Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers - A Few Good Questions with Fooch from NinersNation

by John Bena on Aug 12, 2009 6:35 AM MDT in A Few Good Questions With... Comment 19 comments

Damn it feels good to be talking football. I know it is just the preseason, but getting prepared to watch Broncos football at any level can't be beat. Especially this year, where every position seems to be up for grabs making this preseason the most important we have seen around these parts in many, many years.

That said, I took some time to ask Fooch, who run NinersNation, some questions about our opponent Friday Night and what we can expect to see. He was nice enough to oblige.

UPDATE -- Here are the answers I gave to Fooch's questions for NN!

The obvious first. What is the deal with Crabtree?? Is this a situation where he wants Top-5 money because he thinks he should have been picked that high or is his foot a concern so he wants as much money now as possible?

First off, it's obviously difficult to know the truth given how silent Eugene Parker and the 49ers have been on things. A lot has been said but it's usually a couple sources removed. That talk though has been that there is a philosophical difference. Parker thinks Crabtree is a top 5 talent and deserves that kind of money, or at least more than Darrius Heyward-Bay. Of course, Tyson Jackson was not a top 3 talent but that didn't lead to a worse contract!

People (again who knows how much in the know they really are) have indicated the team and Crabtree have gotten closer. However, if this really is a philosophical difference I don't see how they could be getting closer unless Parker and Crabtree are backing down. I always mention Parker in conjunction with Crabtree because a lot of the talk is Parker promised big things to Crabtree and doesn't look like he'll be able to back it up.

This can't be good for Crabtree's relationship with Mike Singletary. What has he said about the situation, of anything?

In one post-practice press conference, Singletary was asked about the hold out. At that point he admitted he'd held out a couple times, including his rookie season (he was a second round pick projected as a first). One plus to having a former player as a coach is that he understands the business side of things (especially one who played when the tv money was increasing pretty dramatically). Singletary has stated he obviously wants Crabtree in camp and it would be best for him, but he's acknowledged he understands the money side of things. The biggest plus is that for the players on the field it seems like he's made it a non-issue at this point.

What is the latest on the QB situation in S.F.? Is Shaun Hill the guy or is the competition open?

The competition is very much open. Singletary hasn't even named a starter for Friday yet and once he does, I'd imagine they'd both get equal playing time. Alex Smith has apparently looked quite good for the most part in practice, but the question is if he can convert that into game-time production. He's always been a good practice player. And as I mentioned in the FanPost at MHR, I think Smith has to take the job from Hill. It's an open competition but I consider Hill the incumbent with the job to lose. I'm looking forward to that as much as anything else in this upcoming game.

The great thing about the NFL is the hope each new season provides every team. Last year, it was Arizona surprising everyone and getting to the Super Bowl. What are the fans' expectations for the Niners? What are your personal expectations?

I was discussing this the other day with one of the front page authors at NN and we agreed this team could end up all over the place, and fan predictions are along the same lines. We've got the pessimists thinking 5 wins and the optimists thinking 11 wins. Personally I think 9-7 is slightly optimistic, but where I think they end up. I've been wildly wrong in the past, but if a few things break the right way, I remain convinced this is a team that could make the playoffs. Beyond that, the Arizona Cardinals proved anything is possible in the playoffs. I'm certainly not saying the 49ers are going to get to the Super Bowl, but like I said, a few things breaking the right way could make for a crazy season. Of course, a few things breaking the wrong way means we could be in for a rough season.

First pre-season game of the season, but both teams have a lot of question marks. What are you going to be watching for this Friday Night?

I'll be watching all sorts of positional battles. QB is the easy one. Beyond that, there's the battle between Adam Snyder and Marvel Smith for the starting right tackle position and Barry Sims/Alex Boone for the backup left tackle spot. Given that Alex Boone once required two tasers to be taken down (he was a bit of an alcoholic (link to this story here where it mentions 30-40 beers a day at his worst: http://www.ohio.com/sports/osu/39878257.html)) in one incident, he's clearly a tough SOB. Most folks are rooting for him to make the team over Sims.

Aside from that Kentwan Balmer will be looking to kickstart his career after a rough rookie season and your boy Dre' Bly will be looking to nail down the #2 cornerback job. Bly hasn't blown anybody away in practice but his primary competition, Tarell Brown, has been out since the first or second day of camp due to a toe injury.

It is still early, but give me a surprise player in Camp that will make the team. Give me someone you think might be a surprise cut.

Hmmmm....The 49ers don't actually have a lot of surprises so I'm going with a guy that would be a surprise even to me: running back Kory Sheets. He was undrafted out of Purdue and has shown some nasty skills out of the backfield and even potentially in the return game (not something he did in college). He's already gotten more reps in training camp than back to back preseason phenom and cult favorite Thomas Clayton. I think Sheets would be even more surprising because he has all his practice squad eligibility available if he can clear waivers.

As far as a surprise cut? Veteran Arnaz Battle was on the chopping block, but a Brandon Jones injury and Crabtree's holdout has likely locked in a roster spot for both he and Dominique Zeigler (another bubble guy). Taking them out of the equation, it's hard to tell. As much as the 49ers have struggled in the past, they seem to have locks at a lot of positions. I'll say the 49ers go without a veteran QB and cut Damon Huard, thus allowing them to keep Nate Davis on the 53-man roster. Not an inspiring choice, but what the heck, right?

Our thanks to Fooch for taking the time to answer our questions, as well as for the FanPost where he has handled all the questions and comments from the community as well. Best of luck to the 49ers, and NinersNation, all season long!

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Thanks John,

I am so ready,
Go Broncos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Real Power, comes with the realization that One cannot change the Moment;
only ones perception of it: Atitude! JQM

by UB3 on Aug 12, 2009 7:28 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I’d have loved to see the Broncos secondary be the first to knock the living crap out of Crabtree. Oh well. What a ridiculous holdout. Crabtree is proving why he slid to #10 overall. I understand wanting to be paid fairly, but this doofus wants far more than his draft slot entitles him to.

And it’s not like the 10th overall pick plays for pennies.

Love the Broncos, don't like their Coach.

by McGeorge on Aug 12, 2009 7:37 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

reminds me of another wideout

But who will guard the guards themselves?

by Agent Jerry Fletcher on Aug 12, 2009 7:59 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who?

Love the Broncos, don't like their Coach.

by McGeorge on Aug 12, 2009 9:51 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Guru...

Whoever started these interviews is a genius.

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

by Tim Lynch on Aug 12, 2009 7:49 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

And thanks Fooch as well. :-)

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

by Tim Lynch on Aug 12, 2009 7:49 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

It is my goal to do these every week....

-TSG

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by John Bena on Aug 12, 2009 7:50 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

I'm sure glad Crabtree didn't slide to 12th

not saying McDaniels would have chosen him, but with that kind of opportunity who knows.

by bfree2bronc on Aug 12, 2009 8:36 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Great player, but he has the exact look of a major long term headache (aka TO, Chad Johnson, BM, Braylon Edwards, or the like).

Love the Broncos, don't like their Coach.

by McGeorge on Aug 12, 2009 9:53 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just don't understand how he thinks he has a leg to stand on

Pun intended. Sure he dominated in 07, but the man was injured last year and still went in the first round. How he can now hold out for #3 money is not only disingenuous, it’s absurd.

"Talk about the Broncos and I'm gonna 'put my dukes up'. I'm gonna hit you with these rings." -- Rod Smith giving the Kennison rebuttal to Jamie Dukes

by broncosmontana on Aug 12, 2009 12:32 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

He doesn't impress me one bit!

Pure tallent is just one part of it. You have to be a Rod Smith/Eddie Royal type to impress me.

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.

by metalman5050 on Aug 12, 2009 5:35 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks

great interview….thz guru/fooch…..

I don’t think Crabtree ever does anything…..he seems all over-hyped to me. Just good enough to avoid the “system” label, but not good enough to produce. I should clarify, he could easily have been effective and even a very good player, but he needed to come into the league hungry and realize where he is at……its the opposite…..he’s done.

by BideshiBronco on Aug 12, 2009 10:30 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Excellent point!

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.

by metalman5050 on Aug 12, 2009 5:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

but not good enough to produce

You know he was like the best WR in college football right?

he needed to come into the league hungry and realize where he is at……its the opposite…..he’s done.

Writing him off before he even steps on the practice field is absurd to say the least.

by Brendan Scolari on Aug 13, 2009 2:08 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good to have these back

Thanks Guru and Fooch, I really love these Q/A sessions. Always good to get some insight to a team we are about to play and how every thing is shaping up with them.

I had no idea someone picked up Bly. I will have to see how he does on Friday, assuming he plays. Good to have the games back even though it is preseason.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

2009 NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant

by weazel on Aug 12, 2009 11:31 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Weekly, John?

What a great idea – thanks for this installment, to both of you. Great stuff!

Hillis/Moreno in '09

by Emmett Smith on Aug 12, 2009 11:33 AM MDT reply actions 2 recs

+1

Weeky talks that cut to the quick from the opposing team and no MSM Commercials!

Recd!!

Coach, I am Hurt, Not Dead - Remember the Titans

by Halfmile on Aug 12, 2009 2:36 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is a fantastic feature, Dr. Bena

and don’t look now, but a couple of Niner fans have taken exception to your nutshell description of the offseason controversy. Not that you need to defend it or rehash it — please god no. But I’d forgotten how many people were glued to their sportsradio while that whole thing played out. Even Niner fans are angry! LOL

"Talk about the Broncos and I'm gonna 'put my dukes up'. I'm gonna hit you with these rings." -- Rod Smith giving the Kennison rebuttal to Jamie Dukes

by broncosmontana on Aug 12, 2009 4:13 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs