49ersNews.com

By: Nick Newton 11/6/06
Do you realize that if Seattle (who is playing Seneca Wallace tonight) loses to a surging Oakland (yes, I know, unlikely) then we will have a good shot at the divisional lead. Check it out: Seattle is 4-3 and St. Louis is 4-4. Both teams are on a 2 and 3 game losing streak respectively. If the Hawks lose tonight then they are tied with the Rams at 4-4. Next week Seattle has to play the Rams in Seattle, who they should easily handle even if they start Seneca Wallace. That would put the Rams at 4-5. After we beat the Lions (not to overlook them, but it is a very winnable game for us) that will put us at 4-5, technically ahead of the Rams because we defeated them in week 2. Our very next game is in San Fran against Seattle and that would be for the division lead. Think about it.

Are you buying or selling Nick Newtons theory? Leave your comments below.

By: Nick Newton
Seein’ Red
08/27/06

I’m not one to panic at anything that happens in pre-season, but by the time January rolls around, this pre-season will have seemed like a Super Bowl season. That is to say, if what I’m seeing continues on into week one. Besides having an offense that takes longer to start up than .com’s homepage, our Niners have a defense that seems worse than last year. Hell, they seem worse than Dennis Ericksons defense.

Now before I break this down on you, I need to get some things nailed into your little pea brains. Number one, I live on the Eastern side of the U.S. so I have to avoid the score all day and stay up to catch it delayed on NFL Network at twelve A.M. (Who, much to the contribution of my suicidal tendencies, still sometimes run the final scores on a ticker below the screen in the first quarter.) Number two, normally I have to watch the opposing teams home network broadcast the game. So I inevitably have to mute it to avoid hearing the sloshy slurping sounds coming from the booth. Number three, in order to watch ANY of my beloved Niner games, I have to purchase Sunday Ticket. And in order to get the Sunday Ticket, I have to purchase Direct TV satellite, which last night went out with five minutes left in the fourth quarter. So much of this article is coming to you via frustration. But so much more than frustration it comes to you in truth. Even if you don’t want to hear it.

Note to Nolan: Don’t Rouen the Punting Game
By: Nick Newton 07/10/06
Seein’ Red

One year. It has been one solid year since Nolan solidified the shakiest kicking game in the NFL by adding veteran place kicker and left footer Auto-Joe Nedney. One year since we finally put the problem string of Cortez’s game losing short extra points, Chandlers left shanks, and Owen Pochman’s noodle leg boots behind us. Finally, a facet of the game that hasn’t worked for us in seasons idles normally and performs almost automatically. Only one single year and Nolan is already trying to fix what is not broken by adding veteran punter T. Rouen to the roster. Were I Andy Lee, I’d be most distressed.

By: Nick Newton 03/14/06

Remember when you aquired your very first car? (If you’re from the bay area, disregard this metaphor because likely daddy bought you a new beamer.) But if yours was anything like mine, it was a turd. The power windows didn’t work, the power sunroof was stuck open, it didn’t start in the rain, the tires were long past bald, and it was rusted halfway up either door. Generally speaking, if I wanted to go out on the weekends, I had to perform some miraculous act of mechanical black magic, usually during foul weather and always outside.

A Second Golden Age coming to San Francisco?
By: Nick Newton
01/02/06

Pride goes before a fall. At least that’s how the old saying goes. And it has certainly proven true in San Francisco where, after the unrivaled dynasty of the 80’s and the Super Bowl team of 95, the proverbial "fall" has occured.

Yes, it was a good age. One might even say a golden age. Who among us doesn’t remember crisp autumn days filled with celebration, sitting in front of the Zenith with family proudly watching the NFL’s superpower handily dispatch the likes of the Dallas Cowboys or the Chicago Bears on their way to hoisting a 4th, and eventually 5th Super Bowl trophy high amid the flash and glimmer of red and gold confetti?


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A Bush in the Draft is Worth?
By: Nick Newton


12.15.05—It took me a long long long time to decide whether or not to write this article for a few reasons. Draft day is a hard wait away, so there is plenty of time to talk about every niner fans favorite topic: drafting Reggie Bush. The second reason is simple. I was on the fence myself.

For months now I’ve listened to the Bush disciples, the anti-Bush, and even the indifferent ones on the subject, all the while collecting my own thoughts about where our team is headed and what I think the draft will hold.

The Bush disciples make a very good point. Reggie is a huge playmaker and would compliment Alex Smith in his early developement very well. However, the anti-Bush speaks the truth; we cannot afford to spend one pick, (and aaallll that money), on just one guy when the team is so broken down in so many other positions. And just think of it, the trades and the possible extra picks we could obtain with the number one or number two pick are enough to make Reggie Bush’s mother (were she a 49er fan) trade down. I think it is finally clear. Klack, I’m with you baby, the SanFrancisco 49ers do not need a running back in the 2006 draft. There are just too many teams wanting to trade up, and too many scenarios that would be more advantageous for the Niners to squander the first pick on a position that we are deep at. Deep with decent prospect and talent I might add.


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Defense Wins Nothing
By: Nick Newton

11.07.05—You know what they say; "Defense wins Championships." In only one half of one season, the San Francisco 49ers have proved that ancient saying worthless. Time and time again the defense has overperfomed and given the offense opportunities to make game winning plays. Two weeks in a row now the 49ers battered defenders have consistently stopped two of the NFL’s more capable offenses. Still, the Red and Gold offensive woes, and to a lesser extent offensive play-calling, have cost us all very dearly. What to do, What to do.

Well, here are a few appetizers to start with.

Penalties: Not just here and there penalties, but the same penalty over and over on consecutive downs, in most cases by the same player. All in all, San Francisco was penalized 12 times for a total of 80 yards. That count includes one of a few penalties on Anthony Clement, including a holding call that negated a 31 yard pass from Cody Pickett to Brandon Lloyd that wouldve put the Niners on the Giants 2 yard line. (Incidentally, it is my belief that Anthony Clement should be benched indefinately. Not just for the game losing penalty on the Lloyd catch, but also for false starting 2 plays later. Kwame Harris also held once and false started twice.)

Passing: Ken Dorsey is expendable. He should not start for this team ever again. Cody Pickett should be the starter until Alex Smith is healthy, at which point Pickett should be relegated to number 2. Despite the fact that San Francisco hasn’t scored a touchdown in 2 games, the passing game isn’t all to blame.

Protection: Somebody get that man a Trojan! It doesn’t matter who is back there, as long as we’re starting such scrubs as Kwame Harris and Anthony Clement, the QB is going to have almost no protection. I cannot overstate this; A suitable replacement must be found for a fast-fading Jeremy Newberry.

Ground Game: Most may disagree with me, but Kevan Barlow needs to be placed on the block (yea, I know the deadline is over), letting Frank Gore and Maurice Hicks (when he returns from injury) handle the running game. Barlow misses way too many opportunities to hit open holes, and despite recent improvement, still lacks the work ethic and cut-back ability needed to make him a big time runner.

TE: Please hurry back, Eric Johnson. In the mean time start Billy Bajema and Brian Jennings and leave them there. Ditch Smith, he sucks.

Time of Possession: While this factor has improved greatly over the past few weeks, it still sucks. The defense is still on the field too much. Just remember the new saying: Defense wins absolutely NOTHING, unless you have a capable offense.

My Take: RETRACTION- At the start of the season, I gave reports and opinions of all the positions around the team on both sides of the ball. In doing so, I downed our kicking crop and criticized Joe Nedney and his kicking style. Since then, Auto-Joe has become our most solid kicker in many years, and THE most solid part of our offense. I was wrong and totally retract my early-season remarks.

A Word Of Caution – By Nick Newton

10.18.05—Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith,
We regret to inform you that your son Alex was a victim of the Colts ferocious pass rush this past weekend. Enclosed in the box to which this letter is attached are the contents of his locker; Practice Jersey, cleats, a photograph of the Vince Lombardi trophy, and a football signed by Tim Rattay. There will be a ceremony this Thursday for his fingernail and tooth that were recovered from the passing pocket.- Sincerely, Coach Mike Nolan

Whether that letter actually has to be mailed or not, is yet to be seen. The optimist in me hopes for a Ben Roethlisberger-esque debut. The realist in me knows that Mike Nolan has already licked the envelope and bought the stamp. Margie? Could you mail this on your way out?


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About The Incident With The Birds
By: Nick Newton

09.19.05—In the words of someone I truly despise; ‘Get ready, because this is about to get heavy.’ I’m about to type something totally controversial. Something that many of you readers don’t want to hear. Not only is what I’m about to type utterly offensive, but it has nothing to do with the rest of the article. So if you’re queezy, overly-sensitive, a liberal, or Terrell Owens, look away, just look away. This is in bad taste, even to me, but it’s my column, and I have the right to say whatever I want, so here goes.

I hope Terrell Owens ends up like Muhammad Ali. There is just something so very satisfying about someone who thinks he is so far above everyone else getting silenced….And shaky…..That’s not just the rage talking. It might be the whiskey talking, but the whiskey says that I’ve always felt that way. Felt that way about Deion Sanders too. Now seemed just as good a time as any to get it out in the open. Okay, so maybe it’s the rage talking, but I’m not taking it back.

Now that I’ve pissed off both football and boxing fans everywhere, lets move on to the real topic. (Incidentally, I dont really feel this way. Everything you’ve read up until now has been an elaborate attempt to get more page views than Stegeman.)

Well it didn’t take long. The Nolan nay-sayers only needed one painful game to come crawling out of the woodwork like a million half retarded hissing cockroaches. And hiss they have. Questioning Nolans abilities. Calling for Rattays head after the three interceptions he threw in our 42-3 loss to the Eagles. Saying that our team lacks talent. Thats right, I’m talking about you. I’ve always had a low opinion of the general public. I find alot of extremely intelligent individuals among this fanbase. But for some reason it’s almost like when they all get together and voice their opinion as a group, the smart individuals are dumbed way down by the others. But I digress.

Before you angry mobs start calling for heads, nashing your teeth, and weeping tears of blood, take a step back, close your flappy lips, open your narrow minds, and lets all have some silent reading time. I’ve heard a few people say that Nolan deserves some blame for this loss. Wrong. Nolan has turned an empty burned out hulkshell of a former NFL team into a young, talented, disciplined promise for the future. One beating like we suffered in Philadelphia was bound to happen, and will surely happen again this season. Maybe next season too. It’s called progressive learning. When you look past the pain of hurt pride, there is alot to see that hasn’t been here in two years. Let’s take a calm theraputic look at some things I noticed as I sat and watched my team get slaughtered Sunday;

Number one- Possibly the most important thing. The team didn’t quit. The game was over with seven minutes left in the first quarter and the team didnt quit until the very last second had ticked from the clock.

Number two- Despite the fact that the Eagles made us look like a high school team on defense, this defense is one or two tweaks away from being one of the best in the league. So much promise with the 3-4 set. The linebackers are already starting to deliver dividends. Secondary is still green. Rumph is playing a new position which he is starting to come into, Spencer is young, but shows tons of promise, as is and as does Otis Amey and Mike Adams. With Parrish leading the younguns, this defense will deliver in the 3-4 formation if not this season, then HARD next season. Also remember that the defense was on the field the majority of the time, because of our poor offensive performance, and they faced a high powered offense with many weapons for every one of those minutes.

Number three- Get off Rattays nuts. He is our QB, there is no controversy, there will be no controversy, and he deserves it. I hear alot of people saying Smith should start. So your answer to the problem of a young team is to add more youth? Makes sense. This is why you are a bag boy at Kroger instead of a personell specialist in the NFL. Rattay threw three interceptions for a multitude of reasons that we don’t even have time to scratch the surface of. But I just can’t help myself. (The Eagles scored quickly and often, and because of that, whatever gameplan Nolan and company had, they had to get out of and start trying to make bigger plays. Getting tossed out of your gameplan early sucks for any team. (coughVikingscough). The running game broke down early, mainly because Barlow sucks and needs to be the number 3 RB. Rattay faced a defense that held Vick and the Falcons down last week. Keeping all of that in mind, Rattays receivers are all relatively young, new to Nolan, and coming along quite nicely too. That includes rookie running back Frank Gore, who, on one of the interceptions, was so far off his route it wasn’t funny. And probably my most feared area- protection. Already the line is battered and leaving gaping holes. And the topper; Only one of Rattays interceptions, in my opinion, was an absolute bad throw that shouldn’t have been made. The other two were tipped, and Frank Gores rookie fault.)

I can hear you hissing retard roaches already. "Keep making excuses for Rattay". Just ignore that thought, thats a side effect of your tiny narrow brains. The facts remain clear as I just stated them above, and nobody who watched the game can say any different.

Regardless of how you feel about last weekends game, or anything I’ve just said, there are a couple things we all need to do. Instead of moaning about Nolan and the beating we took, (and the many more that are to come), get down on your knees and thank God that Erickson is gone. That Donahue is gone. Thank Nolan for the teams budding promise. And most of all, thank the Eagles for the adrenaline shot when we had overdosed on confidence. Because this weekend Dallas will reap the same thing that the 49ers reaped in Philly. Trust your coach who turned this hellbound ship around to make the right calls just like he has done from day one. I do.

My Take: If I have one complaint, it is that Barlow is still on the field. His fumbleitis isn’t gone. In case you didnt see it, I did. In the one decent run he had as he was hit the ball came loose and he nearly lost it. Frank Gore and Maurice Hicks should be the feature backs for us.

Center of Affliction
by Nick Newton

May 23rd, 2005—  Jeremy Newberry was supposed to be a much needed stability in this upcoming season’s offensive line. In fact, Coach Nolan has been saying how much he is looking forward to the return of the veteran Center (Though I’m sure not as much as our QB’s were looking forward to it.)

Don’t take this the wrong way Jeremy. You have been nothing but upstanding and productive for the franchise in the past, delivering week after week of body punishing performance for our backs, both quarter, and running.

But for the second consecutive season, J-New has become more of a liability than stability, announcing last week that he will have knee surgery, which will put him out for 8-10 weeks. While he is expected to be available for the 2005 season, let’s take a look at his injury history.

Last season, he missed weeks 2-10 with the knee injury, causing the 49ers to bring Brock Gu….Excuse Me, I had to swallow some vomit….Causing the 49ers to bring Brock Gutierrez in to plug the leaky line at Center. When Newberry returned in week 11, he immediately injured his back and was out weeks 11-13.

In 2001 Jeremy suffered an ankle injury in a game against the New York Jets, causing him to miss the next week’s game. He started the next game against the Falcons, but was forced to the sideline by a re-aggravation of the ankle injury.

In 1998 He missed the entire season due to a torn ACL suffered in camp.

In college, suffered a broken bone in his foot 6 games into his college starting career.

While most of his injuries are par for the position of Center, and while its probably not time to give up on this key piece of the O-line rebuild, (which was the 49ers weakest aspect last year), Nolan and staff probably should recognize that time is taking its toll, and begin plans for backup measures. You know….Just in case.

In all probability, (mostly because he is not Dennis Erickson), Nolan has begun the search for a new-Newberry. There has been talk of moving rookie David Baas to the starting position to lighten the load on J-New this upcoming season. However, if the team acquires a new Center, it will most likely be after the NFL mandated June 1st cap-cut. After all, Nolan prides himself on treasure hunt talent finds.

My Take: As outlined in the main body of this article, I believe that Newberry’s contributions to this team over the years far outweigh his deductions from it. However, any way you look at it, the clock is ticking for this pro bowl Center. While I strongly believe that tossing a rookie (Baas) in to plug Center is a huge mistake, I highly doubt Nolan would consider it outside of an emergency situation. (Are you taking Nolan notes, Erickson?) I’d like to see Nolan grab another diamond in the rough from the ranks of the vanquished come June 1st, or maybe a cheap Free Agent to slap on standby.

QB or not QB
by Nick Newton

April 4, 2005—With the April 23rd draft day lumbering forward like Ken Dorsey in a collapsing passing pocket, Mike Nolan and his All-Pro staff are right on task and effectively taking notes, and names. Unlike Dennis Erickson’s staff, who loitered about the war room on draft day like the last kid to be picked in a schoolyard kickball game, Nolan’s men toil beneath their notes, expertly advising him on profiles, combine scores, and interviews. Even to the point where they have created a swirl of trade rumors and draft pick speculation among the fan base. In fact, even to the point where there is a quarterback controversy brewing, and nobody is even sure who the contestants are yet.

Beneath the buzz of advisors and meetings and weekend mini-camps, Mike Nolan remains a bastion of confidence and organizational authority.  In an interview beyond the final minutes of mini-camp this week Nolan was asked what made priority this season, to which he answered "taking control of the division". When asked what made him think this was achievable, Nolan was reported to say "19 years of NFL experience."

With the 49ers at the helm of the first overall pick in a lackluster draft, there are many different opinions as to what should happen. The question burning the brains of most 49er fans these days is the obvious "QB, or not QB?" You thought I was going to say "That is the question" didn’t you? Well, I’m not, but it is.

The options are not appetizing at first glance, but most have adopted a "take what we can get" attitude and named Aaron Rodgers or Alex Smith their draft day pony. Others still hope for that unlikely trade down, and the select few straggle in with obscure names of quarterbacks from their favorite college teams. The outlying question still remains, do we need a quarterback? Nolan looks like he thinks so. And if we do choose a quarterback, should he take the reigns immediately? Nolan looks like he thinks so.

MY TAKE:
I don’t believe we need to take a quarterback in the first round, especially given the caliber that is available this year. However if we do go with Smith or Rodgers first, I believe that they should come in and take firm hold of the reigns immediately. I do believe that there is a diamond in the rough somewhere in the draft that will be large at the QB spot, but we won’t end up with him. I hope that the draft will cap off an amazing off-season and get us rolling in the right direction for 2005/2006.

We all put our confidence, and our support into the new Nolan Regime. We praised his coaching hires, and his free agent signings. Now the real test comes, the draft.

Garciagain?
by Nick Newton

Feb. 10th, 2005—It has been a year since Jeff Garcia played a football game in San Francisco, California. The question being asked by some (even if it is only quietly in the back of their minds,) is this; "Will Jeff Garcia suit up in red and gold again after his likely release from Cleveland?" Although unlikely, it is a definite possibility. After all, it was the old front office that Garcia parted from, and now a completely new Coach and GM are in place. In whatever way it turns out for Jeff, one thing is for sure. It is too bad that he will not be around to see the regime change in Cleveland. Too bad, that is, for Romeo Crennel and the Cleveland Browns.

When you look at what I like to refer to as "The Cleveland Experiment", it is very easy to be mistaken about JG. But even the most avid anti-Garcia naysayer cannot deny these three facts; Number One- You can’t properly evaluate a quarterback behind a swiss cheese offensive line. Number Two- You can’t properly evaluate a quarterback who is not healthy (in most cases because of said line). And Number Three- You cannot, no matter how much you want to, as hard as you try, ignore history. But here’s a breakdown that will aid you.

Despite a shoddy offensive line, the loss of his best receiver, a now-displaced, apathetic head coach, and constant injuries, Jeff Garcia single handedly kept the Browns in games they as a team had no business in. That includes a near win against NFC top dog Philadelphia earlier in the season. Yes, despite negative comments from his head coach that Jeff looked "skittish" in the pocket, (Who wouldn’t behind that line? Come on, Butch, let’s put you out on the public streets of Cleveland with those guys blocking for you. Something tells me there would be no shortage of willing candidates for rushers, and no end to the savage beatings that would ensue.), he turned in performance after performance filled with heart and determination.

      What’s that you say skeptics? The Cleveland stint isn’t enough for you? I thought not. What’s that you say stat pushers? Let’s see the "history" I was harping on? Yes, let’s. (If you don’t care for stats, better skip the next 4 paragraphs.)

     Jeff Garcia’s first starting year was 2000. Here’s what happened. Played and started all 16 games and threw for team-record and career-high 4,278 yards, and was second in NFL with 31 TDs … Set career-high with 414 yards rushing and 4 TDs … Recorded fifth 30-touchdown season in team history. Named to first Pro Bowl.

      Second year starting; Started all 16 games and threw for 3,538 yards and 32 TDs, becoming first quarterback in team history to throw 30-or-more TDs in back-to-back seasons … Also rushed 72 times for 254 yards and a career-high 5 TDs … Registered four 4th quarter comebacks … Had three 300-yard games and was selected to second consecutive Pro Bowl … Earned Victor Sport Player-of-the-Year Award … Became first quarterback in team history to throw 30 or more TD passes in consecutive seasons … Completed 22-of-32 passes for 233 yards and first career postseason TD in NFC Wild Card Game at Green Bay on Jan. 13.

Third starting season; Started all 16 games for Niners and threw for 3,344 yards and 21 TDs … Surpassed 3,000 yards passing for third consecutive season … Became first quarterback in team history to complete 300 or more passes in three consecutive seasons (328 in 2002, 316 in 2001 and 355 in 2000) ... Rushed for career-high 73 times for 353 yards and 3 TDs … Selected to third consecutive Pro Bowl … Registered five 4th quarter comebacks in 2002 to share team record with Y.A. Tittle … Had 7 multiple TD games, including one in postseason … Named NFL Offensive Player-of-the-Week on Jan. 8, for performance vs. Giants … Completed 22-of-41 passes for 193 yards, including long of 30, at Tampa Bay on Jan. 12, in NFC Divisional Playoff Game.

Final season as our starter; Started 13 games and threw for 2,704 yards and 18 TDs with 13 interceptions in final season in San Francisco … Rushed 56 times for 319 yards and a career-high 7 TDs … Recorded eight multiple passing TD performances in 13 games, including the final four games of the season.

I saved this stat for last, because it is a silencing one, and my very favorite to tell people when they tell me JG chokes under pressure. He directed the second-greatest postseason comeback in NFL history (24 points, vs. N.Y. Giants on Jan. 3 2003), my favorite Niner game ever. (Hey Shockey, what’s the score now?)

The fact is that Jeff Garcia may be the most under-rated quarterback in the league. The fact is that he has been unrightfully ostracized by the Cleveland public and the media. The fact is that in all likelihood he will not be with the Browns next year. Now what remains to be seen is will Mike Nolan, John York, and Scot McCloughan be sharp enough to notice all of these facts? Will they take a look at history, despite mainstream opinion, and learn from it? Will they return Jeff Garcia and the 49ers to the playoffs?

My Take: (Garcia’s agent declined a telephone interview with 49ersNews.com on behalf of Jeff because of contractual reasons.) I am first and foremost a 49er fan. But I am also a huge Jeff Garcia fan. His heart, determination, class, and competitiveness are reminiscent of Steve Young’s attributes. Although it is unlikely for JG to return to the bay area, I would welcome it whole-heartedly as would many of his fans who would like to see him dawn red and gold once more. I personally think he would do well in Detroit, Dallas, or Miami as the starting QB in those particular offenses.

San Fran Nolan
by Nick Newton

Jan. 17th, 2005—So the jig is up. No secret candidates. No second round of interviews. Not even a tour of the facility. Owner John York and his search party knew who they wanted all along. While reportedly the interviews were close, and yet-to-be-named successor to Dennis Erickson Mike Nolan hasn’t been officially announced as the San Francisco 49ers 15th head coach, it’s been in the bag for awhile now. Even before 49ersnews.com insiders broke the news early Monday, speculation was that Nolan, with his "vision for the future of the entire franchise" was team owner John York’s new pet project.

While the end to the coaching search didn’t exactly live up to the hype of Ronnie Lott’s statements of an "announcement that will shock the world", it sure got the job done.

But there is much, much more to be said here than just an over-glorified announcement of our new head coach. Even before the monetary details of Nolan’s contract are announced, one thing is for certain; John York has silenced the mouth of every York Bashing nay-sayer with his decisions and moves this off season, including myself.  With the firing of Terry Donahue and Dennis Erickson, John York took steps that nobody saw coming, shooting down claims that he was indifferent about the teams performance. With the paying out of some or all of the remainder of Terry Donahue’s contract ( a man he just resigned to a large extension months ago), he thwarted views that he was frugal with spending, and would never open up his wallet to contribute to the betterment of our beloved Niners. And finally, the largest of all to me; John York showed the wisdom to know that he needed help in finding a good fit for head coach in San Francisco, when he enlisted the help of former players and coaches in the search. Nobody can ever say that Doctor John York has not made a sincere effort to turn this team around.

There are those that will claim that sites like DumpYork.com and the uproar around the bay area is what convinced York to start cutting checks. To those people I say this; if I made a website demanding that you spend extravagant money on lawn care, painting and upkeep of your house to better the neighborhood, and I enlisted the support of a few more neighbors, would you do it? Of course not, because it’s your house and your money, just like its York’s team and York’s money.

All of that disclaimer being said, it is important to note that this team is back at square one. No more re-treads, no more wash-up scab-signing to try and change something up to get a win. We have a brand new rookie head coach, a gutted roster riddled with unevaluated talent, a brand new General Manager to come, a first round draft pick, mentions of plans for a new stadium, and one thing that we haven’t had around here for years; Hope…Real hope.

What’s Really Shakin Down at Monster Park?
by Nick Newton

December 15th, 2004- You can’t tell it by looking at the San Francisco sunset casting its golden shroud over the empty field at Monster Park. It’s impossible to know it by looking through the empty halls of the front office this holiday season, every paperclip and staple counted and nestled snug in its place. You couldn’t even know it by watching the 49ers overtime victory in Arizona this past weekend; But the San Francisco 49ers organization is in more turmoil now, than it has ever been in the past. Never before has the front office, ownership, coaching, and even fan base been in such a whirlwind of rumors and changes. Much like the sunset mentioned above, York and the upper management has shrouded most of what’s going on downtown from the media. Never in the relative history of the club has the fan base been so divided with their opinions. Some say John York is the problem, with his "penny pinching and frugal spending". Others vehemently disagree with that, citing that York has spent more this off-season on contracts than any other NFL team. Some say it’s Donahue and his horrible personnel decisions. The supporters point out that Donahue was hand picked by Bill Walsh to lead the team as General Manager. The minority say that the team needs new coaching, and that Erickson cannot succeed in the NFL. Even with Erickson gone in a hypothetical situation, everyone has their opinion on who would best fill the head coaching job.

With rumors abounding on what I like to call "The Erickson Issue" that’s the part that I am going to focus on. At first, reports came that Erickson was being considered for the Washington coaching job, though that particular story was put down quickly.  As early as last week rumors that Erickson was looking for a way out, and that a rift existed between the management and coaching, spawned the story that Dennis was being looked at as a candidate by Ole Miss for their vacant head coaching job. The fans that want Erickson ousted held on to this through late Wednesday, when ESPN reported that he was no longer being considered. Still though, the die-hard fan claims that he will be gone after this season.

No matter the situation, (and in all reality it could still be any number of possibilities. We all know the 49ers are known to be tight lipped and even to embellish the truth until the final decision is made.), the blue collar 49er fan can certainly hold onto high hopes of better days and changed plans. Certainly there is something going on behind those closed board-room doors. Certainly there are some major changes coming this off season, be it coaching, starting roster, or even upper management. Even if the front office doesn’t allow a peep to seep about what’s shakin down at Monster Park, there will be much to look forward to in the very near future.

My Take:  Although I have said since day 1 of this controversy, that I wouldn’t mind seeing Erickson stay and show what he’s capable of, I am going to renege. All of this talk of change, and better days ahead has me flipped. I think despite Erickson not getting a college job thus far, he will be asked to fire one of his assistants after this year, and will thusly resign. As far as candidates, I would be completely happy seeing Jim Fassel, Mike Holmgren, Mike Shanahan, or some other heavy hitter from a current NFL team. Although Holmgren is at the top of my list. I am nervous about Donahue and York’s decision making, and worried that if Erickson does go, the replacement will be sub-par. The truth is that nobody really knows anything about what is going on behind those doors and in those offices. But there has to be something going on. Doesn’t there?