silky johnson
It ain't easy
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Along with the rest of his physical conditioning, Mark Roman's ears are getting a workout during 49ers mini-camp.
Starting this season, one defensive player from each team will be allowed to wear a special helmet that enables him to get radio communication from the sideline.
Roman and fellow safeties Michael Lewis, Dashon Goldson and Keith Lewis were among the players giving a try this weekend.
So far, so good, Roman said Saturday. He said offenses previously held the upper hand because they could get direct communication with the sideline. Now, in the least, defenses have the technology to keep pace.
Here's how it works: A coach (secondary coach Vance Joseph or linebackers coach Mike Singletary) alerts Roman to the personnel package the offense has dispatched onto the field, and the safety barks out the word to everyone else.
"Part of the adjustment is getting used to the noise in your helmet," Coach Mike Nolan said. "Defensive guys typically don't have to do that."
Linebacker Patrick Willis, the team's best defensive player, might not get a radio communication assignment because he already has enough on his plate, Nolan said. Willis handles the play call in the huddle, inheriting some of the leadership chores left behind with the departure of veteran linebacker Derek Smith.
Contra Costa Times
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