Ruben(Highland, Ca)

Mike, thanks for taking my question. Rams look even worse than last year with a healthy squad last week. Do you think that the ownership question for the future has effected the whole organization? They had ota's, mini-camp, training camp and preseason to get ready for game one and they laid an egg. What are your thought's on the state of the Rams?

Mike Sando

  (11:58 AM)

You're welcome. The Rams are not in a good state right now. Uncertainty prevails. They've changed up the personnel department, their coach is on the hot seat, one of their all-time great running backs (Faulk) just ripped the team after Week 1, ownership might have to consider a sale, etc. I think those things affect the product on the field, yes.

Andrew(Seattle Washington)

Mike, you've written a couple of blog entries on Smith and the 49ers lately, do you think Nolan will last the season and if not who would replace him midway? Martz?

Mike Sando

  (12:00 PM)

Nolan's job is definitely on the line, not just for the record but also for how he handles the team. I do not anticipate a fast start record-wise, so that does bring into play the possibility of a change. Martz has the experience, but I think Greg Manusky, the d-coordinator, would be a leading candidate.

Joe (Phx, AZ)

I've been a die hard cards fan for a long time (1 of 100) and I haven't seen our defense look this good ever, playing or on paper. Your thoughts on the cards def?

Mike Sando

  (12:01 PM)

I want to see how the run defense holds up given the injury situation at nose tackle. Gabe Watson and Alan Branch should be back soon. That was the big negative from the 49ers game. SF moved Bryan Robinson around and piled up yards with Gore (96 on only 14 carries). Overall, though, I think you are on the right track. This is a borderline violent group with Darnell Dockett, Adrian Wilson and company. Keep an eye on LaBoy and Berry. If they are healthy, this defense will make plays.

Drew (Seattle WA)

Where do you see the Seahawks finishing this year, the 4 injured WR is huge and should I be worried about our Seahawks?

Mike Sando

  (12:03 PM)

I see Seattle winning the division if Deion Branch and Bobby Engram return after the bye. Additional injuries at that position might be enough to drag down Seattle. The Cardinals do seem to face the tougher schedule late, though.

Chris, Norfolk, VA

Mike, Thanks for all of your Hawks coverage - it really helps aleviate the pain of living across the country trying to support my team. After the succession of poor (i.e. Hutch), uncelebrated (i.e. recently Forsett), and missed oppurtunity (i.e. Moss) moves made by the front office since Ruskell took over, what's the feeling like within the organization? What are the players saying? How us Jim Mora playing into these decisions/what are his reactions? Any push to try and move Holmgren back into a GM position? Thanks for your time.

Mike Sando

  (12:06 PM)

Justin Forsett is not exactly an All-Pro. He was the sixth running back on a team that keeps five most years. I would not in any way equate the Forsett situation to the Hutchinson situation. As mad as Holmgren was about Hutchinson, the transition-tag decision was a team decision that very much involved then-VP Mike Reinfeldt, who Holmgren brought to Seattle. Reinfeldt and Ted Thompson both subscribed to the Ron Wolf school of not paying top dollar for offensive guards. Yes, Ruskell was the team president at that point, so he is responsible. But let's not oversimplify things. There is no push to bring back Holmgren as GM. Some of the moves Ruskell has made do appear to be with the future (Mora) in mind. The Duckett signing comes to mind. I haven't heard anything from players about the front office. They're trying to win a game.

Steve (Issaquah, Wa)

Mr. Sando, What is the Seahawks reasoning for keeping 2 kickers on the roster? Any chance they release one for and sign another WR? Koren Robinson maybe? thanks.

Mike Sando

  (12:07 PM)

I see no advantage to carrying two kickers given the state of the roster. I could see the team signing another WR before the game. Michael Bumpus would be the top candidate, most likely. The team is not going to sign Koren Robinson at this time.

Mike (Bellingham, WA)

Hi Mike, Do you see Arizona to beat Seattle this year and win the NFC West?

Mike Sando

  (12:08 PM)

I wouldn't rule it out. I predicted Seattle before the season and I'm not going to bail on that after one game.

Spokane, WA

Why didn't the Seahawks sign Koren Robinson? In Holmgren's interview yesterday, he said that it would be, "Logical"... Is it a matter of Ruskell being stubborn cuz I got the impression that Holmgren wanted Koren Robinson...

Mike Sando

  (12:10 PM)

Tim Ruskell made a decision in 2005 to sever ties with Koren Robinson and all Robinson represented. Mike Holmgren probably would have kept Robinson at that time, or brought him back sooner, given his affection for Robinson. However, that is not Holmgren's call at this time. You can call Ruskell stubborn or principled or whatever, but it's his call.

Keith (Dallas, TX)

Why not Mike Singletary to replace Nolan in SF? He is highly-respected by the players and has been looking to move up.

Mike Sando

  (12:11 PM)

Singletary would be a candidate too. I would not rule him out. I just think Manusky would be a leading candidate based on my reporting.

Matt (Farmington,CT)

Can you see Mike Holmgren taking the 49ers job at the end of the season? And if not Holmgren, who?

Mike Sando

  (12:12 PM)

I see Holmgren taking the 2009 season off because he promised his wife and family he would take some down time. After that, the 49ers would have to rank high on the list of potential destinations for him, either as a coach or front-office overseer.

Hutch The Trogan Killer (The Shoe)

Who's the worst team in the AFC Bengals or Raiders??

Mike Sando

  (12:13 PM)

I think the Bengals would beat the Raiders.

Jake (VA Beach)

What is your opinion on the Giants. Lots of people seem to be dismissing the first win to the lousiness of the Skins.

Mike Sando

  (12:14 PM)

I thought the Giants were a .500 team that got hot, as did their QB. The pressure is off, so that helps in a big way. But I would still like to see Eli Manning be consistent for a full season.

Oz (Ft Lauderdale, FL)

Mike - do you see Kurt Warner being the long term answer this season for Kurt Wisenhunt at QB running the type of offense he wants to run? It seems like although it worked Sunday, Kurt's gun slinging mentality and Wisenhunts protect the ball mantra seem to conflict. During the first half they seemed to be confused on how they wanted to attack the 9er's. I also wanted to get your impression of the most improved player on offense from the first game for the Cards...

Mike Sando

  (12:16 PM)

I wouldn't use the words Warner and long-term together. Warner represents the best option now, and I'm not sure about the future. Whisenhunt said this team hasn't earned the right to wait on any one position. As for the most improved offensive player, let's go with Steve Breaston. He made the nice long play to set up the Fitzgerald TD.

Josk ((Oakland, CA))

Dont give all the worst team props to Oakland and Cinci, Denver has to be in discussion for worst team in the league.

Mike Sando

  (12:16 PM)

Not with Jay Cutler at quarterback, in my view.

ray gordon reid BIRMINGHAM alabama 35205

QUESTION TO MIKE SANDO AT 12.20 PM HI MIKE SAND0 DENVER OR CHARGERS

Mike Sando

  (12:17 PM)

Let's stick with the Chargers, but Cutler makes the Broncos fun again.

Spokane, WA

What is the status on Shaun Alexander? I've heard that he's been keeping himself in great shape, while he awaits an opportunity to get on with a SB contender... Are there any teams pursuing him right now?

Mike Sando

  (12:18 PM)

I still see him as an injury replacement, not a guy teams are targeting for a starting role. And I don't think he projects well as a backup because he doesn't play special teams and isn't a third-down back.

Dave (Staten Island, NY)

Mike hope all is well. I do have a question in regards to the Cards. I am a big Cards fan (yes from NYC) and I am wondering if you see Warner putting up numbers like he did last year? He has the talent around him and we know he has the arm. What do you think?

Mike Sando

  (12:19 PM)

Oddly, his numbers won't be as good if the team improves. His numbers spiked last season because the defense gave up so many points and Arizona needed Warner to air it out. If all goes to plan, Warner's numbers become more efficient and less spectacular within the context of a better record.

Joe New York

Hey Mike, The Rams just looked awful last week as we all know. With the game being sold out at the dome Do you think the Rams have any type of chance to beat the Giants?

Mike Sando

  (12:21 PM)

An outside chance. I am not predicting a Rams victory, but this does qualify as desperation time. It's just tough given the injuries to Leonard Little and Jacob Bell, plus the situation at receiver. Eli Manning should make some big plays.

JT (San Diego, CA)

Mike, what is your take on this year's Seahawk Offensive line? Obvious concerns are with the running game, but I am wondering about Hasselbeck's health (both physical and mental)...Thanks

Mike Sando

  (12:22 PM)

I thought the OL was a disappointment in Week 1. I do think the line will improve. Hasselbeck is good enough physically. Mentally, he needs to trust his receivers, something he hasn't done naturally when the starters go out. That is a potential problem.

Spokane, WA

Do you think Pork Chop is an upgrade over Rob Sims? Pork Chop seems to get injured more than hill full of ants that are getting trampled over by a herd of bison... The running game needs to get going in order for the passing game to be successful... I'm concerned that Hasselback could be the next guy injured with all the new personnel at the WR position as well as a lack of running game at the moment...

Mike Sando

  (12:23 PM)

Sims did not seem to be playing at a high level. I'd be surprised if Womack stayed healthy. It could be a dropoff if Womack plays the way he did to open the season in Detroit that one year.

Ryan (AZ)

Which is more suprising? Seahawaks bad (if not overrated defense) or their depleted WR? Seahawks have a lot to overcome to make the playoffs...

Mike Sando

  (12:24 PM)

The defense wasn't that bad against Buffalo. Special-teams dictated poor field position and the Seattle offense didn't give the defense any help. The WR situation is far more dire in my view. No team in the NFC West has a lot to overcome for a playoff spot. The division winner goes, worthy or not!

Kev (NYC)

Rank the 6 QBs from the 04 or 06 class...Eli, Ben, Rivers, Leinart, Quinn, Cutler...Thanks!

Mike Sando

  (12:26 PM)

I'm not going to rank them on accomplishments or how well they have played to this point in their careers. I'll just give you the order in which I would draft them: Cutler, Roethlisberger, Rivers, Manning and Leinart. I have no idea on Quinn yet.

Katan

Hi Mike! I'm a long term reader, first time poster and want to thank you for your diligence in covering my life long favorite team. My question is: What do you think is holding the 9ers back? On paper, they have a solid defense (especially the LB corps and cornerbacks) and good athletes on offense (esp. Gore and Davis). Am I drinking the kool-aid or do the 9ers have something fundamentally wrong?

Mike Sando

  (12:29 PM)

Thanks, Katan. If I could upgrade the 49ers, I would add talent at receiver and along the defensive line. And of course I would solve the QB situation. Not sure what to make of O'Sullivan yet, but it's an upset if he becomes a championship-caliber quarterback. Martz runs an offense that flourishes with speed on the outside. This team's most talented players are inside guys, Gore and Vernon Davis. And we still don't know about the QB. It's early, though, and we'll learn more in a hurry.

Steve (MN)

Is it time to pick up Logan Payne?

Mike Sando

  (12:30 PM)

Only if you are desperate. I wouldn't pick up any receiver living within three area codes of Qwest Field right now.

Mike Sando

  (12:30 PM)

Except for John Carlson, the TE.

Don (Las Vegas, NV)

If Nolan is unsuccessful in San Francisco this season Do you think Martz would be a candidate?

Mike Sando

  (12:30 PM)

A candidate, yes. The favorite, not so sure.

MVP NYC

Mike, Russell, JT O'Sullivan or Ryan... Who would you start? I lost Brady...I know...ouch!!

Mike Sando

  (12:31 PM)

Ryan by default. I'm not sure what JTO will accomplish in a very tough environment at Qwest FIeld. Russell's offense appears doomed right now.

Tom (Hackensack)

What are your thoughts on Courtney Taylor? Had a solid college career. Got plenty of targets last game with little production...better things to come?

Mike Sando

  (12:32 PM)

It's tough to go from the fourth or fifth WR to the first or second WR overnight. Taylor is not ready to make that jump. Seattle liked its young receivers as depth, not as starters.

joe (york)

I also lost brady, whos the better pick up between pennington, rodgers and kitna?

Mike Sando

  (12:32 PM)

I would think Kitna will play from behind a fair amount. Rodgers could be solid too.

George NYC

Mike can you see the Rams maybe looking for a New QB for next year if Bulger proves he cant play?

Mike Sando

  (12:33 PM)

I can see the Rams looking for a lot of things next season, but the team has quite a bit of money tied up in Bulger. That might be up to the next coach, assuming (under your scenario) that things implode.

Eric (Sioux City)

I've read the Cards really like Hightower. Is this just relative to their other backs, or is he their future starter?

Mike Sando

  (12:35 PM)

Hightower is the favorite to be the next starter but he has not won that role. He must keep proving it. He fumbled some in the preseason and hasn't proven anything at the NFL level. The Cardinals could still draft a back early in the future. Hightower has much to prove before he automatically becomes the heir, even though he's the favorite now.

Jack (Toronto)

Are you as excited as I am for the KC-Oakland game this week! Ugh. Can we have a dual forfeit tie so we don't have to subject our eyes to this matchup?

Mike Sando

  (12:36 PM)

I would rather watch a replay of Todd Marinovich working against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium back in the day.

Jeff (St. Louis)

How terrible is the Rams D? Is this accurate -- Witherspoon excellent, Atogwe very good, Carriker and Long pontentially good, everyone else fringe players.

Mike Sando

  (12:38 PM)

Not sure on Atogwe being very good. He had lots of picks but is he a consistent player? A great talent? Scouts I know aren't all sold. Leonard Little is good when healthy. Pisa Tinoisamoa has ability. La'Roi Glover might have something left. Just not seeing consistently sound play. WAY too many big plays allowed.

Kyle (OH)

Do you think the Rams regret trading the #11 pick in '06 to Denver (Cutler) to move down and take undersized and disappointing Tye Hill?

Mike Sando

  (12:38 PM)

Something is wrong if the Rams do not regret it.

Vito New york

You can never know who is going to win this division. But if Seattle isnt themselves this year. 49ers are the 49ers, Cardinals cant get to the playoffs. Can you see the Rams beating the Giants this week and gaining momentum going into their game against the Seahawks and maybe having a chance at winning the NFC WEST? they have that tough part of the schedule i believe their first 7 games? if they can win at least 2-3 games they have a pretty easy schedule the rest of the way. Can you see them regrouping and actually trying this season?

Mike Sando

  (12:39 PM)

Regrouping and trying, yes. Winning the division, no.

Joe (Davis, CA)

This is more of a follow up to a previous question. You said that you were not sure if Martz would be a favorite for a possible open 49er head coaching job. In your mind, whom do you think they'd go after?

Mike Sando

  (12:39 PM)

I would put Greg Manusky high among in-house candidates.

Kyle (OH)

Which KC game? Marinovich did toss 3TD passes in the final regular season game against them in '91...

Mike Sando

  (12:42 PM)

I do remember that game. It was Marinovich's first start, possibly. I was a die-hard Raiders fan at the time. There was a low-scoring game at Arrowhead, possibly late in the season one year. Do you recall? I've undergone extensive counseling to block most of those memories.

Brian (Seattle, Wa)

Mike, What is your take on Kelly Jennings? he got torched against Buffalo...is he the weak part of the defense?

Mike Sando

  (12:43 PM)

Jennings has problems against bigger receivers. He needs a pass rush to be most effective. Also, I was looking for safety help on at least one of those plays.

Kyle (OH)

Will the Rams regret taking Long over the likes of Ryan, McFadden and Dorsey in 5-years?

Mike Sando

  (12:44 PM)

They needed a player who was going to start right away, so I wouldn't lump the QB and RB positions into that discussion. Dorsey was the issue. I'd be a little nervous about Dorsey's long-term health. For that reason, I think the Rams will be able to live with themselves on this decision.

Xander (Philly)

Larry Johnson will have ___ carries and ____ yds against Oakland on Sunday.

Mike Sando

  (12:45 PM)

Larry Johnson will have "more than 2" carries and "more than 5" yards against Oakland on Sunday. Take it to the bank.

Zac (MN)

with the receiving corps being depleted, do you see John Carlson having a big year? He never put up big numbers at ND, but their offense was terrible.

Mike Sando

  (12:45 PM)

Yes I do. I saw that happening before the WR issues crept up.

GOOSE(Seattle, WA)

Do you think Jim Mora is an adequate successor to Holmgren?

Mike Sando

  (12:47 PM)

I do not think the Seahawks will be as successful after Holmgren leaves. It's tough to improve on four (and possibly) five consecutive division titles. Matt Hasselbeck won't play forever, Walter Jones is winding down, etc. To answer your question about Mora specifically, it's a little like asking whether Aaron Rodgers will be an adequate successor to Brett Favre. Tough acts to follow.

Kyle (OH)

KC won the regular season game 27-21, but "Robo-QB" played well, so the Raiders started him the following week against KC in the playoffs. Marv's project threw 4 picks as the Chiefs won 10-6 (thanks pro-football reference).

Mike Sando

  (12:47 PM)

I thought it was a playoff game. THANKS.

Tim (NJ)

Hey Mike. What is your take on Vernon Davis. I always heard he dosen't run great routes and he's slow with a playbook. I really thought he was the next Antonio Gates. Whats your take?

Mike Sando

  (12:49 PM)

I think he'll make big plays. I do not expect him to catch as many passes as Gates has been catching.

Drew (Seattle WA)

How deep will the Seahawks go into the playoffs?

Mike Sando

  (12:49 PM)

Playoffs? Playoffs!

DK (DC)

Is it just me or does it seem like something shady is going on with Nolan's handling of the Alex Smith situation in SF? Do you think there was some back room discussion where the two decided enough is enough and to just end the relationship now?

Mike Sando

  (12:50 PM)

Shady, no. Awkward, yes. Having looked Alex Smith in the eyes Monday, I'm confident in saying he is definitely hurt and this injury is real. Smith doesn't seem to have that type of deception in him.

Tyler Thousand Oaks, CA

What do you think about maybe Josh Wilson becoming a Wide receiver. I read an Article in the Tacoma Tribune ( you old stomping ground ) Saying that might be a better place for him to be. With his speed I think he can be like a Steve Smith what do you think?

Mike Sando

  (12:51 PM)

He does not appear to have the hands. He will not be a WR.

Ryan (Blacksburg)

So the Panthers beat the heavily favored Chargers on Sunday...are the Panthers for real? Or was this just a fluke game for San Diego?

Mike Sando

  (12:52 PM)

I need to see more from Carolina. This is a franchise with three winning seasons ever, yet people anoint them as dark horses every so often. The opening-game victory did not look like a fluke to me. The Panthers are legitimately improved and competitive when Jake Delhomme is healthy. But I'll believe a winning record when I see one.

Todd (Tucson)

Doesn't look like Shaun Alexander was the problem now, does it?

Mike Sando

  (12:53 PM)

I wouldn't make any judgments after one game.

kent (akron, ohio)

Now that Lebron has a gold metal do you think he will try harder to get a NBA championship?

Mike Sando

  (12:54 PM)

Not sure, but he could probably start at receiver for Seattle right now.

Mark Stephens (California)

Do you think Roger Federer could play in the NFL? If so, what position?

Mike Sando

  (12:54 PM)

He could play flanker for the Seahawks.

Ivy (Idaho)

Me and my husband are traveling to the home opener for the Hawks, where is a great place to eat?

Mike Sando

  (12:56 PM)

The Bay Area reporters I know never miss a chance to hit Wild Ginger when they come to town. As the father of two young kids and a young blog, I wouldn't know about dining in Seattle. Seriously, though, Wild Ginger is good. El Gaucho is a memorable old-school steakhouse if you have the cash.

Dave (Staten Island, NY)

Mike, thanks for taking my question. I enjoy reading your comments. I am in a league that starts two QB's and I just happen to have Warner and Hasselback. Is it time to make a trade to upgrade or do you think I can get by?

Mike Sando

  (12:56 PM)

Thanks. I would hold onto those guys and hope one of them breaks through.

Matt, Raleigh

Have you ever seen a young QB handled as poorly as the Niners have Alex Smith?

Mike Sando

  (12:57 PM)

Not that I can recall. Seriously, if you could go about establishing a plan to ruin a young QB, you wouldn't have to change anything about Smith's career. Some of it was beyond the 49ers' control, but still. This one looks bad.

Ben (plattsburgh)

The guys who picked Long for the Rams wont have to live with anything, even if he is ROY they will all be fired this offseason.

Mike Sando

  (12:57 PM)

Ever the optimist!

DK (DC)

Over or Under - 10 Sacks for Manny Lawson this year.

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

UNDER.

Andy (Albany)

Do you think the 49ers will get anything out of Jason Hill or Josh Morgan this year? They had great preseasons, but do you think they can produce?

Mike Sando

  (1:00 PM)

Modestly. It's tough for young receivers to make that translate to the regular season.

Jerry (Texas)

IS Kentawn Balmer going to be a force in the league?

Mike Sando

  (1:01 PM)

That would surprise me a little bit given the nature of the position in a 3-4.

Andy(Puyallup, WA)

WIth the hiring of Solari and the money spent on the running game do you see the Seahawks making more of a commitment to run the ball the next few weeks giving the passing game time to heal?

Mike Sando

  (1:04 PM)

I just think any offense needs some semblance of competence from the passing game to get the run game going. They have to patch up the passing game, then commit to the ground game, in my view.

Benjamin Plattsburgh

Is it just me, or does the 49ers personnel on D lend itself better to a 4-3 scheme?

Mike Sando

  (1:05 PM)

I have thought that for some time. Seattle's interior OL guys used to tell me they thought Bryant Young would have been an All-Pro late in his career had he played in a 4-3. They thought the 3-4 didn't let him shine. I think you need a dominant nose to play the 3-4 well.

Jon (CA)

What is your take on Joe Staley. I keep hearing how great he is, but he gave up another sack sunday, I think that nearly ten in one year.

Mike Sando

  (1:06 PM)

Love his attitude. Think he has room to improve and get comfortable on that side. He is aggressive by nature and sometimes that costs him. The great LTs tend to be patient, so he needs to find a balance.

Mike Sando

  (1:07 PM)

THANKS FOR DROPPING BY TODAY. DROP BY THE NFCW BLOG ANYTIME. http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcwest

Mike Sando

  (1:07 PM)

THANKS AGAIN.

Mike Sando

  (1:07 PM)

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK.