49ers Notes: Defensive lineman Balmer unhappy with results

<p>SANTA CLARA — Defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer shows effort and a willingness to listen to coaching.</p><p>However, the 49ers first-round draft pick did not plan to follow coach Mike Singletary’s strict request on Christmas Day. Singletary asked each of his players to break away from holiday festivities for an hour to prepare for Sunday’s season finale against the Washington Redskins.</p><p>But Balmer had his own idea of how to approach a day off from practice.</p><p>“For me, I’m going to spend more than an hour because I definitely need it,” Balmer said earlier this week. “It’s the least we could do for him. He showed us a sign of faith by giving us the day off.”</p><p>Balmer, the No. 29 overall pick in the draft, has seen little playing time and production in his first NFL season. While playing in the team’s first 15 games, Balmer was credited with just six tackles and no sacks.</p><p>He almost has as many kickoff returns as tackles. Balmer grabbed five short kickoffs this season and managed 47 return yards. His best play of the season came against the Buffalo Bills when he batted down Trent Edwards’ pass at the line of scrimmage.</p><p>“One play here and one play there, that’s not what it’s about,” Balmer said. “It’s about going out and playing every play like Justin (Smith) and Aubrayo (Franklin). They set the stage for us. They’re playing 70 plays and finishing. That’s the standard around here. That’s the standard they set, and that’s the standard I have to live up to.”</p><p>Balmer played just seven plays in the base defense on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams. He was pushed back on a successful Kenneth Darby run on a third-and-1 late in the third quarter. That was his final play at left defensive end, as Isaac Sopoaga and Ray McDonald also saw time at that spot.</p><p>But Balmer is not alone with his struggles. This season there is a long list of defensive linemen — or pass-rushing outside linebackers — who have fallen below expectations.</p><p>Kansas City’s Glenn Dorsey, Vernon Gholston of the New York Jets, Jacksonville’s Derrick Harvey, Seattle Lawrence Jackson and Miami’s Phillip Merling has each struggled as rookies.</p><p>Even the Rams’ Chris Long, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, has battled long bouts of inconsistency with 39 tackles and four sacks on the season.</p><p>“I had a chance to talk to Chris after the game, and we’re on the same page as far as this year,” Balmer said. “It’s been a long year. It’s been tough. But it ain’t over, yet. We still have to play Washington. I’m not looking forward to it being over because I still have a lot to prove.”</p><p>It might be unfair to expect Balmer to compile big numbers as a professional. After all, he started 12 games at North Carolina as a senior and recorded just 59 tackles and 3.5 sacks.</p><p>Still, Balmer expected to work his way into a more significant role as a rookie.</p><p>“It’s been an up-and-down year,” Balmer said. “As far as my confidence goes, the guys around me keep my confidence up. Every time I’m out there they believe I’m going to go out there and perform even when I’m at practice.”</p><p>MARTZ ON OUTS?</p><p>Singletary will fire offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who is under contract for next season, the Sacramento Bee reported Thursday. Former 49ers coach Mike Nolan hired Martz after last season to resurrect the team’s offense. The 49ers made significant improvements in total yards and scoring in Martz’s first season with the club.</p><p>Although the report could not be confirmed, one team source said the 49ers might be looking for an offensive coordinator who could give the team more stability. Martz is the 49ers’ sixth offensive coordinator in six years.</p><p>When asked Wednesday whether he planned to retain Martz as his coordinator, Singletary said Martz “has been great this season.” But he said the club has to “look at what gives us the best opportunity to win going forward.”</p><p>For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/</p><p>49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com</p>