Manningham, 49ers reach deal

Former New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham struck a two year deal with the reigning NFC West champion San Francisco 49ers. This deal comes after the Niners signed Randy Moss to a one year, now giving them Moss, Manningham and Michael Crabtree in the receiver corps, with the lethal Vernon Davis at tight end. Only question for the Niners is who’s playing quarterback? Alex Smith looks to be headed to Miami, Peyton Manning to Denver and Jason Campbell already signed with Chicago, leaving them with last years 2nd rd pick Colin Kaepernick at the helm if nobody is brought in. We’ll see how San Francisco goes about things, but whoever plays QB will be excited with the weapons they’ll have.

49ers headed to NFC Championship, host Giants

After a wild 59 minutes and 45 seconds, the 49ers sat at the Saints 14 yard line with :15 seconds left and one timeout remaining. Figuring to take one of two shots at the end zone, Alex Smith lined up, seen man coverage and threw a dart right into the chest of his Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis, who caught the pass and took a hit from safety Roman Harper but held on to give the 49ers the win. It was one of the greatest plays in a storied franchises history. The Saints fought hard and didn’t make it easy by any means, nearly snatching victory a mere 1:23 prior when Jimmy Graham broke free for a 66 yard TD catch. For coach Jim Harbaugh, winning in his first season has been as common as a Patrick Willis tackle, but to win in his first postseason game was simply amazing. Alex Smith continued to show that he wasn’t a bust and just needed the right coaching and the rest of the team continued their high level of play.

To add to the great year, the 49ers watch Sunday as the New York Giants upended the #1 seed Green Bay Packers to make the NFC Championship game, meaning San Francisco will host the game against a Giants team they beat 27-20 in week 10. The Niners are a 2.5 point favorite and have a big chance to win and make the Super Bowl, where they are 5-0 in franchise history. Could the 49ers win #6 this year? With the way their season has gone, it is a high possibility and I know myself and every other 49er fan would be ecstatic if they did.

Brandon Lloyd:Career resurrection

Brandon Lloyd was once a 4th round round selection by the San Francisco 49ers and showed much promise early with acrobatic grabs and flashes of being a solid #1 WR. Well it didn’t go according to plan as  Lloyd had highs of 48 catches, 733 yards and 6 TD as a Niner as was soon gone from the team to Washington Redskins. Lloyd would onl catch 25 passes in two seasons with Washington and was soon off to Chicago. Another lackluster season, (26 catches,364 yards,2 TD), and Lloyd found himself looking for work again. It wa soff to Denver where Lloyd would be behind All-Pro Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal for catches. Lloyd would only play in two of his squads’ games before succumbing to injury. Lloyd began te 2010-11 season as one of the candidates for #1 WR for the Broncos alongside Eddie Royalm Jabar Gafney and Demaryious Thomas. Lloyd has not only taken the number one slot, but has posted Pro Bowl numbers. Lloyd currently leads the NFL in receiving yards and doesn’t look like he’s slowing a bit as Denver is 2nd in the NFL in passing. Lloyd is having a career year and a resurrection. Once thought as a player with a bad attitude and horrible work ethic, Lloyd has transformed himself into a playmaker and a Pro Bowl target. With 48 catches (tied for a career high), a career high 968 yards and 6 TD, Lloyd still has seven games left to play and has an outside shot at challenging the incomprable Jerry Rice’s record of 1848 yards in a season, (He’s currently on pace for 1721). It’s been a career resurrection for Lloyd and many Bronco fans are happy he’s done it as a member of their squad.

Darren

San Francisco wins, still alive in NFC West?

On Sunday in a matchup of two NFC West rivals, the San Francisco 49ers were able to knock off the St. Louis Rams in overtime 23-20. It was only the 3rd win of the season for the preseason favorites, but yet a huge one. Coming off a bye week after defeating the Denver Broncos, the Niners knew that if they’re going to have any shot at winning the division they needed to win in week 10. Quarterback Troy Smith came up big for San Francisco and posted a career high 356 yards passing on 17/28 attempts. Running back Frank Gore added 154 yards of total offense and a touchdown and All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis had 11 tackles and a sack on defense.

Meanwhile, in another divisional matchup, the Arizona Cardinals lost to the Seattle Seahawks, knocking themselves down the bottom of the division. This leaves Seattle atop the table at 5-4, St. Louis next at 4-5 and San Francisco and Arizona at 3-6. Wide open if you ask me. Seattle hasn’t been consistent from week to week, (i.e blowout losses to Oakland and NYG then spanking Arizona), the Cardinals are a mess on offense with injuries and a Quarteback carousel, and the Rams are limited on offense outside of Stephen Jackson and Sam Bradford. This leaves the Niners in prime position now, only two games backm to make a run for the division. With key matchups coming up with Arizona (twice), St. Louis again and a payback game at home vs Seattle, the Niners can win the division if they can keep the momentum going. Troy Smith has earned the right to continue starting, Gore is still busting thhrough defenses and the defense has been performing well of late. Limiting the penalties and utilizing their special teams will only increase their chances and the Niners could easily get atop the NFC West and make the playoffs.

Darren

49ers fire coordinator Raye

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5621612

Struggling at 0-3 and 31st in points per game, the San Francisco 49ers fired Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye today and handed over the reigns to Quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson. After being picked by nearly everyone to win the NFC West, the Niners struggled in Seattle, play a close game against the Saints that would’ve been a win if it weren’t for turnovers, and got smacked by the Chiefs yesterday. Hopefully this move will get the offense going as they have Atlanta next on their schedule. Johnson will be their 9th OC since 2002 and in a division that they could still win, they’ll need to get on the right track ASAP or it could be a long season in the Bay.

Darren

My Top 10 Favorite 49ers of All-Time (Part 2)

It’s time for me to complete my top 10. After posting the bottom half of my top 10 on Wednesday, I knew I had to finish up and post the top half of my 10. So here it goes….

#5 Patrick Willis

Arguably the best linebacker in the game, Willis places fear into anyone that is on the opposite side of him on the field. After being drafted #11 by the 49ers in 2007, Willis brought alot of hype and talent to the team. Willis did not dissapoint. Willis made the Pro Bowl as a rookie and won the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. In his three seasons, Willis had made the Pro Bowl every season, racked up 359 tackles, and has nine sacks and four interceptions. Willis has been compared to another #52, Baltimore Ravens legend Ray Lewis, and the comparisons are warranted. Willis is for sure on pace to have a Hall of Fame career and possibl be the best middle linebacker in the history of the game.

I placed Willis on this list and feel comfortable despite him only having three seasons in with the Niners. Willis is right up there with Ray Lewis as the best in the game, and I believe he will be mentioned with Lewis, Singletary, Butkus and co. as the best to ever do it. Willis place with an all-out agression and is the type of tackler you would want to show youth players as an example. Willis’ highlight reels are amazing and I enjoy watching every play he’s on the field because I know something memorable may occur.

#4 Joe Montana

Arguably the greatest Quarterback of all-time, Joe Montana did many great things for the 49ers franchise. Montana was the QB who showed that it’s called “passing” not “throwing.” montana didn’t have a strong arm or a ton of speed, but Montana had pinpoint accuracy and ice-cold veins during big games. Montana led the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl titles and is the main reason the squad is considered a true dynasty. In his 13 years with the club, Montana completed 63.7% of his passes, threw for 35,124 yards and 244 touchdowns. A three-time Super Bowl MVP, Montana was impeccably great in the playoffs for San Francisco and will forever be remembered for his play making abilites.

I don’t remember Montana as a 49er, but through footage I have broken down Montana’s game and feel he is the best to ever play the position. Winning four Super Bowls, 7 Pro Bowl appearances and 2 All Pro bids while with the franchise, Montana was the heart and soul of the franchise and will forever be loved by me and the 49er faithfuls.

#3 Steve Young

After a lackluster two seasons in Tampa Bay, Steve Young was dealt to the 49ers for two draft picks due to the team thinking he was a bust. It was there when Young would find himself backing up the legendary Joe Montana. Young played sparingly until the departure of Montana. Then Young went on a mission to be a legendary Quarterback himself. Young succeeded through perserverance. Young won a Super Bowl as a starter (three overall), set three records, made seven Pro Bowls, three All-Pro selections and a highlight reel of plays hours long. If it weren’t for the concussions he suffered, Young may have won another Super Bowl and/or put up even better numbers.

Steve Young is the reason why i’m a 49er fan in a humorous way. As a kid, I saw Young play and enjoyed watching him play due to the fact he was left handed just like I was. I was fortunate enough to see Young’s amazing performance in the Super Bowl, and many of his other feats. It was unfortuante to see him have to end his career the way it did, but Young made the Hall of Fame and has the distinctionof being the only left handed Quarterback in the Hall.

#2 Terrell Owens

.

Say what you want about Owens, but one thing you can’t deny is the fact he puts up numbers. Owens makes plays, is tough to tackle and has a knack for finding the end zone. Owens was a big part of the 49ers offense while he was there. Over the course of his eight seasons, Owens caught 81 touchdowns and caught 592 passes (14.5 avg). Flamboyant, cocky and plain confident in his skills, Owens can talk the talk and walk the walk. One of the greatest 3rd round picks in NFL history, Owens made four Pro Bowls as a 49er, three All Pro teams and was selected to the All Decade team for the 2000s.

I’ve always enjoyed watching T.O. play and even love when he says “Get ya popcorn ready” because he’s being confident in his skills enough to know he’ll put on a show. In the NFL where outspoken guys are kind of frowned upon, Owens has always told it like it is and played every down as if it was his last. Owens is a player i’d have on my team anyday, and will have the Hall of Fame calling when he hangs em up.

And now….

#1 Jerry Rice

The incomproable one, Jerry Rice’s 16 yrs with the team are arguably the best anyone has ever had with one team. Rice is widely regarded as the best Wide Receiver of All-Time and for many reasons. Rice holds every receiving record imaginable and did most of the work as a Niner. Over his tenure as a 49er, Rice won three Super Bowls, appeared in 12 Pro Bowls, 11 All Pro selections,  and was selected to the All Decade team for both the 1980s and 1990s. Rice caught 1281 passes for 19,247 yards, and caught an astounding 176 touchdowns. Rice is now a Hall of Famer and is a 49er legend.

I’ve seen Rice do some amazing things on a football field. Rice ran pinpoint perfect routes, got those all important yards after the catch, and always showed up in big games for the franchise. Rice is arguably the greatest player in the history of the franchise and is my favorite player of all-time.

Darren

My Top 10 Favorite 49ers of All-Time (Part 1)

As many know, I am a longtime San Francisco 49ers fan who has seen my fair share of ups and downs, Hall of Fame players, and the overall maturation process of a dynasty.I like many players who’ve played for my team and had to leave off some talented players such as Garrison Hearst, Julian Peterson,Vernon Davis and Brent Jones. I am going to list my all-time top 10 favorite players to suit up in the red and gold, and give you a breakdown as to why each of them is there.

#10 Deion Sanders

After spending half a decade with the rival Atlanta Falcons, Deion “Primetime” Sanders came abord for just one season, but what a season it was. 1994 was a season in which Deion set career highs in interception return yardage (303 yds), interception return tds (3), and set his high for longest career return (93 yds). Sanders was key in the Niners Super Bowl run as he locked down opponents top WR’s and played stellar defense. In the playoffs it was much the same, especially against the San Diego Chargers in the Super Bowl. Sanders intercepted a pass in the game and helped bring the Niners their 5th Super Bowl title.

Sanders is a favorite of mine for many reasons. One was his cockiness but yet confidence in his abilities. Sanders would talk trash but back it up. Sanders played all out, was reliable, and was high entertainment value. Unfortunately Sanders only stayed for a season, but yet it was arguably his best as a professional football player.

#9Frank Gore

The current running back of the 49ers, Frank Gore is unquestionably an old school running back. Gore doesnt’ like to be spelled, wants the ball every play, and is a hard nosed player, much to the liking of Head Coach Mike Singletary. Coming out of college there were injury concerns with Gore but that didn’t stop the Niners from taking him in the 3rd round in 2005. Gore has posted solid numbers up to this point in his career, posting four straight 1000 yard seasons, 2 Pro Bowl berths, 32 rushing touchdowns and 7 more receiving. Gore is now one of the top five backs in the game and continues to improve annually. With the Niners heavily favored to win the NFC West this year, Gore may finally get a taste of postseason football.

I put Gore on this list because I enjoy watching his style of play and determination. I consider the late 80′s and 90′s to be the “Golden Era” of running backs and Gore runs like many of the guys of that era. With many teams shifting back to timeshare backfields, Gore is one of the few who still gets the ball 85% of the time. Gore does everything well and is instrumental in the success of the team. Gore should continue his ways and can only improve even more in the upcoming years.

#8 Bryant Young

The perfect professional, Bryant Young was a longtime standout for the 49ers on defense. Big #97 played all 14 of his NFL season with the team, and stayed during the hard times despite interest from other teams, something not seen often nowadays. Young’s rookie season saw he and his teammates win a Super Bowl title and Young thought many more would come. Heartache and heartbreaks came along but Young never slowed down. At first a defensive tackle, Young even shifted outside to defensive end and didn’t miss a beat. Young racked up 89.5 sacks over his career and was a fan favorite all the way.

For me, Young was the type of person i’d want on my team. Young played every down as if it was his last, fought hard regardless of the score and showed loyalty to a team that was forced to rebuild. Young was one hell of a player and an even better human being and I can only respect someone like that.

#7 Ken Norton Jr

One of the toughest players in NFL history, Ken Norton Jr, son of legendary boxer Ken Norton Sr. was a nightmare for opponents during his career. Norton came to the 49ers in 1994 after a successful run with the Dallas Cowboys. Norton was instrumental in helping the Niners defense to the Super Bowl as many running backs hated running his way. Norton was a solid tackler but also played the pass very well. Norton would spend the rest of his career with San Francisco and won 3 Super Bowl rings.

Norton Jr. made this list because as a kid I remember his celebrations as he would either shadow box or pretend to box with the goal post after scoring. Norton Jr. was a tough as nails linebacker and made alot of great plays for the Niners over his time with the team. Norton was, in a way, the first of the line of the Niners outstanding linebackers.

#6 Ronnie Lott

One of the nastiest, hard hitting, in your face safties in NFL history, Ronnie Lott loved to do two things, win and hit. Lott did alot of those two things for the Niners during his 10-year tenure. Lott was one of the few players who were on every one of the Niners Super Bowl winning teams in the 80′s. A 9-time Pro Bowl selecetion as a 49er, Lott also made the All-Pro First Team seven times as a Niner and was on the 1980s All-Decade team. Lott was one of the best players to ever come through the organization, and his #42 jersey is currently retired by the team.

I didn’t get to see Lott play for the Niners as kid due to being very young, but through videos, game footage and DVDs I have seen just how nasty Lott was. I remember his time with the Chiefs,Jets, and vaguely the Raiders but that to me wasn’t the Ronnie Lott that many knew. Lott played Safety the way I would want a Safety to play. Lott was solid in run-stopping and in coverage. Lott is,was, and always will be the standard for 49er safties and that honor is well deserved.

Part 2 coming soon…

Darren

49ers sign Brian Westbrook

After second year Running Back Glen Coffee retired abruptly, the San Francisco 49ers snapped up veteran Running Back Brian Westbrook. Terms of the deal were a one-year deal for $1.25 million guaranteed and $1.25 million in incentives. This signing is a very intelligent, low risk-high reward for a team that has one of the top backs in Frank Gore already atop the depth chart. Westbrook comes in on the heels of an injury shortened season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Westbrook should end up #2 on the depth chart and rookie Anthony Dixon will be in the mix for some carries as well. The 49ers are determined to get back to playoffs and this signing should help them reach their goal.

Darren

Pacman Jones back to the NFL?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5023713

Adam “Pacman” Jones, the one time 6th overall pick in the NFL draft (Tennesse Titans, 2005), is drawing serious interest from the Detroit Lions to play cornerback for them in 2010. Jones has had off the field problems which resulted in suspensions in the past, but after a stint with the Cowboys and in Canada, Jones is ready to return. Jones was once an elite CB in the league and let his surroundings get the best of his judgements. Detroit is not the only team to have been listed as possible suitors for Jones. Jacksonville, New Orleans and San Francisco all watched Pacman work out but Detroit is hellbent on signing him due to the fact they need secondary/defensive help in a hurry. I think Jones will end up with the Lions and be a starter sometime during the season.

Darren

49ers 2-0

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2009092010/2009/REG2/seahawks@49ers

 

The 49ers defeated another NFC rival to improve to 2-0 on the season. Frank Gore destroyed the Seattle defense and the 49er defense stifled the Seahwaks and won easily 23-10. Mike Singletary has installed confidence in this team and it looks good for them. I think 10-6 is a possible record and an NFC West title is in store. Stay tuned

Darren