Mike Singletary is Not Interested in Making Predictions
July 28, 2010 – 6:00 am by Eric SchmoldtIf there is an NFL team that seems most ready to make it back to the playoffs after a few years off, it’s the San Francisco 49ers. The Niners are coming off a season where they looked like a playoff team at times as it was, but now have what appears to be an easier division, a pair of excellent draft picks on the offensive line and a former No. 1 overall pick at quarterback that has his career on track.
Just don’t expect any of that to draw major predictions from San Francisco coach Mike Singletary.
He’s not predicting a Pro Bowl year out of quarterback Alex Smith. He’s not handing out starting jobs to first-round picks. And he’s not tabbing the 49ers for a Super Bowl run. However, he’s also not saying those things won’t happen.
Mike Singletary joined KNBR in San Francisco with Murph and Mac to discuss the progress of Alex Smith, what 49ers fans can expect this year and where his team needs the most improvement.
On whether he still gets the itch to get back to football activities this time of year:
“Well, first of all, the answer is yes. But the thing is, is you keep thinking when you come to the end of OTAs and minicamp, that you’re excited to get away and be with my family and have some time. Then, all of the sudden, that week comes and you’re 10 days away, two weeks away and something begins to change. I can’t explain it. I don’t think any player or any coach can explain it, but you know it’s time.”
On expectations for quarterback Alex Smith:
“I think you’re just going to see a continued growth. The thing that I want to say about Alex Smith, our quarterback, is I’m excited about what he’s been able to accomplish this offseason, but I’m not going to put the season on him. I’m not going to put it on his shoulders. It is a team game and I expect all of our guys to do his job. We’re not saying, ‘OK, Alex, you’ve got to get out there and put this team on your back and let’s go.’ That’s not what we’re saying.”
On how his relationship has changed with Smith:
“Absolutely. It’s not like we’re long-lost friends or anything like that. I love all of my players and we have working relationships. To me, I have seen Alex grow and mature and come into his own as a quarterback. He has not had the luxury of being behind a Brett Favre or being behind a Peyton Manning or anything like that. He’s had some real bumps and bruises. … At the same time, the greatest thing that I’ve seen him do is grow as a man.”
On expectations for the 49ers and whether they can make the playoffs and make a run:
“I’m not going to say any of those things. What I’m going to say is our fans should be very excited about what we’re doing, should be very excited about the 49ers and the product that they see on the field. As far as all of the ‘We’re going to win this and do that,’ talk is cheap and the thing that we’re going to do is work.”
On what areas of the team need the most improvement:
“I think every area. I think, in order for us to get where we need to be, I think every area. That was one of the goals this offseason, was to make sure that we had great competition across the board, whether it be the offensive line, whether it be the defensive backfield, whether it be the linebackers. To me, that’s what it’s going to take. … I think it’s important to keep your eyes on the whole.”
Listen to the entire interview with Mike Singletary on KNBR in San Francisco here
Tags: Alex Smith, Mike Singletary, NFL, San Francisco 49ers
