D (Chicago)

In regards to your earlier post regarding KC Joyner's pick of Alex Smith over Cam Newton in regards to Pro Bowl worthiness, I think that Smith had a more successful season, but not the type of season that he should expect to earn him a Probowl spot. Sports are local but sports media is national. Smith's success came in ways that were hard to quantify in sound bite sized morsels. He was consistent, reliable, and made good football decisions. Reliability doesn't start to impress until later in the season. Cam Newton's success came early in the season and in a nice clear cut stat sheet fashion that was easy to appreciate for national media personalities who probably don't have time to really watch every game. But since these media personalities control the national narrative the Alex Smith as a bust-turned-game manager stuck around probably longer than it should have. And the Cam Newton is a rock star narrative that he established early in the season probably let him get away with less scrutiny over his turnovers and late season struggles. I'm interested to hear your take on this late June storyline.

Mike Sando

  (12:34 PM)

I know the chat doesn't start for another 30 minutes, but what the heck, it's June. Let's get it going now. My basic thought is this: Smith and Jim Harbaugh are right when they say there's more to the position than raw stats. It's like saying sacks can be overrated in determining how well a defensive lineman is playing. However, the best quarterbacks should throw touchdown passes more regularly than Smith did, just as the great pass-rushers are going to compile lots of sacks over time. Once Smith produced a little more -- or wins consistently -- he'll get more respect. The narrative is already changing.

Michael (Yakima, WA)

After looking at your blog post about the amount of sacks the Seahawks allowed last year I wondered if much of that was because Tarvaris Jackson doesn't find receivers quickly and holds the ball to long. Do you think a change of QB would dramatically improve the Seahawks sacks allowed?

Mike Sando

  (12:36 PM)

Yeah, I think Jackson is below average for starters in getting the ball out quickly. He might be above average for arm strength (although that, too, suffered last season as he played hurt). I think Seattle could reduce sacks with a quicker decision maker at quarterback, no question.

Cory (St. Louis)

Do you think the difference in coaching philosophies between Jeff Fisher and Spags will pay tangible results on the field for the Rams?

Mike Sando

  (12:38 PM)

The changes are more from Josh McDaniels to Jeff Fisher and Brian Schottenheimer, in my view. Steve Spagnuolo would like to play offense the way Jeff Fisher plays offense, at least to a degree. That was sort of the mandate when Bradford was a rookie. McDaniels overrode the mandate.

Jim (Denver, CO)

With LaMichael James and Kendall Hunter appearing to be about the same size and using the same running style, and Anthony Dixon looking like the odd man out, how many RB's do the 49ers break camp with realistically?

Mike Sando

  (12:43 PM)

I see a lot of duplication among the 49ers' running backs. Brandon Jacobs and Anthony Dixon overlap some. Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James overlap some. Last year, the 49ers went into Week 1 with three halfbacks (Frank Gore, Dixon and Hunter) and two fullbacks (Moran Norris, Bruce Miller). The team had kept four total running backs on its roster heading into the previous four seasons. I think we're going to see the team keep only one fullback this year (Norris is gone, and the team is working several other non-running backs at fullback; plus, a tight end can shift to the backfield). That would leave up to four additional spots for halfbacks, possibly. I also think much depends on how these guys perform during camp. Will there be reason to keep additional numbers at the position?

k1joyce (Massachusetts)

I feel like the Rocky McIntosh signing was an under-rated move by the Rams. You have pointed to him being replaced in Washington by a younger player, but McIntosh played and usually played fairly well at OLB when the Redskins played a 4-3 defense. He wasn't suited to play MLB in the 3-4 and the Redskins opted to replace him with someone who was. I'm not saying this guy will make the pro bowl next year, but he is certainly an upgrade IMO over players the Rams have started there in recent history.

Mike Sando

  (12:45 PM)

I did not scout Rocky McIntosh, but I have read characterizations differing from the one you provided specific to his production in 4-3 defenses. I believe Pro Football Focus had a negative opinion on him across both schemes. Usually, if a healthy player remains available deep into the offseason, it's because teams do not think the player is very good. So, I guess I'm saying McIntosh needs to prove it first.

Chris (Peoria)

Assuming they can both stay healthy, how much do you think Ryan Williams and Beanie Wells will help keep Kolb/Skelton upright because of a balanced offense? Beanie was a 1,000-yard back alone last year, and the O-line seems better suited per man to run block. Clock control also plays a factor here.

Mike Sando

  (12:48 PM)

I think the competition aspect is one that could really benefit the offense. I'd like to see Beanie Wells running for his job, in other words. There is no substitute for competition. One concern, though, is whether Williams can bounce back strong early in the season. Maybe he'll need some time following that devastating knee injury.

Johnny (Chicago,IL)

I understand Navorro Bowman is a good player, but don't you think his hype is a little misleading based on what he has around him compared to say Daryl Washington? An argument Washington is the better, more diverse player but doesn't get the credit because the Cardinals' defense struggled for the first half of the season.

Mike Sando

  (12:50 PM)

Yeah, that's probably fair. I wouldn't want to take away anything from Bowman. He was good on the merits. And, like Washington, he was learning a new system. But there's also no question Bowman benefited from lining up next to Patrick Willis. I see 2012 as a potential breakout year for Washington. Washington seemingly can do it all. I'll be curious to see if he gets that sack total up closer to double digits. The blitz packages should proliferate without a lockout this offseason.

Sean (Farmers Branch, TX)

Early chats rule! Full disclosure: grew up in the Bay Area, so I'm a transplanted 49ers fan living in Dallas. OK, there is a lot being said/written about the 49ers offense being opened up, more explosive etc. There's no doubt that the skill level of the WR/RB positions have been upgraded this season. Coach Harbaugh seems very confident in Alex Smith's ability to take advantage of these added playmakers. We saw firsthand how limiting turnovers/mistakes could lead to improved play and a higher win total for the red

Mike Sando

  (12:54 PM)

Jim Harbaugh wants to play power football. His coaching DNA will not change. Think Bo Schembechler, Lindy Infante and the other guys Harbaugh has played for over the years. Within that, though, there is definitely a desire to become more explosive. One thing I noticed last season was that the 49ers' yards per reception plummeted, at least for a good chunk of the season. We should see more big plays this season, but not a huge philosophical shift.

Derek (Rock Island, IL)

Love the blog Mike... I've been saying for a few years that I believe Alex Smith is a much more accurate and efficient passer from shotgun rather than under center. I have a feeling with the weapons they now have on offense they will run more plays out of shotgun and let Alex do more adjusting at the line. Do you have any stats that would back up him being more effiecient out of shotgun? And whats your take on how their offensive style will be?

Mike Sando

  (12:57 PM)

My initial feel is that the shotgun isn't really conducive to the power football San Francisco wants to play. I don't have Smith's shotgun stats handy, but even if they were better than his stats from under center, that would not necessarily mean they would remain as superior if the team relied upon them more heavily. Smith already does tons at the line of scrimmage in terms of adjusting, according to Jim Harbaugh and 49ers players. They think he does as much that way as Tom Brady or just about anyone.

Mike (Eugene, OR)

With the Seahawks ( 49ers Rams Cards ) having so many people at WR is this going to be a "cream of the crop" situation or "least bad option" situation? In other words do we have some good wideouts who will rise to the top and give us hope at the position or are we going to be like last year's Rams and just play the best guys we can find because there isn't anybody else?

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

The Rams also have a quantity-over-quality situation at the position, at least until someone emerges. I think having a longer list of talented (but unproven) prospects increases the chances that one of them will step up. But it does not guarantee desired results.

Mike (Eugene, OR)

Autoupdate, Mike! Autoupdate!

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

I turned on auto-update from the start and it is working for me. Sorry if it's different for you.

David (Cold Lake, Canada)

Hi Mike,What are your thoughts about Seattle's offensive line going into the season? In your mind, is this an area of concern or do you think that with the off season signing of Lutui, Omiyale, et al the depth should be ok when there are injuries? Also, with an off season to prepare, do you think that opposing offenses will adjust better to the tandem of Browner and Sherman and their size? Will they be as effective this season? Thanks as always for your insights. David

Mike Sando

  (1:03 PM)

On paper, I see reasons for concern. Most of them are related to injuries (Russell Okung, James Carpenter and John Moffitt are coming off significant ones). The signing of Deuce Lutui was a big one for this team, in my view. He's a pretty good insurance policy if his conditioning is indeed improved, which it seems to be. I also think the team has shown an ability to function with a lot of changing parts up front. At corner, Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman could be vulnerable along those lines, and also because Seattle faces some of the NFL's most prolific quarterbacks this year (Tom Brady, Tony Romo, Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, Cam Newton and Jay Cutler).

Moses ((Indianapolis, IN))

Long time reader and fan of your work, Mike.... How serious is the Chris Clemons contract situation in Seattle? When should Seahawk fans be concerned?

Mike Sando

  (1:04 PM)

Thank you, sir. I'd say fans should be concerned if Clemons holds out through training camp. If he reports, as expected, then I would not see reasons for concern.

darrin (memphis )

Are the Patriots and the 49ers the only locks to repeat as division champs?

Mike Sando

  (1:05 PM)

There are no locks.

Paul (Albany, OR)

Sando, with the hidden gem blog item about the Rams yesterday and the comments from folks about other areas of the team, I started seeing some hope for the team. The defensive line should be a strength, you had the running backs upgraded, and heaven knows their secondary can only be better after the MASH unit it became last year. So with Sam Bradford gaining a year of maturity and hopefully respect in the eyes of his teammates after playing through injury last year, can this team surprise people and finish near .500? I almost said 7-9 but I did not want to rile up the SF-Seattle brew ha ha that is full steam ahead. Thanks.

Mike Sando

  (1:10 PM)

The early schedule is more manageable than it was last season. I think that helps. I have a hard time finding more than 4-5 victories on the schedule when I look at it, though. To me, 6-10 would be pretty darn good.

Brian (Charlotte)

Aldon Smith had a DUI early in the offseason. Will he be suspended by the commissioner? The niners really can't afford to lose him for the opener against Green Bay.

Mike Sando

  (1:13 PM)

We should expect a fine for this offense and suspension for any future one. That is my expectation, anyway. It's probably worth a closer look.

Chex Norris (San Diego)

How big of a blow would it have been for the 49ers if Greg Roman was hired by Penn St? Finally having a quality OC for consecutive years, I believe, will lead to Alex Smiths first Pro Bowl appearance.

Mike Sando

  (1:14 PM)

It would have hurt, but the offense would have remained the same. Jim Harbaugh's presence would have assured that. Harbaugh insulates the 49ers from the full impact of a coordinator change.

Jay (Michigan)

SF over or under 10 wins? Why?

Mike Sando

  (1:15 PM)

I'd take the over on 9.5 and maybe skew toward the under on 11. The 49ers should be good again, but it's tough to go 13-3.

Gergo (Hungary)

Hi Mike, I've been following your blog for a longtime now, and I really like it, keep it up mate. Just a quick question that bothers me recently about the 'Hawks is the following: If either Sherman or Browner injures seriously (or both), does the team have enough detph behind them to continue playing the press coverage that PC love so much?

Mike Sando

  (1:17 PM)

Thanks, Gergo. Losing one or both of those players would limit the Seahawks' ability to play the same way. I don't see other corners quite in that mold. The staff seems to do a good job adjusting, though.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Will the presence of Randy Moss finally light a fire under Michael Crabtree and lead to a monster year worthy of the hype he entered the league with?

Mike Sando

  (1:18 PM)

I don't expect a monster year because the 49ers have other options, including Vernon Davis. I think he has a pretty good shot at reaching 1,000 yards for the first time, though.

Brett (Cali)

Who is your guess to be the starting right guard for the Niners? I personally believe Alex Boone should be the starter.

Mike Sando

  (1:19 PM)

The feeling at 49ers minicamp was that Alex Boone was a prohibitive favorite, to the point that it was almost a given. And that makes sense if you want the team's best five on the field.

Tristan A. (San Francisco, CA)

Which of the Rams receivers do you see leading the team? Personally, I am a big fan of Danny Amendola, I see a Wes Welker in him.

Mike Sando

  (1:20 PM)

I could see Amendola leading in receptions, but he's not going to be a big yardage guy because he doesn't make plays down the field. Welker was at 12.9 yards per reception last season. Amendola is at 8.0 for his career.

EDTGO (MORDOR)

Reports are that Kyle Williams has been very impressive in practice so far. What do you think the chances of him making the team are? He still has the stigma of the NFC game and the WR are crowded. If Moss, Crabtree, Mannigham and Jenkins make the team. Do you see him winning the job over Ginn, despite Ginn's skills in the return game?

Mike Sando

  (1:22 PM)

They could keep six receivers if they had six worth keeping. That is usually the max number for a team. I'm not fully buying into the great offseason angle for him. I think it's natural to root for him based on how he handled his postseason miscue. My guard is up against overly optimistic, feel-good accounts.

Tristan A. (San Francisco, CA)

Which coach is more likely to be fired with a 7-9 record: Pete Carroll or Ken Whisenhunt?

Mike Sando

  (1:23 PM)

Tough question. I'd say the guy who has been there longer would be more likely. That would be Whisenhunt. But I don't feel like 7-9 would necessarily get either guy fired.

D Merc (Roc City, NY)

Hey Mike, love the blog, thanks for keeping us informed! My question's regarding fantasy: Which NFC West running back should be drafted first this year? I like Frank Gore and Steven Jackson, but I worry about both getting old and all the backs in the 9ers backfield. Marshawn Lynch was a monster last year, but I don't know if I can trust him after the big payday. I don't believe Beanie Wells is in the conversation. Personally, I'm an OSU fan, but don't think he can stay healthy, and Ryan Williams worries me too. Your thoughts?

Mike Sando

  (1:27 PM)

Thanks, D. I'd go with Lynch based on a couple factors. One, he finished so strong last season. Two, his carries appear less threatened.

Tristan B. (Santa Clara, CA)

While we're at it, what would happen to Harbaugh if he went 7-9?

Mike Sando

  (1:27 PM)

I suppose he might be more likely to make a quarterback change.

Tristan A. (San Francisco, CA)

The Rams were devastated by injury at CB last year, significantly contributing to their poor record. Is there a position that could have a similar effect on the 49ers, if there was a big injury problem?

Mike Sando

  (1:28 PM)

The 49ers are a deeper team overall, so the effect would not be as great. Of course, when you say any position, we must set aside quarterback. Any team would be devastated if it lost all its QBs.

Brett (CA)

Vernon Davis at tight end, Randy Moss and Michael Crabtree at WR, Frank Gore and LaMichael James. Is this the best personnel the Niners can put on the field at once? Figure Davis would be double-teamed, meaning Moss and Crabtree has single coverage. Gore is a good blocker but can go out for the pass and a linebacker on James is a mismatch all game long.

Mike Sando

  (1:32 PM)

No, I wouldn't like that grouping. When the 49ers had Joe Montana and Steve Young, they played only one at at time, right? Of course. Because only one player can throw the ball on a given play. The same is true, to a lesser degree, with halfbacks. They are best at carrying the ball, but only one can carry the ball per play. The other one isn't going to be good enough as a blocker or receiver to warrant keeping on the field. An additional tight end or receiver winds up having greater value as a result. The halfbacks are too limited in what they can offer without the ball in their hands.

Ken (Anaheim)

Mike, I was surprised that the Rams picked Isaiah Pead over LaMichael James at RB. How did you have the two rated.

Mike Sando

  (1:34 PM)

I didn't rate them because I don't scout college games. My perception aligned with yours. The general assumption seemed to be that James would be ranked higher than Pead. The Rams obviously preferred Pead.

Brett (CA)

If you take a look at the upcoming schedule, what is the one game you are looking forward to the most?

Mike Sando

  (1:34 PM)

I'm partial to the division matchups and really want to see Seattle/Arizona against the 49ers.

Chex Norris (San Diego)

Who do you see leading the 49ers in TDs? A WR or a RB?

Mike Sando

  (1:35 PM)

How about a tight end? Vernon Davis.

Mike (Eugene, OR)

With the slate of great QBs the Seahawks are going to face this year should we be worried that our big aggressive corners will get picked apart by QBs that can take advantage of the little mistakes that being over-aggressive can cause? I love the Seahawks aggressive defensive style but fear that a patient QB could cause us real problems. Your thoughts?(For the record autoupdate turned on for me right after you answered my first question. >.< )

Mike Sando

  (1:37 PM)

Your thinking seems sound to me. The plan will be to compensate with an improved pass rush featuring Bruce Irvin from the outside and Jason Jones from the inside. Seattle must improve in that aspect to protect its cornerbacks.

k1joyce (Massachusetts)

Sando you should consider going to the 49ers game at Foxboro this year. Not sure if you have been to the area before but Patriot Place is a pretty impressive place.

Mike Sando

  (1:37 PM)

Love watching games at New England, especially in the snow. The East Coast has so much more history than the West Coast. I just love driving through the neighborhoods on my way into the stadium there.

Brett (CA)

Who is your college team?

Mike Sando

  (1:39 PM)

I've got none. Grew up in Sacramento and never went to a college game until seeing a Washington-Cal game in Berkeley when I was probably 16-17 years old. Went to college at Whitworth, which was an NAIA school back then. Really have no allegiances at the major college level.

Tristan A. (San Francisco, CA)

Will the 49ers continue to use exotic formations/shifts or will they ease on it because of personnel upgrades?

Mike Sando

  (1:40 PM)

They should be in position to expand on this front with a full offseason and training camp. I think it's integral to what Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman want to do offensively. They have a quarterback with the smarts and experience to handle it.

Jim S. (New York)

Any update on the Dashon Golson long term contract negotiations or are his reps and the niners still off a few million a year?

Mike Sando

  (1:41 PM)

I've heard of nothing new and would think Goldson would play under the franchise tag. That is just a feel.

Tristan A. (San Francisco, CA)

If Gore and James were on the field at once, couldn't Gore help with pass protection, while James helped with catching the ball?

Mike Sando

  (1:42 PM)

I'd rather have Delanie Walker on the field with Vernon Davis and one back.

T. Monster (Pennsylvania)

I know that Frank Gore is starting to show some signs of wear, but do you see the 49ers continuing to milk him like a common dairy cow from the beginning of the season until he finally gets put on the shelf, or will they try to spread out his carries all season long? Thanks. Take good care now. Have a good life. Bye bye now.

Mike Sando

  (1:46 PM)

It's tough taking a runner out of a game when the runner is faring well. I think coaches tend to go with the hot hand. Gore should continue to get the bulk of the carries as long as he plays well. I could see the team siphoning off some carries to keep him fresh.

Jeff (Seattle)

Sando, is it true that hawkramcard49er no longer works for getting questions answered? The new trick is to say your name is Tristan A. (San Francisco, CA)?For a real question: what is your feeling for the number of TE, RB and WR the Hawks keep on the roster this year?

Mike Sando

  (1:48 PM)

We have relatively few questions today. I'd say maybe one-fourth the usual total. It's late June, after all. So I'm not finding that many questions to select. To answer your question, 13-14 would be a logical total.

Andrew (San Diego)

Everyone keeps saying Gore is slowing down, losing a step. Where do they get this? He had a great year last year. I think people just expect him too because of other backs that slow down...thoughts? Does he really seem slower? Less explosive?

Mike Sando

  (1:49 PM)

Gore's yards per carry fell significantly in the second half of the season before recovering in the playoffs. He wasn't the same for weeks after taking that big hit from Jason Pierre-Paul of the Giants. He's now 29 years old as well. He missed five games in 2010 and played hurt for several last year. I think those reasons explain why people fear Gore is slowing down.

Jim S. (New York)

Which of the division's new rookies are you the most interested /curious to see play?

Mike Sando

  (1:50 PM)

Bruce Irvin and Brian Quick. Both players are badly needed to upgrade their position groups. Neither player was projected to be chosen by the team that selected him. Both appear to have some uncommon physical gifts. They intrigue me.

Bubba (Phoenix)

Love your blog, Sando! In terms of the OTAs for a team like the Cardinals, I know there must be a lot of time trying to install offensive and defensive philosophies, but do the players get some down time for team-building, like going to the movies as a team, or golfing, soap battles, or go-kart racing?? Anything like that?

Mike Sando

  (1:52 PM)

Thanks, Bubba. I didn't see teams resorting to team building as much this offseason because there were fewer allowable sessions under the new labor agreement. Teams needed to get in their work. We did see some of the usual fun stuff (linemen field punts, etc).

335iRobot (Mesa, AZ)

So when do I start laying some education on all these NFC West readers? And where are ya headed for vacation/family time? Any place special?

Mike Sando

  (1:53 PM)

For those unaware, I told 335iRobot yesterday that he could fill in on the blog when I took some vacation time in July. That was a joke, but he's holding me to it, so we'll see where that goes. Vacation-wise, we're going to lay low. I'll "work" through the Fourth, pretty much.

Dugan (Spokane)

Rogers, Brees, Stafford, Eli, Romo, Vick, Newton, and Cutler are all better then Smith correct? CORRECT. Can we stop with the Pro Bowl talk?

Mike Sando

  (1:55 PM)

Alex Smith's won-lost record was 4-2 against those guys, right? And both defeats were in overtime, right?

Max (Washington, DC)

In my little DC Seahawks group, there's been some hand wringing by some people about the status of Josh Portis. With Jackson, Flynn, and Wilson all basically locked into the QB position could we see him back on the practice squad or would he be released?

Mike Sando

  (1:56 PM)

We still need to see what awaits for Tarvaris Jackson. A salary reduction seems likely. Would the team release him? It's too early to say. I think we'll see Portis as a practice-squad candidate or as the third QB.

Dugan (Spokane)

NOT BECAUSE OF SMITH!Lame answer!

Mike Sando

  (2:01 PM)

OK, let's see. Smith threw the winning TD pass in the final minutes to beat Stafford's Lions. He made the key plays to beat Brees' Saints, right? And he had a huge third quarter to help rally the 49ers past Vick's Eagles. Oh, and he played one of his better games of the year against Manning's Giants during the regular season (slightly higher NFL passer rating and Total QBR than Manning). I'm playing devil's advocate a little bit here (Harbaugh's advocate?). And I'm doing pretty well with it, I must say.

Tristan A. (San Francisco, CA)

Has Kellen Winslow looked good this off-season? Haven't heard anything about him since the week he was traded to Seattle.

Mike Sando

  (2:02 PM)

Tristan, good to see you're in here today. Haven't heard from you in a while. Yeah, Winslow looked good.

David (Salt Lake City UT)

As a Cards fan, one of my worries for the upcoming season is Safety depth. When Rhodes was injured last year, I wasn't too impressed with Rashard Johnson. Am I being overly critical or do we need some more behind Rhodes and Wilson? Can Gay be part of the answer here, or one of the other corners?

Mike Sando

  (2:03 PM)

Safety depth appears shaky for every team in the division, I think. The Cardinals have two backup safeties (Rashad Johnson, James Sanders) who played 400-plus defensive snaps last season. That's probably as decent as it's going to get. Johnson and everyone else was learning a new defense last season. That was a factor too.

Derek (Rock Island, IL)

Last year the 49ers made it 14 games without allowing a rushing touchdown. With them having the whole defense back, I see them making a run at that number again if they can get past the Seahawks in week 7 which I believe is at Candlestick anyway so there will be no 12th man. What's your thoughts?

Mike Sando

  (2:04 PM)

Very little chance of that happening. That was a great run, but it's unrealistic to sustain it. Donte Whitner told me that at minicamps recently. I'll expand Friday.

Mike Sando

  (2:05 PM)

Thanks for dropping by this marathon NFC West chat. Tristan and I have enjoyed your company.