ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Drew from Fife, Wash., writes: Sando- Really appreciate all the hard work. My question is in regards to the Rooney Rule. Now I understand what the Rams have to do to meet those standards. However, in the case of the 49ers, would they be allowed to offer an incentive-based contract to Singletary? Or do they still have to wait and hold interviews? We all know that he is getting and on the job interview, just like Haslett. If they do well and pull out miracle playoff runs, the jobs are theirs. If that happens for SF, do they still have to hold an 'interview' with Singletary before officially hiring him?

Mike Sando: Thanks, Drew. The incentive clause isn't the issue. The timing of the hiring is the issue. A team can't fire one coach and hire another in that order without opening the process to at least one minority candidate.

The situation with the 49ers provides an exception because interim coach Mike Singletary is a minority. The 49ers could hire Singletary beyond this season without regard for the usual process because his hiring would fulfill the Rooney Rule, by definition.

---

Dan from Oregon writes: Long time 49er fan. Would like to know your thoughts on the following -- JTO. He can run the offense. Has moderate footwork, and can get the ball where he wants to. Sometimes. Thats the problem. I just dont see JTO being consistent. If all you have is a mediocre QB thats fine. As long as he is consistently mediocre. I.E. Kyle Orton among many others, this season especially!

The 49ers have enough offensive talent and maturity to get to the playoffs this season. The only thing that is working against them is a QB that cannot read the field and holds the ball way too long. I feel that the 49ers could easily be the most competitive team in the NFC West and I'm not just saying that because im a huge fan. Well maybe a little. But seriously, the team has shown sparks on both sides of the ball.

Without the awful number of turnovers by JTO which most have been absolutely his fault, the 49ers record would be much different. Or the games would have been a little more competitive. I read he had some awful number of turnovers in the past 3 games, around 10, 2 fumbles and 8 interceptions. Which witnessing myself, half of them have been almost directly to defensive backs. The Niners need an answer at QB. Right now I think they need to start trying something new. If after week 8 JTO can't seem to keep the ball in the offense's hands the job needs to go to Hill.

Mike Sando: I do think O'Sullivan's inconsistency is limiting the offense. He makes poor decisions by throwing into coverage. I have spoken about this with coaches and scouts around the league. They see O'Sullivan as a guy who is going to make something happen, good or bad. O'Sullivan is the opposite of Chad Pennington. Whereas Pennington will almost always find the right guy and make the right read, managing the offense, O'Sullivan will take chances and make mistakes. We see this happening most weeks.

If O'Sullivan puts it together for a game, the 49ers could look very good on offense. But he hasn't shown an ability to play consistently well over several games.

---

Tanner from California writes: Hey Mike. First off, thanks a lot for answering my questions. Now for the question -- Do you think it is at all possible that the Seahawks can pick up Nnamdi Asomugha after this season? Him and Trufant would be a gnarly cornerback tandem.

Mike Sando: Anything is possible, but I wouldn't anticipate the Raiders letting him get away.

---

Harold from Columbia, Mo., writes: Mike, One quick thought, Mike. [John] Clayton made a great point in his column - one that the losing mentality of the Cardinals and fans alike may play into, although I would bet Whisenhunt's staff has thought about it. A win on the road this weekend would give the Cards an inside track to a higher seed vs. Carolina and possibly another home game. The Rams have their ideal scenario this week - the Cards can have one as well. I know I have a tendency forget the importance of division games - case in point last year - cards/skins game was a key player in the playoff race. Neil Rackers makes that kick - who knows.

Mike Sando: I assume you're talking about the importance of conference games. It is a good point. Here are the NFC teams with the best conference records so far: Giants 4-0, Bucs 5-1, Redskins 4-2, Cardinals 2-1, Vikings 3-2, Panthers 3-2, Falcons 3-2, Bears 3-3 and Packers 3-3.