Lewis has work cut out for him going against Witten
by John Crumpacker
Chronicle Staff Writer
Strong safety Michael Lewis has a big responsibility coming Sunday. Specifically, a 6-foot-5, 262-pound responsibility.
Lewis will be called on to cover Dallas tight end Jason Witten when he's involved in the passing game. And Witten is involved to the point where he leads the Cowboys in receiving and receiving yardage with 48 catches for 583 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
"This will probably be my hardest challenge this year," Lewis said. "He's a Pro Bowl guy. You've got to step up your game even more. They typically treat Witten on third down as a wide receiver."
In Texas, Witten is what they call a "big-un."
So big-un the 49ers will probably have linebacker Patrick Willis and maybe linebacker Manny Lawson help out in coverage on the rangy tight end.
"In a couple of our packages I'll be one-on-one with Jason," Lewis said. "He runs great routes. You could tell he works on his craft, his skills. He's fast. He's got deceptive speed and knows how to get open."
He averages 12.1 yards per catch, a mere half-yard less than a certain celebrated Cowboys' wide receiver.
"He's a key guy for them in that offense," Lewis said. "Having him in the game opens up other people in the offense. We're going to mix some things up, give him different looks. You have to know where he is at all times."
Poignant date: The 49ers happen to be in Dallas today on the 45th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
"Wow," coach Mike Singletary said when informed of the date. "That's really interesting. I remember what kind of day that was for the country, even as a kid."
Singletary, 50, was not quite 5 on Nov. 22, 1963.
No time for family: Although he has many family members in Texas, Houston-born and Baylor-educated Singletary said spending time with his family this weekend is "out of the question." He said he will see oldest daughter Kristin, a student at Baylor, but that's it.
"I've got a lot of extended family, but I've already told them we'll get together after the season," he said. "Some of you I'll see at Thanksgiving, but this is a business trip."
Back to work: Willis missed practice Wednesday with a strained hip and Thursday with an illness, but he worked Friday and will play against the Cowboys.
"He looks fine," Singletary said. "Probably couldn't have gotten him to rest as much as he has the past couple days. He needed to relax and rest a bit. It's good for him."
No announcement yet: Singletary stopped just short of saying rookie Chilo Rachal will start at right guard Sunday. At the very least, the second-round pick from USC will see more playing time than he has to this point.
"We're leaning towards him right now, but it'll be a game-time decision," the coach said. "I would say we're pretty sure in our minds."
Briefly: Wide receivers Arnaz Battle (foot) and Josh Morgan (groin) are out of this game, as is safety Dashon Goldson (knee). ... Cornerback Tarell Brown, who strained his neck against the Rams, is probable. ... Running back Michael Robinson, who sustained a stinger in the same game, appeared on the injury report Friday as probable for Dallas. ... Tackle Barry Sims, who missed the last two games with an ankle injury, returned to practice this week and will be active in a backup role at both tackle positions.
Chronicle Staff Writer
Strong safety Michael Lewis has a big responsibility coming Sunday. Specifically, a 6-foot-5, 262-pound responsibility.
Lewis will be called on to cover Dallas tight end Jason Witten when he's involved in the passing game. And Witten is involved to the point where he leads the Cowboys in receiving and receiving yardage with 48 catches for 583 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
"This will probably be my hardest challenge this year," Lewis said. "He's a Pro Bowl guy. You've got to step up your game even more. They typically treat Witten on third down as a wide receiver."
In Texas, Witten is what they call a "big-un."
So big-un the 49ers will probably have linebacker Patrick Willis and maybe linebacker Manny Lawson help out in coverage on the rangy tight end.
"In a couple of our packages I'll be one-on-one with Jason," Lewis said. "He runs great routes. You could tell he works on his craft, his skills. He's fast. He's got deceptive speed and knows how to get open."
He averages 12.1 yards per catch, a mere half-yard less than a certain celebrated Cowboys' wide receiver.
"He's a key guy for them in that offense," Lewis said. "Having him in the game opens up other people in the offense. We're going to mix some things up, give him different looks. You have to know where he is at all times."
Poignant date: The 49ers happen to be in Dallas today on the 45th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
"Wow," coach Mike Singletary said when informed of the date. "That's really interesting. I remember what kind of day that was for the country, even as a kid."
Singletary, 50, was not quite 5 on Nov. 22, 1963.
No time for family: Although he has many family members in Texas, Houston-born and Baylor-educated Singletary said spending time with his family this weekend is "out of the question." He said he will see oldest daughter Kristin, a student at Baylor, but that's it.
"I've got a lot of extended family, but I've already told them we'll get together after the season," he said. "Some of you I'll see at Thanksgiving, but this is a business trip."
Back to work: Willis missed practice Wednesday with a strained hip and Thursday with an illness, but he worked Friday and will play against the Cowboys.
"He looks fine," Singletary said. "Probably couldn't have gotten him to rest as much as he has the past couple days. He needed to relax and rest a bit. It's good for him."
No announcement yet: Singletary stopped just short of saying rookie Chilo Rachal will start at right guard Sunday. At the very least, the second-round pick from USC will see more playing time than he has to this point.
"We're leaning towards him right now, but it'll be a game-time decision," the coach said. "I would say we're pretty sure in our minds."
Briefly: Wide receivers Arnaz Battle (foot) and Josh Morgan (groin) are out of this game, as is safety Dashon Goldson (knee). ... Cornerback Tarell Brown, who strained his neck against the Rams, is probable. ... Running back Michael Robinson, who sustained a stinger in the same game, appeared on the injury report Friday as probable for Dallas. ... Tackle Barry Sims, who missed the last two games with an ankle injury, returned to practice this week and will be active in a backup role at both tackle positions.
posted by The Gryphon at 9:43 AM
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