Maybe he's just a rookie and doesn't know better. But Michael Crabtree says the solution to the 49ers' offense is simple: They should turn to the spread full time.

Everybody knows what a sack looks like. That's when a defense player tackles the passer behind the line of scrimmage, often leaving a quarterback-sized imprint in the turf.

The 49ers' ability to pressure and sack Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers qualifies as a primary storyline heading into Week 11.

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat checks in with 49ers offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye, who says the Packers make dramatic scheme changes on defense based on the opposition.

The 49ers aren't expecting Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to be as generous as Bears counterpart Jay Cutler in the interceptions department.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers spend a lot of time on their backsides, each having taken his share of hits this season.

The TV angle sure looked like Jay Cutler might have had a good shot at running for a touchdown on the last play against the 49ers if he mixed in a few pump fakes to freeze the defense.

The 49ers seem to have lost the spark quarterback Alex Smith provided in his first couple games after replacing Shaun Hill .

Clearly, a work in progress with Alex Smith back as the starter, with greater maturity but some of the same old issues as well.

The following quotes are from NFL scouts, coaches and front-office personnel, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Such a ridiculous question, he said. What was asked of the 49ers ' right cornerback was if he thought the 49ers were lacking in speed on defense.

' condition is by far the most troubling since he sustained his third concussion since Aug.

The San Francisco 49ers' leader knows he lost his cool. Mike Singletary became so frustrated with his team's poor play he couldn't help himself but to verbally respond to former 49er Harvey Dahl when the offensive lineman engaged the coach near the San Francisco sideline with Atlanta driving downfield again.

The Falcons, at 2-1 and coming off a bye week, will provide a much more accurate gauge of just how good the 49ers are than last week's opponent, the winless St.

This game had everything, including a nice shouting match between Mike Singletary and the acknowledged dirtiest player in the league, Falcons guard and former 49er, Harvey Dahl.

After the San Francisco 49ers were blown out at home by the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, two things became clear: Dre Bly is not Deion Sanders, and Shaun Hill is not Joe Montana.

San Francisco 49ers Glen Coffee is tackled after a short run against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park in San Jose, Calif.

The San Francisco 49ers' leader knows he lost his cool. Mike Singletary became so frustrated with his team's poor play he couldn't help himself but to verbally respond to former 49er Harvey Dahl when the offensive lineman engaged the coach near the San Francisco sideline with Atlanta driving downfield again.

A few weeks back we were discussing Seattle Seahawks TE John Carlson and defending him, given his abilities.

Takeo Spikes sat at his locker and cried. This was Oct. 3, 1999, after yet another lopsided Cincinnati Bengals defeat.