Re: Il Lato Giusto Della Baia - Nebbia fitta sulla baia. Ma fitta fitta eh!

[Angyair]

Guardate come arrivano i biglietti per le partite dei 49ers agli abbonati (se penso ai nostri abbonamenti....che devi andare a prenderti...): 

[Jeremy]

Li vojo pure io.... 

[cecaro]

Li vojo pure io.... 

Qualcuno di questi (del 2005) penso mi sia rimasto, se mi mandate gli indirizzi di casa ve li spedisco io.

[Angyair]

Qualcuno di questi (del 2005) penso mi sia rimasto, se mi mandate gli indirizzi di casa ve li spedisco io.

Che diavolo stai dicendo cecaro? (quasi cit.) 

[cecaro]

Che diavolo stai dicendo cecaro? (quasi cit.) 

Ah, non nel senso che ho dei season tickets avanzati dal 2005, mi sono spiegato male, sorry.
Mi sono rimaste alcune di quelle brochures con la pubblicità dell' abbonamento 2005, simile a quella della foto. Dovrei avere anche dei calendarietti portatili formato tessera, degli adesivi da mettere sui vetri dell' auto, ecc, insomma un po' di materiale di quello che distribuiscono dentro il Candlestick. Anche un paio di radioline portatili MW con auricolare della Sprint con lo stemma dei Niners. Cianfrusaglie per "Faithful fans". Faccio un paio di pacchetti e invio a chi mi fa avere l' indirizzo. 
La settimana prossima, domani vado in pellegrinaggio. 

[Angyair]

E' il turno dei LB interni, dove bisogna vedere se Willis riuscirà sin da subito a scalzare Smith dalla depth chart:


Three of the four starting linebacker jobs appear set with training camp ready to open later this month. The one starting job that has yet to be settled will certainly be worth watching.

Derek Smith was the team's co-MVP in 2005, sharing the honor with kicker Joe Nedney. Last year, his play fell off dramatically, due in no small part to a muscle strain in his left eye that affected his peripheral vision and caused much discomfort.

When Smith had surgery in February, the team reported that he would be held out of football activity until the beginning of training camp. Then, the 49ers drafted Patrick Willis with the No. 11 overall pick.

Coincidence or not, Smith was ready to go when the 49ers hit the practice field in May. He is not going to roll over and let the talented rookie win the job.

Smith is 32. He has played 10 NFL seasons. When he signed his three-year contract prior to last season, he said he would not play beyond the contract. Now, he's going to be in a fight to keep his starting job. He has several factors on his side, not the least of which is his experience. If he plays like he did in '05, he probably will be the starter. If he plays more like last season, he'll be the top backup at both inside linebacker spots.

* * *

It's almost as if coach Mike Nolan has already tried to soften the blow for Willis. When the team drafted him, Nolan said that Willis would be the "starter" in the 49ers' nickel defense.

Well, of course, being a "starter" in the nickel defense is not what people expect out of the No. 11 overall pick. They expect him to be on the field every down.

Obviously, Willis is a phenomenal athlete. If he becomes a starter, there is no question in my mind that he would lead the team in tackles and be a sideline-to-sideline presence. But I'm sure he'll also make more than his share of mistakes, some of which his athleticism will enable him to overcome.

From a development standpoint, it would be more advantageous for Willis to step into the lineup immediately. If he were on the field all the time as a rookie, assistant head coach Mike Singletary would get a chance every week during the season to sit down with him and truly analyze and polish his game.

Willis might not be able to get that same opportunity next season because Singletary could very well be at the top of the list when it comes to head-coaching candidates for 2008. If Willis spends this season on the sideline and then Singletary leaves to be a head coach, the 49ers will have wasted a tremendous opportunity for him to learn a great deal from one of the best inside linebackers in league history.

* * *

Although I have no update on contract negotiations, I'd be surprised if Willis is not in camp for the first day. At the No. 11 overall pick, there is no reason why a deal should not be struck prior to camp. The maximum length for a deal Willis can sign is for six years, so that's the length I'd expect from his contract.

* * *

Smith and Willis are competing for the "mike" position, which is the inside linebacker on the weak side. The other inside position is the "ted," which lines up on the tight end side. The "ted" will have to sift through more traffic, while the "mike" should be the position that makes more tackles because he won't have to contend as much with guards or the fullback.

* * *

The starting "ted" linebacker will be Brandon Moore, who played extremely well after moving into the starting lineup midway through the season to replace Jeff Ulbrich at right outside linebacker in the team's 4-3 defense.

Moore was named NFC defensive player of the week for his performance against the Vikings. He had 15 tackles, two forced fumbles, a sack and three QB pressures.

Moore led the 49ers with 114 tackles and 6.5 sacks. In nickel situations, he lined up at defensive end to rush the passer. Although he said he probably will not be asked to do as many different things this season, he believes he will see some time at defensive end in nickel situations.

* * *

Ulbrich is behind Moore on the depth chart at the "ted." He scored big points last season with the way he handled his demotion. After receiving word he would not be starting, Ulbrich went directly to then-special teams coach Larry Mac Duff and asked to be included on all special teams.

Ulbrich has been in the league seven years and he fits what Nolan wants from his players. He has started 70 games in his NFL career, so there would be no worries about him being called upon at a moment's notice.

* * *

On the surface, Ulbrich and free-agent pickup Colby Bockwoldt look as if they are competing for the same job (and maybe they are). But I'm under the impression both can make the team. Both players have value because they've both started in the league, and they're both hard-nosed special teams contributors.

Still, it's questionable whether the 49ers can afford to keep five inside linebackers on their 53-man roster.

Bockwoldt is seeing most of his time at the "mike," though he will probably be asked to learn both inside positions. He started in the past with the Saints, and last year he led the Titans with 20 special-teams tackles. Bockwoldt has played three NFL seasons. In the tale of the tape, Ulbrich is 6-0, 240, while Bockwoldt is 6-2, 245.

[Jeremy]

E' il turno dei LB interni, dove bisogna vedere se Willis riuscirà sin da subito a scalzare Smith dalla depth chart:

La mia sensazione è che Smith sarà lo starter nella week 1 e Willis diventarà titolare nel corso della stagione.

[Angyair]

Pare che i niners stiamo guardando con attenzione al draft supplementare per aumentare la profondità della linea offensiva e premunirsi in vista dell'anno prossimo quando Larry Allen sarà con ogni probabilità un ex-giocatore, K.Harris un ex-niners (con nostro grande giubilo) e Smiley è probabile che cerchi di testare il mercato dei FA in cerca del contrattone:


The 49ers have one of their deepest offensive lines in recent memory, but that won't stop them at taking a peek at potential supplemental draft pick Jared Gaither when he works out at the University of Maryland on Monday, July 9.

After all, there's a lot to see.

Gaither, an offensive tackle, stands 6-9, weighs 350 pounds and not too long ago ran the 40-yard dash in 4.75 seconds. And that is precisely why the 49ers and probably every other NFL team will have a scout on hand - to see if the big guy can still move like a man 100 pounds his junior.

Gaither played only two years with the Terrapins but is eligible to enter the NFL because he spent one season at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. (which is where he was clocked in the 40). He started 17 games in two seasons at Maryland but recently was ruled academically in ineligible for the upcoming season. Gaither also was suspended for two weeks this past summer for violating team rules.

The 49ers certainly don't have a need at offensive line this season.

They are currently two-deep at every position along the line, and only two of the players in that mix - Patrick Estes and rookie Joe Staley - are without starting experience. However, that depth likely will evaporate next season when Larry Allen, Justin Smiley and Kwame Harris - all starters last season - become free agents.

Another reason they might be tempted by Gaither?

The offensive line has been Mike Nolan's top priority since he was hired, and he said recently that he will continue to bolster the line every chance he gets.

The 49ers already have looked at two other players who are available in July 12's supplemental draft, Georgia cornerback Paul Oliver and Nebraska offensive lineman Chris Patrick. Gaither promises to be the most intriguing of the three.

The 49ers have not been active players in the supplemental draft. But they nearly made a bid for Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks last summer.

They were poised to take Brooks in the fourth round but the Bengals beat them to him, selecting Brooks with their choice in the third round.

[Angyair]

Ecco il turno degli outside linebakers, sperando finalmente di tornare ad avere un giocatore con almeno 10 sacks in stagione...


The 49ers have seven outside linebackers on the roster. They could keep four or five. If they keep five, it likely means one of those players will be taking the spot of a defensive lineman.

The club has some versatility when carving out their final roster because several of their outside linebackers are also capable of being defensive ends. Tully Banta-Cain, Parys Haralson, Roderick Green, Manny Lawson and Jay Moore all have experience lining up at defensive end.

* * *

The outside linebackers are the guys projected to supply the pass rush for the team. This, of course, is something that has been lacking from the 49ers' defense for a while. Just once in the past seven seasons have the 49ers had a player with 10 or more sacks.

When you look at the 49ers and what they've done with their roster, this is the area in which there are probably still the biggest questions. Have they done enough to inject a pass rush?

Perhaps the best thing they did for their pass rush was to upgrade the secondary. The failings of a pass rush are generally as much the fault of the corners as it is those players who are entrusted to get the sacks. Therefore, if the 49ers get what they want out of cornerback Nate Clements, he and Walt Harris might play bigger roles than anyone in helping the club gain a consistent pass rush.

* * *

The player with the best chance to get double-digit sacks this season is expected to be newcomer Tully Banta-Cain, who recorded a career-high 5.5 sacks last season with the Patriots. Rosevelt Colvin and Mike Vrabel were the Pats' starting OLBs for most of the season. When ILB Junior Seau was injured, Vrabel moved inside, and Banta-Cain started four of the final games of the season.

The 49ers went hard after Ravens free agent Adalius Thomas at the beginning of free agency. But Thomas signed with the Patriots, despite the 49ers' reported offer of more than $1 million more annually. Thomas said the idea of playing for the Patriots was impossible for him to pass up. His family also wasn't especially keen on the idea of moving to California.

Anyway, with Thomas out of the picture, the 49ers turned their attention to Banta-Cain. It looks as if he'll be the starter on the weak side, lining up more often than not on the right side.

* * *

Battling for playing time behind Banta-Cain will be Parys Haralson and Roderick Green.

Green was picked up after the final cuts. He played sparingly in the season opener, was inactive the next week and then released.

Green was unemployed for six weeks before the 49ers came calling again. He was signed when Haralson went on injured reserve with a torn pec muscle.

Green took full advantage of Haralson's injury, as he carved out a niche as a nickel pass rusher. Green beat Seahawks perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Walter Jones for a couple sacks in two games. Green finished the season with 4.5 sacks, ranking third on the team.

Haralson got off to a slow starter after sustaining a strained foot in training camp. He didn't make much of an impact last season, but the coaching staff felt he was beginning to turn the corner before his season-ending injury.

There might not be room on the roster for both Haralson and Green. If the team keeps one fewer defensive linemen, maybe both make it. But if the team keeps six receivers, there might not be room for both. It's all part of the numbers game. As is the case with a lot of these positions, the 49ers will have to determine which player and which positions give them the best value.

* * *

Manny Lawson will be the starter on the strong side. Because of some changes in the 49ers' personnel and their scheme, look for Lawson to get after the quarterback a little more this year.

He was a non-factor when it came to rushing the QB as a rookie. Lawson had 2.5 sacks as a rookie. He had two sacks in an early-season game against the Rams, but neither was really of his doing.

Expect Lawson to play with more speed this season, as he has a better grasp of the defense. I draw comparisons between Lawson and Alex Smith. Both guys are very intelligent, but they were paralyzed as rookies by their determination to carry out their assignments exactly as it was drawn up.

You could see Lawson growing as the season went on. He made some remarkable plays in coverage, including a leaping interception of a Marc Bulger pass for Torry Holt on a deep out. But his best game of the season might have been his solid performance against the Broncos in the season finale. Expect a noticeable bump in his play this season.

* * *

Rookie Jay Moore was chosen early in the fourth round. He played defensive end at Nebraska, but the club believes he has the athleticism at 270 pounds to play standing up. He seems to be a bright guy who asked a lot of questions of Lawson and Hannibal Navies during the offseason program. He seems to be a hard worker who is very serious about getting better. It might be difficult for him to make a contribution as a rookie because Lawson is not likely to come off the field very often.

* * *

Navies is an eight-year vet who plays the same position as Lawson and Moore. He did not join the 49ers' roster until the 11th game of the season. He assimilated into the defense quickly, starting three of the final six games.

Just like on the other side, it'll be difficult for the 49ers to keep three players at this position. And it'll be difficult for the club to release a promising talent such as Moore, so the onus is on Navies to prove he can make the team better.

* * *

John Syptak, who played defensive end in NFL Europa, spent some time last year on the Saints' practice squad. His best hope is to land on the 49ers' practice squad this season.

[Angyair]

Ed ora il turno della linea offensiva, reparto dove ci potrebbero essere diversi importanti cambiamenti (anche in funzione dell'anno prossimo):


The 49ers head into training camp with 15 offensive linemen on their roster, and the club is very pleased with the depth they've accumulated through the first 10 spots. Unless someone slips or someone really comes on in training camp (or there is a trade or two), those 10 roster spots would likely go to Jonas Jennings, Larry Allen, Eric Heitmann, Justin Smiley, David Baas, Kwame Harris, Joe Staley, Adam Snyder, Tony Wragge and Patrick Estes.

* * *

Left tackle -Jennings grades out very well at the most important position on the offensive line when he's healthy. But since he joined the 49ers two seasons ago, he has experienced a lot of problems just staying on the field.

He is still relatively young at 29, and he could have a few more good seasons ahead of him. The only issue concerning his play is his health. Jennings has missed all or parts of 20 games in the two seasons he's been with the 49ers. His only sub-par games have come when he's been limited with injuries. Last year, he had ankle (left and right), wrist and shoulder problems.

He underwent his second offseason shoulder surgery in two years, which knocked him out of the team's on-field work. Jennings is expected to be ready to go when training camp begins.

Staley figures to be the left tackle of the future. But if the 49ers have to sub for Jennings this season, Snyder will probably get the call.

Snyder has been a man without a position through his first two seasons. Or more accurate, he's been a man with too many positions. He has played both tackle positions and right guard during his two seasons. The club really likes him. He signed a contract extension through the 2011 season at a very reasonable salary. Eventually, he'll be a starter. It could come at left guard or, perhaps, at right tackle. Heck, it could be just about anywhere but center.

Patrick Estes got the first-team snaps at left tackle during the offseason, as he took over with Jennings out. Left tackles are difficult to find, and the club believes Estes has what it takes. He has worked hard to get his weight to 310 pounds, while not losing any of his athleticism.

Estes played in just one game last season after seeing action in seven games as a rookie. He played part of one game at left tackle as a rookie and clearly wasn't ready for that difficult assignment. The 49ers converted him to tackle after he played tight end at the University of Virginia.

Damane Duckett also saw a lot of time at left tackle in the offseason. The 49ers converted Duckett to offense after he played defensive line last season. Duckett appears to have some promise as an offensive lineman. He could spend this season on the practice squad to sharpen those skills.

Left guard - The club expects Allen to report to training camp. He did not take part in the team's offseason program for undisclosed reasons, and there was a report Allen was considering retirement. But the 49ers are under the impression Allen will report to camp on July 28 with all his teammates.

Allen is an icon. He was named to the Pro Bowl in his first season with the 49ers. He will be a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer. At 35, he is still a very effective run-blocker. However, his decreased mobility has affected his pass-blocking.

If Allen plays this season, as the club fully expects, they must have reinforcements ready to go. The 13-year veteran might have a difficult time making it through a 16-game regular season.

While the club has a lot of options to fill in at left guard, Snyder received the first-team reps during the offseason program. When Allen got hurt last season, Wragge was plugged in and played well. But with a little more depth and some improvements along the line, Wragge might not be the first person called upon if injuries occur this season.

Center - It came as no huge surprise when Heitmann made it back to the practice field a few weeks ahead of schedule after breaking his right tibia in a late-season game in Seattle. After Heitmann heard the bone break and felt the excruciating pain, he calmly asked his teammates to summon team doctors. He said he wanted to remain composed and under control so he would not upset his teammates.

Heitmann spent his first full season at center last season, and performed very well. Depending on what happens at some of the other positions on the line, Baas could be the backup to Heitmann. Wragge started a couple games late in the season after Heitmann's injury, but all indications are that Baas has surpassed him on the depth chart.

Nick Steitz, who spent the final two weeks on the 53-man roster but did not dress for either game, worked with the second unit during the offseason. Rookie Sean Estrada, a rookie from Penn, could be a developmental player at center and guard.

Right guard - This is where things really start to get interesting.

Smiley had a good season, and he is ready for a big payday. The problem is that it probably will not come from the 49ers. Personnel chief Scot McCloughan has made it clear that he does not believe in paying big money for guards. And, certainly, the kind of money that Smiley is seeking (and the kind of money the market has proved he deserves) is big money.

Smiley's contract is set to expire after this season, when he would be scheduled for unrestricted free agency. The 49ers would be open to trading Smiley, but at this stage no team is likely to come to the table with any kind of serious offer. However, if another team has an injury to a starting guard in training camp, the 49ers might entertain more offers.

The interesting part of the equation is Baas' rising stock. Baas finally looks like a player after two seasons of inactivity. He will be given a legitimate shot at unseating Smiley for a starting job.

Baas was the No. 33 overall pick in the '05 draft. He was projected to be a starter as a rookie. But Baas had a difficult time dealing with the adversity of a hamstring injury he sustained just prior to reporting to training camp his rookie season.

Later, when Baas was mired deep on the depth chart, coach Mike Nolan said Baas did not exhibit great practice habits. Baas seemed to turn that around in the second half of last season, but he still played only a handful of snaps during the regular season.

If Baas were to score the upset and unseat Smiley as the starter, the 49ers might feel inclined to shop Smiley. But if Smiley wins the job, they'll go with him. Smiley might not be happy with his paycheck this season, but if he plays well he would guarantee himself a nice contract with some team next spring.

Right tackle - One of the things the 49ers like about Harris is his durability. Since Nolan and offensive line coach George Warhop came to the organization, Harris has not missed a game and I can't recall him missing a practice.

But Harris was sidelined through most of the organized team activities with back spasms. That condition enabled Staley to get most of the snaps during the 12 practice sessions. That experience gives Staley, the No. 28 overall selection, a good chance to win the starting job at this spot.

You've all heard this before, but Harris is a good run-blocker and not as good in pass protection. According to STATS, Inc., he allowed 8.5 sacks last season. He was also called for four holding penalties and one false start.

It was the best season of his career. He was the No. 26 overall pick of the '03 draft, and the development has been slow. It certainly did not help matters that received very little coaching in his second NFL season.

Harris is entering the final season of his contract. This might come as a shock to the anti-Harris faction of the audience (and that seems to be a sizeable group), but he will likely get a pretty good contract on the open market. Tackles are difficult to find. Those who make it to free agency are generally paid top dollar.

Because the club already has Jennings, Snyder and Staley, I would not expect the 49ers to step up and sign him to an extension.

Harris has a much different personality and approach to his contract situation than Smiley. Whereas Smiley likes to check out the market and compare himself to others out there, Harris seems oblivious to it all. If Harris were to lose the starting job, I think he would accept his demotion and continue to work without saying a word.

A year ago, the 49ers wanted a competition to develop between Harris and Snyder during training camp. But Snyder sustained a biceps injury during camp that, in essence, knocked him out of the competition. Just when Snyder was rounding back into form and began splitting time with Harris, he sustained an ankle injury that kept him out of action.

This camp, Harris will be in a battle with Staley to keep his job. It's unclear whether Snyder will make it a three-pronged competition or if he'll concentrate on the guard positions.

Staley is extremely athletic. It was difficult to tell much during the non-contact practices, but it's possible that his pass-protection is further along than his run-blocking.

Harvey Dahl, who saw action last season in four games as a first-year player, was the second-team right tackle during OTAs behind Staley. With the increased competition, Dahl is expected to take his game to another level.

* * *

Tavares Washington, who spent last season on the practice squad, played this spring in NFL Europa. It'll be difficult for him to make the 53-man roster, unless there are trades and/or injuries. He could return to the practice squad for another season.

[Jeremy]

This might come as a shock to the anti-Harris faction of the audience (and that seems to be a sizeable group), but he will likely get a pretty good contract on the open market. Tackles are difficult to find. Those who make it to free agency are generally paid top dollar.

[Angyair]

Io accendo ogni giorno un cero. Speriamo. :paper:

[Jeremy]

I have a dream: Kwame ai Cowboys (o ai Rams).  :gazza:

[cecaro]

Io sono sicuro che Staley sarà in campo come RT dalla prima giornata, Nolan finora ha dimostrato di voler puntare subito sulle sue prime scelte. Così Kwame potrebbe anche accettare un ruolo da back-up. (Anche se vederlo concedere sacks per i Cowboys/Rams secondo la "Jeremy Proposition" sarebbe una goduria )

[KingKaiv]

I have a dream: Kwame ai Cowboys (o ai Rams).  :gazza:

Fa' che resti un dream :gazza:

E poi dove lo mettiamo con Pace-Barron?