "individual battles" because I don't see it.

Now to our secondary. This is what my eyes tell me, so please someone explain to me that what I see is not necessarily what we'll get this year: Soft, soft zones; bend don't break coverage; taking occasional shots on the ball in the hopes of getting a turnover before it is put in the end zone.

Are we playing quarters all game? It seems like anything in the flat or underneath is just "on the house." Maybe we're trying to eliminate the perennial highlight reels with a 49er defensive back getting burnt to a crisp on a long passing play. Hey, at least we'll look good on SportsCenter! Do they hand out trophies for that?

Our run defense and run offense are the bright spots so far, and yes, I know, that lines up with what Singletary had said we would be. I never thought, however, that it was implied that we'd be really good in those areas and, in turn, completely inadequate in all other facets of the game.

Or maybe we're just trying to be the anti-Cardinals-of-last-year in hopes that we can somehow be their kryptonite and thus, by default, take the division crown from their tiny little birdie feet.

Brett Favre's Toughest Decision Yet: Dinner [Humor]

Tre Faaborg — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:42:23 -0400

In all fairness, this article was spawned in response to this article and chronicles the way our favorite newsworthy ancient ex/current/ex quarterback makes his evening dinner plans.

Brett Favre loves him some dinner...but he's been eating for quite some time, and on this night, he's really trying to decide if he has the appetite or not.

At first, he decides it's been a long love affair with food, and he feels he must step away from dinner. However, surprisingly he is driven by his wife to a restaurant, sat down, and ordered for.

He likes the meal at first until he gets to the desert, at which time he strains his esophagus and throws up repeatedly as a result.

At the end of the meal Favre proclaims that tomorrow night he will not be eating dinner. But as tomorrow night approaches, he begins to reconsider and calls a local restaurant.

He tells the host he'd like to come eat there but isn't certain yet. The restaurant tells him he has until 8PM to make his reservation otherwise they are going to let two other parties fight it out to see who gets the table.

Brett waits several hours before finally calling back around 7PM to say he's decided not to eat.

The restaurant then calls both of the other two parties to let them know they will be able to show up for a last minute decision as to who is able to dine at their establishment. The two parties both show up rather disheveled and fairly unimpressive in appearance. Meanwhile Favre has been snacking at home constantly since cancelling his reservation, provoking rumors that he is obviously still hungry.

At this point other patrons begin to rumor that Brett will indeed be coming to dinner tonight, which quickly starts quite a hub bub in the establishment, and in the restaurant community in general. Some even report that a table indeed has been reserved for Favre at the restaurant he called earlier.

Then, at long last...Favre is seen arriving at the restaurant in one of their very own vehicles. Reports have it that he simply has to order his food and the dining experience will begin.

It doesn't take long for video of Brett having apetizers with other restaurant patrons to surface, confirming that he is definitely there for eating.

Details of his dinner order are pending. We shall see how the meal turns out.

San Francisco 49ers Look Rough Around Edges in Preseason Opener

Tre Faaborg — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 16:08:49 -0400

Though there were plenty of bright spots, to me it looked at times as though the 49ers thought they were playing in a scrimmage perhaps.

Maybe that's the way the coaches wanted to approach this game. Don't play your butts off, save some for the rest of the preseason, regular season opener, etc.

The offense looked crisp, spirited, efficient, (insert adjective here) during the first series. It was nice to see Vernon Davis thrown to twice in the first few minutes of play (and to see him catch the ball and run with it).

Then Alex Smith came in.

I'm not a hater. I want the guy who's playing the best to be our QB. Last night however, Smith looked a lot like the old Alex we all want to forget.

Granted Shaun Hill only got one series with which to compare himself to Smith. But that leaves a handful of positive plays to compare to a few dozen roller coasters.

I would have been even more pleased if Hill didn't take a sack while holding the ball far longer than the three second drills from camp would allow. As for Smith...well, he moved outside of the pocket numerous times and then failed to either hit a receiver or throw the ball away. In fact, I'd be fine if one out of every ten plays was a ball chucked onto the Gatorade table if necessary. Interceptions are a loss of possession. Sacks are a loss of down AND a loss of yards. Incompletions are only a loss of down. You decide.

The QB's aside, I thought that Glen Coffee calmed my nerves about what I seemed to have been reading about his performance thus far in training camp. It had appeared that he was doing nothing exceptional, even impressive in camp as of yet. However Friday night he was the one-cut-downhill runner we all were hoping we drafted to spell our most prized possession, Frank Gore - who, by the way, I'm glad is resting.

At this point I don't think Gore is going to be affected by missing preseason action. Give him one series in each of the last two preseason games and he'll be fine. If you give him any work in the preseason at all.

Other bright spots in the offense were Kory Sheats 5.1 yards per carry including a nice long run. Looks like we will have the tools necessary to be the bruising, bone crushing, clock eating unit that Singletary (and most of the fan base) wants.

Josh Morgan looked great to me. This kid is athletic and smart. He had limited opportunities and didn't make any "wow" plays, but I liked the comeback route where he took charge and went and got the ball. I'm excited about our young prospect this year.

Another wonderful surprise came in the form of Brit Miller, the converted linebacker who looks poised to be a big time contributor at the fullback position.

Miller caught two touchdowns in the contest. The first one was a bailout for Smith where Miller sat in a hole and provided an emergency outlet near the goal line. Smith panicked but did finally pull the trigger and find Miller standing alone just outside the end zone. The other was a play where Miller caught a dump-off pass in the right flat, wide open, and took the ball streaking down the sideline for a touchdown.

Miller's blocking in the passing game was pretty good too compared to Zak Keasy's efforts which directly lead to two sacks. Rather ironically, Keasy left the game after breaking his forearm during a special teams tackle, making Miller's good performance even more important.

Pass protection didn't look stellar most of the night, although most people realize we're built more for run blocking. Still, we need to occasionally give these guys the full three or four seconds to throw, INCLUDING an actual pocket from which to do so. Again, this was one of the elements that seemed to be lacking.

The other side of the line wasn't real impressive as it pertains to the passing game either. Moreover, our pash rush was almost nil. I know we have good depth of young guys here so it's not the utmost of my concerns but it was obvious that this aspect of the defense was nonexistent.

The run defense was pretty good although I thought we could have made more plays for little gain or loss. Justin Smith was all over the place for a D-Lineman, once making a tackle near the sideline that really got me going.

The guy who I really like, although he doesn't figure to heavily contribute much beyond special teams, is Scott McKillop. The kid isn't "prototypical linebacker" by design but he's got a good motor and was playing his heart out. He also seems very humble and willing to do anything just to make the team and contribute. He ended up with quite a few tackles albeit playing against scrubs for most of the second half. I can really see him developing into something special if he keeps it up.

Enough about my new man crush...let's talk secondary.

Sure what you'll see on the highlight film are the four interceptions—something some will probably solely attribute to Kyle Orton rather than the talent of the Niners secondary. A few of the picks were very athletic plays and I like the ball hawking style we seemed to play with in that respect.

However the troubling part was the cushion and look of confusion the secondary played with at times. Again, this may have been the plan all along—to play a "bend don't break" style to keep guys healthy, etc. It is only the first preseason game and one would expect the energy to elevate as time goes on.

And I'm not the coach so what do I know? I guess I want to see our defense SCARE people this year in every facet. I want to see receivers getting hit, balls batted down, pressure on opposing quarterbacks, punishing blows to backs daring to run between the tackles.

I hope this style of play reveals itself during the season opener and throughout the 16 games, and into the future for the Niners defense.

I know this article was kind of all over the place, lacked really any statistical info (even though we all know stats mean almost nothing in preseason anyways), and yes, it's entirely written from the point of view of a life-long fan of the Niners. I hope, however that it comes across as honest and relatively objective as it pertains to what we learned and what we need to improve upon if this in fact was any indication as to how we'll show up for game one in September and beyond.

Go Niners!

Update: Brandon Jones Out For Two Months

Tre Faaborg — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:46:42 -0400

ESPN.com just reported that San Francisco 49er wide receiver Brandon Jones will miss two months with a fractured shoulder.

Head coach Mike Singletary is apparently saying that Jones will not need surgery.

This takes away some quality depth at the position and some will say gives Michael Crabtree more bargaining leverage in his saga to become what this writer feels is overpaid for his draft slot.

I for one hope that the 49ers do not change their stance in these negotiations: I liken it to bargaining with terrorists in fact, although on a decidedly much smaller scale.

This news however may at least temporarily increase the fantasy value of receiver Josh Morgan.

Already projected to be a starter opposite Isaac Bruce, Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye has said that Morgan can play all three receiver positions. With Morgan's experience last season it would figure that he has a good chance to get even more opportunities in multiple receiver packages.

Stay tuned as this situation develops and, you can bet, the media will further spin and over analyze the state of the 49ers draft pick.

Finding the 49ers: How Much Room Is There for Improvement in San Francisco?

Tre Faaborg — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:08:28 -0400

I was looking at stats today, being the Monday Morning Quarterback that I am, trying to see just what our shortcomings were during the 2008 season. As I poured through the numbers, one thing became apparent to me...The 49ers weren't very good in almost every category...at all.

An obvious statement. Anyone who followed the team, even from a "highlight-reel" perspective, would agree with this. However to this author, when looking deeper, we see that there are a few key underlying causes.

Now if you've already been through this exercise, now would be the time to duck out the back exit. If you haven't looked much deeper than SportsCenter or watching the games though, the following just might give you an insight into why the 49ers didn't win a lot of games last year. This is how I got on this "mission"

I was commenting on another article on B/R, myself being disappointed in our "No. 1 Receiver" Isaac Bruce's stats of only 835 yards last year, when someone made a few good points: We are a running team and we spread the ball around a lot.

Now that got me thinking. OK...well there are a lot of "running teams" out there. What kind of stats do they have?

This actually was the beginning of looking at all of the stats I'm writing about here...The first of which was total yards in the season.

Overall Offense

They were 23rd in the League in 2008 with only 4,978 total yards, 22nd with an average of 21.2 PPG, totaling only 31 TD's on offense (less than two per game), and only 10 Rushing TD's.

Rushing

Our "running team" was 27th in the NFL with only 1,599 yards. Also, 27th with only 397 attempts. The top seven teams averaged over 500 carries (and all rushed for over 2,100 yards). Our average of 99 yards per game was good enough for 27th overall as well. 4.0 yards per carry was good enough for 21st in the league.

10 rushing TD's tied us for 15th overall, but in reality, there were 24 teams with more rushing TD's than us, so let's look at it that way.

Passing

We were actually 13th with 3,379 yards...The bright spot perhaps. We managed 16th in completion percentage, though 18th in passing attempts. We did have 21 TDs which was actually good enough to tie for ninth in the NFL.

Preliminary Conclusions

Originally when I saw the scoring numbers I immediately thought, "Wow, we didn't capitalize on scoring opportunities." After looking at the rest of the stats, I drew one larger conclusion:

We didn't have the ball enough on offense. I say that because of how low we ranked in attempts, which consequently led to low totals in yards and scoring. Time of possession agrees with this (could have checked that first and saved myself a lot of time).

Now most of us all know that if you don't have the ball enough, either you're turning the ball over or your defense can't stop the other team. Or in this case, a combination of the two.

Defensive Stats

The 49ers were 13th against the run, total yards allowed, and yards per game. Not too shabby.

Against the pass however, the 49ers were 20th in passing yards allowed overall and per game. They were 23rd in the league in points allowed overall and per game.

Turnover Stats

We gave the ball away 35 times in 2008 compared to only 18 takeaways. That's -17 in the turnover margin. That's -1 per game.

Final Conclusions

One extra possession for the other team is going to hurt.

One could argue that the reason the defensive stats weren't as good as they could be is due to the fact that the other team is getting more opportunities. The defense is on the field longer, especially late in the game when it's most important.

However, we can't let the defense totally off the hook either.

While the 35 giveaways was an NFL worst in 2008, the 18 takeaways was in the bottom five as well. The fact is, this team almost seemed to not want the ball last season. The offense gave it back to the opposition and the defense didn't get it back very often.

I think we all know this is going to change quickly. With the stern Mike Singletary overseeing Greg Manusky and Jimmy Raye, these guys are going to preach discipline with the ball on offense and a relentless pursuit of it on defense.

Winning the turnover battle will go a long ways, however our passing defense plays a role in takeaways and allowed a lot of yardage and scoring last year on it's own. With the addition of veteran Dre Bly and projected-star Dashon Goldson, let's hope our long-plagued secondary can finally play as well as the other units.

All in all, I think the 49er faithful can expect improvement in most, if not all categories we've discussed here, if we can find a way to get and keep the ball.

Really? Crowning the Vikings Already? Here We Go Again...

Tre Faaborg — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:03:43 -0400

So here I find myself again (albeit much earlier in the season than last year) in disbelief over the instant crowning of the Minnesota Vikings as not only NFC North champs, but tops of the entire conference. It's a forgone conclusion, right? I mean, we all know Favre is coming...and we remember what heights he brought the Jets to last year when everyone was foaming at the mouth to crown them. Seriously?

Now, let me get something straight. This is more about our seemingly uncontrollable urge to declare a team is going here or there. Lately it seems though, Favre is being billed as the Messiah for the Vikings and thus, they have been crowned Rulers of the Galaxy. Some would have you believe that despite all of the other changes they've made, that Favre will be the final part of the puzzle...as if they couldn't improve on last season's results without him.

I know, I know...you'll say, "but the Vikings went to the playoffs last year! They have Adrian Peterson! They have a great defense (including two possibly suspended men with the same last name)!"

And you're right. Although I'm not quite as ready as some to call the Jets team of last year "much shorter on talent" simply based upon the fact that Brett played poorly there last year and we're all excited about this year! Doing that, to me, seems like what everyone is getting caught up in.

Lavernues Coles is a great receiver. I'm not partial, I could care less about the guy, but I had him on my fantasy roster a few years straight and the guy simply produces. Every single game is not a 100+ yard effort with a touchdown or two to accompany...but just because we want 40 points out of a guy in fantasy, let's not lose our perception of what a great receiver is.

I guess you could put Bernard Berrian in the same class as Coles...sure, if you want to fine...it's kinda close.

Thomas Jones and Leon Washington might not quite be Adrian Peterson (who is not God people, he's just really good) and Chester Taylor...ok...I'll give you that one.

The Jets' defense was just not good last year, although they weren't near the bottom by any stretch. Though Minnesota beat the Jets in defensive team stats in a lot of categories, consider this:

The Jets forced the most fumbles last year in the league with 29 (Vikes had 22). They tied for ninth in the league in interceptions with 14 (Minnesota had 12). And their points per game (PPG) allowed was only 1.5 higher than the Vikings.

Sure they allowed more rushing, passing, and total yards per game than Minnesota. They threw a league-high 23 interceptions, 22 of which were thrown by Favre! If the opposition has the ball nearly 1.5 extra possession per game...your defensive stats are going to suffer.

Still they managed to get takeaways...more chances for their offense to right the ship. But Favre "is who we thought he was" (to quote Denny Green) and slung the ball around all over the place, usually to the other team. I know Favre had the injury and I'm sure that greatly contributed. Who's to say he won't get hurt again? I mean, he is an older player who plays with high energy (that while is great to watch, can also put him in a position to get hurt).

Guys, gals...my point here is that the Vikings are not a wildly different team than the Jets talent-wise, so let's dispel that myth. No, I'm not saying they're the same team. Yes I know coaching is different, playbooks are different, but can we stop saying that Minnesota is going to fix Favre...which is what we're really saying if you look closely enough!

Based on Favre's past performance, he will make risky throws no matter what or he just wouldn't play the game anymore! Do you think he wants to come back to play a game management role in a run-dominated offense? What part of his career was that ever his role? What visions are conjured up in your mind when thinking about Brett Favre? Is it calmly handing the ball off and making short dump-off passes? We probably wouldn't love to watch him so much if he didn't play the way he does!

Look, I love to watch the guy play. When things go his way, it's some of the best darn football in the world to see. I hope fate smiles on him this year, but stop trying to justify a Super Bowl bid already, will ya?

Outback Bowl Preview: Greene Key to Iowa's Success

Tre Faaborg — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:38:19 -0500

On this New Year's Eve I find myself filled with anticipation for the Bowl games to come tomorrow. Being an Iowa Hawkeye fan I am most certainly looking forward to the Outback Bowl, which pits Iowa against Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks.

In this game, as with all of Iowa's successful outings this year, one thing will be key: Shonn Greene.

I read an article earlier today stating that Iowa was perhaps the best four-loss team in the country...Something I can't disagree with. Oh if only there were a Big Ten Conference Championship! Yet, I digress.

The Hawkeyes have won five of their last six games, including an upset of Penn State, then-ranked No. 3 in the country. This success was largely due to the dominance of Shonn Greene, the Hawkeye's stellar tailback.

Greene rushed for over 1,700 yards, 17 touchdowns, averaged 6.2 yards per carry, and rushed for over 100 yards in each game this season. Since the Hawks righted the ship and went on their six game stomp through the second half of the season, Greene has accounted for 12 of those 17 touchdowns, averaging over 150 yards per game.

Iowa has always been a running team aided by hefty farm-raised lineman and a gritty approach to the game. It's something they've stuck to and something that will ultimately help them dismantle the Gamecocks on New Years Day. Especially considering the stats:

Consider Greene's success in the Big Ten, a conference known for running the ball as well as rush defense. Penn State, Iowa, and Ohio State are all three among the top 20 in rush defense. Yet Greene rushed for over 152 yards per game against Big Ten opponents.

I see nothing in South Carolina that will slow down the "Greene Machine" either.

Iowa averaged over 189 yards per game this year good for 28th in the nation. Meanwhile South Carolina gave up 128.7 ypg. With this kind of rushing game the Hawkeyes will be able to dominate the clock as well as mix in the play action pass to keep SC guessing.

No one has been able to stop Shonn Greene this year. And short of a truly stellar defense, which the Gamecocks are not, no one will.

Tre's Week 14 Picks

Tre Faaborg — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:43:00 -0500

Here I go with another week's worth of predictions in the topsy turvy world of the NFL:

OAK @ SD - I have been reading all sorts of very "situational" stats about these teams against one another, individual performances against the opposing team, etc. Although San Diego seems to be in trouble this year, they have the talent and are just better built than the Raiders. Chargers pull away in 3rd quarter.

JAC @ CHI - Is this the week Jacksonville bounces back and plays up to par? I find that hard to believe with the way they've played, especially in Soldier Field on a cold day (High in the low 20's). Chicago wins this one.

HOU @ GB - In this case it's Green Bay who needs to bounce back and I think they will playing in a frigid Lambeau Field on Sunday. Look for a breakout day from the skill positions.

ATL @ NO - This is one of the better games of the week I think. New Orleans at home plays with a lot of passion. Atlanta is about as well put together as a team can get. I think with New Orleans losing the players to suspension, Atlanta wins by 10.

CLE @ TEN - Tennessee thrashes the QB-less Browns in a game you might not want to watch.

PHI @ NYG - I know the whole NFC East conversation has been propagated all year...and I said it back then...these teams are going to beat up on each other and there's no way three or even two of them will likely go to the playoffs while everyone else's records improve. Here we are. But I digress...Giants win more convincingly than you might think...I'll go with 14 points victors.

CIN @ IND - (See above CLE @ TEN and substitute Indianapolis for Tennessee and Bengals for Browns)

MIN @ DET - Could this be the game that Detroit finally gets with the advantage of the Williams boys being suspended? Maybe...but I really am starting to think they'll go 0-16. Minnesota in a sloppy game.

MIA @ BUF - Actually it should read "MIA vs. BUF in CANADA"...It's still cold, but they're still the Bills. I look for Miami to further embarrass Buffalo in a low scoring, but not-close game.

NYJ @ SF - Upset special!! I'm going with the Niners in this one to de-throne the Jets, whom I never really thought were one of the best teams in the AFC anyways, but I can't say "I told you so" until this defeat.

KC @ DEN - I think this will be a good game too. I almost don't know who to pick here because KC is really playing much improved...but then again so are the once-hard-to-watch Broncos. I'll take Denver in a shootout at home.

NE @ SEA - Let me tell you a bedtime story...more of a campfire story. Once upon a time a couple of Bullies had a fight. It was close at first...but there was a clear victor. The next week the losing Bully went to pick on some 3rd graders. Guess who's who in the last sentence?

STL @ ARI - I look at this a lot like the KC @ DEN game. I look for The Cardinals to bounce back and take it out on St. Louis after the way they've played recently.

DAL @ PIT - I'm not expecting as great of a game as most are here. I don't know...it's my gut. It's just telling me that either way the game is going to be in one team's favor before halftime. Or maybe it'll be one of those games where each team dominates a half and it comes down to the 4th Quarter...I'm going to pick Pittsburgh in a higher scoring game than you might think. Somewhere circa 31-21

WAS @ BAL - Should be a great game. Hardly an hour's drive for Washington, I wonder...will they take the bus or just drive their Jags and Bentleys there? I'm going to go with Baltimore though because they've had a hot hand, Flacco is playing well, and they have the better defense especially at home.

TB @ CAR - Again I'm hoping for a great game here. I think Tampa's defense is slightly better than Carolina's, but the inverse is true for the offenses. I like a close one here that you wont have a problem staying up to watch the finish. Carolina by three.

Go Greene for Heisman...Shonn Greene

Tre Faaborg — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 01:47:29 -0500

I'm writing this article in response to seeing the recent numbers for Heisman votes. Of the only two RBs to get significant votes, Javon Ringer is ahead of Shonn Greene by 14,000 votes.

Javon Ringer has 139 LESS yards on 92 MORE carries than Shonn Greene...AND he plays for a much better team. In their head-to-head game this season, Greene rushed for 157 yards on 30 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Ringer rushed 25 times for 91 yards, averaging 3.6 yards.

Ringer is averaging 4.3 yards per game compared to Greene's 6.2. Greene rushes for 12 more yards per game, has had two 200+ yard games, and no single game under 100 yards.

People, please, vote for the best player if you're voting for a RB. Maybe you're a Spartan fan...maybe you just haven't heard of Shonn Greene...but he IS the better player and over an entire season; he's proven it.

Vote

Calling All 49ers Fans: Pick Your Offseason Wish List

Tre Faaborg — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:36:14 -0500

This one is simply a question, with a poll thrown in for those who don't want to formally comment.

49ers Fans: Who are your top three offseason pickups including the Draft as well as Free Agency/Trades?

Please leave comments with your top three unless you just want to take what I have in the poll, which are some of my "interesting" picks.

Tre's Week 13 Picks

Tre Faaborg — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:03:28 -0500

So it's not like I'm a proven expert...but I wanted to throw out there my pics for Week 13 and we'll see how they pan out:

TEN @ DET - Tennessee is a hornets nest that's been beaten with a stick.

The hapless Lions will play the part of an unsuspecting nudist who bumps their

head on the nest.

SEA @ DAL - Dallas is on a roll with Romo back. Seattle hasn't shown us anything

positive of late. Expect 40 points put up… mostly to the pokes.

ARI @ PHI - Philly has issues. They like to blitz… Warner performs beautifully

against the blitz. Kurt gets back on track and further embarasses the Eagles.

SF @ BUF - Unless the Bills bring their occaisonal lax performance to this one…

Expect SF to compete through the first half, as usual, only to let the Bills run

away with it thereafter.

BAL @ CIN - The Ravens are going to make a mockery of the Bengals struggling

offense. Their defense should be good for a few fumble recoveries, an INT, and

possibly a DTD.

IND @ CLE - Peyton is clicking now as is the team in general under his leadership.

I don't expect this one to be close.

MIA @ STL - Miami is a decent team coming off a loss to the Pats that they felt

they should have won. I see them imposing their wildcat-will on the Rams.

NYG @ WAS - Washington has shown signs of great defense this year as well as

effective (maybe unexciting) offense. The Giants however can make anyone look

bad, and I expect them to do the same this week.

NO @ TB - This is a tough one. I see the Saints coming in with a great deal of

confidence off the big win against the Pack. I think Tampa will have a lot more

in store defensively though and will be ready to play. Tampa in a close one.

CAR @ GB - Green Bay in Lambeau…always tough. Carolina needs to bounce back

after the heartbreaker against the Falcons. I expect them to play defense similar

to what the Saints did and win a close game in the second half.

ATL @ SD - Atlanta is just too consistent and San Diego is just too inconsistent

in this one.

DEN @ NYJ - If the Jets lose this one…are they still in the tops of the AFC? They

wont, but I beg the question.

PIT @ NE - What a difficult game to pick. I still think in Foxboro, New England

imposes their will and controls the game. Best game of the week and I think the

Pats pull away late in the third quarter.

KC @ OAK - Flip a coin… The Raiders have shown signs of life and this one is in

Oakland. I'm going to pick KC in this one though… just because.

CHI @ MIN - Which Minnesota team will show up for this one? At home, they

should beat the Bears by at least a touchdown, controlling the clock late in the

second half with the running game. However, if the Bears give the passing game

fits AND can stop the run, or minimize it... They have a chance. Minnesota in a

close game until the fourth quarter.

JAC @ HOU - For heaven's sake…Jacksonville please play up to your talent for

once and dominate a game! With Rosenfels in the game I think they stand a

good chance although winning on the road will be difficult…expect a low-scoring

close game that the Jags find a way to win.

Are the Jets Ready to Be Crowned?

Tre Faaborg — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:05:18 -0500

Maybe it's just me.

Maybe I haven't watched the game tapes from every game...but it seems to me that since their victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 12, the "experts" as well as fans are already crowning the New York Jets as the second best team in the AFC.

Isn't this the same team that Jets fans (as well as others) were lamenting over after losing two straight to the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers (who pummeled them)? Isn't this the same team who lost to Oakland...That's the Oakland Raiders folks...

Isn't Brett Favre the same quarterback who many were beginning to doubt the decision on bringing him in as the starter in New York? The inconsistency, the turnovers.

Sure he "righted the ship" a bit lately after a talk from Head Coach Eric Mangini. Sure they've won five straight and should be commended for that...although the first of the five was a squeaker against the hapless Kansas City Chiefs.

My point is...I listen to NFL Radio all day, every day. I read the news. I don't remember anyone mentioning the Jets as an upper-echelon team any time recently...until they knocked off the then-undefeated Titans, who now, are being referred to as "not a scary team anymore" by many.

It just seems that, although the league is hard to predict and none of us know what any team going to do until about week...PLAYOFFS...we've decided to all follow suit, and like sheep, crown the Jets as this super powerhouse in the AFC.

Look, they have a pretty decent schedule coming up. They have games against the Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks.

Those games have to be considered shoe-ins for the Jets if we're crowning them. Then there's the Buffalo Bills game in addition to the game against the Miami Dolphins.

If they lose any one of the "easy" games listed above AND lose one of the two division games...I would almost guarantee we won't hear talk of the "second best team in the AFC" or anything like it.

I love the story, the Jets going virtually worst-to-...up there...but let's not all jump on the wagon and proclaim that they are this or that.

They're a good team who have overcome a lot and are playing very well. They are in contention to be one of the best teams in the AFC.

Contention.

However, five weeks is still a lot of football to be played.

How Nnamdi Asomugha Would Make a Difference for the 49ers

Tre Faaborg — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:01:57 -0500

Any fan can see that the 49ers have problems.

Everyone wants to throw out solutions starting with Quarterback, Receivers...the big play guys. Sure Shaun Hill was a perennial backup...a third-stringer who hasn't played long enough to prove anything. Sure the Niners don't have that "household name" receiver like a T.O. or Randy Moss.

But I started looking at the depth chart today and I came to a conclusion: We have a lot of young, talented, coachable guys on this team on both sides of the ball...for the most part.

I think the O-line can be a unit good enough to get us above .500 (which is realistically a good goal after the last two seasons) with some work.

We have a good mix of size and speed at WR with some young guys who show a lot of promise.

I don't even need to mention Frank Gore but I will mention we need to get a damn good fullback. I like the Jorvorskie Lane conversation...or a proven free agent. That shouldn't be too tough to pull off.

Our defense is fairly young and has a lot of talent except at DB. We have been known to employ pieces of toast at corner for years now. It puts a lot of pressure on the pass rush yet we have to drop LB's to help cover...so it becomes hard to blitz. Let's not even mention what happens if we face a four-, five, or six-wide look...we're just not deep enough.

So, although it's as far fetched an idea as one could have but...isn't it fun to imagine who our defense would be with a true shut-down corner like Nnamdi Asomugha, who is a free agent after this season?

Now obviously Oakland isn't going to let one of their best players go with all of the struggles they have but can you imagine the rest of the defense being able to go into every game saying, "OK, T.O. is a non-issue. Nnamdi has him covered."

We could corner blitz, bring a safety up to support the run, it's like playing 10-on-10 with no No. 1 receiver in the game.

Maybe I'm way out there, but I say let's save the QB/WR money and bring in a guy who can make everyone around him better and give our defense respectability in the league. Someone send a boat of cash across the bay and see if Nnamdi climbs on board.

NFL's Hard Hitters Are Hit Hard By Overprotective Rules

Tre Faaborg — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:14:28 -0500

When you hear the following names, think of the pictures in your mind that are conjured up upon their memories:

Ronnie Lott, Steve Atwater, Lawrence Taylor, Mike Singletary, Troy Polamolu, Bob Sanders...

If you're like me, the picture that likely comes to mind for most of these guys is one of them putting the wood to whomever had the ball in their area. These are some of my most respected players when it comes to how they play(ed) the game.

Bob Sanders has long been arguably my favorite NFL player. Obviously, I'm an Iowa Hawkeye fan so that helps...But after a few years in the league, the thing that I was most impressed by is the fact that Sanders pursues intensely, and finishes by running through the player.

Without this physical, near reckless abandon type of fearlessness, I wonder what the NFL would bring to the table for fans? I was imagining today a game where the players have to be given permission to tackle or hit an opposing player.

Perhaps wait for a green light to illuminate on the helmet of the ball carrier when officials determining he's ready to be contacted. Or maybe even worse, we'll have a professional flag-football league in the not so distant future...The ultimate in player protection!

In recent memory, I cannot remember a season with more postgame fines assessed for what I see as good old fashioned smash-mouth football. We're asking players to be judicious, while in motion and often carrying several hundred pounds at top speed.

Even if a player could recognize in mid-flight that they cannot follow through with the hit, we're talking about physics here. We all know an object in motion can only be stopped by an opposing force. Brad Childress said, "Human beings are hard to stop on a dime."

Players get hurt. It sucks. Sometimes it's MVP-caliber players like a Tom Brady (who was hurt pretty much incidentally yet is out for the season). You can't have it both ways though. We can't script a game that involves "safe" hitting of the opponent where there is near no chance of injury...and still end up with a game worth watching.

Wait...isn't that what they call Soccer?

Everyone who steps on that field should know that they are risking physical injury from whistle to whistle. I get spearing, face mask, maybe even horse collaring... maybe. But this "defenseless receivers" nonsense?

If you're concentrating on catching a pass...yeah, you're body is engaged in an activity where it's a darn good bet that all of your parts are involved in making the catch. Wait a minute...maybe we should train the receivers to catch the ball without looking so they can also defend themselves from a hit!

I don't think those games would be fun to watch either... a lot of drops... but I'm just guessing here...

And what about "launching"? Since when was it NOT the goal for a defensive player to put as much force as possible into the offensive player in order to render them down by contact. Again...the flag football idea comes to mind.

When a QB has the ball...hit him as hard as you can, without leading with the helmet, without chopping his knees out from under him...but by all means, tattoo him.

If a receiver goes up for a pass...make him run into a brick wall at the exact instant his finger tips touch the ball. Make him drop the pass...insn't that the idea of defending a pass?

When approached by the ball carrier...it's you or him, especially if you're a DB on an island after edge contain has been compromised. Bring more momentum than the opponent if you want to win that battle.

If he's running fast... chances are there's going to be one hell of a collision.

This is a man's game, played by men, who understand the idea of injuries, hard hits, etc. Let them play the game they've been playing their whole life.

San Francisco 49ers: Looking Ahead to the Off-Season

Tre Faaborg — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:38:09 -0500

I'm a 20+ year fan of the Niners. That means I've been through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows (i.e., recently). And yes, I'm giving up on this season... that's a fairly obvious conclusion.

We're not going to the playoffs, even in the weakest division in the NFL. We know there's gonna be big changes coming in the off-season... so let's just fast forward and I'll give you my quick take on what I think the team should do.

1. Yorks: Hire a Strong, PROVEN guy for a GM and back the heck out of the decisions. Get a team builder, a Bill Cowher, a "lifer" who took a team from the bottom half to the top. Someone who has made good pickups in the draft and free agency... PLEASE!

2. Martz: Put up or get out. Show me your plan to utilize the weapons (yes, I said weapons) we have, as well as a plan to slowly add and cultivate, properly, new additions in order to take the offense to the next level.

3. Don't go get a crusty old veteran QB. C'mon guys... we're beyond that. That's what you do when you have the "future" on the bench who just needs a few years to learn. That precedes a rebuilding...we already started the process.

We don't want to win right away and watch the guy get hurt, retire, only to be left with the same sub-par performances we had before we shelled out to get "the vet." (See #1 above)

4. Don't go get a crusty old WR (see #3 and just change the parts necessary to re-make my point). (See #1 above)

5. If you draft, do your homework, then do it again... upside down, then in the dark... have intelligent, well thought out reasons that have been debated, tested, etc. Look for deals, guys who slip to the second, third rounds. Grab guys who played well even with little talent around them... but who faced talent. (See #1 above)

6. Free agency is great... and it sucks. Work it. We have some baggage to offload and the market looks promising to pick some guys up too. (Get the picture yet?!)

I think it all starts at the top. Commit to a guy who will commit to the team and build it. Stick with Singletary, at least keep the guy on the team in an assistant/coordinator role at the very least. The guy is a great motivator and can handle the young egos you're sure to get.

That's my three cents.

Heisman Should Greene Light Iowa Running Back "Shonn"

Tre Faaborg — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:48:31 -0500

Over the years, I've come to realize something about the Heisman trophy, something along with many parts of our society that seems to be "all understood": It's a lot like a presidential election.

Much like an election, one must start the fanfare early, gaining national mention on big stages...early being well before the season even starts. One might as well look at it as a two-year plan, not much unlike a presidential election.

You have to achieve attention as an emerging star, a leading rusher, passer, etc. the year before to even be noticed as a potential candidate. This is all supported by the media, who often say when asked about RBs like the Iowa Hawkeyes' Shonn Greene, "...too late in the race."

So maybe Greene wasn't in the conversation last season. He was lost in the depth chart for most of his collegiate career with backs like Albert Young already in place. After taking a year off and redshirting to get his grades up to team standards, the young man returned to "give back" to the team who gave him a second chance.

However, from game one of the season, Greene has done no less than match or beat other leading rushers' numbers. In the first game of the season, Greene had his second-lowest yardage total (109 yards) on only 22 carries, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. In the upset of then-unbeaten Penn State, Greene carried 28 times for 117 and two TDs.

With two 200+ yard games, not a single game under 100 yards, an average of over six yards per carry, and over 1,700 yards rushing (leading all rushers)...no matter what point in the "race" for the Heisman we're in...the man has to be considered.

What are presenters and commentators going to do when mentioning the official candidates' numbers and how they stack up in the NCAA? Skip over Greene's name and hope no one notices they said "second in Div. I-A"?

Give the award to the deserving player at the time it's awarded—not the guy who's put together the best "campaign" over the past two years.