NFL FanHouse

Trent Dilfer Makes It Official: He's Done

Michael David Smith — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:22:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, Buccaneers, Ravens, Baltimore, San Francisco, Tampa Bay

We noted this morning that longtime NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer had an Achilles injury that would likely end his playing career, and this afternoon Dilfer made it official.

Dilfer told the Reno Gazette-Journal:

"I injured my Achilles' while I was on vacation with my family. I was going to retire anyway. This just gives clarity to the situation. There will be a formal announcement in the next few days about that....

"I'm just really thrilled and looking forward to what's next for me," said Dilfer, who added that he and his family might make Incline Village more of a year-round residence. "And obviously I'm going to miss football. It's been a huge part of my life."

Football will miss Dilfer, too. His career hasn't been great, but it has been remarkable: From draft bust to Super Bowl winner to minimum-salary backup to starter again to old pro tutoring another draft bust. Dilfer's career has now come full circle.

Trent Dilfer Makes It Official: He's Done originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trent Dilfer Suffers Achilles Tear, Career Likely Over (If It Wasn't Already)

Michael David Smith — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:51:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, NFL Injuries, NFL Free Agency, San Francisco

Trent Dilfer, the quarterback who was a first-round bust for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1994 but has carved out a respectable journeyman career, is apparently done in the NFL after suffering a torn Achilles tendon.

Dilfer might have been done in the NFL anyway -- although he said the Raiders were interested in his services, he wasn't under contract to any NFL team -- but this injury would almost certainly make the end of his career official. The injury was first reported by the Tahoe Daily Tribune, which noted that Dilfer was pulling out of a golf tournament because of the injury, and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that the injury happened during a basketball game.

If Dilfer is done, his career deserves to be celebrated. He was never a great player, but he did carve out a niche for himself, start games for five different teams, amass more than 20,000 passing yards, and earn a Super Bowl ring. And while he wasn't a good draft pick for the Bucs, he was a class act. The NFL is saying goodbye to one of its good guys.

UPDATE: Trent Dilfer Makes It Official: He's Done

Trent Dilfer Suffers Achilles Tear, Career Likely Over (If It Wasn't Already) originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steve Mariucci Open to Coaching Again, Won't Move Away From Bay Area

Michael David Smith — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, Lions, NFL Coaching, Detroit, San Francisco

I think Steve Mariucci is a very good coach, one who deserves another chance at running an NFL team. He was successful with the 49ers, and although he was unsuccessful with the Lions, let's face it: Vince Lombardi couldn't win with the collection of stiffs Matt Millen has assembled in Detroit.

So I was glad to see that Mariucci hasn't shut the door on returning to coaching, even though the possibility may be remote:

"The right situation may never present itself again," Mariucci said, "because we've decided as a family not to move anymore. We are back in northern California in our home and we settled back in. I've moved my wife 18 times, and I don't want to move again, nor does she. Our home base is going to be in the Bay Area. It's that simple.

"For me to coach again, it either has to be on the West Coast or I would have to commute."

I'm not even sure what "commute" would mean for an NFL coach. Coaches hardly see their families even when they live in the same city. So if Mariucci is serious about not uprooting his family and doesn't want to be apart from them, his options are basically a return to Cal or the 49ers, or the Raiders, or Stanford. I hope one of those options presents itself.

Steve Mariucci Open to Coaching Again, Won't Move Away From Bay Area originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What Will Be of Vernon Davis?

Tom Mantzouranis — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:22:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, NFC West, San Francisco

When word came down that the 49ers had re-signed tight end Delanie Walker to a three-year, $6 million deal, ripples were felt all across the NFL landscape. Mostly because everybody outside of San Francisco (and some inside) asked themselves, "Who the hell is Delanie Walker?"

He's a guy Mike Martz has raved about thus far in the offseason, going so far as to create a package of plays designed specifically to get the ball in Walker's hands (interesting, given that he's got only 23 receptions in two seasons). The extension is obviously another vote of confidence and perhaps the 49ers trying to lock Walker up a year early, before he might command much more after a big statistical jump in '08. That's smart future planning.

What makes it all the smarter is that it might provide for a cheaper, better, quieter life after Vernon Davis. Davis' deal is up before the 2011 season (if there is one). It's safe to assume Davis is going to benefit from Martz's system as well. If he has one or two very good seasons, what would prevent the overconfident, overrated Davis from commanding a huge deal before his contract runs out (especially with the misleading but sexy dangling carrot of an uncapped year in 2010)?

If that's the case, the 49ers would be wise to let another team deal with his attitude. And they'd be even wiser to have Walker ready to take his place.

What Will Be of Vernon Davis? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Your Proud Winners of the Barry Sims "Sweepstakes" are the 49ers

Tom Mantzouranis — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, NFC West, NFL Free Agency, San Francisco

This is how you know it's the dregs of the NFL offseason. Teams still have glaring needs to fill, and as the demand for talent far outweighs the supply, inevitably people look at the best of what's left and allow themselves to get overly zealous about a mediocre player. "Savior" talk ensues.

Ex-Raider tackle Barry Sims isn't a bad player. And with offensive line depth at a premium, it makes sense that multiple teams would be interested. But good enough to call his own shots? With the choice of going to the 49ers, Rams, Ravens, or Patriots, Sims has agreed to a two-year deal with San Francisco.

The decision came down to playing time, and he concluded that the 49ers' offensive line situation is more unsettled than St. Louis' (a damning statement, to say the least). He's currently be backing up Jonas Jennings at right tackle, but Jennings has missed 27 games in the last three seasons and is recovering from ankle surgery. Besides, Sims has faced challenges before, besting three top prospects (Mo Collins, Matt Stinchcomb, and Robert Gallery) for the starting job at left tackle in Oakland after going undrafted. There's a very real chance he'll start.

Which most likely means the team is giving up on Chico Rachal as a bookend. It also means that Sims, a casualty of a 4-12 team and a member of some of the worst offensive lines in recent history, will bear the brunt of expectation in San Francisco. Gotta love the offseason.

Your Proud Winners of the Barry Sims "Sweepstakes" are the 49ers originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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49ers Sign Delanie Walker Through 2012

Michael David Smith — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:44:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, San Francisco

Here's an odd signing, one that could just as easily be overlooked, but one that says something about the way the San Francisco 49ers are trying to build as a franchise.

The 49ers have signed tight end Delanie Walker to a three-year contract extension worth $6 million, with a $1.8 million signing bonus. Although that's not a huge contract by NFL standards, it seems like a lot to give a guy who, according to Football Outsiders, ranked dead last among NFL tight ends in effectiveness per play -- especially when the 49ers already have one of the highest-paid tight ends in the league in Vernon Davis.

But the 49ers apparently think the 23-year-old Walker is eventually going to be a good player in new coordinator Mike Martz's offense, and they now have him locked up through the 2012 season. If Walker becomes even a moderately effective receiving threat, this signing will be an absolute bargain.

Ultimately, these are the moves that either turn a bad team into a good one, or keep a bad team near the bottom of the league. I like Walker's potential, and I like this signing.

49ers Sign Delanie Walker Through 2012 originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With Division Inside the NFL Players' Union, Walt Harris Firmly in the Gene Upshaw Camp

Michael David Smith — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:18:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, San Francisco

The National Football League Players Association has been led for a quarter century by Gene Upshaw, whose often brusque demeanor, combined with his stances on issues like guaranteed contracts and pension plans, has made him a controversial figure.

Baltimore Ravens kicker Matt Stover and New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara are among the players who have publicly criticized Upshaw's leadership and questioned whether it's time for someone else to come along. But Upshaw still has the support of the majority of players' union leaders, including 49ers cornerback Walt Harris.

Harris had this to say to the San Francisco Chronicle about criticism of Upshaw:

"I think it comes from a lack of knowledge," Harris said this week before the 49ers wrapped up three weeks of voluntary drills. "He's done an exceptional job. I don't think we could have had a better person in that position to lead us.

"If you look at the numbers and where we've been with him over the years, they speak for themselves."

It's undoubtedly true that the numbers, in terms of players' salaries, have grown significantly for union membership while Upshaw has run the Players Association. But when Harris says there couldn't have been a better person in the position, I disagree. I think it's possible to achieve salary growth while also not threatening to break people's necks. Upshaw has done plenty of good things for the union, but eventually I think the players will find someone better.

With Division Inside the NFL Players' Union, Walt Harris Firmly in the Gene Upshaw Camp originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike Nolan in No Hurry to Pick a QB

Michael David Smith — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:16:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, San Francisco

Good news, 49ers fans: It's only taken Alex Smith three years to do something impressive in practice.

Head coach Mike Nolan tells the San Francisco Chronicle that in recent practices, he has seen Smith "do things that I haven't seen him do before, in practice or in games."

Example? Actually recognizing when a blitz is coming and getting rid of the ball in a hurry. Great to know that Smith had already made $30 million or so from the 49ers before he learned that skill.

I point this out not to criticize Smith so much as to point out that the 49ers' three-way tie at quarterback among Smith, Shaun Hill andJ.T. O'Sullivan is a big mess. Nolan says he won't pick a leader right now, but it seems clear that he wants Smith to win the competition, even though Hill has been much more impressive on the field and O'Sullivan has a better grasp of coordinator Mike Martz's offense.

My money is on Smith winning the competition, playing badly in September, and being benched for Hill. And then the 49ers will start all over again by drafting a quarterback in 2009.

Mike Nolan in No Hurry to Pick a QB originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Arnaz Battle Back to Work After Missing Time for "Personal Reasons"

Tom Mantzouranis — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:24:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, NFC West, San Francisco

Larry David's right -- you can get out of just about any question as long as you say "it's personal," unless, of course, you're being questioned by Roger Goodell, who will have a league of upstanding citizens even if it requires surveillance in the homes of every single player. Luckily for Arnaz Battle, the questions he's facing aren't regarding legal matters, so no one will press any further on why the receiver missed team activities last week now that he's back.

"It's just a lack of communication," Battle said. "This is not a mandatory camp and I felt there were some personal things I needed to take care of. I put it on my shoulders. I didn't communicate it, and that's that."

Apparently everything's been cleared up and the team is satisfied. It's obviously best for everyone involved if Battle is present, especially now that he's missed a week of lessons on Mike Martz's new offense. But Battle isn't concerned about that.

"I played quarterback," he said. "I feel I have the intelligence to (be able to) come in and learn the position and get out there and make plays and make things happen"

Quarterback? Battle should switch positions, he might have a better chance of starting if he's under center.

Arnaz Battle Back to Work After Missing Time for "Personal Reasons" originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Chilo Rachal Personifies the 49ers' Recent Failings as a Franchise

Tom Mantzouranis — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, NFC West, San Francisco

I don't know Chilo Rachal. He might be a very nice man. Everything I've heard about him as a football player has been positive. But through no fault of his own, he represents everything that's gone wrong with the 49ers over the last few years.

Rachal was a guard in college, and the 49ers made him their second pick despite having a more urgent need at tackle. The thinking was that Rachal would be converted there, but there's one problem -- the 49ers' various decision-makers are at odds over the switch.

Now, this is a pretty big decision for the current state of the team -- a lot of jobs are riding on this season, and as last year proved a lot of the team's success will be riding on the offensive line. You'd have thought that the position would have been a priority this offseason. You'd have also thought that with the ramifications involved in getting this ship righted, the people responsible would at least be able to agree on a course of action. But no. Communication (or mis-, as the case may be), poor planning, and a lack of competent leadership have been the team's downfall since Steve Mariucci left.

And though, yes, Jonas Jennings is penciled in as the starter on the right line (making this all seemingly moot), there's no doubt that the guy who has missed 27 games in the last three seasons will need to be replaced at some point this season, if not from Week 1. The team's interest in Barry Sims indicates that the Rachal experiment isn't going well, making the dissension even more ludicrous and leaving the 49ers yet again holding their ... you know.

How Chilo Rachal Personifies the 49ers' Recent Failings as a Franchise originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Arnaz Battle is M.I.A.

Tom Mantzouranis — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, NFC West, San Francisco

This may seem a bit, you know, obvious, but it's never good when a player doesn't show up for organized team activities. It's even worse when the team has no idea where that player is or why they're not present. Arnaz Battle was nowhere to be found today, and Mike Nolan was at a loss for explanations.

This may not seem like a big deal to casual fans or people unfamiliar with the 49ers, but Battle was their best receiver and most reliable player on offense last year (which isn't saying a lot, I'm aware). He's an underrated player and would be coming off a much better season if the team had anything resembling competent quarterbacking last year. He's currently projected as the team's third receiver behind Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson, but the 49ers undoubtedly have a big role for him planned.

The most common reason a player misses offseason activity is because of contract problems, but a 600-yard season and subsequent drop on the depth chart isn't really time to ask for more money. Besides, Battle has already attended other team activities this offseason.

I guess we'll know soon what the deal is, but it's important for Battle to get to work learning the new offense -- it's sort of complex.

Arnaz Battle is M.I.A. originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:57:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could 49ers Move to Los Angeles?

Michael David Smith — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:22:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, Los Angeles, San Francisco

The San Francisco 49ers want a new stadium. They're not sure which Bay Area city will pony up to build one for them -- of if any Bay Area city will do so at all. And that means the 49ers could be looking at moving south, all the way to Los Angeles.

Bill Soliday of Inside Bay Area writes:

the City of Industry, on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County (population 777 in 2000), could be Plan D for the 49ers, perhaps for the Raiders when their lease expires in 2010 - or for any NFL team wanting to move into the second-largest population center of the United States.

While Northern California lurches forward without decisive results, Ed Roski has boldly moved forward independently to bring pro football back to Los Angeles.

In April, Roski, a billionaire builder, unveiled plans for a privately funded stadium to be built in the City of Industry, 25 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. All he asks before breaking ground is for a current NFL team to agree to move into his $800 million baby.

Will the 49ers be that NFL team that agrees to move into the $800 million Southern California stadium? It sounds farfetched to me, but the NFL clearly wants to at least leave open the possibility that teams who can't get public financing for their stadiums could find a home in Los Angeles. I don't think the 49ers are moving to Los Angeles, but I do think they want the leverage they get from local governments believing it's a possibility.

Could 49ers Move to Los Angeles? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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49ers Shaun Hill, J.T. O'Sullivan, Alex Smith in Three-Way Tie for No. 1 Quarterback Spot

Michael David Smith — Sat, 31 May 2008 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, San Francisco

Another way of phrasing that headline would be, "Three Years After Going First Overall, Alex Smith Can't Beat Out Two Scrubs."

The news out of San Francisco is that Smith, Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan are all evenly matched at the quarterback competition, and that's a huge indictment of both Smith and the 49ers' brain trust for drafting him first overall.

Part of that brain trust, coach Mike Nolan, says that Smith and Hill will get equal time with the first-string offense during organized team activities, and he indicated that O'Sullivan will get fewer snaps mostly because he has already worked with new offensive coordinator Mike Martz.

Anyway, my money is on Hill, who looked much better than Smith last year, winning the competition. Which means we're probably heading into Smith's final season in San Francisco, and which means it's about time to label Smith a bust.

49ers Shaun Hill, J.T. O'Sullivan, Alex Smith in Three-Way Tie for No. 1 Quarterback Spot originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 31 May 2008 11:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Niners' Ezra Butler Smokes Weed In Reno, Just to Get Him High

Sportz Assassin — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:15:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, NFC West, NFL Police Blotter, San Francisco

Niners undrafted rookie LB Ezra Butler was arrested in Reno, NV on Saturday for driving while high.

Butler was driving his 2008 Hummer H3 when he allegedly failed to move over to the left lane while passing another motorist pulled over by a state trooper Saturday night, the Reno Gazette-Journal first reported on its Web site Tuesday.

According to an NHP report, the trooper then stopped Butler and reported smelling marijuana.

"The driver stated he smoked marijuana 40 minutes ago," the trooper wrote in the report. "I gave the driver field sobriety tests. He showed signs of intoxication. I advised the driver he was under arrest and took him into custody."

I guess Butler smoked a blunt in Reno, just to get him high (ode to Mr. Johnny Cash, pictured). Oh, and to lose his job. See, the Niners went ahead and waived Mr. Butler today ... just days after the arrest.

I hope that little trip less than an hour after puffing on the hippie lettuce was worth it. That better be one tasty bag of Funyuns, pizza or whatever the heck it was you were going out for while baked.

Niners' Ezra Butler Smokes Weed In Reno, Just to Get Him High originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 28 May 2008 02:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shane Olivea Has Signed With a Team, We Don't Know Which Team, It's Not the 49ers

Michael David Smith — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:41:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, Chargers, NFL Free Agency, San Diego, San Francisco

There was a time when Shane Olivea looked like one of the most talented young offensive linemen in the NFL. That time has passed.

After the Chargers took him in the seventh round of the draft, Olivea started all 16 games on one of the best lines in the league as a rookie in 2004, and he was still a solid starter in 2005 and 2006. But last year he struggled and got benched, and this year he was sent packing.

He's now an unrestricted free agent, except that he has apparently already agreed to terms with some NFL team. The Press Democrat reports:

The 49ers have inquired about some possible veteran free-agent pickups. They asked about Shane Olivea recently, but were told that Olivea has already agreed to terms with another club. Olivea, who lost his starting job and fell out of favor with the Chargers, is expected to sign with that team in June.

It's unusual for a player to agree to terms with a team but not sign with that team, but Olivea has apparently decided his best fit is on a team that needs to clear some salary cap space. Which team could that be? Josh Alper speculates at PFT that it could be Baltimore, Carolina, Denver, Detroit or Oakland. Right now it's anyone's guess.

Shane Olivea Has Signed With a Team, We Don't Know Which Team, It's Not the 49ers originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 27 May 2008 14:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joe Montana Sues Ex-Wife

Michael David Smith — Fri, 09 May 2008 06:43:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, San Francisco

Kim Moses, the ex-wife of Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana, recently auctioned off several personal possessions that once belonged to him, and now things like their marriage certificate; a letter he wrote her on a Ziggy card; an "I Love You" note; and a letter Montana wrote to Moses's parents detailing his first year playing for Notre Dame are available for everyone's perusal on The Smoking Gun.

Also on The Smoking Gun: Montana's lawsuit against Moses over the auction:

Montana, 51, claims that the sale of the assorted items--which were auctioned last weekend by a Dallas, Texas firm--violated his copyright and privacy rights. In a U.S. District Court complaint, Montana names Kim Moses, his first wife, and Heritage Auction as defendants.

Montana has been a private person since his retirement, and it's understandable that he's mad that his ex made a nice chunk of change from memorabilia collectors. But all of those possessions belonged to her, which is why, unless there's something specifically in their divorce decree prohibiting such sales, he's likely to lose this case.

Latest NFL Photos

Seattle Seahawks' Matt Hasselbeck throws a pass as the Seahawks opened mini-camp at the team's practice facility in Kirkland, Wash. on Friday, May 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

Seattle Seahawks' Matt Hasselbeck throws a pass as the Seahawks opened football mini-camp at their facility in Kirkland, Wash. on Friday, May 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, left, calls signals during football mini-camp at the team's practice facility in Kirkland, Wash. on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck stretches as the team opened mini-camp at their football practice facility in Kirkland, Wash. on Friday, May 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck watches as the team opened mini-camp at their football practice facility in Kirkland, Wash. on Friday, May 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

Seattle Seahawks' linebacker Julian Peterson, left, and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck run through drills as the NFL football team held minicamp at the team practice facility in Kirkland, Wash., on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, center, prepares to throw as the NFL football team held minicamp at the team practice facility in Kirkland, Wash., on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

** FILE ** In this July 27, 2006 file photo, Cleveland Browns linebacker Willie McGinest stretches during morning practice at the Browns football training camp in Berea, Ohio. Browns linebacker Willie McGinest says the 2008 season will be his last. McGinest told SI.com for a story Thursday, May 8, 2008, that he wants to finish his career on one last playoff run. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan, File)

Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, left, puts his helmet as they opened mini-camp at the team's football practice facility in Kirkland, Wash. on Friday, May 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

** FILE ** This July 26, 2007 file photo shows Michael Vick leaving the federal courthouse in Richmond, Va. A federal judge ordered imprisoned quarterback Michael Vick to repay more than $2.4 million to a Canadian bank for defaulting on a loan, Wednesday May 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, Pool, File)

Joe Montana Sues Ex-Wife originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 09 May 2008 06:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike Martz, Matt Millen Continue Verbal Fight That Martz Will Always Win

Michael David Smith — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:22:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, Lions, Detroit, San Francisco

Ever since Mike Martz was fired as offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, there has been some minor verbal sparring between Martz and Lions President Matt Millen. Martz says things like "we were not a good football team," and "I can't explain anything they do," designed to denigrate the talent in Detroit, which was assembled by Millen.

The latest example comes from Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports (via PFT), who quotes Millen saying of Martz:

He can break down what a defense is doing faster than anyone I have ever seen. Then, all of a sudden, he's coming up with a bunch of new ideas about how to attack that defense right there on the spot. That's great, but you'd sit there sometimes and wonder, 'Hey, what happened to all the stuff we talked about Monday to Saturday?'"

And Martz saying of Millen:

"How would Matt know what we were talking about Monday to Saturday since he wasn't there Thursday to Saturday? [because Millen commutes back and forth between Detroit and his home in Pennsylvania] The guys on that coaching staff know why we did that. Look, we just weren't a good football team at that point."

Martz will always win these arguments with Millen for one very simple reason: Martz has a proven track record of being good at his job, and Millen has a proven track record of being terrible at his. There may be valid criticisms of Martz, but Millen is the wrong person to offer them.

Mike Martz, Matt Millen Continue Verbal Fight That Martz Will Always Win originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 02 May 2008 10:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NFL Draft Grades: San Francisco 49ers

Tom Mantzouranis — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:46:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, NFC West, NFL Draft, San Francisco

San Francisco 49ers 2008 Draft Picks:

Round 1 (29): Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
Round 2 (39): Chilo Racal, OG, Southern Cal.
Round 3 (75): Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma
Round 4 (107): Cody Wallace, C, Texas A&M
Round 6 (174): Josh Morgan, WR, Virginia Tech
Round 7 (214): Larry Grant, OLB, Ohio State

The Good: Every pick was spent on a position of need, though I can nitpick a little. Racal was the draft's second-best guard and the 49ers desperately need some help there. Smith at one point was a solid first-round selection. He's talented and his versatility will allow the 49ers to let him roam the secondary. Balmer, if motivated, seriously addresses their need for a standout defensive end in the 3-4

The Bad: I'm not one of those people who has a lot of faith in Balmer. Some see him as an emerging player, I'm skeptical of a one-year star who was playing for a contract, but the jury remains out. I preferred Johnathan Sullivan over Wallace, though there's nothing wrong with that pick (plus, I'm an idiot). I don't think receiver was as big of a need as others were making it out to be, but I still think they should have addressed that and outside linebacker higher than they did. The team could have also stood to come out of the draft with a developmental offensive tackle.

The Grade: B+. Even though I feel like they really only nailed one pick -- Smith -- out of the park, their first five picks should all make the team and at least the first four will contribute. They did address their needs and improved them across the board. This isn't a flashy draft, but it's one that makes teams better.

Click here to read other Draft Grades.

NFL Draft Grades: San Francisco 49ers originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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29. San Francisco 49ers Pick Kentwan Balmer, DE, North Carolina in NFL Draft

Michael David Smith — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, NFL Draft, San Francisco

I talked to North Carolina defensive end Kentwan Balmer at the scouting combine and came away liking him a lot, and I like the value of picking him with the 29th selection in the first round a lot. This was a very good pick for the 49ers.

Some people think the fact that Balmer only had one good season (his senior year) in college as a problem, but I tend to view Balmer's career in the opposite way: He has the potential, I believe, to develop into one of the league's best defensive linemen, and he was just beginning to develop during his senior season at North Carolina.

Previously on FanHouse:
FanHouse Mock Draft: San Francisco 49ers Select OLB Quentin Groves No. 29
Despite What You May Heave Heard, the 49ers Shouldn't Go Receiver in the First Round
I Hope You're Prepared for More Alex Smith: 49ers Dont Plan on Drafting a QB

29. San Francisco 49ers Pick Kentwan Balmer, DE, North Carolina in NFL Draft originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FanHouse Mock Draft: San Francisco 49ers Select OLB Quentin Groves No. 29

Tom Mantzouranis — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, NFC West, NFL Draft, San Francisco

With each pick of the FanHouse mock draft, we get into the head of an NFL general manager and let you know who he'll pick and why.

The 49ers are in a rough spot here. In real life, with pretty much no viable options where need and value intersect, I think they trade back. Since that's not an option here, they have to reach.

Ideally, the team wants Gosder Cherilus to bookend the offensive line with Joe Staley. With him off the board, and Kentwan Balmer -- a defensive tackle who could play end in the 49ers' 3-4 -- gone as well, it's about the pass rush.

The 49ers like Quentin Groves, and he's got the measurables to play the pass-rush role in the 49ers' scheme opposite of Manny Lawson, but his actual game skills are slightly more cloudy. Worse yet is his reputation as having an inconsistent motor, which is a death blow when you want someone speeding towards the quarterback on almost every single down. Still, he's the best of what the 49ers need at this point. He can start from Week 1, but 49er fans will have to expect some sort of learning curve.

Calais Campbell is a backup plan to Balmer in case the team feels it's necessary to fix the end position, but that would really be a stretch. Likewise, the 49ers love Notre Dame's Trevor Laws. Though Laws played tackle in college, he's got the frame for a 3-4 end and all the intangibles Groves doesn't have. Still, he might likely last until the 49ers pick only 10 selections later at #39.

The Skinny:
Team Needs: DE, OLB, OT, OG
Player Selected: Quentin Groves, OLB, Auburn
Also Considered: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami; Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame

Previous Pick: No. 28,

Next Pick: No. 30, Green Bay Packers

FanHouse Mock Draft: San Francisco 49ers Select OLB Quentin Groves No. 29 originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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