WitP: Samson, Bess, Sopoaga, Ulbrich, Etc.

Samson Satele (and Miami coach Tony Sparano) look ahead to this week's rematch with the Patriots.

"He's very quick off the ball," Coach Tony Sparano said of Satele. "When you are playing against bigger people, quickness can hurt him a little."

Satele said that Wilfork, the former University of Miami standout, has been the most challenging matchup of his young career.

"It's unbelievable what he does," Satele said. "[Wilfork] sits a yard off the ball and you think you can get him. But as soon as you take that first step, he's by you or in your face."

Dolphins QB Chad Pennington talks about Samson's continued improvement at center.

(On Samson Satele's growth at the center position) - "The center position to me is the most crucial position as far as communication on the line of scrimmage. All of the calls originate from the center, all of the declarations and recognitions of fronts, that originates from the center position. I think Sam's number one attribute is he's always on an even keel. He never gets rattled and that's important as a center because you've got to be able move on to the next play, you've got to be able to digest a lot of different looks and information. He's done a really good job of that."

In an article praising the genius of Pennington, Davone Bess talks about the importance of chemistry between QB and receiver.

"Without chemistry, it's impossible to go out and perform at a high level in any circumstances when it comes to the passing game," receiver Davone Bess said. "The quarterback has to understand you, from your speed, to your catching ability, down to knowing what you're thinking inside-out, and vice versa."

49ers coach Mike Singletary talks about how Isaac Sopoaga has improved this year.

RE: How has Isaac Sopoaga played for you this year?
“He’s played well. He wants to play better. We want him to play better, but he’s played pretty well.”

RE: Is consistency something that’s been an issue for him?
“I think for him it’s just a matter of continuing to know exactly where he’s supposed to be on every situation and he’s done a better job, but he trying to make sure that he has good leverage on every play. Sometimes he has the tendency to get high, but he’s playing better this year than I think he ever has, so that’s good to see.”

Travis LaBoy missed practice today due to an ankle injury.

Ikaika Alama-Francis was limited in practice as he recovers from a concussion.

And the quote of the day, from Jeff Ulbrich:

Linebacker Jeff Ulbrich was assessed a $5,000 fine from the Arizona game. Ulbrich said the hit in question came when he was on the kickoff-return team.

"I was just blocking a guy and I think I punched him in the face," Ulbrich said. "Not good."