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John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle says 49ers rookie Michael Crabtree thinks more about the passes he has dropped than the ones he has caught. Crumpacker counts two drops by Crabtree this season. Drops are subjective. ESPN Stats & Information counted four drops for Crabtree. I counted two in my play-by-play notes, one against Indianapolis and one against Chicago. I noted two other plays that were nearly drops, one against the Colts (on an interception), another on a third-and-1 play against Tennessee. Crabtree: "It bothers me. Sometimes I can't sleep at night when I drop passes. I keep it with me so when the game comes, I think about it and [try to] make plays."

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the 49ers have shown more balance from the shotgun formation, a necessity now that they are using the formation more frequently. Maiocco: "QBs coach Mike Johnson took a year off from coaching last season. During that time, he visited with several college programs. He went to Illinois because he felt the Big Ten program does the best job of running the ball from the spread formation. Johnson shared that knowledge with (offensive coordinator Jimmy) Raye during the months when the 49ers began installing their offense."

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee outlines key matchups in the 49ers-Packers game, including Adam Snyder against Aaron Kampman. Barrows: "The Packers like to move Kampman all over the field, but he'll most commonly be rushing from the quarterback's right side. That will put him against Snyder, who struggled last week to contain Bears defensive end Adewale Ogunleye. The Packers also will try to overload the left side of their defensive line, meaning that Frank Gore will be asked to step forward and block the 260-pound Kampman from time to time. Gore is an excellent blocker, but that is a mismatch the Packers will look to exploit."

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says the 49ers aren't saying which one of their receivers is the No. 1 option. Salaries usually do not lie. Crabtree is the No. 1 receiver in San Francisco.

Niners Nation's Florida Danny sifts through the stats, most favoring Green Bay, in previewing the 49ers-Packers game. The 49ers enjoyed success running outside against the Bears, but San Francisco has run up the middle a disproportionate amount the rest of the season, often with poor results.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals held spirited practices during the week, culminating with a fight between rookie practice-squader Trevor Canfield and second-year defensive lineman Kenny Iwebema on Friday. Coach Ken Whisenhunt wasn't sure what to make of it. Whisenhunt: "Listen, we are a long way from being that mature team that you can count on to show up every week and play the game you're supposed to play. We've made great strides in that direction, though, and this game will go a long way toward seeing where we are." Sounds like a challenge.

Also from Somers: He thinks the Rams should not be able to keep the game close if Arizona plays well. Somers: "The Cardinals should be ready to put a dominant game together. Their receiving corps is healthy, and Beanie Wells is emerging as a running threat. The offensive line will be making its 30th consecutive start together. The Rams don't match up well with the Cardinals. Defensive end Leonard Little, 35, has slowed down, although he shows occasional flashes of pass rush ability The Rams have spent draft pick after draft pick on defensive linemen, but none has emerged as an impact player."

More from Somers: Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson shares a bond with Hall of Famer Larry Wilson. They expected to get together in St. Louis.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Chike Okeafor will not play for the Cardinals in Week 11.

Also from Urban: The Cardinals have run out of teams to chase in the NFC West.

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com says the Seahawks are on the short end of several mismatches against the Vikings. Linebacker Aaron Curry: "You can't be right against Brett Favre. You try to be right, but it doesn't matter how well you cover his receivers, he'll throw it in tight spots. He knows how to look everybody off, his pump fake is crucial. He's a very amazing quarterback and more athletic than people think." Curry was in kindergarten when Favre played his first NFL game.

Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune says the Seahawks haven't won a road game against a team that finished with a winning record since the 2006 season. Seattle is 5-15 on the road since 2007, with four of the victories against the Rams and 49ers.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says the Seahawks need to crank up their pass rush. Coach Jim Mora: "It has been somewhat of a struggle for us lately."

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune offers a podcast previewing the Seahawks' game at Minnesota.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams defensive lineman Victor Adeyanju has an opportunity to get more playing time. The Rams had little use for him earlier in the season. Adeyanju: "I was very down. At one point, I was losing sleep. I don't come here to sit around and not play. As a competitor, it hurt like hell. But it wasn't my call, and this is a team sport. ... So you have to look at that and say, you know what, I'll get my opportunity sooner or later."

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams' Steven Jackson is on pace for 1,626 yards rushing. Center Jason Brown: "I consider it a privilege to be able to block for such a talented back; it's exciting every single week. He makes our job so much easier, because not only does he see the holes develop, he's going to make sure he gives everything he has."

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic quotes Cardinals general manager Rod Graves as saying the organization must "remain open at all times to possibilities" that could include trading Boldin. Graves: "We still recognize him as a core player and one that we would like to extend, but I think we have to remain open at all times to possibilities. To this point, we have not made any considerations for a trade, and we're focused primarily on trying to make this relationship beneficial for our team." A slight shift in tone?

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Kurt Warner's message to teens about accepting those with disabilities coincided with his recent hip surgery. As a result, Warner was getting around on crutches when he addressed the students. Urban: "The program is dear to the Warners' hearts since oldest son Zach is disabled. Brenda Warner told a story how Zach was just invited to his first birthday party recently -- and Zach is 19 years old."

Revenge of the Birds' Andrew602 looks at how Ohio State running back Chris Wells might fit with the Cardinals. Andrew602: "He has great explosiveness, and would be exactly what the Cardinals need to make their offense the best in the league. He has a personality that other players like, and has no character issues. He and Hightower would become a powerful 1-2 punch, and would wear out defenses."

Doug Farrar of Football Outsiders explains why he thinks Boldin has tremendous value to the Cardinals. By Football Outsiders' count, Boldin finished second in the league last season with 595 yards after the catch. Boldin averaged 6.1 yards after the catch, compared to 3.8 for new Seahawks receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Bill Barnwell of Football Outsiders has fun with a mock draft by forecasting five trades that might make sense for the teams involved. He sends linebacker Aaron Curry (Rams), tackle Eugene Monroe (Seahawks), linebacker Everette Brown (49ers) and defensive end Michael Johnson (Cardinals) to the NFC West. Barnwell has the Cardinals trading up to No. 16 with San Diego before taking Johnson from Ken Whisenhunt's alma mater, Georgia Tech.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the 49ers could still take a tackle with the 10th overall choice even if they signed a veteran at the position during free agency. The 49ers think there's a chance the top four tackles could be gone by the 10th choice.

Paul Gutierrez of the Sacramento Bee takes a quick look at Jed York's role in representing the 49ers at the league level. York's father still takes the lead at times in these settings, but the younger York is more involved in football operations.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times puts into perspective Leonard Weaver's recent comments (video here) about divisions in the Seahawks' locker room. O'Neil: "It's important to remember what position Weaver played and the players he spent the most time with in meetings in so forth: The running backs. There was no position where there was such a clear delineation of players signed for the future and players who had been there for coach Mike Holmgren's past." Sounds like the Philadelphia media is going to have fun with Weaver.

John Morgan of Field Gulls takes a closer look at Matthew Stafford, while reiterating that the Seahawks must draft him if the quarterback is available at No. 4 and the team thinks he can become a top quarterback. The conclusion? Stay tuned.

Also from Morgan: A look back at how the Seahawks used -- and did not use -- T.J. Duckett last season. Morgan: "He's part power back, part cutback rusher and part feature back. If short yardage be an indicator, he has the most awkward approach I've ever seen. He's all knees and elbows. All knees and elbows on a 6-foot, 250-pound frame. And when he uncoils, he glides with a clunky effortlessness that's something to behold."

Chris Sullivan of Seahawk Addicts looks at Wonderlic scores for the quarterbacks Seattle general manager Tim Ruskell's teams have drafted. Sullivan: "What seems clear to me is that Ruskell does not weight the Wonderlic score all that much, at least not for QBs. Like anything else in the draft, the Wonderlic score, 40-yard dash, arm length, etc., will rarely change anything unless they are dramatically off from expected. They are pieces of data and not stories in and of themselves."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams have had some luck with compensatory choices in recent seasons, but they will not in 2009. Every NFC West team but the Rams picked up at least one comp pick this year. Thomas: "The signing of offensive guard Jacob Bell by the Rams last year to a $36 million contract in free agency far outweighed any free agents lost by the team. As a result, the Rams received no extra picks this year."

VanRam of Turf Show Times touches on labor issues before providing some Rams-related links, including one to a Scout.com report saying the team plans to meet with Cincinnati cornerback Mike Mickens later this month.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

INDIANAPOLIS -- Brandon Pettigrew isn't your typical college tight end. He caught zero touchdown passes for Oklahoma State last season. In an era of spread passing games, Pettigrew takes pride in his blocking.

	Karl Anderson/Icon SMI
	Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew takes pride in his role as a blocker.

Stephen Spach was the Cardinals' best blocking tight end last season. The team signed him off the street midway through the regular season. A torn ACL ended Spach's season in the playoffs. The Cardinals have other options at the position, but none has provided the versatility coach Ken Whisenhunt wants from the position.

Pettigrew plans to participate in all drills at the combine in an effort to prove he can stretch defenses more than he did in college. Teams will also surely ask him about an off-field incident for which Pettigrew pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.

Pettigrew has been training at Michael Johnson Performance in McKinney, Texas. He laughed when suggesting he hoped to cover 40 yards in 4.4 seconds at the combine -- it was an admittedly optimistic forecast -- and he refused to disclose his fastest training time. He has been focusing on running mechanics and quicker starts in attempting to improve his speed.

Combine personnel measured Pettigrew at one-quarter inch below 6-foot-6. They recorded his weight at 263 pounds. Pettigrew appears lean and strong. He does not appear as bulky as some traditional NFL blocking tight ends.

Scouts Inc. on Pettigrew as a blocker: "Is able to anchor at the point of attack when he stays low. Displays good upper-body power for the position and flashes a mean streak. Does a good job with his first step. He is a more effective blocker in-line than he is in space, though. He needs to be more consistent with his technique in space, rather than looking to bury the defender with his initial pop."

Scouts Inc. on Pettigrew as a receiver: "Big target; knows how to use his frame to shield defenders from the ball. Is fluid and smooth for his size. Shows adequate-to-good initial burst off the line. But he doesn't run all of his routes with the same level of urgency. He is sloppy with his breaks and rounds too many off. Shows an overall lack of discipline at times."

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals have finally shed the loser label.

Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic says Cardinals players credit coach Ken Whisenhunt for turning around the team.

Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic says Cardinals fans will never forget Super Sunday.

Also from Bickley: A look at Super Bowl safeties Adrian Wilson and Troy Polamalu.

Paola Boivin of the Arizona Republic lists the reasons she thinks Kurt Warner should return to the Cardinals next season.

Also from Boivin: A look at the 1947 championship Cardinals. They won a title after ownership lavished a four-year, $100,000 contract upon Charley Trippi.

Mark Faller of the Arizona Republic looks back at the Cardinals' colorful past. A disputed 1925 championship still doesn't sit well with some in Pennsylvania.

Scott Bordow of the East Valley Tribune checks in with Gabe Watson for a humorous look at the best and worst inside the Cardinals' locker room.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee sees "echoes" of Norv Turner in the 49ers' recent offensive hires. Barrows on new quarterbacks coach Michael Johnson: "The first thing that jumps out: He was dismissed as receivers coach by the Ravens in 2008 and replaced by ... wait for it, wait for it ... Jim Hostler, who began his 49ers' tenure as QBs coach. He comes recommended by two men Mike Singletary has worked for, Brian Billick and Norv Turner. He's a former quarterback who I'm told relates well to his pupils. And, of course, he mentored Michael Vick for three seasons in Atlanta. Now whether he was successful in that venture ... that's a judgment call."

Ann Killion of the San Jose Mercury News says the buzz around the 49ers vanished during the month-long search for an offensive coordinator, particularly after the team hired Raye.

Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News explains how he thinks the 49ers and Raiders could learn from the Cardinals and Steelers.

Clare Farnsworth of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer says Cortez Kennedy' turn for Hall of Fame induction will have to wait for another year. Farnsworth: "As one member of the selection committee commented after Kennedy's presentation was made, it would be a 'crime, ridiculous and crazy' to not think that Kennedy belongs in the Hall of Fame."

VanRam of Turf Show Times sizes up the Rams' unrealized potential. In mentioning Alex Barron, Joe Klopfenstein, Tye Hill and others, he cites a 1972 book passage from Don Shula: "A lot of coaches have a tendency stay too long with people with potential. We call them coach killers. As soon as you find out who the coach killers are on your team, the better off you are. You go with the guys who may have lesser talent, but more dedication, more singleness of purpose. You spot them and stick with them because in a big game, they'll win it for you."

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Mike Tulumello of the East Valley Tribune looks into Kurt Warner's chances for the Hall of Fame. One voter says Warner won't be in the conversation without a victory over the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII.

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch quotes Marshall Faulk and Joe Montana as saying Warner should be in the Hall of Fame either way.

Also from Miklasz: Brenda Warner speaks for her husband at the NFL's man of the year news conference.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic checks in with Cardinals general manager Rod Graves, who declines to gloat about the team's success.

Also from Somers: He sizes up Russ Grimm's chances for the Hall of Fame.

More from Somers: Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt consults the notes he took while observing other coaches, including Bill Cowher.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com asks Cardinals players about differences between Whisenhunt and former coach Dennis Green. Urban: "Safety Adrian Wilson said too often there were two different messages coming from the coaching staff -- one from Green, and one from the assistants."

Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic explains how Cardinals rookie Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie made it through the week, which included a short trip home Tuesday.

Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic follows Rocky Bleier and Mike Ditka on an emotional visit to a veterans hospital. Bleier, the Vietnam veteran and former Steelers fullback, discourages comparisons to former Cardinals safety Pat Tillman, who died in Afghanistan. Bleier: "I got drafted. Pat chose. There's a big difference."

Ginger Rough of the Arizona Republic looks at the Cardinals' revamped conditioning program.

John Faherty of the Arizona Republic checks in with Cardinals fans in Tampa. They feel outnumbered.

Scott Bordow of the East Valley Tribune compares the current Cardinals organization to the Steelers of nearly 40 years ago.

Revenge of the Birds' Hawkwind looks at keys to the game for Arizona.

John Dudley of Cold, Hard Football Facts makes a case for the Cardinals as Super Bowl champs. Ken Whisenhunt has an 8-1 record in postseason as an assistant and head coach.

Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders previews Super Bowl XLIII: "The real mystery of the Arizona playoff surge is the improved pass defense."

Doug Farrar of Football Outsiders profiles the Cardinals' Karlos Dansby and others. Farrar: "Given Pittsburgh's reliance on the pass in situations both conventional and unconventional (hint: a lot of third-and-short), don't be surprised if Dansby has the modus operandi for success."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the hiring of Kevin Demoff puts the Rams in position to start negotiating contracts with key players, including Oshiomogho Atogwe and Ron Bartell. Also, Brendan Daly is joining the Rams' coaching staff, probably to oversee the defensive line. Finally, former Rams assistant Jeff Horton is joining former Rams head coach Scott Linehan in Detroit.

The 49ers' Web site provides a transcript of Jimmy Raye's conference call with reporters.

Also from the 49ers: a transcript of Mike Singletary's conference call with reporters.

More from 49ers: links to recent interviews involving team president Jed York.

Niners scout Quentus Cumby picks the Cardinals to beat the Steelers. Cumby: "The first half of the game, I think both teams will be feeling each other out and Pittsburgh may have the upper hand early on. As soon as Arizona realizes that it's just another football game, I think they're going to explode."

Niners assistant Tom Rathman explains why he's rooting for Arizona in the Super Bowl. He doesn't want the Steelers to pass the 49ers in Super Bowl victories.

John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle says the hiring of Raye and quarterbacks coach Michael Johnson rounds out the offensive staff.

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat offers highlights from the conference calls with Raye and Singletary.

Also from Maiocco: Raye's philosophy lined up with that of Singletary.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the 49ers would like Johnson to eventually succeed the 62-year-old Raye as coordinator.

Dan Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says the 49ers and Raye are the same age. Also: "Raye pointed to his successful 2000 Chiefs team as evidence that he can air it out when called upon. Quarterback Elvis Grbac threw for 4,169 yards and 28 touchdowns that season, while tight end Tony Gonzalez and rece
ivers Andre Rison and Derrick Alexander also had big seasons."

Note: If you see anything from the Seahawks or more stories worth checking out, please share links in the comments. Thanks.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

RVAninersFAN asks: Why is Jimmy Raye a better choice than Hue Jackson as the 49ers' offensive coordinator?

Mike Sando: The 49ers have not announced this move, so nothing is official. But proceeding on the premise that Raye will likely become the 49ers' new coordinator, I'll share a few thoughts. Raye brings experience, which was important to the 49ers.

Jackson might be better off sticking with the Ravens as quarterbacks coach. His career probably has a better chance to blossom in Baltimore. The evidence suggests Joe Flacco will continue his emergence as a franchise quarterback. As that happens, Jackson becomes a more attractive candidate.

Jackson's inexperience as a coordinator might have lengthened the odds for success in San Francisco. The 49ers lack an established quarterback. Their head coach lacks the offensive credentials to lend meaningful support to an emerging coordinator. That is a potentially tough combination for a coordinator trying to establish himself.

Raye won't need help from a head coach in running an offense. He is a veteran coach. He is liked and respected in the league. At the same time, teams weren't lining up to hire him as coordinator. As more teams go with young assistants in prominent positions, the 49ers are heading in the opposite direction.

Hiring Raye as an offensive consultant and sounding board for an up-and-coming young coordinator would be a natural move.

Hiring Raye and reportedly hiring a quarterbacks coach -- Michael Johnson -- who was out of the league in 2008 does not look good on paper, particularly after Scott Linehan turned down the 49ers for a chance to join the rebuilding Lions.

As noted earlier, coach Mike Singletary doesn't care much about perceptions. He'll do things his way and live with the consequences.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals fared well at Super Bowl XLIII media day.

Paola Boivin of the Arizona Republic didn't flinch when a reporter dressed in drag asked to borrow her lipstick. Cardinals linebacker Monty Beisel also rolled with the media day madness.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic leads his notebook with an item about Anquan Boldin's contract situation.

Also from Somers: a look at the Cardinals' offensive tackles, who face tough work Sunday.

Craig Harris of the Arizona Republic says Kurt Warner's wife knows the Super Bowl routine.

Doug Haller of the Arizona Republic checks in with Cardinals punter Ben Graham, the first Australian to play in a Super Bowl.

Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic feels the presence of Steelers fans at Super Bowl XLIII.

Also from McManaman: Darnell Dockett's tattoos tell a personal history.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com looks at the Cardinals-related story lines at media day.

Also from Urban: a look ahead at the off-field moves facing Arizona.

More from Urban: the team's online Super Bowl headquarters.

Mike Tulumello of the East Valley Tribune explores Edgerrin James' strange Cardinals journey.

Also from Tulumello: This isn't the Cardinals' first week-long road trip to the East Coast this season.

Scott Bordow of the East Valley Tribune details Larry Fitzgerald's Pittsburgh ties.

Also from Bordow: Cardinals coaches might say there's nothing personal in facing their former team, but Bordow isn't buying it.

Pete1020 of Revenge of the Birds sizes up key matchups in Super Bowl XLIII.

Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle says the 49ers' prolonged search for an offensive coordinator does not reflect well on head coach Mike Singletary. Ratto: "Singletary has reached the outer limit of what passes for due diligence on this job search. Whether the impetus is his or those of the candidates, he looks like he is too hard to please ... unless he is simply not a very good salesman. Maybe he drops his pants when he's trying to sell the salary and benefits package."

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says former 49ers receiver Billy Wilson, who died Tuesday, fell short of the Hall of Fame despite Bill Walsh's efforts.

Also from Maiocco: Hue Jackson appears to be the frontrunner to become the 49ers' offensive coordinator. Michael Johnson, who interviewed to coach quarterbacks, left the Ravens' staff after the 2007 season when new coach John Harbaugh decided to hire 49ers castoff Jim Hostler instead.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says people told Wilson he was the most qualified person not enshrined in Canton.

Eric Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune catches up with former Seahawks Jerheme Urban and Chike Okeafor. Both have contributed to the Cardinals' Super Bowl run. Okeafor: "I'm not a, 'I told you so,' and 'this and that' [kind of guy]. Those things seem to work themselves out. I just play the game like a kid at recess, for the love the game." 

John Morgan of Field Gulls continues his look at free agents of interest for Seattle. Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh is in the spotlight this time.

Rob Staton of Seahawks Draft Blog looks at potential Seattle draft choices and whether they meet standards outlined by general manager Tim Ruskell.

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says a Rams statue honoring the team's Super Bowl championship is long overdue. Burwell: "I bring this up now because the local artist who sculpted all those familiar bronze masterpieces in front of Busch has been trying to get a similar project off the ground for football for more than six years. Now, Harry Weber has grown tired of running into one frustrating roadblock after another."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch explains, among other things Rams-related, why the Rams probably would not consider a middle linebacker with the second overall choice. Thomas: "You just don't pay $50 million for a guy, if he's sitting on the bench on second-and-long and third-and-long because he can't cover his shadow."