Post by Bornthrilla on Dec 13, 2004 11:01:14 GMT -5
www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/sports/10405030.htm?1c
Running back Barlow doesn't make trip to Arizona but receives a big hit anyway
• Fullback Beasley praises Hicks, says Barlow acted 'cowardly' for his comments about the 49ers offensive line
49ers notebook
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Fullback Fred Beasley had the floor and didn't mince words, first with his 49ers teammates after Sunday's 31-28 overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals and later with reporters.
Players erupted with applause, according to a team source, after Beasley's closed-door speech and the awarding of a ceremonial game ball to running back Maurice Hicks, who stayed in the game despite bruising a rib in the fourth quarter and finishing with 139 yards rushing in his first career start.
Beasley, according to the source, praised Hicks for playing through the injury and showing the heart and desire that he alleged Kevan Barlow, the usual starting running back, lacks. Barlow, who's feuded with Beasley in the past, didn't accompany the 49ers on the trip, apparently because of a concussion he sustained last week.
Beasley confirmed that he "brought the team up" to praise the offensive line and Hicks. He later told reporters that Barlow acted "cowardly" for telling reporters on Dec. 2 that the 49ers should draft offensive linemen with their first seven picks in April. In Barlow's defense, he appeared to be somewhat joking when he said: "I want seven offensive linemen, the first through the seventh round. Nah, whatever helps the team win, whether it's D-line, O-line, wide receiver, running back, whatever helps us win."
Said Beasley: "Maybe that's not what he meant (about the linemen), but it's the way it sounded and how everyone took it." Beasley said he and the offensive linemen rallied behind Barlow's quote. "You don't kick your offensive linemen like that. That's cowardly. That's something you shouldn't do, knowing you're on the same team and the offensive line is struggling. You don't want to throw alcohol on a wound."
Beasley said "it's obvious" that Hicks plays with more heart than Barlow and that they have a different running style. "When you come back in with cracked ribs, it's all about heart. If we were in a foxhole, I'd want (Hicks) with me," Beasley said. " ... Kevan is still our guy and Maurice is a backup, but it's obvious they have a different running style that benefits our offense. We've got to wait and see who'll be in there next week."
Barlow has produced one 100-yard rushing effort in starting every game this season prior to Sunday's, totaling 629 yards rushing and 3.2 yards a carry. Hicks, promoted last month from the practice squad, gave the 49ers a 21-0 lead when he scored on a 1-yard plunge midway through the second quarter. "We knew we had to start the running game to have a chance to win the game," said Hicks, who is questionable for Saturday's game against the Washington Redskins. He bruised a left rib when hit for a 3-yard loss late in the fourth quarter by safety Adrian Wilson.
Running back Barlow doesn't make trip to Arizona but receives a big hit anyway
• Fullback Beasley praises Hicks, says Barlow acted 'cowardly' for his comments about the 49ers offensive line
49ers notebook
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Fullback Fred Beasley had the floor and didn't mince words, first with his 49ers teammates after Sunday's 31-28 overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals and later with reporters.
Players erupted with applause, according to a team source, after Beasley's closed-door speech and the awarding of a ceremonial game ball to running back Maurice Hicks, who stayed in the game despite bruising a rib in the fourth quarter and finishing with 139 yards rushing in his first career start.
Beasley, according to the source, praised Hicks for playing through the injury and showing the heart and desire that he alleged Kevan Barlow, the usual starting running back, lacks. Barlow, who's feuded with Beasley in the past, didn't accompany the 49ers on the trip, apparently because of a concussion he sustained last week.
Beasley confirmed that he "brought the team up" to praise the offensive line and Hicks. He later told reporters that Barlow acted "cowardly" for telling reporters on Dec. 2 that the 49ers should draft offensive linemen with their first seven picks in April. In Barlow's defense, he appeared to be somewhat joking when he said: "I want seven offensive linemen, the first through the seventh round. Nah, whatever helps the team win, whether it's D-line, O-line, wide receiver, running back, whatever helps us win."
Said Beasley: "Maybe that's not what he meant (about the linemen), but it's the way it sounded and how everyone took it." Beasley said he and the offensive linemen rallied behind Barlow's quote. "You don't kick your offensive linemen like that. That's cowardly. That's something you shouldn't do, knowing you're on the same team and the offensive line is struggling. You don't want to throw alcohol on a wound."
Beasley said "it's obvious" that Hicks plays with more heart than Barlow and that they have a different running style. "When you come back in with cracked ribs, it's all about heart. If we were in a foxhole, I'd want (Hicks) with me," Beasley said. " ... Kevan is still our guy and Maurice is a backup, but it's obvious they have a different running style that benefits our offense. We've got to wait and see who'll be in there next week."
Barlow has produced one 100-yard rushing effort in starting every game this season prior to Sunday's, totaling 629 yards rushing and 3.2 yards a carry. Hicks, promoted last month from the practice squad, gave the 49ers a 21-0 lead when he scored on a 1-yard plunge midway through the second quarter. "We knew we had to start the running game to have a chance to win the game," said Hicks, who is questionable for Saturday's game against the Washington Redskins. He bruised a left rib when hit for a 3-yard loss late in the fourth quarter by safety Adrian Wilson.
