Day 1 Winners and Losers

Winners:
New Orleans Saints:
Filthy draft. First the pick up DE from Cal Cameron Jordan and then they got a gift from the Patriots and selected the best RB in the draft in Mark Ingram from Alabama. They fill two holes in their roster. They strengthen their D Line and then will have a lot to work with at rb with Reggie Bush and Mark Ingram.

Carolina Panthers:
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
I was hesitant to like this pick, but I completely flip flopped on this. I think this kid is the real deal and will win this team some ball games. He's big, athletic and has a cannon. He's not your typical athletic QB who looks to run before pass, he passes pretty well. The Panthers have a lot of holes, but their future looks brighter with Newton behind center.

Baltimore Ravens:
Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
The only reason he fell was due to off field issues, but this kid is 1A to Patrick Peterson. He's big at 6'2 and just as athletic as Peterson. The Ravens needed some defensive backfield help and got a big time player in Smith. I was really hoping he would fall to the Steelers.

Losers:
New England Patriots:
They had 2 picks to fill pretty glaring needs. I like Nate Solder the OL out of Colorado. He is huge and could be really good. Plus with Logan Mankins drama coming up and Matt Light retiring (maybe) but he's a project. Anthony Costonzo out of BC and Danny Watkins from Baylor have higher ceilings than Solder. I understand the position they pick, just not the player. I think they will really regret trading that second pick for New Orleans 2nd pick and next years 1st. They had 2 players they could have drafted that would have filled huge holes in Mark Ingram or Muhammed Wilkerson the DE from Temple. This was a big swing and miss for the Patriots and they will be haunted about this for years.

Minnesota Vikings:
With the 12th pick they select Christian Ponder. Yea.... really? I know the Vikings needed a QB but this is a reach of epic proportions. If I were to reach on a QB I would have taken Andy Dalton, Ryan Mallet and even Colin Kaepernick over Ponder. I don't get it, they could have drafted Robert Quinn the DE from UNC or Mike Pouncey the G from Florida.

San Fransisco 49ers:
I think Aldon Smith was a little high. Cam Jordan, Nick Fairley or even JJ Watt would have better selections.

With 7,8,9, 10 Picks In the NFL Draft

The 49ers take Aldon Smith DE Mizzou
The Titans take Jake Locker QB Washington
The Cowboys take Tyron Smith OT USC
The Jacksonville Jaguars Select Blaine Gabbert QB Mizzou

Aldon Smith will be a good quality pick.

But the Titans are badass select Jake Locker, people will say it is a reach but fuck that they get their guy and a winner type of guy. I think he will be real good, and I hope they throw him into the fire.

The Cowboys select an unsexy OT, he will probably good.

I'm not a good Blaine Gabbert guy, but this is a good selection, the charaide of David Garrard can only last so much. Gabbert has good size, is a good athlete but plays in a spread offense in college.

With The 7th Pick In The NFL Draft The San Fransisco 49ers Select...

Patrick Peterson CB LSU


The 49ers are super pumped to get Patrick who has the talent to be the number 1 pick. The 49ers are going to release Nate Clements, so Peterson can fill his spot pretty quickly with this kid. He is long, athletic and has go go gadget arms like Rondo. I was tempted to take Cam Newton with this pick but Patrick Peterson, in my eyes is the most sure thing in this draft.

Mike Singletary Finally Fired

I liked Mike Singletary, I originally thought he was a good coach as he was a no nonsense guy who seemed to be a decent disciplinarian. However, he was just another coach that was in way too deep and couldn't handle the role. San Francisco had a lot to be excited about to this year as they made the playoffs last years and seemed to have the pieces in place. But this year was frustratingly bad and it was the right move for the franchise. Singletary was 18-22 in two-plus seasons.

I think he will go back to being a defensive coordinator for a while before getting another shot.

One way or another the giant wooden cross will not be missed.

Frank Gore Breaks Hip

Brain Westbrook broke out last night, and he is going to get a lot more chances to do so with Frank Gore going down with a broken hip. Gore was hurt on San Francisco's first series, then briefly tried to come back before going out for good in the second quarter. This injury obviously knocks Gore out for the year, and that could be a huge blow.

Even though Westbrook put up 136 yards rushing last night, it was against Arizona, who looks like they have given up on their season. Westbrook hasn't played much all year, and I just don't know if he is going to be able to take the punishment needed to make this offense work. Then again, the 49ers are only 1 game back from a playoff spot (what a joke), so if he can get them there he could land himself a new contract.

Thinking Forward About McNabb

As we went over this week Mike Shanahan made it obvious that last weekend that he is not a McNabb believer, and he most likely is not going to resign after this season (nor would he would want to).

So, if this pans out to be true where does McNabb go next?

There would seemingly be a lot of teams that would be interested in him (Bills, Cardinals, 49ers, Vikings, ect). We also have to keep in mind that McNabb will get to pick his team, so you can throw teams like the Bills out.

So, to me I would think that the Vikings and 49ers make the most sense. The 49ers are so close to being a good team, if they could just get a good head coach and a QB. They have been waiting a long time for one, and McNabb would seem to fit that mold. Plus, they have some weapons around him and we have seen him put up so big numbers when there is talent (and no Washington doesn't have any).

The other one is the Vikings, and the only reason I think it could be a little less likely then the 49ers is because they are about to hit a bunch of cap problems, assuming there is a cap next year. From a football point of view it makes a lot of sense. The team should've been a Super Bowl contender this year, and McNabb could get them back there.

Troy Smith Finally Gets His Chance

Alex Smith will miss Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos in London because of a separated left shoulder, and instead of going with David Carr the 49ers are going to start Troy Smith.

I don't think Troy Smith is good, but I do think this is the right choice. He will at least inject some life into this offense, and right now that's really all you can ask for. I'm not saying he is going to turn this season around, but we have seen players come in and pull it off (Vince Young anyone?).

Still, this won't be enough to save Mike Singletary's job, and this team will be drafting a QB in the next NFL Draft.

How Does Mike Singletary Still Have A Job?

I figured going 0-5 would be the last straw and Mike Singletary would be fired, but it seems the 49ers have no intention of doing that...

"His job is not on the line," York told NBC Bay Area in an interview that aired before the Niners' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday night. "When you're losing football games or when you're winning football games, it doesn't matter what happened before. It's what's coming up."

Honestly, this shocks me. The 49ers were supposed to roll through the NFC West and instead their year is basically already over. Maybe is Singletary took a little bit more time working on a game plan instead of the bible his team would be better (sorry couldn't help it). Anyways, I really can't see how they can bring him back next year, and I also can't see Alex Smith keeping his job for too much longer.

There are a lot of other coaches that have to be on the hot seat:

- Wade Phillips
- John Fox
- Marvin Lewis
- Eric Mangini

Breaking News: 49ers Fire Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye

The 49ers were supposed to be a playoff team this year, but after a 0-3 start they have decided to part ways with offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye. Personally, I think Mike Singletary should be the one fired, because he is a terrible coach.

I was a fan of the 49ers going into the season, but after Frank Gore came out and said they "kicked the Saints ass up and down the field" even though they lost in week 2 I kind of lost respect. Now I find it hilarious they they are getting their asses kicked by the likes of Kansas City.

Funny, I haven't read any Frank Gore quotes this week.

Brian Westbrook to 49ers

A league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Westbrook's deal is worth $1.25 million guaranteed, with $1.25 million worth of incentives. ESPN

I like this move for the 49ers because it gives Alex Smith another check down guy and will take some of the workload off Frank Gore's shoulders. The 49ers offense has a lot of players Michael Crabtree, Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and now Brian Westbrook. If Alex Smith can put his shit together and if that defense can still be good, they will surprise a lot of people in the NFL.

2010 NFL Preview: NFC West

So we have finished all the NFC West teams. This is how we see the final standings for this division...

1. 49ers: 9-7
2. Cardinals: 8-8
3. Rams: 5-12
4. Seahawks: 4-12

2010 NFL Preview: San Francisco 49ers

KEY ADDITIONS

Player, Pos., 2009 Team

David Carr, QB, N.Y. Giants
Ted Ginn Jr., WR/KR, Miami
Travis LaBoy, LB, None
Karl Paymah, CB, Minnesota

KEY LOSSES

Player, Pos., 2010 Team

Arnaz Battle, WR, Pittsburgh
Dre’ Bly, CB, Detroit
Isaac Bruce, WR, Retired
Shaun Hill, QB, Detroit
Marcus Hudson, CB, Carolina
Tony Pashos, OT, Cleveland
Jeff Ulbrich, ILB, Retired

Offense:
Believe it or not I really like the 49ers offense. Frank Gore is a beast, plus his back ups aren't to shabby in Glen Coffee and rookie Anthony Dixon. Both are down field runners and could replace Gore if injuries do become significant. Their receivers are also good too led by Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis. Davis had his coming out party last year, I expect Crabtree to have a big year this time around. The only real issue comes to the QB position who is once again led by Alex Smith. I always think that Alex Smith will break out and I'm falling for it again. As long as he is in a spread offense I think he can throw for over 3,000 yards and 25 TDs.

Defense:
The defense is real good. The defense can hold their own with Patrick Willis, DT Aubrayo Franklin, and CB Nate Clements. They will be probably the best defense in the NFC West and will be in the top 10 statistically. The defense has been postseason-worthy for several seasons, thanks to the emergence of Willis, so now it’s up to the offense to hold up its part of the bargain.

Prediction:
I see them making the playoffs in the NFC West with a 9-7 record.

Couple NFL QB's Lose Their Jobs

Well it has been another week of some terrible QB play and finally there is starting to be some changes. Buffalo is going with Ryan Fitzpatrick (smartass Harvard kid) over Edwards, as he was able to lead them to a win. It also seems that the 49ers may be going back to Alex Smith over Hill next week. Both moves I support. I actually think Fitzpatrick is a decent QB. He won't "wow" you, but he knows how to manage a game, and like I said before is a very smart kid.

With the 49ers I don't think there is much of a change, but at least Alex Smith found a way to get Vernon Davis the ball. Honestly, is there any bigger waste of talent then Davis on the 49ers?

Crabtree Breaks Into Starting Lineup

"In what is stunning news out of 49ers camp, the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reports that the team will replace WR Josh Morgan with rookie Michael Crabtree in the starting lineup for their Week 7 game at Houston. Crabtree was initially slated to play on a limited basis as a slot receiver for the club. Head coach Mike Singletary said there was a "strong possibility" that Crabtree would start, and that was confirmed to the paper when Morgan said he had lost his starting role. "I'm helping him learn my position and take my position," said Morgan. "It is what it is. If he can help us win, I'm all right with that. They gave him my spot. So if he's going to be in there, I might as well help him out so I can make sure he gets it right (Sportsline)."

Crabtree has the talent to be one of the better WRs in the league, but I still think he has missed too much time to be much of a force. Most WRs take a year or two to get comfortable in an offense, yet here Crabtree is starting only a couple weeks after signing. He might put up some stats, but I think he is still a fantasy bench player for now, until he can prove that he is ready to become a #1 WR.

Crabtree/ 49ers Agree On Deal

After months of holding out, wide receiver Michael Crabtree has agreed to a contract with the San Francisco 49ers, league sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Crabtree will get a six-year deal that he can void to five years if he meets undefined performance clauses, a league source told ESPN's Michael Smith ESPN

Good. Enough bullshit from you. Now go out there and be the player you should be asshole.

Crabtree/ Niners Reopen Talks

First-round draft pick Michael Crabtree left for San Francisco from Tampa, Fla., on Monday to renew contract talks with the 49ers, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. ESPN

Well this should probably do it, and if Crabtree doesn't sign than he is the biggest idiot of all time. He will lose so much money if he decides to fore go this season and get drafted next season. Crabtree has all the talent in the world and he can honestly live up to his hype, but he needs to get on the damn field. The Niners have proven that they can win without him, so he has hardly any leverage going into these negotiations. So I expect this deal to be done soon.

Frank Gore Injury News

Frank Gore is going to miss two weeks with a high ankle sprain. This injury is huge for the 49ers and fantasy owners. Frank Gore is one of the best runningbacks in the league when playing, and this will kill the 49ers run game, unless former Crimson Tide Rb Glen Coffee has a trick or two up his sleeve. Shaun Hill has done remarkably well this season, but it will be interesting to see how he does with his safety net gone.

NFC West Preview

The Cardinals were just inches from a Super Bowl Championship. And that's sad. They're better than average, and in this division that's pretty good. So they'll win the West, but won't win much more.

ARIZONA CARDINALS
Prediction: 9-7, Division Winners
Arizona's offense is pretty star-studded. 50 year old QB Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald is finally getting recognized for his greatness, Anquan Boldin's no slouch, and they drafted Beanie Wells. Not so stacked on defense. They didn't do much to improve a unit that allowed 40+ points in three games. That will be their undoing. They'll be eliminated in the first round.



SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Prediction: 7-9
Frank Gore rushed for over 1,000 yards last year, and they're going to ride him until he gets hurt. Shaun Hill threw 13 TDs and 8 INTs last year. Alex Smith also sucks. Their defense is actually good, which kept most of their games close last year and should do the same again. They might just even pull out a game or two against Arizona and win the division.



SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Prediction: 5-11
Seattle added Edgerrin James and TJ Houshmandzadeh to their offense. But James is past his prime, and Hasselbeck is strictly mediocre without a strong running game to support him. Their games should have a lot of offense, for both sides, so they'll be moderately entertaining to watch. Unless, of course, you're a Seahawks fan.



ST. LOUIS RAMS
Prediction: 4-12
Steven Jackson rushed for 1,042 yards in only 12 games last year. But the Rams offense elsewhere was simply dreadful. Bulger's QB Rating the last two seasons: 70.3, and 71.4. The defense isn't awful, but it's not capable of winning games for them. And the offense simply cannot come from behind, so the defense has to stop EVERY drive, even from scoring field goals.



-The Commodore

Crabtree To Re-Enter Draft?

"San Francisco 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree is prepared to sit out this season and re-enter the NFL draft in 2010, David Wells, Crabtree's cousin and adviser, said Thursday. "We are prepared to do it," Wells said. "Michael just wants fair-market value. They took him with the 10th pick and you have Darrius Heyward-Bey [the seventh overall pick by the Oakland Raiders] getting $38 million? This week is crucial. Michael was one of the best players in the draft and he just wants to be paid like one of the best players. This week is very crucial." Wells said he believes the Niners have made an offer but that it is not acceptable. Wells said Crabtree is ready to start practicing and was held out of OTAs this spring by coaches only for precautionary reasons (ESPN)."

At #10 Crabtree looked to be the steal of the draft, but after seeing the money that Heyward-Bey got Crabtree is looking to get a similar contract. This is really bad for both sides. The 49ers are rebuilding, and Crabtree looked to be at the center of those plans, so they really need to end this. This is also terrible for Crabtree because we have seen it again and again that young players who holdout struggle to grasp the offense, and tend to get hurt. There is no way he will sit out the season, and if sits out a year his value will only go down...

49ers Looking for a QB (Quinn?)

Well DP and I knew it when they drafted him, but apparently Alex Smith was so bad during the mini camp that the 49ers have all but given up on him. Now they may be on the market for a new QB. The 49ers have hosted both Mark Sanchez and Matthew Stafford in recent weeks, but they may also look to trade instead of using their draft pick on a QB. Rumors are starting to go around that they could be in the Hunt for Brady Quinn. I find it shocking that the Browns would so quickly trade a talent like Quinn. The rumors go on to say they have put their first round pick on the table to the Browns, which have already gained some extra picks from the Winslow deal, and could get even more if they find a team willing to trade more great pick for Braylon Edwards (which Jets have been talking about). Anyways keep an eye on the 49ers, and Browns, as they may be making a lot of move as the draft approaches.