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Mark (Antioch)

Jaguars, Bears, Packers, Rams, Lions, Seahawks, Arizona... It certainly doesn't seem impossible For The niners to win all of these games if not go 6 of 7... Even the Eagles game isn't out of reach. Their certainly isn't a running back on that list as fast as Chris Johnson.

Mike Sando

  (1:03 PM)

Most of those teams are probably looking at the 49ers and thinking, hey, beating San Francisco seems pretty possible given the 49ers' four-game losing streak. I see the 49ers winning some and losing some on their way to the 7-9 range.

Jerry (Texas)

Mike, has Alex Smith looked good enough for the 49ers to consider drafting a position other than QB in next years draft. They can then concentrate on drafting other need positions with their 2 1st rounders.

Mike Sando

  (1:04 PM)

The 49ers should not draft a quarterback early just because they might need one. They should only draft one early if they see a franchise player at the position. And they should do that even if Alex Smith looks decent down the stretch.

Jeff (Phoenix)

What is up with Adrian Wilson this year? he seems to have been caught out of position many times so far this season resulting in easy touchdowns for our opponents.

Mike Sando

  (1:04 PM)

I noticed it against the 49ers, Panthers and Bears for sure. He seems to play pretty well against the Seahawks. I'll be watching him Sunday.

Dan (Indian Head, MD)

Whats your thoughts on Moran Norris? He has been in and out of the line up the past 3 weeks. Ever since Smith stepped in at QB. Frank Gore loves to run behind him, so do you think we will see more of that tonight against DA BEARS?

Mike Sando

  (1:07 PM)

It's tough for teams to justify putting a fullback on the field as one of the five most important guys in a personnel group. Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree need to be on the field all the time. A second wide receiver needs to be on the field the vast majority of the time. So you basically have one spot for Moran Norris, Delanie Walker or a third wide receiver. If you put Norris on the field, there's really only one thing he can do: block. If you put Walker on the field, the defense knows he might block or make a play down the field.

Jay (Louisville)

Mike, Can the Hawks start putting John Carlson out in routes more in the upcoming weeks? While they had health problems, he has had to stay in more to block, at least what I have noticed. Seems like he would be the perfect weapon in this type of offense.

Mike Sando

  (1:13 PM)

The Seahawks are better at wide receiver this season and that is also taking away opportunities in the passing game for Carlson. I think that makes it tough to bank on more production from him consistently.

Mike Sando

  (1:14 PM)

Sorry for the delay there. Power surge knocked out my wireless router mometarily. Luckily I have backup power supply for my computer.

John (Bozeman)

Considering the Walter Jones situation, and the fact that Matt Hasselbeck is in his mid-30s: If the Seahawks end up with a pick around 10 and another in the low 20s, do you think they automatically target QB and LT, or select the best players available. For example, would it be better to "reach" for guys like Baluga (LT)and McCoy (QB), or take guys like Bryant (WR) and Best (RB)?

Mike Sando

  (1:16 PM)

They should not automatically target the need positions. I supported the 49ers' decision to take Michael Crabtree instead of a right tackle or pass rusher. You go with the need when other things are equal or close to equal. Otherwise you only "win" on day-after-draft report cards congratulating you for filling needs.

Matt (Mesa AZ)

Sando, If the Cardinals were to shop Q for a trade what do you think they can get and who do you think would take him?

Mike Sando

  (1:19 PM)

I think they would likely get a draft choice in return. This would probably not be a prime choice. I'd be a little surprised if they could command a first-round choice in return. They would not trade him within the division, probably, but I sure think the Rams could use him. He and Steven Jackson would make for a tough, rugged pairing on offense.

josh Felix (Fontana )

What are the Rams' chances of issuing the Saints their first loss and if so, what would be the reason? I admit I'm not very optimistic of that happening.

Mike Sando

  (1:22 PM)

Before the season, when I wasn't sure how good the Saints would be, I circled this game as a potential upset. Here is how it could happen: Steven Jackson and the running game dominate from the beginning. The Rams score on their opening drive and get a turnover. Oshiomogho Atogwe used to be a turnover machine. The Rams need some of that now. It's a long-shot to think the Rams will win, but I would not rule them out completely. The Saints are 8-0 and coming off a couple tough division games.

Tanner (Arizona)

Do you think that all of the Boldin drama will affect the locker room and how the players will come out on Sunday? Or is it dust in the wind?

Mike Sando

  (1:23 PM)

I do not think Anquan Boldin's situation will affect anything for the Cardinals, most likely. All the players know where he stands. Boldin isn't causing a scene in the locker room or on the practice field.

Jon (Zona)

Should the Cards be worried about losing a divisional game this weekend? Considering their home efforts, could they lose to the lowly Hawks?

Mike Sando

  (1:25 PM)

The Cardinals need to play well. We all know the Seahawks have problems, but they should be better on the offensive line than they were against Arizona earlier in the season. They could not function offensively in that game. Matt Hasselbeck gives the Seahawks a chance if he has enough time to find receivers. Seattle has the potential to rise up for one game and beat a superior division opponent. I expect the Cardinals to win, but they need to show up.

Bill (St. Paul)

What is the 49ers biggest area of need, OL (especially Guard), a really good pass rusher, QB or something else?

Mike Sando

  (1:27 PM)

I would focus on the offensive line. Without an improved offensive line, any quarterback -- particularly a young one -- will have problems.

Liam (Pleasanton, California)

With the news Cleveland is going after Mike Holmgren for a football CZAR type position, don't you think Holmgren would have that position with the 49ers? I know the 49ers are not in disarray like Cleveland, but I think their front office could use more experience / leadership.

Mike Sando

  (1:31 PM)

On paper, Holmgren would be an excellent addition to the 49ers' front office because he could continue working with general manager Scot McCloughan and most of the other executives. Holmgren and McCloughan go back a ways. Holmgren could provide leadership, credibility and a front-office voice. Here is the deal, though: Jed York is the president of the team. Jed York is going to continue being president of the team, presumably. What would the role be for Holmgren? General manager? I suppose he could take that job and keep McCloughan in a senior personnel position. Holmgren would need someone to do the nitty-gritty scouting work. McCloughan loves that kind of work. I am thinking aloud here.

Mike Buckley (Novato)

Jay Cutler looks stiff in the pocket like an upright mustard dispenser, do you think the 49ers can put pressure on him?

Mike Sando

  (1:32 PM)

Yes, they will pressure him.

Adam (Gettysburg Pa)

Mike just read your column on the Linemen of the upcoming draft, absolutely loved it. How do you think Oklahoma's Trent Williams would look in a 49ers uniform?

Mike Sando

  (1:35 PM)

Glad you liked it. I'm making an effort this season to more closely follow and cover the college prospects. The draft represents hope for fans, and hope is a critical part of what keeps fans coming back for more regular-season punishment! I have not watched Williams, but if he projects as an excellent right tackle, as Steve Muench of Scouts Inc. suggested, he would look great in a 49ers uniform.

Chris (Grantsville (utah))

I am a Niner fan and we have the Panthers' No. 1 pick this year, which I am hoping is a top 5 pick. If we get that, I see both Seattle and the Rams with 1-4 somewhere. Would both those teams take QBs, because I would like McCoy if he fell or should I just hope for a top-tier offensive lineman with the Panthers' pick?

Mike Sando

  (1:38 PM)

Don't get up your hopes too high on that Panthers choice. I think Carolina is improving and will win enough games to prevent the 49ers from picking in the top five in 2010. The Seahawks also likely will avoid the top five, in my view. If I am right, then, the Rams would be the only NFC West team likely to pick that early. I think they would certainly consider a quarterback early. They have arguably drafted for need at No. 2 overall in the last two drafts. If they determine they need a quarterback, I think they might take one early.

Shane (Los Angeles, CA)

I just saw an article that pointed out the top 15 free agents coming up this off season and zero are O-Lineman. Are there any possible franchise linemen in this year's draft? St Louis

Mike Sando

  (1:41 PM)

Seattle certainly regrets how the Steve Hutchinson situation went down. You are right about free agency. There will not be many good offensive linemen available that way. For a look at offensive linemen in the draft, check out the NFC West blog. I put together an item on that subject this morning.

Sean L. (Tacoma/Fife, WA)

Sando- David Hawthorne is making a big splash in the starting lineup, do you know what his contract situation is? Also, if he continues to produce at this rate and sticks around next season, where do they put him after Lofa comes back? You can't waste a talent like that on special teams, can you?

Mike Sando

  (1:43 PM)

Hawthorne is signed through this season. This is only his second NFL season. He will not be an unrestricted free agent. He would be an exclusive rights free agent under the current system. That would give Seattle exclusive rights to re-sign him.

Jeff (Phoenix)

Do you feel it is becoming more unlikely that Boldin will be re-signed to a new deal. Considering how well the team plays without him, and the quality of the WR's behind him?

Mike Sando

  (1:45 PM)

I think it was already unlikely. Why pay top dollar for a wide receiver who has durability concerns and is approaching age 30, particularly with so much already invested in Larry Fitzgerald, and with Steve Breaston playing well? It would make little sense to go that route.

Jerry (Texas)

So far from what you have seen, is Alex Smith the answer to the 49er QB problem?

Mike Sando

  (1:45 PM)

I have not seen enough to say he is the answer.

Steve (San Francisco)

Mike, I'm a big believer in Singletary and have faith that his style will eventually pay off. But do you think his personnel decision-making will lead to players not having faith in him? I'm thinking of things like Jason Hill going from inactive to a big day after showing promise last year, Hill getting benched when it could be argued the team could've won with him last week, Clements benched, etc.

Mike Sando

  (1:46 PM)

I do not think Mike Singletary's handling of those specific issues will affect his credibility with the team.

Mark (Antioch)

If the Niners make a nice run and finish the season with record of 9-7 including a head to head victory over Arizona at home, do you think that will be enough to win the division or do you see 10-6 coming out of this division?

Mike Sando

  (1:47 PM)

Sweeping the Cardinals to get to 9-7 would probably be enough because it would make it tougher for Arizona to get to 10-6.

Tomas (Phoenix)

Sando,Do you think the 9ers will get back to a more balanced offensive attack tonight vs. the Bears? Last week I felt like we passed too much and got away from our 'identity'. Not running often enough and in proper situations ultimately hurt us. Thanks for your blog, it's great!

Mike Sando

  (1:48 PM)

That sounds reasonable. The Bears did not look very good against the run last week. One difference, though, was that the Bears had to worry very much about the Cardinals' passing attack. They will be less concerned with the 49ers' passing attack, allowing them more freedom to gang up against the run. The 49ers might need to earn their ground game by showing they're a threat to complete passes.

A. Boldin (Tempe, AZ)

Hey Mike, are you MAN ENOUGH to tell me why people think the Cardinals are a better team without me??? All I do is play hard every snap, play through pain, and catch touchdown passes! I've been here from the start, and have more heart than Rod Tidwell ever had! If I had a contract like Fitz...

Mike Sando

  (1:50 PM)

I hear you, Q. I cannot explain why the Cardinals are 12-10 with you and 5-1 without you (counting playoffs) since the start of last season. It makes sense for all the reasons you articulated. One theory could be that the Cardinals have possibly been more willing to stick with their ground game when you are not available. I do not know that for sure, though.

Sir Isaac Lime (Santa Rosa)

What do you think the Niners can do to go to the slate and scheme a better pash rush against Cutler tonight than they've been able to achieve recently?

Mike Sando

  (1:55 PM)

I've put in a call to Alexander the Grape. Hope to have some details for you.

Adam (Atlanta)

Is it just me, or do the Cardinals seem to put players on an island more than most teams. On offense they leave their tackles to fend for themselves for the most part, and on defense, DRC and McFadden rarely have safety help. Could this be a recipe for disaster as the season goes on?

Mike Sando

  (1:58 PM)

On offense, they trust Kurt Warner to get rid of the ball against pressure. This has not always worked so well this season, although it worked very well against the Bears. Warner has shown he can make this work. If they were to max protect, would their receivers have the speed to beat coverage? It's a tradeoff the Cardinals think can benefit them because Warner can get rid of the ball. On defense, I do not pretend to recognize coverages well enough to say for sure how the Cardinals have matched up most of the time. My sense is that their corners have played "off" quite a bit, though.

Mike Sando

  (1:58 PM)

Thanks for dropping by the NFC West chat this week.