[h2]49ERS[/h2] [h1]If offense stinks, blame Right Guard[/h1] [h3]Singletary may replace struggling Rachal after bye week[/h3]
John Burgess / Press Democrat
Niners coach Mike Singletary yells at the referees on Oct. 11. Singletary is weighing changes along the offensive line.
By
MATT MAIOCCO
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 6:37 p.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 6:37 p.m.
SANTA CLARA - Mike Singletary is depending on strong play from the 49ers' offensive line as part of his formula for success.
External Links:
But that phase of the game has been a disappointment for a man who has repeatedly stated he expects the 49ers' line to be among the best in the league as the season progresses.
It appears Singletary has run out of patience, as a change at right guard is expected when the 49ers reconvene Monday to begin preparations for facing the Houston Texans on Oct. 25.
"Still looking at it," Singletary said Wednesday before the team was given four days off for the bye week. "There's a good chance we'll do it, but (we're) still looking at it.
"Right now there are a couple of combinations, but we'll figure it out when we get back."
Right guard Chilo Rachal, a second-round pick in the 2008 draft, is the player most likely to receive a demotion. When asked if right guard was his biggest concern, Singletary answered, "Quite possibly."
The 49ers' offense ranks 29th in the NFL in total yards through five games.
Quarterback Shaun Hill has been sacked 16 times. The 49ers are surrendering sacks more frequently than all but three other teams.
Singletary wants an offensive line that is able to impose its will on the defense and sustain long ball-control drives. However, only the Raiders have achieved fewer first downs per game.
"I feel that they'll be fine," said 49ers running back Frank Gore, who is expected to return to action after missing the past two games with an ankle injury. We have to clean up the small things and get all the MEs (mental errors) out of the way and play together. Coach Singletary said it: 'It's going to happen.'
"They're trying and fighting and that's all you can want for your teammates. They'll do it. They'll get it right."
Rachal was being counted upon to make significant strides in his second season after starting the final six games as a rookie. He replaced veteran Tony Wragge in the starting lineup. Now Wragge is among the options to work his way back onto the first team.
Or the 49ers could move either Adam Snyder or Tony Pashos from right tackle, where they have been splitting time.
Rachal said his confidence has not wavered. He said he believes he is continuing to progress, but does not admit his play has been substandard.
"I feel like I've gotten better in some points, but I can always get better," he said. "I'm still learning. I only started six games last year. I didn't get a chance to play the whole season. I'm learning things as games come along."
Any mystery involving Singletary's opinion of Rachal's play was solved when NFL Films had the 49ers' head coach wired for sound during the team's Oct. 4 game against the St. Louis Rams. At one point, Rams defensive tackle C.J. Ah You powers through Rachal to record a sack.
"Chilo's going to make me knock him out, dad-gummit," Singletary says on the sideline.
Later, Singletary talks to Rachal on the bench in front of all of the other offensive linemen.
"Chilo, look here, I'm going to ask you a very honest question," Singletary says. "If you can't play, let me know, so I can get somebody in there. These guys are busting their tales ... No, no, no, I don't want to hear 'I'm good.' If you can't play, I want somebody else in. I don't need you out there thinking. I need you to go. These guys are working. Are you going to play or not?"
Singletary spent a lot of one-on-one time last season with Rachal before and after the promotion into the starting lineup. Rachal said he views it as a good thing that his coach gives him attention.
"He sees a lot of potential in me and he's pushing me," Rachal said. "And that's motivation. I like that. I take everything Coach says as a positive. That's a Hall of Fame coach and been in the league and won a Super Bowl. Everything he says, I listen to."
For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at matt.maiocco@
pressdemocrat.com
@ 92 starting a 49er game thread today.
