Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 7

Sacramento Bee

"Jimmy Raye has been taking plenty of heat during the 49ers' recent three-game slide, but the veteran offensive coordinator had a loyal defender watching from the sideline during Friday's practice. Rich Gannon, who will provide color commentary Sunday for CBS, spent four seasons with Raye in Kansas City and then one more season with the Raiders. Raye was the Chiefs' offensive coordinator in 1998, and Gannon started 10 games that season. He threw for 2,305 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. Gannon said Raye was very good at figuring out his players' strength and then wrapping the offense around them. But he warned the process takes time, and in the 49ers' case, might take longer ..."

Team upbeat despite three straight losses

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November 7

San Francisco Chronicle

"Tight end Vernon Davis said the attitude reflects the players' belief that they can compete with anybody, which the 49ers showed in close defeats at Houston and Indianapolis. "I credit it to the guys, the coaches, having a perspective," coach Mike Singletary said. "Sometimes you can make little improvements here and there that might not show up on the scoreboard. Sometimes it will hit on all cylinders and we'll go from there." Singletary hopes all cylinders are hitting Sunday when the 49ers play the Tennessee Titans at Candlestick Park, looking for their first victory in more than a month. "I think every game we play is going to be pivotal," Singletary said. None more so than for ..."

Rich Gannon compliments offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye

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November 7

San Jose Mercury News

"Jimmy Raye once identified Rich Gannon as the quarterback who best fit his system. Today, Gannon returned the compliment. The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback said Raye understood how to get the most out of his personnel while both were with the Kansas City Chiefs. "Totally," Gannon said. "I think that's one of Jimmy's strengths. He understands what guys are capable of. He's a guy you're not going to fool. He's a very intelligent guy." Gannon was at 49ers practice preparing for his job as a CBS television analyst. He and Raye were paired in Kansas City for four seasons starting in 1995. Raye was the running backs coach for the first three seasons before being promoted to coordinator in '98. ..."

49ers' Singletary reaches critical point in season

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November 6

Sacramento Bee

"Mike Singletary is like a tightrope walker who's gotten halfway across the high wire and stopped. He teeters to one side. The crowd below gasps. He leans hard to the other side. Another gasp. He might fall! Then again, he might regain his balance, tiptoe to the other side and - ta da! - stick his landing. Which is to say, Singletary has reached the critical point in the season. Having a 3-4 record after seven games isn't great. The 49ers have lost three in a row as well as their lead in the NFC West. But they've already played Arizona, Minnesota, Atlanta and Indianapolis, all of which made the playoffs last season. A look ahead finds only two more 2008 playoff teams, 1-6 Tennessee and ..."

Total 'D' the key to stopping Titans, QB Vince Young

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November 6

San Jose Mercury News

"For the first time this season, the 49ers will face a quarterback who is as dangerous with his legs as he is with his arm. Vince Young's running résumé includes becoming the first quarterback of the Super Bowl-era to rush for 500 yards as a rookie. To stop the Tennessee Titans' dual threat on Sunday at Candlestick Park, the 49ers might make sure linebacker Patrick Willis keeps Young in his sights. 49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky was asked Thursday whether Willis would be matched up on Young to keep the running threat contained. "Yeah, you try to get your best athletes out on the field and have them matched up on certain guys," Manusky said. "That is what you kind of want to do." ..."

49ers' Alex Smith, Tennessee's Vince Young resurface from similar rough roads

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November 6

San Jose Mercury News

"The son of a principal, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith is no dummy. He can spot the story line this week as if it were a wide-open receiver in the end zone. It's Smith vs. Vince Young, the two young quarterbacks with parallel career paths and a second chance at NFL success. Heck, even their career totals are identical. Smith has 23 career touchdown passes, just like Young. Young has 33 interceptions, just like Smith. It's their journeys, however, that forge the common bond between Smith and Young as they prepare for the game Sunday between the 49ers (3-4) and the Tennessee Titans (1-6) at Candlestick Park. Both are highly drafted quarterbacks who took unexpected detours to the bench. Both ..."

San Francisco 49ers sticking to their guns with the run

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November 6

Oakland Tribune

"Considering how well quarterback Alex Smith operated in brief chances out of the shotgun last week, it's fair to wonder whether the 49ers might air things out more often. Is coordinator Jimmy Raye ready to go to the spread offense for large portions of the game? "As of now, the answer to that question is no," Raye said. Instead, the 49ers will stick with the same Frank Gore-oriented offense they've been planning all along. They'll just need to do it better. The 49ers rank 27th in total yards heading into Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans at Candlestick Park. Most troubling for the 49ers is how often their drives conk out quickly. Their possessions result in three-and-outs 40.3 ..."

Once teammates, now foes, and back in saddle

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November 6

San Francisco Chronicle

"All in all, last week was a pretty good one for Tarell Brown. His employer extended his contract three years, gave him a $2.5 million bonus and greater responsibility along with it. "What a coincidence, huh?" he said. A coincidence is all it was when the 49ers locked up another of their promising young players in the same week they promoted him to the starting lineup at left cornerback over a former big-money free agent seemingly on the wane in Nate Clements. "Anytime you get an opportunity to step on the field, you have to make the most of it," Brown said. "I have to seize the moment. That's how it goes in this league. You have to have patience, wait for your opportunity, and make the ..."

In a down economy, NFL viewership is up

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November 6

Washington Post

"When this NFL season began with some franchises struggling to sell tickets, there were concerns about the impact that the uncertain U.S. economy would have on the nation's most prosperous sport. While those concerns have turned out to be justified in a few NFL cities and unfounded in others, there has been an unforeseen development: The NFL's television ratings are soaring this season, and some analysts say it appears to be the result of consumers cutting back on other, more costly leisure activities in favor of watching pro football on TV. "I think there's only one answer and that is the NFL and television are actually getting the so-called 'benefit' of the recession," said Neal Pilson, ..."

Two former Bears to meet as coaches

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November 5

Tennessean

"During a conference call with Nashville media on Wednesday, Singletary remembered Fisher as a player who was close to Bears defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan. "He got hurt a few times and he became the guy that Buddy really gravitated towards as a future coach," Singletary said. "Buddy couldn't get away from him." Fisher said he remembered the talk when Singletary was drafted in the second round out of Baylor in 1981, the year Fisher was selected in the seventh round out of Southern California."

49ers, Gore coming up short when they don't go long

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November 5

San Francisco Chronicle

"Nearing the midpoint of the season, he is in the middle of the pack in yards gained, with 364 on 65 carries for a per-carry average of 5.6 yards, third-best in the NFL and the highest figure of Gore's career. Yet, that includes three carries for 223 yards. On Gore's other 62 carries, he has picked up 141 yards, for an average of 2.27 yards per carry. When the subject of his unusual season was broached Wednesday, Gore said, "Yeah, man, I know. I try to take one play at a time, knowing when the time comes, I'm going to take advantage of it." Gore will take that approach into Sunday's game at Candlestick against the Tennessee Titans, a team ranked 31st in the league in total defense, 18th ..."

49ers' Alex Smith, Tennessee's Vince Young resurface from similar rough roads

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November 5

San Jose Mercury News

"The son of a principal, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith is no dummy. He can spot the story line this week as if it were a wide-open receiver in the end zone. It's Smith vs. Vince Young, the two young quarterbacks with parallel career paths and a second chance at NFL success. Heck, even their career totals are identical. Smith has 23 career touchdown passes, just like Young. Young has 33 interceptions, just like Smith. It's their journeys, however, that forge the common bond between Smith and Young as they prepare for the game Sunday between the 49ers (3-4) and the Tennessee Titans (1-6) at Candlestick Park. Both are highly drafted quarterbacks who took unexpected detours to the bench. Both ..."

49ers rushing defense faces a huge test: Tennessee's Chris Johnson

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November 5

San Jose Mercury News

"The 49ers rushing defense has withstood Adrian Peterson, Steven Jackson and Michael Turner. Now, Chris Johnson gets his shot. The Tennessee Titans tailback is coming off a franchise-record 228 rushing yards, including touchdown runs of 52 and 89 yards. By now, the 49ers are accustomed to the challenge. They have faced three of the NFL's top 10 rushers this season. Next up: No. 1. Johnson averages 6.92 yards per carry, the highest average by an NFL rushing leader through Week 8 since 1970. "He's a great running back," 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown said. "He's got speed. He's a strong guy. "You look at the film, and it's not one guy bringing him down. We have to gang tackle him as a ..."

49ers seem confident in Sims

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November 5

Sacramento Bee

"The 49ers' top offensive lineman, left tackle Joe Staley, is out for six weeks because of a sprained knee, but the only compensation the team made for the loss this week was adding another tackle to the practice squad. Translation: In Barry Sims we trust. Sims, the 49ers' 11th-year tackle, eased a lot of the concern over Staley's absence by filling in and playing well Sunday against Dwight Freeney and the fearsome Indianapolis pass rush. Freeney finished with a sack, but it came on a stunt, and he was not squaring off against Sims at the time. Sims started eight games for the 49ers last season, but his hold on a roster spot seemed tenuous in the offseason. The team first added Marvel ..."

Thoughts one year into the Singletary Era

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November 4

San Francisco Chronicle

columnist Ray Ratto

"Mike Singletary has been a head coach for the equivalent of a full season now, and what we know about him is this: -- He's more flexible and less dogmatic than we thought. -- He isn't afraid of someone else's big contract. -- He is the undisputed master of his corner of the universe, and is utterly uninterested in the rest of it. -- He is a strategist, but not yet a tactician. What we don't know yet is whether that package of skills is sufficient to make him successful. As the 49ers prepare for Sunday's game with the not-as-weird-as-the-Raiders-but-still-pretty-weird Tennessee Titans, Singletary is trying to remake his offense on the fly. He's already done more than most coaches to find ..."

49ers sign cornerback Keith Smith

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November 4

San Jose Mercury News

"In search of depth at defensive back, the 49ers signed former Lions cornerback Keith Smith, 29, to a one-year contract Tuesday. To make room on the roster, the team waived seldom-used receiver Micheal Spurlock. The move came a day after the 49ers announced that cornerback Nate Clements would be sidelined six to eight weeks with a fractured scapula. Tarell Brown, who started against the Colts last week, will continue to line up at left corner opposite Shawntae Spencer. Smith (5-11, 191) gives the 49ers an experienced backup. He played in 71 games, including five starts. With the Lions, Smith had 118 tackles, four interceptions, a sack, a forced fumble and a touchdown. A former standout at ..."

49ers add secondary depth by signing ex-Lion Smith

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November 4

Contra Costa Times

"In search of depth at defensive back, the 49ers signed former Lions cornerback Keith Smith, 29, to a one-year contract Tuesday. To make room on the roster, the team waived seldom-used receiver Micheal Spurlock. The move came a day after the 49ers announced that cornerback Nate Clements would be sidelined six to eight weeks with a fractured scapula. Tarell Brown, who started against the Colts last week, will continue to line up at left corner opposite Shawntae Spencer. Smith (5-foot-11, 191 pounds) gives the 49ers an experienced backup. He has played in 71 games, including five starts. With the Lions, Smith had 118 tackles, four interceptions, a sack, a forced fumble and a touchdown. A ..."

Injured Staley out 6 weeks

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November 3

San Francisco Chronicle

"Offensive tackle Joe Staley said Monday that he hadn't been seriously injured in his football career. His lucky streak just ended. The 49ers announced that their top offensive lineman will be out six weeks as a result of a sprained right knee he sustained in Sunday's 18-14 loss at Indianapolis when a pile of players rolled over his leg on the first offensive play. He wasn't the game's only casualty. Cornerback Nate Clements, who lost his starting spot to Tarell Brown, will be out 6-8 weeks with a broken right shoulder blade. A first-round draft pick in 2007, Staley was the first 49ers offensive lineman to start all 16 games as a rookie and has been a fixture at the critical left-tackle ..."

Defense was a hit

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November 3

San Francisco Chronicle

"The performance of the 49ers' defense against the high-powered Colts drew rave reviews both for its design and its execution. The offensive strategy, though, came under question, partly because it succeeded so well during one particular stretch. Aside from Frank Gore's 64-yard touchdown run, the ground game that is the fundamental part of the 49ers' approach was thoroughly thwarted. Excluding that play, the 49ers gained 2.9 yards per rush in an 18-14 loss in Indianapolis. During a two-minute drill at the end of the first half, the 49ers went to a shotgun formation with three wide receivers. It took San Francisco seven plays, six of them completed passes from Alex Smith to four different ..."

Injuries rock team, as Staley and Clements are expected to miss at least six weeks

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November 3

Oakland Tribune

"Joe Staley was perched on a stool in the 49ers locker room Monday, his right knee encased in a bulky brace. Not far away, Nate Clements stood in front of his locker, his right arm tucked in a sling. They shared more than pain from injuries suffered in Sunday's 18-14 loss to Indianapolis. Both are durable players who now for the first time in their pro careers will miss extended action - which is trouble for the reeling 49ers. The biggest blow is Staley. The team's best offensive lineman suffered sprains to two ligaments in his right knee and will miss six weeks. Clements, who had just lost his starting cornerback job, appears to have the more serious injury and is expected to be out six to ..."

Ex-49er Dana Stubblefield hit with restraining order

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November 3

San Jose Mercury News

"The former fiance of ex-49er defensive lineman Dana Stubblefield has obtained a restraining order against the one-time football star, after accusing him of repeatedly harassing her and threatening her life. Calling him "violent and unpredictable," 26-year-old Melanie Wade said in court papers that Stubblefield once knocked her off her bicycle with his truck. Her allegations were first reported by KGO-TV, which said the San Jose woman contacted the television station because she is worried that authorities aren't doing enough to protect her. Stubblefield, 38, has denied the allegations through his attorney. A former NFL player of the year, and now a defensive line coach for the football ..."

Pressure is on 49ers' Singletary to show he can coach

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November 3

San Jose Mercury News

"Now we'll see if Mike Singletary can coach. He can inspire, we know that. He can enunciate a clear message that resonates in the locker room, the executive suite and on billboards and in commercials everywhere. As an icon, he's a keeper: Singletary is colorful, he is straightforward, he is authentic and he long ago earned the right to try to elevate the 49ers. Now that Sunday's 18-14 loss in Indianapolis has pushed the 49ers into a three-game losing streak, let's see if he can coach. Let's see if Singletary is fluid enough and canny enough to negotiate his team through this lull. Let's see if pure adrenaline and passionate belief blends into good, consistent coaching. I give him a solid ..."

49ers' offensive strategy remains in flux

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November 3

Sacramento Bee

"With the 49ers' defense holding Peyton Manning and the Colts to 18 points Sunday, the perception following the game was the 49ers lost because of another stodgy, run-heavy performance by the offense. Despite playing with the lead for three quarters, however, offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye opted to air it out in Indianapolis. Of the team's 54 offensive plays, 36 were passes. On first down, when 49ers runs frequently have been stuffed for little or no gain this season, Raye also turned to the pass. He called eight runs on first down vs. 17 pass plays, five of them coming during a two-minute drill that resulted in a touchdown at the end of the first half. What Raye failed to do was stick ..."

LT Staley out 6 weeks with right knee sprain

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November 3

San Jose Mercury News

"Joe Staley was perched on a stool in the 49ers locker room Monday, his right knee encased in a bulky brace. Not far away, Nate Clements stood in front of his locker, his right arm tucked in a sling. They shared more than pain from injuries suffered in Sunday's 18-14 loss to Indianapolis. Both are durable players who now for the first time in their pro careers will miss extended action — which is trouble for the reeling 49ers. The biggest blow is Staley. The team's best offensive lineman suffered sprains to two ligaments in his right knee and will miss six weeks. Clements, who had just lost his starting cornerback job, appears to have the more serious injury and is expected to be out six to ..."

Smith calls Crabtree 'a real natural player'

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November 2

San Francisco Chronicle

"Later in that drive, Crabtree extended his arms on a pass from Alex Smith and ended up tipping the ball, which strong safety Bob Sanders intercepted. In another first, Crabtree fumbled after catching a 2-yard pass from Smith in the third quarter. Coach Mike Singletary tossed his red challenge flag, but a review upheld the call and the 49ers were docked a timeout. Crabtree came close to breaking free for a touchdown on a catch of 27 yards in the second quarter. Smith zipped the ball to him at the 38, where Antoine Bethea brought him down. "It was real close, man," Crabtree said of breaking the play open. "If I could have pushed a little harder, I could have made it." Despite theand the ..."

49ers down but not out after defeat

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November 2

Oakland Tribune

"For a team that has adopted "Don't Tell Me Show Me" as a motto, the 49ers are relying more on words than actions these days. They lost for the third consecutive time Sunday, 18-14 to the Indianapolis Colts. But just as he did after a narrow loss to the Minnesota Vikings earlier this season, coach Mike Singletary responded to the defeat by vowing that the 49ers would reach the postseason. "We're going to win enough football games to go to the playoffs," Singletary said. "It's as simple as that." Even after another gut-wrenching loss that featured potentially long-term injuries to left tackle Joe Staley (sprained knee) and cornerback Nate Clements (fractured scapula), the locker room echoed ..."

49ers undeterred by loss

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November 2

San Jose Mercury News

"For a team that has adopted "Don't Tell Me, Show Me" as a motto, the 49ers are relying more on words than actions these days. They lost for the third consecutive time Sunday, 18-14 to the Indianapolis Colts. But just as he did after a narrow loss to the Minnesota Vikings earlier this season, coach Mike Singletary responded to the defeat by vowing that the 49ers will reach the postseason. "We're going to win enough football games to go to the playoffs," Singletary said. "It's as simple as that." Even after another gut-wrenching loss that featured potentially long-term injuries to left tackle Joe Staley (sprained knee) and cornerback Nate Clements (fractured scapula), the locker room echoed ..."

Smith gives 49ers hope

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November 2

San Jose Mercury News

columnist Mark Purdy

"The product rollout of Alex Smith 2.0 hit some early glitches here in Sunday afternoon's 18-14 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Smith, the 49ers quarterback, found himself surrounded by madness and adversity. And it was only the first quarter. The undefeated Colts were across the line of scrimmage. The 49ers' best offensive lineman, Joe Staley, already was out of the game with a knee sprain. The noise of 66,229 hearty Hoosier throats, rested from an extra hour's sleep due to the time change, filled the air. Just then, Smith's helmet radio went out. Four years ago, he might have melted down under the circumstances. But this is not four years ago. Smith signaled to the bench that the radio ..."

QB handles communication breakdown

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November 2

Sacramento Bee

"In his second game against Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, Alex Smith had to act like, well, Peyton Manning. The communication system between the sideline and Smith's helmet broke down twice during Sunday's 18-14 loss to Indianapolis, forcing Smith to call the plays on his own. Coach Mike Singletary said Smith handled the job with aplomb. "All I know is that right now Alex looks very calm," Singletary said. "The game is not fast. The game has slowed down quite a bit. His mechanics are a lot better, and I think he has a better command of the offense. … He's only going to get better." Smith and the offense struggled at times. He threw one interception - the ball glanced off Michael ..."

49ers can't finish vs. the best teams

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November 2

Sacramento Bee

columnist Matthew Barrows

"Flawless. That was the word the 49ers preached all week as they prepared for the undefeated Colts. They would have to play mistake-free football to hand Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and Dwight Freeney their first loss of the season. They didn't. As was the case earlier this season in Minneapolis, the 49ers were tougher and hungrier and leading late in the second half. But in falling 18-14 Sunday, they continue to be the gutsy young track runner who comes close to winning the race but can't quite make it over that final hurdle. That kid gets a nice, warm ovation at the end of the race. But he walks away with a skinned knee instead of a shiny trophy. The 49ers are definitely bleeding. In ..."

Colts 'D' sacks 49ers in 2nd half

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November 2

Indianapolis Star

"The Indianapolis Colts' penchant for timely defensive plays began with heroics from one Pro Bowl star and ended with another. In between, there were just enough to save a Sunday as the Colts edged San Francisco 18-14 at Lucas Oil Stadium. "This is what we live for," said safety Bob Sanders, whose first-quarter interception led to a field goal. "You want to be on the side of the ball where you've got to make the stop to win the game." The Colts blanked the 49ers in the second half. Ahead by four points in the final quarter, Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney stopped drives with sacks. Freeney's third-down tackle of quarterback Alex Smith with 5:57 remaining proved to be the clincher. "We want ..."

Manning pressured by 49ers

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November 2

Indianapolis Star

"The numbers were out of whack and certainly not up to the normal lofty standards set by Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts offense. Yes, the bottom line numbers -- 18-14, Colts -- were all that really mattered Sunday afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium. It's how the Colts got there, at least offensively, that left many in a sellout crowd a bit befuddled. Ranked No. 3 in the league in red-zone efficiency coming in, the Colts offense managed just three field goals in four trips inside the San Francisco 49ers' 20-yard line. Normally proficient, it was limited to one touchdown, and that required a bit of trickery. While Manning was enduring his first game without a touchdown pass since Game ..."

Colts use trick play to beat 49ers

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November 2

Indianapolis Star

"After spending most of his week in the trainer's room, Reggie Wayne felt a little off course again Sunday with the football overhead and the game on the line. "I felt like when I caught it, I was in there by the bathrooms," the Indianapolis Colts wide receiver said. Wayne chased down running back Joseph Addai's pass deep in the corner of the end zone for the 22-yard fourth-quarter touchdown that lifted the Colts to a bitterly contested 18-14 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. "Tuesday, I didn't think I was going to play," said Wayne, who was hobbled by a groin injury. "Wednesday, I didn't think I was going to play." Wayne didn't practice until Friday, but he was a man on a mission ..."

49ers' Smith starts over against same team

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November 1

Sacramento Bee

"Things have come full circle for 49ers quarterback Alex Smith. After making his first start against Peyton Manning and Indianapolis four years ago, Smith's re-start in the NFL also comes against Manning and the Colts. The first meeting didn't go so well for Smith and the 49ers, who in 2005 were easily the least talented team in the league. Four years later, Smith has far better weapons at his disposal, including rookie wide receiver Michael Crabtree, who will make his second start today."

Caldwell nears NFL's best start for a coach

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November 1

Indianapolis Star

"Jim Caldwell is a known commodity. He's the rookie coach of the Indianapolis Colts, and Tony Dungy's successor. How about Potsy Clark? Or Barney Lepper. Either name ring a bell? Neither conjures images of Lombardi or Halas, but they're the men Caldwell is chasing in the NFL history books. Caldwell has taken up where Dungy left off, directing the Colts to their fourth 6-0 start in the past five seasons. A win today in Lucas Oil Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers would be the Colts' 16th straight in the regular season, matching the fourth-longest streak in NFL history. On a personal basis, it would enable Caldwell to match the second-best rookie start of Lepper, whose Buffalo ..."

49ers' fate rests in hands of McCloughan Guys

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November 1

San Jose Mercury News

columnist Tim Kawakami

"Michael Crabtree is Scot McCloughan's wide receiver, Vernon Davis is his tight end, Joe Staley is his left tackle, and Frank Gore is his running back. No way any 49ers coach or executive could or would try to argue about any of those players. They're McCloughan Guys, capital M, capital G. Patrick Willis and Manny Lawson are McCloughan's linebackers, Justin Smith is his defensive end, and Dashon Goldson is his free safety. McCloughan drafted or pushed to sign them all and has proudly watched each player assume a major role on this teeter-totter 3-3 team. Oh, yes, the big one: After all these years, Alex Smith is McCloughan's quarterback, and the defining player of the general manager's ..."

There are ways for 49ers to tame Colts

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November 1

San Jose Mercury News

"A Colts victory today looks like a foregone conclusion. Indianapolis owns a 15-game regular-season winning streak and features the best passing offense in the NFL. The Colts average more yards through the air (310.8) than the 49ers' rushing and passing totals combined (272.0) For the 49ers, bringing home a victory from Lucas Oil Stadium appears to be unlikely. But impossible? "I don't want this to come out the wrong way, but we're not going down there (just) to compete," 49ers coach Mike Singletary said. "We're going down there to win a football game, and it's as simple as that." The 49ers are in need of a minor miracle. NFC West rival Arizona scored a coup last week with an upset of the ..."

With Crabtree, 49ers have all the pieces in place

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October 31

San Francisco Examiner

Tim Liotta

"Before anointing Alex Smith the 49ers' savior, take a deep breath and look again at a videotape of last week's game against the Texans. The next 49ers star is there - it just wasn't Smith. Sure, coming off the bench, after the 49ers had been outscored 66-10 over the previous six quarters, Smith did a nice job. He moved the team, threw three touchdown passes and generally looked like he belonged in charge of the 49ers huddle. Which was no small achievement, considering how far Smith had fallen. From the No. 1 pick in an NFL draft to a guy who couldn't beat out some guy named Hill 95 percent of NFL fans never heard of. I really think turning to Smith was a great decision by Mike Singletary, ..."

Crabtree's presence changes much for 49ers

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October 31

San Jose Mercury News

columnist Tim Kawakami

"Michael Crabtree is not a loud man, but he has presence, no doubt. Whether it's during a mysterious holdout, on the field against Houston, in Jimmy Raye's game plans or in the middle of the 49ers' locker room Thursday, the rookie wide receiver is impossible to ignore. Some guys fade into the scenery, especially amid large and rumbling men. Crabtree is not one of those guys. He joined the 49ers, and only seemed to get bigger. "Crabtree, he's come in and acted like he's been here from Day One, and that's a good thing," running back Frank Gore said. "He can't do anything but get better. And that can't do anything but help the running game." My opinion: Crabtree already has pulled Alex Smith ..."

Spikes will be game-time call for 49ers

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October 31

San Jose Mercury News

"Whether linebacker Takeo Spikes takes the field against the Indianapolis Colts will be a game-time decision, coach Mike Singletary said Friday. Spikes sustained a shoulder injury against the Houston Texans and was held out of action all week. He practiced on a limited basis Friday but is listed as questionable for Sunday. Spikes, a 12-year veteran, said he remained optimistic about playing, but he stopped short of a guarantee. "My goal has been to get better every day," he said. "Then, when I get to Saturday night, I tally things up and see where I'm at." Singletary said: "I think Takeo will be fine. But it will be a game-time decision." If Spikes can't play, rookie Scott McKillop and ..."

Searching for a punt returner

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October 31

San Francisco Chronicle

"Since cutting Allen Rossum loose a few weeks ago, the 49ers have been trying to find a punt returner. Brandon Jones might be the latest to give it a go. The wide receiver, inactive for the first three games of the season as he recovered from a shoulder injury, will be active for Sunday's game against the Colts in Indianapolis. Returning punts might be the only way he sees the field, because he's the fifth of five receivers. Jones, a free agent from the Tennessee Titans, has 11 career punt returns for 104 yards, an average of 9.5 yards per return. "If I get a chance, I'll make the most of it," he said. "It's something I like to do. It's a tough job. Everybody wants the ball in their hands." ..."

Smallish pass-rush duo creates big problems

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October 31

San Francisco Chronicle

"Though it's not true that Joe Staley has had nightmares of Dwight Freeney and his famous spin move, the Indianapolis Colts' premier pass rusher is on Staley's mind. How could he not be? The man has made left tackles around the NFL look like stumblebums as he pirouettes away from their clutches on the way to the quarterback. Since coming into the league in 2002, Freeney has 77 1/2 sacks. "It's his go-to move," Staley said. "He does it every single game, multiple times. He does a great job of taking advantage of what you do. He presents a challenge. He's real relentless in how he plays. He's fast and he has that spin move." The spin is Freeney's signature move, and no one does it quite like ..."

Colts' Collie could bite 49ers

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October 30

Sacramento Bee

"You don't need me advising you to start Peyton Manning or bench JaMarcus Russell. So I'll leave the obvious recommendations to the network bozos and focus on players typically on the bubble of most fantasy lineups. Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 8. Watch 'em roll David Garrard, QB, Jaguars at Titans. He still hasn't thrown a touchdown pass on the road this season, but two other trends are in his favor: He lit up Tennessee for 323 yards and three TDs in their earlier meeting, and the Titans stink no matter where they play. LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles vs. Giants. Arizona can't run on anybody, yet the Giants allowed both Cardinals running backs to score last week. With Brian ..."

49ers' Smith prepared to start again

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October 30

Sacramento Bee

"Aaron Rodgers was the big loser on NFL draft day 2005. While top overall pick Alex Smith and a host of other college stars shook hands and took pictures with then-Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Rodgers sat alone in a pinstripe suit, a forced smile on his face and a weary look in his eye. Rodgers, the former Cal star, was the embarrassed groom left standing at the altar. What's worse, the team that finally came calling, the Packers, already had a special someone on its arm. Rodgers not only lost millions of dollars from his draft-day fall, he would have to apprentice behind Brett Favre for three years. What we all know today is that, as awkward as it was for Rodgers, Smith would have been ..."

Crabtree's presence changes much for 49ers

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October 30

San Jose Mercury News

columnist Tim Kawakami

"Michael Crabtree is not a loud man, but he has presence, no doubt. Whether it's during a mysterious holdout, on the field against Houston, in Jimmy Raye's game plans or in the middle of the 49ers' locker room Thursday, the rookie wide receiver is impossible to ignore. Some guys fade into the scenery, especially amid large and rumbling men. Crabtree is not one of those guys. He joined the 49ers, and only seemed to get bigger. "Crabtree, he's come in and acted like he's been here from Day One, and that's a good thing," running back Frank Gore said. "He can't do anything but get better. And that can't do anything but help the running game." My opinion: Crabtree already has pulled Alex Smith ..."

49ers have their hands full against the Colts' Manning

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October 30

Oakland Tribune

"These are the quarterbacks who have started for the 49ers since Sept. 6, 1998, in alphabetical order: Ty Detmer, Trent Dilfer, Ken Dorsey, Jeff Garcia, Shaun Hill, J.T. O'Sullivan, Cody Pickett, Tim Rattay, Alex Smith, Steve Stenstrom, Chris Weinke and Steve Young. And these are the quarterbacks to have started for the Colts during that same span, in alphabetical order: Peyton Manning. For an idea of how much that quarterback continuity means to the Indianapolis offense, just watch Manning at the line of scrimmage Sunday when the 49ers visit Lucas Oil Stadium. Manning waves his arms manically as he roams from player to player. He looks like the mad maestro of an 11-piece orchestra. And at ..."

A tale of two teams and two quarterbacks

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October 30

San Francisco Chronicle

"Alex Smith has a rough assignment for his first start at quarterback in nearly two years, facing an Indianapolis team that has won its last 15 regular-season games, and more specifically Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney, two of the best pass rushers in the league. But at least he isn't confronting melodrama and intramural politics. Vince Young, the other young, highly drafted quarterback reclaiming a long-lost starting job this weekend, has a lot more to overcome - and not just because he's taking over a winless team that lost its last game 59-0. Titans owner Bud Adams complicated an already difficult situation by revealing publicly that he told his coaching staff that he wanted to see ..."

Spikes picks a good week to be injured

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October 30

San Francisco Chronicle

"Takeo Spikes picked a good week to come up with a shoulder injury. Even healthy, the inside linebacker wouldn't figure to play much Sunday against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts' pass-first offense. The 49ers will send out defenses featuring five and six defensive backs (nickel and dime in football parlance) against Manning. That takes Spikes off the field, leaving Patrick Willis as the only true linebacker in the alignment since outside 'backers Manny Lawson and Parys Haralson function more as pass-rushers. Spikes strained his right shoulder in the Houston game. He did not practice Wednesday and Thursday. In addition to their base secondary of cornerbacks Nate Clements and ..."

49ers' Gore seeks return to form

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October 30

Indianapolis Star

"Frank Gore set out to be the best running back in the NFL this season, but it's been a roller-coaster ride in San Francisco. After an ineffective opener, he questioned if he was seeing and hitting the holes properly. Then in Week 2, he looked unstoppable with 207 yards rushing against Seattle. His 79- and 80-yard runs for touchdowns were instant highlights. One series into his third game at Minnesota, he sprained his right foot and ankle. He missed two games, then last week was ineffective at Houston with just 32 yards on 13 carries. "I know right now things aren't going right for me, but it will pick up for me," he said in a Wednesday conference call. The fifth-year pro is the only back ..."

Singletary makes change to offense of 49ers

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October 30

Indianapolis Star

"The return of Alexander D. Smith as the starting quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers is the first major sign coach Mike Singletary is willing to work outside the box. His box, anyway. If this move works, he is a visionary. If it doesn't, he is indecisive. Either way, it is a fascinating development. For all the claptrap about Smith getting a second chance, or the 49ers justifying his huge contract, or his higher maturity level, or all the pseudo-psychological nonsense being bandied about as reasons for the change, this is really about Singletary acknowledging his team can't run, so it had better learn to pass. The problem that forced the change is the 49ers have two halves of one ..."

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