Pence (and Trump) choose to politicize Niners – Colts game in Indy; Pence walks out on orders from his boss

niners kneeling in Indy
49ers players kneel during National Anthem in Indianapolis with Vice President Mike Pence in the stands Photo: Mike Conroy/Associated Press

by Charlie O. Mallonee

Vice President Mike Pence and his wife attended the San Francisco — Indianapolis football game in Indianapolis on Sunday. They did not stay long but they did make it to their seats.

As the former governor of Indiana attending a Colts game was a perfectly natural choice for the Vice President. He attended games as the governor of the state and was known to be a Colts fan. Pence was not at the stadium on Sunday to watch a football game.

The Trump Administration has picked a fight with the NFL and its players

The President made a bombastic speech where he called for NFL players to be fired if they “took a knee” during the playing of the National Anthem. The President has framed his argument that “the kneel” is showing disrespect to our troops, flag and country.

The players have consistently said that the protest is not against the military but against the inequality that is experienced by people in America on a daily basis. If the President was really concerned about the situation, he would invite protesting players to the White House and open a dialogue about their grievances.

That has not happened because the “Trump political base” would not like him sitting down with protesters. The President can say there were “good people” among the white nationalist who created havoc and ultimately the death of a young woman in Charlottesville, Virginia but evidently there are no “good people” among the NFL players who exercising their Constitutional rights to Free Speech and non-violent protest in the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Sunday was a show for the Trump “MAGA” base

Pence, the White House and the political handlers knew exactly what was going to happen before the game began. They knew members of the 49ers team were intending to “take a knee” during the anthem. The Vice President and his enterouage had their walkout already planned.

If you do not think this was a political stunt, look at Trump’s tweet concerning the incident.

From @realDonaldTrump

The President could not even let the action look like a strong move by his Veep. “I asked @VP to leave … “. Simply put — this was a political stunt orchestrated out of the White House and this is not “Fake News”.

In the meantime not a word about the protest in Charlottesville

Charlottesville nbc29
White nationalist protest on Saturday night in Charlottesville Photo NBC29

The white nationalist returned to Charlottesville, Virginia again on Saturday night with their tiki torches and vile speech. There were only 40-50 protesters but they were back. Their leader posted a “victory” speech on the internet.

Not word on Twitter from @realDonaldTrump or @VP about that protest and the on-going attempt to incite violence against minorities.

This is a diversionary tactic plain and simple

Plan

This “counter protest” by the President is simply designed to make people look away from what is happening in his house by getting people to look what is going on over there.

Thank you to every member of the military

military

Finally, let us all be thankful for our active military and military veterans who protect our Constitutional rights of free speech. Because of their work, we have the opportunity to agree or disagree and work for change.

San Francisco 49ers Podcast with Joe Lami: 49ers looking for Hoyer to put a little something on it going into Indianapolis

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

By Joe Lami

In the first four game of the season despite being 0-4 the San Francisco 49ers are playing better and better right now they can’t buy a win. In the last two games with  Los Angeles and Arizona they had lost by a couple points. You look at three of the four of those games all of them against the NFC West. The defense for the 49ers was never going to be a problem. The secondary impressed the most you didn’t expect a lot out of the secondary and they also are guided by that front seven which is one of the better front sevens in the NFL.

That front seven is able to pressure the quarterback your able to do things with Solomon Thomas getting his first sack against Arizona and of course the performance from the two guys from the University of Oregon have also been pretty good. It’s the fact that the 49ers defense isn’t able to do a ton. On offense this time their putting  lot of trust in quarterback Brian Hoyer and he will be facing the Indianapolis Colts at the Hoosier Dome this Sunday.

Joe talks 49ers football each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

San Francisco 49ers Podcast with David Zizmor: Hoyer and Shanahan might be close on figuring out how to win a game

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

On the San Francisco 49ers podcast with David:

In the 49ers last two loses were tough a game in which they were in in Seattle and in Arizona a game which they lost by a field goal. Game that the 49ers were in but couldn’t get past their opponent thus putting the 49ers at an undefeated mark at 0-4 for week five of the season.

Also David takes a look at quarterback Brian Hoyer and head coach Kyle Shanahan despite the loses the two might be close to finding a way to win a game. They face Indianapolis this Sunday and a good chance to win it.

David Zizmor does the 49ers podcasts each Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

San Francisco 49ERS PREVIEW: Gore reunion awaits 49ers

AP File Photo: Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) goes over Cleveland Browns middle linebacker Joe Schobert (53) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

 By Jeremy Harness

 SANTA CLARA–If there was a chance for the 0-4 49ers to get their first win of the season, Sunday presents that.

 They are coming off a loss to the Arizona Cardinals, a game which saw the team blow a golden opportunity to win the game in overtime only to have the other team make the big play that the 49ers again failed to make.

 Opportunities could be running out on this team quickly, with the best one coming on Sunday against the 1-3 Indianapolis Colts.

 The Colts have been without starting quarterback Andrew Luck this season, and even though he did practice on Wednesday, it was on a limited basis and is expected to miss Sunday’s game. That means the Colts will go with backup Jacoby Brissett to face the 49ers.

 Also seeing the 49ers on Sunday is Frank Gore, the longtime San Francisco great who has spent the past few years in Indianapolis to continue his storied career.

 His protégé, 49ers back Carlos Hyde, has been nursing a hip injury this season and although he is expected to play against the Colts, he was limited in practice on Wednesday.

 The 49ers are expected to be without linebacker Reuben Foster – who has been out since Week 1 with a high ankle sprain – and safety Eric Reid, who suffered a knee injury in Week 2 at Seattle, for another week, as both players did not practice on Wednesday.

 Receiver Marquise Goodwin suffered a concussion last week against Arizona but was able to practice Wednesday, although it was on a limited basis.

 

49ers lose OT battle of field goals 19-13

San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould (9) kicks his fifth field goal of the game during overtime of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Sunday, October 1, 2017

After a nearly five-quarter battle of field goals, Arizona took its first and only lead against the 49ers with the NFC West game’s only touchdown.

Trailing by three points with time running out, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer connected with veteran Larry Fitzgerald on a 19-yard touchdown pass, giving Arizona a 19-13 overtime win over San Francisco at University of Phoenix Stadium.

The 49ers remain winless in four games under new coach Kyle Shanahan. San Francisco has failed to score a touchdown in three of its games.

After San Francisco took a 15-12 lead on Robbie Gould’s 23-yard field goal with 2:24 remaining in the 10-minute overtime, the Cardinals drove 75 yards on seven plays for the win.

Splitting two defenders, Fitzgerald worked himself open enough under the tight coverage of Rashard Robinson to snag Palmer’s throw five yards into the end zone. The 14-year veteran came down with the ball under his ribs, which knocked the wind out of him.

Palmer completed 6 of 7 passes for 77 yards in the game-winning drive. He was 33 of 51 for 357 yards overall with one interception. The veteran signal-caller was sacked six times, including four times in the fourth quarter.

San Francisco won the coin toss to start the overtime and used 7:36 of it.

Former 49ers kicker Phil Dawson booted four field goals for Arizona (2-2). Hitting from 29, 43, 50 and 32 yards. Gould connected on field goals from distances of 49, 39, 47, 48 and 23. Yards

Carlos Hyde rushed for 68 yards on 16 attempts for San Francisco, Brian Hoyer completed 24 of 49 passes for 234 yards and one interception.

The 49ers had two serious injuries of note: wide receiver Marquise Goodwin suffered an apparent concussion, and defensive back Adrian Colbert with a hamstring.

Prior to kickoff, players at the 49ers bench area formed two lines. Players in front kneeled and the players in the back remained standing, setting off a round of boos.

San Francisco’s quest for its first win continues next Sunday, when the 49ers travel to Indianapolis.

San Francisco 49ers Podcast with Joe Lami: 49ers have shown flashes but need to put one in the win column

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has his eyes on the play during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, September 17, 2017, in Seattle, WA. The Seahawks won the game 12-9. (Terrell Lloyd via AP Images)

On the 49ers Podcast with Joe:

1 Despite losing their last three games Joe talks about the 49ers showing some signs of improvement

2 They played a tough game at Levis Stadium Thursday Sep 21st rallying in the second half for 24 points in 26 plays.

3 In the rally how much credit does 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer get

4 Joe talks about how much planning that head coach Kyle Shanahan had to put in to makes some of the plays work

5 The 49ers are all set for action for this Sunday in Arizona Joe talks about how he likes this match up

Joe Lami is a beat writer for San Francisco 49ers football and Daniel Dullum will be filling in for Joe this Sunday in Arizona at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

SF 49ERS PREVIEW: Offense picking up steam, but will depleted defense follow?

AP File Photo: Arizona Cardinals’ Mike Iupati (76) gets ready to put a block on Josh Mauro, left, during an NFL football training camp Saturday, July 29, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

By Jeremy Harness

 SANTA CLARA–There is certainly progress being made. Now it has to show up in the win-loss column.

 The 49ers showed tons of heart and determination last Thursday night in a 41-39 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and although the loss dropped them to 0-3, there were quite a few positives to draw from.

 First of all, the offense finally showed some life, particularly embattled quarterback Brian Hoyer, who admittedly had a subpar performance at Seattle the week before and desperately needed a bounce-back effort.

 He got that, and had it not been for a highly-questionable pass interference call that stalled a late drive, the 49ers may have very well come away with a sensational comeback win.

 The 49ers will need every bit of that offensive resurgence against an Arizona Cardinals team that is seething from a home loss to the Dallas Cowboys in front of a national Monday night audience.

 The game will be played Sunday afternoon at University of Phoenix Stadium, and the Cardinals will see this as an opportunity to redeem themselves in front of their home crowd, while the 49ers simply need to get a win any way they can at this point.

 The 49ers will need to have a better showing on defense if they are to get their first win of the year, and they will continue to be shorthanded. Linebacker Reuben Foster is progressing, but he is still out of action at this point. He did not practice on Wednesday, and he is not expected to play Sunday.

 The same goes for safety Eric Reid, who suffered a knee injury in the first half at Seattle and has not returned to the lineup since. As was the case with Foster, he did not practice on Wednesday and is expected to miss at least a few more weeks.

 They will see a number of former teammates on Sunday. Guard Mike Iupati, for instance, is expected to be in the lineup, but a triceps injury caused him to have only a limited participation in practice Wednesday.

 Meanwhile, former 49ers guard Alex Boone suffered a pectoral injury and did not practice at all on Wednesday. Furthermore, a report that was released on Wednesday indicated that he is expected to miss up to four weeks because of it.

San Francisco 49ers Podcast with David Zizmor: “Just Loose Baby” It’s not a phrase the 49ers want to use but if they do they get a high draft pick

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) throws a fourth quarter pass for a gain of 7 yards and a first down while getting blocks from San Francisco 49ers center Daniel Kilgore (67) and San Francisco 49ers offensive guard Laken Tomlinson (75) on Los Angeles Rams rookie defensive tackle Tanzel Smart (92) during the 2017 NFL week 3 regular season football game against the against the Los Angeles Rams, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, Calif. The Rams won the game 41-39. (Paul Spinelli via AP)

By David Zizmor

SANTA CLARA–The San Francisco 49ers would never say this out loud they’re all out there trying to win but as far as the franchise is concern it’s really in the best interest of the team to lose as much as possible to secure a high draft pick. This team is not a playoff team and their not close to being a playoff team. What they really need is additional help. You get better talent each year you have a bad season and if you stink again for the next season you get more better draft picks.

The 49ers who have lost three straight for an 0-3 record if they can keep that going and have a losing record they would be in a really good position to get a good draft pick. If they can get a good draft pick and draft a really good quarterback and this is something that the organization has been looking for. It would be fair to say that the 49ers didn’t have a stellar crop of quarterbacks going into 2017.

There’s much more on the 49ers podcast with David take a listen:

 

 

San Francisco 49ers Podcast with Joe Lami: Considered two close game loses 49ers hope to seal the deal on Sunday Oct 1st

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Rams defeated the 49ers, 41-39. (Ryan Kang via AP)

San Francisco 49ers Podcast with Joe Lami:

1 Where did the San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer short on Thursday night Joe takes a look at Hoyer’s late game efforts for a come back

2 The big push was in the last 23 minutes when the 49ers scored 26 points coming up short 41-39 by two points

3 The 49ers remain 0-3 and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan pulled out every offensive play he could out of the playbook but couldn’t get in the win column something he and the coaches will be working hard on in Washington for Sunday Night Football

4 Joe talks about what motivated the 49ers to put on a late rally like that against LA

5 For San Francisco quarterback Brian Hoyer Joe talks about what it’ll be like for him throwing against the Arizona defense this Sunday

Joe Lami does 49ers Podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Rams Finally Knock Off Niners In Shootout Win 41-39

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Sammy Watkins (12) scores a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

By: Joe Lami

SANTA CLARA, Calif.–The San Francisco 49ers continue to seek out their first win of the 2017 season, as their comeback attempt was thwarted in the final seconds of Thursday night’s contest against Los Angeles. Both defenses struggled in the nationally televised shootout, in which the Rams bested the Niners 41-39.

The contest came down to San Francisco’s final offensive play, a failed two-point conversion that was intercepted by Rams’ defensive tackle Michael Brockers. The Niners were forced to go for two after Robbie Gould missed a PAT earlier in the fourth.

Things didn’t start well for San Francisco after Brian Hoyer was picked off on a pass attempt to Marquise Goodwin on the first play from scrimmage by Nickell Robey-Coleman. The return was brought back to the three-yard-line and set up Todd Gurley’s first touchdown of the day. Just 12 seconds into the contest, the Niners were trailing 7-0.

“I just told him, “let’s start over”. It was the first play of the game. It was a tough way to start out, but I thought he did a good job leading us down on the score and making a play to get us in the end zone on that next drive,” explained, head coach Kyle Shanahan on how he dealt with Hoyer.

It looked like things were looking grim for San Francisco, but they were able to fire back with a score of their own. On the ensuing drive, San Francisco found the end zone for the first time this season with the help of a 20-yard run from Carlos Hyde and a Rams penalty on 4th down. Brian Hoyer kicked out to the right on a scramble and found his way to paydirt from nine yards out.

The Rams went into the half with a 24-13 lead, as Gurley was able to find the end zone two more times. The first one Jarred Goff hit him in the flat for a 7-yard score and Gurley was able to hammer the ball in from two yards out with 49 seconds remaining in the second.

Gurley was a force in the first half, but San Francisco was able to slow him down in the second, including a couple of goal-line stands. The third-year player finished with 113 yards on 28 carries and caught five passes for 36 yards for three total touchdowns.

Goff is beginning to match the expectations of the first overall selection in the 2016 draft, as he exploded through the air on Thursday, passing for 292 yards, completing 75% of his passes; all while setting a career-high in touchdowns with three and passer rating of 145.8.

Despite the Rams offensive explosion, the 49ers were able to keep it close with LA’s defense struggling just as much as San Francisco. The 49ers trailed by 14 at the end of the third quarter but scored 19 points in the 4th.

Garret Celek started the fourth quarter comeback, connecting on a one-yard pass from Hoyer. Trent Taylor scored his first NFL touchdown to cut the lead to 8 and Hyde ran in his second of the contest to make the score 41-39, but the missed PAT came back to haunt the 49ers.

The comeback was set-up by some great defensive plays in the fourth as well on special teams. After the Taylor score, Victor Bolden Jr. forced a fumble to set up the Hyde touchdown.

The Niners then decided to kick an onside kick and recovered. With the chance to win the game on a field goal and starting with the ball at the 50, their offense was unable to get anything going. The Rams wrapped up the victory on a 4th and long, sacking Hoyer for the fourth time.

Despite being sacked four times, Hoyer had his best performance in red and gold. He was able to get over opening the game with an interception. He finished the contest 23-of-37 for 332 yards and two touchdowns. Most impressively, the 49ers’ finally aired the ball deep, as Hoyer was able to connect on two deep balls for 59 and 50 respectively. Both of which came off a play-action.

The 59-yard strike found the hands of Pierre Garcon, who led the team with 7 catches for 142 yards.

Carlos Hyde remained a beast for San Francisco, finding paydirt twice while carrying for 84 yards on 25 attempts.

Thursday night’s contest also saw a handful of injuries that set both teams back. San Franciso will use the next three days off to recover before coming back on Monday to set up their contest with the Arizona Cardinals a week from Sunday.

“I was proud of the guys, how they fought. We just need to get better. We’ve got 10 days until our next game. It’s a division opponent in Arizona. Right now, it is a grind to play on Thursday, but the benefit of it is you get a little bit more time to recover. I don’t really care about the record right now. I care about how guys are responding to it and I want these guys to come back Monday ready to go and ready to fight to get our first win,” said Shanahan.