Randy Moss is a great player, but also a polarizing figure, so it’s no surprise that his acquisition by the 49ers has been hotly debated by fans and media. Put me down on the positive side. Two things have been known about Moss since before he even turned pro: 1. He has an often-unstoppable combination of speed and size; and 2. He turns his effort button on and off, depending on the circumstances. Read More

This should be a very uncomfortable offseason for Michael Crabtree as the 49ers have signed free-agent receivers Randy Moss and Mario Manningham and drafted A.J. Jenkins out of Illinois in the first round. The message is clear: Quit whining and start playing or you’ll be on the bench. Read More

While 49ers offseason news has cooled of late, expect the franchise, and the NFL, to be back on the front-burner of conversations this week.The league is expected to announce the 2012 schedule Tuesday. The 49ers, fresh off a run to the NFC Championship Game, already know who they’ll play in the upcoming season, but they’ll learn if their postseason run will lead to more prime-time exposure, among other details. Read More

While there won’t be any drama involving the Raiders this preseason, the 49ers do have an interesting schedule in preparing for their defense of the NFC West championship. As expected, the annual 49ers-Raiders game was scrapped after violence — including two shootings — erupted during and after last year’s exhibition at Candlestick Park. Instead, Niners coach Jim Harbaugh’s second exhibition schedule features three AFC teams — including a matchup against Peyton Manning. Read More