Notes from Mike Nolan’s Tuesday press conference

Nolan stated that the team had opportunities to make plays. While the defense started slowly, it got better as the game wore on. The team just failed on third downs.

Nolan was excited about going out and getting the first down on the 4th and 1 play and were just unable to execute. The team is working hard and will continue to do so.

When asked if quarterback Alex Smith should be out there because of his shoulder injury, Nolan said that Smith is fine. He agrees that Smith is not playing well, but would not blame it on the shoulder.

When asked if the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach are able to help Alex Smithdespite never having played quarterback, Nolan said that be believed so and stated that some of the best coaches in the league have never played a snap at quarterback.

When asked if the team is working to help Alex Smith with the mechanics involved in playing quarterback, Nolan stated that they spend a lot of time working on such things with the quarterbacks in practice. In fact, the first 15 minutes of every practice is spent working on technique.

When asked if the team has players that are not very good, Nolan stated that the team is better than they were two years ago and they are better than they were last year. He went on to state that the production on offense is the problem and they should be better, but they are not at this time.

Nolan will not consider any coaching changes on offense at this time. The team needs to create more rhythm on offense.

The biggest frustration that Nolan has in this football team is that they are a unit that is unable to take advantage of opportunities.

When asked if Smith's confidence may be shot, Nolan said that his confidence may be shaken, but not shot.

Nolan feels that the offensive line has done a good job and continued to state that they just can't get any rhythm.

When asked why tight end Vernon davis was not used more in the passing game, Nolan stated that he should have been. He acknowledged that Davis is a playmaker and they just failed to utilize him. He also said that Davis is an outstanding blocker, but he is even more of a threat catching the ball.

When asked about the team's expectations on the season, Nolan said that they are just taking things one game at a time.

Nolan also stated that we might see wide receiver Jason Hill playing a little more.

The video of the press conference will eventually be archived here:
http://cbs5.com/sports/local_story_221142527.html