NFL Preview Show Extravaganza: San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers look to fully begin a new era under new head coach Mike Singletary. While he might be the right guy to motivate this team. However there's a few problems...

Let's consider the situation at quarterback, first. Who would you rather start, Shaun Hill or Alex Smith? I'm pretty sure the 49ers would have gone with Brett Favre at this point (even though that ship has already sailed.)

Smith has turned out to be a bust at the position, after being the top pick in 2005 (little regret over not picking Aaron Rodgers?).

Hill has just been named the starting quarterback for the Niners. Is it a great selection? Well, it's hard to say. Hill showed some promise in 2008, passing for more than 2,000 yards and 13 touchdowns. It will be interesting to see how he does under center for a full season.

Every quarterback needs a good wide receiver to throw to, right? That problem should have been solved with Michael Crabtree, right? Well, it has not been solved. Crabtree is still in the midst of his holdout. And if things don't change, he won't be playing in the NFL at all this season and could re-enter the draft next season.

Nevermind Crabtree for the moment. And yes, it's not a smart move for him to holdout. The 49ers are without a potentially dominant receiver. I stress the word "potentially" of course. The 49ers do have a good running game and a solid defense. If no Crabtree, then who steps up to make catches for the 49ers this season?

Time for the burnin' questions:

Most Offensive Player (Offense MVP): Frank Gore
Most Defensive Player (Defense MVP): Patrick Willis
Best New Guy: Scott McKillop
Coolest Twitter Page: Takeo Spikes
Team Song: For Whom the Bell Tolls- Metallica
Coolest Names (Top 3): Moran Norris, Parys Haralson, Chilo Rachal
Most Likely to Succeed: Frank Gore
In 2009, the 49ers will go: 9-7

Next up is the NFC South.

Hump Day: The Loser Rankings- October 28, 2008

Ahh yes, we have now officially reached the halfway point of this 2008 NFL season. That said, here's a look at the top five worst teams in the NFL.

1. Detroit Lions- I believe that picture says it all. The Lions are just flat out awful this year. To make matters worse, Detroit's former mayor was sentenced to 120 days in jail.

2. Cincinnati Bengals- No Carson Palmer, not much of anything. The Bengals are preparing for the next season. The best they can do at this point is go .500. Be real though, do you think the Bengals can win eight straight games.

3. Kansas City Chiefs- They had a chance against the Jets last week, but sadly, they still somehow found a way to lose the game. On the bright side, Tyler Thigpen had a terrific game against the Jets.

4. San Francisco 49ers- It was a tough loss for Mike Singletary. The Niners have now lost five straight games. Is that a good enough reason for you?

5. St. Louis Rams/Seattle Seahawks- Would you believe that the NFC West is the worst division in pro football? Yeah I find it hard to believe as well.


Photo Credit: Detroit Free Press

Friday Briefs: Time to pick some games

It finally happened, for the first time this season I went 5-0 for the week. I really nailed those picks. I'm now 25-10 for the season, which means the season is at the halfway point. Time for some week 8 picks.

Baltimore over Oakland- This seems like an obvious win for the Ravens. They need this win to keep with the Steelers in the AFC North.

Jacksonville over Cleveland- The Browns are falling apart, but then again so are the Jags.

New York (Jets) over Cincinnati- The Bengals will keep losing until they decide to win.

San Francisco over Seattle- Good luck goes out to Mike Singletary as he makes his head coaching debut for the 49ers.

UPSET PICK: Tampa Bay over Dallas- No namesake, no win.

Friday Briefs: NFL Picks- Week 4

It was another great week for yours truly. I went 4-1 for the week. After three weeks, I am 11-4. Things are looking up for me. Hopefully, I can keep things going.

Tennessee over Minnesota- It makes perfect sense.

Denver over KC- Like KC has a chance?

Carolina over Atlanta- I like that the Falcons are 2-1, but the Panthers are a tough team.

Jacksonville over Houston- The Jags are back on track.

UPSET: San Francisco over New Orleans

Enjoy the weekend.

Friday Briefs: NFL Picks- Week 2

Last week was a rough way to start the 2008 season. My picks didn't pan out the way I thought they would. Never fear, this week should be much better.

Green Bay over Detroit- Detroit could very well start 0-2.

Indianapolis over Minnesota- Indy gets back on track.

Carolina over Chicago- I could see this game being close.

Seattle over San Francisco- Hey, least they're not traveling across the country.

UPSET PICK: Oakland over KC

Enjoy the weekend

NFL Preview Show Extravaganza: San Francisco 49ers

We're now down to a little more than one month until the start of the 2008 NFL season. I don't know about you guys, but I'm excited. This week, we get to focus on the NFC West. The good news I have for you guys is that Brett Favre is not rumored to being traded to any of these teams. For that, I say sweet! Today, we put our focus on the San Francisco 49ers.

I'm still kicking myself over the fact that I picked the 49ers to win the NFC West, last season. What kind of a fool am I, right? This team had so much potential last season, but they never lived up to my hype. I'm disappointed and saddened.

Last year was just awful for the 49ers. The offense was horrendous. The 49ers were last in points and total yards in the NFL. Three different quarterbacks started last season after Alex Smith went down for the season. Those three were Trent Dilfer, Shaun Hill and Chris Weinke. Dilfer led the team with 1100 yards passing, seven touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

The offense scored 10 points or less in seven games last season. In fact, the 49ers only scored 219 points the entire season.

This season, the 49ers have three quarterbacks battling it out for the right to start on opening weekend. Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan will battle it out in training camp.

The 49ers open up the regular season at home when they face the Arizona Cardinals. At home, the Niners will face Detroit, New England, Philadelphia and Washington. On the road, the Niners will face Dallas, New York (Giants) and New Orleans.

Time for those burnin' questions (yearbook style):

• Starting quarterback for opener: Alex Smith
  
  
• Quarterback who finishes season as starter: Shaun Hill
  
  
• Frank Gore will: Run for 1100 yards
  
  
• Leading receiver: Ashley Lelie
  
  
• Mike Nolan will: Be the best dressed coach in the NFL for another season or two
  
  
• Fun Fact: George Seifert has more wins as 49ers head coach than Bill Walsh, even though Walsh has more Super Bowls
  
  
• Coolest names (Top 3): Tully Banta-Cain, Parys Haralson, Isaac Sopoaga
  
  
• 80s song to best describe team: Money for Nothing- Dire Straits
  
  
• In 2008, the 49ers will: Go 7-9, finish in last place

Hump Night (Not Day): Arrington Arrested

Happy Hump Evening to you. It is the late edition for you crazy football fans. Here's what is going on in the NFL at the moment.

Arrington arrested in night club fight- Cardinals running back J.J. Arrington has arrested by Rocky Mount (High), N.C. police after a fight in a night club. Arrington was charged with disorderly conduct earlier this morning. The former Cal running back has not worked out well for the Cardinals. If the Cedric Benson situation has taught us anything, it's that Arrington could be out of a job soon- AZ Central

Walker expected at Raiders camp- The Raiders expect newly signed receiver Javon Walker to be with the team once training camp starts in Napa, Calif. next month. Over the weekend, Walker was found unconscious after a robbery on a Las Vegas street. Walker has been released from the hospital with only facial injuries- AP/ SF Gate

The battle at quarterback continues- It's a three-way shootout to determine who will be quarterback in San Francisco. The three players battling it out are 2005 #1 overall pick Alex Smith, J.T. O'Sullivan and Shaun Hill. One of these three will be starting for the 49ers soon enough. It's Smith's spot to lose ultimately, but if it's not Smith than the likely choice is Hill.

That's all I have for now. Enjoy your evening.


Oh No Romo

Hump Day Headlines

And now for something completely different....From the same idiot who brought you The NFL Preview Show Extravaganza and the Loser Rankings, comes HUMP DAY HEADLINES.

Let's get cracking:

• Montana Understands How Brady Feels- Former 49ers quarterback Joe Montana admires New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Montana has acknowledged that Brady has a stronger arm and better physical tools. (Boston Herald)
  
• Eli and Mangini Team Up, Promoting Exercise for Youth- Because we all know how big of a health nut Eric Mangini is. (New York Times)
  
• The Ultimate Showdown Begins- Could we possibly be seeing a Super Bowl preview? Apparently, everybody is calling this game the "Duel in Dallas." (Dallas Morning News)
  
• David Haugh: LEAVE REX GROSSMAN ALONE- He's sitting on the bench, who would be that cruel enough to even mention his name? (Chicago Tribune)
  
• 49ers Defense Stays Strong with Singletary- Sure the San Francisco 49ers are struggling, but hey their defense is still going strong. (San Francisco Chronicle)
  
• Joe Buck Wants Own Late Night Talk Show- Dear God, what did we do to deserve this? (USA Today)
  

See ya

Nos

Hump Day: Why Must We Suffer?

Yes it is Wednesday.

It is also two more days until my Birthday. Let's start the celebration early by making fun of some losers in the NFL.

10. San Francisco 49ers- They have no offense. Plus their quarterback Alex Smith is down for the year, at least that's what reports say. I still have faith that they can make the playoffs, but Frank Gore really needs to tear it up on Sunday.

9. New Orleans Saints- Hey they had the week off. They didn't lose. The Saints moved up one spot because they didn't win. (If that makes sense)

8. Minnesota Vikings- They have Adrian Peterson.

7. New York Mets- Why would they be on the Loser Rankings. Easy, they gave up that big lead in the NL East. So quit your crying Met fans, at least I didn't put them at #1.

6. Philadelphia Eagles- What is going on with this team? Osi Umenyora had a blast sacking Donovan McNabb.

5. St. Louis Rams- They benched Marc Bulger and are going with Gus Frerotte.

4. Cincinnati Bengals- I went over this yesterday. Now word out of Cincy is that wide receiver Chad Johnson did not practice today.

3. San Diego Chargers- I told you somebody would move up in that showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs.

2. Miami Dolphins- This team was magically left off, last week. I'm not making that mistake this week. At least they have Ronnie Brown.

1. Chicago Bears- Once again, my favoritism towards Chicago wins out. I knew Brian Griese couldn't save the Bears. Now they get to go into Green Bay on Sunday Night (is Football Night) and get humiliated by John Madden's best friend, Brett Favre.

I'm out of here

Nos

Friday Brief's: Everybody's Working for the Weekend

Happy Friday, everybody.

It is time for those crazy NFL Picks. Last weekend, I went 3-2 and am now 10-5 on the year. I am still over .500, but I need to keep on going.

• Green Bay Packers over Minnesota Vikings- Brett Favre and his team of youngins are on fire at this point. Do not expect the Vikings to win, unless you are a poor Vikings fan.
  
• San Francisco 49ers over Seattle Seahawks- Yes the Niners don't have a great offense, but they're playing at home. It will be close, very close.
  
• Indianapolis Colts over Denver Broncos- It's Indy, at home, this is going to be fun fun fun. Still not convinced, let this change your mind.
  
• Carolina Panthers over Tampa Bay Buccaneers- David Carr, or Jake Delhomme? I think Delhomme starts and the Panthers win. If Carr starts, I might as well add a loss to the column.
  
• Kansas City Chiefs over San Diego Chargers- Hey somebody has to win. This game will be very painful to watch, and not because of Randy Cross.

See ya

Nos

Friday Brief's: Never Wear a Wired Battery to the Airport

It's time to pick some football games. Last weekend was one of my better weekends. I went 4-1 for week two, which brings my record to 7-3. Let's see what magic I can pull out of my hat.

• San Francisco 49ers over Pittsburgh Steelers- This game will feature a lot more running than a track meet.
  
• Philadelphia Eagles over Detroit Lions- If Donovan McNabb doesn't win, he will surely be booed. I don't see them losing to the Lions though.
  
• Green Bay Packers over San Diego Chargers- Shhh you hear that? That's the sound of another 35 yard rushing game for LT.
  
• Carolina Panthers over Atlanta Falcons- Somebody needs to step into the front of the NFC South and since Joey Harrington is starting for Atlanta, you know the rest.
  
• Washington Redskins over New York Giants- The Over/Under for Tom Coughlin getting fired is Week 10 at home against the Dallas Cowboys.

As you will notice, I have not picked the winner of the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears. I've done so because of a conflict of interest. So take that.

Nos

Tuesday's with Romo: Ocheinta y Cinco Comes Out on Top

Happy Tuesday everybody. Let's do a quick recap of last night's games.

• The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Baltimore Ravens, 27-20. The game featured plenty of injured players. The Ravens saw quarterback Steve McNair, linebacker Ray Lewis and offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden all went down with injuries. On the Bengals side, kicker Shayne Graham and offensive linemen Levi Jones and Willie Anderson were all injured.
  
• Ocheinta y cinco a hall-of-famer?: Is Chad Johnson worthy of wearing that hall-of-fame jacket? Well he certainly had a great game last night. He caught five passes for 95 yards and one touchdown. Who knows if he's bound for Canton or not?
  
• The San Francisco 49ers won against the Arizona Cardinals, 20-17. Defenses everywhere would be proud of both teams performances. Neither team blew the other away. Ultimately, it came down to a one-yard touchdown run by 49ers wide receiver,Arnaz Battle, with 22 seconds left in the game.

SEE YA

Nos

Hump Day: The San Francisco 49ers

Happy Hump Day everybody. Time to continue the preview of the NFC West with the 49ers. The 49ers missed out on the playoffs last season, going 7-9 in a weak NFC West.

The Niners drafted LB Patrick Willis out of Ole Miss and OL Joe Staley out of Central Michigan, in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

They open up the regular season at home on Monday night against the Cardinals. They play the Ravens, the Bucs and the Bengals at home. On the road, they play the Falcons, the Steelers and the Panthers.

Time for those burnin Yearbook Style questions:

1. In 2007, Frank Gore will: Run for President (Oops wrong Gore)
2. Gore will also: Fight Global Warming (Wrong one again)
3. Gore will run for: 1,300 yards
4. Most likely to have breakout year: Alex Smith
5. Smith will record: 24 touchdowns and 3,500 yards passing
6. The 49ers defense will most likely: ROCK HARD BABY!!!!
7. Mike Nolan's coaching career with Niners will: Follow that of Brian Billick's Ravens, years ago
8. Kiss song that best describes team: Shout it Out Loud
9. In 2007, the Niners will: Win the NFC West

See ya Thursday