RealClearSports: Big One hits Bay Area football

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

SAN FRANCISCO -- It was a 7.1. Not on the Richter scale, on the Goodell scale. The San Andreas and Hayward faults were silent. The football fault lines opened.

At Instability Central, it isn't only the land that moves, it's the people.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2011

SF Examiner: 49ers franchise at a crossroads

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

Jed York is talking again. This time he makes sense, although that may not be enough to make immediate progress.

No wild-hare predictions, like that absurd statement back in October when the 49ers were 0-5 they would win the division, a fanciful thought which made Jed seem out of touch.

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2010 SF Newspaper Company

RealClearSports: Finer Points of Coaching Elude Singletary

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

SAN FRANCISCO -- He wanted winners. He said as much. A billboard along the freeway near the Candlestick off-ramp with his image reiterated the proclamation. Mike Singletary was a man of little pretense.

Also, unfortunately, of little coaching experience.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2010

SF Examiner: A lot on the line for Niners personnel

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

It’s been decided. Alex Smith will not be playing for the 49ers next season unless he’s playing for the 49ers next season. Mike Singletary is going to be replaced as coach unless he’s retained as coach. Anything else you need?

“This is a game for madmen,” said the great Vince Lombardi. “In football, we’re all mad.” Are we ever.

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2010 SF Newspaper Company

RealClearSports: Last Hurrah for 49ers' Alex Smith?

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

Peyton Manning again looked like a quarterback who should have been the first pick in an NFL draft. Which he was, reassuring to those who believe teams know what they are doing.

Or, no less significantly, the quarterback they select knows what he is doing.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2010