Author: joelami

Giants Take on Niners in Pebble Beach Charity Event

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By: Joe Lami

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif.—The fifth annual Chevron Shoot-Out took place on Wednesday afternoon. Members of the San Francisco 49ers squared off against the San Francisco Giants in a battle for charity. The annual event is the opener to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-AM.

The Giants were victorious and earned their revenge winning this year’s contest 3-2. The victory is sweet for Giants’ captain Duane Kuiper, who was sporting the 49ers’ red and gold after the Niners won in last year’s Shoot-Out. The annual bet forces the losing team’s captain to wear the colors of his opponent the next year.

Harris Barton captained Steve Bono, Dwight Clark and Steve Young for the 49ers, who competed for the 49ers Foundation. Though Kuiper didn’t compete for the Giants’, Bruce Bochy, Matt Cain, George Kontos and Randy Winn, who competed for the Giants Community Fund.

The two teams took on the world famous whisky run, holes 1,2,3,17, and 18 at gorgeous Pebble Beach. Weather couldn’t be more perfect on a February afternoon, as the high hit 72 degrees before the afternoon sea breeze kicked in at the perfect time.

On the first hole, the two teams came to a draw, making the second hole worth double at $20,000. The Giants were victorious on hole number two. The 49ers’ battled back and tied things at two holes apiece after winning at the third and 17th.

Cain earned the MVP honors, executing exactly what he said he was going to do before the match, “I’m going to try to hit it as hard as I can and see where it goes”. He then drilled a beautiful tee shot on the scenic to start the deciding 18th.

George Kontos knocked the next ball closer with his 5-iron shot after the 350 yard Cain drive. Cain pulled off a great flop shot hitting the ball within 15 feet of the cup. The pair then needed a two-putt to earn the victory.

Charities were the real winners, though, as the 49ers Foundation and Giants Community Fund, along with local Monterrey-based charities benefited. The Monterey charities included were CHISPA, Girls Inc., Greenfield Community Science Workshop, and the Monterey Peninsula College Foundation were the real winners.

Sommer Makes History with Barracuda Win

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By Joe Lami

photo credit: San Jose Barracuda–SJ Barracuda head coach Roy Sommer becomes winningest coach in AHL history on Friday night in San Antonio

San Jose Barracuda head coach, Roy Sommer made AHL history on Saturday night in San Antonio, recording his 636th career win as the ‘Cuda toped the Rampage 4-3. The win also snapped a six-game losing streak for San Jose forcing Sommer to sit on win 635 for the past two weeks.

Sommer, now in his 18th season behind the bench as the San Jose Shark’s minor league coach tied Fred Cook as the all-time winningest coach in AHL history. He has also coached the most games at the AHL level with 1,385 under his belt. Sommer hasn’t been wanting to make too much of a big deal about the impressive record, setting his eyes more on how the team is doing in the standings, currently third in the Pacific division with 46 points in 41 games.

San Antonio jumped on the board early and often, taking a 2-0 lead within the first seven minutes of the contest thanks to goals from Brandon Gormley and Marc-Andre Cliche.

However, the Barracuda answered with four straight up their own. Three of which came on the power play, a season high total for San Jose. Ryan Carpenter scored his ninth of the season with just over six minutes remaining in the opening frame.

John McCarthy kicked started the second with a power play marker just .21seconds in. Ryan Carpenter picked up his second point of the night on McCarthy’s fifth goal of the year. Ben Smith scored his first goal as a member of the Barracuda three minutes into the third period to give San Jose a 3-2 lead.

Petter Emauleson scored the game-winning goal with six minutes remaining in the contest. Emanuelson’s sixth of the year was the only even-strengthed tally of the night for the ‘Cuda. Ben Smith also earned an assist on the goal to give him a multi-point night.

Aaron Dell stopped 23 pucks on his seventh win of the season.

Sommer hopes to become the winningest coach in AHL history, as he goes for 637 on February 4th, as the Barracuda come off of the All-Star break against the Ontario Reign.

Reign Shuts Down San Jose 2-1

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By: Joe Lami

photo credit: San Jose Barracuda–SJ Barracuda edge the Ontario Reign 2-1 at SAP Center Saturday

SAN JOSE, Calif.- For the second night in a row the San Jose Barracuda fall to the Pacific division leading Ontario Reign. On Saturday night, the Reign prevented head coach Roy Sommer from tying the all-time AHL wins record with a 2-1 victory in San Jose. The loss also creates six points of separation between first and second in the Pacific.

The Reign jumped out to an early 1-0 lead at 12:31 of the first period. Kurtis MacDermind netted his third of the season on a shot from the left point that dinked off the left post and in. Nic Dowd picked up his first of two assists on the play.

San Jose found the equalizer four minutes later. Trevor Parkes scored his ninth of the season going five-hole on Peter Budaj, who picked up his 22 victory of the season.  The beautiful play was set up by Bryan Lerg, who handed the puck to Parkes in the slot. Jeremy Langlois earned the other assist on the lone goal for the ‘Cuda.

“A lot of it has to do with their goalie. When he needed to make a save he did,” Sommer commented.

Sean Backman scored the game winner with just .49 seconds left in the first period. Michael Mersch and Dowd picked up the helpers on the goal.

Ontario played stellar defensive hockey the rest of the way, especially in the third period where they allowed just two shots from San Jose. “They really lock it down. That’s a fact. They know how to protect a lead and give credit to their coach, but we got to find a way to beat them,” said Lerg.

Ben Smith played his second AHL game of the season after being sent down by the Sharks on Friday. He cleared the waivers process in time to suit up for the Barracuda. Smith finished a -2 in the contest, playing with Nikolay Goldobin and Scott Timmins. Smith, however, was just happy to get back on the ice and play and hopes to get his game where in needs to be to get back to the NHL, “I want to play and just control what I can control right now. Getting my game back to where it needs to be and tonight’s a start. I’m just looking forward to getting more ice time, more shifts and more games in,” he added.

49ers Sign CFL All-Star Rogers

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By: Joe Lami

SANTA CLARA, Calif.—On the day the 49ers introduced Chip Kelly as the new head coach, news came out that San Francisco made their first signing under his regime. Canadian Football League Wide Receiver, Eric Rogers was signed to a reported two-year deal on Wednesday afternoon.

The Calgary Stampeders standout from this past season reportedly worked out for the 49ers in December and for Kelly when he was still at Philadelphia. The 6-3 wide out led the league in receiving yards with 1,448 on 87 catches and ten touchdowns.

Rogers was a huge impact on the Stampeders 2014 Grey Cup victory, as he caught two touchdowns and tacked on 60 yards in the 2014 Western Conference Finals. Calgary was eliminated in the Western Conference Finals by the eventual Grey Cup Champion Edmonton Eskimos in 2015.

With it evident that Anquan Boldin’s tenure as a 49er is done, Rogers become a cheap replacement to fill the position and can pay off huge if he’s able to produce at the NFL level. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys in 2013 before being demoted to the Arena Football League. 

Chip Kelly Formally Introduced as 49ers Head Coach

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By: Joe Lami

photo credit: sportsradioservice.com Joe Lami

SANTA CLARA, Calif.—It took six days for the 49ers to formally introduce Chip Kelly as the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. The reason was an apparent wardrobe situation that Kelly had. They finally did so on Wednesday morning at Levi’s Stadium, where CEO Jed York, General Manager Trent Balke and Kelly all spoke with the media. Kelly joked about the long length of time it took, “I’ve been known to run a really slow offense, and I wanted to set the tone of how things are going to be here in San Francisco.”

Kelly will become the 19th head coach in San Francisco history after being hired last week by Balke in his home.  Both claim to be “football guys” and have a very similar vision of what needs to go forward for the red and gold in the future. “It was very evident early on with Chip that he shared a similar vision to us with respect to the direction of this football team,” Balke added. “He was the right fit at this time or anytime to lead this team into the future.”

Kelly opened up his time of the presser exclaiming how impressed he was of the history of the 49ers, “we can see farther today because of the shoulders that we stand on of the people that came before us,” he added.

Of course, after a dreadful season in which San Francisco went just 5-11, questions were going to be brought up about the quarterback position and, in particular, Colin Kaepernick and his future in the red and gold. Kelly hasn’t made any promises yet, but it does seem that he may be open to the possibility of Kaep returning as the 49ers’ QB. “It’s an on going process and evaluation. We have a lot of time,” Kelly added. San Francisco has a big money decision to make in whether or not he will return and have to make it by April 1st. This, of course, is before the 49ers can start talking about football with their players on April 4. 

While players were brought up on multiple occasions, Kelly and Balke ensured that the next important step was to finalize the coaching staff and then look towards evaluations, free agency, and the draft.

After a report came out yesterday that ten assistant have been relieved of their duties in Santa Clara, Kelly confirmed that running back coach, Tom Rathman will remain with the 49ers “He’s the best runningback’s coach in the league”.

The search has been ongoing for both an offensive a defensive coordinator. Reports are that the 49ers have been talking to Alabama offensive coordinator, Lane Kiffin. “We’re hopeful to get it done shortly.” Chip confirmed that he will be making the calls from the sideline on the offensive side of the ball, but that he’s looking for some diversity in his offensive coordinator. “I’m looking for some diversity. Someone that comes from a different system so that we continue to add and make what we do better”. In terms of a defensive coordinator, “I’m looking for a defensive coordinator that can shut people out”.

Kelly gave the identity he wants for this team, “I want this team to be fearless, not afraid of any situation you’re put in. There are going to be times when it’s going to be difficult, it’s going to be adverse, but you have confidence based on your preparation you’re going to see it through”.

Kelly Named 49ers Head Coach

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By: Joe Lami

photo credit: tigerdroppings.com SF 49ers new head coach Chip Kelly will face microphones of the Bay Area media next week

After a dreadful year behind first-year head coach Jim Tomsula, the San Francisco 49ers have found their new man in leading the team for the future in Chip Kelly. Kelly was relieved of his duties earlier this year as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, where he finished with a 26-26 record.

49ers’ CEO Jed York announced the excitement of the offensive coach, “We are thrilled to announce Chip Kelly as the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Chip has a proven track record at both the college and NFL levels that speaks for itself. We believe strongly that he is the right man to get this team back to competing for championships.”

Before Kelly took over for the Eagles, he boasted a 46-7 record at the University of Oregon in four seasons in Eugene. He brought the Ducks to be thought of as a national powerhouse with the up-tempo offense that led to a Rose Bowl and Fiesta Bowl victory.

 General Manager, Trent Baalke chipped in “Chip possesses all the qualities we were looking for in our next head coach. He has demonstrated the ability to be innovative everywhere he has coached and has had great success throughout his career.”

While this past season in Philly was a disappointment, Kelly led the Eagles to back-to-back 10-6 seasons in his first two years. He broke the Eagles record in 2014 for most points scored in a season with 474.

“As one of the most historic franchises in the National Football League, I realize the high standards and expectations that this position demands and I embrace the challenges ahead. My immediate focus is to build the best coaching staff possible, one that will maximize the abilities of each of our players and put us in the best position to win football games,” Kelly added.

The addition of Kelly immediately makes one speculate about the future of the 49ers roster and the future of the quarterback position. Colin Kaepernick, who many thought to be on his way out the door could return with the potential of throwing up some insane numbers with Kelly at the helm.

Kelly will be introduced as the 20th head coach of the 49ers next week in Santa Clara.

Message to the Fans From York

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By: Joe Lami

photo credit: buschleaguesports.com 49ers CEO Jed York

SANTA CLARA, Calif.—

49ers’ owner Jed York spoke with the media for the first time in over a year on Monday morning at Levi’s Stadium. Once again, it was to discuss the termination of a head coach, as the 49ers reported late Sunday night that Jim Tomsula won’t be continuing as the head coach.

York begun the conference by thanking and apologizing to the fans for going through the difficult times, “this season was difficult on multiple levels. We took a step back towards a goal of winning a super bowl.”. York also acknowledged the criticism that he’s faced from the fans, whether it be from social media or even the banners that were being flown over the stadium.

He went on to say that he understands his role as the owner of the 49ers and that he has taken a step backwards with communicating via social media and he shouldn’t be a distraction to the team.

The most important step moving forward will be choosing a new coach for the 49ers. York confirmed on Monday that General Manager Trent Balke will remain on and will be in charge of choosing the next head coach. This seems to be different because with the initial hiring of Tomsula, it appeared to be solely York’s decision. By taking this step back, he is getting out of the way and allowing football minds make the football decisions, a criticism that hit him hard this year.

York appeared to have also shown that Balke might be on his final string by indicating how important the upcoming draft is with the seventh overall selection San Francisco will have. With Balke’s previous draft record, one has to question with he’s up for such a high task, but York is giving him on final chance mentioning that he has taken us there before and he can do it again.

While York didn’t want to tip his hand too much on what San Francisco will be looking for, he mentioned the obvious in finding a leader and a general that can lead a team to winning a Super Bowl. When it was brought up that the 49ers seemed to have a coach with these qualities in Jim Harbaugh, York danced around that question. York also mentioned that the 49ers do have a short list on possible candidates they will contact and that the media is free to speculate.

49ers Hope to End Season on Highnote

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By: Joe Lami

The San Francisco 49ers’ season will come to an end this Sunday as they host the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. Many questions are left up in the air about the future of the team, including if coach Jim Tomsula and GM Trent Balke will return in their roles. However, before the team can work on improvement for next year, they still have one more game to play.

After slow starts in every game this season, the 49ers’ offense looked alive in the first half last week in Detroit in which they were able to score 17. But a terrible second half was their demise in the 32-17 loss. They hope they can put together an entire 60-minutes of football against the Rams.

The Rams come into the contest 7-8 after stringing off three straight wins heading in and would love to finish the season with a.500 record.  Their chances look good, as the 4-11 Niners are banged up at nearly every major position. Make-shift running back Shaun Draughn has been ruled out for Sunday after he was placed on the season-ending IR. There is a question of the possibility that rookie back Mike Davis returns in his first game since early November where he broke his hand in the first game against the Rams.

St. Louis should rely heavily on rookie running back Todd Gurley, currently third in the league in rushing yards and my favorite to win the offensive rookie of the year award. In the first game against San Francisco, he ran for 133 yards on 20 carries for one score. It’s crucial for the Niners to stop him on Sunday if they want to prevent their first 0-6 division record since the league introduced the 16-week schedule.

Prediction: things won’t get better for the Niners and will need to re-examine everything in the franchise. Anquan Boldin will play in his last game in red and gold.

Rams 31 49ers 13

49ers Take On Lions in Last Road Game of the Year

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By: Joe Lami

The reeling San Francisco 49ers (4-10) are coming off a ten-point loss to the Cincinnati Bengals having dropped four of their last five games. The road ahead won’t get any easier for San Francisco, who will have to take on the surging Detroit Lions (5-9), trying to win their fifth game in their last seven tries.

Detroit quarterback, Matthew Stafford has been a big part of the Lions’ resurgence, posting a 107.4 quarterback rating in December. He’s coming off a big game in a win over the Saints, in which he tossed for 254 yards and three touchdowns while throwing just three incomplete passes.

Stafford shouldn’t have too many problems airing out the ball on Sunday — the 49ers rank 26th in the NFL in total passing defense, and gave up 192 yards and a touchdown to Bengals’ backup quarterback AJ McCarron last week.

Despite lacking a feature back, Detroit’s running game has also been on the upswing as of late. Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, and Joique Bell have combined to average 5.3 yards per carry in December, leading the Lions to break the 100-yard rushing benchmark in five straight games. However, the Niners had an uncharacteristic big time performance last week locking down Cincinnati’s run game, holding the Bengals to just 68 yards on 36 carries (2.1 YPC).

The 49ers have really struggled on the road this season, winning just one of their first seven games — thankfully for them, Sunday at Ford Field will round out their road schedule.

 

 

 

Bengals Try to Clinch Post-Season Against 49ers

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By Joe Lami

The San Francisco 49ers are coming off of possibly their worse loss of the season with last week’s 24-10 embarrassment to the Cleveland Browns. A combination of the nine sacks allowed with the 230 run yards allowed equates the loss to possibly the worse of the Jed York era. Especially since the Niners were coming off of their biggest comeback win of the season and were flying high off of the Chicago win.

This week, they’re matched up against the other team from Ohio, the Cincinnati Bengals. Originally set for a 5:30 start, the game has been flexed out of the prime-time slot. The 49ers should be especially happy about this since it is in my opinion that they are going to be embarrassed on Sunday.

The Bengals are coming in with a loss to the Steelers and with their backup QB, AJ McCarron. The 10-3 Bengals should be able to run all over the 49ers, as they hope to punch their ticket to the NFL postseason with a win. McCarron will be making his first career start after Andy Dalton broke his thumb last week.

His primary target will be A.J. Green, who has caught 76 passes for 1,169 yards and eight touchdowns on the season. A possible secondary target, tight end Tyler Eifert has been ruled out for the contest on Sunday.

On the other side of the ball will be Blaine Gabbert for San Francisco. Coming off of nine sacks to the Browns, he will be run around the field this Sunday as Cincinnati is one of the leaders in sacks with 34 on the year. With Alex Boone also out for the rest of the year, things don’t look good for the 49ers offense.

Prediction

Bengals 30 49ers: 7