Spencer (Marysville, Wash.)

Hey Mike, i was just wondering what you think the 49ers chances of winning the nfc west this year are? Is it even likely?

Mike Sando

  (12:00 PM)

Not very likely. We are seeing the QB tail off a bit. Losing at home to Arizona makes the Cardinals the favorite right now unless Seattle miraculously comes to life here.

Chris (Brooklyn, NY)

Hey Sando-- Thanks for the continuing coverage-- truly great stuff. Media coverage on Boldin's recovery has been quiet this week. Is there any indication of when the Cards should expect him back? I'm also interested to hear your thoughts on Early Doucet. I was surprised to hear such amazing comments on Doucet when he had a TERRIBLE drop in the Bills game that could have been a 30 yard pick up and maybe even a TD... Thanks!

Mike Sando

  (12:02 PM)

Thanks, Chris. I've expected Boldin back after the bye, based mostly on the feel I get from what the Cardinals have said so far. As for Doucet, I saw the drop. It was horrible. But he caught the ball for a first down on the next play. I liked the way Warner went back to him right away. That was important for the young guy.

Dave, Charlotte Hall, Md

Mike, After 2 huge wins for the Skin's in Dallas and Philly do you expect a possible letdown this week at home against the Rams? Is this team for real?

Mike Sando

  (12:03 PM)

I don't see the Rams functioning well in that environment, so it should not matter too much. Jim Zorn knows the Rams' personnel and he knows Haslett.

ray gordon reid brunswick ga 31520

QUESTION TO MIKE SANDO AT 12.05 PM HI MIKE JAGUARS OR BRONCOS

Mike Sando

  (12:04 PM)

Great game. I love the matchup and want to see if the Jaguars can impose their will on the Broncos. I'm kind of leaning toward the Jags in an upset but won't be surprised either way. Can't wait to see that game.

Jersey Niner (Princeton, NJ)

Mike, I was hoping for your thoughts on this weekends game against the Eagles. I've told my Philly-based friends that I think the niners can take it if they can stop the run and if gore gets a lot of touches, and with shawn andrews and westbrook out the former isn't impossible at all. How do you feel about the match-up?

Mike Sando

  (12:05 PM)

The JTO mistake factor could come into play in this game. The Patriots did some nice things in terms of sending Harrison as a pass rusher in various capacities (safety, linebacker, etc) and I thought they fouled up O'Sullivan a little bit. The pick JTO threw to Harrison was a poor decision. I don't see McNabb making the same types of errors. For that reason, I favor the Eagles.

Chris (Brooklyn, NY)

Sando-- Can you give us a quick run-down on strength of schedule the rest of the way for the three NFC West contenders? Who has the toughest schedule, Arizona, SF, or Seattle? Does it really matter at this point? Thanks!

Mike Sando

  (12:06 PM)

Don't have it in front of me, but the Cardinals' schedule looks tough over the final seven games. I know that from researching this before the season.

Patrick (Ocala, FL)

Are you shocked Pacman is in trouble again?

Mike Sando

  (12:06 PM)

Truly stunned.

Ricky (Indianapolis, IN)

Mike, in Scout's Inc column Jeremy Green thinks some of the 49ers problems lead to inexperience and not getting of the field on 3rd down. He suggested it can be fixed once they start forcing longer second downs. Do you agree it can be fixed too?

Mike Sando

  (12:07 PM)

The 49ers have a veteran secondary and veteran players throughout their defense. I'm not sure about the inexperience part.

Randy (St. Paul)

Why does ESPN focus so much on Pacman Jones? I mean seriously he is a criminal who should be kept out of the news, and focus on something good about the league. I hope Arizona lights him up this week

Mike Sando

  (12:08 PM)

I have not brought up Pacman Jones today.

Seth Brown (Monroe, NC)

What do you think the Panthers have to do to prove themselves as a contender in the NFC?

Mike Sando

  (12:09 PM)

Post a winning record for only the fourth time since their inception in 1995. That would do it for me.

Mikey (Philadelphia)

How will the 49ers offense fare against the Eagels D this week?

Mike Sando

  (12:09 PM)

I see turnovers in the passing game and pressure on O'Sullivan.

Deric (Twin Falls, ID)

Lets say that this season is a wash for the Seahawks and they lose the crown. How far away from making a surge to reclaim it? I think Matt has maybe two or three more season in him, but still, across the board age is an issue. What do you see the front office doing with some of our younger backups? What about drafting and free agency? Will the Seahawks be like the Steelers and only go down for a season or two at a time, or will the be more like their former self, mostly residing in the middle of the pack for long stretches? Thanks, and keep up the good work.

Mike Sando

  (12:12 PM)

Age is an issue on offense more than defense. This team needs an active defensive lineman with size inside and possibly a play-making safety. Patrick Kerneys' age and health are always a long-term concern as well. The receiver position also needs help.

Chris - Norfolk, VA

Mike, keep up the great work. You're a lifesaver to a Hawks fan on the wrong coast. A few questions - any talk in Seattle about picking up Justin Forsett again now that Indy cut him and we have more roster flexibility? Also, do you think that the poor showing on defense so far (especially if it continues), pushes the mgmt toward not resigning Leroy Hill or Rocky Bernard (not sure if he was getting resigned anyway)? I think Hill is a valuable asset despite our depth there, and worth his payday. Lastly, do you see mgmt pulling off a short term (1-2 year), reasonable money deal with Bobby Engram at the end of the season? I know he can't play together, but with the coaching changes coming up in the offseason I feel Matt and Gil would really benefit from having that consistency there. Thanks for the time!

Mike Sando

  (12:13 PM)

Thanks, Chris. Yes, the Seahawks like Forsett and I could see them bringing him back at some point. The situation at receiver is more pressing. As for re-signing players, the writing is on the wall for Bernard to leave after this season. The paycut he took makes that pretty clear. I think Hill comes back. He's too good. They need to keep him. The reluctance to give Engram another year might spell the end of his run here as well.

will (los angeles)

Do you see Nolan getting fired and either Martz or Singletary being the coach?

Mike Sando

  (12:15 PM)

Let's see what the record is at the bye. If it's 2-6, yes, I could see a move being made. But as I've said before, Greg Manusky could be a candidate as well.

Steve in Syracuse

If Hood is out and Green/Wilson are hobbled, do you see Dallas scoring high 40's on this team? Card fans were excited to see 41 pts scored on the Bills w/out Boldin, but, remember their best CB McGee was out on an otherwise very average Bills' secondary. Thoughts?

Mike Sando

  (12:16 PM)

I charted that Bills-Cards game last night and noticed the Cardinals went with three or more wide receivers nearly 70 percent of the time. I see more of the same against the Cowboys as the Cardinals explore Dallas' depth at DB. The Cowboys also should be able to put up lots of points. I see a very high-scoring game.

Jay Cutler

Mike, your starting a team tomorrow, am I your QB? Why or Why not?

Mike Sando

  (12:17 PM)

Yes, you are. I like the fact that you really have no limitations from a physical standpoint and you have that laid-back look that says you won't wilt under expectations.

Chris (Broadview Heights, OH)

Cardinals always play the Cowboys tough at home (even when they've stunk and 90% of the people were there to see Dallas), do you have a % chance of a stunning upset?

Mike Sando

  (12:18 PM)

I think the Cardinals will score enough points to have a good chance. Maybe close to 50 percent.

Benjamin Plattsburgh

Odds are a top 3 draft pick is going to the rams again.... so do they take a QB or a OT?

Mike Sando

  (12:19 PM)

Given the choice and all things being equal, go with the tackle. That line needs reinforcements.

Ryan (Phoenix, AZ)

Sando, Which team has the tougher matchup this week, 49ers vs Eagles, Cards vs Cowboys or the Rams vs BYE?

Mike Sando

  (12:20 PM)

The Rams visit the Redskins, just fyi.

Otto (CA)

Why do the 49ers refuse to properly address the NT position when it's the most vital part of a 3-4 defense?

Mike Sando

  (12:20 PM)

Who should they get?

Brandon (Sacramento)

Do you see the Niners picking up a offensive lineman before the season is over?

Mike Sando

  (12:20 PM)

Only if injury compels them to do so.

Mike Sando

  (12:21 PM)

Kurt Warner needs to get the ball out quickly. He has shown an ability to do that. It's the best way to mitigate the pass-pro problems at RT. Warner will still take some shots but at least the ball is out.

Mike (Boston)

Have you heard anything about the Niners trading for TJ Housh or Roy Williams?

Mike Sando

  (12:21 PM)

Nothing of substance.

Lisa, Alexandria Va

What's your thoughts on the Redskin's chances of winning the East this year? Outside of the 3 division home games and Pittsburgh at home there schedule is soft.

Mike Sando

  (12:23 PM)

Their chances are much, much better after winning road games against the Eagles and Cowboys. But the Giants look like they will be there at the end.

Jay (Middletown, CT)

Mike, do you like blogging for the worst division in football?

Mike Sando

  (12:23 PM)

Love my job.

Walter Jones

Do you see any collegiate athletes that could come any where close to replacing me?

Mike Sando

  (12:23 PM)

No way. You are a Hall of Fame talent.

Ken (Richmond, VA)

What will be different about the Rams under Haslett as opposed to how they were under Linehan? It seems talent, or lackthereof, outside of Bulger, Jackson and Holt is the biggest problem and not the coaching. Shouldn't the front office be cleaned out too?

Mike Sando

  (12:25 PM)

Marc Bulger will be starting at quarterback. That is one difference. I do think the front office is culpable there. The Rams have the oldest team in the league and they are not good. BAD COMBINATION.

kc oakland

why can't Martz find ways to get Davis and Walker the ball!

Mike Sando

  (12:26 PM)

He can't trust Davis to run the right routes and catch the ball consistently. I do think Walker could be utilized more. Traditionally, though, a Martz offense goes through the WRs.

Cyrus (San Francisco, CA)

I think the question of experience (or maybe just lack of talent) revolves around the 49ers pass rush. Other than J Smith, they don't have much, just situational guys like Harylson.

Mike Sando

  (12:27 PM)

Yes, and that has been a problem for some time. One reason I was a little surprised to see Roderick Green inactive against the Pats.

Mike Sando

  (12:28 PM)

Josh Morgan, yes. Joe Staley, yes. Ray McDonald, yes. Delanie Walker, yes. Those would be a few.

Jerry (TX)

I agree with KC, Davis needs to be more involved with the offense, he can blow by any linebacker and even some safeties?

Mike Sando

  (12:29 PM)

Yes, but will he be in the right place? Will he catch it? They aren't trusting him with option routes and the like.

kc oakland

re: Martz offense and WRs -- don't coaches have to make in-game and halftime adjustments all the time -- need to be more flexible

Mike Sando

  (12:30 PM)

Yes, I think it comes down to asking how much you're going to change the offense for an unpolished player such as Vernon Davis.

Cyrus (San Francisco, CA)

Then is it fair to say that the 49ers are one consistent pass rusher away from being a top defense? It seems that they have enough young talent and above average pass rushers that would really benefit greatly from an elite guy ala Mathis with Freeny.

Mike Sando

  (12:30 PM)

That would help the secondary but I do think we have seen some limitation at the safety position.

Daniel (VA)

What do you think the wildcard teams will be in the NFC this year?

Mike Sando

  (12:31 PM)

NFC East runnerups, most likely.

Benjamin Plattsburgh

they just spent 20 mil guar. on Justin Smith..... if he aint the solution for the pass rush the niners now dont have the money to find another

Mike Sando

  (12:32 PM)

He is not a pure pass rusher. He is an all-around player.

Chris (Brooklyn, NY)

True or false: Hightower is the starting RB for Arizona in 2009? Can you compare him to any current star RB in terms of style? What should we expect from him in terms of development over the next couple of years?

Mike Sando

  (12:33 PM)

True. He reminded me of Ricky Williams when he slammed into Kawika Mitchell in the Week 5 game. Good combination of size and speed.

Ray (Cleveloand, OH)

Hey Mike. I was wondering if you think Nolan will finally ditch his base nickel defense now that everyone has been running the ball down our throats. Also, is Manny Lawson healthy outside of the hamstring?? Because i would think we would want him on the field much more on defense if he was healthy.

Mike Sando

  (12:34 PM)

Manny Lawson is a bit of an enigma right now. He looks like a very good special-teams player, but he hasn't made an impact on defense. Is he a pass rusher? Is he a coverage guy? Seems like they need to find ways to use him, but it's a bad sign when they make him inactive in favor of the nickel stuff. I do expect Nolan to stick with his packages. He hasn't come off them yet.

Benjamin Plattsburgh

Its not that Vernon is unpolished..... hes their best pass blocker and that includes their oline.... so they make him a 6th olineman because martz can't keep osullivan upright.... best example of a team wasting a players talent

Mike Sando

  (12:36 PM)

The coaches and personnel people I know have said Davis isn't a reliable route runner. Mike Nolan said as much on the record Monday. Yes, they need Davis in protection for the reasons you outlined. But if Davis were a big-time threat in the pass game, I think Martz would probably want to look smart using him.

Scott (DC)

In reference to Niners-Eagles: The Eagles lead the league in sacks. The Niners lead the league in sacks allowed. What else needs to be said?

Mike Sando

  (12:37 PM)

Duck!

Will J (Portland, OR)

Is Boldin out again this week? When can we expect him to return?

Mike Sando

  (12:37 PM)

I expect him back after the Cardinals' bye week, at least until we hear otherwise.

Jerry(Tx)

Julius Peppers to the 49ers as a free agent next yr, good move?

Mike Sando

  (12:37 PM)

The 49ers should be so lucky.

Kurt (Portland, OR)

Any chance the Seahawks make a move to get T.J. Housh... or Roy Williams? Are either of them a better fit for Seattle's offense or WR needs? Seems like Seattle has never had a deep threat and Williams would give us that.

Mike Sando

  (12:38 PM)

I question how much impact a player would have trying to learn this system in midseason. Experience tells us it takes time for whatever reason.

Crixtopher, Richmond, VA

Do you see Ben Patrick as a future Pro Bowl TE like I do?

Mike Sando

  (12:40 PM)

Did you see the TD he should have had against the Redskins on the fourth-down play? Looked pretty good there. That said, PB is a little optimistic. Let's see him win the starting job long term first.

chris (shreveport)

if the niners use davis and gore more do you think offense would be more productive

Mike Sando

  (12:41 PM)

In general, yes. I would be interested in seeing Davis working shorter routes and going for YAC, the way he did on the screen against the Saints for 19 yards.

Carlos (La,CA)

Mike, So why is it that Davis runs bad routes is a thing where he can't remember the routes or doesn't really care to learn the routes? Thanks.

Mike Sando

  (12:41 PM)

The 49ers say he is working hard, even staying after practice with JTO, so that would seem to eliminate the not caring part.

Tony (Brooklyn, NY)

Have you ever seen a team that was more than the sum of its parts to the extent that the Giants are so far this season? They could use two offensive tackles, a nose tackle, two outside linebackers, a #1 cornerback, and a saftey, if you look at everyone individually.

Mike Sando

  (12:42 PM)

That is a great way of putting it. They do have talent, but that team does get the most out of it.

TK (brooklyn)

Matt, clearly Jason Peters holdout has affected his play through the first five games of the season. Do you see him returning to probowl form after the bye week??

Mike Sando

  (12:43 PM)

Probably later in the season. He did have some issues against the Cardinals from what I saw.

Crixtopher, Richmond, VA

I did see that play Mike, I think I've seen every Ben Patrick catch including preseason since he signed on as a rookie. To me he has Antonio Gates written all over him, very athletic, good hands, needs improvement on his blocking but you'd think over time ex-TE Whisenhunt will get a handle on that. True though, he is still mostly sharing time with Pope.

Mike Sando

  (12:44 PM)

They do like him and they did want him to win that job. An injury did not help him though.

UGH

Who's worse? Rams or Lions?

Mike Sando

  (12:45 PM)

I have rated the Rams lower in the power ratings. But in looking at recent stats, the Rams were better on defense against the Bills. I could be inclined to move up the Rams if they compete this week.

Kev (NYC)

Who's the best QB from the 04 class?

Mike Sando

  (12:47 PM)

You mean besides Craig Krenzel? Probably Rivers based on how they are playing right this minute. But Manning and Big Ben are nice options.

Mike (Boca Raton)

can we get your honest opinion on something? do some of these assistant coaches in the league have easy jobs? i mean really, what is the wide receivers coach in arizona going to teach boldin and fitzgerald?

Mike Sando

  (12:48 PM)

Some have easier jobs than others but most put in very long hours. The job in Arizona involves developing Steve Breaston, Early Doucet, Jerheme Urban, etc.

Scott (DC)

Given the Redskins' red-hot (and unpredicted) start, how much do you think the Seahawks are missing the Zorn Star?

Mike Sando

  (12:49 PM)

They probably miss him from a continuity and comfort-level standpoint. I do not know if the record in Seattle would necessarily be different, though.

Benjamin Plattsburgh

Are you Drunk? Rivers over Eli and Ben? Really..... the only guy who HASN'T won a superbowl yet has the most offensive talent..... do you even care about winning?

Mike Sando

  (12:50 PM)

Glad to see you still have a pulse out there Big Ben. Can't go wrong with Manning right now. His team has the magic. Rivers really has produced coming off the surgery, though.

Crixtopher, Richmond, VA

AZ's WR depth is impressive, IMO, other than the rookie drop he had Doucet really impressed me in his first NFL game...Breaston is coming along nicely and Urban with his track speed will do in a pinch

Mike Sando

  (12:51 PM)

What track would Urban's speed be measured upon? Not a fast track.

Jason (Indiana)

HAHA they were just talking about Craig Krenzel on the radio in Chicago and how bad he was.

Mike Sando

  (12:52 PM)

And to think, the Bears cojuld have had Andy Hall, Jeff Smoker, Cody Pickett, Casey Bramlet, Matt Mauck or B.J. Symons that years.

John (New York, NY)

Totally agree on getting Davis the ball in space. It's obvious that he needs a lot of work on his downfield routes, but that doesn't mean they can't use his ability in the open field in the meantime. Reggie Bush isn't even close to being a polished route-runner, but he racks up some pretty nice YAC on screens and swing routes, I'd like to see the 9ers do the same with Davis. I think this "flop" talk I'm hearing about Vernon is a bit premature. NFL receivers have a pretty steep learning curve; you just don't turn into Jerry Rice overnight.

Mike Sando

  (12:53 PM)

The progress Bush has made should give the 49ers some hope on the Davis front. They do need to find ways to use his talent without sacrificing the offense.

Ryan (San Diego)

Tell Benjamin that Rivers is 29-11 as a starter with an AFC Title game appearance in his first 2 years of starting. Neither of those other two qbs won a super bowl in their first two years

Mike Sando

  (12:54 PM)

Ryan Leaf? Is that really you? I ask because I covered him when he was at Washington State in 1996 and 1997.

Ryan seattle

Can we put an asterisks next to Rothlesburgers ring? He had a 22 rating in the Superbowl.

Mike Sando

  (12:54 PM)

Better make it diamond-encrusted.

Pete (dc)

I think the guy who said Rams vs bye meant Skins vs bye. I just hope the Skins don't think like me and consider the next 3 weeks byes.

Mike Sando

  (12:55 PM)

Jim Zorn will not think that way.

Chris (Aggieland)

What is B.J. Symons up to right now?

Mike Sando

  (12:56 PM)

I believe he is with the Tampa Bay Storm, according to his wiki.

Randy (Portland OR.)

Do you think Mike Martz will still be with the 49ers next season if he continues to have the offensive success he has been having or will a team give him another chance at head coaching.

Mike Sando

  (12:57 PM)

I do not see a likely HC job for him at this point. I'm not sure the offensive success will continue. It has already dropped off a little and life won't get easier for JTO as the season progresses and defenses get a book on him.

Will J (Portland, OR)

The biggest difference between Davis and Bush are their respective positions. Bush never has to run/pass block generally, and he's also able to get the ball multiple ways, where as Davis can only get it through the passing game.

Mike Sando

  (12:58 PM)

That is absolutely true and one reason Davis could slip through the cracks and never amount to much in the passing game.

Kev (NYC)

Who should get more credit for the NYG current roster...Ernie Accorsi or Jerry Reese?

Mike Sando

  (12:58 PM)

Tom Coughlin.

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

And with that, we conclude the weekly chat. Thanks for dropping by. Hope to see you at the NFC West blog.

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcwest