Post by Wicked on Aug 8, 2008 10:04:45 GMT -5
NAPA, Calif. -- Observations from San Francisco 49ers camp:
1. This is a pivotal year for coach Mike Nolan. He has two years left on his contract and he's only 16-32 as coach of the 49ers, including 5-11 last season. I'll say it again: This guy can coach. I was around Nolan when he was defensive coordinator of the New York Giants and he was sharp. The moral of this story might be the risk of giving a head coach too much personnel say. Alex Smith was a Nolan pick and it seems their destinies are intertwined.
2. One more thing about Smith. He was clearly a product of Urban Meyer's system at Utah. He put up massive numbers while there but hasn't come close to doing so in the NFL. His lack of production isn't solely about a lack of weapons around him. Smith has a weak arm and a lack of feel for the game. I must admit I thought Smith was going to have a better career and have been slightly stunned at how awful he has been.
3. Two fights broke out during the joint practice for the 49ers and the Raiders. But no one pulled a Steve Smith.
4. Mike Martz plans to utilize muscled up tight end Vernon Davis more down the field like a wideout. He'll shift around the line of scrimmage more than in the past. It's about time. There's no linebacker or safety who can cover Davis if he's used in that fashion.
5. Frank Gore prediction: No, he won't rush for over 2,000 yards, like Gore arrogantly predicted before. But he will rush for 1,500 because I think Martz will regain his senses and rely heavily on the running game knowing his quarterback situation is shaky at best.
By Mike Freeman
CBSSports.com National Columnist
1. This is a pivotal year for coach Mike Nolan. He has two years left on his contract and he's only 16-32 as coach of the 49ers, including 5-11 last season. I'll say it again: This guy can coach. I was around Nolan when he was defensive coordinator of the New York Giants and he was sharp. The moral of this story might be the risk of giving a head coach too much personnel say. Alex Smith was a Nolan pick and it seems their destinies are intertwined.
2. One more thing about Smith. He was clearly a product of Urban Meyer's system at Utah. He put up massive numbers while there but hasn't come close to doing so in the NFL. His lack of production isn't solely about a lack of weapons around him. Smith has a weak arm and a lack of feel for the game. I must admit I thought Smith was going to have a better career and have been slightly stunned at how awful he has been.
3. Two fights broke out during the joint practice for the 49ers and the Raiders. But no one pulled a Steve Smith.
4. Mike Martz plans to utilize muscled up tight end Vernon Davis more down the field like a wideout. He'll shift around the line of scrimmage more than in the past. It's about time. There's no linebacker or safety who can cover Davis if he's used in that fashion.
5. Frank Gore prediction: No, he won't rush for over 2,000 yards, like Gore arrogantly predicted before. But he will rush for 1,500 because I think Martz will regain his senses and rely heavily on the running game knowing his quarterback situation is shaky at best.
By Mike Freeman
CBSSports.com National Columnist