49ers log win despite poor defensive play
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The San Francisco 49ers recorded their third win of the preseason, despite some poor play from their defense which allowed three Oakland Raiders touchdowns. 49ers RB Frank Gore showed he’s in mid-season form, and RB Anthony Dixon continues to solidify his spot on the Niners roster. But the undelying thought to take from last night game, was the ease of which the Raiders moved the ball on the Niners despite having the ball for only 51 plays and starting quarterback Jason Campbell not in the game. San Francisco head coach Mike Singletary said after the game, “We did not play very smart, and a little bit sloppy. Winning the game was nice, but it also was a reminder to our guys of all the work we still have to do”.
Niners WR Michael Crabtree was scheduled to see some action in Saturdays game but was a late scratch while he is still dealing with a stiff neck. Newly acquired RB Brian Westbrook played a few plays but left with a hamstring issue which the team is listing as a day to day issue.
Despite not seeing any carries in the preseason, RB Frank Gore showed he is ready for the regular season to begin. He ripped off a 49 yard run on his first carry and then followed it up with a 9 yard carry before leaving for the night. Anthony Dixon came on and carried the ball for the remainder of the evening, collecting 70 yards on 21 carries.
San Francisco 49ers to roll out weapons Saturday
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San Francisco 49ers fans will get to see some of the offensive weapons on display Saturday night when Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook and Michael Crabtree are expected to be on the field against the Oakland Raiders. None of these players have seen the field so far this pre-season and it will be fun to see what the offense looks like with these playmakers in the lineup. The only weapon which will be missing is TE Vernon Davis who is nursing a sore knee.
According to 49ers head coach Mike Singletary, Gore will see about a series or two of action with the first unit offensive line playing the entire first half. Singletary didn’t mention the length of playing time Michael Crabtree or Brian Westbrook would see.
RB Frank Gore likely does not need to see much action in pre-season, but he did express his desire to play a few series in live action game conditions with his rebuilt offensive line earlier this week to reporters.
49ers thinking of playing Gore this week
San Francisco 49ers fan might get a chance to see RB Frank Gore this weekend when the Niners square off against the Oakland Raiders. There has been nothing physically wrong with Gore this pre-season but he has been held out this pre-season as the Niners try to solidify a rebuilt offensive line which features several rookie and young players.
49ers head coach Mike Singletary told reporters yesterday that fans could see Gore in the lineup this weekend. “It’s possible. I think it comes down to timing. When you have a very good runner, you want to be careful. But at the same time, you don’t want to limit him too much”.
That is a problem that coaches face every pre-season with premiere running backs. How much workload is required in pre-season. Backs don’t need to get the reps that a position such as quarterback require to get their timing down.
Gore told reporters though, that he would like to get some live action though to get a sense of how he’ll be able to run behind his new offensive line. “I’m a player, so I’d like to play. I’ve been practicing hard, but there’s nothing like the game. I just want to get that first hit, that first contact to the ground, and after that, it’ll be a go-go for me”, Gore told reporters.
49ers season in good hands with QB Alex Smith
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Anyone who watched the San Francisco 49ers last night, has to know the 49ers season will be in good hands with QB Alex Smith under center. Without WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis or RB Frank Gore in the lineup last night Smith took charge of the game right from the first snap.
Smith had a decent stat line, 9-13 for 88 yards, but it was his command on the field which was so impressive. Smith showed incredible pocket presence and that was highlighted with his ability to step up and deliver his passes. Smith was smart with the ball as well, he did not force the ball in places as he did early on in his career. Smith took everything the defense gave him and was not afraid to check down when a primary receiver wasn’t open.
49ers fans have lots to look forward to this season and the continued development of Smith at the quarterback position is on top of the list.
RB Anthony Dixon showed some promise last night. He toted the ball 20 times last night as Gore and Westbrook saw no action. He showcased some power running and highlighted some speed on his touchdown run. I think Dixon is a good fit for the Niners offensive scheme.
Finally, Ted Ginn Jr. What else can I say. He is going to be feast or famine this season as the 49ers #3 wide receiver. He had a 60 yard reception and a 5 yard reception. He was targeted 6 times and dropped some easy passes. This has been his career, he’ll rip of a 75 yard touchdown but drop a 6 yard out pattern. He will frustrate you to death. Just make sure you know that going into the season.
49ers Glen Coffee “quit on” San Francisco teammates
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San Francisco 49er RB Glen Coffee has retired from football and now, in a radio interview, he states that he quit on his teammates. Coffee, a rookie in 2009, rushed for 226 yards on 83 carries for 2.7 ypc average. He was penciled in a Frank Gore’s backup heading into 2010 and then suddenly retired, forcing the 49ers to seek alternatives in the backfield.
Coffee says now he seeks to join the ministry. Coffee joined The Roundtable on WJOX this morning to discuss his decision. You can listen to the entire interview right here.
When Coffee was asked about the toughest part of leaving football, he said, “Leaving my teammates. Let’s call it what it is, I did quit on them. That’s the thing that hurts. I don’t have regrets”.
Coffee was asked about why he ultimately made the decision to leave the game, (as transcribed by sportsradiointerviews.com)
“Actually, the thought entered my head when I was playing at ‘Bama. I had found Christ my junior year at ‘Bama. When I found Him, football was no longer my dream. It was just that I wanted to glorify Him in everything that I did. I left college early because I was done with football. I figured, ‘Maybe if I’m getting paid for it, I’ll be able to tolerate it.’ I knew at the time that money couldn’t buy happiness. Only true happiness comes through Christ. I still chanced it and entered the league. Obviously, that was the wrong choice. I never should have entered the draft I felt like. It’s definitely been something that I’ve prayed about and thought about for a long time… I felt like it was eventually going to happen. Maybe not this early, but I knew my career would be short.”
Eric Schmidt is the Lead NFL Blogger for RantSports.com where he writes and edits RedZoneTalk.com, your one stop place for up-to-the minute NFL News.
