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S U P E R BOW L C H A M P ION S • 19 81 • 19 8 4 • 19 8 8 • 19 8 9 • 19 9 4
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SANTA CLARA, CA (August 18, 2008)
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (1-1)
at
CHICAGO BEARS (0-2)
5:00 p.m. (PST) - Thursday August 21, 2008
49ERS VS. BEARS
2008 PRESEASON SCHEDULE
The 49ers travel to Chicago for the second consecutive preseason to
face the Bears in what will be the third preseason contest for each team.
The two teams have faced one another four times in preseason play, with
each recording two wins apiece. Last year, the 49ers fell to the Bears in
the third week of preseason action, 28-31. This game marks the fourth preseason contest in the past five years between the 49ers and the Bears. The
only other preseason game between the two occurred in 1991 when they
squared off in the American Bowl in Berlin, Germany. The 49ers won that
contest 21-7 in front of 66,876 fans.
Last Saturday night, the 49ers were victorious over the Green Bay Packers, 34-6. Rookie WR Josh Morgan had a game-high 114 receiving yards,
while the 49ers defense tallied six sacks and forced three turnovers. The
Bears traveled to Seattle on Saturday, where they fell to the Seahawks, 29-26.
After two games, the 49ers currently rank among the top teams in both
offense and defense. San Francisco’s pass defense (89.5 ypg) ranks first
in the NFL and the team’s eight sacks rank tied for first, while the team’s
overall defense (264.0 ypg) and first downs allowed per game (13.0 avg )
rank fifth. The 49ers offense has allowed only one sack (tied for least in
the NFL), and ranks 17th in total offense (312.0 ypg) and 12th in passing
offense (218.0 ypg).
Date
August 8
August 16
August 21
August 29
Date
September 7
September 14
September 21
September 28
October 5
October 12
October 19
October 26
November 2
November 10
November 16
November 23
November 30
December 7
December 14
December 21
December 28
TELEVISION
The game will be nationally televised by FOX with a scheduled 5:00 p.m. (PST) kickoff from Soldier Field. Three-time
Super Bowl winning quarterback Troy Aikman and veteran
play-by-play announcer Joe Buck will be in the booth, while
Pam Oliver and Chris Myers will be handling sideline duties.
SAMSUNG RADIO NETWORK
All 49ers games can be heard on The Bone (KSAN 107.7FM) and KNBR (680-AM and 1050-AM). Joe Starkey handles
the play-by-play duties and is joined in the booth by former
49ers linebacker Gary Plummer, who provides color commentary and analysis. Rod Brooks handles sideline duties. For
all radio affiliates, refer to the 49ers 2008 media guide.
SPANISH RADIO
The game can also be heard on 49ers Hispanic Radio Network Affiliates, KIQI (1010-AM) and KATD (990-AM), through a partnership with
Marcos Gutierrez Productions. Handling broadcast duties will be veteran
Spanish sports announcers Fernando Arias and Ambrosio Rico.
49ERS MEDIA EXTRANET
The 49ers media extranet site is updated daily and contains all the necessary information to cover the team. On the site, you’ll find 49ers’ game
releases, gamebooks, transcriptions, career game-by-game player statistics, daily clips on the team and much more. To access the site, please visit
http://media.49ers.com.
Aaron Salkin | Director of Public Relations
[email protected] | 408-562-4954
Jason Jenkins | Director of Public Relations Operations
Time (PST)
Network
L, 18-6
W, 34-6
5:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
CBS-5
CBS-5
FOX
CBS-5
2008 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
49ERS ON THE AIR
Opponent
@ Oakland
vs. Green Bay
@ Chicago
vs. San Diego
Opponent
Arizona
@ Seattle
Detroit
@ New Orleans
New England
Philadelphia
@ NY Giants
Seattle
BYE
@ Arizona
St. Louis
@ Dallas
@ Buffalo
NY Jets
@ Miami
@ St. Louis
Washington
Time (PST)
Network
1:15 p.m.
1:05 p.m.
1:05 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
1:15 p.m.
1:15 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
1:15 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
1:05 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
1:05 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
1:15 p.m.
FOX
FOX
FOX
FOX
CBS
FOX
FOX
FOX
ESPN
FOX
FOX
FOX
CBS
FOX
FOX
FOX
2008 NFC WEST PRESEASON STANDINGS
Team
Seattle
San Francisco
Arizona
St. Louis
W
2
1
1
1
L
0
1
1
1
PF
63
40
37
20
PA
43
24
41
40
Pct
1.000
.500
.500
.500
2008 49ERS PRESEASON LEADERS
Passing
Rushing
Receptions
Receiving Field Goals
Punting
Punt Returns
KO Returns
Tackles
Sacks
ST Tackles
J.T. O’Sullivan
Thomas Clayton
Josh Morgan
Josh Morgan
Nedney/Schmitt
Andy Lee
Allen Rossum
Alen Rossum
Hudson/Banta-Cain/Thomas
Ray McDonald
Allen Rossum
Ryan Moore | Supervisor of Football Information
Kyle McRae | Publications Specialist
225 yards
52 yards
9 catches
182 yards
2/2
39.2 gross avg.
8 returns, 99 yds
3 returns, 65 yds
11 tackles
2.5
3
Lisa Goodwin | Publicity Specialist
2
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS - 2008 TRAINING CAMP RELEASE
2008 PRESEASON OPPONENTS
This preseason, the 49ers will battle a pair of AFC West and NFC North
teams before embarking on the 2008 regular season. Three of the four
teams are ones in which the 49ers faced in the 2007 preseason, with the
exception being the Green Bay Packers.
Friday, August 8 - (SF 6 - Oak 18)
The 49ers and Raiders squared off against one another on
a Friday night at McAfee Coliseum. The 49ers offense was
able to move the ball effectively with all three quarterbacks
at the helm, but four turnovers proved costly as San Francisco fell to Oakland, 18-6. On defense, the 49ers held the
Raiders to just 111 passing yards.
Saturday, August 16 - vs. Green Bay - (SF 34 - GB 6)
In what was a rare preseason meeting between the 49ers
and the Packers, San Francisco chalked up 355 yards of total offense, while allowing only 182 yards on defense. WR
Josh Morgan had a game-high 114 receiving yards and the
49ers defense posted six sacks and forced three turnovers.
Thursday, August 21 - at Chicago - 7:00 p.m. (PST)
The 49ers and Bears are split in preseason play with a 2-2
record. The upcoming game will mark the fourth time the
two teams have squared off against one another in the past
five years. Last year, Chicago defeated San Francisco 3128 at Soldier Field. The first meeting of the two teams occurred in 1991
in Berlin, Germany, when the 49ers defeated the Bears 21-7 in front of
66,876 fans at Olympic Stadium.
Friday, August 29 - vs. San Diego - 7:00 p.m. (PST)
It will mark the 22nd consecutive year that the 49ers will
face the Chargers in preseason action, and the 37th overall preseason matchup between the two teams dating back
to 1968. The two teams are split with a 18-18 overall preseason record
against one another. Last year, the Chargers edged the 49ers 16-13 at Qualcomm Stadium in the preseason finale.
BY THE NUMBERS
All teams are allowed to carry 80 players into training camp. The San
Francisco 49ers will be allowed to carry an additional player throughout
the preseason because the team has been assigned an international practice
squad player for the year, who is exempt from the roster count. The team
must then meet two mandatory roster reductions prior to the season opener.
Teams will be permitted an Active List of 45 players and an Inactive List
of eight players for each regular-season and postseason game. Teams also
are permitted to establish Practice Squads of up to eight players who are
elgible to participate in practice, but these players remain free agents and
are eligible to sign with any other team in the league.
49ERS ROSTER FACTS
Youngest Player Oldest Player
Shortest Player Tallest Player
Lightest Player
Heaviest Player
DE Kentwan Balmer
Age 21 (10-15-86)
WR Isaac Bruce
Age 35 (11-10-72)
CB Allen Rossum 5’8”
Finley, Pruneda, Reuber, Snyder 6’6”
CB Markus Curry
177 pounds
Baas, Sopoaga, Toledo
330 pounds
CALIFORNIA LOVE
The San Francisco 49ers currently
field 20 players who grew up in
the state of California, which is a
quarter of the team’s roster. It is
the most represented state on the
squad, followed by Texas (9) and
Florida (8).
6
9
California Hometowns
1. Tully Banta-Cain - Sunnyvale
2. John Booker - Hayward
3. Cam Colvin - Pittsburg
4. Brian de la Puente - Los Angeles
5. Dashon Goldson - Carson
6. Larry Grant - Santa Rosa
7. Jason Hill - San Francisco
8. Ashley Lelie - Bellflower
9. Keith Lewis - Sacramento
10.Joe Nedney - San Jose
11.Robert Ortiz - San Diego
12.J.T. O’Sullivan - Burbank
13.Jerard Rabb - El Modena
14.Chilo Rachal - Compton
15.Alex Smith - San Diego
16.Adam Snyder - Fullerton
17.Donald Strickland - San Francisco
18.Jeff Ulbrich - San Jose
19.Delanie Walker - Pomona
20.Kyle Wright - Danville
3
7
20
17 2
1 10
SANTA CLARA, CA
18
12 19
5 471416
8 13
August 26....................................Roster reduction to 75 players
August 30....................................Roster reduction to 53 players
August 31....................................Teams establish a Practice Squad
2007 49ERS PRESEASON LEADERS
Passing
Rushing
Receptions
Punting
Punt Returns
KO Returns
Tackles
Interceptions
Passes Def.
Sacks
Shaun Hill
Thomas Clayton
Delanie Walker
Delanie Walker
Joe Nedney
Andy Lee
Brandon Williams
Brandon Williams
Patrick Willis
Three Players
Three Players
Parys Haralson
298 yards
200 yards
13 catches
153 yards
6/7
46.5 gross avg.
10 returns, 96 yds
9 returns, 196 yds
32 tackles
1
2
1.5
15 11
2007 REGULAR SEASON TEAM LEADERS
Passing
Rushing
Receptions
Punting
Punt Returns
KO Returns
Tackles
Interceptions
Passes Def.
Sacks
Trent Dilfer
Frank Gore
Frank Gore
Arnaz Battle
Joe Nedney
Andy Lee
PR Michael Lewis
Maurice Hicks Patrick Willis
Clements/W. Harris
Nate Clements
Bryant Young
1,166 yards
1,102 yards
53 catches
600 yards
17/19
47.3 gross avg.
44 returns, 336 yds
63 returns, 1,502 yds
226 tackles
4
18
6.0
2007 49ERS TEAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
•
•
•
•
•
Two 49ers enjoyed Pro Bowl selection honors, as both LB Patrick
Willis and P Andy Lee were rewarded for their outstanding seasons. CB Nate Clements, G Larry Allen, RB Frank Gore, and DT Bryant
Young were each selected as Pro Bowl alternates.
The 49ers went 2-1 in prime time games in 2007, winning the season opener on Monday Night Football against the Arizona Cardinals
(9-10) and defeating the Cincinnati Bengals on a Saturday night game
(12-15). The 49ers are now 2-0 on NFL Network.
Head Coach Mike Nolan extended his undefeated mark in overtime to
3-0 after winning at Arizona (11-25) in a 37-31 overtime victory.
The 49ers special teams were one of the league’s top units in 2007.
K Joe Nedney went 17 of 19 on field goals for the season, hitting every field goal attempt inside of 50 yards. P Andy Lee set the all-time
record for punts inside the 20-yard line with 42. His 41.0 net punting average is second in NFL history, only behind Oakland’s Shane
Lechler, who had a 41.1 net punting average this season. The 49ers
punt coverage units were also one of the best in the league, holding
returners to 7.6 yards per return to rank ninth in the NFL.
Several of 49ers players were honored when the team handed out
their annual team awards. DT Bryant Young won the Len Eshmont
Award for a record eighth time, while CB Nate Clements and LB
Patrick Willis were chosen as co-winners of the Bill Walsh Award. C
Eric Heitmann was named the Bobb McKittrick Award winner for the
second consecutive year and LB Jeff Ulbrich won the Hazeltine/Iron
Man Award for the second time in his career. CB Tarell Brown won
the Thomas Herrion Award.
IMMEDIATE IMPACT
When the 49ers selected LB Patrick Willis and T Joe Staley in the first
round of the 2007 NFL Draft, there was a feeling of optimism that the pair
would be able to contribute to the team sooner than later. Willis and Staley
both entered training camp competing for starting assignments, and within
a few weeks, were named starters by Head Coach Mike Nolan. After receiving the news, the two never looked back.
Instead of hitting the ‘rookie wall,’ the pair did the opposite. According
to documents obtained by FOXSports.com, Willis and Staley finished the
2007 season as two of only three rookies to participate in every regular
season snap, with Cleveland Browns’ T Joe Thomas being the third.
“What Patrick and Joe did was very unusual,” said General Manager
Scot McCloughan. “To have two rookies starting from Week One isn’t
heard of too often.”
Added Staley, “I knew the rookie wall was coming, but football is
something I absolutely love. You like your body feeling sore. It builds
mental toughness. I like being challenged like that.”
Willis, who broke his hand midway through the season at Atlanta
(11-4), was relegated to wearing a large cast on his right hand. He eventually earned the nickname of ‘Bam Bam’ by Bengals WR Chad Johnson.
“I can’t say what the rookie wall is,” Willis told FOXSports.com. “On
some Sundays, you feel more tired than others. But for the most part, it was
wonderful because of the guys I had around me. They took me under their
wing and talked to me each day. That really meant a lot and helped me stay
focused.”
In all, the 49ers fielded a league-high five of the 35 NFL players (1,898
NFL players in all) to participate in every regular season snap - G Larry
Allen, CB Nate Clements, C Eric Heitmann, Staley and Willis. Of the 35
players, 29 of them were offensive linemen, which makes Willis’ and Clements’ durability even more impressive.
This past offseason, San Francisco landed one of the top free agents on
the market in DE Justin Smith. Similar to Clements, who the team signed
as an unrestricted free agent in 2007, Smith is as durable as they come on
defense. The eight-year veteran lined up for 97.9 percent of snaps, which
was the highest among all defensive linemen.
“When you invest top dollars in guys, durability and past injury history
are huge factors,” said McCloughan. “Justin and Nate clearly take care of
themselves in the off-season. It also shows toughness to play through little
nicks. After Week One if you’re a starter, the chances are you’re not going
to be 100 percent (healthy) the rest of the year.”
3
FAR FROM HOME
The 49ers will once again be among the most traveled teams in 2008.
TEAM
1. Seattle
2. Oakland
3. San Diego
4. San Francisco
5. New England
6. Arizona
7. New York Jets
8. New Orleans
9. Miami
10. Denver
32. Cleveland
MILES
34,766
34,218
33,403
31,530
29,024
26,073
25,784
23,956
23,124
21,910
6,416
OFFENSIVE
NOTES
MAKING STRIDES IN MARTZ’ OFFENSE
Two games into preseason play, the 49ers offense continues to show
signs of progress under Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz. Known as one
of the best offensive minds in the game, Martz expects a lot from each of
his players and is a stickler for details. The hard work he’s been putting in
with the players throughout the offseason and training camp looks to be
paying off.
The 49es, who ranked last in the NFL in offense in 2007, have displayed an ability to move the ball in both preseason games this year. Despite four giveaways on offense against the Raiders, the team still managed
to accumulate 269 yards of offense. A week later against the Packers, San
Francisco totaled 355 yards of offense and 27 points.
During this past offseason, 49ers management made a concerted effort
to bolster the team’s depth along the offensive line after San Francisco
gave up 55 sacks in 2007, which was tied for the most in the NFL. The
team added G Chilo Rachal (2nd Rd - Southern California) and C Cody
Wallace (4th Rd - Texas A&M) in the draft, and signed 10-year veteran T
Barry Sims. After two preseason games, the 49ers have allowed only one
sack, which is tied for the fewest in the NFL this preseason. It is a marked
improvement when compared to the first two games of the 2007 preseason,
when the 49ers allowed six sacks.
2008 49ERS PRESEASON RANKINGS - OFFENSE
CATEGORY
Sacks Per Pass Attempt
Points Per Game
Yards Per Reception
Total Offense
Yards Per Play
Passing Offense
AVG
1.41%
20.0
12.6
312.0
4.95
218.0
NFL RANK
1st
t-8th
5th
17th
t-14th
12th
RUSH AND RECEIVE
RB Frank Gore has proved that he is adept at both rushing and receiving. Last year marked the second straight season that he led the team in receptions. With 1,102 rushing yards and 436 receiving yards in 2007, Gore
finished the season ranked sixth in the NFL for combined yardage with
1,533 yards. In 2006, he ranked fourth in the NFL with 2,180 total yards
(1,695 rushing and 485 receiving). Over the past two seasons, Gore ranks
in the top five in the NFL for combined yardage.
COMBINED YARDAGE - 2006-2007
PLAYER
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, SD
2. Brian Westbrook, PHI
3. Frank Gore, SF
4. Steven Jackson, STL
5. Willie Parker, PIT
YARDS
4,272
4,020
3,718
3,607
3,196
4
CLIMBING THE CHARTS
SMITH BACK IN ACTION
In just three seasons, RB Frank Gore has broken into the 49ers’ all-time
top 10 rushing list.
Two years ago, QB Alex Smith became the first 49ers quarterback in
club history to take every snap from center during a single-season. Due to
a nagging shoulder injury in 2007, Smith was limited to only seven starts
last year before being placed on injured reserve (12-12) and undergoing
successful surgery.
Before Smith suffered his shoulder injury against Seattle (9-30), he was
2-1 as a starter in 2007, completing 43-of-83 passes for 461 yards with one
touchdown and one interception, while also rushing for 67 yards on eight
carries. In the season opener on Monday Night Football vs. Arizona (9-10),
Smith led the team to victory on the final drive of the game. With 22 seconds left, Smith went 6-for-10 for 60 yards to go along with a 22-yard rush
on 4th-and-1 to extend the team’s game-winning drive, which was capped
by a one-yard touchdown run by WR Arnaz Battle.
In his past 12 starts when healthy, Smith maintains a 7-5 record.
ALL-TIME 49ERS RUSHING LIST
PLAYER
1. Joe Perry
2. Roger Craig
3. Ken Willard
4. Garrison Hearst
5. J.D. Smith
6. Hugh McElhenny
7. Kevan Barlow
8. Steve Young
9. Frank Gore
10. Wendell Tyler
YEARS
1950-1963 (12)
1983-1990 (8)
1965-1973 (9)
1997-2003 (5)
1956-1964 (9)
1952-1960 (9)
2001-2005 (5)
1987-1999 (13)
2005-2007 (3)
1983-1986 (4)
YARDS
7,344
7,064
5,930
5,535
4,370
4,288
3,614
3,581
3,405
3,112
DAVIS READY TO DOMINATE
TE Vernon Davis, known for his size, speed and strength, emerged as
a major threat in the passing game for the 49ers in 2007. The third-year
receiver posted career-highs with 52 catches, 509 receiving yards and four
touchdowns. Davis is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for him
in Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz’s offensive system, and the feeling is
mutual.
“I don’t know if anyone in the league can run like he can at that position,” Martz said this past offseason. “He gets down the field so fast. I don’t
know who beats him in a foot race.”
Davis also played a key role in helping RB Frank Gore rush for over
1,000 yards as he excelled as a run-blocker.
“He’s such a violent, physical blocker,” Martz continued. “Vernon will
try to knock you out. He’s such a pleasant blend of power, and physical
with speed. He’s such an unusual player in that respect.”
RECEPTIONS - NFC TIGHT ENDS - 2007
PLAYER
1. Jason Witten, Dal
2. Chris Cooley, Was
3. Jeremy Shockey, NYG
4. Vernon Davis, SF
5. Donald Lee, GB
REC
96
66
57
52
48
YDS
1145
786
619 509
575
TD
7
8
3
4
6
‘JUST TOUCHDOWNS’
QB J.T. O’Sullivan, known by followers at UC Davis as ‘Just Touchdowns,’ may have joined the 49ers in late February, but his ties to the organization date back to the mid-90’s. A native of Burbank, O’Sullivan was a
regular at 49ers training camp in Rocklin, where he claims to have known
the autograph tendencies of all the players on the ‘94 and ‘95 49ers roster.
Fast forward more than a decade, O’Sullivan now finds himself vying for the 49ers starting quarterback position in a three-way competition
with fellow teammates Alex Smith and Shaun Hill. O’Sullivan, who has
familiarity with Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz’ offensive scheme after
playing in Detroit last season, has impressed 49ers coaches with his play as
much as anything.
“I think it’s (playing under Martz before) helped him considerably because of his familiarity with the language and all that,” Head Coach Mike
Nolan said. “It gets him in and out of the huddle better. But probably most
important to me is that his performance and play has gotten him in there.”
Although O’Sullivan has played in five NFL contests over five years, he
doesn’t lack game experience. The former sixth-round draft pick spent two
seasons in NFL Europa with the Frankfurt Galaxy (2004, 2007). In his first
stint, he led the Galaxy to the World Bowl, finishing 6-3 as a starter and
ranked second in the league in passer rating (91.9). In 2007, O’Sullivan
earned Co-MVP honors after leading the league with a 103.9 passer rating
(160-of-235 for 1,997 yards, 15 TD, 7 INT).
NEVER TO LATE
Deep into the 2007 season, QB Shaun Hill capitalized on a golden opportunity to showcase his skills in front of a packed crowd at Candlestick
Park. Hill had never attempted a pass in a regular season game when he
took the field in the third quarter against the Vikings (12-9). The sevenyear veteran replaced an injured QB Trent Dilfer and didn’t take much
time to make an impact. He went 6-for-7 on his first offensive drive, which
was capped by a five-yard touchdown pass to WR Arnaz Battle, and finished the game completing 22-of-27 passes for a passer rating of 106.9.
It marked the highest completion percentage (.815) in NFL history for a
player making his first pass attempt. Sam Wyche had the previous record,
connecting on 20 of 25 passes (.800) in 1968 while with Cincinnati.
Hill followed up his impressive performance with a victory vs. Cincinnati (12-15) in his first career start. He finished the game completing 21-of28 for 197 yards with one touchdown pass and a three-yard touchdown run.
Hill went on to make one more start, leading the team to a 21-19 victory
with a three-touchdown effort on 11-of-24 passing vs. Tampa Bay (12-23).
He was inactive for the season finale at Cleveland (12-30) due to a back
injury suffered against the Bucs.
BRUCE VS. THE HALL OF FAME
WR Isaac Bruce was drafted in the second round of the 1994 NFL
Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, and in 14 NFL seasons, has amassed impressive numbers. Bruce, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, has gone on to
total 14,109 receiving yards on 942 receptions with 84 touchdowns.
•
•
•
Needs 826 receiving yards to surpass Tim Brown (14,934) to move
into second place all-time.
Needs 58 receptions to become the fifth player in NFL history with
1,000 career receptions.
Needs 741 scrimmage yards to become the 14th player in NFL history
with 15,000 scrimmage yards.
Bruce’s 942 receptions are more than any wide receiver currently in
the NFL Hall of Fame. Below is how Bruce compares against some current
Hall of Fame receivers:
BRUCE vs. HALL OF FAME RECEIVERS - RECEPTIONS
PLAYER
INDUCTED
1. Isaac Bruce (1994- )
2. Art Monk (1980-95)
2008
3. Steve Largent (1976-89) 1995
4. James Lofton (1978-93) 2003
5. Charlie Joiner (1969-86) 1996
6. Michael Irvin (1988-1999) 2007
7. Charley Taylor (1964-77) 1984
8. Don Maynard (1958-73) 1987
9. Raymond Berry (1955-67) 1973
10.Fred Biletnikoff (1965-78) 1988
11.Lance Alworth (1962-72) 1978
12.John Stallworth (1974-87) 2002
REC
942
940
819
764
750
750
649
633
631
589
542
537
YDS AVG TD
14,109 15.0 84
12,721 13.5 68
13,089 16.0 100
14,004 18.3 75
12,146 16.2 65
11,904 15.9 65
9,110 14.0 79
11,834 18.7 88
9,274 14.7 68
8,974 15.2 76
10,266 18.9 85
8,723 16.2 633
5
REVAMPED RECEIVER CORPS
MORGAN MAKING MOST OF OPPORTUNTIES
This past offseason, the 49ers made a concentrated effort to bolster
their wide receiving corps by adding two proven veterans to an already
talented group. San Francisco not only added two playmakers to the team,
but it also took away two talented receivers in WR Isaac Bruce (St. Louis)
and WR Bryant Johnson (Arizona) from opposing NFC West rivals.
“Each year we’ve made an effort to upgrade our wide receiver core,”
commented Nolan. “I’m hopeful that between our top guys and the competition for the backup roles that we have a productive set of receivers.”
Considered one of the best receivers in NFL history, Bruce joins San
Francisco after spending his first 14 seasons as a member of the Rams’
organization. During his time with the Rams, Bruce accumulated 40, 100yard receiving games and three, 200-yard receiving contests. He has posted
eight seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards and 10 seasons with more
than 800 receiving yards. Bruce has the most receiving yards of any active
NFL receiver with 14,109. He will have an opportunity to build upon his
impressive career totals with the 49ers.
With several 49er wideouts being limited to injury and rest, WR Josh
Morgan is taking advantage of extended playing time with the first-team
offense. As he continues to digest Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz’ complex offensive system and Wide Receivers Coach Jerry Sullivan intricate
daily lessons, Morgan has made the most of each and every opportunity.
When talking about the wideouts being nicked up, Nolan said last week,
“It gives some guys that normally wouldn’t have reps...like Josh Morgan [is]
a great example. If that was a healthy crew, he probably wouldn’t have gotten
as many reps as he’s gotten so far. Because of it, in the short period, he looks
like he’s going to make us a better football team. We would not be sitting here
even discussing that, or me even mentioning it, had he not gotten the reps.
Both Sullivan and Martz have also been pleased with the play of Morgan throughout camp and the first two preseason games.
“He’s got the body, the speed and the ability to be an NFL receiver,”
Sullivan told the San Francisco Chronicle. “He’s got to learn the offense
and all the little intricacies that go with it.”
“He’s been outstanding,” Martz said. “We’re really pleased with him.
We grind him pretty good. I don’t think he thinks he’s doing that good, but
he’s done a remarkable job.”
A 2008 sixth-round pick out of Virginia Tech, where he ranks second in
school history with 122 receptions, Morgan watched as 23 wide receivers
were selected before his name was called as the 174th overall pick. After
two preseason games, Morgan sits atop that list of rookie wide receivers
with 182 receiving yards. He recorded four catches for 68 yards at Oakland
before posting five catches for 114 yards and a touchdown vs. Green Bay.
RECEIVING YARDS - NFL HISTORY
PLAYER
1. Jerry Rice (1985-2004)
2. Tim Brown (1988-2004)
3. Isaac Bruce (1994-Present)
4. James Lofton (1978-1993)
5. Marvin Harrison (1996-Present)
REC
1,549
1,094
942
764
1,042
YARDS
22,895
14,934
14,109
14,004
13,944
Johnson joins the 49ers after spending his first five years with the Arizona Cardinals, where he consistently caught 40+ passes a season as the
team’s third wideout. A former first-rounder (17th overall pick in 2003),
Johnson has caught 210 passes for 2,675 yards and nine touchdowns in 77
career games with 39 starts.
Bruce and Johnson join an already talented group of receivers, which
includes six-year veteran WR Arnaz Battle and seven-year veteran WR
Ashley Lelie. Battle, who is known for his dependability and down-field
blocking, has started 30 games for San Francisco over the past two seasons
and has been a reliable target to move the chains on third down.
THIRD DOWN RECEPTIONS - NFC
PLAYER
1. Reggie Bush, NO
2. Terrell Owens, DAL
3. Marques Colston, NO
4. Donald Driver, GB
5. Roddy White, ATL
6. Arnaz Battle, SF
7. Torry Holt, STL
8. Isaac Bruce, SF
REC
53
50
49
45
44
41
41
39
YDS
418
765
724
763
663
495
469
488
TD
2
6
6
3
2
6
3
3
Lelie, who has a knack for stretching the field, enters the 2008 season
leading the NFL in career yards-per-reception (17.2 avg.) since joining the
league as the 19th overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. In 94 career games
with 54 starts, he has totaled 206 receptions for 3,552 yards and 13 touchdowns.
AVERAGE YARDS PER CATCH - 2002-2007
PLAYER
1. Ashley Lelie, SF
2. Joey Galloway, TB
3. Eddie Kennison
4. Andre Davis, HOU
REC
206
330
305
137
YARDS
3,552
5,354
4,908
2,198
AVG
17.2
16.2
16.1
16.0
The 49ers have also invested in younger talent at the wide receiver position by selecting WR Jason Hill in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft
and WR Josh Morgan in the sixth round of this year’s draft. Both players,
along with a handful of other young wideouts, will look to showcase their
skills during training camp and the preseason.
NFL ROOKIE WIDE RECEIVERS - 2008 PRESEASON
(receiving yards)
PLAYER
RD/PK
1. Josh Morgan, SF
6/174
2. DeSean Jackson, PHI
2/49
3t. Michael Bumpus, SEA
RFA
Eddie Royal, DEN
2/42
5. Pieree Garcon, IND
6/205
6. Lavelle Hawkins, TEN
4/126
7. Paul Hubbard, CLE
6/191
8. Adrian Arrington, NO
7/237
9. Jordy Nelson, GB
2/36
10.Chaz Schilens, OAK
7/226
REC
9
12
5
4
7
2
2
2
4
3
YDS
182
122
80
80
74
70
49
46
45
45
AVG
20.2
10.2
16.0
20.0
10.6
35.0
24.5
23.0
11.3
15.0
TD
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
Morgan’s 182 receiving yards ranks second overall among all NFL
receivers this preseason, while his five catches of 20+ yards rank first.
NFL WIDE RECEIVERS - 2008 PRESEASON
(receiving yards)
PLAYER
1. David Clowney, NYJ
2. Josh Morgan, SF
3. Calvin Johnson, DET
4. Billy McMullen, WAS
5. Robert Meachem, NO
REC
8
9
7
10
5
YDS
222
182
154
142
140
AVG
27.8
20.2
22.0
14.2
28.0
LG
71t
59t
40
37
60t
20+ - YARD CATCHES - 2008 PRESEASON
PLAYER
1. Josh Morgan, SF
2. Calvin Johnson, DET
3t. David Clowney, NYJ
Kevin Walter, HOU
5t. 19 Players
20+ CATCHES
5
4
3
3
2
TD 2
1
1
0
1
Below is a breakdown of the 49ers reception leaders during preseason
action over the past decade.
49ERS RECEIVING LEADERS - PRESEASON
(1998-Present)
PLAYER
1. Terrell Owens
2. Terrell Owens
3. Arnaz Battle
4. Josh Morgan, SF
5. Jerry Rice
YEAR
2002
1998
2005
2008
2000
GP
5
5
4
2
5
REC
11
13
10
9
9
YDS
238
203
188
182
166
TD 1
4
2
1
3
6
STURDY STALEY
DURABLE DEFENDERS
T Joe Staley made an immediate impact on the 49ers offensive line as
a rookie in 2007, starting every game at right tackle and becoming the first
rookie offensive lineman in team history to start 16 games in a season. In
fact, Staley was one of three NFL rookies (49ers LB Patrick Willis and
Browns LT Joe Thomas) to line up for every single snap in 2008, and was
one of 35 NFL players to accomplish the feat out of 1,898 total players.
The 49ers have been pleased with Staley’s play and leadership, and
are having him line up at the left tackle position for the upcoming season. A 28th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, Staley arrived at Central
Michigan as a 225-pound tight end, but soon developed into one of the elite
tackles in the collegiate game. He went on to post the fastest time (4.7) of
any offensive lineman in the 2007 NFL Draft.
DE Justin Smith, CB Nate Clements and S Mark Roman rank among
the top playerrs at their position for consecutive games played and started.
CONSECUTIVE GAMES - DEFENSIVE ENDS
(active players)
CONSECUTIVE STARTS
PLAYER
GS
1. Jason Taylor, WAS
130
2t.Justin Smith
107
Aaron Schobel, BUF
107
4. Kyle Vanden Bosch, TEN 48
5. Andre Carter, WAS
46
CALL OF DUTY
Offensive linemen David Baas and Adam Snyder have never entered an
NFL season as named starters, but that doesn’t mean they lack experience.
The duo has been active along the line since their rookie seasons after being chosen on the first day of the 2005 NFL Draft by the 49ers.
Baas, a second-round selection, started the final eight contests at right
guard in 2007 after filling in for an injured G Justin Smiley. He went on
to help RB Frank Gore eclipse 1,100 rushing yards on the season. The
scenario was familiar to Baas, who started the final five games of the 2005
season at right guard after an injury to C Jeremy Newberry shuffled the
line, moving Eric Heitmann from guard to center. In his career, Baas has
seen action in 44 games with 13 starts. He suffered a torn pectoral muscle
during the 2008 offseason, but is slated to compete for a starting role at
right guard this season.
Snyder, a third-round pick, has shown versatility during his first three
seasons, having lined up at both tackle and guard positions in 46 career
games with 25 starts. He started the final 10 games (11 starts total) of the
2007 season in place of an injured LT Jonas Jennings after starting a total
of six games (three at left tackle and three at right guard) a year prior. During Snyder’s rookie season, injuries to the offensive line pushed him into
the lineup early on as the University of Oregon product went on to start a
total of eight contests (seven at left tackle and one at right guard). Snyder
is slated to compete for a starting role at right guard this season.
With experience on their side, the two linemen will compete with their
fellow teammates during training camp in hopes of entering the 2008 regular season as full-fledged starters.
DEFENSIVE
NOTES
49ERS DEFENSE CONTINUES TO DOMINATE
Two games into the preseason, the 49ers defense has been stingy when
it comes to yards and points allowed. The unit ranks first in the NFL in pass
defense (89.5 ypg) and tied for first with eight sacks, while also ranking
fifth in total defense (264.0 ypg).
The 49ers feel hopeful that the additions of DE Justin Smith and LB
Takeo Spikes, along with the return of LB Manny Lawson from a seasonending knee injury suffered prior to Week 3 last season, will make the unit
stronger moving forward.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
4.
3.
5.
DEFENSE - 2008 PRESEASON
TEAM
Tampa Bay
Philadelphia
New England
Seattle
San Francisco
YDS/GM
186.0
200.5
249.5
251.5
264.0
PASS DEFENSE - 2008 PRESEASON
TEAM
San Francisco
Philadelphia
Tampa Bay St. Louis
New England
YDS/GM
89.5
102.5
126.0
127.0
147.0
CONSECUTIVE PLAYED
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
PLAYER
Kevin Carter, TB
Jason Taylor, WAS
Aaron Schobel, BUF
GS
208
130
112
Justin Smith, SF
111
Brad St. Louis, CIN
96
CONSECUTIVE GAMES - CORNERBACKS
(active players)
CONSECUTIVE STARTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
PLAYER
Ronde Barber, TB
Nate Clements, SF
Al Harris, GB
Sheldon Brown, PHI
Ty Law
GS
135
104
80
65
48
CONSECUTIVE PLAYED
PLAYER
GS
1t. Al Harris, GB
160
Ronde Barber, TB
160
3. Nate Clements, SF
112
4. Sheldon Brown, PHI
96
5. R.W. McQuarters, NYG 81
CONSECUTIVE GAMES - SAFETIES
(active players)
CONSECUTIVE PLAYED
PLAYER
1. Sammy Knight, NYG
2. Deon Grant, SEA
3. Mark Roman, SF
4. Michael Boulware, MIN
5t. Marquand Manuel, DEN
Donnie Nickey, TEN
GS
156
112
80
64
63
63
KNOCK IT OUT
San Francisco 49ers cornerbacks Nate Clements and Walt Harris have
a knack for knocking the ball out of opponent’s hands throughout their
careers. Clements led the 49ers in forced fumbles in 2007 with three, while
Harris posted one. Since 1988, Clements and Harris rank among the top
NFL cornerbacks for career forced fumbles.
FORCED FUMBLES, CORNERBACKS - 1988-Present
1t.
4.
5.
PLAYERS
Walt Harris, SF
Dre Bly, DEN
Charles Woodson, GB
Nate Clements, SF
Cris Dishman
YEARS
1996-2007
1999-2007
1998-2007
2001-2007
1988-2000
FF
17
17
17
16
15
Even more impressive is the 13 forced fumbles by Clements since
2004, which leads all cornerbacks and ranks tied for sixth overall in the
NFL during that time span.
FORCED FUMBLES, CORNERBACKS - 2004-Present
PLAYERS
1. Nate Clements, SF
2. Charles Tillman, CHI
3. Dre Bly, DEN
4t. Walt Harris, SF
Three Other Players
FF
13
10
7
6
6
7
THE WILLIS FACTOR
49ERS SNAG SPIKES
As the 11th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, LB Patrick Willis didn’t
take long to make an impact in the league. The former Ole Miss standout
set a team record with 226 total tackles as he led the NFL in stops on his
way to earning AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, Pro Bowl and All-Pro
honors. Willis also garnered Defensive Rookie of the Month honors on two
occasions (October and December).
Willis has already gathered a strong following of supporters after just
one year in the NFL. According to the NFLshop.com, his jersey sales
ranked 22nd among all NFL players from April 1 - June 30 of 2008. Among
linebackers, he ranked third behind Bears Brian Urlacher and Cowboys
DeMarcus Ware.
Willis was one of three NFL rookies (49ers T Joe Staley and Browns T
Joe Thomas) to line up for every snap in 2007.
The 49ers recently acquired one of the NFL’s top playmaking linebackers in 11-year veteran LB Takeo Spikes. Spikes, who is a former first round
selection (13th overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals, has posted at least 100
tackles in eight seasons.
“I think his resume speaks for itself,” DE Justin Smith told a group of
local reporters when talking about his former teammate in Cincinnati. “As
far as football goes, (Spikes) is just a leader. He has that quality about him.
He knows his stuff. He pays attention in film study. He’s prepared. He’s the
type of guy you need on a defense. He’s everything you want in a football
player: He’s smart, gifted, talented, sure tackler, all those things.”
A two-time Pro Bowler (2003-04), Spikes also brings character and
leadership to San Francisco. In 2007, he was appointed as one of six players by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, in conjunction with the NFLPA,
to the first ever NFL Player Advisory Council.
Spikes has proven to be an all around player during his first 10 years in
the NFL. In his career, he has posted 1,177 tackles, 22.5 sacks, 14 forced
fumbles, 14 fumble recoveries and 12 interceptions in 140 career games
with 139 starts. In 2004, he earned All-Pro first-team honors after totaling
111 tackles, five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), four forced
fumbles, three sacks, one fumble recovery and a career-high 14 passes defensed.
Upon entering the 49ers locker room, Spikes will recognize several
familiar faces. He played with S Mark Roman and DE Justin Smith in
Cincinnati, and CB Nate Clements and T Jonas Jennings in Buffalo.
MOST TACKLES IN A GAME, 49ERS
(statistics taken from gamebook)
PLAYER
1. Patrick Willis
2t.Patrick Willis
Patrick Willis
4. Jamie Winborn
5. Ken Norton
DATE
12-23-07
11-25-07
12-2-07
9-5-02
12-20-98
OPP
TB
at ARI
at CAR
NYG
at NE
TKLS
20
18
18
16
15
Towards the conclusion of the 2007 season, 49ers beat reporters spoke
with Bengals WR Chad Johnson on a conference call (12-12-07) about his
impressions of Willis prior to a Saturday night match up between the two
teams.
Q: What have you seen from the 49ers on defense?
“I’ve seen a lot of linebackers in my seven years, and that guy (Willis) is
good. He is the real deal. And you know he’s playing with a cast on his
hand, right? All during film, I’m calling him Bam-Bam, like from the Flintstones, because he hits everything. He is the truth. All I know is his last
name is Willis. You tell him, ‘85 said you’re the truth.’ I stopped watching
the defensive backs to watch him.”
Q: What stood out to you about Willis:
“Everything. Everything. I don’t know anything about really playing the
position of linebacker, but I know when somebody is doing something right,
because he is making every damn play. We were watching on film when he
was running down the guy from Arizona from behind. That’s unheard of.
But other than the defense, for number 52, I don’t need to say anything else.
His play speaks for itself.”
SAVVY SECONDARY
Over the past two seasons, the 49ers have assembled one of the most
experienced secondaries in the NFL. With CB Walt Harris and S Mark Roman joining the team in 2006, followed by S Michael Lewis and CB Nate
Clements in 2007, San Francisco now has a total of three players with Pro
Bowl experience in the starting secondary (W. Harris, N. Clements and M.
Lewis).
More importantly, the four projected starters have an abundance of playing experience, boasting a total of 495 career games with 423 career starts.
EXPERIENCED SECONDARY
PLAYER
CB Walt Harris
CB Nate Clements
S Michael Lewis
S Mark Roman
Totals
GP
177
112
92
114
495
GS
157
107
74
85
423
TKL
838
633
670
503
2,644
INT
32
27
11
5
75
FF
20
16
11
4
51
LB Takeo Spikes on joining the 49ers:
“The first time I came out here to San Francisco, I was impressed. I was
impressed with the coaching staff. It reminds me of the coaching staff that I
had when I first got to Buffalo out of free agency out of Cincinnati, and that
really turned me on, and then having the chance to talk to the guys. Mark
Roman, Nate Clements, Jonas [Jennings]. Those guys kind of stayed in my
ear throughout time, all over the summer time. I still didn’t know, so I was
just waiting and seeing what the best opportunity was and the big thing,
it really wasn’t about money for me. I wanted to come somewhere where I
thought I would have the best opportunity to win because I’ve been playing
for eleven years now, so I’m trying to at least, at the minimum, get to the
playoffs and then we are going to win it all in the Super Bowl. So, I felt like
San Francisco was the best place for me.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
NOTES
SIGNIFICANT RETURNS
The 49ers signed one of the most dangerous and experienced returners
in NFL history in Allen Rossum. Last week against the Packers, San Francisco got a taste of what the veteran adds to the team as Rossum returned a
67-yard punt for a touchdown. The 11-year veteran and former Pro Bowler
enters the 2008 season ranked second in NFL record books for total career
return yards (13,269) and kickoff return yards (10,520), while also ranking
first among active players with 2,749 career punt return yards.
Rossum will look to add to his career return totals as a member of the
49ers in 2008.
TOTAL CAREER RETURN YARDS - NFL
PLAYER
1. Brian Mitchell
2. Allen Rossum
3. Mel Gray
4. Glyn Milburn
YEAR
1990-2003
1998-Present
1986-1997
1993-2001
IN-20
19,013
13,269
13,003
12,772
TOTAL CAREER KICKOFF RETURN YARDS - NFL
PLAYER
1. Brian Mitchell
2. Allen Rossum
3. Mel Gray
YEAR
1990-2003
1998-Present
1986-1997
IN-20
14,014
10,520
10,250
8
PRO BOWL PUNTER
SPECIAL SNAPPER
San Francisco 49ers punter Andy Lee had a historic 2007 season, breaking numerous records on his way to being named to the Pro Bowl.
Time and time again, Lee would use his powerful leg to pin opponents
deep in their own territory. He finished the season with an NFL record of
42 punts downed inside opponents’ 20-yard line.
49ers TE/LS Brian Jennings is considered one of the best long snappers
in the NFL. The nine-year veteran has played in 128 consecutive games
since being drafted in the seventh round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the
49ers. He is one of two (LB Jeff Ulbrich) players to have remained with
the 49ers since 2000.
A walk-on at Arizona State, Jennings has mastered his craft and has
the ability to fire a snap back to P Andy Lee in seven-tenths of a second. In
2004, he earned Pro Bowl honors as a ‘need player,’ and has since ranked
among the team’s leading tacklers on the special teams.
Jennings, who incorporates yoga into his workouts, earned his certification as a yoga instructor this past offseason after taking part in a 200-hour
program that lasted five months. He went on to teach classes in Scottsdale,
AZ, and will be looking to teach more classes in the near future. Eventually, Jennings would like to own his own yoga studio.
PUNTS DOWNED INSIDE 20-YARD LINE IN SINGLE-SEASON
(NFL HISTORY)
PLAYER
YEAR
IN-20
1. Andy Lee, SF
2007
42
2. Kyle Richardson, BAL
1999
39
3t.Mike Scifres, SD
2007
36
Chad Stanley
2003
36
Chad Stanley, HOU
2002
36
Brad Maynard, CHI
2001
36
Lee also showcased his leg strength throughout the entire season,
booming 49 punts over 50+ yards.
50+ PUNTS - NFL - 2007
PLAYER
1. Andy Lee, SF
2. Donnie Jones, STL
3t.Shane Lechler, OAK
Mike Scifres, SD
5. Chris Kluwe, MIN
50+ PUNTS
49
33
32
32
29
Not only did Lee personally excel on special teams, but the 49ers coverage unit performed at a high level throughout the year as well. Lee finished
the 2007 season ranked second in the NFL with a gross average of 47.3,
but his net average of 41.0 was among the highest in NFL history. Entering
the season finale in Cleveland with a net average of 42.6, Lee’s average
dropped significantly with a couple of long returns by PR Joshua Cribbs.
However, his season-ending net average of 41.0 was still noteworthy as it
currently ranks second in NFL history for a single-season. Before 2007, no
punter had ever netted a higher average than 41.0.
HIGHEST NET AVERAGE IN SINGLE-SEASON - NFL
PLAYER
1. Shane Lechler, OAK
2. Andy Lee, SF
3. Mike Horan, NYG
YEAR
2007
2007
1993
AVG
41.1
41.0
39.9
NEDNEY ON POINT
As one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL, 13-year veteran Joe
Nedney has provided the 49ers with a reliable weapon on special teams.
Nedney has connected on 72-of-82 field goal attempts since joining the
49ers, placing his 87.8 field goal percentage with the team in second place
behind Jeff Wilkins’ 89.4 in 49ers history.
In his career, Nedney has kicked 17 career game-winning field goals
- San Francisco (5), Tennessee (5), Arizona (4), Carolina (1), Miami (1)
and Oakland (1). He has earned Special Teams Player of the Week honors
on seven occasions, and is the only NFL player to win the honor with five
different teams (Miami, Arizona, Carolina, Tennessee and San Francisco).
The San Jose native has also proven effective on kickoffs, successfully
converting 10 onside kicks during his career to rank first among active
kickers.
CAREER ONSIDE KICKOFF CONVERSIONS
(current kickers)
PLAYER
1. Joe Nedney, SF
2. Olindo Mare, SEA
3. Ryan Longwell, MIN
4t. David Akers, PHI
Neil Rackers, ARI
6. Matt Stover, BAL
ATT
23
27
24
15
15
18
CONV
10
9
8
7
7
6
KEY 2008 ACQUISITIONS
For the second consecutive year, the 49ers were able to seek and acquire a handful of proven veterans in the free agent market. During the
2007 offseason, San Francisco acquired LB Tully Banta-Cain (10 starts),
CB Nate Clements (16), DT Aubrayo Franklin (13), WR Ashley Lelie (3)
and S Michael Lewis (16) in free agency.
Over the last several months, 49ers management identified some of the
top talent on the free agent market, eventually signing several players who
they believe will help build the team’s roster.
WR ISAAC BRUCE - (6-0, 188) - 15th Year - GP/GS: 197/179
Bruce is one of the best receivers to ever play in the NFL as he enters the
2008 season ranked third all-time with 14,109 receiving yards and sixth
all-time with 942 receptions. He spent his first 14 seasons with the Rams.
RB DeSHAUN FOSTER - (6-0, 222) - 7th Year - GP/GS: 63/40
Foster is an experienced running back who has totaled over 875 rushing
yards in three separate seasons. He played his first six seasons with the
Panthers and ranks first in team history with 3,336 career rushing yards.
WR BRYANT JOHNSON - (6-3, 211) - 6th Year - GP/GS: 77/39
Johnson spent his first five seasons with the Cardinals, primarily serving as
the third wideout behind Pro Bowlers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald.
He still proved productive as he caught at least 35 passes in each season.
QB J.T. O’SULLIVAN - (6-2, 227) - 6th Year - GP/GS: 5/0
O’Sullivan reunites with his former offensive coordinator from Detroit,
Mike Martz, and will look to compete at the quarterback position.
CB ALLEN ROSSUM - (5-8, 178) - 11th Year - GP/GS: 140/9
Rossum is one of the best returners in NFL history, entering 2008 ranked
second in total return yards (13,269) and kickoff return yards (10,520). He
spent 2007 with the Steelers after playing five years for the Falcons.
T BARRY SIMS - (6-5, 300) - 10th Year - GP/GS: 136/119
Sims, a proven and versatile offensive linemen, spent his first nine seasons
as a member of the Raiders. He played both guard and tackle positions.
DE JUSTIN SMITH - (6-4, 285) - 8th Year - GP/GS: 111/107
Smith is a durable defensive lineman who consistently led the Bengals in
defensive snaps during his seven years with the team. In 2007, he lined up
for 97.9 percent of plays to lead the NFL at his position. Smith posted at
least five sacks in six of the seven seasons he played in Cincinnati.
LB TAKEO SPIKES- (6-2, 242) - 11th Year - GP/GS: 140/139
Spikes, a two-time Pro Bowler, enters his 11th season after spending 2007
with the Eagles. The former first-round pick has totaled eight, 100-plus
tackle seasons and is one of the top playmaking linebackers in the NFL.
LB DONTARRIOUS THOMAS - (6-2, 240) - 5th Year - GP/GS: 59/10
Thomas started 10 games at linebacker and excelled on special teams during his first four seasons with the Vikings after being selected in the second
round of the 2004 NFL Draft.
2008 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS PREVIEW
Although San Francisco did not achieve all the goals that were set in
2007, the club is excited for the 2008 season. With an established defense
and solid special teams, buoyed by a revamped offense, the 49ers look to
progress in 2008 one step at a time.
“Our approach this year is to not get ahead of ourselves and take everything one at a time – one meeting, one practice, one game,” said Head
Coach Mike Nolan. “That’s how we’re approaching it. Our goals remain
the same but our motto is ‘one at a time.’”
The 49ers started the 2007 campaign with high expectations. Beneath
the disappointing 5-11 record, there are signs that those expectations were
realistic.
San Francisco’s special teams and defense showed signs that several
pieces of the puzzle are already in place. The special teams performed at a
high level in 2007, ranking in the Top 5 in every major category and as high
as No. 2 in both gross and net punting average. The 49ers defense ranked
25th last season in total defense, which is a bit misleading. When broken
down into yards allowed per play, the 49ers were in the middle of the pack
at No. 16. The run defense was extremely impressive, ranking fifth in yards
per play. The Vikings’ Adrian Peterson, the AP Rookie of the Year, gained
1,341 yards and averaged 5.6 yards per carry. Against the 49ers, Peterson
managed just three yards on 14 rushing attempts.
While the offense struggled in 2008, the club believes it clearly identified the problems and addressed the situations to help improve the offense.
The club hired Mike Martz as the new offensive coordinator, and he
believes that some key elements to a successful offense are already in place
in San Francisco. Martz has returning talents such as Frank Gore, Vernon
Davis and Arnaz Battle to work with as well as an improving offensive
line. Newcomers that are expected to make an impact this season are wide
receivers Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson, and running back DeShaun Foster. The exciting combination of returnees and new talent working under
Martz’ direction should make for a productive unit in 2008.
“We do have some weapons,” said an enthusiastic Nolan. “We have
some people that will battle, and we have some people that can make
plays.”
“I’m excited about the players we signed in free agency,” Nolan continued. “But, Mike Martz is probably the best free agent acquisition we had
in the off-season. Everyone knows that Mike has great expertise, but he’s
also shown he has command of everything from practices to meetings. He
makes sure that players are held accountable, and that’s what impresses me
the most.”
“I’m excited about coming to the 49ers for a lot of reasons but primarily
because of my relationship with Mike Nolan,” added Martz. “I believe in
his leadership and what he’s about as a head coach. I’m looking forward to
working for him and within an organization that has a reputation for being
one of the classiest in the NFL.”
OFFENSE
San Francisco will look upon the mixture of newcomers brought in
such as Martz, Bruce, Johnson and Foster to join a 49ers’ offensive unit
that has shown it can be successful when healthy. The team made strides
offensively at the end of 2005 and during the 2006 season before injuries
to quarterback Alex Smith and Gore helped derail the club’s 2007 attack. In
fact, the 2006 team ranked third in the NFC and sixth in the NFL in rushing
yards as the 49ers began to develop an identity as a group capable of running successfully on opponents.
Many key players have already had significant individual success in
San Francisco. Gore has recorded back-to-back 1,000-plus yard seasons in
the last two campaigns. Davis improved significantly in 2007 and gives the
49ers a talented player at that position, while Battle has led all of the team’s
wide receivers in catches each of the past two years.
“With the offensive system we run, we adapt to the talent that we have,
and I think we have some talented guys,” said Martz. “This system gives
you enough flexibility that you can move in the direction the players take
you. We’ll emphasize certain guys and play on their strengths.”
Martz’s offenses have been well-publicized for their passing exploits,
most recently with the back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons compiled by De-
9
troit quarterback John Kitna. But when Martz has an elite running back in
the fold as he does now with Gore, he has also coordinated strong running
attacks. Two of his first three offenses in St. Louis ranked fifth in the NFL in
rushing and were led by Marshall Faulk, who posted an MVP campaign and
three consecutive seasons with more than 1,300 yards on the ground.
Bruce and Johnson will join Battle as primary targets in the club’s passing attack; while Foster is expected to form a formidable 1-2 punch with
Gore at running back. Nolan and General Manager Scot McCloughan have
also emphasized the importance of building the offense through the line
since they arrived in San Francisco.
“The offensive line is the foundation of our offense,” commented Nolan.
“I would like to think that this is the strongest that we’ve been, but the season will dictate whether we are or not.”
QUARTERBACKS
#
3
11
13
14
PLAYER
Kyle Wright
Alex Smith
Shaun Hill
J.T. O’Sullivan
HT
6-3
6-4
6-3
6-2
WT
220
217
220
227
YR
R
4
7
6
COLLEGE
Miami
Utah
Maryland
UC Davis
ACQ
W in ‘08
D-1 in ‘05
UFA in ‘06
UFA in ‘08
San Francisco believes that each of its top three quarterbacks is capable
of taking on the role of the club’s starter with Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and
J.T. O’Sullivan all competing for the job in training camp. Smith and Hill
took most of the snaps during mini-camp and organized team activities to
learn the new offense being installed by Martz, while Sullivan had already
learned the offense while with Martz in Detroit last season.
“The quarterbacks are responding well to the competition,” said Nolan.
“All of them are competing well, and I think that’s going to make us a better football team. The competition should help give us the best quarterback
we can possibly have, but all three need to be ready because it’s hard to go
through an NFL season with just one quarterback.”
“All three are competent and capable of being starters in this league,”
added Martz. “They all have their strengths but the common denominator
is that they’re all intelligent guys, all tough guys and all very accurate.
Those are the qualities that we’re looking for in a quarterback.”
Smith has been in the role for much of his first three seasons with the
team (2005-07). He had his best campaign in 2006 when he established
career-highs in every category by completing 257-of-442 passes for 2,890
yards and 16 touchdowns. He showed his durability that same season when
he became the first player in team history to take every snap from scrimmage. Smith is 7-5 in his last 12 starts when healthy and had the 49ers off
to a 2-1 mark in 2007 before injuring his shoulder against Seattle in the
fourth game of the campaign. Smith would not return to full health during
the remainder of the season before sitting out the final six games due to the
injury, but has returned to full action this past off-season.
“Alex is physically very tough, which was evident during that 2006
season when he took all of the snaps,” offered Nolan. “It was unfortunate
last year that he was hurt because as a healthy quarterback he has done a
good job for us.”
Hill took advantage of a golden opportunity during a three-game stretch
late in 2007 after Smith and backup Trent Dilfer had suffered season-ending injuries. Hill completed 54-of-79 passes for 501 yards and five touchdowns, and made the first two starts of his career before his season was
cut short a week early when he suffered injuries in a Week l6 game versus
Tampa Bay.
O’Sullivan is the new addition to the mix after being picked up as a free
agent from Detroit, where he spent the 2007 campaign playing in Martz’s
system. Although he’s played in five games in five seasons, O’Sullivan
does not lack game experience. The former sixth-round draft pick spent
two seasons in NFL Europa with the Frankfurt Galaxy (2004, 2007). In his
first stint, he led the Galaxy to the World Bowl, finishing 6-3 as a starter
and ranked second in the league in passer rating (91.9). In 2007, O’Sullivan
earned Co-MVP honors after leading the league with a 103.9 passer rating
(160-of-235 for 1,997 yards, 15 TD, 7 INT).
Kyle Wright is competing for a roster spot after being signed just prior
to training camp.
10
RUNNING BACKS
#
21
24
29
33
44
45
PLAYER
Frank Gore
HT
5-9
Michael Robinson 6-1
DeShaun Foster 6-0
Thomas Clayton 5-11
Moran Norris
6-1
Zak Keasey
6-0
WT
217
223
222
222
250
235
YR
4
3
7
1
8
2
COLLEGE
ACQ
Miami
D-3A in ‘05
Penn State
D-4 in ‘06
UCLA
FA in ‘08
Kansas State D-6 in ‘07
Kansas
FA in ‘06
Princeton
FA in ‘07
San Francisco’s running game starts with Frank Gore, who has established himself as one of the top running backs in the NFL over the last two
seasons after back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns. He set franchise records
with an NFC-leading 1,695 rushing yards and 312 carries in 2006 to earn a
spot as the NFC starter in the Pro Bowl. Last year, he backed that up with
1,102 yards despite battling an ankle injury that plagued him most of the
campaign, suffering a broken hand in training camp and facing the death of
his mother early in the season. Gore was able to overcome all of this adversity to rank fourth in the NFC with 1,538 total yards from scrimmage.
Martz is also excited about the possibility of utilizing Gore as a receiver
out of the backfield. Gore has led the team in receptions the last two years,
averaging 57 catches per season.
“Frank Gore is an elite player and one of the very best in the league,”
offered Martz, who has compared him to a former player he coached in
Marshall Faulk. “Anytime you can take somebody like Frank and put him
out on the perimeter, or get him one-on-one with someone that is what you
want. You want to put Frank in an environment where he can get the ball
away from the pack because his open field running is pretty special.”
Veteran DeShaun Foster has been brought in to spell Gore at the running back position. Foster joins the club after six previous seasons in Carolina, where he became the Panthers’ all-time rushing leader.
San Francisco also has emerging talent Michael Robinson, who made
the switch to the position after playing quarterback in college at Penn State.
Robinson was the club’s second-leading rusher in 2007 and is also a core
special teams player.
Thomas Clayton, a seventh-round draft pick in 2007, will be competing for a roster spot after spending all of last season on the 49ers’ practice
squad. He was the NFL’s leading rusher for the 2007 preseason.
“I think it’s going to be a very strong position,” summarized Martz.
“Any time you can have two accomplished running backs like Frank Gore
and DeShaun Foster, you’ve got something pretty good to work with.”
The team also returns its top two fullbacks from 2007 in Moran Norris
and Zak Keasey, but that position may have a different look in Martz’ 2008
offense.
“Our fullback position can come in the form of a true fullback like Moran or Zak, but you have to wear a lot of hats in our system at that spot,”
explained Martz. “You must be a dynamic blocker and have the ability to
catch the ball, as well as be good in space.”
WIDE RECEIVERS
#
15
17
18
19
81
82
83
84
88
89
PLAYER
Robert Ortiz
Dominque Zeigler
Ashley Lelie
Jerard Rabb
Cam Colvin
Bryant Johnson
Arnaz Battle
Josh Morgan
Isaac Bruce
Jason Hill
HT
6-1
6-3
6-3
6-2
6-2
6-3
6-1
6-0
6-0
6-0
WT
188
185
193
198
205
211
208
219
188
202
YR
1
1
7
1
R
6
6
R
15
2
COLLEGE
ACQ
San Diego St.
FA in ‘08
Baylor
R-FA in ‘07
Hawaii
UFA in ‘07
Boise State
FA in ‘07
Oregon
R-FA in ‘08
Penn State
UFA in ‘08
Notre Dame
D-6 in ‘03
Virginia Tech
D-6 in ‘08
Memphis
FA in ‘08
Washington St. D-3A in ‘07
The 49ers have upgraded at the wide receiver position with newcomers
Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson joining returnees Arnaz Battle, Ashley
Lelie and Jason Hill at the top of the group.
“Each year we’ve made an effort to upgrade our wide receiver core,”
commented Nolan. “I’m hopeful that between our top guys and the compe-
tition for the backup roles that we have a productive set of receivers.”
Bruce has put up some of the best numbers in NFL history during his
first 14 seasons with the Rams. The precise route runner is ranked third
all-time in NFL history with 14,109 receiving yards. He has also played in
a pair of Super Bowls and came away with a win in Super Bowl XXXIV
following the 1999 season.
“I like to point to a guy like Isaac and say to the other receivers, ‘See,
this is what you do’,” said Martz.
“Isaac works out like crazy. He keeps himself in impeccable shape
throughout the year and takes excellent care of himself. He has such a terrific focus and above all a terrific passion for this game. You can’t do what
he’s done and not be extremely passionate about it.”
Bruce isn’t the only NFC West receiver joining the team this season.
Johnson is looking to have a breakout year in 2008 after making at least
40 catches each of the past four seasons despite playing behind Pro Bowl
receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin in Arizona. Johnson proved
he was a big play threat in 2006 when he averaged 18.5 yards per catch.
Bruce and Johnson join Battle, who was San Francisco’s top wide receiver last season for the second straight year when he caught 50 passes
for a team-high 600 yards. A steady player, Battle also led the 2007 team
in touchdown receptions with five and is considered a physical downfield
blocker.
Lelie and Hill are expected to be a bigger part of the equation this season, especially with more opportunities for receivers to get involved in Martz’s offense. Lelie was a first-round draft pick by Denver in 2002 and has a
1,000-yard season to his credit with the Broncos in 2004, while Hill had a
huge college career at Washington State.
The 49ers added another receiver by taking Josh Morgan (Virginia Tech)
in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Morgan checks in at 219 pounds
to rank as the biggest of all San Francisco receivers.
Dominique Zeigler and Jerard Rabb, both practice squad players last
year, will battle for a roster spot along with undrafted rookie free agent Cam
Colvin (Oregon) and first-year receiver Robert Jordan (San Diego State).
“We have a group of experienced players that should serve us well at the
position, as well as some very talented young guys that are moving into that
realm,” said Martz. “I think this position has gone from probably a weak
link on the team to potentially a real strength.”
TIGHT ENDS
#
46
47
48
49
85
PLAYER
Delanie Walker
Billy Bajema
Cooper Wallace
J.J. Finley
Vernon Davis
HT
6-0
6-4
6-3
6-6
6-3
WT
242
256
259
251
250
YR
3
4
1
R
3
COLLEGE
ACQ
Central Missouri D-6A in ‘06
Oklahoma State D-7D in ‘05
Auburn
FA in ‘08
Oklahoma
R-FA in ‘08
Maryland
D-1A in ‘06
The 49ers have one of the most exciting tight ends in the NFL in Vernon
Davis, who had 52 receptions for 509 receiving yards and four touchdowns
last year despite an offense that struggled throughout the year.
Taken in the first round with the sixth overall selection of the 2006 NFL
Draft out of Maryland, Davis is also a strong blocker and oozes with potential as a receiver. His strong work ethic along with the coaching mind of
Martz should expedite his progression.
“Vernon is a very versatile player and such an unusual athlete for that
position,” Martz grinned. “It’s new for me, because I’ve never had anybody
like him. We’re learning and creating different things for him all the time.”
Delanie Walker showed promise in 2007 during his first full season at
the position. Walker converted from college wide receiver but missed nearly
the entire first half of his rookie campaign in 2006 with a shoulder injury.
Billy Bajema returns for his fourth season in San Francisco and has significant experience having played in 45 games with 15 starts. He is used
primarily as a blocker in short yardage situations.
Cooper Wallace, who has spent time with four NFL teams during his first
two years in the league, and undrafted rookie free agent J.J. Finley (Oklahoma), will battle for roster spot.
OFFENSIVE LINE
#
59
60
61
62
64
65
66
67
68
69
74
75
76
77
78
PLAYER
Cody Wallace
Brian de la Puente
Joe Toledo
Chilo Rachal
David Baas
Barry Sims
Eric Heitmann
Alan Reuber
Adam Snyder
Tony Wragge
Joe Staley
Jonas Jennings
Ramiro Pruneda
Chris Patrick
John Booker
HT
6-4
6-3
6-5
6-4
6-4
6-5
6-3
6-6
6-6
6-4
6-5
6-3
6-6
6-4
6-4
WT
300
306
330
315
330
300
312
310
325
310
315
328
317
280
315
YR
R
R
3
R
4
10
7
2
4
4
2
8
1
1
R
COLLEGE
ACQ
Texas A&M
D-4 in ‘08
California
R-FA in ‘08
Washington
FA in ‘08
USC
D-2 in ‘08
Michigan
D-2 in ‘05
Utah
FA in ‘08
Stanford
D-7A in ‘02
Texas A&M
FA in ‘08
Oregon
D-3B in ‘05
New Mexico St. FA in ‘05
Central Mich. D-1B in ‘07
Georgia
UFA in ‘05
Monterrey Tech FA in ‘08
Nebraska
FA in ‘08
San Jose State R-FA in ‘08
The importance of the offensive line has been a focus of Nolan and McCloughan since their arrival in 2005. The 49ers feel they have improved the
offensive line and are excited about the starting group. Center Eric Heitmann will be joined by Adam Snyder at left guard, David Baas at right
guard, Joe Staley at left tackle and Jonas Jennings at right tackle.
Nolan knows the importance of keeping this core group together.
“The continuity from this point forward is instrumental in us being successful on the offensive line,” Nolan commented.
Baas, Heitmann, Jennings and Snyder have all been part of an offensive
line that made excellent progress in 2005 and 2006. Staley joined the group
in 2007 and responded with an outstanding rookie season.
“The offensive line is the heart and soul of any football team,” said Martz. “If you have a really good offensive line it allows you to do what you
want.”
Although San Francisco will have many of the same faces in 2008, several players will shuffle positions around Heitmann at center.
“We’ve done this to get our best five offensive linemen on the field at the
same time,” explained Nolan. “In a perfect world, they all stay put at their
positions, and I would like to think that’s what we have created right now.”
Heitmann, who is in his seventh year out of Stanford, was named by his
fellow players as the Bobb McKittrick Award winner given to the team’s top
offensive lineman each of the past two seasons. He played every snap as the
starting center in 2007 and was also the Ed Block Courage Award recipient
after his courageous return from a broken left leg suffered late 2006 campaign.
Baas started all eight of the club’s contests in the second half of 2007 at
right guard after last year’s starter Justin Smiley went down with a shoulder
injury and will begin the year as the starter at that spot in 2008.
Jennings, Snyder and Staley are all moving positions from last season.
Jennings, who has proven to be an excellent player when healthy, will
move from left tackle to right tackle. He played some right tackle as a rookie
with Buffalo in 2001, but has spent the majority of his career at left tackle.
Snyder is a versatile lineman that has experience at both tackle and guard
during his three seasons with San Francisco. He started 11 games at left
tackle in 2007 after Jennings was placed on injured reserve (ankle).
Staley is slated to move over to the left tackle position after a sensational
campaign a year ago at right tackle when he became the first rookie in club
history to start all 16 games.
“The reason I think Joe will be a good left tackle is his mental toughness,” commented Nolan. “Last year, we traded up to get Joe in the draft,
and it was probably one of the best moves we’ve ever made.”
Tony Wragge is another versatile offensive lineman that can play any position on the line. Wragge saw action in five games as a reserve for the 49ers
last season, while newly signed T Chris Patrick joined the team recently
after Damane Duckett was placed on Injured Reserve.
San Francisco used the draft again in 2008 to add depth by selecting
guard Chilo Rachal (USC) and center Cody Wallace (Texas A&M) in the
second and fourth rounds, respectively. Rachal did not allow a sack in 21
games as a guard at USC.
11
The 49ers also signed 10th-year NFL veteran Barry Sims and two players with NFL experience – Alan Reuber and Joe Toledo – to boost its depth.
Undrafted free agents John Booker (San Jose State) and Brian De La Puente
(California) will battle for roster spots, along with international practice
squad player guard Ramdiro Pruneda.
DEFENSE
San Francisco believes continuity and a couple of additional elements
will help improve a promising defense that showed signs of progress late
in the campaign last year.
AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Patrick Willis and cornerback Nate
Clements are among eight players returning that started at least half of the
club’s 2007 games.
Add to that mix linebacker Manny Lawson, who is back after suffering
a season-ending knee injury two games into last season, and free agent
pickup defensive end Justin Smith, and the 49ers should have a defense to
reckon with.
The entire defensive coaching staff, including second-year coordinator Greg Manusky, is also back and the unit will look to capitalize on that
continuity for a successful 2008 campaign.
Manusky learned a lot from Nolan in his first season as an NFL defensive coordinator and is ready for his second campaign in the role.
“With last year being my first as a defensive coordinator in the NFL,
it helped me out that coach Nolan had been in that position for so many
years,” said Manusky. “It’s good when you have a head coach that can
relate to your ideas.”
Willis is any coach’s dream after adding Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors
to his AP Defensive Rookie of the Year selection last year when he set an
unofficial NFL record for tackles (226) and ranked second on the club in
sacks.
San Francisco also used its first-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft to
select Kentwan Balmer out of North Carolina.
“Overall, we should have a solid defense across the board,” offered
Manusky. “The most important thing is how they play as a group. After a
year of pretty much being together, we should have a solid campaign this
season.”
DEFENSIVE LINE
#
60
61
62
76
78
90
91
92
93
94
96
PLAYER
Walter Curry
LaJuan Ramsey
Louis Holmes
Joe Cohen
Atiyyah Ellison
Isaac Sopoaga
Ray McDonald
Aubrayo Franklin
Ronald Fields
Justin Smith
Kentwan Balmer
HT
6-4
6-3
6-4
6-2
6-3
6-2
6-3
6-1
6-2
6-4
6-5
WT
309
300
275
321
318
330
290
317
315
285
315
YR
1
3
R
2
3
5
2
6
4
8
R
COLLEGE
Albany State
USC
Arizona
Florida
Missouri
Hawaii
Florida
Tennessee
Mississippi St.
Missouri
North Carolina
ACQ
FA in ‘08
W in ‘08
R-FA in ‘08
D-4C in ‘07
FA in ‘07
D-4A in ‘04
D-3B in ‘07
UFA in ‘07
D-5A in ‘05
UFA in ‘08
D-1 in ‘08
San Francisco will look much different on the defensive line in 2008. A
pair of players that should figure prominently in the team’s plans weren’t
on the club a year ago with the addition of Justin Smith through free agency and first-round draft pick Kentwan Balmer out of North Carolina.
Smith and Balmer will be counted on to help compensate for the losses
of the top two tacklers from the defensive line a year ago. Bryant Young
retired after spending all 14 of his NFL seasons in San Francisco, while
Marques Douglas signed as a free agent with Tampa Bay in the off-season.
The durable Smith led Cincinnati’s defensive linemen in tackles during
six of his seven seasons with the Bengals. Smith played more snaps than
any other defensive lineman in the NFL last year by lining up for 97.9
percent of his squad’s defensive plays.
“Justin is a high-motor player and a tough individual,” emphasized Nolan. “He fits into what we’re looking for, and that’s a tough, resilient, higheffort and high-character guy that’s a darn good football player.”
“It was all about coming to a unit that had great players on defense that
would allow me to be the best I could be,” said Smith about his reason for
12
choosing the 49ers during free agency. “That’s why it was pretty easy for me
to pick here.”
Balmer was a second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection last
season and is considered to have a high ceiling of potential after blossoming as a senior in Chapel Hill. Although he is slated to begin the season as
a backup at the left defensive end spot, he is capable of playing tackle as
well.
“With the addition of Justin and Kentwan, I think it’s a stronger unit than
we had last year,” stated Manusky.
Isaac Sopoaga will replace Young as the starter at the left defensive end
position, moving from the nose tackle where he was a key reserve in 2007. A
relentless worker, Sopoaga was in the 49ers weight room from the moment
the 2007 season ended getting ready for his starting opportunity.
“Playing next to Bryant Young was a miracle,” said Sopoaga about his
four years playing next to the 49er legend. “It means a lot (to be stepping
into his position), but first I have to put myself on that level as a leader. I will
try to do my best and take what I learned from B.Y.”
Aubrayo Franklin will return as the team’s nose tackle after starting 13
of 16 games at the position in his first season as a member of the 49ers in
2007 and posting a career-high 61 tackles in the most extensive playing time
of his career.
Others legitimately challenging for prominent roles in the defensive line
rotation include Ronald Fields (defensive tackle) and Ray McDonald (defensive end). Competing for a spot on the roster will be veterans Joe Cohen,
Walter Curry, Atiyyah Ellison and LaJuan Ramsey, along with undrafted
rookie free agent Louis Holmes (Arizona).
“There are guys fighting and battling for starting jobs and roster spots,
and it will be a wait and see in terms of who comes out as a winner,” said
Manusky. “That’s pretty exciting for a coach.”
LINEBACKERS
#
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
95
98
99
PLAYER
Takeo Spikes
Patrick Willis
Jeff Ulbrich
Roderick Green
Dennis Haley
HT
6-2
6-1
6-0
6-2
6-1
Dontarrious Thomas 6-2
Larry Grant
6-1
Jay Moore
6-4
Tully Banta-Cain 6-2
Parys Haralson
6-0
Manny Lawson
6-5
WT
242
240
240
255
248
240
235
256
265
255
240
YR
11
2
9
5
3
5
R
2
6
3
3
COLLEGE
Auburn
Mississippi
Hawaii
Central Missouri
Virginia
Auburn
Ohio State
Nebraska
California
Tennessee
ACQ
FA in ‘08
D-1A in ‘07
D-3B in ‘00
FA in ‘07
FA in ‘08
UFA in ‘08
D-7 in ‘08
D-4A in ‘07
UFA in ‘07
D-5 in ‘06
North Carolina St. D-1B in ‘06
Patrick Willis will look to continue the phenomenal success he enjoyed
as a rookie in 2007. Willis started his professional career by setting an
unofficial NFL single-season record with 226 tackles on his way to a Pro
Bowl selection, a spot on the All-Pro team and AP Defensive Rookie of the
Year honors.
Still, neither he nor Nolan is satisfied with what he accomplished in his
first season in the league.
“We expect him to be one of the top defensive players in the NFL year
in and year out,” stated Nolan. “I thought he was the best defensive player
in the league last year. Had we won some more games, I think there’s no
question that he would have been honored as such.”
“You don’t want to make it to the Pro Bowl one year and then come
back the next and not make it,” added Willis. “But, I don’t really think
about that as much as I think about just doing what I need to do to help this
team win. If it means being selected to the Pro Bowl then that’s good, but I
just want to win.”
The 49ers are also excited about the return of Manny Lawson to line
up at his outside linebacker position. Lawson’s promising 2007 campaign
was cut short by a knee injury suffered during practice prior to the third
game of the year. In two starts, he had contributed 14 tackles to follow up
a rookie campaign in which he totaled 65 stops after being selected as one
of the 49ers’ two first-round selections in the 2007 NFL Draft.
“Manny has all the tools we’re looking for,” commented Manusky
about the college defensive end. “We’re looking forward to having him
back in the fold. He can set the edge in the running game and create some
problems for opponents. He’s a talented football player that should keep
getting better and better.”
Tully Banta-Cain is expected to return to the other starting outside linebacker spot opposite Lawson. A situational player in New England, BantaCain showed signs of being a strong pass rusher after accumulating 5.5
sacks in 2006. He has done extremely well in the off-season program and
seems primed for an even better year in his second season as a full-time
starter in 2008.
“Tully can really shed blockers and get after the quarterback,” emphasized Manusky. “That’s what we need from him this year.”
Jeff Ulbrich is tied for the team’s longest-tenured player and has had his
moments as a full-time starter since his arrival to the club in 2000. The San
Jose native started all but eight 49ers’ games from 2001-04 but has made his
mark primarily in nickel packages and on special teams over the past three
seasons. This year, he is back in the running for a full-time starting job.
“Jeff has played a number of years in this league and his experience will
be big for us,” reasoned Manusky.
Newly signed veteran LB Takeo Spikes will look to make an immediate
impact as he enters his 10th NFL season. The two-time Pro Bowler is considered one of the top playmaking linebackers in the NFL.
Although Willis and Lawson seemingly have locked up their starting
jobs, the others may be strongly challenged.
Parys Haralson is penciled in as Lawson’s backup on the strong side but
is also capable of taking a run at Banta-Cain’s position.
Dontarrious Thomas was acquired in the off-season after four campaigns
with Minnesota and is expected to compete with Ulbrich for the starting
TED linebacker job.
Other linebackers competing for roster spots include veterans Roderick Green and Jay Moore, along with seventh-round 2008 draft pick Larry
Grant (Ohio State).
DEFENSIVE BACKS
#
20
22
23
25
26
27
28
30
31
32
36
38
40
41
43
PLAYER
Allen Rossum
Nate Clements
Marcus Hudson
Tarell Brown
Mark Roman
Walt Harris
Keith Lewis
Donald Strickland
Reggie Smith
Michael Lewis
Shawntae Spencer
Dashon Goldson
Markus Curry
D.J. Parker
Lewis Baker
HT WT
5-8 178
6-0 205
6-2 200
5-10 193
5-11 205
5-11 196
6-0 220
5-10 185
6-1 200
6-1 222
6-1 190
6-2 200
5-11 177
5-11 195
6-3 203
YR
11
8
3
2
9
13
5
6
R
7
5
2
1
R
R
COLLEGE
Notre Dame
Ohio State
ACQ
FA in ‘08
UFA in ‘07
North Carolina St. D-6B in ‘06
Texas
D-5 in ‘07
Louisiana State
FA in ‘06
Mississippi State FA in ‘06
Oregon
D-6B in ‘04
Colorado
FA in ‘06
Oklahoma
D-3 in ‘08
Colorado
UFA in ‘07
Pittsburgh
D-2B in ‘04
Washington D-4B in ‘07
Michigan
FA in ‘07
Virginia Tech
R-FA in ‘08
Oklahoma
R-FA in ‘08
San Francisco heads into the 2008 season expecting to have the same
four starters in the secondary. Veterans Nate Clements and Walt Harris are
back at the two cornerback spots, while Michael Lewis (strong) and Mark
Roman (free) are slated to return at the safety positions. The four combined
to make 63 of 64 possible starts last season with one missed start by Harris
the only blemish on the record.
Clements lived up to his expectations in his first year with the 49ers by
sharing team MVP honors with Patrick Willis. He started all 16 games for
his sixth consecutive season and made his presence felt against both the run
and the pass; ranking third on the team in tackles (110) as well as tied for
first in interceptions (4). He also led the club with three forced fumbles and
18 passes defensed.
“I’ve been fortunate to coach a lot of Pro Bowl and Hall of Fame corners, and I would say that Nate rates right up there among the top guys in
that group,” commented Nolan. “Of all the guys I’ve coached, he is the
most-well rounded. He plays a complete game against both the run and the
pass, and covers the best receiver every week. He’s disappointed if he’s not
on the best guy.”
“I can’t say enough about him,” added Manusky. “He’s got a competitive
fire and is a confident player that has helped us at that position.”
Harris is back for his third season in San Francisco and enters the 2008
campaign second among active NFL players in career games played (177)
and tackles (707), while ranking seventh in interceptions (32).
“Walt has played a lot of years in this league,” stated Manusky. “We’re
still expecting big things from him after what he did here in both 2006 and
2007. He knows how to play the game and the tricks of the trade. He’s a
knowledgeable player with good range and still has the ability to cover manto-man.”
Lewis made quite an impression in his first season with the 49ers in 2007
when his 139 tackles ranked second only to Willis on the team’s final stat
sheet and led all NFL defensive backs. Lewis was a Pro Bowler in Philadelphia in 2004, and played in four NFC Championship games and one Super
Bowl during his five seasons with the Eagles.
“Michael was a great acquisition last year,” offered Manusky. “He can
really make plays.”
Roman came in with Harris in 2006 and has started all 32 games since.
He put up bigger numbers in his second year with the 49ers, increasing his
tackle total to 82 after stopping 61 opponents as a San Francisco rookie.
“Mark is knowledgeable and understands how things work in the secondary,” said Manusky.
San Francisco could be very deep at the cornerback spot behind Clements and Harris with seven other corners on the roster heading into training
camp.
Third-round draft pick Reggie Smith (Oklahoma) along with veterans
Shawntae Spencer and Donald Strickland are the most likely candidates to
play in the team’s nickel packages or spell Clements and Harris.
Tarell Brown is a promising second-year young cornerback but is looking to overcome a knee injury that he suffered in last season’s finale, while
Marcus Hudson also has potential at the position. Allen Rossum was brought
in primarily as a returner but also plays cornerback, while Markus Curry
will compete for a roster spot after joining the team’s practice squad for the
final five games of the 2007 campaign.
Although the Lewis-Roman duo is expected to start at their respective
safety spots again in 2008, a couple of their backups have also been impressive.
Keith Lewis is a notoriously hard-hitter and also one of the team’s best
special teams players, and is a capable backup for Michael Lewis. Dashon
Goldson, who is rapidly emerging at the free safety spot, continues to impress the coaching staff at practice.
Undrafted rookie free agent safeties Lewis Baker (Oklahoma) and D.J.
Parker (Virginia Tech) are looking to earn a roster spot.
SPECIAL TEAMS
#
2
4
6
86
PLAYER
Ricky Schmitt
Andy Lee
Joe Nedney
Brian Jennings
HT
6-3
6-0
6-5
6-5
WT
202
178
234
242
YR
1
5
13
9
COLLEGE
ACQ
Shepherd
FA in ‘08
Pittsburgh
D-6A in ‘04
San Jose State FA in ’05
Arizona State D-7B in ‘00
San Francisco puts a great deal of focus on its special teams and second-year special teams coordinator Al Everest is quick to point out why.
“They’re not called special for just any reason,” emphasized Everest.
“They are special because of what events they represent in a game. They
signify certain stages of a football game that create, establish, or lose momentum; and momentum swings affect the outcome of a game.”
The 49ers were successful on special teams last year, ranking among
the NFL’s Top 5 in nearly every major category.
San Francisco has a trio of specialists in its primary three positions that
have been in their current jobs with the team for a combined 15 seasons.
The 49ers feature three of the best players at their position in punter Andy
Lee and kicker Joe Nedney, as well as veteran long-snapper Brian Jennings.
Lee had a historic season in his fourth campaign with the 49ers in 2007,
earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors after setting numerous team and NFL
records. He put an NFL record 42 punts down inside the 20-yard line and
also ranked second in the league in both average yards per punt (47.3) and
net average (41.0) with the latter also the second best in league history.
13
Nedney continued to prove that he is one of the NFL’s most accurate
kickers in 2007. He was 17-of-19 on field goal tries and did not miss an attempt inside of 50 yards. Nedney was also one of eight NFL kickers to hit
90% (rounded up from 89.5%) or better of their field goals and one of 12 to
be perfect on extra points (22-22).
Jennings has developed into one of the NFL’s elite and most reliable
long snappers, having never missed a game in his first eight seasons in the
league while snapping to six different placekickers and four punters.
“Those three players bring a lot of talent, competitiveness and experience to the table,” said Everest, who was named the NFL’s Special Teams
Coach of the Year by his peers in 2007. “We are fortunate to have those three
outstanding skills people.”
San Francisco has also bolstered its return game with the addition of Allen Rossum, who enters his 11th NFL season in 2008 ranked second all-time
in career return yards (13,269) and kickoff return yards (10,520), as well as
first among active players with 2,749 career punt return yards.
“We relooked at our kick return situation and decided to bring Allen in,”
offered Everest. “He has a knack and feel for returning kicks and punts, and
I’m excited to see what he can do with our schemes. I think he’ll like what
we do and his skills will match that.”
Nate Clements may also be used in the punt return game but most likely
on a limited basis with all of the defensive snaps he takes. Last season, he
stepped in and returned seven punts for 115 yards and a team-high 16.4 yard
average.
Everest also pointed out the special teams play of Michael Robinson and
Keith Lewis.
Robinson finished with a team-leading and career-high 27 special teams
tackles in 2007, while Lewis also had a career-high in special teams tackles
with 24 to rank second on the club.
“Every team has ring leaders for its special teams that are great players,
make a lot of plays and bond the group together,” said Everest. “Michael
was our leading player in terms of production on special teams last year and
Keith wasn’t far behind.”
Everest also emphasized that he’ll have his eye out during training camp
for players who can help the special teams and perhaps earn a spot on the
roster.
“There always seems to be a guy that comes out of nowhere,” stated
Everest. “They keep competing and learning; they keep plugging along. The
next thing you know they’re doing better than the other guy.”
14
49ERS IN THE COMMUNITY
49ERS SERVE COMMUNITY AT 2ND
ANNUAL PASTA BOWL
Just under a week before the San Francisco
49ers first pre-season game, the team took some
time out of their training camp schedule to serve
as celebrity waiters at the 2nd annual Pasta Bowl, a
family-style dinner event to raise funds for the San
Francisco 49ers Foundation in support of City Year
San Jose/Silicon Valley, San Jose After-School
All-Stars, Santa Clara Schools Foundation, Fresh
Lifelines for Youth (FLY) and Fit for Learning. The
event this year, raised $150,000 for the 49ers Foundation.
“This is the 2nd year we have done the Pasta Bowl and we are thrilled
we were sold out as early as June this year,” said Lisa Lang, Vice President of Communications for the 49ers. “Major corporations throughout the
south bay are dedicated to coming to this event and helping out the non
profit organizations. It is important for the 49ers foundation to raise awareness of the needs at risk youth have in the south bay, and the 49ers foundation is all about keeping bay area youth safe, on track, and in school. This
event each year raises the money necessary to help fulfill our mission.”
The San Francisco 49ers Foundation is the non-profit community funding extension of the San Francisco 49ers. Now in its 16th year, the 49ers
Foundation supports development programs for underserved youth that
keep them safe, on track and in school. A significant portion of its funding
goes toward family violence prevention programs and activities that teach
youth leadership and respect.
All the players from the 49ers and Head Coach Mike Nolan took time
out of their training camp schedule and attended the Pasta Bowl as celebrity waiters for their tables. Before the players arrived, guests were greeted
with wine tasting from vintners from the Sonoma and Napa Valley region
and hors d’ oeuvres.
Dinner was served as soon as the players arrived with teach team member serving, mingling and socializing with the 1,000 people in attendance.
Among the players, and one that takes great pride in his community
efforts in the Bay Area, is Bay Area native, linebacker Tully Banta-Cain. “Being a local guy, this event is a great opportunity for me to give back
to the community I grew up in. I know what it’s like for teens and kids to
grow up here and us serving the community and helping these at risk youth
is very important,” Banta-Cain said.
49ers tight end Vernon Davis also expressed why it is important for him
and the other 49ers to come out and show their respect to the community.
“We have to show them some love, they come out and support us every
game, it’s good for us to do the same for our community,” said Davis.
The event also included an
exclusive live auction with the
lucky winner receiving a Super
Bowl XLIII ticket package to
next year’s game held in Tampa
Bay, Florida on February 1,
2009.
The night was fun for
all ages with entertainment
throughout the night including
9-time World Champion Pizza
Acrobat Tony Gemignani, Sourdough Sam and a Gold Rush
cheerleader performance.
City Year San Jose/Silicon
Valley is a dedicated volunteer
corps that serve children in
school classrooms and in after
school programs, inspire youth
to make positive choices, lead
volunteers into transformative
CB Walt Harris serves food to 49ers guests.
FB Moran Norris, TE Vernon Davis and RB Frank Gore enjoying
themselves at the second annual Pasta Bowl.
service, develop leadership skills and make life-long friends. The San Jose
After-School All-Stars provides comprehensive out-of-school programs
that keep children safe and help them achieve in school and in life. Fresh
Lifelines for Youth helps teens in trouble learn to make healthy decisions.
The organization provides at-risk and disadvantaged youth with vital information regarding the decisions they make in their lives. Fir for Learning is
a response to the alarming increase of childhood obesity by the Santa Clara
County Office of Education (SCCOE), in cooperation with The Health Trust
and Healthy Silicon Valley.
For footage from the 2nd Annual Pasta Bowl, please contact Lisa Goodwin in the 49ers Public Relations Department at lisa.goodwin@niners.
nfl.net or 408-562-4957.
CHILD OBESITY AWARENESS MONTH
The San Francisco 49ers are dedicating the month of August to support Child Obesity Awareness. Whether children are playing football,
riding a bike, dancing or gardening, the 49ers want them to play their
way to better health with the Play 60 program! Play 60 is a health
and fitness initiative created by the National Football League to inspire kids to play well and eat better. In partnership with the Center for
Healthy Weight at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, the
San Francisco 49ers are asking children of all ages to log their physical
activities and tell us how they’ve played 60 for two weeks and enter for
a chance to win a 49ers sweatshirt, t-shirt, hat and other great apparel!
Activity logs can be downloaded from the San Francisco 49ers Community homepage, located at http://www.49ers.com.
Throughout the season, the San Francisco 49ers will be dedicating one
month to a certain cause. Dedications for the 2008 season include:
•
•
•
•
September: Children’s Books
October: Clothing
November: Food
December: Toys
For additional information please contact Brandon Moreno in the
49ers Community Relations Department at brandon.moreno@niners.
nfl.net or 408-986-4804.

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