Lawrence Dushensky of the NFL blog This Given Sunday asked me six questions about the 49ers. The theme of his line of questioning was this: Can the 49ers shock the Saints? And how could they possibly do it?
I’m linking my six answers to my six questions at the bottom. To be clear, I do think the Niners can “shock” the Saints. I think the Niners will win 17-16.
I’m expecting the Niners defense to hold the Saints to fewer than 20 points – they’ll give up just one touchdown and a few field goals and in the process they’ll show the nation they’re a championship defense.
The 49ers will force the Saints to play 49er football, and that’s a game the 49ers will win.
To read the article, click here.
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Good article. The only thing that made me snicker a little was when Smith told Kaepernick he has to see the whole field lol. That’s all I’m going to say about that….
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/13/4184758/49ers-have-rookie-backup-qb-in.html
AS did have a helmet adjustment which according to him allows him to see the field better….i.e. remove a bar
what will bays fancy comeback be?….
Can’t wait to see him next year in the pre-season. Will be exciting to see how far he’s come!
I laughed as well Bayarea ! :)
Only thing that made me laugh recently is the JM video over on CSNBA discussing why AS hasn’t been successful with the 9ers during the other regimes. JM told Keena, “this offense sucks”! Enough said!
Yup.
oh are us saying
montana >tim, 23j, bay, and dare i add 9r girl(probably will regret that one)
So Bay how many years have you been saying that this is Alex’s biggest weakness:? Maybe he is learning, Magic of Harbaugh, Go Ninners!
Haha good find Bay!
@bayarea here you go again hating A.Smith You and your man crush erinrodgers will get beat by thye 9ers. just wait your turn, and when its over I will remind you of what a BS Loyal 9er Faithful you are NOT!! BAYAREA=CHeeseCrotch
Drew careful or Grant will expose you as a double poster.
I did find it comical that Alex is in charge of teaching CK to see the whole field. It’s an example of the blind leading the blind.
“All obstacles can and must be overcome.” -Jim Harbaugh
Niners 31, Saints 27.
I like Grant’s choice of Anthony Davis. Davis will be a Pro Bowler next year if he continues to improve.
Of course the Niners will win. And they will win by a TD or more.
Young Bill Barnwell over at Grantland has also seen the light:
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7453845/bill-barnwell-breaks-saturday-new-orleans-saints-san-francisco-49ers-playoff-matchup
Since its Friday the 13th thought I would go out on a limb. I for one think this is going to be a high scoring game. Assuming the Niners fixed the redzone problem. Alex Smith is going to throw for 2 TDs. Gore and Hunter each, are going to run for a TD. The defense is going to score a TD and the special teams are going to score a TD and add just one Akers FG. In the most complete game of the year the Niners win 45-31. I just have this right on feeling. I know its crazy.
49ers 26 – Saints 24
Smith to Williams FTW!
Matt Millen and Shannon Sharpe had some nice things to say about Kyle, earlier. Good to hear.
Whose got it better than us…..NOOOOOBODDYYYYYY!!!
Niners SHOCK the World: 24-14!
This is what we’ve been waiting for, FDM.
Go Niners!!! Make some noise!!!
Grant – next time you see him, please let Mr. Branch know I’m very disappointed in him!!! (Then tell him I’m kidding…sort of :-). He really picked the Saints??!!!
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/13/4184598/predictions-for-saturdays-nfc.html
Niners 34, Saints 17
Yep, he surely did: http://www.csnbayarea.com/pages/video?PID=xRJLiNrwH53lPXvl7ta12cDL2E6DKQX7
Eric, you’re killing me! Luv ya anyway, but damn!
YES….
After reading the LC article and seeing the JH words “We play with humble hearts”, in my mind I start hearing the old NFL films music and the eloquent voice of John Facenda stating “They play with humble hearts” as I see the vision of the 9ers run out onto the field led by the great JH…
I’m irritable, nervous, and anxious (I have been all week) and I start to think, do the 9ers have enough talent and have they been in JH’s system long enough to pull off this playoff win?? Especially without having playoff experience as a team…can they do it? Will they do it? Can they resurrect the magic that the 1981 9ers pulled off? Will this be a year we can all look back upon and have glorious 9er memories? Can they? Will they? The short answer is YES!!!
Who’s got it better than us???
Nooboooody!!
All those things make me nervous too HOF, but at the end of the day, this season was a success. Were back on the map with the right GM and coaching staff and our roster is loaded with young talent. We might get exposed this weekend but thats all part of building a championship team. I have always believed that sometimes losing helps learning how to win.
I think we win this weekend, so the arrow is still pointing up!
Here here! I agree the arrow is definitly pointing up for next season. Whatever happens this year they will be able to iron out and install plenty of trickerations for next year and come back strong.
Feelin’ your fire Hofe!
Go 49ers!!!!!!!
“I start hearing the old NFL films music and the eloquent voice of John Facenda stating “They play with humble hearts” as I see the vision of the 9ers run out onto the field led by the great JH…”
No kidding! Facenda had the perfect voice for those classic films.
I can see it, too!
Adam, all in slow motion…!!!
Facenda was the best and NFL films always had the best footage. Hope our 9ers can pull it off! OOOWWW!
I won’t sleep tonight!!!
Loved Facenda – I miss those old-school NFL recaps, stories and follies that were told in his voice.
Ed Sabol was a genius for what he did for the NFL – and for picking Facenda as its voice!
Sabol and NFL films is great. Some filmmakers get oscars. Ed is in the Hall of Fame.
I’m sure that there are some eloquent vocal personalities that could do NFL Films today.
A couple come to mind. James Earl Jones would be a fantastic choice. I think the other person would be Ted Williams the homeless man discovered on a street corner and made famous on Youtube.
But no one could match the great John Facenda who added his poetic imagery to his reporting. I don’t recall JF ever being inducted into the Hall of Fame (or if a person’s voice can even qualify), but NFL Films and the NFL became a household program in part because of John Facenda’ vocal magic.
Drew Brees …. meet Aldon Smith …
(again… and again … and …. well …. you get the picture !)
AS meet Roman Harper – again and again and again. We’re bringing the wood!
Roman who? Is that the injured guy?
Not for this game!
Who are the other guys who were ruled out? Lance Moore? John Gilmore?
They any good?
Vilma? Casillas?
Looks like your guys on D. are the Walking Dead.
Adam,
Lance Moore is very good and under-rated. You may remember him making the two point conversion in the Saints victory over the Colts in the Super Bowl. He is both a 3rd down and deep threat.
John Gilmore is our 3rd or 4th tight end.
Vilma has played with a knee injury the entire year – It hasn’t affected his play. Casillas is a backup LB and will be fine.
“He is both a 3rd down and deep threat.
John Gilmore is our 3rd or 4th tight end.”
Looks like they’re both out and Casillas is questionable.
Harper gonna be able to run on the bad wheel?
Lance Moore is a very good WR. I think Gilmore is a backup TE.
bring the wook bud we will chop it and put it on fire!!!!!!!!!!! GO NINERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Roman Harper is old and overrated. Saints better keep him near the line of scrimmage or he’s getting beat down the field all day.
Good article til I got to the bottom and saw the only comment … Tim still spewing his Alexhate elsewhere. Go Niners
61:
You have either lost your mind or you are talking about another Tim ?
I love alex and respect him for the many attributes he has as a person. I do however wish he could play QB better,but we can’t have everything vin life. We will just have to settle for a competent QB who doean’t turn the ball over and who makes a few good plays per game and doesn’t mess it up for his great defense and ST’s and running game and coaching staff,who are responsible for all the wins this season. Alex does contribute and is much better than he was in the past,when he was the main reason we lost.
But remember,I for one am happy for Alex that he can QB a playoff team and can be proud of his contribution,instead of like in the past being embarrassed. Alex deserves good things to happen for him because he is a great guy and class act. I hope the best for him,as always !
TIM, where was your usual, “AS is good, but only until CK starts in a couple of years, but AS doesn’t turn the ball over, but AS hasn’t really learned to read defenses, I really like AS but an upgrade is needed, let’s hope AS has his best game ever even though he won’t be the starter in 2 years, but if AS plays well enough to win, he may be a backup on a very poor team”.
Jeez TIM, so typical of you!!
and …The only hate I see around here usually comes from the over the top “Smithers”,who hate on anyone ,even fellow fans,who tell the truth about Alex . I find it very hateful to attack fellow fans instead of just talking football and expressing your own opinions and supporting Alex on his merits (he does have some),instead of just attacking those who point out his many flaws.
I think alex has a good game tomorrow and we win ! But what does a “hater” know ? LOL !
@Tim
Have you been reading the posts?
If you think the hate is on that end exclusively, you must have banged your head against that wall an awful lot.
Whose truth TIM? TIM’s or JH? Only one matters…can you tell me which one matters Tim?
Go 9ers!
And typical of you Hof to be on the attack against a fellow fan. I never attack you but you can’t ever seem to resist attacking other fans who say anything negative about OUR starting QB !
I suppoprt OUR starting QB and always will. I say good things about Alex but more often find myself rebuting silly things that the over the top “Smithers” say when they relish in going soooooo overboard in stating Alex’s greatness .
As I have said for years ,consistently,I hope alex goes to the pro bowl every year for a decade and wins the MVP of the SB every year for the next decade. If that makes me a “hater”,just because I also point out Alex’s many flaws and how we need an upgrade at the QB position if Alkex doesn’t dramatically improve,then excuuuuuuuuse me ! (by the way I have also often said that THE upgrade at QB might be Alex himself,if he dramatically continues to improve.But you only pick and choose some things I say so you can make yourself believe that you have justification to ATTACK !
Why not just respect each other ar fellow 49ers fans and stop attackiong me and others who don’t ALWAYS say only glowing things about Alex ? I am willing vto speak to you and others in an adult manner,if you stop hitting me in the mouth first . :)
Its been so quiet in here about AS until Tim shows up. No Tim no one hates you just a lot of us think your wrong is all.
.Hof:
..To answer your question ,who’s truth,mine or JH’s …
They are the same ,in private. JH will replace Alex IF he has a better option,like when he tried to get Hasselback to be the Niners starter,but it didn’t happen because of the lockout. I trust JH to do what is best for the team. If Kaep surpasses Alex then Kaep will eventually start. If not he won’t.
Thje difference between some fans and me is that some few believe everything JH says in PUBLIC,while I have been around the block enough to know that coach speak is to be ignored. Just like all the great things most great team’s HC’s say in public are not to be taken seriously when they are speaking of the merits of their own players or speaking about how great this weeks opponents are,no matter how bad the team they are playingy is . It’s coach speak. We have all heard JH say things this year we know he doesn’t really believe,but as a great HC he says things to build up his players in public,as do all the good HC’s in the League ,always has been that way.
Tim, there is a time and a place. Why the LAST MINUTE AS dig when the playoffs are tomorrow??
Is it really necessary? Bay and Jordo have backed off for a few days and now your bring this NEGATIVITY.
It’s not needed…not now!
Go 9ers!!!!!!!!!
Undercenter:
You do realize that the headline of this blog is about Alex Smith,don’t you? I didn’t start the Alex talk here.
Sorry if the truth hurts some few irrational fans who get a burr up their but!s when most fans don’t bow down at the alter of the mythical Alex . I prefer the real alex over the one that doesn’t really exist ,the one that some few fans wish existed and who often talk about,from their immagination. The real Alex is good enough for me,if he keeps up what he has been doing and continues to improve. Too bad some few fans don’t like the real alex and make a false Alex up and talk about him. lol
Hof:
What negativity ? I said that I think we win and have said that alex will contribute to the win,as he usually contributed to the wins all season long. I just keep it honest and real and don’t bow down to the false idol of the nonexistent Alex,I prefer the real alex,who I admire for many,many reasons.
TIM, take a hike to another blog where they care what your negative comments have to say. This group of fans and brothers/sister(s) has been a awesome.
Don’t need it don’t want it…negativity begets negativity. Need a positive vibe – get it?
Go 9ers!!
Hof.
Me leave,why,I have been here longer than you by far. If for some strange reason you don’t want a free and open conversation about all issues that relate to our team,then you leave . But I don’t want you to leave,I like to read your opinions,except when you attack other fans instead of joining in an adult conversation.
After tomorrow when we win the game,maybe youy will be in a better mood. Sorry if I contributed to getting you in a bad mood by not limiting myself to only saying nice things about Alex and other player . EXCUUUUUSE ME ! :)
…But Hof,I will leave for the day,since I have said what I desired to say and have read all about my beloved team and am just waiting on pins and needles for tomorrows victory ! Hope you have a great day today and even better one tomorrow ! See you tomorrow and we can share in a Niners victory party !
@TIM:
Wow. You just can’t help yourself, can you?
Pathetic.
“Alex does contribute and is much better than he was in the past,when he was the main reason we lost.”
Have to disagree with you there, Tim. I can’t say he was the main reason we lost.
Joe Montana talks about the offense of the past over on CSN. I think you might be surprised what he has to say.
I’m going with Joe on this one. Joe knows.
… From Tim da Hater…..
“We will just have to settle for a competent QB who doean’t turn the ball over and who makes a few good plays per game and doesn’t mess it up for his great defense and ST’s and running game and coaching staff,who are responsible for all the wins this season.”…..
……Tim you are and will always be a LOSER….
or montana’s truth
“Alex has been dragged along by the defense + ST’s + coaching.”
Someone stole your avatar and name along with the hate, huh? Pathetic as usual. LOL Guess you didn’t see the video clip on CSNBA where your main man doesn’t seem hold to your viewpoint on Smith with, guess what, straight from his mouth, , “Alexcuses”. Shocking!!!!! Guess Joe doesn’t know that much about QBs either in your book. LOL
i think to be fair….it was not JM going out on a limb saying AS is good but rather there were no offensive weapons for AS to take advantage of receiving-wise…my interpretation
or offensive scheme that put rcvrs in position for success
>>who tell the truth about Alex
Tim, the infallable minister of information. Thank you, oh exaulted one.
TIM – I like your posts and respect your knowledge.
Tim that’s complete rubbish, you don’t support OUR starting Qb. Everyone can read your comment on This Given Sunday.
Marissa’s ready: http://www.rantsports.com/clubhouse/files/2012/01/San-Francisco-49ers-Sexy-Superfans-10.jpg
@Adam
How long are you going to drool over that and give your wife who has to deal with you (:P) every day some love?
No drool. Marissa Miller is actually from Santa Cruz, if I remember right. The NFL commissioned some models to rep the teams – so… anyway, she’s a local wearing the colors. Thought it was kinda cool. :)
No drooling Adam?
You must be old. lol
Drooling at work is not permitted. :P
She’s gorgeous, but I thought it was cool that she was from the Bay Area. Representing the home team :)
No drool Adam? Sorry – don’t buy it – even as a heterosexual married woman I had to say “dang…she’s hot!”. :-)
Yes Adam your right Marissa’s is ready
Adam …
Are you sure that’s not 49erGirl ?
I wish I looked like her!
Sorry, that’s not me :-)
i have been talking down the niners a bit trying to keep an even keel…..but damn-it if i didn’t sleep last night…..even though my head is one way it still good to know my heart is the other way
i know that the NO OL has 3 pro-bowlers up the middle…brees’ success zone…..i am nervous about “pain and suffering” , although quick as hell, not quite getting the job done against sproals and thomas because pain will be preoccupied with graham….NO rush defense has really come on the last half of the year and we know the niners rush offense is damaged the last half of the year….average receiving weapons and one of those upper echelon weapons will be in check because of the NO blitz packages…the other weapon is a possession rcvr and this allows the whole NO defense to move closer to the LOS…..can KW or ginn provide enough of a threat to open up the middle of the field if it is really true that this year AS is being overly conservative going deep down the sideline….never having the BE type expectation and losing JM and now DW just can’t be overcome this year…only bright possibility is that there just isn’t enough film on the niners potential receiving threats if the coaches can come up with and the players execute some never before seen route schemes….there is nothing to rest my hat on here and it is causing some sleeplessness ….
i get we have our 8 or so pro-bowlers and all NFL 1st and 2nd teamers and a rookie DE/OLB who may be in this game more on subpackages but our cow bell remains a mystery and although AS has improved tremendously that NO team is on an historically epic journey…..and it did not rain and the temperature is going to be perfect for aerial offensive ….culliver is a rookie covering NO colston….NO special teams kicking is just about as good as niners….and the10-15yd field advantage niners normally gets with punting i expect will be nullified by NO being able to throw some long hand offs to the backs and TE on a consistent basis and we have to admit the niners offense has not really shown that kind of consistency…..although apparently we are all expecting it to happen because the niners got their two weeks of practice to prepare new wrinkles…..this could be an advantage and i harken back to the NYG game where the niners changed it up and squeaked by successfully……and apparently as fans we are hanging our hats on recreating a similar scenario…..
my gut feeling is the niners have actually put themsleves ahead of the comeback team of the year curve….yet they do have 11 well now 10 first round picks on the team…but the cowbell is suspect….and the number 1 overall is experiencing his first extended success albeit with a few stinkers this year of his career…..
coaches….the best feature of this team this year….they made it happen with their humble hearts
What I’ve been thinking about is if the Saints offense comes out using no huddle against the 9er defense. Up temp would keep them on their heels and keeps the substitutions minimal. Playing fast on grass could be accomplished with an up temp no huddle approach to the offense. A strategy I believe SP would implement especially for this game against a very stout 9er defense.
*tempo*
i suspect we will see aldon smith in the game more on 1st and 2nd vs being kept out because of subpackages
“..may be in this game more on subpackages…”
should have been
…may be in this game more “than” on subpackages…
meaning more on 1st and 2nd downs
I think all the commentary this week has framed this game incorrectly.
Given the Saints performance outside this year and the Niners’ performance at home, the question should be: “Do the Saints have a Shot at beating the Niners”.
Of course they do — they’re a very good team — but not a likely shot.
SF 30
NO 21.
@dr.
I like it.
Nobody is bringing up how tough the Defenses of the Niners opponents have been when they play them have been.
The Niners went on the road a lot early in the season, and their divsion games were played when those teams were actually playing pretty well. So, the Niners have faced a lot of strong defenses.
NO, has not. We are used to have to struggle some. NO is not.
niners have been tough …. but….which team has as many balanced weapons (what is it like 8 or 9) as NO……as a fan it is a bit scary…..so all the bravado the fans can bring to the stick in noise maybe intangible not seen around here in years…..i can’t yell uber loud for uber long periods of time….i need thundersticks…
don’t be tepid niner DL….bring it on with a ronnie lott style “clenched fist” and Goldson bring the heavy wood like ronnie did at the beginning of the games to create a WOW moment to set the tone…..but keep it clean shoulder to armpit
Only you
That score is likely reversed!
Good answers Grant, it makes me very uneasy that Ted Ginn is going to start, that gives my nuts goose bumps. Can I say that? Just hope if the game is on the line we throw to Crabs or Davis and please oh please not Ginn. Great special teams sucky receiver.
Peter King picks the Saints – Too bad I don’t like Peter King
That is why they play the game.
Niners will win as they are a championship quality team this season. We have great depth and if Culliver is indeed feeling under the weather then Shawntae can step in and put the same skills he uses against tall Larry Fitzgerald to use on Marques Colston. Frank may be nicked but he has a heart the size of Alaska and he will will himself to have a great game. JH will be quick to bring on Kendall and Dixon if need be. Ted Ginn Jr is a big time, big game player and he will contribute as a WR and this time, there won’t be a chop block to negate his TD! I like it that I’m reading the players are staying calm and focused on just doing what they have done. I wish I could be calm right now! GOOOO NINERS!!!!!
Hold the Saints to under 20 points? Well they’ll have to do what few have accomplished? Maybe they can hold them to under 45!
The Niners have allowed just 43 points in the last 6 home games, and just 10 points in the last 3 games. 20 points will be a lot by the Niners’ D’s standards.
In Fangio I trust. Semper Fi Baby!!
You know that Fangio was our DC before we upgraded
well i guess it is time for some payback…..did ur defense have “pain and suffering” as part of their motif or was there not much for fagio to work with…..i don’t know maybe fagio had to have a different sort of scheme with NO back in the day…..here fagio has a formidable DL of 7….this appears to be the #1 key to the niners potential for success in this game…..how do u think ur coaches will diffuse this “clenched fist”?
Dude could you stop calling him ‘Fagio’ ????
i’ll try…it is inadvertent
maybe i will go with vic….short for victory
The Niners will hold the Saints to 24 points or less. The Saints are hot right now, but they are not as explosive on grass.
The question is can the Niners score more than 24 points? I think they can, but my biggest worry is the O lines ability to pick up the blitz. I hope they can. I also hope the game plan calls for some quick passes and some roll outs, roll outs with a throw back, and some screens.
Saints are explosive! They can do it on grass as well. I understand that the weather favorable for the field.
Saints are explosive!
Cajun food will do that to you.
Well your in for the surprise of your life!!!
Honey Badger don’t care about surprises. :P
u mean dixon?
EXPLOSIVE as in Drew is about to get pooped on by the 9ERS D!!!
Anyone else ever notice how the people who constantly chirp are the most nervous?
I’m a little amped up! You should be too! As Greg Williams would say, “Remember me shots!” Well – on to tomorrow! It’s going to be a great game!
Grant – Is today your birthday?
Good memory Crab! I remember someone mentioning it is GC’s b’day on Friday. It’s not time for cocktails yet (although somewhere in the world it is 5pm) but will raise a glas to GC – congrats!
*glass*
If Crab is correct then “Happy Birthday, Grant!!”
It is. Thanks!
Congrats Grant! It’s my baby girl’s 1st birthday today too!! She’ll be wearing her 49er “onesie” tomorrow! And, likely pooping in it!
Mazel tov! Her, me and Kevin Mitchell, too.
Happy Birthday Grant!
Hey Grant, who the heck is Mazel Tov?
Nick – Mazel Tov – it’s a Hebrew/Yiddish saying for “Congratulations” (although the direct translation is “Good Luck”).
I’ve always associated the phrase with a celebration, but never knew the actual definition until now (just Googled it, lol!)
Thanks 49erGirl, the only 2 Hebrew words I knew were Shalom and Lakhaim. Now I know 2 more :)
Grant, I wish you a healthy and a happy Birthday.
Hey, happy birthday Grant. Friday the 13th! I was also born on the 13th – always considered it lucky.
Have a great birthday… evening. (I was a tad late in my birthday wishes.)
Greg continues to peddle misinformation to discredit Alex Smith as a QB – he’s just like Tim. For instance, he speaks of how the Niners can get by for the moment with Alex’ limitations (later we’ll need an upgrade):
” … they have the most talented roster in the league.” That is a subjective comment that a seasoned sportswriter wouldn’t make. In reality they don’t, especially on offense. The 49ers probably have the weakest set of receivers in the league (particularly with the injuries to Morgan and Edwards) and the OL is extremely inconsistent. It’s hard to speak for the TE support since Vernon Davis admits that he has only recently gotten comfortable in this offense. Those assessments are not subjective, they are supported by performance and league-wide appraisal.
“…he benefits from a good running game…” That is a populist theory that is factually incorrect. The running game has been very inconsistent this year and has failed miserably on short yardage plays. The second half of the season the leader of that running game, Frank Gore, only averaged 3.6 yards per carry and only caught 3 or 4 passes.
Realistically speaking, Alex hasn’t had much offensive support at all; thankfully he has had a stout defense and spectacular special teams.
Who’s Greg?
cosell
and i agree with M2…
it will be interesting how the coaches changes up the offensive schemes and can only hope the average offensive players can execute…..
….M2 is on point!!!!
M2, good synopsis. My only contentions are that Morgan never really had enough playing time to make the assertion that he is one of our best receivers. And the same could be said of Edwards who was abruptly cut albeit due to injury issues. Their body of work IMO does not quantify a presumption of ‘what if’s.’
Although Gore has leveled-off in the second half, we can not dismiss what he has meant to this offense throughout the season. Gore’ pass protection is second to none, and the offensive scheme does not involve a high percentage of passes to our RB’ like the saints and other teams use. Tomorrow will have to feature a combination of Gore, Hunter, and perhaps Dixon. But I look for Alex to have a great game as well. He’s been waiting a long time for this moment and he will produce.
When all is said and done, there is one undisputed fact; we have an ‘elite’ defense which will hound Brees all day.
49ers 24 – 17
Truth hurts. Everything he said is absolutely true. Let’s hope we win in spite of it tomorrow!
Niners 31, Saints 28. Niners control game with Gore (who looks fresh all over again), Hunter, and Dixon. Alex plays well, converting more 3rd downs than ever. Niners get 2 net turnovers, and either a special teams or defensive score. Harbaugh/Roman unveil 3-4 new plays. We shut down Saints running game. Brees has a big statistical game but loses.
what has brees’ 3rd efficiency numbers looked liked for the month of december and on….isn’t it like 70% or does it only seem that way…..plus he has great success on getting 1st downs on 1st and 2nd down plays as well
niners are like what 25%…
the template is there…and for this game it needs to be broken with a “clenched fist”
For the season the Saints are 56% on third down. They are number 5 in rushing offense. I don’t see a close game. I see a blow out. It is just up in the air which team will be blown out. Let’s hope two physical games back to back bring out the quit in NO
For some reason I can envision the Saints using a strategy of no huddle to stiffle the 9ers defense.
no doubt they will no huddle…the niners are not deep and NO will want to keep aldon on the sidelines…..so i expect a defensive strategy change for the niners when it comes to aldon….more 1st and 2nd down appearances
all good points. definitely a tough game.
if we win, and continue to win, we will have all new heroes to add to the Niner legends. another Clark perhaps, another Bunz. can’t wait.
Not!
@who
So, the Niners beat the Saints, and that means we don’t have new heroes?
So that means your team is so weak, you don’t need heroic men to beat them? You are kinda putting them down by saying that.
is this going to be one of the NFL’s GPS games….defense vs offense….
my issue with it is that the niners defense is kind of one dimensional to this point this year….even though carlos has been a career high for opportunistic turnovers….of course i believe the niners have a great front 7 and those 7 are covering up the weakness of the secondary…but that is OK…i accept it for this year….
…but it does make it difficult to say whether this game will be a GPS game for future NFL team’s makeup…..unless the niners just fricken dominate on defense…..
come on fagio make me believe defense wins championships…..
and is AS really any good at beating the blitz….so many times i hear it said that he does very well against the blitz….i think he is kind of 50-50….but maybe this is what this past two weeks have been all about…..AS reading the keys on defense and adjusting accordingly…..he better get to the line of scrimmage with 14 seconds to make that pre-snap read….typically this is when i see JH kind of lose patience with AS when he doesn’t hurry up….maybe AS plays a bit of no-huddle to keep whatever defensive package NO is weakest at on the field….
I think I last read that Alex is 3rd in the league vs the blitz — based on passer rating. Blitzing is how NO gets to the QB. I would think this would play right into Smith’s wheelhouse because most blitz-beating passes are short passes, which are Alex’s strength.
Grant
Glad to see that we agree on next years draft and FA pickups. Monster WR’s sprinkled among 2CB’s (tall), and a big honkin’ Dlineman.
Niners 27…….Saints 23
Fun stuff: http://nflfilms.nfl.com/2012/01/12/films-shorts-the-harbaughs/
That is funny crap !!
….can’t wait……really really excited !!!!!! ☺.☻♥.♦.♣.♠.•. ◘.○. ◙ .♂ . ♀ . ♪ . ♫. ☼.
…happy B-day Grant…….
Who Dat about to get pooped on DEM SAINTS about to get shat on cajun style of course!!
The Niners have light out defense, and a good rush, always thought we had a edge with our head coach over the competition, not this time, let’s call it even, both coaches have tricks up their sleeve. This might be a Ali Frazier match up, except for us we will be kicking field goals instead of punches, well perhaps punches on our defensive side and special teams.
I like the boxing analogy, but I’m hoping for more of a Leonard/Duran outcome – with the Niners being Sugar Ray, of course! ;-).
he lost the first time
and won by “no mas” the second
49ergirl, I would like the niners to do a UFC Silva knock out knee on Drew Brees so he is in a haze just for 60 mintues. GO NINERS
@9ergirl, we want the second fight where Duran quits. Maybe the saints will have a stomach viruse, or whatever the excuse was when he said No Mas. Love Suger Ray.
Yeah, that’s the one I was reffering to – guess I should have been more specific. I want the Saints and Payton saying (or thinking) “No Mas!!!” by the end of the game.
If you want to stick with Ali – I’d like to suggest the Rumble in the Jungle. Saints are a hard hitting offense (Foreman) and the Niners are going to wear them down and pull an NFL style Rope-A-Dope on them :-)
I quite frankly see this team winning if their two linebackers, Navorro Bowman and Patrick Willis can shut down Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles. I hope Dashon Goldson gets over his need for mind numbing hits and actually wraps up tomorrow. His only job will be stopping the run game when the Saints spread the field and send out their TE and Sproles out.
I suspect we will see a lot of screens from the 49ers. The Saints are a blitzing team and that seems like the best way to burn them.
The winner of this game will be the superbowl champions in my opinion.
agree….but i for one do want to see a mind numbing hit by GS early in the game to send the message and set the tone ala ronnie lotts, “clenched fist”
Niners 33, Saints 30
Going off topic folks … There are rumors that Jeff Fisher will take Gregg Williams with him to St. Louis. It looks like the Rams will improve (at least on paper). Like 49erGirl said, the NFC West is no longer a laughing stock.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=nfp-20120113_report_gregg_williams_will_join_jeff_fisher_in_st_louis
Is Fisher really that good? He only had six winning seasons in sixteen with the Titans / Oilers. I’m also not sure how intimidated I am by Williams being the DC, either.
@ex
Is that all he has? 6 winning seasons.
I thought he had more. But he never had a franchise QB either. And he is defensive minded, and how many defensive minded HC’s are there? BB and Mike Tomlin. Any others?
And how will their QB Bradford, do with him?
Yep, in 17 seasons, 6 winning seasons, 4 division titles, 1 Superbowl appearance. A hire that probably assures that the Rams will be losers for some time to come.
Welcome to the NFC West, Jeff.
Interesting how it’s a big deal who picks which team to win games in the NFL and elsewhere. Because Grant and Kawakami pick the 9ers, does that mean that they’re more likely to win? Of course not. We’re all wrong as often as we’re right. Anybody who really had it figured out would be rich from betting. The local guys – even sportswriters – have a built-in bias for local teams to win, as do we fans. Oh, well, they have to have something to write about. This game could turn on good luck and bad luck – somebody who hasn’t thrown many interceptions has it tipped into somebody’s hands, somebody fumbles when a helmet hits the ball just right, a kick gets blocked, somebody misses an assignment, almost anything. Impossible to predict.
I worry that the Saints will win but if they do it’ll ruin my week.
Why I dont gamble. Because it is no gamble-it should be called “losing”..the longer you do it,the more you lose.
But -go niners ,27-24.
Why does Adam Meyer need your money if he “knows” every game-including locks? Con artist.
The fact Bob Fitzgerald calls Adam Meyers “his good friend” should have put the guy put of business,but no,the gullible,naive,and greedy are endless.
…..don’t get it twisted……the NFC west is no longer a laughing stock because of the 49ers….the rams are still a laughing stock…..
@oneniner
I think the NFC west 2nd half of the season may have had the most #wins in the NFL.
Much has been made about the Saints playing on the road. The fact is, most of their road games have not been cross country hauls. When they’ve had to travel to the West Coast, their record is only 1-2. Here’s a breakdown of their last 3 regular season games on the West Coast:
09/20/2011 @ San Francisco (0-1) W 25 – 22
10/10/2011 @ Arizona (2-2) L 20 – 30
01/08/2011 @ Seattle (7-9) L 36 – 41
The Saints are vunerable tomorrow. I expect them to strugle.
49ers win 34-24
Oops, the Seattle game was a playoff game and NOT regular season
Nick
I hope to the divine power you are right
San Francsico – 26 (four field goals, two touchdowns)
New Orleans – 20 (two field goals, two touchdowns)
Many happy returns, Grant! (And Ted Ginn, too!)
Deliberately transposed letters in “San Francisco” to ward off any jinx!
a true fan covers all the angles :-)
Not superstitious, but good call Max (lol).
Wondered if someone was gonna call me out on that, AES! LOL! Glad it was you. Of course, what really happened is I screwed up and clicked “post comment” before I noticed my error and then had to find a way to cover my butt! But let’s hope I got the score at least close to right!
got yer back dude!
Before the Steelers Monday night game I blasted some Jimi Hendrix into my neighborhood and things turned out very well that game.
Yes, I will be playin me some Jimi (loud & proud) tomorrow morning.
First song is dedicated to you 9erGirl. “Foxy Lady” :-)
…Jimi Hendrix is the shyte!!!!……..
…Foxy lady???.. :-)…..cmon Crab….you are killing me!!!!
………Men compete. If sports are involved, we compete even more. Throw a woman into the mix, we turn to idiots……..
Concur oneniner!
Can you say “Voodoo Child: OOOOWWW!!!
Hofe – That’s what I’m talkin about bro!
Damn, wish I could celebrate with you my 9er brother! Although I’m an Amstel Light fan these days – gotta watch the gut line. :)
Jimi…oooooooooowwwwwwwwwwww!
You’re too kind, Crabs!
Now…excuse me while I kiss the sky :-)
Classic 9erGirl response!!
17 hours 17 minutes to go still…….now what do we do? I’m trying to kill time. Was watching some creepy “Road Kill” movie with my wife but could not make it to the end…….she likes it though. Can’t stop thinking about tomorrow like that Fleetwood Mac song says. My bad, it’s “don’t stop” not can’t stop.
Yeah right, it’ll soon be here…..B.S.
Dang it Crab – now I have that song stuck in my head!!!
Yesterday’s gone…yesterday’s gone!!!!
The question should be, can the Saints compete with the 49ers in a grudge match? The Saints seem like a team that’s more finesse than anything, how will they react to being punched in the mouth?
Good point, Tony. They’re NFL guys, so they’ll jump right up…at first, but as the game wears on, not so much.
they will react by getting pooped on and going back to the dirty south as viewers of the Superbowl with the 9ers vs Ravens
This is going to be a great game, regardless of the outcome. I’m so excited for us!!! Go fans! While most of us expect the 49ers to mix in some trick plays with the smash-mouth game, I’m curious to see what Sean Payton has up his sleeve. Despite that juggernaut offense, this is still the coach that, as the underdog, opened the second half of Super Bowl XLIV with an onside kick – just minutes after going for a 4th-down TD instead of a field goal to end the first half. He knows what it means to throw the stone at Goliath so he should be expecting it – and I’m willing to bet he’ll be slinging some stones of his own. This will not be a vanilla game.
Its our time, 49ers win 26-21
Its PRIME TIME baby
@Tim why dont you get your cheesewedge hat on and your erinrodgers panties you man crushing fudgepacking fan you arent a 9er fan get lost
Final score – Niners 27.6, Saints 27.3
(I love stats!)
Great post, ribico…my stats say Niners 29.0 Saints 20.3
The Saints know that they haven’t played as well on the road. They also know they are going up against a great defense. One of the weaknesses that stands out is the 9er defense against the no huddle. Brees loves the rhythm the up tempo offense gives him and the offense – I can definitely see if being used to counteract the 9er defense.
Think about it, if the Saints go no huddle in the 1st and 2nd qtr to score 2-3 times and lead by 14-17 points at the half, can the 9ers come back. The strategy may work but I would HOPE that the 9ers are ready for the Saints hurry up no huddle offense!!!!
…the crowd noise shuld slow down the no huddle…
If the season ticket holders didn’t sell to the Saints fans!
….first playoff game since 02…..i doubt it……
I truly hope all the niner fans will show up and stick is as loud as the giants game in 2002!
Hofer: The only evidence we have about the Niners being able to come back from your worrisome 14-17 point halftime deficit is the Philly game…and this time the comeback would be vs the 30th ranked defense in the league.
Be sure to drain out your halftime Amstel Lite before the 3rd quarter starts or you could miss the entire comeback!!
Regarding the no huddle. Would this not get the Niners to go nickel all the time? And would not that, in turn, tend to move the Saints more towards running? I would be surprised if the Niners started the game in all nickel (like we did vs Marino in the Superbowl), but moving NO more to running would diminish the use of the most effective part and player of their offense.
Im so exicited for tomorrows game that I dont think I will be able to sleep, damn I dont even think I could play Madden and give it my full attention without thinking about the game.
GO NINERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
…do u use the 49ers when playing madden or use other team?…..
…can’t wait for next yr’s madden……the whole team shuld have better ratings……especially the defense
I only use the 9ers, cant see myself using another team. Yeah next years Madden will add some better ratings for the whole team.
Do u go on ps3? If u do my logon is camaro9er!
…wish i could….but my ps is not here with me…….who is your MVP on the team when playing?…
on defense Willis, I use him alot, on offense Crabttee and Vernon Davis, if one isnt getting open I could go to the other one. And Gore but in the passing game I pass alot!
“Crabtree”
how do you use willis….do u blitz him from the MLB position, or put him on the line using him as a DE/OLB or use him as a tackler in coverage…….
which type of defense do you use most…zone or man……
I use him mainly in coverage but I will blitz up the middle, as far as coverage it just depends on the other team, sometimes I use him man to man or just 2 deep coverage, oh and I use the 3-4 even when they go to a 3 wide receiver set.
i can see him stopping the run in man and covering the middle of the field in 2 deep….
….impressed that you stick with the 3-4 against 3 WR set……..why not nickel?….or do you sub an OLB with CB?…..
No I keep all the LBs in, and Aldon, I start him he’s good in coverage and against the run when they run wide, but I also make Sopoaga underneath coverage, cause I use Willis at almost as deep as the safeties againts a good TE,, for the seam pass over the middle
I believe that JH will have this team as ready as humanly possible for this game, and up to now it has been enough given time to prepare, coming off our regular season by week we were expected to follow the trend of some other teams and loose a game, it didn’t happen, I am confident we will not be surprised by anything, how we respondwill hopefully be astounding to all the sceptics.
Grant, suprised by your prediction for such a low scoring game. Intriguing though. JH mentioned in his presser that you could pick out 25 keys to the game and that they would all be correct. While agreeing with him and acknowledging that of course we have to have a strong defensive tackling game and a strong and effective pass rush, my own opinion is that the BIGGEST key to this game is how well our offense plays. Yes, we can certainly win this game. I just think that Alex (and the OL) have to havea HUGE game. One, we’re gonna need more points than we usually get and two, we do need to eat the clock up in scoring drives to minimize Brees’ opportunities. That means the OL and backs picking up the blitzes, keeping Alex on his feet. It also means that Alex needs to have a career day, hitting on all cylinders, making all the redzone passes and making some long pass plays as well, and not missing on the short ones. He DOES need to step it up. CAN he have an A-game, a career game? Of course he can. He’s got the physical skills and good coaches. The intangibles, as they say? Well, anything can happen – I just have a hunch that Alex might have himself a “Montana game.” Wouldn’t that be absolutely groovy and cool, man?
Also wanted to add that we got a look at what’s need last week. I thought Matt Stafford looked great in that game and then he was betrayed by his horrible defense (the tackling…..the tackling…..don’t remember ever seeing it that bad in a playoff game before).
Grant, LC was on chron live…is he taking you to dinner in the city?
for your b’day?
I have a feeling this is going to be the game Alex Smith and the Niners will prove to the world we are here to dominate. Alex will show why we picked him in the first round and this team is going to show up. GO NINERS
Chicago, I’m with you. Listening to the pundits near and far, AS is limited…did they ever think this is his first year with JH’s offense??!! AS was always a winner – in HS and in College. It was the limited NFL HC’s the last 6 years that didn’t know how to play to his strengths (see Joe Montana CSNBA video). Now with JH, things have changed. Get AS some play makers to compliment the offense and he can be as dynamic as other QB’s deemed elite.
Go 9ers!!!
Hofer you have always believed in the bad times and now the good times. I Believe my niner brother. GO ALEX, please show all the expert you are the future.
GO NINERS
I’m with you 9er brother!
I think there are some who dismiss Montana’s statement on CSN. That’s foolish.
Joe knows!
Damn, this is like being a kid on Christmas Eve.
The adult version: Stomach’s burning, can’t concentrate, watching NFL Net counting up the experts who believe – Shannon Sharpe, luv ya man! Reading everything on the interwebs. Kind of a bundle of nerves over here right now.
I don’t usually drink, but I’m thinking of digging out an old bottle of Chivas.
You got that right Adam my “always an excellent comment” 9er brother!!
I won’t sleep tonight!
Only 19 hours and 7 minutes to go!!!
I’m not going to sleep at all tonight!
Oops – 18 hours 6 minutes – I’m so excited I can’t even add anymore – brain is on maximum overdrive!
9ergirl I LOVE IT! The human game clock. lol
Can the 9ers do it? Will they have enough magic this year to pull an upset over Brees and team? I’m antsy, irritable, cranky, anxious, can’t wait, had to much wine already tonight, nervous, etc, etc.
Crab, give us some Jimi!!!!!!!
Hey 9ergirl,
Even though your husband is an avid raider fan, will he root for “your” 9ers tomorrow or is he neutral??
Heck yeah they can do this, Hof!!!
The NFL world will be shocked by how badly we beat them too!!!
This reminds me of 2010 when everyone was talking about the SF Giants pitching and how their hitting sucked – nobody in the media picked them to win a single series. But come game time they started knocking the cover off the ball and surprised the heck out of everyone.
I see the Niners doing the same thing here – they’re going to knock the smack out of Drew Brees with our lights out defense and our offense, courtesy of Alex Smith and Frank Gore, will light ‘em up for 4 TD’s and a couple FG’s.
Niners 34, Saints 17.
If I’m wrong, I’ll be too inebriated to care, lol!
Hofer, you always make excellent comments too, my friend. Always keeping it positive. Much appreciated. In the darkest hours you’re the guy with the flashlight leading the way.
We’re collectively going to take all this positive energy in to the Stick tomorrow with our friends who are lucky enough to be there and we’re gonna stomp the joint!
He’s pretty much neutral, but he will root for the Niners (because a happy wife makes for a happy home :-) and whoever is playing against the Patriots.
It was kinda weird to see him rooting for Denver last week- he HATES the Bronco’s…but he likes Tim Tebow the person (and neither one of us can stand the Steelers…or their fans).
“Oops – 18 hours 6 minutes – I’m so excited I can’t even add anymore – brain is on maximum overdrive!”
Wow, no kidding. I haven’t felt this way since the ’81 season.
What’s amazing is how, back in the day, we used to just take these games for granted. Everyone just KNEW we’d win these things. We’ve been out of it for so long that it’s almost like starting over. Brand new!
adam that brand new feeling is something i can relate to
You guys (and Girl) are hysterical!!! Love it…glad to know I’m not the only wacko Niner Fan…been so hyped all week that I’ll have to go into the office on Monday to catch up on all the work I couldn’t concentrate enough to do this week!!!
I am feeling the excitement, the energy, the MOJO! I am going to lose my mind watching this game and dreaming about the possibilities. GO NINERS
There’s no shocking the Saints, if we beat them, we beat them at the point of attack. Brees will make his share but everything has to be kept in front of the back coverage. The Niners have been vulnerable to the long sideline pass, I’m sure Harbaugh will have answers for that. I like bringing in horse-racing cliches, so here goes one, when a jokey asks the trainer how he should ride the race, the trainer responds, get to the front and improve your position. That’s what I’m looking forward to for the Niners come game time.
Andrew, my 9er brother from the global reaches of southern asia, have you slept much? Or will you sleep? Game time is 3am if I remember right? Lot’s of Pepsi! LOL
.. :-)
Hofer my friend, I’m up straight through, it’s 9:03am in India and I’m counting the hours. Many people believe, the media also, that the Niners can do. Have a great day and the collective good vibes from around the world are with the 49ers.
Honestly I don’t think most of you guys realize you’ve bought into the ESPN bias. Yea that’s right, you’ve been influenced. Why do you think this defense has to give up 24 points, and our Niners need to score 26? If you all were real fans you’d have more belief in our defense and realize that they’ll hold the mighty Saints to 13-17 points. It’s just watching too much ESPN you’ve fallen into the hype this offense is unstoppable. Our defense is going to beat them to submission, by the 4th quarter the Saints will be desperate trying to figure out how to not get hit so hard. I’m simply disappointed in the lack of faith on this blog.
Woody – Nice post!
Hope you are right about allowing only 13-17 points.
I predicted Niners 27-21. Don’t hate me. :-)
never a hater -) But people just don’t believe the Niners can stop them. Remember all that talk last week about how important the extra week off was? The Saints needed it like everyone else and didn’t get it. Niners will wear them down!
Damn, I’m so amped up I’m looking for coverage on Youtube. Haha.
Couple guys playing Madden have the Niners winning a fairly low-scoring game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6KYbVAE_m8
Here are my predictions for this week’s games:
49ers 31 Saints 24
Patriots 45 Broncos 10
Ravens 27 Texans 9
Giants 34 Packers 31
Ok.. so the last one is probably a bit of wishful thinking because I badly want the NFC Championship at the Stick.
I’m with you on the NE/Den game. I’m Tebowed out. Done with that phenomena. Reminds me of the Icky shuffle. lol Didn’t Lott knock the Icky Shuffle back where it belongs…long gone and never to be heard of again?
So tired of the Tebow coverage on NFL.com. It’s overkill period!!!!
pats already clipped those wings once when denver was on that roll……what part of the first episode did they not understand….
broncos do have a pretty good defense
otherwise looks good to me
Almost gameday
Time to get on your team’s blog…done with ya’all!
Hofe – I agree, “Swamp People” cast have been camped out here too long. The Saints blog must be boring. Here’s a group photo of our unwelcome visitors.
http://kristinfunston.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/cast-of-swamp-people-0.jpg
OMG!! LMAO!!!
I’m picturing their voices to be like the Cajun coach’s in The Waterboy.
Your avatar looks worried.
It’s also the color of boiled crayfish.
Headline says it all: http://sellabitmum.com/2011/11/30/the-family-pet-died-how-to-tell-your-kids/
You’re right, the color is perfect.
Ha!
And the countdown begins……17 hours and 13min…………
Finally ….. it’s great to have the fun back watching Niner football!!!! Thank you Jed, Trent, Jim and staff no matter what happens tomorrow, but it sure would be great to watch the Niners play two more games after beating the Saints. GOOOOOO NINERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, for those of you going you to the game (I’m lame-ass this week watching tube again), please make some noise. I remember a Golden Era Monday Night Game where the announcers declared The Stick to be a “Richter Scale 8.5!” Make it happen mf’s!
Tick
Tick
Tick
Tick
Tick
Tick
Tick
Tick
Tick
Tick
That’s the sound of the Saints running out of time.
Its the night before the game and of course i cannot sleep. Can’t believe i expected to actually sleep tonight. I feel like a little kid on christmas eve heavily anticipating presents in the morning, and in a way i am. As a 21 year old i have followed the 49ers religiously since i was 13, needless to say I was too young to see any success. Year after year I watched every game wondering what happened to our franchise. Thought of to be one of the best ever and now we could not make playoffs, but i never left their side. Always saying to myself every September that this was “Our year” but it never was. Even watching Rattay, Dorsey, Smith, Hill, and Dilfer I always thought that we could still return to glory. I still remember the day we hired Singletary thinking he was exactly what we needed to turn the corner (O how wrong i was). I also thought the exact same the day we hired Harbaugh ( O how i was right this time) he instilled belief in all of our players and fans. Now finally we are contenders again and the years of failure are a distant memory. Win or lose we shocked every one this year and showed the NFL we will be contenders for years to come. But nonetheless this game is something i have waited for 9 years for, so i hope we go out and put a old fashion whoopin on them Saints. LETS GO NINERS
Adam707 – Good post!
I hope you don’t sleep through the game.
@Adam 707
I think that you qualify as a true ‘faithful’ in your confession about MS and the 7 “D”S at QB. An awful lot of us did the same thing just because WE BELIEVED! It happened…and here we sit on top of the pile screaming…NOBODY!!! One way or the other, I will be happy just to have returned to the prominence of the playoffs, and the trail leading to our 6th Lombardi…..GO NINERS!!!
………
You 9er fans are a bunch of clowns ! Alex Smith won”t get it done. And deep down inside I see most of you have already thrown in the towel ! Quote ” Its been a great year win or lose” . Just say it ! We not gonna win ! But like I said earlier, I’ll be back not to gloat but to comfort and love. Mainly yall women !! Guys you just get a path on the back,cause after all it is S.F . LMAO
Bloat not gloat. You’ll be like fish belly up, rotting in the sun. Have a nice day. :)
Blove,
You sound like a Country hick, are you on the back of your pick up truck, drinking some buds, you are delusional dude. None of the women here don’t need your help in person or the computer.
Why don’t they bring in Montana or Young and help both these guys out. AS has improved alot this year but he can do better as a mentor.
Music began playing anytime I opened up this site, so irritating!