Chat with Bill Williamosn

Welcome to SportsNation! On Thursday, ESPN NFL Nation San Francisco 49ers reporter Bill Williamson drops by to chat and answer all of your 49ers questions.
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
Send your questions now and join Williamson Thursday at 2 p.m. ET!
More Bill Williamson: 49ers blog | Chats | @BWilliamsonESPN | NFL index
Buzzmaster (1:48 PM)
Hey folks, Bill will be here at 2:30 p.m. ET for his chat today.
Bill Williamson (2:31 PM)
Hey everyone,
Evan (Portland)
Hey Bill, As a Niner fan for a very,very long time, I think it's laughable that our so called fan faithful are turning on Kap so quickly after 2 games. It's even more laughable that some are wishing for Alex to come back. How do you answer questions from these people without calling them idiots?
Bill Williamson (2:33 PM)
Look, the issues are not Kaepernick's fault alone. He's not getting much help. Oh and for all of those trying to say they were better with Alex Smith, who exaclty led them to the Super Bowl?Just asking.
Paul (Lancaster,CA)
Is Jim Harbaugh to stuborn for his own good. I ask that because he continues to start Williams. When clearly his wideouts haven't produced squat. Why not start Patton or try Badwin?
Bill Williamson (2:33 PM)
It means the other guys aren't reayd. Stil, I think we need to see Baldwin soon.
Michael (Denver, CO)
49ers fan miserably hearing about all the Broncos glory out here in Denver. Help me out here...how do the 49ers get back to winning and stay the injury cycle until some WR weapons come back like Manningham & Crabtree? Back to running Gore and using pistol? Trade for Josh Gordon? What are your thoughts on options?
Bill Williamson (2:34 PM)
Run the ball with success and keep the defense fresh ... Cutting out the dumb penalties wouldn't be a bad idea, either.
jdawg (omaha)
we need owens
Bill Williamson (2:35 PM)
Terrell? RC? Jesse?
Adam (Miami)
It seems as if the 9ers have a great eye when drafting OL/DL TE/LB & even running backs. But, I think its fair to say they struggle with their evaluations on WR
Bill Williamson (2:35 PM)
Crabtree is solid. Tough posiiton to figure.
Adam (Miami)
I dont want to act like you can replace an Aldon Smith, but I've watched Corey Lemonier very closely and I have been shocked by his ability as a pass rusher. I think people will be very surprised by what they see out of him. Have you seen what I have seen?
Bill Williamson (2:38 PM)
Well, he is a rookie, so I don't want to put too much on him. But they need him and they like him a lot. He has a future. So does Carradine. If these guys develop quickly, it could keep the 49ers from feeling the need to give Smith big bucks.
Ken (Monterey, CA)
Any updates on the statuses of Willis and Davis? One, neither, both going to play?
Bill Williamson (2:38 PM)
We'll find out soon enough. If I had to guess, I'd say Davis has a better chance to play.
Julius (Atlanta)
Are the 49ers in trouble if they lose tonight, in danger of missing playoffs? I already think the division is out of reach?
Bill Williamson (2:39 PM)
Yeah, gotta to win tonight. Plain and simple.
Corey (D.C.)
I keep reading that LaMichael James "doesnt have a role" in the 49ers offense. Im not saying he is greta by any means, but surely they can find a role for his talents right?
Bill Williamson (2:41 PM)
I don't think the team is confident in him as a blocker. But for an offense that needs a spark, i'd like to see what he could do on some bubble screen plays.
Andrew (Kingston, ON)
I'm wondering if you have any insight about how the niners have responded during practices in helping Colin to feel more comfortable going through his progressions and staying in the pocket?
Bill Williamson (2:42 PM)
I think this week's practice was just trying to get everything done on a\ short week.
Lane (Kukuihaele, HI)
Will we see a more conservative ground and pound offense tonight so the 49ers can keep their defense off the field?
Bill Williamson (2:42 PM)
That's what I'd do.
Adam (Miami)
The 49ers have had a few questionable flags against them in critical times this year, but despite that we have committed far too many penalties. What gives?
Bill Williamson (2:43 PM)
Yes, it's a big problem. has to be fixed. Some of these flags have come at the absolute worst times.
John (Ottawa)
Wouldn't it be too risky to let Willis play tonight? I would be worried about the groin injury recurring and being a season-long problem.
Bill Williamson (2:44 PM)
That's why I don't think he plays. But the dude is a warrior.
Ryan (Oakland)
As a niner fan, could we get an editor for your blog to make sure your name is correctly spelled?
Bill Williamson (2:45 PM)
My name? where. Thanks.
Mickey (The Lou)
Let's start this off right...What is your prediction for victor and score for the game tonight?
Bill Williamson (2:46 PM)
I wrote in our double coverage, 49ers 24, Rams 23. Not going to lie. Not overly confident. But then again, I just can't see this team going 1-3.
NinerNiner (Charleston, SC)
Do you see trading for Gordon or Britt as viable options? Given that they're, sort of, malcontents.
Bill Williamson (2:47 PM)
Not sure if this team wants to add anymore guys with issues at this point.
NinerNiner (Charleston, SC)
Hey Bill - It looks, to my untrained eye, that the offensive coaches are out thinking themselves - putting too much on Kap's shoulders and straying from what has worked. What are your thoughts?
Bill Williamson (2:48 PM)
Perhaps or they didn't relzie how unreliable they were at recevier behind Boldin.
Jeff (NY)
Any chance that Hunter overtakes Gore to become the starter this year?
Bill Williamson (2:48 PM)
Probably not this year.
AB (VA)
With the struggles the Niners are currently facing, do you think the offensive scheme of Harbaugh has been figured out, or is it more a product of injuries on the offensive side?
Bill Williamson (2:51 PM)
Nah. Just mssing some key receivers.
BrianCage46 (Rochester, NY)
Bill, how much of the 49ers' recent problems with their scoring defense, and run defense (especially late in games) is attributable to the offense's inability (or unwillingness) to run the ball?
Bill Williamson (2:52 PM)
A whoooooolllllle lot.Defense is not the problem. Might be without Willis and Smith, though.
Lane (Kukuihaele, HI)
How healthy is Vernon Davis? Will he be an effective weapon for the 49ers tonight?
Bill Williamson (2:52 PM)
Magic question. Think he plays. Not sure if he will be 100 percent.
Charizo (Bay Area)
How many carries did Frank Gore have through first 3 games last year vs this year??
Bill Williamson (2:54 PM)
45. He has 41 this year.
AA (Joliet, IL)
Honest Opinion. Do the 49ers remain in contention for the division long enough to allow Manningham and Crabtree to return?? I feel we have reinforceents on the way in the form of those two and maybe a Tank Carridine or Quinton Dial....
Bill Williamson (2:55 PM)
I'll feel better answring that quesiton after tonight's game.
solo (virginia)
do you think that injuries are the reason why the 49ers aren't off to a hot start!
Bill Williamson (2:56 PM)
At receiver, big part of it.
Dan (San Diego)
Billbo - Should we put together an offer for Josh Gordon to give CK another weapon?
Bill Williamson (2:56 PM)
Only if the pric eis good and there is no other inhosue options.
AB (VA)
Are we putting to much into the record of the Niners? Granted they are 1-2 right now, with Seattle being 3-0. But isn't there a difference between playing the Colts, Hawks, and Packers vs the teams Seattle has matched up with so far?
Bill Williamson (2:57 PM)
What is scary is how bad the offense was against a not-so great Colts' defense.That offense was incapable of winning a game Sunday.
Pinto (Peachtree City)
Yeah, I think harbaugh should bring Terrell Owens in for a workout.He has produced in similar offenses.
Bill Williamson (2:57 PM)
That ship has sailed.
Charizo (Bay Area)
Is this a do or die game for the 49er season??
Bill Williamson (2:58 PM)
Kind of, yes.
Chris (Fresno)
Kaepernick needs to run! No one can keep up with him and he is smart enough to slide or step out of bounds! He does that and the Offense will open up. It will also help Gore and Hunter because teams will be worn down.
Bill Williamson (2:58 PM)
I can't disagree.
Paul (Lancaster,CA)
Any chance the 49ers pull a Falcons in the offseason. Trading a lot of thier draft picks to get a top WR in the draft?
Bill Williamson (2:59 PM)
They have a ton of picks, so maybe.
AA (Joliet, IL)
49ers RB depth. Is this the final year of Frank Gore in SF? With Lattiomore waiting in the wings, Hunter, James, Jewel Hampton and even Anthony Dixon, it seem we are prepared for the inevitable.
Bill Williamson (2:59 PM)
It's smart when your starter is 30.
Dan (San Diego)
How often have you been called Billy Willy?
Bill Williamson (3:00 PM)
Since birth.
Serge (Santa Cruz)
How do you think Boldin will do tonight?
Bill Williamson (3:00 PM)
Depends on it he can get some help. Otherwise, the Rams will stack against him.
Bill Williamson (3:01 PM)
Great session. Enjoy the game. Talk you you next week.
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