San Francisco 49ers "Winds of change have blown through"

Nine months ago, I was hired by RealFootball365 to cover the San Francisco 49ers -- a football team I knew very little about. Oh sure, I knew certain players and was aware of the team's coach, but I was unaware of the intricacies of the 49ers.Over the course of Jets 6 Sanchez Jersey
the nine months, however, I learned quite a bit. After I took over the beat writing duties and began submitting five columns a week, I learned even more...call it a crash course in 49eromics. While I still don't know the team inside and out the way the most passionate fans do, I feel much more comfortable making statements and forming opinions about the players and coaches than I once did. I even developed a bit of a soft spot for a team that ripped my 10-year-old heart out back in Super Bowl XXIII -- something I never thought would happen.Prior to their 2006 rejuvenation, the Niners were still in the initial stages of rebuilding, and to be honest, they were not a very fun team to watch. They had a new coaching staff that had the unenviable job of pulling the franchise out of the hole Dennis Erickson put it in and restocking the roster with coachable talent. The 49ers had a rookie quarterback who looked confused and even frightened at times. A mediocre (at best) receiving corps. And a defense with more holes than the hat Davy Crockett wore at the Alamo. What a difference a year makes, eh? What was once a struggling franchise is now a legitimate playoff contender, and possibly even a Super Bowl team if it jells properly and gets hot at the right time. The talent level has been substantially raised across the board, especially on offense, and the team is fun to watch again.Like Rocky said after he KO'd Ivan Drago: "If I can change...and you can change...EVERYBODY can change!"Quarterback:Alex Smith is the same person he was in 2005, yet he's not the same player -- not by a long shot. The nervous kid who literally had an 11-to-1 interception-to-touchdown ratio his rookie year improved in leaps and bounds last season, prompting me to compare him to Troy Aikman on more than one occasion. In my years of watching football and actually understanding the nuances of the game, I have seen many young quarterbacks have that one game where everything seemed to click. Occasionally, it's a bona fide harbinger of greatness like Carson Palmer against Baltimore in 2004 and Vince Young rallying the troops against the Giants last year (maybe). Then again, just as often (and maybe more so) it's the first upswing in an erratic career, such as Michael Vick's performance in Green Bay in the playoffs and Eli Manning's four-touchdown, no-interception performance versus St. Louis in 2005. You just never know.Smith had his "I get it now" game on a cold, nasty December night in Seattle. In the fourth quarter of that contest, Smith played like a much younger, less-botoxed Steve Young, and he looked like he would end up living up to the pressure-laden title of No. 1 draft pick. Of course, he 4 Brett Favre White jersey
went out the next week and laid an egg in a must-win contest against the Cardinals and followed that up with a shaky but solid performance to top the Broncos in the final game of the year.The point is, I have no idea where Smith is headed, but it looks like he has a chance to turn into an upper-tier NFL quarterback. He certainly has the weapons to thrive; and at the very least, he should be a very solid player for the next 10 to 12 years with a Madden rating ranging between 87 and 93.Running back:Oh sure, Frank Gore isn't really a home-run threat (seriously, how many times was he caught from behind?), but thanks to his absurd combination of initial burst, power, vision and quick ankles, he still manages to break off two to three big runs a game. It's possible he caught the league off-guard like Hideo Nomo back in '95, and it'll catch up to him this year, but I just don't see that happening.Regardless, he's still head and shoulders above his predecessor. In fact, comparing Gore to Kevan Barlow is like comparing a bottle of Arrowhead water to a puddle on the ground. Either one serves its purpose (that being hydration), but one is refreshing and pure while the other just might make you sick to your stomach.One last thing here: Can we just go ahead and nickname Frank Gore "The Inconvenient Truth" and beat Joe Buck to it? Please? I don't ask for much.Fullback:Moran Norris is the modern-day Lorenzo Neal. Wait, can we say this with Neal still in the league? Would it be like calling Vince Young the modern-day Steve McNair? Whatever, we're going with it.Wide receiver: Quick multiple-choice question:The difference between Darrell Jackson, Ashley Lelie and Arnaz Battle compared to Rashaun Woods, Cedrick Wilson and Brandon Lloyd is that of:A.) Las Vegas to Atlantic CityB.) Las Vegas to a Texas Hold 'Em tournament in a small-town bingo hallC.) Las Vegas to a slot machine in a gas stationD.) Las Vegas to the handheld poker game in your parents' bathroomTight end Blocker? Present (Billy Bajema).Receiver? Present (Vernon Davis).Superhero? Present (Delanie Walker). Fragile pass catcher? Absent (Eric Johnson).Offensive line The Niners' O-line is arguably the deepest unit on the team, and with the brilliant trade up to select Central Michigan's Joe Staley in the first round last Saturday, now its even better. Other than Larry Allen, who is obviously inhuman (in a good way -- like RoboCop), there is not a single player in the group over the age of 29, though Jonas Jennings will turn 30 in November. Yes, all this change has definitely been a good thing for the 49ers. There is now talent at every position along with excellent coaching on the sidelines. As a direct result, it's a safe bet that an appearance in the playoffs is not far off. Sadly, I will not be around to write about it, as I am leaving like Mary Poppins, only with much less singing and gallivanting with chimney sweeps. Though I have thoroughly enjoyed my time covering the 49ers, personal responsibilities must take precedent. I may still contribute an article from time to time, but this will be my final regular column for RealFootball365. I'm just happy I was able to cover a football team on the beginning ofJets 6 Sanchez Jersey
its return to glory, and I will continue to keep an eye on the 49ers in the future. Thank you for reading, commenting and e-mailing over the past nine months. It has been a pleasure.RealFootball365.com: Where there's never an offseason for football! Tell your friends about us.

Former Tennessee Titans "TE Erron Kinney retires"

Former Tennessee TE Erron Kinney announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday, ending a productive six-year career marked by injuries. Kinney was released by the Titans in March after he underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee. He finished his career with 178 catches for 1,750 yards 36 Bettis White Jersey
and nine touchdowns. Commentary: After a 58-catch season in 2005, Kinney seemed to be on the verge of an outstanding career. He never did get his knee healthy enough to stay at a high level, though. According to the Nashville City Paper, Kinney is currently a captain with the Gallatin (Tennessee) Fire Department. Fantasy Impact: NoneWhen East Carolina running back Chris Johnson's name was announced as Tennessee's No. 1 selection of last month's NFL draft, a collective moan was barely heard through the other background noise in Radio City Music Hall.Nothing against Johnson himself; most, including franchise defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, vehemently believed the Titans should have taken a top receiver and not another running back; after all, wideout was clearly the team's biggest need entering the draft. Unfortunately, though, the team didn't take a receiver until the fourth round.Additionally, Johnson -- despite his first-round status -- wasn't necessarily a huge name compared to the two backs who went immediately before him -- Felix Jones and Rashard Mendenhall. So that made for the second strike against the Orlando, Fla., native.Not so fast, though, Titans fans. At second glance, Johnson appears far more promising than his small-school stigma may dictate; moreover, he might be the explosive back (and overall athletic threat) the Titans direly need.Last season as a senior, he rushed for almost 110 yards a game (1,423 yards off 236 carries) and 17 scores. His ability to serve as an all-purpose back is also eye-catching: He scored another six times in the passing game and racked up 1,537 non-rushing yards. Simply put, the guy can run and catch.But the biggest difference between current Titans starter LenDale White and Johnson is twofold. First, sheer speed. Johnson was clocked at 4.24 seconds in the 40-yard dash during the scouting combine in February and White is clearly far from that. Second is versatility. The Titans are experimenting with various schemes, and the upcoming rookie appears to be exceeding expectations."We were out there making up routes...I've never had a guy that can do (things Johnson can)," offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger said. "You need to be able to take advantage of 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
the guy because he can do so many things. We'll just see what he can handle."Perhaps Johnson is not only the solution to Tennessee's slow-motion running game woes, but possibly an answer as a receiver. Granted, the Titans still need a burner who stretch the field, but Johnson may end up having better hands than the existing receiver corps. And that's all he would need for now.If he can do the same things in fall camp that he's done in minicamp, expect Tennessee to push Johnson as the offense's new dual threat.

Tennessee Titans "Vince Young not leaving football anytime soon

Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young has set the record straight. He is not retiring from football, nor has he strongly considered it.Commentary: Reacting to an interview on NFL.com that quoted him as saying he pondered quitting the game after his first NFL season, Young decided to clarify the situation."I was never going to quit football,'' 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey black jersey
Young told The Tennessean on Thursday during retired quarterback Steve McNair's annual football camp. "Football, that is my pride and joy, it is my dream. I am playing my dream. And I don't plan on giving that up any time soon."Further, Young indicated that the NFL.com interview was "blown out of proportion. . . I never said I was going to quit football. (Yes) there was a lot of stuff going on in my life, but football is not hard to me. Football is easy. All you have to do is be coachable and use your God-given talent. If it was a thought at all it was just a passing thought for a second.''The Tennessee Titans had one of the NFL's best defenses in 2007 during their 10-6, playoff-bound season, but drama has been building this offseason.For starters, outspoken All-Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth -- who voiced his displeasure with receiving the franchise tag back in the winter -- worked out with a personal trainer rather than attend Tennessee's minicamp.On a less drama-filled note, the Titans reacquired defensive end Jevon Kearse, one of the organization's greats who spent time with the Eagles but returned to Nashville amid tons of fanfare during free agency. He reportedly looks just as good as he did during his rookie season in 1999, and defensive line coach Jim Washburn says Kearse's work ethic hasn't slowed down a bit.Alas, then there's the whole Pacman Jones fiasco. Of course, Titans fans are just glad he's gone, having been traded to Dallas last month.Not to mention all the team lost during free agency, including defensive ends Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy.In the daytime soap that was Tennessee's offseason, it was difficult to count your blessings and be grateful in what you had. And one person whom head coach Jeff Fisher is likely glad he still has is linebacker Keith Bulluck.The nine-year veteran is and has been simply all over the field, leading the team in tackles for five consecutive regular seasons (2002-2006) and finishing third last year with 88. It's clear he has been an impact player for years, probably 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
the most consistent, so don't expect him to backslide in 2008.Furthermore, the ex-Syracuse standout ranked second among all linebackers last season in interceptions, tallying five. Because of his play and leadership, Bulluck's value to the club is immense.With all that's going on in Tennessee, one thing fans can rely on this season is Bulluck, who has been the franchise's rock throughout this decade.

vs. Denver Broncos Commentary Chad Slaughter

On Sunday night, the ran 23 first-down plays.With three minutes remaining in the third quarter, offensive coordinator Tom Walsh decided to open up the playbook and stretch the field on one of these first downs.He passed the ball.To open the game, Walsh called 15 consecutive first-down rushingSteelers 43 Polamalu jersey
plays -- a stretch that spanned for the opening 43 minutes of the team's 13-3 loss against the Denver Broncos. Six of the designed running plays gained none or lost yardage, while the longest of the opening carries went for just six yards.In all, of the 23 first-down scenarios in Sunday's game, 20 were (poorly) planned rushing plays.As elementary as the offensive game plan was, though, Chad Slaughter couldn't grasp the elementary procedures of football -- waiting for your quarterback to snap the ball before moving, for example. In replace of injured tackle Langston Walker, Slaughter committed four false start penalties, a large fraction of the 13 total committed by Oakland on the night. All together, the Raiders surrendered 95 penalty yards -- 10 more than they earned for themselves on the ground. On 30 rushes, Oakland gained 85 yards, an average of just 2.8 per carry. Individually, LaMont Jordan again struggled, gaining just 2.6 yards per rush on 23 attempts. With just over four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Jordan would cap a dismal evening off with a game-clinching fumble. Following the play, Jordan wasn't shy in hiding his disgust, letting the frustration flow as his team moved to 0-5 on the season.With victories from Tennessee, Detroit and Tampa Bay this weekend, Oakland stands as the lone winless franchise in the NFL, now having lost 11 in a row dating back to 2005."This is the first game where I felt that we lost our composure," head coach Art Shell said after the game. "We lost our focus."Shell's uninspiring comments come just three days after a team practice was described by one Raiders player as, "the worst practice we've had all season."Another member of the team agreed on the matter, adding, Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
"People wonder why we're 0-4. That's why. It was a joke out there. Guys were pissed off."The voice behind the above quotes, however, remains an undisclosed matter.Chad Slaughter, is that you?Want to be in an upcoming article? Visit RaidersLive.com to submit your questions and comments for the Oct. 20 mailbag. (32)

Lost in Translation

Every sports fan takes for granted their bilingualism, that knowledge and overuse of that vast bank of clichés, misnomers and misusage known as Jockspeak. And while it's fun to confuse the uninitiated by speaking of a basketball player's "length" or a pitcher's "muscle memory," sometimes a little translation would be nice.And sometimes it's necessary. For example, when called upon to write something coherent about this year's hapless .The silver-and-black may be dead last in most statistical categories, but they've got to be No. 1 in Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
understatement. Plus, in an attempt to save whatever face may remain, the Raiders are currently applying more spin than any team this side of Mark Foley. Below run examples of recent Jockspeak in the Oakland dialect following the dismal 24-21 choke job at the hands of the limpid Cleveland Browns, together with translations courtesy of the crack RealFootball365 multicultural team.Head coach Art Shell: "We just didn't play well on a consistent basis. We played well in spurts. You can't play in spurts. You have to be consistent."RF365 translation: "This being my 100th game as Raider head coach, I figured I'd do a little reading up, and you know what I found out? There are four quarters in football."AP Headline: "Raiders struggle to find positives after yet another loss."RF365 translation: "Raiders lose again and I have to fill the rest of this space."Stuart Schweigert, safety: "I can't stand it looking in the paper and seeing us ranked as the last team in the NFL."RF365 translation: "I've cancelled my newspaper subscription."Shell: "Just like you finish plays, you've got to finish the game, and we didn't do that. When we had to stop them we didn't do it. When we had to make plays on the offensive side, we didn't do it. And on special teams, when we kicked off and punted, there were times we didn't stop them. So we just had breakdowns and inconsistent play."RF365 translation: [sound of test pattern]Randy Moss, wide receiver: "I don't see anybody else having a concern, so why should I? I'm not the only one unhappy."RF365 translation: "Do I really have to spell this one out?"My friend Jeff, a Raider fan of 30 years, when asked if this was the worst Oakland team he'd ever seen: "No. Last year was."RF365 translation: "No, but it's close."Shell, on the challenge he didn't call in the fourth: "After I saw it, I was miffed, because we should have challenged it."RF365 translation: "Did you know that coaches can challenge plays now? Go figure."LaMont Jordan, running back: "I still have faith in the team. I still have faith in my teammates. I still have faith in the coaches. We're 0-3. It's not the end of the world. What happens is, everyone has to start thinking about all this. If we don't get things turned around pretty soon, it's going to start bringing some rain. Then, the next thing you know, it's going to be a little thunder and lightning..."RF365 translation: "I'm just going to keep piling up all-star stats, say nice things and go free agent ASAP."Tyrone Poole, defensive back: "Once 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
you start to win, that brings on respect."RF365 translation: "...or so I've heard."All kidding aside, the Raiders have a shot this week, drawing the 1-3 San Francisco 49ers in the "Battle of the Bay." Now, pull yourselves up by the bootstraps, take it one play at a time, go out there and give 110 percent, guys! (RF365 translation: Take the 49ers at home, minus six.)Senior writer Anthony Carroll returns tomorrow with more original commentary. (25)

"Heyward-Bey and Mitchell deserve a chance in Oakland"

The continued to make surprising decisions in last weekend's NFL draft, selecting Maryland wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey with the seventh overall pick and safety Michael Mitchell in Round 2. However, regardless of what took place on Saturday, both players still deserve a fair shot from Raider Nation. Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
Although there were more highly regarded prospects available, the Oakland front office decided on Heyward-Bey, who benefited from an excellent combine workout; at the combine, his quickness and athleticism caught the eye of the Raider brass. Owner Al Davis was left drooling after Heyward-Bey blazed the track for a 4.3-second 40-yard dash time. Davis has historically been enamored by speed and this year was no different. While Oakland has been criticized for the selections of both Heyward-Bey and Mitchell, it;s hard to blame the Raiders for grabbing players they felt can best help them. The draft has become a huge attraction and has brought several so-called expert opinions with it. Nearly every media outlet has multiple draft analysts, but right or wrong, the Raiders continue to lean on their own ratings. With the arm strength of quarterback JaMarcus Russell and the versatility Oakland currently possesses at the running back position, the Raiders desperately needed a wideout who can get up the field and stretch opposing defenses. Heyward-Bey is arguably more effective in this area than any other prospect available. Sure, the logical thought is that Oakland should have traded down, but maybe that wasn;t a viable option. The Cleveland Browns had just traded the fifth overall pick to the New York Jets, eliminating that possibility. If the Raiders had an opportunity to move down, Heyward-Bey could have been gone at that point. Bottom line: The Raiders got the player they wanted and should be commended for that to some extent. The choice of Mitchell was precarious, but the safety from Ohio deserves a chance to prove his worth. He had an outstanding private workout for the Raiders and at least a few other teams graded him relatively high. Just because the likes of Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay weren;t touting him doesn;t mean it;s a worthless pick. No, Mitchell wasn;t on the second-round radar, but Oakland fans owe him a chance to Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
succeed. If Heyward-Bey and Mitchell don;t pan out, there will be outrage regarding this year;s draft. In addition, the remainder of the Raiders; draft class has been subject to heavy criticism already. However, that outrage and criticism should be put on hold, at least for now. Like it or not, each player was selected and will now wear the silver and black in Oakland. All the Raiders (and their fans) can do is hope things go well.

"Will Raiders; new addition Frye see the field in 2009?" -

The went into last season with major question marks under center, but this year is shaping up differently. The Raiders have an adequate mix of experience and youth on the roster that will compete for playing time. Charlie Frye is Oakland;s latest addition at quarterback and could end up seeing the Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
field more than anticipated.Not only does Frye bridge the gap between third-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell and veteran Jeff Garcia but he;s a former starter who has displayed some ability on the field. Frye has started 18 games during his four years in the NFL, including stops with the Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks along the way.Frye, a former third-round draft pick, was once the heir apparent at quarterback in Cleveland. However, those plans came to a halt after the emergence of Derek Anderson and the acquisition of Brady Quinn. Frye found himself on the outside looking in and was traded to the Seahawks early in the 2007 season.In Cleveland, Frye was the starter for five games in his rookie season and started 13 contests during his sophomore campaign. While he didn;t exactly light it up, Frye;s performance was respectable for a young signal-caller. In his first 20 outings as a professional, Frye threw for nearly 3,500 yards and 14 touchdowns while completing 63 percent of his passes.Prior to his demise, Frye was quite a hit with the Browns. Cleveland went as far as declaring a ;Frye-day; across the city and the former Akron star was even described as a young Brett Favre by former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. If Frye can recapture that magic in the Bay Area, he could prove to be the long-term answer the Raiders have been searching for under center.The majority of Raider Nation is optimistic that Russell ; the first overall pick of the 2007 draft ; will seize the starting job while others envision Garcia taking over. However, Frye could be the ultimate wild card heading into this year. With Garcia;s playing career winding down and Russell;s future still unknown, Frye might be the most stable 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
quarterback residing in Oakland. If Frye receives expanded playing time during the upcoming season, Russell;s future with the organization will be in serious jeopardy. That may leave Raider fans dreading the day Frye takes the reins of the Oakland offense. Nevertheless, Frye;s presence on the field could become a reality if Russell;s development doesn;t pan out