Martz evolves into Hill's biggest fan

SANTA CLARA — Mike Martz’s offense is still Mike Martz’s offense.

Although the offense’s appearance has been altered since Mike Singletary became interim head coach and quarterback Shaun Hill replaced J.T. O’Sullivan, Martz said Thursday his offensive remains unchanged.

“We don’t approach it any differently,” Martz said. “Mike made it very clear when he got the job that he really likes what we do offensively.

“We were both really concerned with the turnovers at the quarterback position, and that makes you want to hand the ball off a lot.”

The 49ers have appeared to take more of a run-oriented, physical approach since Singletary’s promotion. Right guard David Baas, a mauler, became a starter, and another physical player, rookie Chilo Rachal, appears ready to take over at right guard on a full-time basis.

The offense has showcased a steady diet of running back Frank Gore to go along with Hill’s efficiency in the short-passing game.

Martz’s appreciation of Hill has grown exponentially since O’Sullivan was benched during the 49ers’ loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 26. Hill responded with a first half against the St. Louis Rams last week in which he achieved statistical perfection.

Martz described Hill’s performance as “just outstanding” and “impeccable.”

“The things that we didn’t see early in him in camp, he has a real good grasp of what we’re doing,” Martz said. “Early in the year he was still learning things, but he’s really done well.”

Hill has often looked less than outstanding or impeccable on the practice field. But Martz said that is all part of the process for a quarterback in his offense.

Martz said Wednesdays were particularly difficult for quarterbacks he has coached in the past, such as Kurt Warner, Marc Bulger and Jon Kitna.

“Wednesday is not a good day,” Martz said. “We’ve installed (the game plan) and they’re getting a feel for the timing on a lot of the new things. Thursday they look better, and Friday they should look real good. (Hill) is really good on every Friday practice.”

Singletary said another dynamic that figures into the equation is Martz’s demanding coaching style.

“Shaun Hill also has Mike Martz on his tail constantly — everywhere he looks, everywhere he moves,” Singletary said. “Mike Martz is demanding, very demanding of him, which is a great thing. I think sometimes Shaun Hill is just really, really excited for game day, so that he can play with a little distance (from Martz).”

Said Hill: “There are a lot of things that you really have to stay on top of throughout the whole week, and just be sure at the end of the week it all culminates in you being able to feel more comfortable in the volume that you carry into each week.”

The man known throughout the NFL as “Mad Mike” said there is a method to his madness.

“You’ve really got to get them in a game environment,” Martz said. “You’re cheating them if you don’t. You have to put the pressure on them to make impeccable decisions and to get the ball out quick. You have to work hard to try to create that environment. That’s only fair to him and the rest of the team, and so he’s handled that very well.”

Slap on the wrist: The NFL fined Martz $20,000 for comments critical of the officiating in the 49ers’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 10. Martz had no comment about the fine.

Missed practice: Linebacker Patrick Willis missed his second day of practice in a row but is expected to be ready to play Sunday. Willis skipped work Wednesday with a hip strain. On Thursday, he experienced flu-like symptoms.

Receiver injury updates: Rookie receiver Josh Morgan is expected to miss several more weeks with a severe groin strain. However, veteran receiver Bryant Johnson said he is more healthy than he has been at any point this season. Johnson has been limited due to various hamstring and groin strains this season.

For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com.