Try NFL Sport Channel Seach:
Selected searches:
NFL Football Players Draft Injuries Rookies Season Superbowl
Items by
2009 NFC West Preview: Was Arizona a Fluke?
Published: May 26, 2009
No Comments
You would think that unseating the division winner who finished 9-7 would be an easy task, right?
After all, all you need to do is go 10-6 or 11-5 to win the division, right?
Well, for the rest of the NFC West, your reigning 9-7 division champion also happens to be the defending conference champion, the Arizona Cardinals.
The once moribund Cardinals, whom every team loved picking on is now the team everyone is gunning for in the NFC. All roads to the NFC West crown and NFC title goes through the desert.
But with both coordinators gone, no “Edge” at running back, and some contract disputes, will Arizona become a one-year wonder?
The rest of the division improved themselves through coaching changes, high-caliber draft picks, free agency and may also benefit from easy scheduling.
Here’s a look into the NFC West in alphabetical order:
A “Raye” of Light for the 49ers?
Published: May 24, 2009
No Comments
Jimmy Raye has spent over 30 years of coaching the offensive side of the football.
The 49ers are probably hoping he can spend more than one year running the offense.
New offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye is the latest man to find ways at making the 49ers offense click heading into the 2009 season.
The organization may be hoping that he has more longevity compared to the likes of Mike Martz, Norv Turner and Jim Hostler among others.
The 49ers have been known for changing offensive coordinators in recent years, most recently replacing Mike Martz.
Martz and Singletary made clashes towards the philosophy for the offense, which led to Singletary letting the former Super Bowl coach go.
Martz preferred a pass-first offense. Singletary wanted to be hard-nosed and emphasize a running attack.
With Raye, he gets a man who knows running backs and how to make the rushing game work.
Raye has helped coach Marcus Allen, Eric Dickerson, Stephen Davis, and most recently Thomas Jones.
While at Kansas City from 1993-1997, Raye helped coach one of the league’s best rushing attacks.
In 1995, the Chiefs led the league in rushing with an average of 138.9 yards per game. From 1995-1997, Raye’s coaching helped the Chiefs rack up at least 136 yards per game.
He helped turn Thomas Jones into a consecutive 1,000-yard rusher with the Jets. While with the Redskins, Stephen Davis rushed for 1,432 yards in the 2001 season.
Even though Raye has a background with running backs and gives Singletary the running emphasis he desires, Raye will admit he doesn’t want to focus on one thing when he makes the play calls.
“This is the new millennium. This is 2009,” Raye said to the San Jose Mercury News back in January. “I don’t think you can play one-dimensional, and I never have.”
That may be good news for the offense, but the better news would be if Raye can buck the trend of offensive coordinators lasting one season for the 49ers.
From (Red) Raider To 49er: Questions For Michael Crabtree
Published: May 23, 2009
No Comments
It must have been either Christmas or someone’s birthday for 49er fans everywhere on the afternoon of Apr. 25, 2009 because they received a gift that day.
A gift that slipped all the way to the tenth spot in the NFL Draft and had one of the most accomplished careers in college football history.
That present was Michael Crabtree, the former Texas Tech standout who had everyone in Lubbock, Texas shouting with glee when he was on the football field.
On six occasions, Crabtree made defensive schemes look inept with two or three touchdowns.
However, he is most remembered by Red Raider fans for the only touchdown he scored against the hated Texas Longhorns, the one that clinched the game and made him a highlight-reel sensation. The play that also catapulted Texas Tech into college football’s elite.
If I were to sit down with Crabtree, here are ten questions I would ask:
1) Do people still talk about your last-second touchdown against Texas?
2) Would you say that was the greatest moment of your football career?
3) Now that your college career is over, what will you miss most about being at Texas Tech?
4) Would you say you left Texas Tech without any regrets? Is there one thing you wish you could change?
5) Did it upset you when you fell all the way to the 10th pick, especially when Darrius Heyward-Bey was picked ahead of you?
6) What was the first thing coach Mike Singletary said to you?
7) How has the bay area treated you so far?
8) The 49ers emphasize running the football and you played for a pass-first offense. Are you concerned about making any adjustments?
9) Have you gotten closely acquainted with your new 49ers teammates? Especially your new quarterbacks?
10) Do you have any goals for this upcoming season? Such as winning rookie of the year or just help getting the 49ers back to the playoffs?
Walt Harris Likely Out for the 2009 Season
Published: May 20, 2009
No Comments
Walt Harris, a key veteran in the 49ers secondary, is likely out for the 2009 season after tearing a ligament in his right knee.
During a Tuesday practice, Harris collided with wide receiver Dominique Zeigler during a drill. Despite being carted off the field, the team believed that the injury wasn’t serious until major tests revealed ligament damage.
The 13-year pro Harris will need surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ligament is partially torn and usually requires several months of rehabilitation.
The 34-year-old Harris is known to be a model citizen around teammates and coaches. He never missed more than four games in a season and was expected to be a cornerstone for leadership on the 49ers defense.
Tarell Brown, a fifth round draft choice out of Texas from 2007, will likely become Harris’ replacement and will play opposite Nate Clements.
Harris’ loss however is a significant blow to the 49ers, especially in terms of depth in the secondary.
Shawtae Spencer is yet to return to practice after missing 14 games last season with a knee ligament injury. The team also waived defensive back Jimmy Williams earlier in the week.
Harris has 35 career interceptions and four touchdowns. He was a pro bowler with the 49ers in his first year with the team in 2006.
Before playing in San Francisco, Harris played for the Bears, Colts, and Redskins.
More information about Harris’ injury can be found here:
