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Ronnie Lott was a great tackler, a punishing hitter and an intimidating presence for years in the 49ers secondary.

Q: Dan, who do think will be the first coach fired in the 2009 season?
— John Klopfer, Ocala, Fla.

A: I never expect any coach to be fired during the season, because it usually makes no sense to make a move before the season ends. But these coaches will be feeling the heat if their teams don’t perform up to expectations: Wade Phillips, Gary Kubiak, Brad Childress, Dick Jauron, Jack Del Rio, Tom Cable and Jim Zorn.

Q: Do you think the Panthers are a top NFC team?
— Felix, Los Angeles

A: I think the NFC is pretty wide open, and the Panthers have as good a shot as anyone. It’s easy to forget they won 12 games a year ago, most in the conference. And they have the capacity to improve because of a number of developing players such as Jonathan Stewart, Jeff Otah and Dan Connor.

Q: Dan is there any truth to the rumor that Michael Vick is going to be a Dolphin? If not there where do you think he will end up?
— Nick Cozzens, Fountain, Colo.

A: At this point I don’t think anyone knows where Michael Vick will end up. He certainly would fit in Miami from a scheme perspective, and I could see Bill Parcells taking a chance on him. But many of the front office executives I have spoken with say they wouldn’t touch Vick.

Q: How come some guys run a 4.6 or even a 4.7 and are considered good enough to play cornerback, while others who run the same time are not? An example would be Michael Jenkins. He ran 4.54 (I think) and still that wasn't fast enough for some. Asher Allen ran 4.6+ and there was no talk of changing positions for him. Why?
— Lance, Rockmart, Ga.

A: There are a lot of factors at play when judging a corner’s speed. First of all, remember that some players play faster than they time. And some time faster than they play. So 40 times don’t tell the whole story. Also, some players might not have stunning straight ahead speed, but they make up for it with quickness, agility or perhaps leaping ability. The other factor is defensive scheme. If a corner is going to be assigned to a lot of man-to-man coverage, he must be fast, period. But if he is going to play a lot of zone, he can get away with being less speedy if he is instinctive and physical.

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