Many people enjoy movies that end by leaving something up to the imagination. They like it when the final scene ends and it makes them think.

Me, I hate that. I didn’t fork over $74.95 on a flick so I could draw my own conclusions at the end. I’m almost convinced that directors sometimes throw up their hands after they’re done writing a script and go, “F**k it, I don’t know how to end this sh*t, so I’ll just go with the ol’ leave-it-up-to-the-imagination bit.”

Finish the movie, Mr. Director. You tell me what to think – that’s what I’m paying you for.

But when it comes to the mysterious case of Glen Coffee and his decision to suddenly retire on Friday, I don’t need to be given the why. Why does it matter?

I get why people are interested: it was a shocking move. Most players would give their left ear to have a roster spot on a NFL team. Coffee wasn’t a starter, but he was a key backup on an up-and-coming team. He also showed enough promise last year to prove that he does have what it takes to sustain a career in a very fickle profession.

But obviously he wasn’t into football anymore. Whether he lost his passion at Alabama or lost it after getting pancaked by a linebacker at a recent 49ers’ practice, the key is that he did lose his passion. He didn’t want to play football anymore and that’s that.

People always want to know why. Why did he do that? Why did she say that? What motivated them to take those actions?

In this instance, we don’t need to know the why. Some have wondered aloud why he would give up millions of dollars to play in the NFL, when Joey Weekend Warrior would kill to have Coffee’s talent. They’re flabbergasted that Coffee would want to waste his talents, when many of us can only dream about having his skill.

But here’s a better question: Why do something that you don’t have a passion for? For money? For fame? Obviously those things aren’t important to Coffee and he wants to pursue other ventures. As far as we know, we only get one life so why waste seven years in the prime of your life to do something you don’t enjoy if you can do other things?

Before anyone says it, I realize not everyone can pursue what he or she wants to do. But it’s not like playing in the National Football League is the equivalent of being, say, a sports blogger. If you don’t have the focus, the desire or the passion, you’re going to get your ass handed to you on the gridiron. So why try to stick it out? Pursue something else.

Until they’re given a reason, the media and fans will continue to ask why Coffee decided to abruptly retire. But it truly doesn’t matter.

Draw your own conclusions.

A little over a year ago, Glen Coffee put together an eye-catching performance in preseason and some pundits believed that he could emerge as a solid complement to Frank Gore in the 49ers’ backfield.

That, of course, was before Coffee unexpectedly announced his retirement on Friday.

The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that Coffee is calling it quits despite this being just his second year in the league. He was battling with rookie Anthony Dixon in camp, but head coach Mike Singletary noted that Dixon still had a long ways to go to leapfrog Coffee on the depth chart. Plus, Singletary has given Coffee high marks thus far, making his decision to retire/quit even stranger.

Singletary has developed a reputation over the last couple of years for running a tough camp, but that can’t be the only reason Coffee decided to pull the plug on his career this soon. After all, he got through Singletary’s camp as a rookie last year just fine.

That said, you never know what a person is going through until you’ve walked a mile in his or her shoes. Maybe Coffee has lost the passion to play or maybe he’ll regret his decision in a day and return to the practice field. Many young players struggle with being away from their friends and family and maybe Coffee is just going through a rocky time right now. Relatively speaking, he’s still just a kid.

Whatever the reason, it’s certainly a surprising development. The 49ers are still in good shape at running back with Gore, Dixon and Michael Robinson, but that doesn’t mean make Coffee’s decision any less shocking.

According to Adam Schefter’s Twitter page, Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney is expected to miss 2-3 weeks due to a right quad injury and 49ers.com reports that Frank Gore will miss three weeks with a high right ankle and a right hind foot sprain.

I don’t know if “devastating” is the right word to describe these injuries, but they’re both significant.

The Colts defense has played excellent so far this year, partly because they’ve been able to generate pressure using only their front four. Freeney has been a one-man wrecking crew at times, especially last Sunday night in Arizona. With him out, Indy might not be able to create pressure solely from their front four and it could change the way they game plan.

If rookie Glen Coffee can pick up where he left off in preseason, then the Niners will stay afloat without Gore for a couple weeks. Coffee showed a surprising burst and quickness in preseason and will now have to become a full-time back in just his first year.

What will be interesting to watch unfold is if Coffee can’t be productive. That would put pressure on Shaun Hill to make more plays in the passing game and outside of his play at Minnesota on Sunday and the game-winning drive in Arizona in Week 1 he hasn’t done that.

If San Fran wants to stay atop the NFC West, it’s time for Hill to step up and give the Niners a balanced offensive attack while Gore is out.

The 49ers’ loss in Minnesota on Sunday is the kind of defeat that can deflate a team. But with Mike Singletary in charge, I don’t foresee that happening.

San Francisco flat out blew a win yesterday. Had the Niners not been in a base defense when Greg Lewis got past coverage and Brett Favre found him in the back of the end zone with only seconds remaining, the 49ers would still be undefeated. (And with another win against the Rams coming in Week 4.)

While addressing the media following the loss, Singletary said: “There’s nothing to look at the floor for. We’re gonna get better. We will see them again in the playoffs.”

Singletary isn’t going to allow a good Niners team to dwell on this loss, especially when San Fran clearly has enough talent on its roster to make the playoffs. While losing running back Frank Gore to an injured ankle will hurt, the Niners did a nice job building depth this offseason when they drafted Glen Coffee.

The Niners had several positives come out of their game yesterday, including quarterback Shaun Hill proving that he can make plays in the passing game. The defense is already good enough to hang with most opponents on Sundays and in Singletary, San Fran has a head coach that has instilled hard work and focus into his team.

Ironically, the Niners are probably the class of a weak NFC West considering the Seahawks and Cardinals look vulnerable and the Rams are, well, the Rams. The division is there for the taking and something tells me that San Fran’s loss in Minnesota will only motivate them.

Around this time last year, I compiled a top 10 list of Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates and ranked Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan No. 1. He went on to throw for 3,440 yards, 16 touchdowns and led Atlanta to a remarkable playoff appearance, all while making me look like some kind of OROY-predicting genius.

Of course, I also listed Titans running back Chris Johnson at No. 7 behind less-productive names like Darren McFadden (No. 4), Kevin Smith (No. 5) and Rashard Mendenhall (No. 6), hence making me look like some kind of OROY-predicting moron.

To see my top 10 ranking from last year, click here. And for my top 10 ranking of the offensive rookie of the year candidates for this season, see below.

1. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos
While the knee injury he suffered in Denver’s preseason opener is a concern, Moreno is expected to be ready for Week 1 and will be given every opportunity to shine in ’09. Granted, he’s stuck in a crowded backfield and could be eased into the season after hurting his knee, but he has the potential to be an every-down back at some point this year. He was the most complete back in April’s draft, has outstanding vision and should get plenty of opportunities to make plays in Josh McDaniels’ shotgun-heavy offense. He’ll also benefit from running behind the Broncos’ stellar O-line. Expecting him to put up rushing numbers similar to those of Chris Johnson (1,228 rushing yards) last year might be a little ambitious. But if Moreno stays healthy, a 400-plus yard receiving season in McDaniels’ system is certainly doable.

2. Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings
The Vikings’ coaching staff has raved about Harvin’s potential so much so that it’s hard not to buy into the hype. Receivers usually don’t make much of an impact until their second or third years, but it’s hard to ignore all of the glowing reports coming out of Vikings’ camp these days. Harvin is quick off the ball, can stretch a defense will his speed and is dangerous in the open field. Head coach Brad Childress has reportedly been working on finding ways to get Harvin the ball in his offense and Minnesota seemingly wants to give the rookie wideout as many opportunities as possible. That said, he’s on the smaller side and was held out of the Vikings’ preseason opener due to a shoulder injury (which is not considered to be serious). Will durability be a concern? If not, he appears to be the popular choice to emerge as this year’s OROY.

3. Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets
We should know more about whether or not Sanchez will have the opportunity to start this season after the Jets take on the Ravens tonight in their second preseason game. But all indications are that he’s the favorite to beat out Kellen Clemens after his impressive preseason debut in which he completed 3-of-4 passes for 88 yards against the Rams. Granted, he’s reportedly struggled in scrimmages since that series against St. Louis, but has no less turned heads since the Jets drafted him with the fifth overall pick in April. There were concerns about whether or not he had enough collegiate experience to start as a rookie in the NFL, but he’s made strides as a passer all summer and has showed more arm strength and accuracy than Clemens. Considering the Jets have one of the better O-lines in the league and have surrounded him with quality backs, Sanchez could have a Matt Ryan-type rookie season. Then again, Ryan had Roddy White to throw to and while he has always been an underrated and highly productive receiver, nobody is going to confuse Jerricho Cotchery (the Jets’ No. 1 wideout) for White.

4. LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles
I struggled on whether or not to list “Beanie” ahead of “Shady,” but I ultimately went with McCoy given that the Eagles have a better O-line and Wells can’t seem to stay healthy. McCoy will get plenty of opportunities to be a playmaker in Philadelphia’s offense and there’s always a chance that Brian Westbrook will miss time throughout the season. McCoy has tremendous playmaking ability, is shifty, and is gaining valuable experience with Westbrook sidelined with knee and ankle injuries. But what has impressed his coaches and teammates the most so far has been his toughness and blitz-pick up ability. One of the knocks on him coming out of PITT was that he might not be able to survive running in between the tackles in the NFL. But so far, he is dispelling that notion and has been awfully impressive.

5. Chris Wells, RB, Cardinals
“Beanie” is certainly behind the 8-ball compared to his fellow OROY candidates. He has been in and out of practice virtually all camp and continues to battle an ankle injury. That said, he first reported to camp in early August weighing 22 pounds lighter than his draft-day weight and when he’s healthy, he can be the complete package as a runner. Granted, he doesn’t have much experience playing on third down and therefore isn’t much of a pass-catching threat. But he’s a bulldozer with 4.5-speed and is a terrific athlete. If he can get healthy and unseat starter Tim Hightower, Wells has a chance to surprise and win this year’s OROY.

6. Shonn Greene, RB, Jets
Greene’s situation in New York is kind of hard to figure out at this point, given the contract situations of Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. If the Jets wind up re-signing Washington, then Jones could be traded and thus, Greene’s roll will expand. But if the team hangs on to all three backs, then obviously Greene’s carries will be limited and he may only receive looks in short-yardage situations. Still, he has reportedly been impressive in camp and could emerge as the Jets’ goal line back at some point this season.

7. Donald Brown, RB, Colts
The 2008 Division-I rushing leader has a chance to become a weapon in the Colts’ passing attack this season. So far in preseason, he’s showed off his quickness as both a runner and receiver, and Indy will certainly find ways to get him on the field as a rookie. That said, he’s at a disadvantage playing in the same backfield as Joseph Addai, who will likely remain the Colts’ top short-yardage back. So unless Brown racks up a ton of yards and scores through the air, he probably won’t post OROY-worthy numbers. Although, if Addai suffers an injury, Brown will become the primary back and then the sky is the limit.

8. Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions
After going 5-of-13 for 34 yards and an interception against the Browns, there’s a good chance that Stafford will lose his starting job to Daunte Culpepper. But that doesn’t mean he can’t bounce back with a solid effort in Detroit’s next two preseason games and redeem himself. Stafford looked comfortable and poised in the pocket in the Lions’ preseason opener against the Falcons, completing 7-of-14 passes for 114 yards and one touchdown. Chances are that the Lions will probably take it slow with Stafford and even if he does get the opportunity to start, the Lions won’t be good enough for him to win OROY. Still, crazier things have happened, which is why I ultimately decided to rank this year’s top overall pick.

9. Pat White, RB/QB, Dolphins
White has a tremendous learning curve coming from a “college offense” at West Virginia. He doesn’t figure to get on the field much as a passer, although that’s not to say he won’t have the opportunity to put the ball in the air. The Dolphins are installing a “Pat Package” in which they will try and take advantage of White’s running and passing abilities. He’ll get some opportunities to make plays in the Wildcat formation, although it’s unclear at this point how many opportunities he’ll inevitably get. If Ronnie Brown is more productive in that role, than White’s chances to play will be limited. That said, Miami didn’t take him in the second round so that he could hold a clipboard.

10. Glen Coffee, RB, 49ers
It’s kind of hard not to rank Coffee on this list after he rushed for 67 yards on 14 carries in the Niners’ preseason opener and then followed up that performance with a 16-carry, 129-yard effort in San Fran’s second preseason game. Thus far, the hard-running Coffee has shown great speed, good vision and excellent pass-blocking abilities. The only problem is that he has Frank Gore ahead of him on the depth chart, which will likely derail his bid to win OROY. Still, Coffee has been impressive so far and is playing his way into getting opportunities come the regular season.

After rushing for 67 yards on 14 carries in San Fran’s preseason opening win over the Broncos last week, Coffee backed that performance with a 16-carry, 129-yard effort against the Raiders on Saturday night.

From ESPN.com:

Coffee, a third-round pick out of Alabama, gashed Oakland’s run defense, ripping off four runs of at least 10 yards, including a 35-yarder that led to a field goal by Joe Nedney. Coffee, who replaced Frank Gore after one series, finished with 129 yards on 16 carries.

The Niners took a little heat when they selected Coffee over fellow running back prospects Rashad Jennings and Andre Brown in April, mainly because Coffee wasn’t the most elusive or explosive back in the draft. But obviously the young man has shown great toughness and coaches have marveled at his speed and pass blocking abilities.

Frank Gore is obviously still San Fran’s best offensive weapon and their top back. But with the way Coffee has looked thus far, don’t be surprised if the Niners find ways to get him plenty of touches this season.

I’ll always be the first one to admit when I was wrong and I was dead wrong when I previewed this game in my BCS Bowl Preview.

I thought Alabama would control both lines of scrimmage and wear down Utah over four quarters. Wrong. I said that Saban would shove Glen Coffee down the Utes’ throats for four quarters and that Utah would eventually cave in the second half. Wrong. I said that the Tide’s defense would shut down an explosive Utah offense, but one that hadn’t seen a decent defense outside of TCU’s in the regular season. Wrong.

What happened was that Utah was flat out the better team and they showed it Friday night. They played with more passion, more fight and more determination than any team this bowl season and they proved that they not only belong in the top 10, but they belong playing for a national title.

Utah’s game plan was executed brilliantly. Alabama had one of the best defensive lines in college football this season, but Utah quarterback Brian Johnson neutralized the Tide’s front seven by getting rid of the ball in a timely manner every time he dropped back. The result was a 336-yard, three touchdown performance and more importantly, Johnson didn’t throw any interceptions.

Then in the fourth quarter up by 10, it was Utah who wore down the Tide – not the other way around. Instead of Coffee being shoved down the Utes’ throats, it was Matt Asiata being shoved down ‘Bama’s throats as he picked up important first downs late in the fourth quarter. And Utah wasn’t doing anything unique; Asiata just lined up at quarterback, took a direct snap and rushed right up field. ‘Bama knew it was coming, but they couldn’t do anything about it.

This was by far the most impressive win of the bowl season and I tip my hat to the Utes. They were far and away a better team than I gave them credit for in my bowl preview and they were fun to watch. Too bad college football isn’t smart enough to have a playoff system so we could really see what Utah can do.