Welcome to Opposition Research, where I’ll be taking a look at the next Packers opponent, the San Francisco 49ers (4-5). Coming off the high of the victory over Dallas, many now see this as a winnable game. Not so fast, Packer fans. There are a lot of things to be wary about in this Week 11 match-up between NFC teams on the playoff periphery.
It’s been a weird couple days in the NFL. Here are a few stories that are making the rounds, each of them a head-scratcher:
Rookie WR Michael Crabtree, after spending significant time away from San Francisco, finally signed a six-year contract with the 49ers. If he has two outstanding years in his first four, the contract evolves into a five-year deal. The weird part of all this? M.C. Hammer was apparently present during negotiations. Yes, really, that M.C. Hammer.
Look out now -- the San Francisco 49ers have officially accused the New York Jets of tampering with their (unbelievably, as-yet-unsigned) first-round draft pick, Michael Crabtree. Back in May, Alex Marvez of Fox Sports called tampering "the NFL's dirty little secret," and warned that without harsher penalties, it'll only get worse. Well, the 49ers are saying that the Jets called up Crabtree and promised to sweeten the deal left on the table in San Francisco, if only Crabtree re-enters the 2010 draft. Rex Ryan, in true "no duh" fashion, has called the whole accusation "ridiculous." Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum isn't talking, but either everyone's after the Jets, or there's something fishy going on. Crabtree's the third receiver rumored to have been contacted illegally by the Jets, though neither the Denver Broncos (for Brandon Marshall) nor the Minnesota Vikings (for Percy Harvin) filed any formal charges.
On today's show, join Andy Herman as he breaks down all the key storylines and things to watch for as OTA's open to the media on Tuesday. Don't miss it!
