It's award season in the NFL. The 49ers, for example, walked out of their afternoon meetings today to find two sheets of paper taped to their lockers. On one was the balloting for the Pro Bowl. On the other was the player's vote for the most esteemed in-house honor, the Len Eshmont Award. The Eshmont is given to the most courageous and inspirational player on the team. For four years running, it has gone to Bryant Young. In fact, Young has won it eight times in the last 12 seasons. With Young no longer on the team, who gets it this year? My guess would be Patrick Willis, who has had to deal with an array of tweaks, sprains and pulls in recent weeks but who hasn't made a peep or missed a play.
Willis may end up being the lone 49er to go to Hawaii, too. Punter Andy Lee joined Willis last season, but this year he ranks fifth in the NFC in net yardage. Frank Gore is 10th in the league in rushing, and moreover, there are six NFC running backs ahead of him through Week 15. The 49ers can give Vernon Davis all the credit in the world for his blocking prowess. But it's pass-catching that gets you to Honolulu, and Jason Witten and Chris Cooley have him beaten - handily in that regard. In fact, Davis ranks 31st in pass receptions, behind such notable tight ends as Cleveland's Steve Heiden and Cincinnati's Reggie Kelly. Eric Heitmann probably is Pro Bowl-worthy, especially after handling Kris Jenkins Sunday. But he has a number of things going against him 1.) The 49ers have a losing record. 2.) The 49ers rarely play on national television. 3.) They've given up the third-most sacks of any offensive line.
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Imagine Thomas Clayton's frustration. Not only has he been stuck on the practice squad for two seasons, his housemate is Dominique Zeigler. Zeigler, of course, made the switch from practice squad to active roster this season and has received steady work in the last five contests. Is Clayton jealous? "My happiness goes beyond my frustration. I'm happy for him," Clayton said today. "I know my opportunity will come. I'm a good player, so I know my opportunity will come."
Clayton also said he has received interest from other teams this season who have seen a running back - or two - go down with an injury. Interest, but no action. It seems that Clayton's best shot at playing time will be if Frank Gore's ankle heals slowly this week.
-- Matt Barrows
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