Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
I wanted to hit the rest of the mailbag questions before heading to the airport and catching a flight to Oakland for the Cardinals-Raiders game tonight. Now, on with the proceedings.
Jeff from Newark, Del., writes: Why do people rag on Mike Nolan for starting the guy that has clearly played better over the guy that makes $24 million an throws behind people an over there head? I've watched almost every game Alex has played. He still holds onto the ball too long an doesn't throw it where the WR is going to be. I think the players don't want him to start but they're not going to tell him that because they might hurt his feelings. Mr. Softy is harder than him. Sando, you were rooting for Alex. You're getting a little worried now because your Seahawks are going down. lol
Mike Sando: You did make me chuckle with that one. I've merely pointed out the risks associated with turning one's back on a franchise quarterback.
J.T. O'Sullivan absolutely, positively had to be named the starter based on what happened this summer. That doesn't mean the 49ers have handled Smith correctly or put him in position to succeed. And I certainly understand Nolan's reasoning. He needs to win games, not worry about developing Smith for the next head coach.
It's just an unfortunate situation for a franchise that bet its future on one player (Smith), only to go with a 28-year-old journeyman with zero NFL starts.
Depth First from parts unknown writes: Hi Mike, How would you rate the importance of the 49ers' D-line this year? Outside of QB, the 49ers' D-line has been substantially changed more than any other unit. It seems that they have a shot if they can limit their opponent's time of possession and give their offense more chances to succeed. Obviously the D-line plays a big role in run defense and therefore time of possession. If the D-line gels and the LB's/DB's meet expectations, has Nolan finally gotten his wish and recreated the Ravens of old (great D, great running O, weak QB/WR's)?
Mike Sando: The nose tackle is generally very important when you play a 3-4 defense. After that, the outside linebackers tend to be important. I do see an improved 49ers defense but I do not see any defense in the NFL reaching the level of those Baltimore defenses from years ago. Patrick Willis does look like a special player, though.
Jeff from Newark, Del., writes: Just wanted to tell you, great work. I read all of your blogs you must work 24/7. Keep writing, ur the man. One thing I'm going to let you in on, though -- the 49ers will prove everybody wrong in 2008 one game at a time.
Mike Sando: Thanks, Jeff. I don't discount your thoughts at all. We've focused so much attention on the quarterback situation. The receivers are improved. The defense is improved. Mike Martz will make a difference. All those things could help the 49ers surprise people. I still have questions about the offensive line, which underachieved last season, and I think the quarterback situation remains a potential problem.
Aaron from parts unknown writes: Hey Sando! Other than the massive amount of injuries that the Hawks have been piling up, the thing that worries me the most is the future of
Leroy Hill. Do you have any insight to what the Hawks think of him? While Lofa and Julian get all of the credit, it is my personal opinion that as an overall talent, Leroy is the best of all three. Do other personnel guys around the league share my thoughts (and those of many of the local Seattle media)? Do you see the Hawks letting this thing run into the off-season when he becomes a free agent, or do you think they can put something together with him before it gets to that? I have a horrible feeling in my gut that if this goes to the offseason with no deal, you can kiss him goodbye as the feature LB for any other team. Please tell me they will sign him!
Mike Sando: I have a hard time believing Tim Ruskell wants to watch the player he drafted in the third round become a dominant force someplace else. Personnel people around the league love Hill.
We have a story about Hill scheduled to run in the near future. I called a scout I know to make sure I was on the right track in profiling Hill as a potential future star. The scout almost interrupted me before I could finish. Absolutely, he said, Hill is the real deal. The question for Seattle is whether any team can justify paying top dollar to all three starting linebackers. Lofa Tatupu and Julian Peterson are already big-money guys.
Joe from Quincy, Mass., writes: The J.T. O'Sullivan "story" is exactly why the NFL needs to mandate a signing structure for its draft picks. Smith was the first overall pick and is a $10 million dollar man. That is absurd. The fact that Smith is on the bench at $10 million is a perfect example why the system is flawed.
Derek Anderson was drafted 212 picks after Smith. Anderson is a pro bowler and not a $10 million dollar man. FIX THE SYSTEM
Mike Sando: I'll get right on that. Seriously, though, a lot of veteran players agree with you on that one.
Guest 49er from the Bay Area writes: Hey Sando--the 49ers have a stadium issue on the ballot in Santa Clara up for a vote in 09 on whether to build it or not with a percentage tax. Now, if J.T. leads the 49ers to a bad season, and Nolan is then fired, will that turn off the voters in Santa Clara? If the voters turn down the stadium in 09, are the 49ers destined to move to Los Angeles or some other out of state area like Oklahoma? This worries me greatly on what Mike Nolan is doing, and I feel Nolan is getting himself fired and taking down the 49ers. Also, can't the NFL get involved in this as I feel the 49ers have been mismanaged?
Mike Sando: Yes, having the 49ers on solid footing would seem to help voters view the organization as one worth supporting. It's just a tough sell trying to get public financing for stadiums in California, particularly the Bay Area. Wish I could do a better job allaying your fears (admittedly, I'm not an expert on the stadium situation involving the 49ers; it's not something I've covered or followed closely).
Kraig from Puyallup, Wash., writes: Mike, a counterpoint on your statement, "I wouldn't consider Kent and Bumpus as standout players." For the moment these two are the leading receivers on the team. Bumpus has twice as many receiving yards as anyone else on the squad except Kent. And unlike Kent, Bumpus hasn't even had so much as one incompletion. They've both been getting special teams touches. They've had good camps, too. What more do these WRs have to do to stand out?
Logan Payne looked good and produced well in the Bears game. That's your top three right there. (1)
Michael Bumpus: 5 rec, 80 yds, 16 avg, 21 lg (2)
Jordan Kent: 5 rec, 68 yds, 13.6 avg, 23 lg, 1 TD (3) Logan Payne: 4 rec, 38 yds, 9.5 avg, 14 lg (4)
Bobby Engram: 2 rec, 29 yds, 14.5 avg, 18 lg (5)
Joel Filani: 3 rec, 17 yds, 5.7 avg, 10 lg, 1 TD (6)
Nate Burleson: 2 rec, 20 yds, 10 avg, 15 lg (7)
Trent Shelton: 2 rec, 12 yds, 6 avg, 7 lg, 1 TD (8)
Bryan Gilmore: 1 rec, 12 yds (9)
Courtney Taylor: 0 (10)
Ben Obomanu: 0 Notice where the last two putative "starters" stand: zero receptions. To be fair, we can include a couple of kick returns and fumble recovery for Obo. For Taylor, a gadget running play of 13 yards and promising separation on an incomplete Frye pass. But until we actually see something from these guys, I'd put the ones who are producing in game situations ahead of them.
Mike Sando: I don't want to come off as dismissive here, but Ben Obomanu led the Seahawks in receptions for the 2007 preseason. I don't read much into preseason receiving totals.
A.J. from Fresno, Calif., writes: Is it just me or is the addition of a healthy
Takeo Spikes just what the 49ers D needs? He excelled in Buffalo and was very good in Philly before getting injured and will provide a solid veteran presence with a young, yet very talented corp. Him and Willis in the middle behind a bulked up front 3 might anchor one of the sleeper groups for best front 7 in the NFL
Mike Sando: "Healthy" being the key word. If he is healthy, he helps the 49ers. Let's see how he holds up.
Keith from parts unknown writes: Is Nolan the worst coach in the NFC - wasn't he all for signing Smith? Paying Hill? Here's the plan or 9ers are 1-15 & In order of importance -- Dominant defense, Top 5 in NFC; strong offensive line that can create holes for Gore, who has to stay healthy and average 100+ yards/game; and Offensive play calling that has to focus on swings and slants, not hot reads....at least for the first half...til we figure out if our wideouts can get separation and a qb that can deliver.
Mike Sando: I would emphasize the part about the offensive line. That aspect of the 49ers must improve.
Tyler from Laguna Beach, Calif., writes: Mike....so the verdict is out and JTO will start for the 49ers but do you see
Alex Smith as being good enough (ability wise) to use this time in the back-up role to become the QB that we all hope he can be? Thanks again for bringing me great insight on my 49ers
Mike Sando: The pressure might be off Alex Smith, finally, and there could be some upside to that. I still wonder, though, if he'll need a change of scenery to make a clean break and move forward. I think Smith needs someone in his corner and I'm not sure the current staff has the time to bring him along.
Adam from Sacramento writes: Now that the QB situation is settled, what do you make of the issues with the 49ers secondary against the Bears? They were torched by Brady, er I mean Orton ... any insight to [what] happened?
Mike Sando: I advise not getting too worried about how a defensive secondary plays during the fake games. Coverage has become so much about scheming, and very little scheming goes into a preseason game. For all we know, the Bears were going out of their way to help the offense, perhaps game-planning a little more to put Kyle Orton in a better position, etc.
Myles from parts unknown writes: Just heard Hasselbeck going to miss the game on Monday ... might not be traveling w/ the team. Have you heard anything further on the nature of the injury? Is Seneca going to be sat for the rest of the preseason as a precaution? And how are we supposed to get an idea of what the WR position is shaping up with Mr. 3rd string throwing passes?
Mike Sando: Seneca Wallace is expected to be available Monday night, according to Mike Holmgren. You are right about Hasselbeck not getting a chance to throw to these guys. I think that's a bigger concern than Hasselbeck not being ready for the season, but you should be worried just a little bit. How will the back feel after a Bills linebacker slams into in on a blitz?
Mandy from parts unknown writes: Mike, Although its really hard for me to look too much into preseason games, there are some things I have noticed with the Cardinals that I haven't seen before. On most plays that are over 10 yds. (running or passing), I notice how
Larry Fitzgerald has become an effective blocker down the field. It also seems to me that
Tim Hightower will be very effective, especially in the red zone. My opinion with Anquan is that its just a matter of when, not if, he'll get a contract. Not to take away anything from the stars that this team has, but I have to chuckle a little bit when I see quite a few Cardinal players wanting bigger contracts, but they have yet to break a .500 record. Can't imagine how they'll be with a few playoff seasons under their belt....lol
Mike Sando: Great observations. Larry Fitzgerald is very much making an effort to improve his game and justify the $10 million-a-year investment. And I can tell you the Cardinals agree wholeheartedly with the idea about paying players once the team does more than simply taste .500. I'm not speaking about Boldin specifically on that; the team has said it wants to take care of him at some point. But for lesser players to expect new deals with multiple years on their contracts & how about winning something first?
Richie from Culver City, Calif., writes: Hi Mike, I saw a mailbag question regarding spreadsheets - did you put something out? Just curious and, if so, can you e-mail them to me or send me the link? Not sure how I missed those... Thanks!
Mike Sando: Ah, yes, the spreadsheets. I'll make some available again soon. In the meantime, here's the link.
Matt from Seattle writes: Sando, Did I really just read that Aikman and Buck said the NFC west was "wide open" My lord if I had a nickel every time I heard some talking head predict someone besides Seattle to win the West the last 4 years, I could hire you away from ESPN and get you back writing only hawks.
Mike Sando: You would probably have some nickels left over, too.
Shaun from Newcastle, Wash., writes: Mike, Miss your Hawks coverage with the Tribune (and your humor), but glad to see you make it to [espn.com]! My question is about Jordan Kent. If he doesn't make the Hawks' final roster what are the odds that he clears waivers to make it back on the practice squad?
Mike Sando: Thanks, Shaun. I'll assume your last name is not Alexander. As for Jordan Kent, I think the Seahawks might be able to get him onto their practice squad again. Even if another team signed him, would he last the full season on that team's roster? Perhaps, but that's another thing to consider.
Ryan from San Diego writes: What are your thoughts on the Niners ever trying to go out and getting a proven winner at QB??? How nicely would a back up (like
Kurt Warner) fit in with Martz in SF now!?!? Is there anyway that Zona would ever trade him? Also, is there anyone else who know's Martz's offense well enough to come in and play immediately that we could trade for?? With a good QB the Niners would have a legitimate shot at winning the division.
Mike Sando: I'm detecting a pattern here. First we heard from Matt in Seattle, then Shaun from Newcastle (near Seattle) and now Ryan from San Diego. Hasselbeck, Alexander and Leaf, all in the same mailbag? I covered Ryan at Washington State, but I'm pretty sure he's not spending much time in San Diego these days. Let's chalk it up to coincidence. To answer your question, Ryan, Kurt Warner would be a good fit for Martz and the 49ers right now, but the Cardinals aren't going to let that happen this season.
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
