Matt Barrows Discusses The 49ers' Off-Season Program
The Sacramento Bee's 49ers beat writer Matt Barrows joined Grant to talk about the 49ers off-season so far. The 49ers started their off-season program recently, and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh was not impressed with the team's rookies as far as conditioning goes. Matt said that the veterans were in great shape, but the younger guys were winded and hurt after a 90 minute practice. Several players had injuries to their hamstrings, including 5th round draft pick out of Notre Dame, Darius Fleming. Chris Owusu, a wide receiver who played for Harbaugh at Stanford, fared well as an undrafted free agent. Matt said that many Stanford guys that played for Harbaugh do well because they're familiar with the coach and his system.
Next, Grant and Matt talked about Randy Moss and his early effect on the 49ers. Matt said that a lot of players are star struck since Moss was a young, dominant receiver when most of the young guys were growing up. According to Matt, Moss looked good Thursday, but the 49ers know they're taking a risk with Moss and hoping he'll want to end his career with a bang. Moss is notorious for getting upset when he doesn't get the ball, and the 49ers offense didn't heavily feature wide receivers last year. Matt said that Harbaugh will have a short leash with Moss if there are any issues.
Another 49ers free agent signing was Brandon Jacobs, who came over from the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. Matt said that the 49ers offensive backfield is crowded, but Jacobs was most likely brought in as insurance should Frank Gore go down. Jacobs could fill in for Gore in the 49ers offense because he has a similar running style. Grant asked what would happen if Jacobs continues some issues he had in New York with taking penalties. Matt responded that Jacobs, like Moss, would have a short leash and there would be low tolerance for any problems. Jacobs could be let go without much hit to the 49ers' salary cap. Matt also said it wasn't guaranteed that Jacobs would make the team.
Finally, Matt talked about the 49ers' new stadium, which is currently in the early stages of being built. Matt said that it looked like any gigantic construction site with vehicles and people everywhere. With the stadium due to be ready in two years, crews are working day and night to complete it. According to Matt, the stadium will be the biggest thing in the South Bay at 1.8 million square feet, and is changing drastically from day to day as crews work hard and fast to get the project finished.
