Top Stories Phoenix

Archive for the ‘san francisco 49ers’ Category

The Arizona Cardinals home opener as most of you already know is against the San Francisco 49ers. Well I got a chance to exchange some questions with Samuel Lam of Mining the Gold Rush about the up and coming game…

Eli: So what’s going on with Michael Crabtree? Do you see him getting signed at all by the 49ers?

Sam: I’m at the point where I just don’t care anymore. The situation hasn’t changed since the team offered Crabtree $20 million. The 49ers don’t plan to budge on their stance and Crabtree (along with his agent Eugene Parker) feel that a larger contract is needed. At this point, Crabtree is hurting himself each day that passes. The team is fortunate enough to not be desperate in the wide receiver position.

Sam: I initially thought he would have signed by last weekend. But if he doesn’t sign by the first game of the year (in which then he would miss out on a paycheck) then I don’t think he’ll sign at all. He doesn’t benefit from any of this and the possibility of sitting out only makes him look foolish.

Eli: Do the fans in San Francisco trust Shaun Hill as their quarterback?

Sam: The consensus that I’ve seen from fans is that they support Hill. They have seen his success over the past two seasons and they are hoping that he can continue that in the regular season. The support right now goes to Smith as well. The fans want any quarterback that can help the team win. If Hill can do that, they will be behind him. We might be a little spoiled since our last three consistent starting quarterbacks have taken us to the playoffs and Super Bowl wins. But we are hungry for someone great.

Eli: Who has been the biggest surprise for the 49ers this offseason?

Sam: I have been impressed with the play of rookies RB Glen Coffee and QB Nate Davis. Their execution in the preseason gives the team a lot of hope for the future. The other surprise to me is the play of WR Micheal Spurlock. He has been solid at camp and is a great option for the team’s Wildcat plays. I think overall, the secondary has played really well. If the team pass rush takes a while to develop throughout the season, the secondary should be able to provide some relief for the defense.

Eli: Where do you see the 49ers finishing in the division this year?

Sam: On paper, the 49ers don’t look much different from last year. Even though they finished in second place, the team still has a tough schedule and a lot of holes to still fill this season. The Cardinals and Seahawks look better right now. The 49ers might finish with seven wins again this year and finish third. But there is so much upside to the team right now that 10 wins isn’t out of the question either. But right now, looking at the schedule, seven wins seems likely.

Eli: What’s your prediction for the game?

Sam: The Cardinals should win this close game 24-17. The experience of the Cardinals should prevail. The 49ers, however, will most definitely keep it close.

Thanks for your time Sam!