49ers Get Nothing in 'Hawks Win

Mastermind will attempt to resuscitate league's most impotent attack

(NEWSER) - San Francisco set the standard in 2007 for offensive moribundity, but that may change next year; the San Francisco Chronicle reports that coach Mike Nolan hired offensive whiz Mike Martz to revamp a unit that trailed the league in scoring and yards. In two seasons, Martz had coaxed the previously woeful Lions to respectability before his firing. More»

(NEWSER) - In the annals of coaches' motivational stunts, it might not rank with "win one for the gipper," but the 49ers' Mike Singletary sure caught his players' attention. With his team trailing 20-3 at halftime last week, Singletary—in his first game as a coach—dropped his pants in the locker room and pointed to his behind to illustrate the players' effort, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Alas, the 49ers still lost, 34-14. More»

Atlanta outscores Seattle's 2nd string, Browns best San Fran

(NEWSER) - Chicago played spoiler for the second straight week, this time out-hustling New Orleans 33-25 despite gaining only 275 yards to the Saints' 413. The Bears' Devin Hester scored a record sixth kick return touchdown on the season and tacked on a TD reception in the win. Saints quarterback Drew Brees broke the NFL single-season completions record, nailing three TD passes in a losing effort. In other action: More»

Engram sets club record, Alexander returns to relevance

(NEWSER) - Troy Smith, winner of the 2006 Heisman Award with Ohio State, had a forgettable first start for the slumping, injury-decimated Ravens in a 27-6 Seahawks victory. Seattle clinched the NFC's 3rd seed with a game to go, and wideout Bobby Engram improved his season receptions total to 90—a new club record. More»

Shaun Hill shines in first NFL start, leading SF to its 4th victory

(NEWSER) - Cincinnati may have thought last night's game was in the bag: San Francisco sat in the dregs of the NFC, boasted one of the weakest offenses, and was starting its third-string quarterback. But Shaun Hill made the first start of his six NFL seasons count, going 21-for-28 to accumulate 197 yards and a 20-13 Niners victory, the Chronicle reports. More»