http://cbs5.com/sports/49ers.mike.nolan.2.461096.html
Nolan's press conference started at 12:27pm.
Nolan feels that the defense gave them a spark. The turnovers helped this team capitalize on opportunities.
Nolan feels that the two Michael Lewis's and Patrick Willis did very well.
On offense, Trent Dilfer and Frank Gore played very well.
Jim Hostler would be the one to ask to see what Ted Tollner brought to the table to help the 49ers offense. Nolan would like to believe that the relationship between Tollner and the rest of the staff continues to get better.
Nolan feels that the team is a little more focuses and that injuries have disrupted things a bit.
Can Patrick Willis pick up a ball? Yes, but it is going to be more difficult with the cast. Nolan is surprised that it has not hindered his ability to tackle.
Nolan is impressed with Willis' ability to chase down the receivers. He is not surprised, but still impressed. Patrick Willis is going to be an outstanding player. On the flight back, Singletary said that "Patrick is special." Willis is very well grounded.
Because Singletary has been a player, he knows what they go through which makes him a good teacher. He establishes himself as a mentor which will make him an outstanding head coach. He has the leadership qualities needed.
While he hopes for the best for Singletary should he leave, Nolan would love to keep him in San Francisco.
Trent Dilfer did even better than he did against the Rams, which Nolan felt was the best quarterback performance he has seen in San Francisco (as commented by the reporter asking the question).
The last play of the game was a coverage sack. It was great coverage by the 49ers defense that allowed Ron Fields to get to Kurt Warner.
Regarding the Hail Mary at the end of the first half:
The defense got "out-jumped" for the ball. Everyone was in their positions where they needed to be.
The 49ers should have taken a snap and wasted some more time rather than give the Rams time at the end of the first half to execute the deep pass.
This win is something that the 49ers want to build on. He hopes that the team gains more confidence going into their next game. It is not their objective to start a win streak and the team still has a lot to play for.
At the beginning of the season the goal was to make the playoffs. What is the goal now? "One game at a time," said Nolan.
A reporter comments that the 49ers are 6-0 in the last six overtime games (3-0 under Nolan). Nolan responds by saying, "Sounds like we need to get into overtime more often."
Check Matt Maiocco and Matt Barrows' blogs later for more updates.
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/
