The 49ers are currently 1-5 and in last place in the NFC West, and in San Jose, Tim Kawakami writes the "whole operation needs to be torn down and rebuilt." Since team owner the Yorks "aren’t going to fire themselves, it almost certainly means they will fire" GM Trent Baalke "near or at the end of this season." If the Yorks are "prepared to do an honest re-boot, they can use the next few months as prep work." In a lot of ways, the "rest of this season is an unofficial test run" for a potential takeover by coach Chip Kelly, "possibly alongside" Assistant GM Tom Gamble, who worked closely with Kelly while both were with the Eagles (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 10/19).
SO LONG, JOE: In Detroit, Jeff Seidel noted the Red Wings played their final season opener at Joe Louis Arena on Monday night, and the team was "given the red-carpet treatment." It "felt like a movie premier -- Hockeytown style -- with music blaring from speakers and an announcer giving introductions." Players were "dropped off in Chevys" upon arrival at the arena, and "walked down a red carpet, lined with hundreds of fans" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 10/18).
ROCKY MOUNTAIN LOW: In Colorado Springs, Woody Paige wonders if Denver possesses the "worst NBA-NHL duo in North America," as the Nuggets and Avalanche have not made the postseason in the same year since '09-10. The Avalanche "made it to the first round once in six seasons, and the Nuggets haven't had a real sniff in the past three seasons after losing in the first round" in '12-13. Meanwhile, the Nuggets finished last in average NBA attendance last season, while the Avalanche were "19th overall in the NHL." That number was "aided considerably by the 50,095 hockey and side show fanatics who showed up for the Avalanche-Red Wings outdoor game at Coors Field" (Colorado Springs GAZETTE, 10/19).
STAY THE COURSE: In N.Y., Mark Cannizzaro writes despite a 1-5 record, the NFL Jets "must stay the course with what’s in place, believe in" coach Todd Bowles and GM Mike Maccagnan and the "plan they’re trying to implement." Even before Monday night's 28-3 loss to the Cardinals, there was a report about Owner Woody Johnson "being 'unhappy' with what he’s been watching." Cannizzaro: "It doesn’t look good right now, but Johnson needs to stay the course and trust the men he put in charge and trust their process" (N.Y. POST, 10/19).
