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Sunday, September 30th, 2007
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 10:47:50 pm
These are all 49ers notes provided by the Niners PR staff. 49ERS VS. SEATTLE GAME NOTES 9-30-07 *Newly acquired PR Michael Lewis made his 49ers debut after signing with the team earlier in the week and returned six punts for 63 yards, including a 23-yard punt return in the third quarter.
Categories: Game Coverage
• 7 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 09:45:09 pm
The following is an unedited version of a sidebar that will appear in Monday's paper. By Frank Hughes SAN FRANCISCO – The Seneca Wallace experiment has returned for the Seattle Seahawks.
Categories: Game Coverage
• 18 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 09:05:03 pm
This is the unedited version of the review box that will appear in the morning paper: SCORE: Seahawks 23, 49ers 3.
Categories: Game Coverage
• 16 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 08:45:43 pm
Head Coach Mike Nolan RE: Opening Statement:
Categories: Game Coverage
• 12 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 08:10:08 pm
The following is my unedited game story: By Frank Hughes SAN FRANCISCO – The seismic statement the Seattle Seahawks were hoping to make to their division rivals was issued with resounding force on Sunday, when a decisive 23-3 defeat of the San Francisco 49ers at Monster Park engendered the calming sense that as much as things change, they remain the same.
Categories: Game Coverage
• 16 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 08:00:41 pm
LB Leroy Hill RE: How important was it to the defense to attack the offensive line? And how nice was it to succeed? RE: Did you guys plan differently this week in order to shut down Frank Gore? (Also on the Alex Smith injury)
Categories: Game Coverage
• 3 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 07:40:59 pm
QB Matt Hasselbeck RE: Revenge as a motivator after losing both games to San Francisco in 2006
Categories: Game Coverage
• 4 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 07:20:01 pm
RB Shaun Alexander RE: Hasselbeck’s growth
Categories: Game Coverage
• 4 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 07:00:59 pm
Holmgren said Alvin Pearman has a pretty serious knee injury. He will know more Monday but did not sound optimistic. Ray Willis also has a knee injury suffered on a kickoff return, though not believed to be as serious as Pearman's. Josh Wilson suffered an ankle injury, the least serious of the three.
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 06:40:29 pm
These are not complete quotes but what the Niners PR staff transcribed. Head Coach Mike Holmgren RE: The Victory
Categories: Game Coverage
• 3 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 04:03:08 pm
There is still five minutes left, but I have to go to the locker room. The score is 23-3 and there is no threat of losing. A thoroughly dominating performance by the 3-1 Seahawks, who have control of the division. I'll be back in a few hours.
Categories: Game Coverage
• 59 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 02:53:49 pm
Alvin Pearman has a knee injury and is doubtful to return. Rocky Bernard is on the sideline and does not appear to be injured. Alex Smith is not coming back.
Categories: Game Coverage
• 15 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 02:37:20 pm
The Seahawks' defense has been stellar in a first half in which they lead 13-0. They already have six sacks and four forced fumbles -- two by Frank Gore -- only one of which they recovered. They are getting crazy pressure on Trent Dilfer, who is playing because Rocky Bernard knocked out Alex Smith with a shoulder injury on the third play of the game. The secondary has been good too, limiting Darell Jackson to two catches. The offense has not been stellar, but it has been good enough against a San Francisco team that has issues right now. Matt Hasselbeck made three beautiful throws, two on one 82-yard drive. A pump-and-go to Deion Branch went for 65 yards and he placed a touchdown pass to Bobby Engram just over the linebacker with a deft touch. Shaun Alexander and the running game has been non-existent but needs to show up in the second half if the Seahawks want to continue to control the game and manage the clock. Also, Seneca Wallace has been dusted off and has a reception, a run and a pass attempt for a touchdown that was open but he underthrew it. They have practiced with Seneca all week so I think they are feeling more comfortable with Charlie Frye as a potential backu. More second-half coverage to come.
Categories: Game Coverage
• 28 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 02:09:35 pm
Niners TE Billy Bajema has a right ankle injury and is questionable to return. Significant because starting TE Vernon Dacis already is out and the position was being filled by Bajema and Delanie Walker.
Categories: Game Coverage
• 4 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 02:01:21 pm
Long snapper Derek Rackley hurt his left hand and has a few trainers attending to it on the sideline.
Categories: Game Coverage
• 6 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 01:36:57 pm
The Seahawks have started drives on the 12, 38, 44 and 43. They need to start taking advantage of good field position.
Categories: Game Coverage
• 10 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 01:16:12 pm
After conferring wiht about seven people, Alex Smith was just taken to the locker room on a cart. For those not watching the game, it happened on the third play of the game, when Rocky Bernard sacked him and came down hard on top of him. It is his right shoulder. His return is questionable.
Categories: Game Coverage
• 2 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 01:10:41 pm
The 49ers QB is on the sideline having his shoulder checked out by trainers. Trent Dilfer is warming up.
Categories: Game Coverage
• 5 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 12:04:38 pm
Seahawks Charlie Frye DJ Hackett 49ers Shaun Hill
Categories: Game Coverage
• 1 comment
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 11:31:17 am
Referee Mike Carey
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 10:51:49 am
It's a pretty warm day here in San Francisco, pristine conditions with a hot sun beating down on the field. It's about 65 degrees -- though in the press box, I feel like the bug sitting behind the magnifying glass because the sun is streaming through here. There are fans on both sidelines. Matt Hasselbeck is out on the field stretching and warming up. I'll have updates throughout the day.
Categories: Game Coverage
• 2 comments
Saturday, September 29th, 2007
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 03:06:51 pm
Can the run offense get going to the satisfaction of Mike Holmgren, particularly with Shaun Alexander still affected by a cracked bone in his wrist? The return of Mo Morris may help that. Can the run defense repeat its performance from a week ago and stop Frank Gore, especially against a much-bigger offensive line that dominated the Seahawks the past two games? How will Darrell Jackson fare against his former teammates? He is the leading Niners receiver with 11 receptions. But you know the Hawks will be focused on shutting him down.
Categories: Miscellaneous
• 35 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 09:35:21 am
Brock and I were able to get together mid-week and covered some interesting stuff. Brock thinks the game is going to come down to a field goal.
Categories: Brock Huard Analysis
• 7 comments
Friday, September 28th, 2007
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 05:30:58 pm
TE Ben Joppru Last week with Joppru out, Ashworth was on the active roster but that was because so many other players were sidelined. With Morris and Obomanu back, Ashworth likely has to go back to inactive. If they want to keep Ashworth active, another possibility is Ellis Wyms.
Categories: Roster Analysis
• 22 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 02:29:32 pm
Maurice Morris was back at practice and Mike Holmgren said he will play. He sat out Thursday because his hip got sore after practicing Wednesday. Ben Obomanu was getting a lot of work and also will play, which will be nice to see after he had such a promising preseason. Will Herring was out for the second straight day; Holmgren said he will be a game-day decision.
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 07:05:48 am
Here is a link to a story I wrote this morning about Marcus Trufant and his impending free agency, particularly as it relates to San Francisco corner Nate Clements, who last offseason signed an eight-year $80 million contract. The Seahawks and Trufant seemingly are stuck at a stalemate in negotiations and probably will go into the offseason to determine his value. He is not as good as Clements, but that contract skewed everything. Now, is Trufant worth the $5.5 million a year that Nate Vasher signed for, or closer to the $9 million a year -- his average if you realistically exclude the final three years of his deal -- that Clements signed? Tim Ruskell admits it's a tricky balancing act -- and my guess is that a lot of that answer will be determined during this season.
Categories: Unrestricted free agents (UFAs)
• 61 comments
Posted by Ryan Divish @ 12:15:48 am
 Since the teams usually take Tuesday off, it means linkage is usually off on Wednesday,and this time part of Thursday. But like any refresher it comes back strong with a 2-for-1 edition that will surely cause some missed work time.. From the News Tribune.... Here's the AP story out of San Francisco for the game. Here's Dave's appearance on KJR that was on Monday. This week's opponent — The San Francisco 49ers... Well, the Niners finally got an official answer on the controversial fumble/incomplete pass call from the loss to the Steelers. Now hopefully it's the end of it. Apparently, Thursday was Darrell Jackson story day. Here's the SF Chronicle's story with the headline "Far-out wideout grooves on SF." Here's the story from the Sacramento Bee with the header "Jackson brings calmness to 49ers." How about the Santa Rosa Press Democrat... "Jackson clears the hair". Also Frank Gore is frustrated with his slow start (I'm sure plenty of fantasy owners are as well.) Here's a new story on newly acquired returner Michael Lewis. AUDIO ALERT: Here’s the weekly podcast with the 49ers coordinators from KNBR. Also analyst Phil Simms offers his thoughts on the Niners. Matt Barrows appeared on KJR talking about the Niners. Around the NFC West... Jackson isn't the only injured Ram. QB Marc Bulger has a pair of broken ribs, but he doesn't want your pity. But he says he's going to play on Sunday. Columnist tells people the losing slide isn't coach Scott Linehan's fault. Over in Arizona, things are only marginally better. The Cardinals are going to continue to use the no-huddle offense. QB Matt Leinart hasn't lost his confidence after getting benched last week. Good pass protection for the Cardinals? What? The Cardinals are playing the waiting game on injuries to Anquan Boldin and Levi Brown. Around the NFL ... Columnist Jay Mariotti is happy, for the moment, that Brian Griese is the starter for the Bears. The NFL player association isn't pleased with retirees' accounts about their post career injuries, and is setting out to dispute those accounts. Columnist David Whitley mocks the the NFL's decision to not allow cheerleaders to perform in front of the opposing team. Here's a reason why for the ban....
Categories: Answers to your questions
• 6 comments
Thursday, September 27th, 2007
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 07:08:19 pm
More Shaun Alexander goofiness. He said that he cracked the wrist in Week 1, not, as believed, in Week 3 after he got hit on the wrist toward the end of the first half. Here is the explanation: “I think it all happened in the second quarter of the first game, so we x-rayed it then,” Alexander said. The trainers “were like, ‘We have good news and bad news.” I was like, ‘What’s the bad news?’ “Mo (Morris) is hurt. We have good news. You’re going to get to show everybody how much you love this team.’
Categories: Injuries
• 35 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 07:00:56 pm
Got my daily stuff out of the way, here's what happened in practice today. Game balls were given out a day early because the defensive one went to coordinator John Marshall, whose mother died during the game. He will miss today's practice to attend the funeral, but was appropriately rewarded. Deion Branch got the offensive one and Will Herring, who missed practice with a knee injury (I forgot to mention that earlier) got the special teams ball. You might ask why not Lance Laury, who was given ST player of the week by the league. It's because he was given a game ball after Week 1 and they try to spread it around.
Categories: Notes from practice
• 15 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 03:42:51 pm
Backup RB Maurice Morris did not practice on Thursday because of the hip injury that kept him out of last week's game. He does not have to be listed as doubtful, probable or out until tomorrow afternoon. It was funny because Shaun Alexander was asked during his meeting with reporters what it would be like to have Morris back, and he paused a second and then gave a typical Alexander answer about it will be great having Morris back. Take that for what it's worth. Ben Joppru and DJ Hackett also did not practice. Everybody else participated. I have to do a daily piece for our Football Friday section that has to be in by 5 so I don't have time to blog about practice right now. Will get back to that after I file.
Categories: Injuries
• 16 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 10:15:18 am
“I think I would separate the two between the passing game and the running defense. I thought Sunday we played a very good game versus the run; much better than we had against Arizona. In the pass rush department, I want to see more. We’re not quite where I would like us to be, yet. If you really dissect it and looked at the film, there are reasons. Sometimes teams keeps a lot of blockers in. Sometimes the quarterback gets the ball out quickly. Sometimes you’re just six inches away like we were with (Matt) Leinart on a number of occasions. You’re close but it just doesn’t happen. Having said all that, we still have to get more productivity as far as rushing the passer and we will. I believe that. I think we have guys who are capable. We’re playing some guys who haven’t played too much and that’ll come but we need to get more productivity in the pass rush."
Categories: Miscellaneous
• 15 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 08:36:29 am
Keep in mind, these are players they are trying to get a feel for. Though Ben Joppru has been hurt an inordinate amount of time lately. Angulo, Richard TE Western New Mexico Farbotko, Matt TE Harvard
Categories: Street free agents
• 13 comments
Wednesday, September 26th, 2007
Posted by Darrin Beene @ 04:07:38 pm
Injury report for Sunday's Seattle at San Francisco game: SEAHAWKS OUT DID NOT PRACTICE FULL PARTICIPATION 49ERS DID NOT PRACTICE LIMITED PRACTICE Note: Our best guess about "team decision" is that these guys are veterans (OK, OLD) and they don't need to kill themselves in Wednesday drills.
Categories: Answers to your questions
• 20 comments
Posted by Darrin Beene @ 04:01:55 pm
Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said he remains close with Trent Dilfer, the former Seahawk quarterback who is now a backup on the 49ers. This week, days before a game between the teams, does make it a little awkward, though. "I get nervous talking to him now," Hasselbeck said after Wednesday's practice. "I feel like he's interviewing me, so to speak, like he's taking notes while we're on the phone. So I try not to talk to him." Other highlights: On the 49ers' two wins over the Seahawks last year: "They had our number last year. They played us well, and really did some good things against us. We've had to wait a long time for this game. This is an important game for both teams." On how he feels physically, considering his inactivity during the preseason: "I feel a little more fresh, to be honest with you. It's two games less you've got to get knocked around in. All in all, I think so far it's been great. But all it takes is one hit to change that." On receivers dropping passes: "I think it's hard on the team, really. It's probably harde on the guy who dropped it than the quarterback. ... You see a guy drop a big pass and the camera goes to him and he's over on the bench, and he's thinking about it, he's got his head down, those kind of things. You've just got to let it go."
Categories: Answers to your questions
• 2 comments
Posted by Darrin Beene @ 03:26:22 pm
The Seahawks got backups Maurice Morris and Ben Obomanu back in practice today. Morris, the No. 2 running back behind Shaun Alexander, missed the last two games with a hip injury. Last week during practice, he ran on the side but did not participate. Wednesday, he was in full gear and back on the field. "I wouldn't say I (was) limited, but it was my first practice back and I'm still trying to get into the groove of things, get my timing down and all that," Morris said. "All in all, I feel good." Obomanu, a second year receiver, has been inactive all season because of a hamstring injury. He said he was glad to be back doing something other than rehab. "It felt good to be back in the mix of things," he said. "I actually feel pretty healthy and pretty good. Practice is nothing like a game, of course."
Categories: Answers to your questions
• 11 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 01:20:51 pm
Lance Laury, who caused the fumble on Sunday that sealed the Seahawks' 24-21 victory over Cincinnati, was named special teams player of the week for that tackle and one other. Mike Holmgren was interesting because he went back and addressed his comments in the preseason that they were going to keep six linebackers instead of seven. He said Laury was the guy -- or one of the guys -- who was on the bubble. Holmgren said there was a lot of heated debate about who to keep and what to do at the LB position. He said that in order to keep a seventh LB, that player HAS to make special teams plays, which Laury obviously has done. He also said some injuries in the last preseason game allowed them to make the decision to keep Laury. Incidentally, Dallas corner Anthony Henry was the defensive player of the week and Philly RB Brian Westbrook was offensive player.
Categories: Awards and honors
• 5 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 01:10:30 pm
Mike Holmgren started out his news conference by saying, "Big week. Big big week." Considering the Seahawks have lost already within the division, and they were swept last season by San Francisco, and it it against his former team in his hometown with Darrell Jackson as a subplot, there is a lot that goes into this game.
Categories: Miscellaneous
• 10 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 12:57:28 pm
Both Maurice Morris and Ben Obomanu will be back at practice this afternoon, Morris giving Holmgren some options that he may not have had last weeek. Also, Holmgren said he thinks D.J. Hackett will be back around the bye week, which is the last week of October. That would put Hackett out for about seven weeks.
Categories: Miscellaneous
• 3 comments
Posted by Ryan Divish @ 12:34:10 pm
 No Vernon Davis this weekend. After a day off, the links is coming back so strong, Mike Gundy won't be able to yell about it. Yes, the Niners are hurting physically after the pasting by the Steelers. Most notably, tight end Vernon Davis is out for the next two weeks. Head coach Mike Nolan is still looking for clarification on the call from the Steelers game... let it go man. Return specialist Brandon Williams has been replaced by the "Beer Man." Although more teams are employing the two-back tailback platoon, Frank Gore wants no part of it. Here's a column on impatient fans to wanting to see rebuilding efforts. Niners analyst Gary Plummer offers some thoughts on the match-up. Here's another look how the team's match up. AUDIO ALERT: Here's Mike Nolan's weekly radio podcast with KNBR of San Francisco. Beat writer Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat offers his thoughts on the Fitz and Brooks radio show. here's the Sacramento Bee's Matt Barrow talking about the Niners loss and Vernon Davis. D-Jack items  Here's his official stats for this season, not exactly mind blowing. This in-game blog post wasn't too kind about his production. Football outsiders does it's weekly preview of games, check out the Hawks-Niners preview where it says D-Jack won't be a factor. Around the NFL.... Here's John Clayton's latest piece on the NFC for ESPN. Here's Mike Sando's story on the communication between coaches and QBs before the play. Here's Gregg Easterbrook's Tuesday Morning QB, from ESPN Page 2. Here's an interesting story from ESPN the Mag on Tacoma native Jon Kitna and the healing of his concussion.
Categories: Answers to your questions
• 5 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 11:39:27 am
 By the way, for those of you wondering where Boling's valuable insights have been, this is a picture of his son's house in Moscow, Idaho. It burned to the ground recently and Dave, while writing his daily stories, has been dealing with the fallout from that. Fortunately, nobody was hurt but his son lost everything. He apologizes for his absence but assumes you understand.
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 08:55:12 am
Today is Big Wednesday, with a teleconference with Niners cornerback Nate Clements at 11:45 followed by Niners coach Mike Nolan. Mike Holmgren's weekly news conference is at noon, as well, followed by practice. I will blog as much and as quickly as I can after each event to give you updates. In the News Tribune this morning, John McGrath looks at the Seneca Wallace issue in light of the offense seemingly needing some boost, even if it is using Wallace for only five or six plays a game. Tuesday, September 25th, 2007
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 12:20:31 pm
Here is a synopsis of Shaun Alexander's carries on Sunday. The thing that I think is interesting is that in the first half they appeared to try to go to the right side pretty often. I wonder if that is because of Shaun's wrist, and since he can only carry the ball in his right hand they were trying to protect it. Then, when they saw that they weren't having success there or behind Chris Spencer, they went to the left side in the second half, where they found much more success. Mike Holmgren said on the fourth-and-one play, the Bengals had lined up to defend a run to the left, at least part of the reason that play went for 14 yards. Keep in mind, these are just Shaun's runs. They are in order for Shaun, but obviously Hasselbeck has pass attempts wrapped around all these carries.
Totals: 21 carries, 100 yards • Right side: eight carries, 41 yards • Up middle: five carries, -5 yards • Left side: eight carries, 64 yards
Categories: Statistics
• 59 comments
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 09:19:51 am
I wrote a story this morning about the Hawks' struggling running game. Incidentally, as I point out in the story, the Niners are 25th in the league in rush defense so now would be a good time to get it cranked up. I also wrote a piece about Shaun Alexander's cracked wrist. I went through the play by play and broke Alexander's running down for you. I am trying to get it formatted properly so you can read it and will post it later today if that is successful. There were some issues last week with formatting and I am trying to get them resolved through html. Dave Boling wrote a piece on the improved communication between Matt Hasselbeck and coach Mike Holmgren, part of the reason that Hasselbeck is having such a good start to the season. Hawks are off today.
Categories: Miscellaneous
• 15 comments
Monday, September 24th, 2007
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 08:10:22 pm
“They’re a lot better, and I thought they were pretty good last year. Defensively they’re very good, I think this is the best defense we’ve faced and they’re obviously well-coached, those guys know what they’re doing. I think they’ve grasp of our offense and what we like to do, and we can tell that they’ve studies us, they know us, they’ve got a lot of people there that know us. I think this is one of our tougher games. If you look at our schedule this is one of the games that we obviously need to win, to accomplish our goals, but also it’s a game that’s going to be hard for us to win. I think everyone knows that.”
Categories: Opponents
• 20 comments
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