The end of the 49ers’ Trent Dilfer Era: Greatness, laughter, tears…
Oh yes, I am aware that this is piling on, but if it wasn’t for piling on I don’t know if this digital territory would exist at all…
I was thinking about my guy Trent Dilfer last weekend. Couldn’t get to writing much about him with all that NCAA stuff to handle, but he’s Dilfy, so you know the timing of his release by the 49ers last week would hit us all so very hard.
Dilfy gave us everything he had. Dilfy made sure we all knew he was giving us everything he had, but man, oh man, Mike Nolan loved him for it! We all did! Face it, we all need a garrulous back-up QB who tells us how hard he’s working.
The NFL wouldn’t be the NFL without garrulous back-up QBs who tell us how hard they’re working and how great the coaching staff is and how much the starting QB needs help and how greatness is just around the corner for the entire organization and…
Do you want to buy some encyclopedias while I’m jabbering?
Dilfy: The Legend. Dilfy: The Politician. Dilfy: The Great. So I decided, after we all shed some tears, to list all of the great things Dilfy contributed to the 49ers over the last few seasons…
* The 49ers were 1-6 in games Dilfer played, all of them coming last year.
Of course, one of them–a 20-for-42 outing, for 231 yards, 2 interceptions, 0 TDs in a 13-9 loss to St. Louis–was, what Nolan told a TV guy, the best quarterbacking by a 49er during Nolan’s tenure.
Legendary.
* Dilfy completed 51.6% of his passes in his 7 great games as a 49er, threw 12 ints (mainly the WRs’ fault!), 7 TDs (all Trent) and was sacked 27 times (none his fault!).
Dilfy had a 55.1 QB rating last year. Alex Smith had a 57.2 rating.
* Dilfy was kept in the No. 2 slot ahead of Shaun Hill, though logic would’ve dictated otherwise… until Dilfer suffered a concussion and about three months before 49ers people were wondering why in the heck Hill wasn’t ahead of Dilfer.
Hill had a 101.3 QB rating in three games last year and won his two starts.
* Dilfy used his great credibility to vouch–LOUDLY–for embattled offensive coordinator Jim Hostler through thick and thin.
Hostler is “a superstar football coach,” Dilfer said in October.
Hostler was fired after the season. I’m sure Dilfer wasn’t vouching for him then, but oh well, encyclopedias to sell.
* Dilfy used his great credibility to vouch for former Browns teammate Antonio Bryant as a player and person before the 49ers signed him in 2006.
And Mike Nolan really, really believed Dilfy in that matter, as Nolan did and does on all Dilfy matters. Oops.
* Dilfy has used his great credibility to continuously vouch for the greatness of Mike Nolan, which Mike Nolan sorta likes to hear.
* Dilfy was always there for his team, hard times and good times, except for the time when Hill was making his first NFL start and Dilfy wasn’t in the locker room pre-game because he was doing the NFL Network panel show.
* Oh, but we forget: Dilfy was mainly brought to the 49ers to mentor Alex Smith.
You know, get the youngster through the tough stages of NFL QB-dom, teach him how to be a leader, be a liaison to the coach… knife him in the back to the rest of the locker room when the Great Coach soured on Alex, too…
Err, maybe that last one was just a Dilfy improvisation. I’ll bet Alex has learned from that one, though. Maybe not from the rest of the Dilfy Experience, but from that one. He’d better have learned.
He was watching the Political Master. You don’t ever want to follow Dilfy’s lead as an actual QB, but as a smarmy, glad-handing politician?
That’s the legend.
Is it Grounghog Day? Are you running out of material? What’s the point of this post…again? Informative? hardly. Insightful? Absolutely not. Repetative? You bet. We know Dilfer is horrendous. Hell, the office secretary who will undoubtedly win your NCAA pool by choosing the colors she likes best knows that Dilfer sucks. Why spend the time?
Skip Bayless, err Tim Kawakami spews again! What kind of bandwidth wasting junk is this?
You make my decision to give up my subscription to the Mercury News easy! Thanks!
- Former subscriber.
Terrible post, Tim. A man would get popped in the face in old times for those kinda words. Maybe you need a vacation.
We did nothing with him and all he did was talk about how good we can be. Trent reminds me of a friend who thinks its okay to come over but Trent its not okay because the niners have been hearing your crap for too long. I don’t think Trench play was as bad as he’s numbers but he was horrible as starting quaterback. I hope he comes in NFL network and says the 49ers are on their way becuase thats why we like him and Nolan too.
Write about something interesting like who do think is going to be a suprise this year, no more trent for you. The only good thing about his article is that Trent is gone and we know little Timmy can’t think of anything.
Sadly the very first sentence of this blog reveals the shallowness of Mr. Kawakami.
“Oh yes, I am aware that this is piling on, but if it wasn’t for piling on I don’t know if this digital territory would exist at all…”
Is that so? So the digital territory he speaks of (blogs, I assume) are for the sole pupose of taking pot-shots at people unabated? Maybe that’s what it seems like it’s becoming due to sites like TMZ and Perez Hilton, who have simply transported the world of “The Globe” and “The National Enquirer” to the online medium, but it’s hardly the only reason blogs or the internet exists.
I won’t bother pointing out the several (hundreds) of great blogs that don’t pander to the lowest common denominator, since it’s wasted breath here. I will say though, if it’s sites like TMZ that Tim aspires to emulate, well bravo - he’s proven that he’s a natural tabloid style muckraker.
Sadly, I’ve tried to defend Tim against the attacks he takes at an increased frequency, but he’s on his own here. Dilfer was clearly past his state of usefulness, especially on a team with as many offensive problems as the 49ers had last year. We all know that. Apparently Tim feels he needs to kick the guy one more time just for good measure. Very classy. Not.
How did this guy get a job at the Mercury News? I didn’t know bums could get a sports writer job so easily…
Needless piling on Tim. Okay, I get that but I believe Nolan said the quote about best QB by a 49er after the Arizona game which was the only game he played well in.
At least try to be accurate you’re stooping to new lows.
Way to kick a guy when he is down. Get a life Tim. Trent played with heart, and always tried to make his team better. Was he a Pro Bowl player, of corse not, but with the unreliable recievers and a rookie offensive coordinatory what would you expect the aging guy to do. I for one am glad he was a 49er, and I think the team was better off for having him.
Hi Tim (the Niner hater)
Good to see you slimmed out of the sewer again to spew some of your ceptic retoric. This newspaper has to be the most pathetic sround (and there are some bad ones).
Tim - Your last name should be Kamikaze, because your career is about to crash and burn! It can’t come quick enough! Hallelujah!
Nolan quote is accurate in terms of timeline. Thank you Tim for calling a spade (read: fraud) a spade.
But I do agree that the horse is now black and blue and I don’t think there is any blood left.
What, no time to make fun of his deceased child? If you knew a fraction of the amount of charity work this guy does you would feel ashamed for mocking the man to the degree you do. Or maybe not, and therein lies the problem. I’m done. Dilfer was a HORRIBLE quarterback when he was here. Your article attacks the man, not the player. Man, you used to be a fun read. Now you’re just a mean spirited jackass.
Tim,
While not the sole reason I am calling to cancel my Mercury News subscription today, this definitely contributed to it. The past few weeks of Mercury News articles have been horrendous. As someone earlier mentioned, it’s like I’m reading a tabloid instead of a newspaper. The Mercury News has sunk to new lows to keep old, worn out stories on the front pages and I for one will not pay my money for it. I hope others who are on the fence will follow.
If this talkback holds true to form, I think right now is about the time someone will say how great Matt M. is.
I like the post Tim…you didn’t say much when the trigger was pulled on Dilfer last week and now you’re just expressing some thoughts. I heard the other day the 49ers were raising ticket prices? Is this true? I would think by now not having been to the playoffs in 5 years, with a coach who has won only 50% of his games..and most of those are in December when it doesn’t matter, and finally with the worst stadium,front office and owner in pro sports that the team would be giving away tickets…49ers= joke. Keep bashing them Tim..no one else has the balls to do it.
Who cares about the 49ers in MARCH. Gimme the 9′ers come draft time. Until then, All Warriors All the Time please!
Are you serious, Dave? Everyone criticizes the 49ers, and, to be frank, they deserve that criticism. There’s a huge difference, though, between critiquing the team and taking cheap, personal attacks at players and the organization. There are plenty of amateur bloggers who gripe and bitch and moan. Plenty of regular posters on various forums, too. I’d expect Tim could rise above that a bit, being that he is a ‘professional’ journalist. Seems, though, that he thinks blogging is responsibility free.
As I said in my initial post, I’ve defended Tim here. I understand that, at times, you need to stir the pot to get some good dialogue going. But what’s the point he’s trying to make with this particular column? Trent Dilfer didn’t exactly have a bevy of beat-writers singing his praises; we all know he stunk on the field. Great. Move on.
Right now, Tim reminds me of Ben Affleck’s character from “Dazed and Confused” (O’Bannion). A braggadocious lunkhead who takes pleasure in beating up on the easy targets, because it makes him feel better about himself. A classic bully who alienates far more people than he impresses.
Tim, I loved your Dilfy column. Pile on. Keep piling on until Nolan gets canned. Nolan’s faith in Dilfer showed how bad of a coach Nolan is.
Keep up the good work.
Tim,
Quit posting comments on your own blogs supporting yourself. Like people haven’t figured out it is you already. If you could actually write something of substance, you wouldn’t have to do that now would you?
Good bye Merc News. What a joke this paper has become.
Tim, you should work in a town where everybody isn’t so super-sensitive. If you keep this up, you’re going to give the fragile San Franciscans irreperably hurt feelings.
I canceling my subscription as well. Kawakami is atrocious…
Everyone should stop saying mean things about Timmie…he has feelings too. Just because he’s 5′ 2″ in heels doesn’t mean that he is trying to pick on everyone that’s bigger than he is.
Was this article…unnecessary? yes. vicious? yes. funny? yes. true? hell yes. Unfortunately, this is just a peek at the 49ers of the XXI century. Makes me sad…
How did this guy get a job at the Merc? I think the more important question is how the heck did Dilfer ever get a job with the 49ers?
The 9ers are so down and void of talent that Trent freaking Dilfer is a topic of discussion. Wow… Just wow.
Like Rice said Isaac Bruce can wear #80, will Trent Dilfer allow JT O’Sullivan to wear his jersey number?
Hurt feelings is right. My god some of you crack me up. Oh, that’s it, I’m never reading the Merc again… Lighten up you drama queens!
Poor Dilfy will be just fine counting the millions he stole from the 49ers.
Maybe some of you can start the Dilfy trust fund in sir Dilfy’s honor. Or better yet, the official Trent Dilfy road to the hall of fame tour.
Tim, I love everything you write and you are the only journalist I read concerning the 49ers. Keep telling it like it is.
People: lighten the F up. Dude tells it like it is. And if you don’t think so, how about some purple trees to go with the pink sky in your world?
Remember when TK’s mom passed away and he talked about how it put things in perspective for him and he wasn’t going to be as cynical? Guess those days are long gone…
Sure 30, bring up Tim’s mom.
Thanks, we are all a little more STOOPID after reading your post.
This blog is not piling on regarding Dilfer’s shortcomings but shows some of the pure craziness Nolan has blathered to the media and we’ve taken it without enough resistance. His comments about Dilfer’s performance against the Rams as one of the best quarterback efforts the Niners have had illustrates whether Nolan should have been retained this year. I think it will be good to have Martz be the primary decision maker on this matter in 2008.
This paper’s sports section has gone to hell with Tim. Is it true Tim that you post under different names in support of your OWN blogs when people start bashing you? If so, that’s just retarded! LMAO!!!!
Yeeesh…These so-called 49ers make me feel like throwing up my Dilfy Bars.
Yes, you can call Tim out for piling on…and maybe you’d have a point. However, it’s interesting to note that Dilfy has bounced around quite a lot in the NFL. And all but ONE of those teams did better AFTER he was gone.
The ONE team that didn’t do quite as well would be the Ravens. He certainly had a part in that. How big a part he played is certainly up for debate.
Oh, and good riddance to anyone cancelling their subscription over a blog post.
Tim,
I like the comments you have been delivering regarding the 49ers. Clearly - Nolan has some short comings he needs to address - you are exposing those shortcomings.
I would really like to see Coach Nolan successful - but - if he does not change - he is heading towards a melt down.
Keep it up.
The only way to enjoy this bad news organization is to lampoon them. Y’all wouldn’t even be reading this blog if TK were spewing optimism and praise.
TK gets more done before 9am than 10 Mike Nolans get done in a lifetime.
I want to read about what Tim thinks of the 38ers 5yrs spanned. their WRs that they brat in sins TO. the QB compo with a 2 game winner. the Yorke’s trying to move the team out of SF. how long has it been sins the 38er where in a super Bowl or playoffs or win a playoff game. BECAUSE THE RAIDO ST KNBR HAS NO NOLIG OF IT BUT THEY WANT TO BAG ON THE RAIDERS.
Jo, they have schools that can help people like you. Ride your stolen walmart bike after one of them little yellow buses and it’ll take you there.
Tim i agree 100% with
“SteveC Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Terrible post, Tim. A man would get popped in the face in old times for those kinda words. Maybe you need a vacation.”
Well Almost 100%… I think you need to get popped in your mouth!!
Why Rag on such a great, standup guy like Trent, When he has giving 110% all of the time. He has lost a young Child, that is devastation! He Won a Superbowl to get cut the next year. No Respect!
Ever Niner game, he was up on the side line yelling and cheerin on all of the OFF/DEF Players! He truely believed in his team, and he was always there..
Look at Alex QB Rating, Look at that O-LINE! Trent is no Mike Vick, And if he doesnt have time to throw, and theres 2 DE’s or LB’s coming at him. What do you think is going to happen.
Also our WideOUTS SUCKED Last year… DAR-RELL JACK-A$$-$ON Stunk! David injuried and not playing up to the hype. Battle was fun to watch..
Point is Win as a team, Lose as a team. When Trent had time he complete some Awesome Passes for some Exciting TD’s!!
Look at the areas that need to be Address… The O-LINE started to GEL at the end of the year. And Hill is younger than Trent and more mobile. Things started to Click and Hill Led us to some wins. But the Whole team was playing better…
Anyways if you need someone to Pop ya one, i have some friends that would love to =)
GO NINERS!!! Lets make 08 F’in GREAT!!!